A Brief History of Congregation Beth Israel :
August
2, 1932 Congregation Beth Israel was formed as a Conservative
synagogue in cooperation with United Synagogue of America.
September 1, 1932 Rabbi Benzion Bokser was hired.
1932
to 1948 synagogue services held at the Jewish Community Centre in
Fairview with High Holydays services being held at the Jewish Community
Centre, Peter Pan Ballroom or at the Park Theatre.
1944 - purchased land at 27th and Oak from Canadian Pacific Railway on which the synagogue is located today.
1945 - The cemetery grounds were purchased.
September 11, 1949 synagogue dedication.
1965
- Congregation Beth Israel's constitution was amended to give women
membership and voting rights with 2 women elected to the Board of
Directors. The role of women's participation was first raised in 1969,
while the issue of aliyot for women began in the early 1980's, gained
momentum after Yom Kippur 1986 and settled in its present form in 1995.
Today women are full participants at all services and in all roles.
1970 - The Groberman Chapel was renovated and refurnished.
1982 - The Koch Memorial Chapel at the Beth Israel Cemetery was dedicated.
1992 - Beth Israel Cemetery Refurbishment project completed.
1993 - renovation of entire synagogue completed. 2007 - we celebrated our 75th Anniversary!
What will the next 75 years bring for our congregation?
You can help us write that future!
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