The First Minyan and Synagogue

On Monday, 4 December 1893, Nathan and Katie Brenner of Scrope Street celebrated the birth of their son, Meyer, whom the Owen Sound Tribune noted was the first “Hebrew Child” born in Owen Sound. A rabbi from Toronto came to perform the brit milah. The Jews who arrived in these first years gathered to pray and to celebrate Jewish holidays in one another’s homes or in rented premises. By 1902, the community had grown to approximately 18 members, however the high holiday services would draw as many as 40 people. Rabbis from Toronto would make the seven-hour train journey from Toronto for the High Holidays and other special occasions. At such times, Jews would come from other small towns, including Meaford, Chesly, Southampton, Kincardine and Lion’s Head. In 1904, synagogue premises were rented at the corner of 3rd Avenue East and 10th Street. In 1906, the community used the Milne Building at 302 8th Street East. In the early 1930s, the community was again at 3rd Avenue East and 10th Street, on top of the “Scropes Building.”

Some Jews left Owen Sound but more arrived. Babies were born and the community grew. Herman Amsterdam was chosen as the first president of the Owen Sound Hebrew community in 1932. Rented premises at 1002 2nd Avenue East were used for services. In addition, a house was purchased, to the south of Calvary Church, as a club building. Exciting developments followed in 1945. A committee was appointed to investigate the purchase of a building. When the Calvary Church became available in 1946, the decision was taken to buy it for $7000 and to dispose of the club house, which sold for $3350. A donation of $600 was accepted from the Cadesky family in return for naming the synagogue in honour of Isaac Ezekiel Cadesky. On Sunday, 27 October 1946 a grand opening was held. This included a buffet dinner with tickets sold at $1 each.

• The First Minyan and Synagogue
• Early Rabbis
• Hebrew School
• The 1940s
• The 1950s
• Cemeteries