History
Congregation B’nai Israel has been part of the multi-cultural and religious landscape of St. Catharines and the Niagara region for over 100 years.
Before the start of the 20th century, Jewish immigrants primarily from Central Europe and Russia found their way to St. Catharines, attracted by the economic prospects associated with an expanded Welland Canal. In 1917, CBI was officially born with 16 founding families. With the assistance of the Friedman family, a house was purchased at the corner of Church and Calvin Streets in downtown St. Catharines. The house served as the community’s de facto synagogue until a permanent one was built. The new synagogue, designed by local prominent architects, was opened in 1925 to much acclaim. At that time, there were approximately 35 families.
The local Jewish community experienced rapid growth in the 1940s and 50s and the congregation realized they needed more space for social events and to educate their children. Built adjacent to the sanctuary structure, the Jewish Community Centre building was dedicated in 1956. It featured a large auditorium with a stage and an adjacent kosher kitchen, several classrooms, a Rabbi’s study and several meeting areas.
CBI has its own cemetery and chapel on Bunting Road, a property that was purchased in the 1950s on a parcel of land that had been designated for the much larger Victoria Lawn cemetery. Our cemetery also has an interfaith burial section.
Initially an Orthodox congregation, in the 1950s CBI transformed into a Conservative one. It presently operates as the Niagara Region’s only fully egalitarian Conservative congregation, respecting women and men equally in their participation in its religious practices, as well as in all affairs of CBI. CBI also welcomes interfaith couples and families.
Most recently, our beloved and newly renovated sanctuary celebrated its centennial with a gala weekend that drew past members and local dignitaries alike. Our Community Centre now includes an updated library and a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of our community. We are also pleased that our sanctuary has been honoured with an Historic Building designation by the City of St. Catharines.
CBI has grown and adapted over the years. Our membership currently stands at approximately 125 member units. We are so proud of our past achievements and look forward with great anticipation to what the next 100 years will bring for Congregation B’nai Israel.