[CTMOMOF3]

Hi we are considering a move out of Stamford to an area that is more cost effective for housing and with better schools. Newtown is a place we are interested in, but I would like to know if anyone knows about the Jewish population.

I know there is a conservative synagogue, but they pull from many of the surrounding towns. I just don't want my kids to be the only jews in their school.

Any thoughts?

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by CTMOMOF3

Hi we are considering a move out of Stamford to an area that is more cost effective for housing and with better schools. Newtown is a place we are interested in, but I would like to know if anyone knows about the Jewish population.

I know there is a conservative synagogue, but they pull from many of the surrounding towns. I just don't want my kids to be the only jews in their school.

Any thoughts?

If you can, get a copy of the phone book. You might laugh, but it's very objective!

[sliver203]

Originally Posted by CTMOMOF3

Hi we are considering a move out of Stamford to an area that is more cost effective for housing and with better schools. Newtown is a place we are interested in, but I would like to know if anyone knows about the Jewish population.

I know there is a conservative synagogue, but they pull from many of the surrounding towns. I just don't want my kids to be the only jews in their school.

Any thoughts?

The only folks I know in Newtown are all Catholic. I know Woodbridge has a significant Jewish population along with Orange. They combine to form the Amity school district which is among the best in the state. I'd highly suggest checking out Woodbridge. Beautiful town, friendly people, easy access to Metro North and New Haven.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by sliver203

The only folks I know in Newtown are all Catholic.

Even though Connecticut is one of the most Catholic states with a percentage near the low- to mid-40s (almost twice the U.S. average), I don't believe any town is predominantly Catholic.

This discussion has appeared on the Connecticut forum before. If a town has a temple or synagogue, there must be a population large enough to sustain it. Check the surrounding towns to see if they have temples or synagogues, too: Brookfield, Bethel, Redding, Easton, Monroe, and Southbury. If they do, then the synagogue in Newtown most likely isn't drawing from that/those town(s).

You could also try:
Jewish Federation Greater Danbury
105 Newtown Rd
Danbury, CT 06810-4114
Tel. 203 792-6353

[TisMe1020]

Yes there are Jews in Newtown. This is the address of the synagogue (very nice country side setting):
Adath Israel Synagogue
Huntington Road
Newtown, CT 06470
Rabbi Shaul M. Praver
(203) 426-5188

[notjustamom]

I was able to find this, I'm not sure how accurate it is. But it seems fairly typical for this area. (I am in Monroe) Newtown is beautiful with excellent schools, good luck with your search.

Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed

70.14% of the people in Newtown, CT are religious, meaning they affiliate with a religion. 49.16% are Catholic; 9.57% are Protestant; 0.32% are LDS; 5.00% are another Christian faith; 4.40% in Newtown, CT are Jewish; 0.03% are an eastern faith; 1.67% affilite with Islam.

Ooops, editing to say I hope I'm allowed to share that link, if not I'm so sorry, and a mod can certainly remove it.

[bibit612]

When we lived in West Hartford, I could have sworn the entire town was Jewish, since many shops at West Hartford Center close really early on Friday nights for the shabbat. You can forget many of them on Saturdays as well. There are synagogues in practically every other block, and most orthodox Jews walk to their temples, as I believe is the custom.

If it is an option for you, you will feel very at home in WH. I don't know about the rest of CT, but schools are out on all Jewish holidays in this town. And, we don't really need to discuss the quality of schools!

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by bibit612

If it is an option for you, you will feel very at home in WH. I don't know about the rest of CT, but schools are out on all Jewish holidays in this town.

It's the same thing here in Cheshire.

[notjustamom]

We have Jewish holidays off here in Monroe, too. Isn't it required by law that there is no school on Jewish holidays? I just assumed it was, but maybe I'm wrong.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by notjustamom

We have Jewish holidays off here in Monroe, too. Isn't it required by law that there is no school on Jewish holidays? I just assumed it was, but maybe I'm wrong.

It's not a state law; it's up to each school district based on student population. I know in New York, schools can't give tests on Jewish holidays.