This project is about the first congregation of the synagogue, Temple Emanu-El. Our project asks one simple question: why is the synagogue located where it is?
Of course, no question is ever simple. Even this question is unclear: does it refer to the placement of the synagogue in Victoria as a city, or its placement in Victoria? What is its significance, both for the Jews and for the greater community?
The answer to the first subquestion lies in the History section of this website. The answer to the second question lies within our map. Using Google MyMap, we have plotted the locations and addresses of the local Jewish residents; the same people who would have been in the very first congregation of Temple Emanu-El. It is through this map that the reason behind the central location of the synagogue becomes clear. Come look at our Map page to find out the answer to this question, and to take a tour through 1863 Victoria and meet some of these extraordinary residents.
