What’s the oldest synagogue in Canada? It depends.
Originally published July 2019
Ellen writes:
It started with a conversation between Judy and me: Have you come across anything about the old shul in Owen Sound?
Beth Ezekiel Synagogue in Owen sound
I looked it up: it’s called Beth Ezekiel Synagogue, and it calls itself “Canada’s last small town synagogue”. It’s a designated Ontario Heritage Building, but it’s also very much a living community. It was formed in 1904, so it’s pretty old in Canadian terms, and by default, Canada’s oldest surviving small-town congregation. You’ll find it at 313 11th Street E in Owen Sound. Their website is http://www.bethezekiel.org/ .
That got me thinking: what are the oldest synagogues in Canada? Turns out, Wikipedia has a directory of them at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldest_synagogues_in_Canada . As it also turns out, it depends on what you mean by “oldest”. Congregation? Building? Building in continuous use as a synagogue? In each province?
Here’s where you can find some of them, and maybe even pray in them. I found most on the Wikipedia site, but have added some others.
Oldest Congregation in Canada
An old view inside the main sanctuary.
The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue of Montreal was established in 1760, making it 261 year old! It’s at 4894 Saint-Kevin Avenue in Montreal, and their website is https://www.thespanish.org/ They have daily and Shabbat services, and follow the Sephardic style. At the moment, worship is via Zoom; contact them if you want to join them.
Oldest Synagogue Building in Canada
Congregation Emanu-El, Victoria
Congregation Emanu-El in Victoria boasts the oldest synagogue building in Canada. The congregation is Conservative. The website is http://www.congregationemanuel.ca/, and their address is 1461 Blanshard Street, Victoria. If you want to pray with them, see their website for the current schedule and COVID rules. They also offer private tours. See their website for details
Next time: Canada’s oldest synagogue in each province