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and at that Table we are all One Family.
See Our Mission Statement
We are a traditional conservative synagogue whose leadership draws strength from all age groups to combine the wisdom and experience of our original members with the energy and professionalism of younger generations. This core of dedicated volunteers works with the clergy and staff to safeguard the aims and purposes of our constitution. Armed with the valued traditions and achievements of the past, that have earned us the name "The Synagogue with a Heart", we look forward to meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
Religious Services
• Daily minyanim in the Lerman Chapel offer congregants an opportunity to lead services, learn and participate.
• Alternative High Holy Day and Shabbat services are specifically designed for families.
A monthly Shabbat Beginners Minyan encourages those who seek a deeper understanding of prayer.
Shabbat and Holiday services are family oriented. Cantorial liturgy and rabbinic reflections provide spiritual inspiration to all ages.
Saturday afternoon study classes are followed by Mincha, Seudah and a moving Havdallah Service.
Programmes
• Music
• Library and Art
• Brotherhood and Sisterhood
• Religious Education
• Continuing Education
• Youth / Young Families / Seniors
• Community Outreach / Social Action
A Brief History
It began with the determination of 150 people, who banded together with a common dream and $500 in the bank. The journey from a small house in the neighbourhood, to upstairs quarters in the shopping plaza, to a tent at the future site of the building, ended in April, 1959 when construction began on the first stage of Beth Emeth Synagogue. Ready for occupancy that September, it consisted of a hall, classrooms and offices. Approximately 300 Hebrew school students, who had been meeting in portables outside the public school across the street, came through our doors. Rabbi Joseph Kelman, our new spiritual leader, conducted the first High Holy Days services.
Two years later, close to 1,000 children and teenagers were involved in our programmes. The Brotherhood and Sisterhood played dynamic roles in the synagogue's development, gaining Beth Emeth a city-wide reputation as a vibrant centre of religious, cultural, social and educational activities. In 1963, the Bais Yehuda Synagogue merged with Beth Emeth. The strength of the combined congregation allowed us to build the sanctuary, chapel and additional classrooms the following year. In November, 1975 the Hebrew Men of England amalgamated with Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue. In 1978, Rabbi Barry Schneider, after years of experience as an American Army chaplain, became our assistant Rabbi.
The passage of time has swelled our ranks with renewed vigour. Today, 1500 families gather together at our Table of Faith.
In 1997, Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue saw the retirement and acceptance of emeritus status of Rabbi Joseph Kelman, and the ascendance to the position of Senior Rabbi by Rabbi Barry Schneider. He served in this position for two years.
In 1999, Rabbi Peretz Weizman, a retired Winnipeg Rabbi accepted the post of Interim Rabbi until August 2000 when Rabbi Howard Morrison accepted the position of Senior Rabbi of Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue.
Wednesday evening forums open to the community offer a wide range of topics presented by guest lecturers and our own clergy. Weekly programmes include a class in Talmud and a Sisterhood study group. A class in tehilim is conducted each morning following the second minyan. There is also a weekly class for high school and college age youth. Always of great interest are Scholar-in-Residence weekends.
An Annual Holocaust Education program, lectures and seminars on secular subjects which impact on our lives as Jews, and performances of Jewish music and humour are designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of our members.
With the focus on ages 6 and under, a versatile committee organizes the year's events. Abbreviated interactive services on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are followed by kiddush. There are Simchat Torah celebrations, a Chanukah Family Party, Purim Carnival, Shul Picnic and Family Shabbat Luncheons. Cooking demonstrations, speakers on child-related topics and social outings, such as apple-picking, bowling, etc. are included in a wide variety of activities promising fun and knowledge.
BEBY has a proud history of Chazzanut and has set a standard of cantorial excellence in the Toronto area. Among our distinguished cantors, Zvi Aroni developed the shul's extraordinary men's and boys' choir, followed by the engagement of Cantor Harold Klein. In 1973, the musical profile of the synagogue was enhanced by the engagement of Cantor Louis Danto, an acclaimed tenor and concert artist. To celebrate his 20th year of dedicated service, the Cantor Danto Endowment Fund was instituted to further the cause of Jewish music and provide scholarship assistance to cantorial students. This Fund is perpetuated by the proceeds from an annual major musical event. In 1998, Cantor Danto was honoured by the Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda with the position of Cantor Emeritus. Cantor Danto remains an important part of the Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda, while enjoying the duties of Cantor Emeritus. In 1999 Cantor Aaron Bensoussan accepted the position of Chazzan, joining our distinguished roster of clergy.
