Darchei Noam

Founded in 1972 by a study group interested in the writings of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, Darchei Noam first operated as a small havurah that met in congregants' homes. The group eventually became large enough to move into a series of rented spaces, the last being the B'nai Brith Building on Hove Street where it was located for more than 20 years. With... the hiring of Rabbi Joy Levitt in 1979, Darchei Noam became the first synagogue in Toronto with a woman rabbi. In 1981, Darchei Noam had grown out of its early havurah stage and became incorporated as a synagogue. At this time, it hired a full-time rabbi, Rabbi Richard Hirsh, who continues to lead services and inspire the community at the High Holy Days each year. He was succeeded by Rabbi Barry Blum, and then by Rabbi Deborah Brin. In 1991, Rabbi Larry Pinsker joined Darchei Noam and served the community for eleven years until the hiring of Rabbi Tina Grimberg in 2002.Read More