The Kiever became a social institution as well as a religious one when it was first established in 1912. The congregation was formed under the landsmenshaft trends: the congregants originated from areas near Kiev and shared similar traditions. While they created Rodfei Shalom Anshei Kiev for religious reasons, the Synagogue also provided a place where landsmen could meet.1 The founding members immediately created an Executive in 1912, and although it was largely administrative, it was also a social body. There were many positions from which members could choose to become involved: President, Vice-President, Trustee, Treasurer, Gabbai, etc. The attraction to these positions has transcended generations. Many of the family names that appeared in Executive lists in the 1920s, continued to be seen well into the 1980s. Names such as Ross, Litvak, Lukatch and Bossin have remained part of the Kiever Executive. The history of the Kiever is therefore closely tied to many family histories.

The Executive held meetings to discuss synagogue ‘business’, but in a social setting, discussing issues while partaking in a snack or meal. This gave the members the chance to get to know their community and to find a role in its management. The last meeting before the summer was an excuse to hold an event. A bulletin from 1958 advertises a “Special Closing meeting” with guests and a “fine breakfast”.

The Executive was also responsible for organizing services and events for the congregation. Around 1930, the Executive formed a credit society that provided financial assistance to members in need. For new immigrants, this service provided some relief from the struggle to make ends meet, particularly during the Depression years.2 Current President of the Kiever, Dave Pinkus called it a “safety valve and security blanket” for Jewish immigrants.3 The Executive also organized m’laveh malkah social gatherings (celebrations that took place after the conclusion of the Sabbath). The Kiever invited special guests and speakers including Rabbi Nahumtzi Twersky, who visited the congregation often. In 1963, the Executive arranged a celebration in honour of the Kiever’s 50th anniversary. All members were formally invited to a banquet in which the history of the congregation and its significance to the lives of each member was recalled.

While the Kiever helped its own members by providing a healthy Jewish social atmosphere, the congregation also contributed to the Jewish community at large. When looking through Kiever documents, one cannot ignore the number of certificates of donations. The Kiever donated to Youth Aliyah organizations, Histadrut, and the Jewish Home for the Aged, to name a few. Rabbi Langner, who led the congregation, was renowned for his hospitality and his charity work. His congregation certainly adopted his philosophy.

The women in the congregation set up the Ladies’ Auxiliary a few years after the shul was established. The Ladies’ Auxiliary helped out with functions and was responsible for collecting charity from the congregation and donating these funds to important charities. The Auxiliary also organized its own events. One event they held was in the form of an annual tea.

The Kiever was a social outlet for men, women, and youth as well. Boys were able to participate in a youth minyan that was held in the basement of the Kiever. Fischel Cooper led the group of boys and would take them on social outings to High Park and Queen’s Park. Albert Gellman, who participated in Cooper’s group, remembers Cooper as a “Jewish grandfather, prophet, teacher, coach, and pied piper all rolled into one.”4

The Kiever synagogue was a popular site for a wide range of social events. Numerous wedding receptions, bar mitzvah celebrations, and anniversaries were celebrated in the Kiever. Aside from personal celebrations, the hall in the basement of the Kiever provided a space for social gatherings ranging from member luncheons to a dance for Young Judea Zionists.

The building itself has been a reason for people to celebrate together. The historic building has been the site of many tours and exhibits. In 1974, the Jewish community organized the Sense of Spadina tour that allowed people to explore the history of the area. The tour was organized by the Ontario Jewish Archives Committee. The Kiever was the last site on the tour, where music and food were offered to the guests. The building was also a site for tours that were organized in conjunction with an exhibit about the history of Jews in Western Canada, sponsored by the Jewish Historical Centre of Western Canada. The building was so popular as an educational site that in the late 1970s, there was discussion of creating a museum in its basement.

1. David Pinkus, “History of the Kiever”. http://kievershul.tripod.com/history.html
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Albert Gellman, Beth Tzedec Bulletin (July 20, 1975) p. 5.

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