Youth & Young Families Superhero Purim Party
2026-03-02 16:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Calling all superheroes!
Everyone is invited to a Superhero-themed Purim Party packed with bouncy castles, face painting, virtual reality superhero games, air hockey, prizes, a toddler corner, dinner and more! Come celebrate courage, kindness, and joy – superhero style! For kids ages 0-12.

$10 per person; $36 per household (before March 2).

$15 per person; $45 per household (at the door).

Hebrew Classes - Level 1 - Winter 2026
2026-03-02 17:55 - 18:55, 2026-03-09 17:55 - 18:55, 2026-03-16 17:55 - 18:55, 2026-03-23 17:55 - 18:55 | Online
Level 1: Learning to Read
This level introduces the Hebrew alphabet and vowels. Learners begin to decode and read simple words and phrases while focusing on correct pronunciation and reading fluency. No prior knowledge of Hebrew is required.
online with Merav Luz

Congregational Superhero Purim Party
2026-03-02 19:30 - 22:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
This Purim, our community is invited to celebrate at our Superhero-themed Congregational Purim Party. Come in costume (superhero or otherwise!) and enjoy an evening of food, fun and games, and a thrilling mentalist show as we celebrate the heroes among us.

$15 per adult; $54 per household (before March 2).

$20 per adult; $72 per household (at the door).

$10 per child (12 and under); free for children 3 and under

French Connexion Club de Lecture
2026-03-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Quebec
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 !
Le 4 mars, les romans épistolaires seront à l’honneur avec– Le cercle littéraire des amateurs d’épluchures de patates de Mary Ann Shaffer– 84 Charing Cross Road d’Helene Hanff– Inconnu à cette adresse de Kathrine Kressmann Taylor

Youth and Young Families Kabbalat Shabbat
2026-03-06 17:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
with Akiva School
Co-hosts: Emmanuelle Cahen, Melissa Kakon, Jessica Neat, Shari Segal
$45 per adult; $25 per child; Free for children under 3
Open to all
5:30 PM
Join Shaar clergy and the Akiva choir for a music-filled service in the Chapel.
6:30 PM
Family Shabbat dinner. Drop-in activities for kids supervised by Camp Lumi staff.

The Yalla Club
2026-03-09 18:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Jewish Learning. Israel Connection. Meaningful Friendships.
$90 per session · for students in grades 7-9 · Dinner will be served

Tuesday Night Learning - Spring 2026
2026-03-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Featured Keynote Speaker:
Thomas Mulcair
MARCH 10
7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
Bringing Learning to Life
Kollel Torah Mitzion: “From Purim to Pesach: The Quiet Way Redemption Unfolds”
An interactive session exploring the journey from Purim to Pesach and the ways redemption unfolds quietly in Jewish history and in our own lives.

Big Problems, Big Ideas
Thomas Mulcair, former leader of the NDP: “Antisemitism in Canada: Time To Speak Up”
Drawing on decades in Canadian public life, Mulcair addresses the rise of antisemitism in Canada and the responsibilities of leaders and institutions in responding to it.

8:40 PM – 9:30 PM
Crucial Debates about Israel and Zionism
Professor Csaba Nikolenyi: “Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State”
Beginning with Theodor Herzl’s observation that modern antisemitism differs from earlier religious persecution, Professor Nikolenyi explores contemporary debates around antisemitism and IHRA definition.

Montreal Spiritual Leadership
Rabbi Eric Grossman: “The Great Rabbi Shortage”
Rabbi Grossman examines the growing shortage of rabbis across North America and what it means for Jewish communities and institutions in the years ahead

The Shabbat Table
Hands-On Babka Workshop: Learn to Braid and Shape Like a Pro with Sabrina Benizri @hungry4anything
Participants will leave with their own babka to bake and enjoy at home.

Israel Wine Discovery Experience
2026-03-18 19:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Enjoy a guided tasting of exceptional Israeli wines with Dan Rabinovitch, founder of Mazel Tov Wines – plus receive 15% off pre-ordered cases for Pesach.
$36 per person – Light dairy refreshments will be served

Shabbat of Lions
2026-03-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
An evening of community, songs, and authentic Persian cuisine.
$50 per adult · $25 per student and those 18 and under
Free for members of Startup Nation, Hillel Montreal, Iranian Youth House, and Lion & Sun Association. Limited seats available
Generously sponsored by Lillian Vineberg Goodman

