Social Activities
The Beth El Sisterhood and Cornwall's Hadassah and B'nai Brith organizations played important roles over the years in maintaining the community, spiritually and practically. In Canada's centennial year, Cornwall's B'nai Brith Lodge organized an intercity dance that included young people from Ottawa and Montreal. The event was considered a great success. In the same year, 1967, the Lodge also raised money to bring underprivileged children to "Expo," the World's Fair in Montreal. Further, the B'nai Brith minutes for June, 1967, contain an emotional report from the 4th annual convention of District 22. This convention was interrupted by the outbreak of the Six-Day War in Israel. An appeal was launched on the spot for all available funds to help the State of Israel.
In succeeding decades, Cornwall's B'nai Brith Lodge maintained its attachment to Israel as well as its commitments to the Cornwall Jewish community and general community. Sincere debates took place, among other things, over how to balance activities and allocate funds among the Jewish and general communities.
As time went on, the effects of a shrinking community were felt, as when Hadassah's 1988 spring rummage sale had to be cancelled due to dwindling numbers. Nonetheless, the women's determination remained strong to gather their forces and try again in the fall. In addition to the satisfaction of being part of a fundraising team, Hadassah offered Cornwall's women opportunities to grow personally by taking part in national meetings. Through the latter decades of the 20th century, the women who attended Hadassah national conventions got to know other Jewish women from across Canada. They also heard stimulating speakers and developed their leadership skills through special workshops.
