“History of the Southeastern Connecticut Jewish Community"

At the invitation of the Waterford Historical Society, Inc., Rabbi Aaron Rosenberg, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Emanu-El, will give a presentation on "The History of the Southeastern Connecticut Jewish Community” on Thursday, October 27 at 7 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 29 Dayton Road in Waterford. The evening will include a 6:30 p.m. tour of the sanctuary and light refreshments, followed by the illustrated talk. The event is free and open to the public.

Rabbi Rosenberg will review the amazing stories of the ever-evolving local Jewish community – from the first arrivals in the 1800's, to the Jewish farmers of Chesterfield, the diverse synagogues, the Jewish immigrants from the Former Soviet Union, the local colleges and the Coast Guard and Sub Base – and the contribution of Jews to commerce, politics and the community at large. He will discuss occasional incidents of anti-Semitism and speak of the challenges of an aging and diminishing community to remain relevant and vibrant.

A native of Chicago, Rabbi Rosenberg graduated from Indiana University before attending Hebrew Union College, where he was ordained in 1974. He served congregations in Springfield and Cleveland, Ohio before becoming the Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in Waterford in 1980. Since 2015, he has been Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Emanu-El. He has also served as the Jewish Chaplain at Connecticut College, President of Waterford Rotary Club, Secretary of the Greater New London Clergy Association, and currently is President of the Waterford Public Library Board. He is married to Karen Rosenberg, former Head of School of Solomon Schechter Academy. They have 3 grown sons and 4 grandchildren.

Founded in 1967, the Waterford Historical Society, Inc., whose mission is “to collect, protect, preserve and serve as caretakers of our past, present and future,” sponsors and presents programs of historical interest about the Town of Waterford, Connecticut. For more information, contact the Society at 860-608-1904, or visit waterfordcthistoricalsociety.org.