Our Story and Our Torahs
Congregation Shaarei Zedeck in Clinton, MA, was founded in 1929 by a group of Jewish families. The congregation has a rich history, including multiple Torah scrolls with unique origins.
In 1926, there were about 25 Jewish families in Clinton, MA, and Morris Gould made an appeal to build a synagogue. Community support was widespread and Congregation Shaarei Zedeck was dedicated on February 10, 1929.
Before there was a Shaarei Zedeck, Shabbat and holiday services were held in the home of Morris Gould, who emigrated from Lithuania in 1903. Because he had studied to become a Rabbi, Morris Gould became the first spiritual leader in Clinton’s Jewish community.
You will find descendants of the early Clinton Jewish families among the members of the congregation. You will also find Jews who are newcomers to the area. We all feel truly fortunate to be part of such a rich tradition and welcome you to a very special place.
To read a full version our history, click here.
Torah 1
Morris Gould brought this little Torah from Lithuania in 1903, where he received it as part of his dowry at the time of his marriage. This Torah scroll was refurbished in the mid 1970’s.
Torah 2
The congregation purchased a second Torah scroll in 1929 for the dedication of the shul.
Torah 3
The Young Men and Women Hebrew Association purchased a third Torah and presented it to the congregation in the mid 1930’s.
A fourth Torah scroll once resided with us after being rescued in 1942 from a burned building in Hudson, MA, where the Hudson community conducted services. It was offered to the Clinton synagogue, where it was used for about 30 years, and then given to the Jewish community of Acton, where it now resides.
To read a full version of the history of our Torah scrolls, click here.
