Montreal researchers are studying the high COVID rates among haredim
A study supported by the federal government will investigate the incidence of COVID among the haredi Jewish community in Montreal, which is said to have been “disproportionately affected” by the coronavirus. The multidisciplinary study is being conducted by the government’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF), in collaboration with a research team from McGill University and […]
Documentary pays homage to resilience of Montreal’s special-needs choir members through pandemic
Weekly rehearsals and a busy concert schedule provided a group of Montreal adults with disabilities much-needed camaraderie and opportunity to learn and develop their talents. The pandemic brought that to a sudden halt in March 2020. But under its charismatic founder and leader, Cantor Daniel Benlolo, the Shira Choir went virtual. The 35 members quickly […]
Liberals retained all of their seats in Montreal ridings with significant Jewish populations
There was no change in Montreal-area ridings with significant Jewish populations where Liberal incumbents were re-elected by wide margins. In Mount Royal, Anthony Housefather, first elected in 2015, captured 57 percent of the vote, a touch more than in 2019. His closest challenger was Conservative Frank Cavallaro who received 24 percent. Liberal since its creation […]
Mount Royal: a Liberal stronghold where Israel isn’t a top election issue (this time)
For the first time in more than a decade, Israel is not a dominant issue among Jewish electors in Montreal’s Mount Royal riding in this campaign. Since the 2008 election, by which time Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper had shown himself to be an unwavering supporter of the Jewish state, Liberal candidates have had to […]
The long theatre intermission is about to end at Montreal’s Segal Centre
After one and a half years in the dark due to the pandemic, the Segal Centre for Performing Arts is presenting an in-person theatre season—with a bark. These extraordinary times call for a reset that is a bit different, a little bolder, said artistic and executive director Lisa Rubin at the virtual 2021-2022 season unveiling. […]
Pandemic-tested Jewish schools in Montreal start the year with a little more confidence
Jewish day schools in Montreal are beginning the year with less trepidation than in 2020-21 despite a fourth wave of COVID driven by the more contagious Delta variant that experts believe will worsen. That confidence is based on rising COVID vaccinations, experience gained in implementing sanitary measures, and no more remote learning—for now. The Quebec […]
Dispatches: Montreal synagogues weigh whether to require proof of vaccinations to attend services
While larger synagogues grappled with the issue of requiring worshippers to be vaccinated, in July two small congregations that share a building in suburban Laval declared in no uncertain terms that anyone entering would have to be fully vaccinated. Issie Baum, president of Young Israel of Chomedey, which rents space from Congregation Shaar Shalom, said […]
Swastikas scrawled on these two election signs in Montreal denounced by multiple leaders
Liberal MPs Rachel Bendayan and Anthony Housefather.
Over $1.2M in federal security funding to go to Montreal Jewish institutions
Eighteen schools and synagogues received a share.
Obituary: Rabbi Howard Joseph led Montreal’s Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue for 40 years
“His wisdom and quiet determination fostered a respect among the many communities that has withstood the test of time.”
