The Post War Years
The community did not grow significantly through the war years, but the post-war period brought about the need to expand and renovate the shul and a building fund was started. Among the 22 pledges listed for 1954, the highest amounts were promised by Myer Salit ($1100), and Jacob Rosberg ($500). Other community members also contributed, with donations ranging from $10 to $400. With community member Leslie Weisz as contractor, the decision was made to expand the synagogue by adding on a one-story schoolroom extension.
On Sunday, 11 December 1955, the community celebrated the opening of their newly rebuilt, enlarged and refurnished synagogue. Rabbi Kutziner presided over the rededication ceremony, which began with the lighting of Chanukah lights in the sanctuary. The ceremony was followed by a banquet attended by 140 people. Members and non-members from Niagara Falls attended, as did people from Buffalo, Welland, Hamilton and Toronto, with a guest speaker from Niagara Falls, New York. Mayor Ernest M. Hawkins, A.C. Jolley of the Provincial Legislature and W.O. Houck, a Federal representative, were among the dignitaries at the head table.
The expansion of the building heralded in a new era of programming within the shul. During the mid to late 1950s, the synagogue executive decided to create a Jewish museum of ceremonial objects and books. Eugene Jeremias chaired the committee for this new entity. They received some very valuable donations, including two Sefer Torahs from Henry Muller in 1962, which were brought to Canada by his parents from Czechoslovakia. They also received a Megillat Esther and a Mezuzah Klaf scribed by Morris Greenspan. During the late 1950s and 1960s the shul hosted a multitude of events such as card parties, Purim masquerade festivities, Passover seders, simchas and community meetings.
In 1968, the congregation decided to legally change its name from B’nai Yankev to B’nai Jacob. New letters patent were drawn up with the new name by a local law firm, Martin, Calvert, Sheppard & Clark.
