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1862-1945 (Creation)
- Creator
- Congregation Emmanuel of Victoria
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66 cm of textual records
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Biographical history
The presence of a substantial Jewish community in Victoria by 1858 resulted in the organization of a Hebrew Benevolent Society (Chevra Bikkur Cholim Ukeduska). On May 22, 1859 a meeting of the city's Jews was held "for the purpose of procuring a suitable place for a burning ground" and by the following year a parcel of land was acquired and consecrated. By 1862 a Reform Congregation had been established and services for it were conducted at different locations throughout the city while a Building Committee of the Congregation solicited funds and completed plans for a permanent synagogue. A ceremony on June 2, 1863 marked the laying of the cornerstone. September 13, 1863 saw the completion of the Temple and its dedication at which the first rabbi, Dr. M. Cohen, delivered the sermon. [The Building Committee chairman reported the completion date as November 3, 1863: see Building Committee to the Congregation, November 14, 1863] This new Temple of the Congregation Emanuel was acclaimed at the ceremony as "the first synagogue in Her Majesty's Pacific Possessions," in addition to being the only synagogue on British America's Pacific coast and Victoria's second oldest house of worship. By an Act of the Legislature the Congregation Emanuel of Victoria was incorporated on July 7, 1864. On July 4, 1921, the Congregation received a visit from the Very Reverend Dr. J.H. Hertz, Chief Rabbi of the British Empire, Mr. Albert M. Wolfe O.B.E., Vice-President of the United Synagogues and Mr. A.H. Valentine, Secretary. A public reception was held for them at the Empress Hotel on the next day. A rededication ceremony at the Emanuel Synagogue was held on March 17, 1948. On November 12, 1971, Emil Klein was asked to serve as rabbi for the Congregation Emanuel, the first rabbi to serve the Congregation in 30 years. For the approximate 75 families the Temple served in 1972, it continues to be the centre of Jewish religious activity in Victoria that it was for the 35 original members in 1863.
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Scope and content
The fonds consists of consists of 6 boxes. Boxes 1 and 2 contain correspondence, bills and receipts, pamphlets, papers relating to the Hebrew burial grounds and general accounts. Box 3 contains minute books and account books. Box 4 contains account books. [The account book from 1893 was not filmed.] Box 5 contains a register of births, marriages and deaths and Box 6 contains records related to the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith. [Also available on microfilm.]
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To be posted soon.
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BCAUL control number: BCA-1370