B’nai Jacob Golden Book

Impressive Ceremonies Mark Dedication Of New Chapel

The dedication of the Temple calls for a rededication of ourselves in the faith of our fathers, said Rabbi Melvin Kieffer to the congregation of Bnai Jacob at their dedication ceremony held last night in the vestry rooms of the Synagogue. The House of Worship is only a physical shell, no matter how beautiful it may be, unless its members search out and practice faithfully the basic principles of their faith. Rabbi Kieffer stated that this is true of synagogues and churches alike, and held that only those who attend can find the inspiration and spiritual comfort, which they are meant to provide.

Joseph Greenspan introduced the main speaker, Rabbi Kieffer, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel, of Niagara Falls, N.Y. traced the history of 300 years of community life on the North American continent. He pointed out that the Jews of CAnada can make their greatest contribution to the democratic life of their country by remaining steadfast and faithful to their religious teachings. Only by remaining true to the faith that has survived 5000 years can Jews on this continent fulfill the highest precepts of Democratic citizenship.

The chairman of the banquet, Harold D. Rosberg, introduced the guests of the evening, following a religious ceremony conducted in the new sanctuary by Rabbi M. Kutziner, Mayor E. M. Hawkins brought greetings to the congregation from the city. He expressed his admiration of the new structure, and said that it is always a wholesome sign of growth in a community when churches and synagogues are expanded.

A. C. Jolley, M.P.P. extended congratulations to the officers and members, and expressed the hope that the congregation would find spiritual fulfillment and a source of great strength in the newly dedicated temple.

W. L. Houck, M.P. recalled the early years of the Jewish Community in this city and wished the congregation success in all undertakings: “Good church members make good citizens,” said Mr. Houck, and he said it was a source of pride in any land to find more churches and synagogues being built.

Greetings from the Ministerial Association were brought from Rev. Dr. Fingland, of St. Andrew’s United Church. He spoke of the contributions made to West civilization by the ancient Hebrew prophet[s] and stated that the roots of all that Christians hold as the most precious values in life have their origin in the teachings and culture of the ancient Hebrew faith. Dr. Fingland particularly mentioned the beauty of the services which preceded the banquet and paid tribute to the designing of the sanctuary, which was, he felt, all that could be desired in a House of Worship.

The chairman introduced Benjamin Lapin, of Toronto[,] who gave greetings and congratulations from the Canadian Jewish Congress.

Mrs. Joseph Grader, President of the Sisterhood of the Temple, expressed her best wishes for the future growth of the congregation and conveyed the congratulations and greetings of the women’s organization.

Leslie Weisz, chairman of the building committee handed the key for the Synagogue to the President, Philip Zuker. Mr. Weisz expressed his thanks to the members of his committee for the co-operation and support that they had given the project, and states also that it was a source of pride and achievement they felt at this dedication. Mr. Zuker presented the chairman of the building committee with an inscription commemorating the opening of the building as a tribute to the fine work carried out by him.

An enthusiastic vote of thanks was expressed to the committee of women who had taken charge of the dinner arrangements, Mr. Rosberg expressed the appreciation of the gathering for the fine banquet they had provided so ably. The committee, Mrs. I. Ackerman, Mrs. L. Stein, Mrs. P. Zuker, Mrs. A. Bogomolny were given a hearty round of applause for their fine cooperation.