The Shaar

Timeless Truths, Modern Lens: Jewish Values in the 21st Century
2025-03-03 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Taught by Rabbi Ellis
How do our foundational values like love of truth, Tzedaka, and personal responsibility translate into our modern world? Join Rabbi Ellis as we see what contemporary Jewish thinkers, leaders, and other Jews have to say.
In-person; Free and open to all

Hebrew Classes - Level 2 - Taught by Merav Luz
2025-03-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Level 1: Learning to read, starting from the basics.
Level 2: Intro to Hebrew Language and conversation, includes grammar and basic vocabulary. (Participants need to know how to read.
Level 3: Reading comprehension and conversation.

Hebrew Classes - Level 3 - Taught by Merav Luz
2025-03-04 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-03-11 20:00 - 21:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada

Purim Beach Party
2025-03-13 20:00, 2025-03-16 10:30 - 12:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Congregational Purim Party
Thursday, March 13; 8:00 PM; Following the Megillah reading
$15 per person; $54 per family
Daiquiri bar, beach games, live DJ

Youth and Young Families Purim Party
Sunday, March 16; 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
$10 per person; $36 per household
Breakfast beach buffet, tropical treats, games, live DJ and more.
Co-chairs: Julia Waxman Kaplan and Julie Klein Feifer

Anxiety in Youth: When to Worry
2025-03-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Panel discussion moderated by Rabba Briah Cahana
Panelists:
Tamara Schwager – Family Life Educator
Erin Lehrer – Educator at Hertzliah High School
David Benrimoh – Assistant Professor of Neuropsychiatry, McGill University
As part of our ongoing lecture series, this session will feature expert insights from a Neuropsychiatrist, a Family Life Educator, and a High School Teacher. Together, they will discuss recognizing anxiety, understanding its impact, and knowing when to seek support. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical strategies to support the mental well-being of our youth. All are welcome.

Montreal Suzuki String Orchestra @ the Shaar
2025-03-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
A thrilling concert of string music with the Montreal Suzuki String Orchestra (Dragan Djerkic, founder and director), composed of 12- to 20-year-old students and graduates from the Montreal Suzuki Institute. Followed by a dessert reception.

Israel Story: Singing Jerusalem - A Tale of Iron and Gold
2025-04-02 19:30 | 120 Chemin de la Côte-Saint-Antoine, 120 Chemin de la Côte-Saint-Antoine, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 2H9, Canada
Join us for an emotional journey through hope, despair, ideals, and reality as we explore the powerful backstory of two iconic anthems, Jerusalem of Gold and Jerusalem of Iron. Led by a captivating narrator and Israel’s beloved Djamchid Sisters, this intimate live performance blends history, music, and emotion in a unique multimedia experience.
$25 per person

Sundays at the Shaar
2025-04-27 12:00 - 13:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
$10 per person; Lunch followed by the program
We are thrilled to re-introduce our popular Sundays at the Shaar series originally led by Naomi Kassie z”l. This beloved program offers a welcoming space for seniors to connect, engage, and thrive. Join us for a lineup of speakers, interactive activities, and wellness-focused sessions designed to promote socialization and healthy living. Whether you’re here for the conversation, the camaraderie, or the chance to try something new, Sundays at the Shaar has something for everyone. Come for the fun, stay for the community!
Featuring comedian Oren Shbiro
Oren Shbiro is a Montreal-based comedian and a regular at the city’s iconic Comedy Nest. He has performed at the Just for Laughs festival on the outdoor stage.

From Commemoration to Celebration
2025-04-30 18:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
$10 per person; $5 for children (11 and under); $20 per household
As we mark the transition from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut, join us for a ceremony with songs, poems, and prayers to honour fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, led by the Montreal cohort of shinshinim. In partnership with Federation CJA Israel Engagement. Registration required.

Blue & White Shabbat Dinner for Young Professionals
2025-05-02 19:45 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
$36 per person
Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut at a Shabbat dinner for vibrant young professionals in their 20s and 30s. Come dressed in blue & white – bonus points if you can make Teva or Naot sandals work with your outfit! Israeli-themed dinner will be served.
Deadline to register: Wednesday, April 30

Sisterhood Books and Tea
2025-05-12 12:30 - 15:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Reviewed by Trudie Mason
Light Lunch: 12:30 PM
Book Review: 1:00 PM
$20 per person
The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters, Winner of the 2024 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.A four-year-old Mi’kmaq girl goes missing from the blueberry fields of Maine, sparking a tragic mystery that remains unsolved for nearly fifty years.

Lag Ba'0mer Light Up the Night for Young Professionals
2025-05-15 19:45 - 21:45 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
$18 per person
Young professionals in their 20s and 30s are invited to celebrate Lag Ba’omer with warmth, good vibes, and great company. Join us for a glowing evening around the bonfire, featuring a baked potato bar, music, and meaningful connections. Let’s light up the night together! Registration required.

