TORONTO — Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue recently dedicated itself as a “community hub” for Bathurst Manor after making a number of upgrades to its building.

The project, made possible with a $130,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, $75,000 grant from the Canadian government, and donations from Beth Emeth donors, includes an accessibility elevator, named Shelley’s Elevator; a ramp, named the Sam and Rose Pacht and Family Accessibility ramp; electronic doors, and an emergency generator.

The Ruth Kelman Centre, located on the synagogue’s lower level, has been renamed the Rabbi Joseph and Ruth Kelman Centre, and is now accessible by elevator.

Rabbi Kelman, the synagogue’s founding spiritual leader, was an advocate on behalf of people with special needs. The centre has been used for more than 50 years by the Kadima Centre, the synagogue’s program for adults with special needs.

Michael Kerzner, the synagogue’s chairman of the board, said that “this is only the beginning of the expanded service we can provide to the community. We look forward to many more opportunities to serving the community at large.”

He said that the synagogue has witnessed an increase in the number of special needs individuals served on a weekly basis. “Out of the Cold volunteers have used the elevator to transport many donated items, and Gan Yeladim Day Care Centre has used the elevator to avoid trips and falls on the stairs.

“During the power outage as a result of the rain storm on July 8, Beth Emeth was the only beacon of light in the neighbourhood.”

Eva’s Initiatives, which provides safe shelter and a range of services for homeless youth, has signed an agreement with Beth Emeth to formalize the synagogue as its safe haven in times of evacuation. Claire Horowitz, the shul’s director of financial development, said that Beth Emeth has always been known as a leader in the community, “and this cements our role.”