Instruments of Faith

In 2002, prominent local photographer Robert Burley set out to document some of Toronto’s earliest synagogues. The synagogues represent structures built before 1930 by Toronto’s immigrant community, which established these  congregations in the early twentieth century. This exhibition features photographs of six synagogues still in use today: Anshei Minsk, the Kiever, Shaarei Tzedec, Knesseth Israel, First Narayever, and the Beach Hebrew Institute.

Burley’s evocative photography is a compelling and poignant tribute to the craftsmanship and design of these early synagogues, often overlooked within Toronto’s architectural heritage. Burley himself was drawn to the simplicity and beauty of the structures that were built with limited financial resources. His photographic survey not only documents the culture and history of Toronto’s Jewish population but also serves as a touchstone for examining wider themes including immigration, antisemitism, and the growth of Toronto’s culturally diverse population.

We invite you to explore this remarkable curated selection of Robert Burley’s photography, generously donated to the Ontario Jewish Archives by the late Joey Tanenbaum and his wife Toby Tanenbaum.