The compositions and arrangements of Choir Director Charles Heller enriched our services and became vital to the musical heart of BEBY. Among his published works is an anthology of Jewish songs gathered from the oral tradition and recollections of our congregants.
As well as our unique all-male choir, who sing at Shabbat and Yom Tov services, BEBY boasts two additional choral groups - The Zemer Chorale, a choir of men and women, and a children's choir of boys and girls. Both choirs perform extensively in the community.
These vital and innovative bodies are major strengths of BEBY, contributing leadership, fundraising skills and program support.
Monthly Sisterhood Meetings include speakers and demonstrations related to evolving health, family and women's issues. Besides managing the Gift Shop and sponsoring many social and public affairs events, Sisterhood members make regular visits to residents of the Cheltenham Nursing Home. These men and women are delighted with the countless services performed and the fine holiday programmes provided by the group.
Monthly Brotherhood Breakfasts encourage family attendance at these informative and entertaining programmes. In addition to numerous undertakings on behalf of the shul, the Brotherhood annually celebrates Holidays at various health care facilities. A program of visits to Jewish inmates at Warkworth Penitentiary earned an International Community Service Award for the group.
Our numerous youth programmes are open to the community. Shabbat and holiday services include a nursery for preschoolers and a Junior Congregation for pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah children. Our services for Bar/Bat Mitzvah age youth and their families are of particular interest to those who enjoy a participatory, educational service. Sunday and/or weekday programmes are organized by an enthusiastic young staff for the following groups:
* Yedidim - JK - 2
* Keshet - Grades 3 - 5
* CSY Jr. High - Grades 6 - 8
* CSY - Grades 9 - 12
Two profound works of art beautify our sanctuary. The sculpture over the Ark depicts major events in the history of Am Yisrael and includes several inspirational biblical and liturgical passages. The magnificent stained glass windows reflect the major festivals of the Jewish calendar, biblical figures and historic personalities.
Dubi Arie Mural
BEBY is the chosen home for a duplicate of the of 'The Mission', a large seven-panelled oil on canvas by renowned artist Dubi Arie. This monumental work, with brilliant colour and imagery, illuminates 4,000 years of Jewish history. Individuals and groups from across the province and beyond are invited to experience its intellectual and emotional impact: 'feelings of unity among Jews, and bridges of understanding between Jews and all of mankind.'
Life Cycle Events
BEBY is an infinitely desirable setting for celebrations and social events, with enhanced banquet facilities to accommodate large and small functions. Our in-house catering consistently provides the finest cuisine.
The planning of all life cycle events is handled with great care and sensitivity by our clergy and staff.
'Chai Shalom Social Club' welcomes members of the shul and the community at large, who are in the fifty-five and up age group. An enthusiastic membership of over 300 enjoys a broad array of monthly educational and social programmes in good company.
Recognizing those people in the Jewish Community with special needs, Rabbi Kelman established programmes that now serve as models throughout the world:
* The Kadima School, offering religious education to developmentally challenged youth and adults,
* The Kadima Centre, providing recreational and social programmes in a Jewish context for the participants of the Kadima School and members of the community.
With many BEBY members actively involved in the planning and fundraising, Rabbi Schneider, a volunteer chaplain at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, spearheaded a unique project - 'The Sunnybrook Jewish Chapel'. This is in actual fact a synagogue connected to a major medical centre. BEBY youth visit and entertain Jewish war veterans who are patients at the hospital.
Social Action
The commitment to provide assistance to the disadvantaged or those in crisis, as each need arises, is intrinsic to our history.
We have:
* Secured 20 State of Israel Million Dollar Notes,
* Participated in the Beit Halochem project by hosting groups of disabled Israeli war veterans,
*Contributed financially to Tel Aviv University, Technion Institute and the Masorti Movement,
*Sponsored and supported a family of Vietnamese 'boat people' during their first year in Canada,
*Received a special award for the effectiveness of our Soviet Jewry Committee in the release of five Russian 'refusenick' families,
*Provided financial assistance to aid in the release of Syrian Jews.
To encourage Jewish continuity and futureleadership, we award scholarships in Judaic studies and fund summer youth pilgrimages to Israel through Camp Ramah.
David & Luba Smuschkowitz Library
Our library accommodates more than five thousand acquisitions. These include publications for all ages, audio tapes, periodicals and reference sources. 'Story Time', a popular Shabbat program for children four to six years of age is held in conjunction with the Youth Committee and Young Families Group.
Please come and get acquainted or just call our office
(416) 633-3838
Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue
100 Elder Street, Downsview, Ontario M3H 5G7
(155 Wilmington Avenue - parking and alternate entrance)
