1
The next major celebration in Jewish life is the marriage ceremony. Traditionally many Jewish marriages were arranged by families. For some Jewish men who came to Saint John as single men it was not unusual to write to family left behind requesting that a bride be sent. In some cases, the partners would be strangers to one another but these marriages always appeared to work out well. As the community grew and modernized, young people sought their own life partners.The first Jewish wedding in Saint John was that between Louis Green and Elizabeth Hart - the children of the first settlers in the community. Much was made of this event in the local newspapers and three of the city's daily newspapers gave extensive coverage in their columns. It would appear that this was one of the major social events of the year with many of the city's leaders among the distinguished guests. Other marriages between the early families would follow, most conducted by rabbis imported from American cities for the occasion. As these rabbis did not possess licences to perform marriages within the provinces, some of these couples chose to have a small private ceremony with a Protestant minister presiding.
2
Louis Green - first bridegroom / first president Hazen Avenue Synagogue1882
Saint John, New Brunswick
3
Elizabeth Hart Green1882
Saint John, New Brunswick
4
In what was likely a less grand affair, Morris and Tilly Goldman were among the first of the new immigrants to marry. The minister of Portland Methodist Church performed the marriage in keeping with provincial laws and the Goldmans were later married again under Jewish law by a rabbi. Within a short time, as the synagogue was established, resident rabbis applied for the licences and the services of others were no longer needed.5
Joseph and Minnie Goldman1902
Saint John, New Brunswick
6
Sam and Pearl KanterSaint John, New Brunswick
7
Harry Cohen and Mary Selick1928
Saint John, New Brunswick
Credits:Stanley Cohen
8
Wedding Invitation - Harry Cohen and Mary Selick1928
Saint John, New Brunswick
Credits:Stanley Cohen
9
Maurice Elman and Bertha Boyaner1929
Saint John, New Brunswick
Credits:Elman family
10
Tanzman Stag Party1930
Saint John, New Brunswick
11
A. Ralph Isaacs and Julia Smith1933
Saint John, New Brunswick
12
Joe Guss and Ruth Berman1938
Saint John, New Brunswick
13
Many marriages in the city were grand affairs, others more modest, especially those conducted during the Second World War. Some of these took place before the husbands were sent off for training and front line service on Europe's battlefields. For most of the community's history, both bride and groom were Jewish. In situations where mixed marriages did take place, there were some families who disowned their children, but many others embraced the new family member. Many of them converted to Judaism.14
Samuel Davis and Gladys Weizel1940
Saint John, New Brunswick
Credits:Gary Davis
 |
 |
 |
 |