Letter from Rabbi Shuchat, 1967 Time Capsule

This letter from Rabbi Shuchat was found in a time capsule concealed in the cornerstone laid in 1967 as part of the building extension, later extracted in 2022.

Transcription:

To the Rabbi and President of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim many years hence-shalom! 

In the vault of this cornerstone, you will find enclosed materials relating to the one hundred and twentieth year of congregation Shaar Hashomayim. You will find in the first-place documents of Shaar Hashomayim history. Secondly, you will find materials relating to Canada’s centennial that was celebrated this year. Of these centennial celebrations the most important was Expo 67 that was held in Montreal. The greatest world exposition ever held up to this date.  

In connection with Expo 67, I am very grateful to have succeeded in creating and promoting the Pavilion of Judaism at Expo 67. This was the first time in the history of world exhibitions that the message of Judaism found a place and a very elaborate and dignified one at that. 

This was also the year in which the tragedy of war struck the Jewish People in a very special way. The Six Days War in June between the Arab States and Israel which threatened the Jewish community in Israel with annihilation ended briefly, miraculously and with divine help in the victory and deliverance of the State of Israel. We have enclosed a few documents that tell this story as well. 

We are far from living in a world of peace. The Jewish people after the terrible destruction of the Nazi period 1933-1945 are making spiritual and national progress everywhere except in Soviet Russia.   

May God grant that these words be read in a world at peace and that there may be the blessings of fellowship and brotherhood for Canada, Israel, the Jewish people and mankind.

The Hebrew transcriptions visible in the letter translate to:

As for me, may my prayer come to You, Lord, at a time of favour. O God, in Your great love, answer me with Your faithful salvation.” (Psalm 69).
“A redeemer will come to Zion.” (Isaiah 59). 

Erev Rosh Hashanah 5728
May we be written and inscribed for good. 

Zev Ben Meir Shuchat 
Rabbi of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim