Social Activities
Unveiling of Beth Ezekiel’s historic plaque, 1991
The first event to fortify the community in 1991, was the decision of the municipal LACAC (Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee) to commemorate the synagogue under the Ontario Heritage Act, by issuing an historic plaque in its name. The ceremony was held at the synagogue on 28 April 1991 in the afternoon. A representative from the local LACAC gave the introduction followed by a speech given by Rabbi Meir Uri Gottesman, relating to the history of Beth Ezekiel. Dignitaries such as the local MP, MPP and Councillor, Moe Wright, attended the event and offered their greetings to the guests. This was followed by the unveiling of the plaque by Councillor Wright. This ceremony honoured the history of the shul and paid homage to the community and its founders.
Leadership through Owen Sound’s transition has been provided by the current synagogue president, Jeff Elie. Since becoming synagogue president, Jeff has been instrumental in organizing a series of events that have helped renew the community’s pride in its roots and also given it wings. Among these were the establishment of a local Jewish burial ground, the stained glass windows initiative , the choice of a new prayer book, the “Rhythm and Jews” fundraiser and improvements and renovations made to the building. All these undertakings helped to give the local Jewish population a new sense of togetherness and confidence. Further, the fundraiser helped put the synagogue on the map for Owen Sound’s non-Jews, and at the same time facilitated much-needed structural improvements to the synagogue building.
The Windows of the Beth Ezekiel Synagogue
Over the course of three years, glass artist Leigh Greaves created 15 individually designed stained glass windows for the Beth Ezekiel Synagogue. Greaves worked closely with each of the 12 sponsoring families to design windows that best represented their unique stories. This slide show includes images of all these windows.
All of the images in this slide show are courtesy of Beth Ezekiel Synagogue.
