Background

The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue: A Canadian Landmark

Discover Canada's oldest Jewish congregation in Montreal, a historic landmark of Sephardic heritage and multiculturalism.

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The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, also known as Shearith Israel, is the oldest Jewish congregation in Canada, located in Montreal. Established in 1768, it reflects a rich Sephardic heritage and stands as a testament to Montreal's multicultural history.

A brief summary to The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue

Local tips

  • Check the synagogue's website for service times and holiday schedules.
  • Consider attending a service or community event to experience the synagogue's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Explore the surrounding Snowdon neighborhood, known for its diverse community and local shops.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue is accessible via the Montreal Metro. Take the Metro to the Côte-Sainte-Catherine station on the Orange Line. From the station, it's approximately a 10-minute walk. Montreal public transit fares are $3.75 CAD for a single trip.

  • Walking

    From nearby points of interest in the Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, the synagogue is easily reachable by foot. Use Avenue Saint-Kevin as a primary route for orientation. Walking from the Côte-Sainte-Catherine Metro station takes about 10 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montreal. A short trip from downtown Montreal to the synagogue will typically cost between $15 and $25 CAD, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

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Discover more about The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue

The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, or Shearith Israel, holds the distinction of being the oldest Jewish congregation in Canada. Founded in 1768, its roots trace back to the first Jewish settlers in Montreal in 1760. The synagogue's history is deeply intertwined with the Sephardic Jewish experience, maintaining traditions of those who sought refuge from the Spanish and Portuguese expulsions of 1492. Originally, services were held in private homes until the community formally established the congregation. The first synagogue was built in Old Montreal, marking it as the first non-Catholic house of worship in the city. Over time, the congregation moved to Chenneville Street in 1838 and then to a larger building on Stanley Street in 1890. Since 1947, the synagogue has been located in its fourth premises in the Snowdon-Côte-des-Neiges area. The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue has evolved into a multicultural community, embracing Montreal's pluralism. While initially established by English-speaking Jews, it has become bilingual with the arrival of French-speaking families from North Africa and the Middle East. Today, the congregation serves over 700 families from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the global Jewish diaspora. The synagogue's commitment to preserving its history is evident through its archives, which house a vast collection of documents, photographs, and artifacts.

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