B'nai Brith
Kingston's B'nai Brith Lodge #1191 received its charter on 26 December 1934. Its founding president was Sheldon Cohen. The group met initially in the social hall, in the basement of the Queen Street synagogue. Following the move to Centre Street, the Lodge arranged for its own room on the lower level of the new shul. It met there from 1961 until the mid-1970s, when the room was given over to the youngest children in the Hebrew School.
Over the years, B'nai Brith Kingston has raised money for Jewish and non-Jewish causes, both in Kingston and in Israel. These have included the Big Brothers of Canada, the Kingston General Hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Heart Foundation, Beth Israel synagogue, the Soldiers' Welfare Fund of Israel and Boys Town in Jerusalem.
The major B'nai Brith fundraiser in recent years has been Millionaire's Night. Originally for men only, this event now includes women. Under the enduring and enthusiastic leadership of Mort Abramsky, Ray and Aaron Kizell, Julius Shearman, Sammy Marcus, Kenny Berman and many others, this successful gala fundraiser has been hosted by personalities such as comedian Howie Mandel and sports commentator Ron McLean. In an era when volunteerism is lagging, this chapter has been extremely successful in regards to raising funds to support local charities and the synagogue as well as grooming young leaders such as Adam Koven and Bryan, Doug and Michael Springer.
