Blogroll | Congregation Darchei Noam

My interest in Reconstructionism began in the 1960’s when I was a university student and I subscribed ‎to the Reconstructionist magazine which, believe it or not, was published in print form and mailed ‎twice a month. As a result of my subscription I received a letter from Rabbi Lavy Becker of the ‎Reconstructionist synagogue in Montreal late in 1971 inviting me to a meeting of Toronto people who ‎might be interested in forming a synagogue in Toronto.‎

I attended and quickly found myself at the centre of his organizational efforts. Lavy regularly travelled ‎to Toronto on non-Rabbinical business and stayed at the Royal York, and as I was working in the TD ‎Centre he would invite me to lunch and would give me responsibilities and lessons on organizing a new ‎synagogue.‎

By the spring of 1972, we were anxious to get going with High Holiday services, but Lavy told us we ‎needed more time and we should wait until the fall for our first service. We were disappointed but we ‎knew Lavy was giving us good advice. ‎

So, after months of planning and publicity, we held our first service at the Borochov Centre just a few ‎blocks north of the current shul. The morning was a blur, but I do recall that the attendance was good, ‎Lavy led the service, and I brought the Kiddush wine which I placed on the window sill to keep cool.‎

I don’t think I ever envisioned that 43 years later our little group would become a significant part of the ‎Toronto Jewish community.