BJ History
BJ History
Beth Jacob was founded in 1913 in Montpelier. A documented hangs in our community room which reads in Yiddish, "These are the laws and rules of Congregation Bais Yaakov [Beth Jacob] in Montpelier and Barre, Vermont, established in the year 1913."
Beth Jacob was named for a Montpelier youth who died in a tragic accident on his tenth birthday in 1908. Jacob Yett, son of Isaac Yett of Fuller Street, a co-owner of the American Clothing Company in Montpelier, was hit in the head by ice falling off the roof of the Union School. Jacob was the oldest of six children and a member of the extended Yett family of Montpelier that included his uncle, Harris Yett, who was instrumental in obtaining the building for the congregation.
On October 14, 1914, Harris Yett, I. Hendelman, and E.L. Segel filed articles of association for "Congregation Base Yaucove." A month later, on November 30, 1914, the three leaders as trustees for the congregation purchased the land and premises from Oughtney and Basiles Jangraw on Harrison Avenue.
There are no records that document the conversion of the house at 10 Harrison Avenue, but it became the house of worship for the Jews of Montpelier and Barre. It also housed living quarters under the eaves for a rabbi when the congregation could afford one. There was even a mikvah in the backyard as is evidenced by two chunks of concrete that are still on the property.
According to a 1972 article in the Times-Argus, an addition was built onto the building to house a community room in 1967. Tradition holds that this space was originally a shed or barn, and indeed maps from as early as 1909 show a structure off the back of the main building.
For many years the sanctuary was furnished with theater seats that had been reclaimed from a local movie theater that being renovated. In 1987 the theater seats were removed and replaced by comfortable moveable chairs that permitted the religious school to rearrange the space for classes.
The back room was eventually named for Daughly Gould, a local businessman and the first Jewish mayor of Montpelier. In 1990 the Daughly Gould room underwent extensive renovations. At that time an enclosed entryway was added that consolidated the two previous entrances to the building and simplified access to the sanctuary and community room. That portion of the building remained standing during the rebuilding of the synagogue in 2010. In 2015 this portion of the building was replaced by the current community room and kitchen.
Sun, December 10 2023
27 Kislev 5784
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
DecDecember 10 , 2023
Sunday, Dec 10th 10:30a to 12:00p
Join us at Beth Jacob for a recently offered opportunity! Professor Denis Charbit from the Political Science Department at the Open University of Israel and guest professor at UVM comes to give a talk on Zionism and the various complications behind the Israeli-Arab conflict. Refreshment to follow. -
Sunday ,
DecDecember 10 , 2023
Sunday, Dec 10th 3:00p to 5:00p
Join us at Beth Jacob for our annual Chanukah party! All ages are welcome to bring in the festival of lights! There will be music, dancing, crafts, and traditional food served potluck style. If you would like to bring a dish, please let Sarah know if you will need an outlet (for hot plates, slow cookers, etc). Vegetarian or dairy dishes only please! Time subject to change. Stay tuned! -
Tuesday ,
DecDecember 12 , 2023
Tuesday, Dec 12th 9:30a to 10:30a
Join us for a weekly opportunity to chat and do a NYT's crossword puzzle together on Zoom. -
Tuesday ,
DecDecember 12 , 2023
Tuesday, Dec 12th 7:00p to 8:00p
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Wednesday ,
DecDecember 13 , 2023
Wednesday, Dec 13th 2:00p to 3:30p
Beginners are invited to learn how to play Mah Jongg from beloved community member, Janet Starr!