History

​We are a traditional conservative synagogue whose leadership draws strength from all age groups to combine the wisdom and experience of our founding members with the energy and professionalism of younger generations. This core of dedicated volunteers works with the clergy and staff to safeguard the aims and purposes of our constitution. Armed with the valued traditions and achievements of the past, that have earned us the name "The Synagogue with a Heart", we look forward to meeting the challenges of the 21st century. 
 

A Brief History
It began with the determination of 150 people, who banded together with a common dream and $500 in the bank. The journey from a small house in the neighbourhood, to upstairs quarters in the shopping plaza, to a tent at the future site of the building, ended in April, 1959 when construction began on the first stage of Beth Emeth Synagogue. Ready for occupancy that September, it consisted of a hall, classrooms and offices.

Approximately 300 Hebrew school students, who had been meeting in portables outside the public school across the street, came through our doors. Rabbi Joseph Kelman, our new spiritual leader, conducted the first High Holy Days services. 

Two years later, close to 1,000 children and teenagers were involved in our programs. The Brotherhood and Sisterhood played dynamic roles in the synagogue's development, gaining Beth Emeth a city-wide reputation as a vibrant centre of religious, cultural, social and educational activities.

In 1963, the Bais Yehuda Synagogue merged with Beth Emeth. The strength of the combined congregation allowed us to build the sanctuary, chapel and additional classrooms the following year. In November, 1975 the Hebrew Men of England amalgamated with Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue. In 1978, Rabbi Barry Schneider, after years of experience as an American Army chaplain, became our assistant Rabbi.

The passage of time has swelled our ranks with renewed vigour. Today, 1200 families gather together at our Table of Faith.  In 1997, Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue saw the retirement and designation of emeritus status of Rabbi Joseph Kelman, and the ascendance to the position of Senior Rabbi by Rabbi Barry Schneider. He served in this position for two years.  In 1999, Rabbi Peretz Weizman, a retired Winnipeg Rabbi accepted the post of Interim Rabbi until August 2000 when Rabbi Howard Morrison joined us as Senior Rabbi of Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue. 
 

Religious Services 
Daily minyanim in the Lerman Chapel offer congregants an opportunity to lead services, learn and participate.

Alternative High Holy Day and Shabbat services are specifically designed for families. 

A monthly Shabbat Beginners Minyan encourages those who seek a deeper understanding of prayer. Shabbat and Holiday services are family oriented. Cantorial liturgy and rabbinic reflections provide spiritual inspiration to all ages. 

Saturday afternoon study classes are followed by Mincha, Seudah and a moving Havdallah Service.

Programs

• Music
• Library and Art
• Men's Club and Sisterhood
• Religious Education
• Continuing Education
• Youth / Young Families / Seniors
• Community Outreach / Social Action 

Cantor Louis Danto

After serving for over a quarter century as our beloved Hazzan, Cantor Louis Danto retired in 1998. Cantor Danto was honoured by the synagogue with the title ''Cantor Emeritas'', and remained an important part of the synagogue up until his passing late July, 2010.

Cantor Louis Danto's career started in the early 1930's when as a child in Suwalki, Poland, he sang as alto soloist in the choirs of such ''Greats'' as Jacob Berman and David Moshe Steinberg. Even during those tender years, he thrilled congregations with his pure and fervent tones. Then came Hitler and the war. The Danto family was uprooted but Louis was fortunate enough to escape to Minsk. There he studied at the local conservatory from 1939-1941. When Germany invaded Russia, Danto was moved once more (this time with a group of other talented children deep into Russia where he studied cello and voice).

The war was over and Danto hurriedly made for home. But home was no more. A somber silence greeted him. Only the ashes remained; cloud and sky, and the ominous silence. Centuries of Jewish life and culture and learning had been erased during those frightening years. Only traces of it remained: in the scholar's mind, in the poet's soul, in the sweet singer's throat.

Danto combined the best of his artistic background with his Jewish soul and made Hazzanuth his chosen career. Danto studied Hazzanuth with Leo Lowe and Herman Zalis. He also expanded his knowledge of Jewish sources at the Yeshiva of ''Mirr'' where he studied from 1950 to 1954.

Praised by such immortals as Gigli and Schipa while a student in Rome, Louis Danto has concertized throughout the world - all appearances receiving both critical and audience acclamation. In December 1965, Louis Danto chanted a special prayer at Tito Schipa's funeral in New York at the request of the family with noted Metropolitan Opera stars in attendance.

Cantor Danto, in September 1984, sang before Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens to an inter-faith audience of 16,000 and millions of television viewers. Her Majesty was most impressed with Cantor Danto's richly regal singing.

If you would like more information about the music of Cantor Danto zt’l,  please contact

Rouhama Danto,rouhamadanto@gmail.com