By Teigan Goldsmith Hitsman

Last month, the Ottawa Jewish Archives excitedly welcomed four new additions to its historical collection from Congregation Beit Tikvah. 

The donation, which originated from Ottawa’s first synagogue, Adath Jeshurun, contains decorative elements from the ark of the first shul, including the two decorative “crowns” and the Ten Commandments that adorned the top. 

Adath Jeshurun holds a foundational place in the story of Jewish life in Ottawa. Formed in the late 19th century, the congregation began meeting in private homes and rented halls before erecting its own synagogue in 1904 at 375 King Edward Avenue. 

The buildings distinct façade, which still stands today, features elegant wooden onion domes – an architectural nod to Eastern European synagogue styles – made complete with its familiar Magen David window. 

The building’s interior was equally ornate, with a carved wooden bimah, a part of which is now housed in the Archives.

Over the course of the following century, Adath Jeshurun was amalgamated with several of the other congregations in Ottawa that now make up the current Kehillat Beth Israel congregation. During this time, items and artifacts from Ottawa’s first shul have made their way into people’s homes, other shuls, and of course, the Archives. 

Among those who played a role in safeguarding these items was Congregation Beit Tikvah, formerly known as Beth Shalom West.

In 1999, the building, then used as the Chevra Kadisha, was sold and the ark was at risk of being demolished. 
Sara Briener, then president of Beit Tikvah, was contacted by Rabbi Howard Finkelstein about the possible demolition and immediate steps were taken to bring the ark to Beit Tikvah. 

“Several members, along with the Rabbi, arranged to transport the Aron Kodesh to our location at 15 Chartwell. Unfortunately, we underestimated its weight. Made of solid wood, it featured intricately carved crowns on each side and a set of tablets (Ten Commandments) crafted from pure marble. After contacting several movers, the Aron eventually arrived at our shul — but in a disorganized and dismantled state. It was heartbreaking to see such a sacred artifact arrive in pieces, stripped of its former structure and dignity.” – Sara Briener on bringing the Ark to Beit Tikvah. 

The synagogue’s leadership searched the city for carpenters who could restore the ark to its former glory and found an architect who agreed to not only repair the wood carvings, but to refurbish the interior where the Torah would sit. 

Unfortunately, after restoration and installation, they realized the ark was taller than their ceilings and the decorative crowns and solid marble Ten Commandments could not be included. For the next 25 years, Beit Tikvah stored the artifacts at their synagogue. 

In September of 2025, a representative of Congregation Beit Tikvah approached the Archives to see if they were willing to take the items as artifacts so they could be preserved long term. 

The decision to accept these artifacts was not made lightly. The Archives typically focuses on preserving paper records, photographs, and smaller three-dimensional objects. 

Space and environmental constraints make it extremely challenging to care for large architectural pieces and most of the time they are turned away. 

However, I made a rare exception, acknowledging that the cultural and historical importance of these items outweighs the logistical challenges. 

Being more than 120 years old and in wonderful condition, these items aren’t just remnants of a building; they are symbols of the roots of Jewish life in Ottawa. 

These beautifully crafted architectural elements, steeped in more than a century of community history, now have a permanent home in the Archives. 

For now, they will remain in the Archives’ off-site storage facility where they will be cared for and preserved, I hope to have the items on display in the future for the community to appreciate.

-- Teigan Goldsmith Hitsman is the Archivist at the Ottawa Jewish Archives