While the proposed Islamic Center near Ground Zero in New York City has become a national issue, another religious confrontation had been simmering about 95 miles away. The Connecticut town of Litchfield has an ugly situation on its hands, after fighting the establishment of its first synagogue.

 

Since 2007 a conservative Hasidic group, Chabad Lubavitch, has wanted to renovate and expand an 1872 Victorian building in Litchfield that would include a synagogue, community center, classrooms, kosher kitchens, an office, swimming pool, ceremonial pool and living space for the local rabbi, visitors and staff.

 

But the town’s Historic District Commission rejected Chabad’s plans, claiming they did not comply with historic preservation guidelines. What got the town bad press, though, were remarks made by commission members, including Chairwoman Wendy Kuhne who objected to the placement of the Star of David on the synagogue. Kuhne’s objections provoked accusations of anti-Semitism, forcing her to recuse herself from further deliberations.

 

An attorney representing historic district homeowners suggested that Chabad’s plans should be “reviewed as if it were a strip joint.”

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Chabad Lubavitch, Town Battle over Renovations (by Jason Siedzik, Litchfield News)

Litchfield's Rejection of Synagogue on Village Green Sparks Controversy (by Rinker Buck, Hartford Courant)

A Not-So-Simple Matter of Faith (by Christian Nolan, ConnecticutLaw Tribune)

In Historic District, Synagogue Plans Are Criticized (by Christine Stuart, New York Times)