WESTPORT–Temple Israel Westport saw its membership grow during the COVID pandemic, when some New Yorkers were seeking less-congested spaces. But a funny thing happened when the pandemic ended.

The congregation continued growing. And growing.

Over the past five years, the congregation has surged to 1,100 families from 600, synagogue leaders said. 

“This has become a very attractive place for Jewish families of all ages,” said Senior Rabbi Michael S. Friedman. “When they walk in the door, they find a place of real connection and friendship that has clear values based on our tradition in a world that often seems completely devoid of values….It helps them celebrate this very important aspect of their identity that is being Jewish.”

So it was fortunate timing when an adjoining property the congregation had long eyed, 6 Coleytown Road, came on the market recently. When it did, the congregation bought it.

“When the opportunity presented itself, we were so excited to make it happen because these things come up only once in a generation – once in a lifetime, really,” said Temple Israel President Ellen Greenwald.

The two-acre property doesn’t just abut Temple Israel’s existing 5.5 acres at 14 Coleytown Road. The new property, which holds one house, completes a near-perfect square with the larger site.

The synagogue leadership has begun meeting with architects and planners to help decide how to use the property, Friedman said. Whatever they do with it will be the latest of several expansions for the congregation.

“In the 1950s the original generation of (Temple Israel) leadership made the bold and forward-thinking decision to acquire our current property,” said a recent weekly message to the congregation announcing the land purchase.

In the 1980s, the second level was added; a school wing was added in the early 2000s, the email said.

Today, 150 students attend pre-school in the wing, while 540 students attend Hebrew school, called Kesher, which means “connection.”

“All of these steps represented significant investments in our Jewish future,” the email said. “Today we are building upon the strength of prior generations by taking this exciting major step in the evolving journey of our congregation.”

Greenwald said the new families have brought positive change to Temple Israel.

“Shabbat services have been transformed,” she said. “The number of people that come on a regular Friday has quadrupled.”

Members come not only from Westport and Weston, but from other neighboring communities, such as Darien, Fairfield, Easton and Wilton, she said.

Greenwald credited the clergy team with attracting and retaining new families.

“They’ve been really focused on making sure that everyone feels welcome and that everyone belongs,” she said.

A look at Temple Israel’s website shows a wide range of events, including a book discussion, sushi making and an evening baking rainbow-colored challah bread to share with a June 14 Westport Pride event on Jesup Green.

“We try to offer something for everyone,” Greenwald said.

So while the members don’t yet know which of the many possibilities they’ll choose for the new property, Greenwald said, “we’re excited to explore them together as we move forward.”