Jewish community members Mayer Vineberg and Louis Klineberg obtained the legal authorization to establish Baïs Israël on November 9, 1897.
[2][3] As the city's Jewish population grew relatively rapidly during this time period, the community established a second synagogue, Ohev Sholom, in 1907, at 51 rue de Fossés (this street later became boulevard Charest).
In early 1943, the congregation acquired land for a synagogue and school, located at 2 rue Crémazie Est, at the intersection of avenue de Salaberry.
Anti-semitic sentiments were high in Quebec, fuelled by divisions around World War II, and the construction of a synagogue was opposed by some conservative Catholics who protested and attempted to have the building expropriated.
[4] After Quebec City's Jewish population dwindled in size, the community became too small to support this large building, and it was converted into a theater, in 1984.