Women’s Groups

Even before Cornwall had its first synagogue, community members created a number of organizations. A meeting of the Hebrew Ladies' Aid Society on 26 November 1922 at the home of Mrs. J. J. Phillips attracted 16 women. The women attended to a range of matters, from the repair of a tombstone to the distribution of candy for Chanukah and a raffle.

In 1925, the Rev. Rosenfield chapter of Hadassah was established, named after the community's first Rabbi. The chapter's first President was Mrs. J. J. Phillips; the Secretary was Mrs. Julius Miller and the Treasurer was Mrs. Joseph Miller. Mrs. Archie Dover was also an officer. Through the years, Hadassah offered an opportunity for women to become part of Cornwall's Jewish community while doing worthwhile work in support of Israel. Joyce Miller remembered arriving in Cornwall from Montreal in the 1950s as a young bride. She was invited to a Hadassah meeting and was surprised at the intergenerational nature of the group, as the ages ranged from young women in their twenties up to the "grannies." This was different from what she had been used to in a large city and at first seemed strange, but she came to appreciate it. Her mother, who had been concerned that her daughter would be bored in a small town, soon realized that she was happy, active and engaged.

• Social Activities
• Women’s Groups
• The Cornwall Jewish Community Council
• B'nai Brith
• Youth Groups