Congregation Mogen David

16 Bradley Street (demolished)

From 1903 to 1966, Congregation Mogen David (also spelled Mogin David) was the center of Orthodox Jewish life for the “Grand Ave Jews.” As the neighborhood’s Jewish population surged with the arrival of Eastern European Jews in the early 1900s, the small synagogue was often packed during special occasions. The building had two floors, with a first floor and gallery for the men and the top floor for women. The basement was a social hall used for kiddush (food and drink after a service), special gatherings, and a space for children during the holidays. Harold Miller, whose grandfather’s clothing store was located around the corner, remembers his grandfather being called to help make a minyan of ten required for the recitation of certain prayers, even though he belonged to a different synagogue.

Congregation Mogen David was attended by most of the Jewish merchants along Grand Avenue and their families. The men were typically well-educated in religious traditions and were able to read the Torah and even conduct services. When prominent rabbis would visit and speak at the synagogue, donations would be raised to present them with honoraria.

During the urban renewal period, the synagogue’s property was needed for Interstate 91 and, along with the nearby Miller’s Clothes, was sold to the State of Connecticut. The subsequent demolition of Congregation Mogen David was the end of an era for the “Grand Avenue Jews.”

Text sources: Interviews with Frank Carrano, John Ragozzino, Alphonse Proto conducted by Rhoda Zahler Samuel and SCSU Journalism students; Proto, Alphonse. It Was Grand! New Haven’s St. Patrick’s Church, Hamilton Street School and Memories of a Unique Neighborhood 1940-1966, Foz llc, 2019.