Congregation Emanu-El (Victoria, British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congregation Emanu-El |
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Congregation Emanu-El
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Conservative Judaism |
| Rite | Nusach Sefard |
| Leadership | Rabbi |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 1461 Blanshard Street Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2J3 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | John Wright |
| Completed | 1863 |
| Official name: Congregation Emanu-el Temple National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1979 |
Congregation Emanu-El is a special synagogue located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It holds a unique place in history! It is the oldest synagogue building in Canada that is still used for worship today. It's also the oldest surviving synagogue on Vancouver Island and even on the entire west coast of North America. The Jewish community in Victoria began around 1859, and they built this beautiful synagogue in 1863. Today, it is recognized as a very important place and is a National Historic Site of Canada.
Contents
History
Building the Synagogue
The synagogue was designed by an architect named John Wright. It was built in 1863, during a time when Victoria was growing very fast. Many people came to the area after gold was discovered nearby in 1858. The first Jewish settlers on Vancouver Island mostly came from the United States during this exciting time.
The building of the synagogue was a big event for the city. It is believed to be the first building in Victoria where the Freemasons (a well-known social group) helped lay the first cornerstone. Another cornerstone was laid on the same day by a member of the synagogue's building committee.
A Special Time Capsule
During the building process, a special time capsule was buried. This capsule held many interesting items from 1863. It included the synagogue's constitution (its rules), a list of people who donated money to build it, some coins, and a copy of the local newspaper called the British Colonist. It also contained lists of all the members from other community groups, like the Germania Sing Verein (a German singing club) and the French Benevolent Society of Victoria.
Dedication Day
The synagogue's dedication was a grand celebration for the whole city. Many different groups marched in a procession. This showed how diverse and welcoming Victoria was, even back then. People from the Hebrew Benevolent Society, the French Benevolent Society, the St. Andrew's Society, the Germania Sing Verein, and the Freemasons all took part. Even the band from a Royal Navy ship, HMS Topaze, played music for the event!
The congregation also has a cemetery on Cedar Hill Road. It was first dedicated in 1859, even before the synagogue building was finished.
Architecture
Design and Style
The Congregation Emanu-El building is designed in the Romanesque Revival style. This style often uses round arches and strong, simple shapes. The building has two stories and is made of brick. On the front, you can see a beautiful round window called a rose window. The roofline also has a decorative pattern called a corbelled gable.
Inside, the main worship area, called the sanctuary, has a domed ceiling. This makes the space feel open and grand. In the sanctuary, there are seats for people to sit. The bimah (a raised platform where the Torah is read) is in the center. The Torah ark (a special cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept) sticks out from the east wall.
Inside the Synagogue
On the second floor of the sanctuary, there is a U-shaped balcony, or gallery. This area was originally for women, but now it's used when there are many people attending services.
In the 1980s, the building was updated. A new section was added, called the Al & Sylvia Fisher Building. This new part replaced an older wooden structure and provides space for classes and cultural activities for the community.
Notable Members
- Morris Moss
