Toronto's First Synagogues

In 1984, Knesseth Israel was designated a Heritage Site for being the oldest surviving Toronto synagogue still in use today. In September 2001, Knesseth Israel synagogue unveiled a provincial plaque presented by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, honouring the Synagogue on its 90th birthday. This plaque commemorated the historical significance of Knesseth Israel and honoured the value that the Synagogue holds to the Toronto Jewish community today. The survival of Knesseth Israel synagogue provides tangible evidence of the Jewish community’s rich history in the Junction. The community’s past is inseparable from the Synagogue and its activities.

By the early 1990s, Knesseth Israel had undergone extensive renovations. Work focused primarily on removing the dirt and grime that had accumulated over the years on the Synagogue walls as a result of the shul’s close proximity to the railway lines. The vibrant colours and details of the painted murals were carefully restored to their original elegance. The exterior and interior architectural features received maintenance and restorative work as well.

Today, Knesseth Israel is cared for by the descendents of the Synagogue’s early members and founders. For example, Mr. Edwin Goldstein is the Synagogue’s current President and the grandson of Joseph Goldstein, one of the shul’s founders. His father, Al Goldstein, was the shul’s former President for over 25 years, from the late 1950s until 1983. Mr. Harry Alexandroff is the current Vice-President of the shul. His father, Boris Alexandroff, was a founding member, and the shul’s first President. Mr. Joey Tanenbaum is currently a major supporter of Knesseth Israel and was responsible for providing the funding for the extensive renovations. He is the grandson of Abraham Tanenbaum , also a founder of the Synagogue. Mr. Jules Kronis is often involved in conducting tours of the Synagogue, and lectures on the significance of the building. He is the grandson of Nathan Kronis, an early officer of the Synagogue and long-time supporter of the shul.

Knesseth Israel now has a membership of approximately 75 to 80 full-time members and 300 associate members, most of whom no longer live in the Junction. Due to the geographic shift in the community to the northern suburbs, the Synagogue can no longer support full Shabbat services, as it has become very difficult to bring together a minyan. However, in addition to offering services during the High Holidays, the shul also holds services for some minor holidays. Cantor Howard Kamen has led services since 1978, typically with the assistance of one of the Synagogue’s elders. Cantor Kamen also tutors young boys preparing for their bar mitzvahs in the school room located in the shul’s basement. Currently, the Synagogue hosts several bar mitzvahs and weddings each year.

In the past, the Synagogue has also offered tours to school groups, lodges and various other interested organizations. Five seperate film and television ventures have used Knesseth Israel as a set location for their productions, under the strict observance of the Synagogue's Executive. Knesseth Israel has also taken part in the “Doors Open Toronto” program for several years. This participation has enabled those from inside and outside the Jewish community the opportunity to visit the shul, view its interior, and learn more about the Jewish community’s history and presence in the Junction.

SYNAGOGUES