Shaar Orot will have a friendly, positive energy and include communal singing and niggunim, creating an atmosphere of worship that is uplifting and meaningful. The experience will be led by a diverse team of spiritual leaders, each bringing their own unique perspective and focus:

Rav Ari Faust | Director, Kollel Torah Mitzion (KTM)

Serving as baal tefillah, Rabbi Faust will co-lead Shaar Orot through prayer leadership, communal singing, and the creation of an uplifting and spiritually meaningful atmosphere.

Rabbi Yonah Berman | Dean of Rabbinic Initiatives, YCT Rabbinical School

Former Associate Rabbi of the Shaar and a familiar presence to many, Rabbi Berman will co-lead the experience through thoughtful teaching, facilitation, and his unique ability to bring people together.

Yoni Troy | Director, Hillel Montreal

As one of Montreal’s most dynamic young Jewish leaders, Yoni will help shape the welcoming and participatory spirit of Shaar Orot. Drawing on his extensive background, passion for Jewish community-building, and multi-generational engagement, Yoni will support the clergy to build a vibrant experience.

KTM Israeli Torah Ambassadors

These young Israeli adults—including bachurim and bnot sherut—will add a unique dimension to the service through informal engagement, shared learning, and a sense of community.

Shaar Orot is accessible by design and is meant to encourage broad participation throughout the congregation and the wider Jewish community in Montreal.

This service may be especially meaningful for:

• Past participants of the Parallel Service
• Those seeking a more interactive experience
• Families with elementary and school-aged children
• Members who have not traditionally attended during the High Holy Days
• CEGEP and university students
• Community members curious about the Shaar and a Traditional Orthodox environment

Ticket prices include access to all Shaar Orot High Holy Day services and are available to both Shaar members and non-members:

*$180 per person (18+)

*Free for CEGEP and university students

To mark the Shaar’s upcoming 180th anniversary, special pricing is being offered for this inaugural year.

Rosh Hashanah | September 12 & 13

Morning Service: Start time 10:30 AM; approximately 1.5 hours total duration

Shaar Orot participants are welcome to join the Main Sanctuary for Shacharit and Torah reading prior to the Shaar Orot Service. Shaar Orot will also conclude in time for those who wish to continue on to the Main Sanctuary to hear the sermon.

Yom Kippur | September 20 & 21

Recognizing that people connect through prayer in different ways, the Shaar is pleased to offer three distinct and meaningful pathways through the High Holy Days. Whichever path you choose, we look forward to welcoming you and your family as we gather in reflection, prayer, and community.

Main Sanctuary Services

Our Main Sanctuary remains the heart of the Shaar’s High Holy Day experience. Led by our beloved clergy and enriched by cherished traditions, inspiring sermons, beautiful music, and the atmosphere that generations of congregants have valued, these services remain our cornerstone and continue to offer a deeply meaningful way to mark the Yamin Noraim. Seats available to Shaar members only.

Shaar Orot Services

A new High Holy Day service experience designed to foster meaningful participation, connection, and community. Led by Rabbi Ari Faust and Rabbi Yonah Berman, and supported by Yoni Troy and KTM Israeli Torah Ambassadors, Shaar Orot combines prayer, communal singing, learning, and interaction in a warm and welcoming setting. The service has been thoughtfully structured in a more streamlined format to encourage engagement while preserving the meaning and spirit of the High Holy Days, but please note that not all prayers in the Main Sanctuary are covered as part of the Orot Service. Specific seats will not be assigned. Seats available to both Shaar members and non-members.

Sephardic Services

Building on the successful launch of our new Sephardic Shabbat Services, the Shaar is pleased to extend this offering into the High Holy Days. Led by Rav Yitzchak Chetrit in collaboration with our Shaar team, attendees will experience the beauty of Sephardic melodies, traditions, and customs in an uplifting and authentic prayer environment. Specific seats will not be assigned. Seats available to both Shaar members and non-members.