L'Chaim - To Life
The Story of the Beth Ezekiel Synagogue
Offered throughout the year.
Beth Ezekiel Synagogue has the bittersweet distinction of being Canada's last small town synagogue. It remains in Owen Sound as the final reminder of an institution that was once a familiar fixture in small towns across the country. This exhibit chronicles a remarkable story of determination, tenacity, and faith. It tells of a burgeoning community enjoying religious life and observance free from the persecution that dogged its founders in Eastern Europe. And, it tells the story of a synagogue on the brink of collaps
e, seemingly destined to follow scores of other small town Jewish communities into oblivion. This story takes a happy turn. Today Beth Ezekiel Synagogue enjoys unprecedented revitalization with growing membership, renewed optimism, and the will not only to endure, but to succeed in the face of relative cultural isolation.
Heritage Interpreters will lead students through a brief overview of the 4,000 year history of Judaism. Further attention will be given to Jewish daily life today: Holy days such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Purim, Passover, and Shabbat; History and Community - from ancient to modern times with an emphasis on Grey County and how Jews came to be in this part of the world; life cycle events such as Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and other life passages such as Shiva. A brief overview of ideas and beliefs will be explored. What makes a person Jewish? What is a Torah? We will explore other subjects such as food, humour, and music, as well as Hebrew and other languages. Why do men wear yarmulkes in the synagogue? What is a synagogue? This exhibit will have feel-good appeal to people of all faiths and of all ages.
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