THE HISTORY OF OUR CONGREGATION--

The Early Years

In the beginning there was heaven and earth, lots and lots of earth... The parish of Saint Laurent, in 1953, consisted mainly of farms, fields and forests. There were no expressways, no shopping malls, and certainly no synagogues. In fact, in 1951, only 84 Jews were reported to be living in Saint Laurent. But these were booming times, and things were about to change. A growing number of second generation Canadian Jews were getting married and having children. They wanted their families to grow up in a safe and quiet neighbourhood, away from the traffic and hustle bustle of the inner city.

In 1953, one could buy a bungalow for $12,500, or a modern split level for $19,500. Two, thousand dollars down and low monthly payments bought one a house in "Suburbia". Friends and relatives thought it crazy. "You really want to live way out there?", they would ask, making "out there" sound like one was moving to Moose Jaw or Timbuktu. "But the streets are all mud; and it will take you hours to get downtown!" the pundits would explain knowingly. But these modern pioneers were not to be discouraged. On the contrary, they were enthusiastic about finally being able to own their own homes, a place where their families could. grow and nurture.

These facts could not be forgotten, when a group of young men and women met for the first time on October 11th, 1953 at the home of Bill Weiss, who was the motivating force of the community. Present at the meeting were Messrs S. Friedlander, W. Steinberg, S. Rudy, S. Goldberg, B. Vineberg, J. Abrarns, A. Goodis, l A. Simon, B. Finegold, Rae Weiss, Doris Lehrer & Mrs. Harris. The goal of the meeting was to plan minutes and organize the first general assembly of the Jewish Congregation of Ville Saint-Laurent. Notices were sent out to all the Jewish families in the area. The meeting was held on November 9th, 1953 to discuss what was later to become Congregation Beth Ora. On that fateful night in the community hall of Our Lady of Fatima Church, decisions were taken that would affect the very flavour and spirit of our community to this very day. What would be most appropriate, an Orthodox, Conservative or Reform Congregation? How could new members be attracted? What steps can be taken to raise funds from the community? The answers to these and other questions were put forth as motions at this historic gathering. Each proposal that passed became the foundation of what is today, a strong and proud community.

"The Jewish Congregation of Saint Laurent" as it was called in 1953, moved quickly to set up committees to focus on various sectors of interest. Under the directorship of Arthur Simon, volunteers eagerly stepped forward to begin the planning and building of the new Synagogue. On November 23, 1953 the following committees were established:

1. Land and Cemetery

2. Public Relations

3. Membership Committee

4. The Planning Committee

Fund raising began in earnest, and the Women's Auxiliary were the leaders in this activity. A report delivered by one of the participants, at the second meeting, tells how $1,578 was raised at a "Money Shower". By the end of that first month, there were 70 paid up members. The Public Relations committee was successful in initiating communication with the Canadian Jewish Council, the mayor of Saint Laurent, and the Better Business Bureau. Discussions were already underway concerning High Holiday services for the next year. The membership committee busily recruited new congregates. They went from door to door, walking gingerly through construction sites, and up wooden planks that would later be replaced by sidewalks and driveways. There were many obstacles. With no building or community centre, it was an arduous task to convince some residents of the benefits of membership.

Long time member, Harold Singer, recalls some of the hurdles that the membership committee had encountered in the early years. "One evening, while ringing doorbells, we were invited in to the home of a very lovely couple," recalls Harold. "We immediately went into our shpiel, explaining the benefits of congregation membership. Although the gentleman seemed somewhat confused by our appeal, he never-the-less patiently waited until we finished to inform us that he wasn't Jewish! On another stormy night in December, we parked our cars at the end of the street and started making our calls. By the time we finished, the snow had completely covered our automobiles and they were nowhere to do found.

Harry Katz recalls the first Shabbos that his family spend in St-Laurent. "That first Saturday, I stepped out of my house and wandered down he street looking for other Jews with whom I could share the Sabbath experience. I met a man walking along Decelles Street, and greeting him with a "Good Shabbos". My new neighbour led me to the home of Michael Richler, where we recited the Sabbath prayers."

These were time of growth and change. Many Jews were convinced that the key to success was to hid their Jewish identity and ignore their traditions. Many new home owners were also starting out in business and were required to spend most of their waking hours at the office. The new synagogue was a key factor in keeping the spirit of Judaism alive in this community.

Excerpts of the History of a Congregation were taken from the Beth Ora 4th Anniversary Commemorative Book which was published in 1995.