Life Events
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Congregation B’nai Israel has hosted hundreds of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs over its long history, and each one is celebrated with great joy. CBI can help facilitate B’nai Mitzvah training. We endeavour to make this milestone a positive one for both celebrant and family. We can also host a grandchild’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah and have often done so.
Weddings
Our beautifully restored 100-year-old sanctuary is the perfect venue for wedding simchas. We provide a beautiful Chuppah, under which to sanctify the wedding vows. Our synagogue chapel has seating for over 300 guests on two levels, and our community centre auditorium is well suited for receptions, dinners and dancing, including a stage for live music if needed.
Funerals
Congregation B’nai Israel maintains a cemetery located on Bunting Road in St Catharines. The property has been in use as our cemetery since 1952. Prior to that date, burials were conducted in Hamilton or Toronto.
The congregation has two volunteer Chevra Kadisha associations: one for women and one for men. We work in conjunction with a local funeral home, who maintains the supplies required for preparation and interment.
Funeral services are conducted either in the funeral home or graveside. After much study and reflection, and under rabbinic authority, we recently established a section in our cemetery where interfaith couples can be buried.
Grave markers (matzeyvot) can be purchased from a preferred local supplier, or from another of the grieving family’s choosing. We verify the inscription to ensure that the text is halachically correct, in co-operation with the monument supplier. We will also co-ordinate with families to arrange for unveilings as required.
Regular cemetery operations, including standard cemetery maintenance, are funded by CBI. Should the bereaved family wish to have flowers or ornamental shrubs planted, there are other fee-based contractors available.
Please contact the CBI office at (905) 685-6767 for assistance with arranging your life event.