Please join us from 2-3pm on Sunday August 18th for an anniversary celebration at our synagogue. (1461 Blanshard Street)
This is truly a historic occasion, not only for Emanu-El but also for the City of Victoria, the Province of British Columbia, and Canada. We would be honoured if you would join us at this important commemoration.
Congregation Emanu-El was established by an Act of the Legislature of the Colony of British Columbia on July 7, 1864. Constructed the year prior, Congregation Emanu-El is Canada’s oldest synagogue building still in use. Our sanctuary, a Romanesque Revival architectural gem, was designated as a National Historic Site in 1979. To preserve the structural integrity of our remarkable sanctuary, our community is currently undertaking significant repairs to the brick exterior. Interior improvements will follow to modernize, beautify, and increase the safety of our spiritual and community home.
While we honour our past, we also take pride in our present: standing at the busy downtown intersection of Pandora and Blanshard Streets, we maintain deep engagement with the downtown community via the work of our own “Avodah” outreach committee and regular participation in the 900 Block Pandora Society and Greater Victoria Acting Together. At a time when most synagogues are losing members, we are proud that our membership continues to grow year after year.
The August 18th program will include words of welcome from government leaders, a brief history of our synagogue, musical interludes, and a reception. We hope that you can join us and look forward to hearing from you.
Please RSVP to president@congregationemanuel.ca