Tiferes Israel Synagogue

The Tiferes Israel Synagogue is designated as a Local Historic Place for its Gothic Revival inspired architecture and for its significance to the Jewish community in Moncton.

The simple design of stretcher bond red brick and Gothic features such as pointed arch window openings and crenellated towers interrupt rectangular massing of the original structure. The unassuming design of both the exterior and interior does follow a tradition of blending functionality with symbolism that is prevalent in smaller synagogues. The iconography and symbolism are limited to adornments of the central and lower bimahs, the Aron Hakodesh (Holy Ark) and the stained glass transom windows.

The location of the synagogue is also significant. Most of Moncton’s Jewish families such as as Attis, Hans, Mark, Schelew, Selick, Gorber and Coleman resided in close proximity to the Steadman Street area because of restrictions on driving on days of Shabbat (Sabbath). As the first and only synagogue in Moncton, its importance to the Jewish community is deep. Although the first Jewish man, Jake Baig, arrived in Moncton in 1898, it was not until 1926-1927 that the numbers of Jewish families and proper financial support saw the construction of the synagogue by Ambrose Wheeler. The building of the synagogue was due largely to efforts by Isaac Selick.