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December 14, 2001
Emanu-El expansion a go
Victoria shul, Canada's oldest, will be renovated as well.
PAT JOHNSON REPORTER
Canada's oldest synagogue is about to get a lot bigger. Victoria's
Conservative shul, congregation Emanu-El, has embarked on a massive
new construction effort, expected to cost about $900,000.
City of Victoria planners insisted that the new addition maintain
the integrity of the original structure, which is a designated historic
building. Therefore, the addition will be distinctive enough from
the original building to make it clear where the old ends and the
new begins. At the same time, the new construction must be visibly
compatible with the old architecture.
The building was officially given the OK at a synagogue board meeting
Dec. 2, after years of hoping and planning.
Rick Kool, a member of the building committee, said the congregation
knew it needed more space, but the confluence of events was not
such that they could begin construction earlier than this.
"We just weren't ready," he said.
Recently, though, there have been changes at the shul, including
the arrival of a new spiritual leader, Rabbi Harry Brechner, something
Kool credits for much of the renewed enthusiasm. Having a permanent
rabbi - and, by all reports, a wildly popular one - has invigorated
the confidence of the congregation, said Kool.
He couldn't say exactly how much money is in the bank, but he
is confident that they will succeed in raising the money as construction
begins in January or February. With the help of the community, the
board hopes to have the addition completed by next Rosh Hashanah.
"We're very far along in the fund-raising," Kool said, adding that
they are still seeking money to complete the project and he hopes
former congregants who have moved away - to Vancouver, for instance
- will remember the old shul and support the building campaign.
The addition will make a huge difference in the neighborhood. Of
the existing structure, 900 square feet, not including the 19th-century
sanctuary, will be renovated. The original building will then be
joined by 7,000 square feet of new space.
In the adjoining structure, there will be a 1,600-square-foot multi-purpose
room, a new kitchen, room for preschoolers, who currently meet in
the sanctuary, a rooftop play area for children, offices for the
rabbi and other officials, and a new library and archives. Of particular
pride is the fact that the basement will include a mikvah
(a ritual immersion pool), said to be the first one ever on Vancouver
Island.
Barry Cosgrave, the architect who is working with the synagogue
on the project, said it was an honor and a challenge to work on
the remarkable building.
The shul was formed 140 years ago by Jews who came to the boomtown
of Victoria, which was a main provisioning site for prospectors
headed for the gold rush in British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska.
There were about 200 Jewish permanent residents at the time and
a Jewish cemetery was sanctified in 1860. Within five years, a synagogue
was completed.
An ill-advised "modernization" took place early in the 20th century,
in which the original facade of the building was covered and the
high ceilings of the sanctuary were hidden by a false ceiling, presumably
to save money on the heating bills by reducing the height of the
room. The building was restored to its original grandeur several
years ago.
Support for the project, which is being called Matanah G'Dolah
(Great Gift), is not just monetary. More than 100 members showed
up at the board meeting to show support for the plan. After the
meeting, a symbolic sod-turning took place outside, led by 86-year-old
Jack Gardner, a longtime congregation member and supporter of the
expansion.
Anyone wanting more information or to get involved can call the
synagogue office at 250-382-0615.
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