About

Who We Are
Our Members
Hebrew School
Committees
A History
Board of Directors
Who We Are

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We are an unaffiliated synagogue welcome to all Jews in Guelph.  

In 2019 Beth Isaiah started a three year transition plan to become welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable.  We will provide a menu of services in order to build a “bigger tent” for our community.  Our values are caring, connection and peace – Shalom Bayit.

Join us! Let us know what you’d like to see at Beth Isaiah. Be part of the change.

Services, Education and Events:

  • Shabbat and Holiday services.
  • Hebrew School – Parent & Tot up to B’nei Mitzvah.
  • Social, educational and cultural events.
  • A chance to practice Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) through community volunteering projects.
Our MembersYou belong at Beth Isaiah.  Our community is a tapestry of backgrounds, interests and talents. Our members are:
  • single, partnered, married, gay, straight, non-binary, young, middle-aged, older, traditional, alternative, feminist, spiritual, searching, differently abled and more.
  • already involved with Judaism or wanting to strengthen their connection to Judaism.
  • from a Jewish home, from an intermarried home or perhaps from a home where Judaism was never practiced.
We are a congregation in transition. We welcome new members – first year dues by donation – to be part of the change. If you are interested in a membership form, volunteering, or joining a committee or the Board of Directors please contact us. Hebrew SchoolParent & Tot ages 1.5 – 4 Kindergarten Kita Aleph Bet, grade 1 – 5 B’nei Mitzvah, grade 6 – 8 Committees
  • Ritual
  • Programs
  • Tikkun Olam (social action)
  • Building sub-committees – Maintenance – Security -Renewal/Renovation
  • Cemetery 
Get Involved: Have some time or interests to share?  We’d love to hear from you. Join a committee, help out at an event, let us know your ideas for Beth Isaiah services and events.  A HistoryA HISTORY of JEWISH LIFE IN GUELPH The early years Since 1901, there has been a record of a Jewish presence in Guelph. That year, thirteen Jews were listed as registered voters in polling station 18. As well, Charles Freeman and Emma Zecilman celebrated the first Jewish wedding ceremony on record in Guelph. A congregation begins In 1907, the first official congregation was formed. Religious services were held in members’ homes and in other locations. The congregation celebrated the first wedding ceremony of members Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Smith with Rabbi Halperin officiating. As more Jewish families arrived, the congregation grew. These early families included the Ackers in 1916, Enushevskys in 1917 and Browns in 1919. Beth Isaiah grows In 1925, the congregation purchased a house at 47 Surrey Street West to be used as a synagogue. By 1949, the current building was built, named Beth Isaiah in memory of the late Isaiah (Sydney) Acker who died while on duty in the RCAF in World War II. The congregation has survived and flourished. Many of our members have contributed to the Guelph Community. In particular, Joe Young, served as the City of Guelph mayor for two terms. Our members continue to contribute to the synagogue and important causes in the Guelph community at large. Beth Isaiah today In 2019 Beth Isaiah started a three year transition plan to become welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable.  We will provide a menu of services in order to build a “bigger tent” for our community.  Our values are caring, connection and peace – Shalom Bayit. Board of DirectorsMaya Hammer, co-president Naomi Theodor, co-president Susan Atkinson, Treasurer Jay Lefler, Member at Large