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The Ahavith Achim (Brotherly Love) Synagogue was dedicated in January 1899. Initially the congregation was drawn from the first wave of immigrants, but after 1906 most of the congregants were Eastern Europeans. A Mikvah (ritual bath) was added in 1900 with funds raised by the Daughters of Israel. After 1918, the building became known as the Talmud Torah. The building was destroyed by fire in 1985.2
Ahavith Achim Synagogue1898-1951
Saint John, New Brunswick
Credits:Telegraph Journal
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The Hazen Avenue Synagogue was established in 1906 in the wake of a social and economic split between the Western and Eastern European Jews. Most of the more assimilated and wealthy members of the community made up the congregation who purchased a former Unitarian Church. An elaborate Holy Ark was constructed for this building which was transferred to a third synagogue in 1918. This building was demolished in the 1930s.4
Hazen Avenue Synagogue1906-1918
Saint John, New Brunswick
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Hebrew School, 1914-19171914-1917
Saint John, New Brunswick
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The Shaarei Zedek (Gates of Righteousness) Synagogue was formed in 1918 when the earlier congregations set aside their differences and purchased the former Calvin Church which had been built in the 1860s. At the time the building was dedicated in March 1919 there were 200 male members and perhaps more than 1500 members through the "Golden Years" of the community's history. The building included a large sanctuary with a balcony reserved for female members until the early 1960s and a large social hall. The congregation moved from the Orthodox to the Conservative affiliation in 1960 and by the late 1990s had become egalitarian. At the end of 2008 the building will become the property of the City of Saint John and the congregation will build a new synagogue more suited to its current needs.7
Shaarei Zedek Synagogue1918-2008
Saint John, New Brunswick
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Shaarei Zedek Synagogue - Interior1918-1960
Saint John, New Brunswick
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Shaarei Zedek Synagogue - Interior2007
Saint John, New Brunswick
Credits:Lloyd Goldsmith
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Synagogue Dinner1930s
Saint John, New Brunswick
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Father and Son Banquet1942
Saint John, New Brunswick
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The Jewish Community Centre was purchased from the YWCA in 1951 to replace the Talmud Torah building. More space was needed for the Hebrew School children and meetings that the other building could provide. Myer Budovitch and Morris and Rose Cohen provided funds for the construction of a Mikvah and the family of Barnet Jacobson provided for a chapel on the third floor. This chapel was moved to the street level in 1986 and was used for services through the winter months as the community diminished in size. The Saint John Jewish Historical Museum was opened in the basement of the building in 1986 but has since expanded to space on all three floors. At the end of 2008 the building will become the property of the City of Saint John.13
Jewish Community Centre1986
Saint John, New Brunswick
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Jewish Community Centre - Chapel1986-2008
Saint John, New Brunswick
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