Inspiring innovative learning, spiritual growth, compassion and the joyous expression of Conservative Jewish living in the home, synagogue and community.
About Us
Beth Tzedec Congregation is a Conservative synagogue in Calgary, AB, where you will find passion, warmth, comfort and celebration. We believe deeply in life long learning, the importance of prayer and the presence of God in our lives, and the Jewish vision of repairing the world.
Beth Tzedec Congregation and our clergy seek to encourage involvement and create a special sense of belonging among our members and the Calgary community at large. Our Synagogue is committed to meeting the religious, educational, social, and cultural needs of our members, our community and our city within the framework of the Conservative Movement.
In keeping with the teachings of Judaism and the spirit of Klal Yisrael, Beth Tzedec Congregation recognizes its responsibility to serve the Jewish Community, the wider community and the State of Israel.
If your are looking for a spiritual outlet, a place to learn, a way to get involved in the Jewish community, or to make some new friends, the Beth Tzedec family has something for you.
History of the Calgary Beth Tzedec Congregation*
Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Calgary Beth Tzedec was formed in 1986 by the merger of two smaller congregations, the Beth Israel and the Shaarey Tzedec. The Beth Israel Congregation was founded in 1935 as a Conservative synagogue and opened its current location in 1960. The Shaarey Tzedec synagogue was built in 1959 adjacent to the old House of Israel community building near downtown Calgary and was a “modern Orthodox” synagogue with mixed seating.
By the 1980’s, both congregations were experiencing space problems; Beth Israel’s sanctuary could only seat 250 people and the Shaarey Tzedec sanctuary was also crowded at times. In addition, many members disliked its location which became increasingly distant from the newer centers of Calgary’s Jewish population.
The merger, embraced by both synagogue boards in 1986, meant that the Beth Tzedec would have a new building on the Beth Israel site and it would be a Conservative synagogue led by the Beth Israel clergy. Construction of the new synagogue facility began in 1987 and was completed in stages while the old building was gradually razed. In the early 1990’s, the Calgary Beth Tzedec was officially dedicated.
Beth Tzedec Congregation, as it is now known, is Calgary’s largest and most vibrant centre of Jewish religious life. The large sanctuary seats 1,470 people, the spacious social facilities seat 700, and it has a chapel as well as a full lower level for educational and youth activities. It serves as not only the spiritual and worship centre for its membership but also hosts many community-wide events including Yom HaShoah observances, concerts, film festivals and honoree dinners.
Beth Tzedec Congregation also plays an important role in the Calgary interfaith community, currently hosting the Calgary Interfaith Council and the Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build Project for its monthly meetings and programs. Recently, Beth Tzedec hosted the community vigil in the wake of the Pittsburg synagogue killings and regularly facilitates Interfaith Bible Study, educational dialogues, programs with local Muslim mosques, and welcomes church groups and high school classes to tour the facility and learn about Judaism. In the civic community, Rabbi Osadchey is regularly called upon to represent the Jewish community and be its ambassador of goodwill.
Beth Tzedec’s rich history of shaping the direction of Jewish life in Calgary continues under the current rabbinic, professional and lay leadership who enthusiastically looks forward to growth and success in the newest chapter in its future.
(*This information has been adapted with the consent of the JHAA)