The First Narayever is centrally situated,
drawing its members from the downtown community. The congregation
is comprised of many professionals and academics, as the Synagogue is close to the University of Toronto. the Synagogue’s
fast-growing membership directly reflects the revival
of the Jewish community within the downtown neighbourhood.
Jews who had previously moved out of the downtown area
to leave behind the reminders of a difficult past are
returning to the city’s core now that it is more
prosperous and accessible to the conveniences of downtown
Toronto. Today, the congregation stands at approximately
600 members, marking a huge expansion from the 40 or so
founding members.
Presently, the Synagogue has a thriving
membership and is increasingly involved in the community,
providing a space that welcomes the creative and spiritual
growth of its congregation. The service is still conducted
mostly in Hebrew. However, due to its location and egalitarian
format, the Synagogue attracts a large and diverse membership.
Increasingly, the shul is adopting a more participatory
philosophy, where members are encouraged to be active
in shaping the future of the Synagogue.
The
First Narayever offers as its mission statement, “The
First Narayever Congregation is a synagogue community
located in downtown Toronto which combines the observance
of traditional Jewish liturgy and ritual with a deep commitment
to equality for men and women.”1
the Synagogue aims to provide an informal, community-based
environment in which neighbouring Jews can observe and
practice their faith. This goal has been realized, and
the congregation has expanded beyond the physical constraints
of the small synagogue. In fact, demand for High Holiday
seats have led to services being held at the local Jewish
Community Centre in order to accommodate the burgeoning
crowds.
Keeping
in step with the times and its egalitarian mandate, the
First Narayever has recently voted to allow same-sex life-cycle
events to be recognized and is in the process of voting
on offering same-sex marriage ceremonies at the Synagogue.
In order to prepare the congregation for such a controversial
decision, Rabbi
Elkin
organized several educational sessions including panel
presentations, guest lectures and a viewing of the film
Trembling Before G-d. The First Narayever Congregation
voted on this decision in January and although it didn't pass in accordance to the Congregation's constitution, an overwhelming 71% voted in favour of offering same-sex marriage to its congregants.
1. http://www.narayever.ca
SYNAGOGUES |
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Exterior view of the First Narayever (2003)
Interior view of synagogue (2003)
Interior view of the First Narayever synagogue (2003)
Interior view of the First Narayever synagogue (2003)
Photograph of Rabbi Elkin standing outside of the First
Narayever (2001)
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