Works by famous local and nationally renowned artists will be on the auction block, along with many other items, as CanadaB次元官网网址檚 oldest synagogue raises money for much-needed repairs.
Congregation Emanu-El, 1461 Blanshard St., is a designated National Heritage Site and, as it approaches 150 years old, is the oldest synagogue in Canada in continuous use.
There is a history of community involvement with the synagogue that stretches back to its beginnings. When it was built in 1863, people came together from throughout Victoria to help raise funds for the small community of Jewish residents who were committed to establishing the synagogue.
B次元官网网址淭here were more than 200 people who made contributions towards the synagogue,B次元官网网址� board vice president Jean Dragushan said. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 quite impressive given that there were only about 35 members of the synagogue at that time. So it just shows you the level of community support.B次元官网网址�
The congregation hopes to once again rally support from the wider community for its Nov. 22 auction to raise money to go towards repairs, namely for the roof. The building is showing its age and a large crack has formed in the centre of an arch toward the back of the synagogue.
The roof, which is the original, is shifting and the whole structure needs to be stabilized
B次元官网网址淚f we canB次元官网网址檛 do that, the building itself is in great danger,B次元官网网址� Dragushan said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 alarming if you look inside because the crack is getting so large, chunks of plaster are now falling off. WeB次元官网网址檙e still OK, but I donB次元官网网址檛 know for how long.B次元官网网址�
The synagogue reached out to celebrities both local and from afar, along with local businesses, for items to auction. They answered generously and the synagogue now has more than 100 items for its auction.
Among them are a number of works of art from some big names in the art world. One is a signed print donated by Leonard Cohen, which comes with a certificate of authenticity. The work is the first in a series of 50 prints by the legendary Jewish-Canadian songwriter, poet and artist.
B次元官网网址淲e wrote him and asked him and he responded,B次元官网网址� Dragushan said.
Prints were also donated by local artists Robert Bateman and Phyllis Serota. Other celebrities who contributed items are Margaret Atwood, Marc Garneau and Morley Safer.
Also available are holiday packages to the Wickaninnish Inn and Pacific Sands Beach Resort in Tofino, tickets to events in Victoria, gift certificates for dinners in various restaurants, spa days, cooking classes and items from a variety of business.
B次元官网网址淲e got some wonderful responses,B次元官网网址� Dragushan said. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a whole range of items that will be up for auction so people can have something small, they can bid on something large.B次元官网网址�
The goal is to raise $25,000 through the evening. In total the synagogue is trying to raise $900,000 to complete all needed repairs, including restoring stained glass windows, replacing the front porch and improving the seismic stability of the building.
Synagogue organizers are also planning events for 2013 to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
Tickets for the live auction are $50 and include hors dB次元官网网址檕euvres, care of The London Chef, and drinks. Legendary Victoria auctioneer Eric Charman will be leading the live auction.
Tickets are available online at congregationemanu-el.ca or by mail at Congregation Emanu-El, 1461 Blanshard St., Victoria, V8W 2J3.
