Congregation B'nai Israel (St. Catharines)

For similarly named synagogues, see B'nai Israel.
B'nai Israel
Religion
AffiliationConservative Judaism
LeadershipRabbi: Moshe Meirovich
Year consecrated1905
StatusActive
Location
Location190 Church Street
St. Catharines, Ontario
L2R 4C4
Geographic coordinates43°09′51″N 79°14′13″W / 43.164043°N 79.236875°W / 43.164043; -79.236875
Website
www.jewishstcatharines.com

Congregation B'nai Israel (Hebrew: בני ישראל) is a Conservative Jewish congregation located in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. It is the only conservative synagogue in the Niagara Region. Founded early in the twentieth century, its synagogue building completed in 1925 is among the oldest still standing in Canada.

History

The congregation was established in 1907 and religious gatherings were held in various places. In 1917, a temporary synagogue was built. Shortly afterwards, an architectural firm was commissioned for a permanent synagogue.[1] A friend of a congregation member had to buy the property as the landowners would not sell to Jews.[2] Construction started in 1924 and was completed by 1925. The previous synagogue was then used as the residence for their rabbi.[1]

The congregation has been part of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism since 1981. In 1998, the congregation was sued by a former rabbi for wrongful dismissal, who was then compensated $130,000.[3] In 2016, the synagogue was featured in an exhibit at the St. Catharines Museum.[4] In 2024, the building became a heritage site under the Ontario Heritage Act.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Gannon, Dennis. "Centenary: St. Catharines Jewish congregation marks 100th anniversary of synagogue groundbreaking". St. Catharines Standard. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b Walter, Karena. "St. Catharines Jewish history preserved with heritage designation of synagogue". St. Catharines Standard. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  3. ^ "B'nai Israel". Ontario Jewish Archives. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  4. ^ Cukier, Abigail. "Exhibit highlights history of St. Catharines' Jewish community". CJN. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
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