Frequently Asked Questions about Sons of Jacob Congregation

Belleville doesn't have any Jews, does it?
Actually about 60 people from Belleville, Trenton and area are members of the Sons of Jacob Congregation. There are many more Jewish people in the area who are not members but are known to appear out of the blue on one occasion or another.

Is your Synagogue Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or what?
According to the constitution of the Sons of Jacob Congregation the services conducted at the Synagogue are to be in accordance with modern Conservative Judaism. In reality, due to the fact that our members come from all walks of Jewish life the service is conducted in both English and Hebrew, according to differing and various traditions.

I came to shul Saturday morning for Shabbat Shacharit services but the Shul was locked, what gives?
We are open on many Friday evenings for Erev Shabbat service followed by a pot luck dairy dinner. As well, we have started running Saturday Shabbat services followed by a Kiddish lunch. Please check the website for dates and times.

You can check out our events page and see that we have brunches, lectures, plays, parties and other exciting events. We are always looking for ideas, though. - and people to help put those ideas to work. Let us know if you have an idea or want to help in any way.

What about the kids?
Children are the future of our community. All children of all ages are welcome at our services. We have an extensive collection of toys and have set up a play area in our auditorium. When there is enough interest (and support), the Sons of Jacob Hebrew School has run on Sundays during the regular school year. The children learn about Judaism, through stories, songs, art and history and they learn Hebrew as well. When we have enough students, the children are also the ones who put on our annual Chanukkah and Purim plays and our Passover model seder.

Do you have a Service Leader?
Yes we have a service leader for our Erev Shabbat services. For Saturday morning services, and the High Holidays we bring in a service leader from Toronto. A small community like ours is currently unable to support professional clergy. Members of the community help out in leading the services. For occasions when a lay person cannot be of assistance, Rabbis (or other learned people) are brought in from other communities.

What about High Holidays?
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are, as in most Jewish Communities, our most popular services. Every year someone is brought to Belleville to coordinate and perform the services - with the help of our community, of course!

What is the Sons of Jacob Congregation relationship with the greater Belleville Community?
Whenever we are able we try to take part in community wide programs and initiatives, even if our numbers are small. Whenever programs are held which are open to the public, there is always a significant and favourable response from the local community.

How can I find out more?
We thought you'd never ask! Drop us a line, email, phone or "snail-mail." Feel free to ask questions or volunteer your time or ideas. Ultimately we need everyone, whether nearby or far away to help sustain our community and allow it to grow. It starts with you.

Wasn't that last line a little cliched, even preachy?
Sorry, but every plug helps.