Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom

Each year, Temple welcomes over 2000 visitors in an effort to promote a better understanding of Judaism and the Jewish People, Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom’s Docent Committee offers free educational tours of the synagogue. Tours take approximately 90 minutes and are open to school groups, as well as groups of adults. 

Guides can accommodate groups of 15 to 200 persons and the presentation of Jewish ethics and culture is adapted to suit each group. The three functions of a synagogue, study, assembly and prayer, are evident as visitors complete the tour. Guides also explain the various streams of Judaism in Quebec and Reform Judaism, in particular. Tours are interactive, so visitors always have ample opportunity to ask questions.

Part I: In the Sanctuary

• Comparison of the Sanctuary to the place of worship familiar to the visitor, noting the significance of similarities and differences
• The four components of any synagogue and the distinctive features of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom 
• Jewish Life Cycle rituals
• Rabbis and their role in Jewish life
• Trilingual prayer book in Hebrew, French and English

Part II: On the Bimah (the platform reserved for the clergy)

• The Ark is opened to allows visitors to view our collection of Torah scrolls
• A Torah scroll is unrolled so that visitors can view the Hebrew manuscript
• The Torah, the sacred book of the Jews

Part III: In a Jewish home

• Demonstration of rituals for ushering in Shabbat, the most important of all Jewish holidays
• Discussion of other holidays in the Jewish calendar

Part IV: The Temple Aron Museum

• For small groups only. Requires additional time.
• Exhibit of Jewish ritual objects
• Explanations of the cultural significance of the Judaica on display
   

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us at 514.937.3575, ext.201 or 213, or at info@templemontreal.ca