the boarding houses, Goodkowsky began construction of the Lafayette Hotel with lumber salvaged from a razed mill in Biddeford. Two years later, the hotel opened its doors with 45 guest rooms and a kosher kitchen. As the Lafayette was one of the few hotels around after the fire, the hotel was in demand and increased its capacity over the next several years. With the large number of Jewish guests, the building of a synagogue became an obvious next step. A committee was formed, a small lot of land behind the Lafayette Hotel was purchased from the bank, and in July 1912, Congregation Beth Israel was finished. The synagogue served as the foundation for the Jewish community. Businesses opened throughout Old Orchard Beach to better serve the Jewish population. There was a kosher butcher, a kosher baker, a kosher market. Eventually, there were three kosher inns in town as well, including the Empire Hotel built in 1909. Palace Playland (owned in the 1950s by future philanthropist Bernard Osher), with all its attractions, invited people right to the center of town. And all the while, the Lafayette and Beth Israel maintained close ties, with religious events being held in the synagogue, and receptions following at the hotel. Beginning in the 1960s, Jewish life in Old Orchard Beach began to reflect changes taking place elsewhere. Orthodox dietary observance was not as much in demand, hotels were quickly being overtaken by motels which offered more privacy, and families were no longer coming together for long stays. The large hotels were being razed or converted to motels. Old Orchard Beach’s heyday was coming to an end. In 1965 the Lafayette dining room was closed, and in 1970, the Goodkowsky family heirs sold the hotel. Old Orchard Beach continues to be the home of many families who have been spending summers there for years. The Weinstein brothers, who have lived in Old Orchard Beach since they were small boys, watch over this building with love, ensuring the upkeep of one of Maine’s oldest synagogues. Current Jewish organizations Congregation Beth Israel Major events and milestones Later immigrant period (1900 – 1920) In 1909, Joseph Goodkowsky built The Lafayette Hotel, the first kosher hotel in Old Orchard Beach. The hotel’s popularity grew quickly, and soon became too small to hold services. A committee was formed to launch the construction of a synagogue for summertime visitors. Congregation Beth Israel