Wolf Willow Road Building
Land was donated at 131 Wolf Willow Road NW for a new synagogue in 1984, but it would be another twelve years before further steps were taken. Shmuel Mann replaced Akiva Mann in 1989, serving until 1992. He was followed by Asher Vale (1992–1995) and Eli Lagnado (1995–1999).
In 1996, during Lagnado's tenure, a competition was held to design of the current building. Construction began in 1999, and that same year Ari Enkin joined as rabbi. The new building was opened in May, 2000. In the sanctuary, Torah is read to the congregation from the bimah and the Torah scrolls are stored in the aron kodesh on the east wall. The congregation face towards the east, and Jerusalem, in praying. The ornamentation features symbols such as Stars of David, signs of the zodiac and natural forms. In October of that year the new building was firebombed. Enkin served until 2002, and Daniel Friedman, a native of Australia, joined as rabbi that year.
In 2007, hate messages were written on the front door of the synagogue, immediately prior to the arrival there of the Premier of Alberta and Mayor of Edmonton to celebrate the congregation's 100th anniversary. Membership was 250 families in 2008.
As of 2012, Friedman was Beth Israel's rabbi, and was also the past-president of Jewish Family Services Edmonton. and Rav Hamachshir of Edmonton Kosher, the United Orthodox hechsher of Edmonton
Read more about this topic: Beth Israel Synagogue (Edmonton)
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“I am not building here a statue to erect at the town crossroads, or in a church or a public square.... This is for a nook in a library, and to amuse a neighbor, a relative, a friend, who may take pleasure in associating and conversing with me.”
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