15 - The Minkser Synagogue

The Beth Israel Anshei Minsk congregation, also known as the "Minsker", was the first synagogue formed in the Kensington Market area. Although many Jews lived in the Ward at this time, most of the Minsk 's founding members had settled in the Kensington area. Established in 1912, in a typical shtibelShtibel or Shteiblach - very small synagogue that often occupied storefronts. This kind of synagogue was prevalent in poorer Jewish immigrant communities such as The Ward in the early twentieth century. , the congregation followed the particular Jewish traditions that were practiced in Minsk , since most of the members were landsmenLandsmen - people originating from the same town or region. from Russia who arrived in Canada at the turn of the century. In 1913, the Minsk had about 50 members. Few records exist from these early years, but it appears as if the shul was first located across the street from its current location at 10-12 St. Andrews Street .

Phonetic Alphabet: https://dictionary.co.il/images/aleph-bet_pronunciation4_letters.gif