TORONTO — The unaffiliated Congregation Beth Haminyan has been around for four decades, and even some of its members can’t believe it’s lasted that long.

“It’s astonishing that a small shul with no building or paid rabbi or chazzan has survived and thrived for 40 years,” says president Elaine Posluns.

On Jan. 18, the congregation will celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Fireside Lounge at Baycrest Terrace.

“It will be a freilech event,” says Posluns. “There will be music, singing, reminiscences and film critic Shlomo Schwartzberg will show film clips about Jews in the films.”

The Minyan, as it’s sometimes called, holds traditional Shabbat morning services at West Preparatory School in Upper Forest Hill. The members lead the davening and participate in the tfillot.

Considered a modern Orthodox/right-wing Conservative minyan, it has separate seating on Shabbat, but no mechitzah.

Five times a year, the congregation holds egalitarian services, and more than 300 members attend High Holiday services that are held at Bialik Hebrew Day School.

With an emphasis on continuing education, the members also present lunch and learn seminars and Chumash and Talmud classes throughout the year led by Rabbi Martin Lockshin, Rabbi David Aronson and members.

The minyan was started 40 years ago when the late Ben Grossman, a longtime member of Beth Tzedec Congregation, gathered together a group of friends for a chavurah-style minyan at the synagogue that became known as the “back-room minyan.” The following year, Ben and his wife Carrie made aliyah.

The minyan, with its participatory services, continued to expand. The congregation moved to several locations before settling at West Preparatory School.

Posluns told The CJN that the members of Beth Haminyan are very involved in community causes in Canada and Israel. “And we take our Jewish learning very seriously.

“Above all, we have built a community that is participatory and we support each other through good times and bad times. But we also want to extend our welcome to others in the community.”

She adds that all their members count in their extended family.

“We know what it’s like to be without a safety net in a large city like Toronto, so we have a chesed committee made up of volunteers to assist when help is needed, with shivahs, hospital and home visits, errands, transportation and meals.

“But the highlight for all of us is when we come together to observe and celebrate chagim, often the singing is inspiring and the ruach is palpable.

“After 40 years, Beth Haminyan Congregation is continuing to thrive and grow in members, keep traditions, start new ones and overcome challenges.”