A new branch of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada (NCJWC) is starting in Barrie, Ont. It’s the first Jewish organization outside a synagogue to open in the booming city north of Toronto.

Helen Silverstein is the driving force behind the new start-up. Four years ago, Silverstein and her husband retired to Barrie, to live full-time in what was originally the family’s cottage. Not long after she moved, she began hearing about her friends’ children, who were moving to Barrie, thanks to professional opportunities and the lower cost of housing, but who weren’t attracted to synagogue life.

The Jewish population of Barrie doubled between 2001 and 2011, with 1,445 people in the 2011 census identifying as Jewish. The community has a Reform congregation and a Chabad centre, but Silverstein believes there’s room for a Jewish organization that’s not affiliated with a religious movement.

Silverstein had been an active volunteer with UJA Federation and NCJWC when she lived in Toronto, and wanted to bring the same sense of community engagement to her new hometown.

“I’m passionate about living in Barrie-Innisfil and I’m passionate about being involved,” she said.

NCJWC “encourages volunteerism. It’s a way for people moving into the local community to become connected,” she said.

Debbie Wasserman, the national president of the NCJWC said that one of her goals for the 121-year-old women’s organization is to expand the group’s reach.

NCJWC has seen a number of its branches close over the years, as members aged. As Jews move to smaller communities, Wasserman said the organization can play an important role in getting women together to meet each other.

The national organization’s primary focus has been on community projects. In Toronto, it is probably best known for its massive Passover food drive, but other chapters have taken on projects such as setting up libraries in women’s shelters and distributing backpacks filled with school supplies.

NCJWC is ideal for people who may not affiliate religiously, she said.

“The kind of organization we are, it’s not just give money, it’s get your hands dirty and do something – you know, help people.”

Hinda Koza-Culp grew up in Barrie, where she was the only Jewish child in her class. Now her two young children are in the same situation.

I’m passionate about living in Barrie-Innisfil and I’m passionate about being involved.
– Helen Silverstein

Her family helped start what became the Am Shalom Congregation, but she knows that a lot of people are not connected to the synagogue.

“I was very excited when Helen reached out to me. I hope it can be a situation where like-minded women want to give back to their community,” she said. She noted that the group will also be a way to show her son and daughter the importance of their heritage and give them a greater sense of community.

The Barrie branch’s first meeting will be on Nov. 12. Silverstein said that she has a list of about 25 women who are interested.

“The response has been very positive. I think the organization will sell itself,” she said.

For more information about the Barrie branch, and the inaugural meeting, email [email protected].