Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom

Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, Westmount is a Reform synagogue in Westmount, Quebec. It is the oldest “Liberal” or “Reform” synagogue in Canada, incorporated on March 30, 1883 (the Bill of the incorporation was granted under the Act of Incorporation (46 Victoria 1883) by the Quebec Provincial Legislature), and is the only Reform congregation in Quebec.

The building :
In December, 1957, the 1911 building burned to the ground. Reconstruction began immediately, and the new Temple Emanu-El building was completed in 1959.The original building was in the Byzantine Revival style, with seating accommodations for 700, and provision for more when the membership warranted it. It was built at a cost of $65.000.

Features :
Aron Museum: Part of the Maurice Pollack Cultural Centre, the Aron Museum is Canada’s first museum, founded in 1953, of Jewish ceremonial art objects. The pieces that form the Aron Museum’s collection come from around the World, like a silver Hanukah menorah from Uzbekistan, and reveal both the diversity and continuity of Judaism across time and space.

Activities :
The committee of docents offers educational guided tours for groups of students from area high schools, colleges, universities, and adult study groups.In conjunction with the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors, Temple Emanu-El offers, as the Westmount Mini Centre, a variety of courses and social programs.