Har Tikvah History
Our
Story
Get to Know Us
It all began September 1977, with a tea for Jewish women in the North Peel area which brought an attendance of fifty women. A wonderful time was had by all. One of the questions asked was, “Is there an interest in creating a more formal Jewish organization?” The answer was a resounding yes and an organizational meeting was set up.
​
There were seven families at that initial meeting of which three families are still actively involved in Har Tikvah today. We officially incorporated as North Peel Jewish Association in 1978, changed our name to Har Tikvah Congregation of Brampton in 1981, and joined the Reform movement that same year.
Our goals were to provide Jewish education for our children, a Jewish identity in North Peel, social opportunities for our children and the adults, and celebrations around the Jewish Holidays and festivals.
Members provided lay leadership for services and continue to do so. Eventually, student rabbis and ordained rabbis were hired as well. Our current part-time rabbi has been with us since 2015. Music is provided by our cantorial soloists who are also members of the congregation. Musicians, mainly members, have been and continue to be an important part of our services as well.
Our school is run and staffed by members who have devoted themselves to instilling the love of Judaism in the next generation. Members also serve as tutors for our B’nai Mitzvah.
As of that initial get-together in 1977, social events have been an important part of Har Tikvah with Shabbat meals, Chanukah and Purim parties, picnics, barbecues and so much more.
Har Tikvah continues to provide spiritual, social and educational opportunities for the Jewish community of North Peel and area. We are a small, but “mighty” group. More than a congregation, we are an inclusive family celebrating Judaism through prayer, study, caring community and social action.