The Hebrew Congregation of Newfoundland was founded in 1909 as an Orthodox[3] congregation meeting in rented spaces in town. The earliest members were Jews from the United States; later, many Russian Jews who had defected from the Soviet Union became members during the Cold War.[2] The current synagogue building at the corner of Elizabeth and Downing was constructed from 1959 to 1961,[2] and features include an open courtyard.[4]Edmond de Rothschild was made an honorary member of the synagogue in 1966 for his contributions to its construction. In 2001, the building underwent extensive renovations.[2]
As of 2008[update], the congregation had 25 member families. The president was Dr. Michael Paul.[1]