The First Minyan and Synagogue


The Peterborough Examiner for 27 May 1911, reported that Peterborough’s Jewish families held a “solemn ceremony” to celebrate the arrival of a new Torah scroll. It was handwritten on calfskin parchment and they had ordered it from New York at a cost of $105. At this time, the community did not have a synagogue. They rented space from the Knights of Pythias or other service clubs as needed for the High Holy Days or other special occasions.

In 1912, with a population of 90, the community began to look in earnest for a building. Whether because of the coming of the First World War or for other reasons, the project was delayed for a decade. Then, in 1922, a house was rented across from Market Square on Water Street. The lower floor served as a home for the Shochet and the hall on the second floor served as a combined synagogue, community hall and meeting place.

The next step was taken in 1928, when Hadassah appointed a committee under Mrs. B. Chesler to raise funds to buy a building. In 1933, a house on Aylmer Street that had belonged to community member Abraham Swartz was purchased. The house was remodelled and renovated to make suitable as a synagogue building. At this time, the community changed its name from the Peterborough Jewish Society to Congregation Beth Israel.