“Synagogue born” could well describe the story of Beth Sholom Synagogue.
In 1946, the Jewish population in Toronto’s Eglinton-Bathurst area needed a Conservative synagogue. These families had pioneered moving from downtown to the north. Almost two years later and coinciding with the establishment of the State of Israel, construction began on Beth Sholom Synagogue.
Under Rabbi David A. Monson, known as “the peoples’ Rabbi,” and dedicated founders, Beth Sholom Synagogue took shape. It sits on Eglinton Avenue in the Cedarvale-Forest Hill communities. Beth Sholom Synagogue grew quickly. Families wanted a large beautiful synagogue that felt warm and accessible. They wanted a place for celebrations education and community activities.
Beth Sholom Synagogue met those needs. Soon youth programs a Hebrew school and active groups flourished. Beth Sholom Synagogue was the first in Canada to start the Israel Bonds Appeal on Kol Nidre night. Many others have copied it since then. Prominent cantors like Ephraim Rosenberg and David Bagley distinguished Beth Sholom Synagogue too. Rabbi Jacob Mendel Kirshenblatt taught Bar and Bat Mitzvah portions with love. Many in Toronto have connections to Beth Sholom Synagogue.
Almost 50 years later Beth Sholom Synagogue began a new mission. It revitalized its founders’ original message. Eight years prior a renovation expressed a wish to become new again. Now Beth Sholom Synagogue touches younger Jewish families. The membership has grown to over 1,000 families. The Out of the Cold project and Kosher Food Bank show Jewish love and care. Adult and family education programs ensure everyone feels at home in Beth Sholom Synagogue.
A synagogue is a house of prayer a house of learning and a house of gathering. Beth Sholom Synagogue serves more than 1,000 families. The Shabbat Beth Sholom service embodies this. It turns Saturday into Shabbat and the old into the new and the new into the holy. Many programs cater to a wide range including adult education music youth programs. The stained-glass sanctuary offers a warm place for prayer. Beth Sholom Synagogue also offers comfort in times of need.
Beth Sholom Synagogue has a mission. It enriches lives through Torah social action and Jewish unity. The Torah guides Jewish ideals of love justice and spirituality. Beth Sholom Synagogue enriches congregants’ lives through prayer. They connect with God and share desires as a community. Beth Sholom Synagogue reaches out through programs like the Interfaith Dinner and the Kosher Food Bank. It believes making a better world leads to making better people and Jews.
Beth Sholom Synagogue has long been a community leader. It advocates for Jewish unity. The members support community events and a Jewish homeland. They encourage tolerance respect and cooperation among all Jews. This builds a better today and a greater tomorrow for everyone through Beth Sholom Synagogue.