The Jewish Public Library (JPL) or Yidishe Folks Bibliotek has been a cultural hub for the advancement of Jewish learning, communal life, and Yiddish literature since 1914. Its emergence reflected the increasing popularity of public libraries, the strengthening of Yiddish literary culture locally and internationally, and the consolidation of Montreal’s…
Exhibits
Hasidism, a form of ultra-Orthodox Judaism, developed in Eastern Europe during the eighteenth century as a spiritual response to overly meticulous religious practices. Sects quickly spread, creating dynasties of charismatic leaders called rebbes, who were named after the communities they served. Rabbi David Flaum (1896–1971) was one of the first,…
The Montreal Hebrew Orphans’ Home opened in 1909 on 18 Evans Street. Despite its name, the home initially took in transients and the elderly as well as orphans. At the time, the term orphan did not necessarily mean a child without parents–many children of impoverished single parents were also categorized…
The Montreal Hebrew Orphans’ Home opened in 1909 on 18 Evans Street. Despite its name, the home initially took in transients and the elderly as well as orphans. At the time, the term orphan did not necessarily mean a child without parents–many children of impoverished single parents were also categorized…
The Jewish Public Library (JPL) or Yidishe Folks Bibliotek has been a cultural hub for the advancement of Jewish learning, communal life, and Yiddish literature since 1914. Its emergence reflected the increasing popularity of public libraries, the strengthening of Yiddish literary culture locally and internationally, and the consolidation of Montreal’s…
Joseph Schubert (1889-1952) was a popular labour organizer, public health advocate, and City Council alderman in the 1920s and 1930s, representing the interests of Montreal’s “downtowner” immigrant Jewish community during its formative years. After arriving from Romania, he worked as a pants maker before quickly rising to prominent positions in…
The Montreal Hebrew Orphans’ Home opened in 1909 on 18 Evans Street. Despite its name, the home initially took in transients and the elderly as well as orphans. At the time, the term orphan did not necessarily mean a child without parents–many children of impoverished single parents were also categorized…
Hasidism, a form of ultra-Orthodox Judaism, developed in Eastern Europe during the eighteenth century as a spiritual response to overly meticulous religious practices. Sects quickly spread, creating dynasties of charismatic leaders called rebbes, who were named after the communities they served. Rabbi David Flaum (1896–1971) was one of the first,…
Montreal Jewry is heralded for two culinary contributions: smoked meat and bagels. Popular bread amongst Eastern European Jews since the sixteenth century, immigrants brought “beygels” to North America when they emigrated. Symbolizing the eternal cycle of life, bagels reflect the resilience of the early years of the largely immigrant-based Montreal…