About Us
The Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am Congregation has a long and treasured history. As our name suggests present-day Beth David represents the joining together of three unique congregations.
The original Congregation Beth David dates from 1953, formed by young families who were part of the Wilson Heights Congregation. This fledgling group aligned themselves with the Conservative movement under the name of Beth David, around 1955. Services took place in a variety of locations, including a flat above a hardware store on Wilson Avenue, a former farm house on Bathurst Street and a prefabricated building on part of the land Beth David sits on today. By 1956 there were 60 member families with Rabbi Albert Pappenheim as spiritual leader. Rabbi Pappenheim, a German national previously interned in a Canadian war detention camp, left marks on his congregation lasting even to the present day. Two years later, in 1958, construction of the current building got underway with the official dedication in May 1962.
B’nai Israel’s history goes back to the WWI era when services were held in private homes and flats above shops. Eventually houses on Shaw Street and Bellwoods Park were purchased and it became the famous Shaw Street Shul located at 257 Shaw Street. As Toronto grew and the Jewish community migrated to the suburbs members moved north. B'nai Israel eventually amalgamated with Beth David in 1960.
Beth Am’s story is somewhat similar. Starting in 1954, 100 families from Downsview and Winston Park began contributing to the new West Wilson Community Centre. The name change to Beth Am occurred when it too became affiliated with the Conservative movement. Its sanctuary was completed in 1964. Over time with the Jewish community’s constant resettling, dwindling numbers made it prudent to amalgamate with B’nai Israel Beth David in 1976.
In 1981, Rabbi Philip Scheim, fresh from ordination by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, joined as Assistant Rabbi, and took over as Senior Rabbi with the untimely death of Rabbi Pappenheim in 1984. Today he is our Rabbi Emeritus.
The combination of shuls with their own rich cultures has resulted in one of the most dynamic Egalitarian Conservative congregations in Toronto.
Mission
Beth David exists to develop and preserve Jewish traditions from generation to generation. In accordance with this mission we serve the Jewish community of the Greater Toronto Area, including members and non-members, by addressing their spiritual, social and educational needs. We do this by providing a variety of opportunities for religious observance, educational and social programming for children, youth and adults, and venues for life cycle events and celebrations of our faith and traditions.
Values
Beth David B'nai Israel Beth Am upholds the principles of Conservative Judaism:
- Jewish spiritual growth
- Education and learning
- Spiritual inclusiveness
- Social inclusiveness
- Anticipating the needs of members
- Stimulating Volunteerism
Our Vision of Tomorrow
In order to preserve and develop Jewish traditions, we must become a synagogue that makes things happen. We will provide critical leadership in religious observance, Jewish education and community social and political action.
Beth David will be an exciting place participate, learn and grow – a place where warmth, caring and the joy of being Jewish together, blend with tradition, ritual and spiritual development to produce something unique. These are fundamental driving forces that influence the decisions we make, and define the character of our organization.
Sat, August 23 2025
29 Av 5785
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Today's Calendar
Shabbat Mevarchim |
Morning Services In-Person & Livestream : 9:00am |
Minchah - Maariv - Havdalah : 7:30pm |
Havdalah : 8:51pm |
Tomorrow's Calendar
Rosh Chodesh Elul |
Shaharit : 8:30am |
Minha, Ma'ariv : 6:00pm |
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
AugAugust 31 , 2025
Sunday, Aug 31st 9:30a to 11:30a
Join us for a meaningful morning of good food, great company and shared purpose. There is a seat at the table for you, family, kids to reconnect and renew- renew your membership or join for the first time. Find out more about information on membership renewal, high holiday programming, and upcoming events in a welcoming space. Ice cream truck to sweeten the day! Because belonging isn’t just about being a member, it is about being a part of something meaningful. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 31 , 2025
Sunday, Aug 31st 12:30p to 3:30p
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 6 , 2025
Shabbat, Sep 6th 7:15p to 9:00p
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2025
Sunday, Sep 7th 10:00a to 11:30a
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Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 9 , 2025
Tuesday, Sep 9th 7:30p to 8:30p
Please join us for Beth David Women's first program of the year with many more to come: ISRAELI FOLK DANCING with Professional Folk Dancing Instructor, Jenny Wiesel Monday September 9th 2025 – 7:30-8:30 PM Everyone welcome. Refreshments to follow the dancing! Registration required Free for BDW members |Non-BDW Members: $10 at the door -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 12 , 2025
Friday, Sep 12th 6:00p to 9:00p
Please join us for a Kabbalat Shabbat Service on Friday, September 12 at 6pm followed by a fully catered dinner. Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 9 by 9am Sponsorships appreciated. $45 - members $50 - non members $20 - children 12 and under $120 - member families (2 adults, 2 children) Free - children 2 and under -
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 13 , 2025
Shabbat, Sep 13th 7:00p to 8:30p
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 13 , 2025
Motzei Shabbat, Sep 13th 8:30p to 11:45p
Conducted by Rabbi Cantor Marshall Loomer and Cantor Simon Spiro accompanied by the acclaimed Toronto Festival Singers. Please join us for a Social Tea following Slichot services. Beth David will also be celebrating a special shabbat service with The Song Shul for Parshat Noach on October 25th. Save the date and join us! -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 16 , 2025
Tuesday, Sep 16th 7:30p to 9:00p
Thoughts and insight about how to make it through the 10 days of Awe with relevance and impact! -
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 20 , 2025
Shabbat, Sep 20th 6:45p to 8:00p
This Shabbat
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Re'eh
Candle Lighting
Shabbat, Aug 23, 7:52pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Aug 23, 8:51pm |
Contact Us
Beth David B'nai Israel Beth Am
55 Yeomans Road
Toronto, ON M3H 3J7
P 416.633.5500
F 416.633.1740
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