Beth Tzedec Synagogue

Beth Tzedec Congregation (BTC), the result of the amalgamation of two of Toronto’s earliest Shuls, is today one of the world’s largest congregations and aims to be a leading Conservative Synagogue. Built over 60 years ago, BTC’s original building was designed by famed Canadian modernist architect,  Peter Dickinson. Recognizing the building’s importance to Canadian architecture, Hariri Pontarini Architects is revitalizing this structure with a design that respects the existing architecture.

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Completed in June of 2017, Phase 1 of the project transformed some of BTC’s existing interior spaces including the Mezzanine Hall, servery, and Rotunda. The once blank south wall of the Mezzanine Hall now features floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that frame views to a future rooftop terrace, and bathe the south-facing Hall in natural light. Future phases of the project will involve modifications to the Sanctuary that will increase warmth and intimacy, improve accessibility, and energy efficiency. Working within the existing structure built in the 1950s, the Chapel will be expanded and transformed to introduce a greater connection to nature and the building’s renewed landscape. With added flexible, functional spaces and revitalized exterior frontages, the design for the new synagogue will sustain the Beth Tzedec Congregation for generations to come.