14 - Lifer at the Minksker - Part 1

Imagine waking up, in the morning, splashing some water on your face and in the middle of your yawn- prayer service sounds. What is going on downstairs in my house?? Or rather who is singing? The year is 1915, and you are a tenant at 10 St. Andrew street right here in Kensington market in Toronto. You are feeling a bit tired from working the night shift in a nearby linen factory, but you decided to wake up early anyways to beat the morning crowd at the nearby fish and vegetable market. Just a few years back in 1912, a tiny Jewish congregation was established by new immigrants from Belarus, and as much as you have little knowledge on Jewish culture, living above the congregation has exposed you to the music, language and festivities of your Jewish neighbours. Your next door neighbours at 12 St. Andrew are also sharing their home with this tiny new Jewish community, the first of its kind right here in Kensington market! Now, imagine that you ARE one of the founding members of the new shul in Kensington. You don’t have too much money, but you and many people from your shtetle back in Belarussia are new immigrants to Canada where they do not speak your language, practice your traditions or know who you are. Moving with others from Minsk is helpful to build a support network of friends, family and just generally people you relate to. Your orthadox Jewish religion is important to you, but whats more than that, the Jewish community back home has always given you support and emotional comfort in times of need. At the turn of the century in 1912, there are no established Jewish organizations that feel like home in Kensington market. Although the Ward is a walking distance away, it feels just a bit out of reach. Money is tight, but with the support of the new Jewish community, an informal organization called the Beth Israel Anshei Minsk congregation, was formed. Everyone who knows anything about this new congregation though, just calls it the “Minsker”.

Music by the Yiddish Children's Choir - Un Mir Zaynen Ale Brider