Beth Israel Synagogue (Edenbridge, Saskatchewan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beth Israel Synagogue |
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|---|---|
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Carpenter Gothic |
| Town or city | Edenbridge, near Melfort, Saskatchewan |
| Country | Canada |
| Construction started | 1906 |
| Completed | 1908 |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | one-storey wooden frame, with balconies |
The Beth Israel Synagogue is a special old building in Edenbridge, Saskatchewan, Canada. It's a type of synagogue (a Jewish place of worship) built in the Carpenter Gothic style. This means it looks a bit like a wooden church, but it's a synagogue! It's located near Melfort, Saskatchewan, in a rural area.
This synagogue is very important because it's the oldest surviving synagogue in Saskatchewan. It shows the history of Jewish immigrants who settled in Canada.
A Bit of History
The Edenbridge Hebrew Colony was started in 1906. This was a group of Jewish families. They came from Lithuania in Europe. Before coming to Canada, some of them lived in South Africa. They wanted to build a new life in Saskatchewan.
The synagogue itself was built between 1906 and 1908. It was a big project for the new community. Once finished, it became a central place for their faith and gatherings.
What It Looks Like
The Beth Israel Synagogue has a unique look. It's made of wood and has a steep roof. It also has tall, narrow windows called lancet windows. These features are common for buildings in the "Carpenter Gothic" style. Many churches and other religious buildings in rural North America from the late 1800s and early 1900s looked similar.
But inside, the synagogue is different. It shows the traditions of the Jewish people from Eastern Europe. This mix of simple outside and traditional inside makes it very special.
A Protected Place
The Beth Israel Synagogue is not just an old building. It's also a protected heritage site. This means it's recognized as an important historical place. The local government, the Rural Municipality of Willow Creek, officially gave it this status on September 10, 2003.
The land around the synagogue also includes a cemetery. This is where members of the community were buried. In 1987, the land was given to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation. This helps protect the area around this historic site.
