Imagine survivors arriving after World War II. These refugees from Central Europe sought community. They found it here at Beth Habonim Congregation.
Congregation Habonim stands as a testament to resilience. It represents faith and community. The synagogue began in 1954. It became a place of belonging for Holocaust survivors.
Early members gathered to rebuild their lives. They wanted to preserve their traditions. Beth Habonim became their spiritual home. It offered a familiar style of Liberal Judaism. This style was a mainstream force in pre-war Europe.
One founder George Spitz tried to save his family. He was a refugee from Berlin. He attempted to bring them over on the MS St. Louis in 1939. Sadly, he was unsuccessful.
Paul Alexander another refugee also played a vital role. His twin brother Hanns captured Rudolf Höss. Höss was the Kommandant of Auschwitz. Both brothers served in the British Army.
Initially Beth Habonim held services in rented spaces. They first met on St. George Street. Later they moved to Lippincott Street. In 1958, they rented this very building. The congregation purchased it outright in 1968.
In 2015, the synagogue launched a campaign. It aimed to replace its aging structure. The goal was to raise millions for a new building. Construction finished in the fall of 2019.
The Habonim Youth Choir gained international acclaim. Their recording of “Lay Down Your Arms” resonated globally. Cantor Aviva Rajsky currently leads the choir. Tom Bellman is the accompanist.
The synagogue windows are stunning. Gerald Tooke a master of stained glass created them. His works appear across Canada. May Marx designed the distinctive ark. Alfred Altman a refugee from Düsseldorf, installed it. His parents died in the Holocaust.
Beth Habonim partners with organizations. They support a Passover Seder for the Homeless. They co-sponsor events with groups like Free the Children. The synagogue also hosts a conversion course. It is Canada’s only multi-denominational introductory conversion course.
Esther Ghan Firestone made history here. She became the first female cantor in Canada. Rabbi Reuben Slonim was known for his views on the Israeli-Arab conflict. Cantor Henry Weingluck was a pupil of Max Liebermann. Avrum Rosensweig founded Ve’ahavta. Eli Rubenstein is a writer, filmmaker and religious leader.
Beth Habonim remains a beacon of hope. It stands for progressive change. The congregation embraces compassion. It supports all of humanity. This place continues to build community. It honors the past while looking toward the future.