Join our extended family

Beth Israel prides itself in being a welcoming contemporary Orthodox congregation in which members enjoy meaningful events and are encouraged to participate in the true spirit of Jewish community experience and worship. If you are a Jewish resident of Southeast Ontario and are looking for such a community of like-minded souls, consider the following reasons to join Beth Israel Congregation:

1. A superb Talmud Torah. We have a committed cadre of teachers, led by Rabbi Elkin, who create a fun and stimulating learning environment for all children, backed up by a rollicking Youth Group led by Queen's students.

2. Mind-expanding opportunities. We share Kingston with two exceptional institutions of higher learning: Queen's University and Royal Military College. We draw on Queen's and its Jewish Studies Program as well as RMC for guest speakers, and work together to bring in scholars, political leaders, and luminaries such as Elie Wiesel.

3. Support for your life-cycle events. From baby namings/brit milahs and bar/bat mitzvahs to wedding and funerals, Beth Israel is where you can come to mark all your meaningful milestones and be supported by fellow members.

4. A flexible dues structure. Beth Israel offers a self-assessment dues structure that can be tailored to any financial situation.

5. A sense of purpose. Where Jewish communities in small town Canada are struggling to survive, Kingston's Jewish community is thriving. That's largely due to a high degree of engagement and commitment and a tolerance for differences. Every single person has a role in sustaining one of Ontario's most remarkable Jewish communities.

Want to know more? Please contact Membership Chair Michele Casey by sending an email message to Beth Israel with the subject line: Membership/Michele Casey.

If time and opportunity permit, we warmly encourage you join us at Friday night or Saturday morning service and Kiddush. We look forward to welcoming you to Beth Israel.

A letter from Kingston Mayor Harvey Rosen

Harvey Rosen Greetings! I want to invite you to join Beth Israel Congregation.

I am the Mayor of the City of Kingston, Past President of Beth Israel and an active member of the congregation.

My family has been dedicated and involved in Beth Israel and Kingston for many decades, balancing religious and civic participation.

From my perspective, the Beth Israel family will provide you with meaningful and rewarding friendships, excellent Hebrew education for school-age children, adult enrichment and an opportunity to share in a modern orthodox environment that is both traditional and diversified.

Beth Israel has a well-established reputation as a welcome gathering place for individual and family participation in the experience of Jewish life cycle events and social activities. The Synagogue has made significant contributions to the historical development of Kingston with an anticipated 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2010.

It is my hope that you will consider membership in Beth Israel.

Harvey Rosen
Mayor, City of Kingston