The 1940s
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Main entrance to the Beth Ezekiel Synagogue, ca. 1978
Before 1946, there were minyans on Saturdays and sometimes Friday evenings as well, so people could pray together. The community decision in 1945 to buy its own synagogue building was a milestone. It was a declaration that the Jews of Owen Sound were in town to stay and had their place. Once the building had been secured, there were new responsibilities. It had to be maintained, repaired, refurbished and heated. Following the grand opening in 1947, these new challenges were tackled. The synagogue board began meeting monthly and hired a janitor for $20 per month. A $200 initiation fee was established for new members, to go towards paying off the mortgage. Annual dues were set at $25 per family and 25 cents per week for singles over 16. In 1949, members were asked to pay an additional $10 tax to cover repairs to the front of the building.
Although the traditional separation between men and women was maintained during services, women were fully welcomed to participate in the running of the synagogue. In 1947, a new board was installed with Frank Cadesky as president and his sister Sarah as vice president.
The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 was an exciting moment for the Owen Sound Jewish community. They had been raising funds to support this goal. Mike Rabovsky remembered the jubilation people felt as they celebrated, stating “We had our own country!”
