Edmonton’s oldest Jewish congregation.

Beth Israel Synagogue is Edmonton’s oldest Jewish congregation. There were only sixteen Jews living in Edmonton in 1901. That number grew quickly as a result of immigration from Eastern Europe and in-migration from small towns and Jewish agricultural colonies in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Organized as the Edmonton Hebrew Association, in 1906 the Jewish community engaged Rabbi Hyman Goldstick of Toronto as rabbi, mohel and ritual (meat and poultry) slaughterer. For 12 years religious services were carried on in rented quarters.

In 1910 Edmonton merchant, William Diamond, donated land for a synagogue. That building, the first of three, was dedicated in 1912. After nearly a half century of growth a new building was completed in 1952. Edmonton’s Jewish population continued to grow and move further to from the central city necessitating a third home for Beth Israel. The current building, was dedicated in May of 2000. According to the Edmonton Jewish News “From the beautiful, articulated red brick exterior to the tastefully elegant interior decor, the new Beth Israel Synagogue is indeed a work of art and a sight to behold. The steel-framed, brick finished synagogue is an architectural masterpiece designed by Richard Isaac, a partner of the well-known and highly regarded Edmonton-based firm, Manasc Isaac Architects.”

The synagogue’s interior was designed by Elexis Schloss. While the Aron Kodesh was designed by artist Irene Klar and fabricated by local sculptor Roy Leadbeater, who also designed the door handles.