If you want to think about a Jewish megacity, Toronto is as close as you will get to that in Canada. This wasn’t always the case, with Montreal holding that “crown” until Bill 101 in the 1970’s. Blessed with (roughly) 200k Yiddishe Neshamas, our “steital” features a large assortment of Kosher and Israeli restaurants, Jewish Community Centres, theatres and restaurants Synagogues in Toronto.
The Toronto Jewish Community is strong and stands with Israel. Here is the annual UJA walk, occurring in the Spring.
I want to preface this article by stating that I am not an Orthodox Jew, a body of people that I have the utmost respect for. With that being said, I have been made welcome in a whole range of their institutions, without any hint of stigmatization. From Sephardic to Askenazi to Mizrahi, every Nusach is rich and full of spiritual depth. Regardless of your personal Edah or Hashkafa, I encourage everyone to visit different synagogues, allowing them to connect with the larger Kehilla.
The Kiever
Finished in 1927, this synagogue is located in the Kensington Market area of Downtown Toronto. Built to accommodate immigrants from the Kiev region of imperial Russia (which turned Soviet in 1917), it served as the cultural and religious centre for the growing Jewish population in the area.
This is the building as it stands today. You will notice an plague placed beside the external gate, alerting tourist as to it’s cultural significance.
Keep in mind that the Great Depression started only two years after construction, with many families facing poverty and other barriers. To alleviate these concerns, the synagogue offered a social welfare program, comprising both loans and financial grants. Services were led by Rabbi Solomon Langner and the Cantor was Herschel Litvak, the owner of York Furniture (College Street). Ensuring that youngsters got a proper education, Fishel Cooper offered both vocational training and trips around Toronto. Sporting his signature bowler hat, he led boys around High Park and the Toronto beaches. Adding a personal element to this story, Fishel was my great-great grandfather, the first of my family to arrive in this beautiful country. We came in stages, with Toronto hosting most of my mishpacha (besides New York and Israel). While most of the Jews have moved north, the shul is still active, hosting both Shabbat and holiday services.