Today, history is in the making; as we unveil plans to build a new Synagogue—a physical replica of that grand old Synagogue in Jaslow. This is the first project of its kind anywhere in the world, and you are invited to join the Founders Circle of the Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish Centre, as we present the Max and Gianna Glassman Jaslow Memorial Centre in Forest Hill.

The Nazis invaded the small Polish town of Jaslow on September 15, 1939. It was Friday—Erev Shabbos. When they came across the town’s grand synagogue, they immediately set fire to it, and continued on their murderous path. The town’s firefighters extinguished the flames, thinking they had saved the synagogue.

Five days later, the Nazis returned. They gathered all the Jews of Jaslow in front of the synagogue, along with the non-Jewish firemen who had saved the synagogue from burning. At gunpoint, they forced the town’s Jews and firemen to set the synagogue ablaze themselves, and made them watch, until it burned completely to the ground.

The Nazis failed in their bid to wipe out the future of the Jewish people, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Forest Hill, where Jews are choosing to learn more about their faith, their history, and their beautiful culture.

Drawn to the warmth of this new synagogue and the singing, learning, prayer, and joy that will fill it, Jews from all walks of life will come to build themselves and to build beautiful Jewish families. While the Nazis may have succeeded in burning down a particular building in Poland, they never succeeded in extinguishing the spirit possessed by Jaslow’s Jews.

Today it is being rebuilt—stronger and bigger—in a free and successful democratic nation—where Jews will once again come together in celebration of life.

Be a part of this momentous event. Help us as we create a memorial to a glorious past, and a beacon of light for a bright Jewish future.