Knesseth Israel
Social
Early History Architecture Religion Social The Synagogue Today    


Knesseth Israel served more than just a religious purpose for the residents of the west-end of Toronto. The Synagogue also served a social purpose, drawing the Jewish residents of the Junction together in times of both merriment and sorrow. Many immigrant families, beginning their lives anew in a strange land, made the Synagogue the center of their lives.

Shortly after the shul was erected, the First World War began. The Synagogue became a place of refuge, prayer, and mourning. Residents, many of them of Polish and Russian descent, gathered to share stories of their past and of family members left behind in the thick of the fighting. During the War, the shul was used as a site for selling Victory Bonds. After the end of the War, war victims relief fundraising was held in the shul.

After the First World War, the Synagogue returned to a more jovial social atmosphere. For example, the Congregation had outings to High Park for summer picnics. Young boys who attended ShabbatShabbat: the period between Friday at sundown and Saturday one hour after sundown in which Jews are required to refrain from all forms of work. services every Saturday, just as faithfully, met up afterward en route to the “Nickel Shows” to watch the newest movie releases. Many of these boys were also members of the Junction branch of the Jewish Boys’ Club of Toronto, which met at Humberside Collegiate for sports and other social events.

Perhaps the most established social role of the shul was the West Toronto Hebrew Ladies Auxiliary, presided over for most of its years by Lily Nikolaevsky. Fundraising was an ongoing mission for the Ladies Auxiliary who sought donations from congregation members and non-members alike. The Auxiliary held fundraising events for Jewish organizations on a regular basis, such as tea socials or annual bazaars that benefited many Jewish agencies such as: Youth AliyahAliyah: [literally, "ascent"] ceremony of being called upon to recite a blessing over the reading of a portion of the Torah during services. Getting an aliyah is a great honour; men often pay money in order to be called up to the Torah. This money usually goes to charity or to synagogue funds. Also, aliyah can refer to moving to Israel, i.e. "to make aliyah". , the United Jewish Welfare Fund, or the Moess ChittinMoess Chittin: [literally, "wheat money"] extra charity given before Passover to ensure that poorer Jews can afford to celebrate the holiday according to Jewish law. Fund. In addition, the Auxiliary contributed to non-Jewish agencies, such as the Red Cross and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Knesseth Israel was therefore not only concerned with the spiritual well-being of its members. The congregation also made sure to provide its members with a comfortable social atmosphere, as an additional support system for new immigrants and long-time residents alike.

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Jewish Boys’ Club, Toronto Junction Branch at Humberside Collegiate gym, c. 1926-7
Jewish Boys’ Club, Toronto Junction Branch at Humberside Collegiate gym
(c. 1926-7)

The West Toronto Ladies Aid Society picnic at High Park (August 7, 1922)
The West Toronto Ladies Aid Society picnic at High Park (August 7, 1922)

Permit issued by the Canadian Jewish Congress, War Efforts Fund, May 22, 1941
Permit issued by the Canadian Jewish Congress, War Efforts Fund (May 22, 1941)

Youth Aliyah Certificate of Honour, c. 1959-60
Youth AliyahAliyah: [literally, "ascent"] ceremony of being called upon to recite a blessing over the reading of a portion of the Torah during services. Getting an aliyah is a great honour; men often pay money in order to be called up to the Torah. This money usually goes to charity or to synagogue funds. Also, aliyah can refer to moving to Israel, i.e. "to make aliyah". Certificate of Honour
(c. 1959-60)

 

 

 

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