Shearith Israel, commonly known as The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, identifies as “pluralistic”—and rightfully so. Located in the heart of Snowdon, the many buildings composing this institution bring together people of many different backgrounds. The congregation’s members hail from over 12 countries, fostering a deep sense of interculturalism and offering a place for all. This institution has maintained a tradition of inclusion and Jewish practice for centuries,whether through Shabbat services, holiday celebrations,or providing extensive community resources.
Being the oldest Jewish institution in Canada—as old as the province of Quebec itself—the synagogue carries a rich history. Dating back to the first Jewish settlers in 1760, The Spanish and Portuguese Synagoguewas formally established in 1768 as a place for all families of the community to safely carry out religious practices and connect with one another. Over the course of the past two centuries, the synagogue has expanded and created numerous institutions, such as The Young Men’s Hebrew Benevolent Society of Montreal in 1850, now known as the Baron de Hirsch Institute, and the Sisterhood of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in 1918.
The Baron de Hirsch Institute first began as a refuge for immigrant Jews in the late 18th century, offering housing and food to those adjusting to their new country. Over the years, it has expanded its services—shifting towards family welfare, offering support for civil rights and advocacy, providing burial services and much more. The organization continues to be an essential community resource, but now functions independently from the Synagogue. The Sisterhood was founded by women, for women to highlight their crucial role in the community and organize activities designed for them. These activities include film screenings, day trips, and more. More than just another committee of the Synagogue, the Sisterhood “promotes an understanding and vibrancy to the community.”
Placing a deep emphasis on education, the Synagogue offers various educational activities targeted at different age groups, ranging from kindergarteners to adults. Their pedagogical philosophy reflects the overall mission of the Synagogue with a duality of tradition and modernity, aiming both to “water our roots” and “enhance Montreal’s Jewish social life.”
As a reflection of its deeply multicultural attendees, the Synagogue offers three different Shabbat services, each featuring different languages, practices, and traditions. The Mashaal Sanctuary (Sephardi, Ashkenazi, Anglophone, and Francophone), Maghen Abraham (Sephardic, Francophone,and Lebanese) and Chevra Shaas-Adath Jeshurun-Hadath Kodesh-Shevet Achim-Chaverim Kol Yisrael d’Beth Abraham (Ashkenazi and Anglophone) all unite a diverse Jewish community.
“Third spaces” may be a diminishing phenomenon in our society, but the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue continues to cultivate a dynamic space by hosting an average of one event a week. These activities range from Purim Carnavals to Backgammon Nights. On top of Shabbat dinners, the Synagogue hosts themed meals to highlight different cultures, such as the upcoming “Memories of Baghdad: Sounds and Tastes of Iraqi-Babylonian Jewish Culture.” These spaces, both physical and abstract, are essential for connecting a community. They serve as an in-between for school, work, and home, allowing the Jews of Montreal to explore their identity and develop a deeper bond with the people around them. More than simple dinners or games, these events enable the youth to discover each other and the elders to fight isolation, creating an intergenerational dialogue crucial for growth.
This long-standing institution serves as an example of acceptance and diversity. Lebanese, Ashkenazi, and Francophone communities all cohabitate under one roof, creating a complex and multifaceted institution. The Spanish Portuguese Synagogue continues to be a pillar of the Montreal Jewish community. Jews from all over the world have come to this congregation for centuries, bringing Montreal’s diverse Jewish community ever closer.
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