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As early as 1896 individual Jews had settled in Leominster, but the securing of the first Sefer Torah for the Community in 1906 is considered the beginning of Jewish life in this North Central Massachusetts area.
On October 17th of 1915 the Agudat Achim Society was founded, organizing and conducting services and classes in rented quarters.
In 1923, Congregation Agudat Achim was founded by twenty-eight families undertaking the responsibilities of engaging a full-time Rabbi and building the first synagogue.
By 1944, through work and devotion, the mortgage was paid and the community continued to expand its membership. With a religious school, a Sisterhood, and a Board of Directors in place, President Rob Lubin served with eight Rabbis as the costs of operating the synagogue were met according to each congregant's ability to pay, creating a truly democratic, strong community with high ideals.
During this next decade, the Community produced its first leaders in national and international leaders in the world of Judaism: Mendell Selig, Harry and Louis Levine, and Joseph Foster, men who were instrumental in the formation of the State of Israel, the Weisman Institute, Brandeis University, and other Jewish causes and charities. The community was also blessed with the strong leadership skills of Morris Falk, Sam Wexler, Jack Margolin, Irwin Cohen, and Rob Lubin, together they made Leominster a model community, known for its contributions beyond its own.
By 1953, the congregation had grown to 120 families and it became apparent that the Pleasant Street building would be inadequate for the future. With years of debate and the impetus of Joseph Foster, a new building, which still serves our community was opened with a week of festivities from May 24-31, 1959. The Torah scrolls and flags were carried through the town from the old building to the new as children sang and marched.
The 1960’s found a new focus on education revised the curriculum to serve students through the high school years. Girls participated in group bat mitzvah ceremonies. This emphasis on education and innovation continued through the 1980s, as the synagogue experienced renewed growth with new members.
In 1995, the Congregation welcomed the members of the Gardner Congregation, Ohave Sholem and in 2003, welcomed the members of Congregation Agudas Achim in Fitchburg.
Today, the Hebrew School named in honor of founder, Joseph C. Foster, continues to serve the children of the Congregation, tuition free. Under the able leadership of Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman and our School Principal Debbie Fruchtman, our teachers are able to continue the goal to bring all congregant’s children to become b’nai mitzvot by teaching prayers, Hebrew, history, and cultural Judaism. “It speaks to the nature of this community…students [are] working and learning and sharing beautifully.”…Principal Deb Fruchtman
Opportunities for Adult Education are offered by the Rabbi. Community events, discussions, and meals are offered through the dedication of the members of the Men’s Club, the Outreach Committee, and the Sisterhood.
The mission of Congregation Agudat Achim is to nourish a Jewish spiritual and social environment under the umbrella of the Conservative Movement through prayer, observance, education, and the celebration of life cycle events.We engage in acts of loving kindness to strengthen our connection to our Jewish Community, to our local community, and to the state of Israel. We welcome guests of all denominations.
