|
Home | | | What's Happening? | | | About Us | | | Programs | | | Info Centre | | | Member Services | | | Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich | | | Cantor Eric Moses | | | Youth Activities | | | Education | | | Seniors | | | Religion 101 | | | Young Families |
|
About Us » History | |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Following the end of World War II, a growing Jewish population in what was then the northern fringe of Toronto’s Jewish community became acutely aware that a traditional Conservative Synagogue was needed to address the spiritual and educational demands of the residents and their children. These same people were accustomed to pioneering ideas as they were among the first to leave the downtown district of the city for the wider spaces of the “north”. A small congregation was formed in 1946 and incorporated Beth Sholom Synagogue on January 25, 1947. The first services were held in the basement of a local pharmacy. Shortly after, the groundbreaking for the future site of Beth Sholom Synagogue took place. Under the vigorous leadership of our founder, Rabbi David Monson and the conscientious labour of the original lay founders, Beth Sholom Synagogue took shape on its present site on Eglinton Avenue, right in the heart of the Cedarvale-Forest Hill communities. Beth Sholom Synagogue quickly grew as it attracted families from the area who had searched for the quintessential paradox –– a large, beautiful synagogue that could support their needs at a time of celebration, education, High Holy Day services, and community activity, having the warmth of a small, ‘‘family’’ type of synagogue. The kind of shul where the rabbi knew your name, where the sanctuary was warm and comfortable and there was a sense of accessibility. Beth Sholom Synagogue answered all of those needs. What quickly followed was leadership in areas of youth, a brimming afternoon Hebrew School, and an active Sisterhood and Brotherhood. Beth Sholom became the first synagogue in all Canada to institute the now established ritual of the Israel Bonds Appeal on Kol Nidre night. The Synagogue pioneered in interfaith dialogue and community service. For forty-five years, through its Brotherhood Humanitarian Award, it has saluted distinguished government and community leaders who have contributed to the cause of religious tolerance and understanding. A long line of prominent cantors, notably Ephraim Rosenberg and David Bagley, also distinguished Beth Sholom internationally. We were also served with great dedication by our beloved assistant rabbi, now emeritus, Jacob Mendel Kirshenblatt. “Kirshy”, who passed away at 99 years of age, has taught thousands of Jewish men and women in Toronto their Bar and Bat Mitzvah portions with love and dedication. In the early 1990's Beth Sholom undertook a new mission, the task of revitalizing the original message of its founders. The congregation undertook a substantial renovation of the original building, with the hope of expressing its wish to become ‘‘new’’ again. Further major renovations to the Chapel and Auditorium were completed. Young, caring clergy were hired. As we broadened and defined our identity, we came to touch the lives of a younger generation of Jewish families living in the Cedarvale-Forest Hill communities, much as our predecessors had done years before. In response to these changes, our membership has steadily grown to over 1,000 families. The idea of Jewish love and care are expressed through our Out of the Cold homeless project and Kosher Food Bank. Our adult and family education programs are focused on making sure that everyone has a place in this Jewish ‘‘home’’. There are few alive in Toronto who could say that in some way their lives, or the lives of a family member or friend, have not in some way made its journey through Beth Sholom Synagogue. This is our legacy, and we are proud of it. FOUNDING RABBI - RABBI DR. DAVID MONSON Rabbi David Monson has touched the lives of many people during a lifetime dedicated to serving not just the Jewish community, but people from all walks of life, regardless of their race or religion. In 1946, he became the founding Rabbi of the Beth Sholom Synagogue and is today the Rabbi Emeritus. Shortly after the Ottawa-born rabbi was ordained at the age of twenty-two, Rabbi Monson went overseas as Jewish Chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces. Among his many innovations at Beth Sholom, Rabbi Monson officiated his first Bat Mitzvah in 1953, introduced a mixed choir to the service, and allowed men and women to sit together in the sanctuary. In 1949, Rabbi David Monson and two other Toronto clerics bought a farm on Keele Street and in 1954, Northwestern Hospital opened on the site. In the early 1960s, Rabbi Monson was a founding member of the Canadian Council for Christians and Jews. Over the years, he served on the Ontario Police Services Commission and many other government committees. In these same years, he helped establish Or Yehuda, a community centre for underprivileged Iraqi and Romanian children in Israel. Rabbi Monson helped in the establishment of the University of Waterloo, organized the Hebrew Association of the Blind, and was named by the Prime Minister John Diefenbaker to the Board of the Canada Council. Rabbi Monson has been a great supporter of Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Centre. Through his persistent efforts, the small hospital he first visited during the Six Day War has been transformed into a modern, state-of-the-art facility. Beth Sholom Synagogue is proud to honour our founding Rabbi, Dr. David Monson, a man who is known throughout Canada as “the people’s rabbi.” May he continue to go from strength to strength. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
