Shaar History
“If you will it, it is not a dream.”
This pithy aphorism applied to Shaar Shalom means the realization not only of a dream cherished by a handful of members a few years ago, but the culmination of something for which these same members have sacrificed, striven and worked against great odds to achieve. As we stand on the threshold of our New Year, it is with pride coupled with humility that we give thanks to the Almighty that we have been able to erect a House of Worship to keep alive our Judaism and to be a force for good in this Jewish Community of ours.
Members of Shaar Shalom recall the difficulties we experienced in obtaining the land, the sceptics who had to be convinced that such a building was needed; even our own members at times felt that the sights we had set for ourselves were far greater than we could hope to attain – and yet – little by little – month by month we have seen our little congregation grow in size and strength; enthusiasm grow by leaps and bounds; until today we can truly say “Shehecheyonu vkiymonu vhigiyonu lazman hazeh!”
- September 1955 NY Bulletin, Rosh Hashana 5716
Tuesday, October 5, 1954
A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held. The ceremony was carried out by Shaar Shalom president, Noa Heinish and Shaar Shalom Congregation’s first Rabbi, Rabbi David Jacobs.
Also taking part are Max Pascal and David Devlin to the right of Mr. Heinish.
1954
The lot on the corner of Oxford St. and Pepperell St., Halifax, 1954
November 1953
A vision was created when in November 1953 a Building Fund Campaign is launched. The new congregation was to have a new home. The Founding members of Shaar Shalom congregation worked hard and tirelessly to raise the needed funds to build their new synagogue.
June 10, 1953
At a General Meeting, the new congregation was named “Shaar Shalom Congregation”.
Of the original 105 families who were the Founding Members of Shaar Shalom Congregation we are privileged to have a few Founding Members among our congregation today. Many of the children of the Founding Members are members of Shaar Shalom today with children and grandchildren of their own.
Thursday, May 14, 1953
A meeting was called and 96 people assembled to determine the necessity of forming a Conservative congregation. To read more, click on the history of the Shaar Shalom written by Founding Member, Lawrence Ferguson, below:
A Short History of the Shaar Shalom by Lawrence B. Ferguson