A remarkable journey
The History of Congregation Beit Tikvah
Each project required hours upon hours of dedicated time from our volunteers. It is thanks to them that CBTO is what it is today. And while, it is easy to see the impact of these large projects, just as important are the everyday contributions of our volunteers to keep our shul a beautiful and active community hub.
2021
CBTO Welcomes Rabbi Aryeh Kravetz
Rabbi Kravetz joins as our new rabbi accompanied by his wife, Adina, and their children.
2021
2020-2022
COVID-19
No one will soon forget the impact of Covid! As a shul we had to stop our minyanim for a short time due to government regulations, but for the most part we continued with regular minyanim at the shul and held classes over Zoom. Masks and social distancing…oy vey! Every cloud has a silver lining, and now we have a tent in which we can enjoy Shabbat Kiddush's outside.
2020-2022
2019
Rabbi Finkelstein becomes Rabbi Emeritus
After a long career of service to our shul and the Ottawa community at large, Rabbi Howard Finkelstein becomes Rabbi Emeritus.
2019
May 2018
Rabbi Simes z”l Torah Project
After a tragic car accident in June 2010, Rabbi Yehuda Simes was left a quadriplegic. Strengthened by his faith, and with the love and support of his family and friends, the Rabbi was able to teach and started his “Rolling Rabbi" blog that had more than 10,000 followers. Rabbi Simes passed away seven years after the accident. As a testament to his faith and strength, and in recognition of his impact on all of us, a new torah was purchased for the shul through the support of many donors within the city and beyond.
May 2018
2017
Shul Gardens
The idea to make a hügelkultur garden on the shul front lawn started as a vision of a few congregants and, over time, expanded into a community project. This beautiful garden complements the CBTO flower garden - also designed and maintained by members of our community. The hügelkultur garden generates fruit and vegetables that are regularly donated to the food bank.
2017
2015
CBTO Security Enhancements
Sadly, today’s reality means that we need to be even more vigilant and prepared. To this end, doors, windows and locks were strengthened and security cameras added to our building.
2015
2014
Ian Kagedan z”l and the CBTO Elevator Project
Ian Kagedan, one of our past presidents and a pillar of our community, developed a motor neuron disease. Inspired by his determination to attend Shabbat services as long as he possibly could, the shul embarked on a project to install a Shabbat elevator. This effort was part of a wider set of accessibility improvements made to the shul to support our members and visitors with mobility issues.
2014
2008
Chazzan Yair Subar Joins CBTO as Cantor
Chazzan Subar joins our shul as cantor, enhancing our services with his wonderful voice.
2008
2008
Beth Shalom West becomes Congregation Beit Tikvah
Our Shul becomes independent of Beth Shalom and acquires a new name: Congregation Beit Tikvah of Ottawa.
2008
1999
New Aron Kodesh
The shul receives the wonderful aron kodesh from the old Adath Jeshurun synagogue (on King Edward Avenue). Originally built in 1904, the aron is a beautiful enhancement of CBTO and represents a link across generations in the Ottawa Jewish community.
1999
1995
Cantor Danny Benlolo
Cantor Danny Benlolo joins our clergy. Along with his wonderful voice, he brings his Sephardi culture to enhance our services.
1995
1993
Sanctuary Ceiling & Kitchen
Although some had come to love the exposed girders above (!), it was now time to round out our wonderful sanctuary with a proper ceiling. The large fleishig kitchen was also completed as part of the phase III enhancement.
1993
1991
Rabbi Howard Finkelstein Becomes Spiritual Leader of Our Shul
Rabbi Finkelstein joins as our new rabbi, accompanied by his wife Rivka. During his tenure at our shul Rabbi Finkelstein also serves as an educator at the community schools and is one of the driving forces behind the establishment of Yitzchak Rabin High School.
1991
1989
Completion of the Social Hall
The social hall in our lower level was completed. The shul now boasts a wonderful area for enjoying kiddush or a meal after a simcha.
1989
September 11, 1985
First Minyan in Our New Building
The final panes of glass on the front doors are installed at 6:50 p.m. and the first Shabbat services are held starting Friday 7:00 p.m. But, our new home still requires numerous finishing touches.
September 11, 1985
April 30, 1985
Building Construction Begins
After numerous delays in site plan approval and obtaining building permits, construction finally begins. Beth Shalom West is located on Chartwell Avenue in the heart of Craig Henry on one acre of land, generously donated by Jack and Irving Aaron.
April 30, 1985
1983
Rabbi Gershon Sonnenschein
Rabbi Gershon Sonnenschein becomes our first full-time rabbi.
1983
1980-1983
In the Beginning...
The dream of our shul began, led by Rabbi Basil Herring and a small group of Jews from Ottawa’s west end. As this dedicated group grew in size, so did the dream of a permanent facility. Travelling from party room to roller disco cafeteria to daycare centre became such a tedious task that in June 1982 the first plans for Beth Shalom West “The Building” were unveiled. In 1983 the Project Management Committee was formed and given the task of creating the specifications for a building which could house our needs and fall within our financial boundaries.
