Exhibition Celebrates 125 Years of Jewish Heritage in Sault Ste. Marie

A new exhibition at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum highlights the significant contributions of the local Jewish community to the city’s history. Titled ROOTED: 125 + Years of Jewish History in Sault Ste. Marie, the exhibition officially opened on January 17, 2024, and will remain on display until January 31, 2024. It features a collection of photographs, religious artifacts, and written histories of Jewish families in the area, with contributions from members of Congregation Beth Jacob and the museum’s archives.

The initiative to create the exhibition was inspired by the 80th anniversary of the Congregation Beth Jacob synagogue, located on Bruce Street. Exhibition co-organizer Robert Cohen expressed the goal of the project: “Our aim was to share Jewish history and culture with the community of Sault Ste. Marie because many residents are unaware of the Jewish community here.”

Historical Roots and Community Impact

The Jewish presence in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, dates back to 1866, while Cohen’s grandparents, Benjamin and Esther Cohen, were the first Jewish settlers in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, arriving in 1901. Cohen shared, “My grandfather moved here from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, drawn by the opportunities presented by Francis Clergue’s steel mill.” The Cohen family went on to establish Traders Metal, one of several businesses initiated by Jewish immigrants in the region.

At one time, the Jewish-owned businesses played a prominent role on Queen Street, with establishments like Friedman’s Department Store and Davis Clothing serving the community. “These entrepreneurs were not typically doctors or lawyers; they opened stores instead,” Cohen noted. “They started small but grew into significant businesses. In the 1960s, there were many Jewish merchants in Sault Ste. Marie, and we want to share that history.”

The Jewish community has long been integrated into the social fabric of Sault Ste. Marie, participating in service clubs, charities, and serving in both World Wars. Cohen emphasized their role in the city’s development: “We are part of Sault Ste. Marie’s history, and we want to share that with everyone.”

Community Engagement and Future Aspirations

The exhibition was organized collaboratively by Cohen, current Congregation Beth Jacob president Tova Arbus, Ginny Cymbalist of the Chippewa County Historical Society, and the staff at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum. Arbus highlighted the vibrant impact of the Jewish community in the downtown area, stating, “We helped shape various businesses, sectors, and charitable initiatives. Many in the community don’t know about this history because we haven’t talked about it extensively.”

Arbus pointed out that approximately 30 families and individuals actively participate in Congregation Beth Jacob and estimated that there are between 100 to 150 Jewish individuals in the Sault and surrounding areas. She reflected on the common threads of immigrant experiences shared across cultures, stating, “I hope people become curious and visit the exhibit.”

Will Hollingshead, the executive director and chief curator of the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “I’ve learned a lot about the Jewish faith and the contributions made to Sault Ste. Marie’s development,” he noted. “It has been a great learning experience and an excellent opportunity for the museum.”

The museum benefitted from the efforts of Evan Lang, archival assistant, in bringing the exhibition together. “This aspect of Sault’s history is often overlooked unless you are part of it, and now we have an exhibit that showcases it,” Lang remarked.

Visitors can view the exhibition during the museum’s operating hours, which are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. The community is invited to attend an opening event on January 17, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring short speeches, refreshments, and opportunities to engage with members of the congregation.