First Narayever Congregation

The First Narayever Congregation is a traditional-egalitarian synagogue and nonprofit organization located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1914 by Jewish immigrants from Narayiv, a town in western Ukraine, the congregation serves as a cornerstone of the Jewish community in downtown Toronto and beyond. It is recognized for blending strong traditional Jewish values with an egalitarian ethos, welcoming Jews from diverse backgrounds including Jews of colour, intermarried families, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, converts to Judaism, and those with mobility restrictions.

History

The congregation began as a landsmanshaft, an association of Jews originating from the same town—Naraiev in Galicia (then part of Austria-Hungary, later Poland, now Ukraine). It was the first congregation established by these immigrants in North America, receiving a provincial charter in 1918. Initially, services were held in a rented building at the corner of Huron and Dundas streets. In 1943, the congregation purchased its current home on Brunswick Avenue, a building formerly used as a church and a Foresters' Lodge.

Historically, the First Narayever Congregation was Orthodox but has evolved into an unaffiliated community that embraces both traditional practices and egalitarianism. It remains one of the last small "shtiebel" style synagogues in Toronto's once vibrant Jewish district around Kensington Market, Spadina Avenue, and Bathurst Street.

Community and Values

The congregation emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, reflected in recent renovations to its building to better accommodate members with mobility needs. It fosters an environment of acceptance and pluralism while promoting Jewish learning and the love of Torah for all ages. Financial barriers are actively minimized to encourage broad participation.

The First Narayever Congregation is committed to tikkun olam (repairing the world), social justice, charitable giving (tzedakah), and supporting the vitality of the downtown Jewish community. The synagogue encourages a thoughtful connection to the State of Israel and prioritizes mutual care within its multi-generational community, offering support during both celebrations and hardships.

Programs and Social Action

The congregation provides dynamic programming including lifecycle events, adult education, and children’s activities designed to enhance spiritual growth and Jewish identity. It runs a Social Action Committee with two distinct funds:

• General Social Action Fund: Supported by year-round donations, this fund finances social action events, supports aligned organizations, and occasionally makes donations or gifts on behalf of the synagogue.

• Yom Kippur Appeal Fund: An annual fundraising effort supporting significant community projects related to homelessness, environmental protection, Israeli-Arab relations, and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Past beneficiaries of these funds include Eretz Ir, Kehilla Residential Program, Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, Fort York Food Bank, NCJW Passover Food Drive, and Mazon Canada.

Leadership and Status

The congregation remains active and led by Rabbi Ed Elkin. It is the largest Jewish congregation in downtown Toronto, maintaining a traditional yet egalitarian approach to worship and community life.

Business Registration Number: 105212229RR0001

Location: Harbord Village neighbourhood, Toronto, Ontario

Religious Affiliation: Judaism (Unaffiliated traditional-egalitarian synagogue)

Architectural Note: The synagogue building was designed by Benjamin Swartz.

This synagogue represents an enduring Jewish immigrant heritage while adapting to contemporary values of inclusion and pluralism within Canadian society.