Our History
Our History
Anyone who is exploring their Jewish faith and looking for a place that is authentic, unpretentious and accommodating, yet strong in its belief system and deep in its convictions, should experience Congregation Habonim.
In The Beginning
Most of our early members were refugees from Central Europe. Their stories were varied: some were Holocaust survivors; some were part of the Kindertransport. All arrived in Canada after WWII and began to frequent the New World Club, an organization that was dedicated to helping these newcomers settle into Canadian life.
In 1953, they organized High Holiday services, and in 1954, they began to hold regular religious services with a distinctive style. This style preserved the ritual of Liberal Judaism, which was a mainstream religious force in Germany and Central Europe, positioned between Reform and Conservative.
In 1955, the Congregation was officially chartered. We began holding services in rented premises at 44 St. George Street, Toronto and then moved to the Borochov Centre on Lippincott Street. In 1958, the present building was rented, and then purchased in 1968. The building was demolished in the spring of 2018 and the new building plans to be completed in the fall of 2019.
Mon, April 19 2021
7 Iyyar 5781
April bulletin
Read it Here
Today's Calendar
Upcoming Programs & Events
Apr 20 "THE ART OF THE LENS" with Hildi Wolfish Tuesday, Apr 20 1:30p |
Apr 28 Mussar: Finding your own Spiritual and Ethical path with Rabbi Ilyse Glickman Wednesday, Apr 28 12:00p |
Apr 30 Kabbalat Shabbat Service Friday, Apr 30 6:00p |
May 18 Shavuot Yizkor Service Tuesday, May 18 10:00a |
May 19 Mussar: Finding your own Spiritual and Ethical path with Rabbi Ilyse Glickman Wednesday, May 19 12:00p |
View Calendar
See photos of the construction of our new building
Holocaust Panels
Click HERE to view our holocaust tribute wall in our lobby