Congregation Etz Chayim was born in August 2002 when Beth Israel, Bnay Abraham, and Rosh Pina synagogues joined together to form a new, vibrant home for the observance of Conservative Judaism in Winnipeg.
After two years of planning and negotiation under the leadership of Jack London, CM, QC, the Province of Manitoba passed
The Congregation Etz Chayim Amalgamation Act. It was seen as less of a merger and more of a marriage as three remarkable congregations came together to enhance the synagogue landscape in Winnipeg.
While still a new congregation, Etz Chayim rests on a foundation of more than three centuries of combined history of its three legacy synagogues.
Beth Israel started as the Hebrew Sick Benefit Association in 1906. It opened a cemetery in 1911; the city’s first apartment complex for Jewish seniors in 1970; and the synagogue itself on Sinclair Street in 1976 following a merger with Tiferes Israel Synagogue. Bnay Abraham was born in 1916 as a free loan and sick benefit society. It opened its cemetery a few years later and then built its synagogue on Enniskillen Avenue in 1958. The building was expanded in 1970 and in 1973, there was a merger with Ateres Israel Synagogue. Later, the congregation built an adjoining seniors’ apartment complex. Rosh Pina originally opened its doors at Martha and Henry in 1893. It also established its own sick benefit program and cemetery. Rosh Pina re-opened in 1952 at 123 Matheson Avenue East and later built a housing complex for seniors.
Today, Congregation Etz Chayim is making its own history, one anchored by a strong sense of joy, community, goodness, and a celebration of Jewish life.
OUR MISSION
To harness the power of community and the strength of our roots to enhance Jewish life and spirituality through prayer, learning, ritual, tikkun olam, meaningful social connections, and engaging Jewish experiences; to become increasingly relevant in the lives of our congregants, and to become increasingly integral to the well-being of the Jewish community.
OUR VISION
A caring, welcoming, vibrant, engaged, and informed, egalitarian congregation sharing the joy of Torah and Jewish life with each other and from generation to generation. Consistent with the principles of Conservative Judaism, we honour Jewish values and practice; we help our congregants advance and celebrate their Jewish identity; and we enhance life for the entire Jewish community of Winnipeg. We help people find value in Jewish living – in the synagogue and beyond.
CLERGY
Tracy Kasner
Cantor - Hazan Rishon
Tracy is entering her 24th year as Cantor at Congregation Etz Chayim. She studied voice extensively at the Conservatory of Music and Arts with the noted vocal instructor Diane Berger, and is an alumna of The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Musical Theatre Senior Performance Group.
Tracy's role as cantor at Etz Chayim has more than one branch. While spreading the music at daily services, she also teaches the "whys" and the "hows" of it- education that frequently begins with Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. Tracy keeps community and spirituality alive through minyan coordination.
Tracy truly creates spiritual experiences for everyone joining in, regardless of their religious background and practices, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
She says "A lot of thought goes into how we use music at Etz Chayim. It's beautifully arranged, carefully designed. Learning the how, when, and why of a song for prayer brings a level of understanding to the music, which makes everything more spiritual"
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Kevin McIntyre
Cantor - Hazan Sheini & Torah Reader
BIO COMING SOON
Morissa Granove
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
204.589.6305 (Ext 107)
morissa@etzchayim.ca
Marina Kory
ACCOUNTANT
204.589.6305 (Ext 106)
mkory@etzchayim.ca
Margo Carr
FUNERAL COORDINATOR
204.589.6305 (Ext 103)
mcarr@etzchayim.ca
204.589.6305