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Page B16 M cjnews.com › November 1, 2012<br />
Weddings etc...<br />
The Canadian Jewish news<br />
Traditions blend at the Spanish and Portuguese<br />
Elaine Cohen<br />
Supplements Co-ordinator<br />
Established in 1768, the Spanish and<br />
Portuguese is Canada’s oldest synagogue,<br />
and for centuries the modern<br />
Orthodox congregation has adapted<br />
to meet the needs of Montreal’s Jewish cultural<br />
mosaic.<br />
Initially located in Old Montreal and<br />
later on Stanley Street, the Spanish and<br />
Portuguese relocated in 1947 to Snowdon,<br />
where the beautifully maintained property<br />
at 4894 St. Kevin Ave. has been expanded<br />
and continually refurbished over the years.<br />
The Spanish and Portuguese boasts a membership<br />
of 800.<br />
In 2005, several Ashkenazi synagogues<br />
merged and became part of the Spanish<br />
and Portuguese. The synagogue takes pride<br />
in the fact that its membership is comprised<br />
of Ashkenazim and Sephardim from<br />
North America, Europe, Israel, Latin America,<br />
Egypt, North Africa, Lebanon, Iraq and<br />
other areas.<br />
Shabbat services are conducted in the<br />
Mashaal Sanctuary, Lebanese services are<br />
observed in the Iny Chapel and Ashkenazi<br />
services take place in another hall. In this<br />
way, members have an opportunity to retain<br />
their respective customs and ceremonies,<br />
yet unite in honouring the Sabbath in the<br />
comfortable, fully air conditioned building.<br />
The clergy includes Rabbi Schachar<br />
Orenstein, Rabbi Emanuel White, Cantor<br />
Yehuda Abittan and Rabbi Emeritus Howard<br />
S. Joseph.<br />
The shul is open to everyone, members<br />
and non-members, planning a Jewish wedding<br />
or simchah.<br />
Walking down the aisle begins at<br />
Tel.:<strong>514</strong>-932-0002<br />
For weekday weddings and events, it is<br />
permissible to engage a kosher caterer of<br />
one’s choice. However, for weekends, the<br />
synagogue asks wedding and event planners<br />
to choose one of the following companies:<br />
La Marguerite, Renaissance or Tradition<br />
caterers. They all offer comprehensive,<br />
cost-effective packages. Practically everything<br />
outside of flowers, photographer/<br />
videographer and musical entertainment is<br />
included. The synagogue is equipped with<br />
lighting and sound systems, tables, chairs,<br />
a chupah, tablecloths, dinnerware, cutlery,<br />
glassware and numerous other items. Floor<br />
seating plans are available.<br />
The synagogue has several rooms to<br />
choose from. The Lawee Hall seats up to<br />
390 for a sit-down dinner and dancing. A<br />
magnificent chandelier was installed in<br />
2011, with no columns or poles to obstruct<br />
one’s view so that event planners can maximize<br />
space.<br />
The Aintabi Hall seats approximately<br />
250 for a sit-down dinner and dancing.<br />
The layout of the Lawee and Aintabi halls<br />
includes bar and stage facilities. Guests<br />
can spread out in separate areas to socialize<br />
over cocktails.<br />
The Battat Hall holds 70 for small events,<br />
and the Chevra Shaas accommodates approximately<br />
120. The Beit Hamedrash<br />
(study hall) is another option for small<br />
gatherings.<br />
The brides room is spacious and tastefully<br />
furnished with drapes, curtains, tables,<br />
chairs, a leather sofa, extensive mirrors,<br />
powder room facilities and everything to<br />
put the bride and her attendants at ease.<br />
The elegant Mashaal sanctuary, which<br />
seats 500, was renovated in 2010. Among<br />
your day,<br />
your dream,<br />
nothing but perfection.<br />
5336 Chemin Queen Mary, studio 5-6<br />
Montreal, Quebec, H3X 1T8<br />
www.mindyshear.com<br />
Congregants are drawn to the magnificent LED lighting above the ark in the Mashaal<br />
Sanctuary at the Spanish and Portuguese synagogue. [Photo courtesy of the synagogue.]<br />
the additions installed then are Jerusalem<br />
stone walls, multi-hued LED lighting over<br />
the Ark, new windows, updated air conditioning,<br />
a new bimah, and an enlarged Ark.<br />
The Iny Chapel boasts a magnificent<br />
mahogany ark that’s 240 years old.<br />
There are two entrances – at 5455 Lemieux<br />
St. and at 4894 St. Kevin – and both<br />
have ramps that ensure full access.<br />
Parents planning their children’s bar<br />
mitzvahs should join the synagogue well<br />
ahead to ensure the youths receive a comprehensive<br />
training from the synagogue’s<br />
clergy and educators.<br />
Educators Norma Joseph and Meira<br />
Orenstein run the bat mitzvah program,<br />
which was initiated three years ago. The<br />
Spanish and Portuguese synagogue is set up<br />
for all life cycle and organizational events.<br />
Programs are geared to a wide range of<br />
age and interest groups. The synagogue<br />
clergy, executive, trustees, sisterhood and<br />
staff work in tandem to ensure everything<br />
runs smoothly. Many congregants participate<br />
in programs organized by the Women’s<br />
Learning Group, Young Adults Group and<br />
the Sisterhood.<br />
For information, contact executive director<br />
Joseph Muyal at <strong>514</strong>-737-3695, extension<br />
103.<br />
CUSTOMIZED INVITATIONS<br />
Weddings<br />
Bar/Bat<br />
Mitzvahs<br />
DISCOUNT UP TO<br />
20% <br />
Calligraphy Services Available<br />
Carol Werner<br />
744-6424 5E3
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