Am Shalom’s Chair, Stephen Sperling, was quoted in The Toronto Sun Sept 28, 2026:
https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/waterloo-region-grappling-with-alleged-antisemitic-hate
Statement sent Sept 28, 2026 to various media outlets in Barrie and Toronto:
Am Shalom Congregation has reacted to the antisemitism that is growing like a cancer. Am Shalom, a small synagogue in Barrie Ontario (80 families), has stepped forward and sent 6 mezuzahs to Hillel at Laurier University to help replace the ones destroyed at the university in Waterloo. (Mezuzahs are prayer scrolls affixed on the doorposts of Jewish residences.) Am Shalom also sent funds to the House of Jacob synagogue in Belleville to help with repairs from their recent antisemitic attack. Am Shalom is very appreciative of our local police protection even though they are forced to pay for this additional police protection. They participated this past weekend in Open Doors Barrie and were able to celebrate the Sukkot Holiday with their neighbours but again needed to hire Paid Duty Officers for security. They would hope that in the future that this additional protection is provided without charge as the entire community is at risk.
Letter sent to Sons of Jacob:
To our friends at Sons of Jacob Congregation,
On behalf of the board and members of Congregation Am Shalom in Barrie, I write to you with heavy hearts and open arms.
We were shaken to learn of the violence outside your synagogue as you gathered for Kol Nidre. That anyone would choose the holiest night of our year, the night we stand together before God seeking forgiveness and renewal, to attack a Jewish community is a wound felt by Jews everywhere. We are deeply grateful that no one inside your sanctuary was physically harmed. We pray for a complete recovery, a refuah shleimah, for the police officer who stood guard at your doors and was gravely injured protecting you.
Please know that you are not alone. As fellow members of a smaller Jewish community in Ontario, we understand how closely you are bound to one another, and how an attack like this touches every family. Our congregation keeps you in our prayers, and we stand with you in the conviction that no one should ever fear walking into a house of worship.
We admire the strength and resolve your community has shown in the days since. If there is anything we can offer, whether companionship, help with programming, or simply a friendly voice, we would be honoured to be there for you. Our doors are open to you, now and always.
May the new year bring you healing, safety, and peace. May you go from strength to strength.
With solidarity and friendship,
Rabbi Emma Gottlieb
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the members of Congregation Am Shalom
Shakespeare, anti‑semitism and dialogue: community event aims to foster understanding in Barrie
Read the full Barrie360 Article HERE
Local Jewish communities celebrate Hanukkah with heavy hearts, resilience after Australia shooting
“By lighting our candles and coming out with this group tonight, we showed the forces of darkness that we are here, and we are not afraid,” said Jeff Wellman, past president of Am Shalom Congregation in Barrie.
Similar messaging was delivered at the ceremony in Innisfil.
Read the full CTV Article/Watch the Video HERE
Barrie rabbi turns over new leaf with Am Shalom Congregation
Emma Gottlieb, who will be living in the local community, officially welcomed into Barrie synagogue on Sept. 6 during Havdalah service.
Read the full BarrieToday Article HERE
Barrie trio celebrated with Order of the Spirit Catcher Awards
Ben Cupello, Marshall Green and Sophie Rennie honoured this year for their contributions to the community.
Read the full BarrieToday Articled HERE
Barrie’s Jewish community gathers to heal after attacks in Israel
THE SOLIDARITY WE FEEL IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO IMPORTANT TO US ALL,’ SAYS RABBI, AT EMOTIONAL SERVICE AT BARRIE SYNAGOGUE
Am Shalom Congregation donates $2,500 worth of turkeys to food bank
https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/am-shalom-congregation-donates-2500-worth-of-turkeys-to-food-bank-7641677
Synagogue hosting gala to honour longtime Barrie businessman
City synagogue ‘thrilled’ with return of repaired Torah scroll
Am Shalom Congregation will offer no-fee Jewish Heritage education classes commencing in September 2022 for children aged four to 13. This initiative is a first ever for the region and will be offered to all Jewish children in the Barrie, Innisfil and Simcoe community for members of the synagogue…
https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/synagogue-offering-jewish-heritage-classes-for-kids-5371452
AM SHALOM CONGREGATION HAS GOTTEN PLENTY OF ZOOM PRACTICE IN AHEAD OF PASSOVER CELEBRATIONS by
October 2019 Am Shalom Congregation was able to make a very large donation of 85 Turkeys to the Barrie Food Bank’s Thanksgiving Food Drive after raising funds at our 16th annual Golf Tournament.
New rabbi takes the lead at Am Shalom
A local synagogue overflowed this past weekend with pillars of the Jewish community wishing a new leader well.
Rabbi Audrey Kaufman was officially installed as the new rabbi at Am Shalom synagogue in Barrie’s south end on Saturday, which serves both Barrie and South Simcoe’s Jewish community.
While the new rabbi was officially ordained in June in New York, Saturday marked her installation as rabbi for the synagogue on Huronia Road.
https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/new-rabbi-takes-the-lead-at-am-shalom-1680974
Am Shalom holding community vigil Tuesday following Pittsburgh attack
Barrie’s Am Shalom congregation was in the middle of its own services on Saturday when word spread of a deadly attack at a Pittsburgh synagogue.
“We were in services ourselves when somebody in the congregation got notification on their phone,” David Shron, president of the Am Shalom congregation, tells BarrieToday. “We interrupted services because it was right before a prayer for healing that takes place at about the midway point of our service, and I thought it was an appropriate time to make the announcement.
“It certainly changed the atmosphere and mood of our services,” he added. “It’s a small community, so we all know people who live in the area in Pittsburgh and in Pennsylvania, so naturally all the thoughts go through your head about who was there and why it would happen in such a nice community.”
