About Congregation Emanu-El, Victoria, BC, Canada
About Us
Founded in 1862, Congregation Emanu-El is a warm and inclusive community that welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds. We were among the first Conservative synagogues to embrace same-sex marriage and the full inclusion of women in ritual leadership, reflecting our longstanding commitment to egalitarianism and social justice.
Our congregation is growing, welcoming more than 25 new member units in the past year alone—an encouraging trend in contrast to the overall decline in national synagogue membership. As the largest Jewish congregation in the region, with approximately 280 member units, we serve a diverse and expanding community, including young families, multigenerational households, interfaith families, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and newcomers to Judaism.
As our beloved rabbi of 24 years prepares to retire, we are grateful for his leadership in shaping our community. We now look forward to welcoming a new rabbi to support our growth while honoring our traditions and values.
Victoria’s Jewish community, estimated at over 4,000 people, includes three synagogues—Conservative (Congregation Emanu-El), Reform, and Chabad—along with other unaffiliated groups and organisations. Congregation Emanu-El plays a central role in Victoria’s Jewish community, engaging with local organisations, civic and Indigenous leaders, and interfaith partners while actively participating in social justice and cultural initiatives.
We are financially accountable and committed to a rigorous process of budgeting, with annual financial approval required from the congregation at each year's AGM. We recently completed a successful capital campaign to restore the exterior of our historic Romanesque Revival building. We are now launching a second phase to renovate the interior, which includes painting, plaster repair, and updating lighting and sound systems.
Our synagogue is supported by a dedicated staff, including a full-time Executive Director, part-time co-directors of the Hebrew School, and a part-time administrator and bookkeeper.
About Victoria
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and home to a metro population of approximately 400,000 people. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, temperate climate, and vibrant cultural scene, Victoria has been ranked the Best Small City in the World by Condé Nast Traveler for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024).
Known as the “Garden City,” Victoria offers year-round opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and whale watching. Its mild winters and warm summers make it one of the most desirable places to live in Canada.
As the provincial capital, Victoria features a dynamic economy driven by government, education, technology, and tourism. The city’s historic downtown boasts a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, and its neighbourhoods provide diverse housing options, from quiet residential streets to waterfront properties.
Victoria offers excellent schools, a robust public transit system, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. Its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, combined with its stunning coastal setting, makes it a unique and rewarding place to live and work.