After decades of discussion, Congregation Etz Chayim—the largest synagogue in Winnipeg’s north end—is finally moving.

“Eighty percent of our members live in the south part of the city,” said Avrom Charach, president of Etz Chayim. “The number of members who live close to the synagogue is dropping every year.”

The Conservative synagogue, which has about 375 member households, was formed 20 years ago when three synagogues—Beth Israel, Bnay Abraham and Rosh Pina—merged.

The current building is now up for sale, said Charach, and the congregation has made an offer on another building in the city’s south end.

Charach declined to identify the building they hope to buy until after the purchase is completed at the end of October. “We want to do our due diligence,” he said.

The congregation hopes to make the move to the new location next summer.

“We already have people interested in buying our old building,” said Charach of the current synagogue, which was built in 1952.

“I’m hopeful it will be sold before we move. It would be a beautiful facility for another faith community.”

Charach acknowledged the move will be hard for those who have decided to remain behind in the north end, especially those who are elderly.

The synagogue is discussing how to help them get to the new location for services or receive pastoral care.

For Charach, the move is personal. “Almost every religious memory for me is in that building,” he said of his growing up years, wedding and for his children.

“I hope we can rebuild those same memories and spirit in the new building.”

For Rabbi Kliel Rose, who grew up in the north end, the move is both exciting and risky.

“All religious institutions are facing the same predicaments,” he said of the declining attendance at religious services that is occurring across most faith groups. “Our membership has also declined over the past 10 years.”

The relocation is a way to “shake things up,” he said, adding it will “give us a chance to thrive.”

The move is a significant change for Winnipeg’s Jewish community, which called the north end home for many decades.

“It’s been an important landmark for the Jewish community in the north end,” said Rabbi Rose of the synagogue. “The move is touching many heart strings.”

Rabbi Rose, who grew up in the north end, came to Etz Chayim in 2018. He praised synagogue leadership for how they orchestrated the relocation, saying they facilitated “many deep and thoughtful conversations.”

As for those left behind, Rabbi Rose wants to ensure they continue to be served.

“These people will need to be attended to in creative ways,” he said. “We want them to know they won’t be forgotten.” 

Another bonus from the move will be being closer to the Asper Jewish Community Campus, the hub of Jewish life in Winnipeg, and other Jewish institutions and organizations.

For Rabbi Rose, the relocation will give an opportunity “to recreate who we are as a congregation… I believe it will serve us well, and the whole Jewish community well.”