1980-1983
2021
CBTO Welcomes Rabbi Aryeh Kravetz
Rabbi Kravetz joins as our new rabbi accompanied by his wife, Adina, and their children.
2021
2020-2022
COVID-19
No one will soon forget the impact of Covid! As a shul we had to stop our minyanim for a short time due to government regulations, but for the most part we continued with regular minyanim at the shul and held classes over Zoom. Masks and social distancing…oy vey! Every cloud has a silver lining, and now we have a tent in which we can enjoy Shabbat Kiddush's outside.
2020-2022
2019
Rabbi Finkelstein becomes Rabbi Emeritus
After a long career of service to our shul and the Ottawa community at large, Rabbi Howard Finkelstein becomes Rabbi Emeritus.
2019
May 2018
Rabbi Simes z”l Torah Project
After a tragic car accident in June 2010, Rabbi Yehuda Simes was left a quadriplegic. Strengthened by his faith, and with the love and support of his family and friends, the Rabbi was able to teach and started his “Rolling Rabbi" blog that had more than 10,000 followers. Rabbi Simes passed away seven years after the accident. As a testament to his faith and strength, and in recognition of his impact on all of us, a new torah was purchased for the shul through the support of many donors within the city and beyond.
May 2018
2017
Shul Gardens
The idea to make a hügelkultur garden on the shul front lawn started as a vision of a few congregants and, over time, expanded into a community project. This beautiful garden complements the CBTO flower garden - also designed and maintained by members of our community. The hügelkultur garden generates fruit and vegetables that are regularly donated to the food bank.
2017
2015
CBTO Security Enhancements
Sadly, today’s reality means that we need to be even more vigilant and prepared. To this end, doors, windows and locks were strengthened and security cameras added to our building.
2015
2014
Ian Kagedan z”l and the CBTO Elevator Project
Ian Kagedan, one of our past presidents and a pillar of our community, developed a motor neuron disease. Inspired by his determination to attend Shabbat services as long as he possibly could, the shul embarked on a project to install a Shabbat elevator. This effort was part of a wider set of accessibility improvements made to the shul to support our members and visitors with mobility issues.
2014
2008
Chazzan Yair Subar Joins CBTO as Cantor
Chazzan Subar joins our shul as cantor, enhancing our services with his wonderful voice.
2008
2008
Beth Shalom West becomes Congregation Beit Tikvah
Our Shul becomes independent of Beth Shalom and acquires a new name: Congregation Beit Tikvah of Ottawa.
2008
1999
New Aron Kodesh
The shul receives the wonderful aron kodesh from the old Adath Jeshurun synagogue (on King Edward Avenue). Originally built in 1904, the aron is a beautiful enhancement of CBTO and represents a link across generations in the Ottawa Jewish community.
1999
1995
Cantor Danny Benlolo
Cantor Danny Benlolo joins our clergy. Along with his wonderful voice, he brings his Sephardi culture to enhance our services.
1995
1993
Sanctuary Ceiling & Kitchen
Although some had come to love the exposed girders above (!), it was now time to round out our wonderful sanctuary with a proper ceiling. The large fleishig kitchen was also completed as part of the phase III enhancement.
1993
1991
Rabbi Howard Finkelstein Becomes Spiritual Leader of Our Shul
Rabbi Finkelstein joins as our new rabbi, accompanied by his wife Rivka. During his tenure at our shul Rabbi Finkelstein also serves as an educator at the community schools and is one of the driving forces behind the establishment of Yitzchak Rabin High School.
1991
1989
Completion of the Social Hall
The social hall in our lower level was completed. The shul now boasts a wonderful area for enjoying kiddush or a meal after a simcha.
1989
September 11, 1985
First Minyan in Our New Building
The final panes of glass on the front doors are installed at 6:50 p.m. and the first Shabbat services are held starting Friday 7:00 p.m. But, our new home still requires numerous finishing touches.
September 11, 1985
April 30, 1985
Building Construction Begins
After numerous delays in site plan approval and obtaining building permits, construction finally begins. Beth Shalom West is located on Chartwell Avenue in the heart of Craig Henry on one acre of land, generously donated by Jack and Irving Aaron.
April 30, 1985
1983
Rabbi Gershon Sonnenschein
Rabbi Gershon Sonnenschein becomes our first full-time rabbi.
1983
1980-1983
In the Beginning...
The dream of our shul began, led by Rabbi Basil Herring and a small group of Jews from Ottawa’s west end. As this dedicated group grew in size, so did the dream of a permanent facility. Travelling from party room to roller disco cafeteria to daycare centre became such a tedious task that in June 1982 the first plans for Beth Shalom West “The Building” were unveiled. In 1983 the Project Management Committee was formed and given the task of creating the specifications for a building which could house our needs and fall within our financial boundaries.
1980-1983