Dancing with the Shaars 2025
2025-05-29 18:30 - 22:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
A dancing extravaganza at the Shaar
$195 per person; $75 for teens 17 and under
Join us for the 2nd Annual ‘Dancing with the Shaars’, a fusion of fun and philanthropy! Tickets include valet parking, a cocktail dinatoire with an open bar, and, of course, an unbelievable show. A portion of the proceeds raised will go toward supporting Israel advocacy and combating antisemitism on campus.

From Hostage to Hope: An Evening with Eliya Cohen
2025-06-04 19:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Held by Hamas for 505 days
$100 preferred seating (partial tax receipt) · $36 general admission · $18 students

My Path to Peace: A Story of Identity, Curiosity, and Connection
2025-06-13 19:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner with Rawan Osman, Syrian-Lebanese activist
Join us for a Shabbat dinner with Rawan Osman, an activist dedicated to advancing peace and fostering dialogue between the Arab world and Israel. Raised in a Hezbollah stronghold, Osman has become a strong advocate for peace between Israel and the Arab World. Open to all.

Hosted by:
Drs. Samantha Balass and Josh Gurberg
Raquel and Alain Look
Dr. Karine Toledano and Armindo Fernandez
Alyssa and Bobby Stoller
Jennifer Croll and Michael Wolfe
Éric and Yaelle Bensimon

Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:45 PM
Dinner at 7:30 PM
$55 per person; $25 for children (12 and under)

YP Golden Hour Shabbat Dinner
2025-07-04 20:00 - 23:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
There’s something special about a summer Shabbat—the warm light, the slower pace, and a chance to pause with great people. It’s the perfect time to slow down, connect with community, and enjoy a meaningful meal together. Let’s bring in Shabbat the way it was meant to be: together, relaxed, and just a little bit golden.
$36 per person ($45 after June 27)

French Connexion - Picnic au Parc
2025-07-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Murray Hill Park, 72 Croissant Belmont, Westmount, Montreal, Quebec, H3Y 1Y4, Canada
Depuis plusieurs années, nous avons pris l’habitude de nous retrouver au parc pour un goûter estival.
Cette année encore, nous vous donnons rendez-vous le dimanche 20 juillet 2025 à 16h au Parc Murray Hill à Westmount.
Chacun apporte fruits, gâteaux, friandises et boissons, de préférence en portions individuelles.
Il y a moyen de se garer gratuitement sur la rue Murray Hill.
Le rendez-vous sera annulé en cas de pluie.
Vous pouvez vous inscrire ou simplement nous rejoindre sur place sans inscription.

French Connexion - Club de lecture
2025-08-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Chaque mois quelques passionnés de lecture se retrouvent pour discuter de livres proposés ainsi que leurs dernières trouvailles.
Il ne faut pas lire tous les livres, ni venir à tous les rendez-vous.
La rencontre a lieu en mode hybride, ceux qui le souhaitent se retrouvent dans une salle au Shaar et les autres se connectent sur zoom.
Avis aux amateurs !
Pour notre rencontre de juillet, nous lirons les livres d’auteurs italiens.
Voici quelques propositions, à vous de choisir ce qui vous tente:
– Le train des enfants de Viola Ardone
– Meurtre à la Fenice de Donna Leon (polar)
– Les enfants de Venise de Luca Di Fulvio
Bonnes lectures !

The Chuppah and Beyond: A Course For Engaged Couples
2025-08-11 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-20 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-27 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-09-03 19:30 - 21:00
Our Pre-Marriage course is designed for engaged couples looking to build a strong, meaningful foundation rooted in Jewish values. Through guided conversations and expert-led sessions, couples explore love, communication, family, and faith — all in a warm and supportive setting. Free of charge for couples getting married at the Shaar or by Shaar clergy. Open to other couples for a fee.

Lev Coeur - Cooking for Auberge Shalom
2025-08-21 07:30 - 09:00
Be part of a meaningful mitzvah opportunity that nourishes both body and soul as we prepare wholesome, delicious, and Kosher meals for Auberge Shalom, a vital organization supporting women and children affected by intimate partner abuse.

This is a powerful way to give back — and a beautiful expression of our community values in action.

Even if you can spare just an hour after school drop-off or morning minyan, your presence makes a real difference.

Shaar-BQ
2025-08-27 19:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Save the Date!

Savour the end of Summer with us at a BBQ in the courtyard. Delicious food, great company – you don’t want to miss this! More details to follow.
More details to follow.

Sephardic Friday Night Experience
2025-09-05 19:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Featuring CANTOR Nathaniel Abitbol
The joy of a soulful Sephardic Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by a festive dinner filled with authentic cuisine, heartfelt melodies, and vibrant spirit.
$50 per person · $25 for children 12 and under
Services are open to all. Dinner by registration only.

Hebrew Classes - Fall Session - Level 1
2025-09-08 18:00 - 19:00
Level 1: Learning To Read
This level introduces the Hebrew alphabet and vowels. Students begin to decode and read simple words and phrases while focusing on correct pronunciation and reading fluency. No prior knowledge of Hebrew is required

Hebrew Classes - Fall Session - Level 4
2025-09-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Level 4: Conversational Hebrew & Reading Comprehension
Students are able to hold simple conversations, read short stories or articles, and write short texts. They begin to use the past tense and improve confidence in speaking.
with Galia Philip
