What if these walls could talk? They would tell a story of resilience, community, and a deep connection to Jewish heritage. This is Shaar Hashomayim. It is the oldest Ashkenazi synagogue in Canada.
Founded in 1846, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim began with English, German, and Polish Jews. They sought a space for worship. Initially, they rented a room on St. James Street for a mere $10.
By 1859, the congregation had grown. They laid the cornerstone for their first synagogue. It stood on St. Constant Street. Today, it is de Bullion Street. This first building could hold 150 men and 50 women. Services mirrored those of the Bayswater Synagogue in London.
As the community expanded, Shaar Hashomayim needed more space. In 1885, they laid another cornerstone. This time, it was for a new synagogue on McGill College Avenue. The final cost reached approximately $40,000. The McGill College Avenue Synagogue was consecrated in 1886.
Interestingly, Shaar Hashomayim once owned the land where the Montreal Forum stood. The congregation sold this land during World War I. Jewish immigration to Montreal increased during that time. The McGill College Avenue Synagogue became too small. The Jewish population began shifting westward.
In 1920, Shaar Hashomayim acquired land on Kensington Avenue in Westmount. Lyon Cohen laid the cornerstone in 1921. It came all the way from Israel. The new building was dedicated on September 17, 1922. Furnishings from the McGill College location were sold. Beth Shlomo on Bagg Street purchased them for $1,500.
Rabbi Herman Abramowitz led Shaar Hashomayim from 1902 until his death in 1947. Later, Rabbi Wilfred Shuchat held the position for 47 years. His tenure began in 1948.
By 1965, Shaar Hashomayim had 1,750 member families. The synagogue was designed for only 300 families. An expansion was necessary. The cornerstone for this project was laid on October 1, 1967.
In 1995, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim received its Coat of Arms.
Shaar Hashomayim maintains traditions of European choral synagogues. An all-male choir was established in 1887. A hazzan and choir lead services every Shabbat and on Jewish holidays. Leonard Cohen’s Grammy-winning album featured Shaar Hashomayim’s choir.
Today, Shaar Hashomayim stands as a testament to faith and community. It has beautiful spaces. The Main Sanctuary has an inspiring aisle. Lande Hall features a spectacular chandelier. The Chapel offers a more intimate setting. Shaar Hashomayim has meeting rooms and a youth lounge. It even has a gymnasium and outdoor courtyard. This synagogue is more than just a building. It is a living, breathing part of Montreal’s Jewish history.