Located in Westmount, Quebec, Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom holds the distinction of being the oldest Reform synagogue in Canada, dating back to 1883. Today, the temple remains vibrant and dedicated to drawing on Jewish wisdom to nourish a deeply spiritual, educational, and cultural community. Guided by a dynamic, progressive philosophy, the congregation embraces change across generations while valuing accessibility, diversity, and complete inclusion for Jews by birth, Jews by choice, and all those who support them.

I would like to thank Executive Director Chad Lubelsky for his support of this article.

Following a 1957 fire, Max W. Roth redesigned Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in 1959 as a modernist masterpiece, replacing a 1911 Byzantine Revival structure. The new, unified design features a steel-framed, folded-plate roof echoing biblical tents, with clerestory windows illuminating the sanctuary and a layout integrating spaces for prayer, learning, and gathering.

Culture and Religious Life

Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom fosters a deeply interconnected community through a rich variety of engagement opportunities tailored for all ages and backgrounds. Beyond its foundational Introduction to Judaism courses and progressive Torah School, the temple hosts an active Youth Group (MoFTY) and a dedicated Working Groups. Deeply committed to the value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), the congregation also channels its passion for civic duty through energetic social action and volunteering committees, transforming the synagogue into a central hub for local outreach and meaningful community service.

The Aron Museum at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom houses one of Canada’s most significant collections of Judaica, featuring over 300 outstanding examples of global ceremonial art. Founded on May 22, 1953, with a foundational gift of five rare artifacts from Anna and Josef Aron,........

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