Tuesday Night Learning - Spring 2026
2026-03-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Featured Keynote Speaker:
Shabbos Kestenbaum
MARCH 24
7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
Crucial Debates about Israel and Zionism
Professor Csaba Nikolenyi: “Israeli Indigeneity”
Professor Nikolenyi explores the concept of indigeneity in relation to Israel and Zionism, examining how history, identity, and political narratives shape today’s debates about belonging, legitimacy, and national identity.
Montreal Spiritual Leadership
Professor Norma Joseph: “Leadership and Loneliness: Coming of Age”
Professor Joseph reflects on the realities of spiritual leadership, exploring the responsibilities, expectations, and personal challenges that often accompany positions of authority within Jewish communal life.
The Shabbat Table
A demonstration on food for Shabbat with Guila Sandroussy @tastyandhasty
Join Guila Sandroussy for a live culinary demonstration focused on approachable, beautiful Shabbat cooking; sharing techniques, inspiration, and ideas to elevate your Shabbat table.
8:40 PM – 9:30 PM
Bringing Learning to Life
Kollel Torah Mitzion: “Ma Nishtana: The Questions That Build A People”
Exploring how questions—not answers—have sustained the Jewish people.
Big Problems, Big Ideas
Shabbos Kestenbaum, American Jewish activist: “American Jews and Israel”
An exploration of the evolving relationship between American Jews and Israel, addressing generational change, political tensions, and the challenges of maintaining connection in a shifting Jewish landscape.

Hebrew - Level 1 - Learning to Read
2026-04-13 17:55 - 18:55, 2026-04-20 17:55 - 18:55, 2026-04-27 17:55 - 18:55 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
The class introduces the Hebrew alphabet and vowels. Learners begin to decode and read simple words and phrases while focusing on correct pronunciation and reading fluency. Our level 1 course introduces beginners to basic vocabulary and helps them build a good foundation for their Hebrew.

Hebrew - Level 4 - Conversational Hebrew & Reading Comprehension
2026-04-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada

Hebrew - Level 2 - Basic Vocabulary and Everyday Expressions
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada

Hebrew - Level 5 - Communication and Grammar
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada

Hebrew - Level 3 - Building Sentences and Basic Grammar
2026-04-13 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-20 20:00 - 21:00 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada

Tuesday Night Learning - Spring 2026
2026-04-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Featured Keynote Speaker:
Adam Louis Klein
APRIL 14
7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
Crucial Debates about Israel and Zionism
Professor Csaba Nikolenyi: “The IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) Definition of Antisemitism”
Professor Nikolenyi examines the IHRA definition of antisemitism and the debates surrounding its use in public policy, universities, and international discourse, exploring how it shapes contemporary conversations about antisemitism and Israel.
Montreal Spiritual Leadership
Rabbi Reuven Poupko: “What Does Holocaust Education Accomplish?”
Rabbi Poupko reflects on the goals and impact of Holocaust education today, asking what it truly teaches about memory, morality, and responsibility in confronting antisemitism and preserving historical truth.
The Shabbat Table
A demonstration on food for Shabbat with Tammy Israel @saladsnsweets
Join Tammy Israel for a live culinary demonstration featuring fresh, creative dishes perfect for Shabbat, with practical ideas and inspiration to bring flavor and beauty to your Shabbat table.
8:40 PM – 9:30 PM
Bringing Learning to Life
Kollel Torah Mitzion – “Can Faith Survive Auschwitz: Approaches to Holocaust Theodicy”
An interactive learning session exploring how Jewish thinkers have grappled with faith after the Holocaust. Through guided discussion and sources, participants will examine different theological responses to suffering and the enduring challenge of belief after Auschwitz.
Big Problems, Big Ideas
Adam Louis Klein, scholar of antizionism whose work focuses on antizionism as a single, holistic ideology of anti-Jewish exclusion: “Tying It All Together: Antizionism, A Holistic Ideology”
A conversation examining the rise of antizionism on university campuses, exploring how it manifests in academic discourse, student activism, and institutional responses.

French Connexion Club de Lecture
2026-04-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Quebec
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 !
Le 15 avril, nous lirons les prix littéraires de cet automne 2025 dont– La maison vide de Laurent Mauvignier – Goncourt et Le monde– Je voulais vivre d’AdélaÏde de Clermont Tonnerre – Renaudot– La nuit au coeur de Nathacha Appanah – Femina, Goncourt lycéens et Renaudot lycéens– Kolkhoze d’Emmanuel Carrère – Médicis– Le monde est fatigué de Joseph Incardona – 2 magots et Femina lycéens– Les éléments de John Boyne – Fnac et Fémina étranger– Passagères de nuit de Yanick Lahens – Académie françaiseet bien d’autres.

Ambassador Ido Aharoni Aronoff
2026-04-16 19:30 | Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 425 Metcalfe Ave, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A2, Canada
Israel And A New Middle East
free and open to all · Registration required by Tuesday, April 14
Ambassador Ido Aharoni is a veteran Israeli diplomat and former Consul General of Israel in New York (2010–2016). He played a key role in back-channel negotiations with the Palestinians and pioneered Israel’s nation branding efforts. Today, he is a Professor of Business at Touro University and a sought-after speaker who has lectured at leading institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Wharton, and UC Berkeley.
Presented by The Irene and Stephen Lipper Lecture Series.

Sundays at the Shaar - Behind the Scenes at the Segal Centre
2026-04-26 12:00 - 13:30 | 450 Kensington Avenue, 450 Kensington Avenue, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3A3, Canada
