Jake Wallack celebrates his bar mitzvah at United Brothers Synagogue

A special day in a unique place of worship

Jake Wallack of Little Compton became a bar mitzvah on January 11, 2014, in a joyous celebration at United Brothers Synagogue (UBS) in Bristol. The occasion was noteworthy for several reasons.

First, Jake completed his bar mitzvah training with tutor Sandra Freedman via Skype, allowing him to remain in the comfort of his home while focusing on his Jewish learning. This cyber-method of studying the Torah and prayers accommodates learners in the digital age.

The second reason Jake’s bar mitzvah was significant is because his was the first bar mitzvah performed and celebrated at UBS in recent years.

When Jake’s parents, Stan and Anya Wallack, joined UBS in 2001, its historic significance, tolerant philosophy and warm community attracted them. Founded by factory workers and tradesmen, UBS is the second oldest synagogue in Rhode Island, the first being Touro Synagogue in Newport. Eastern European immigrants, who fled anti-Semitism prevalent in their homelands, founded the Jewish community in Bristol.

Orthodox Jews who could not travel during Sabbath needed a synagogue within walking distance of the two communities. One was comprised of blue-collar workers from Long Island who moved to Bristol between 1897 and 1907 to work for National India Rubber Company; the other – of members of the Young Men’s Hebrew Association. They came together to form United Brothers Synagogue in 1900.

According to the UBS website, “The Bristol town directory of 1905 listed 36 Jews. Twelve were merchants, two were laborers and the others shopkeepers and peddlers. Warren’s town register listed three Jewish residents – a doctor, a grocer and a tailor. The Jewish men and women at this time had already become a part of the Bristol economy in sales professions. In 1908, a house on John Street was purchased for services and then they moved to a site on Richmond Street. The present location at 205 High Street was built in 1916. The new synagogue with its stained-glass Star of David facing the morning sun was the culmination of a dream for the congregants.”

UBS closed in 1966 due to low membership, but several local families took care of the building until it reopened in 1975. UBS holds Shabbat services on the first Friday of the month. You can visit their site at unitedbrotherssynagogue.org.