1846
Congregation Shaar Hashomayim was founded by English, German and Polish Jews. The Congregation rented a room on St. James Street for $10.
1859
On July 12, the cornerstone of the first Ashkenazic synagogue in British North America, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, was laid at 41 St. Constant, now de Bullion Street. It accommodated 150 men and 50 women. The building was 48 by 111 feet. The services were modeled after the Bayswater Synagogue in London, England.
1885
On October 21, the cornerstone for a new synagogue was laid on McGill College Avenue by president John Edward Moss.
1886
Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue on McGill College Avenue was consecrated. Final cost was approximately $40,000.
1902
Rabbi Herman Abramowitz became spiritual leader of the Shaar Hashomayim, a position he held until his death in 1947.
1915
The congregation of Shaar Hashomayim grew to include 300 member families with 900 members.
1918
The name Congregation Shaar Hashomayim was incorporated.
It is interesting to note that Shaar Hashomayim once owned the land where the Montreal Forum was once located. During the First World War, the land was sold.
This was also the time of increased Jewish immigration to Canada and Montreal in particular. The McGill College Avenue Synagogue was becoming too small and the Jewish population was shifting westward.
1920
In June, Shaar Hashomayim procured land at Kensington Avenue and Côte St. Antoine in Westmount.
1921
The cornerstone of the current synagogue, from Israel, was laid by the president, Lyon Cohen. Furnishings from the McGill College location were sold to Beth Shlomo on Bagg Street for $1,500. The furnishings consisted of the ark, the marble staircase, the benches and the chandeliers.
1922
Dedication of the new building for the synagogue in Westmount was held on
September 17.
1948
Rabbi Wilfred Shuchat was appointed Rabbi of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, a position he held for 47 years.
1965
The membership of Shaar Hashomayim grew to 1,750 families, 4,000 individuals. The synagogue was only designed to serve 300 families. On the High Holy Days, there was no room for children. An expansion to the Shaar was needed.
1967
On October 1, the cornerstone was laid for the expansion project.
The Library-Museum opened.
The Pavilion of Judaism at Expo’67 was created by Rabbi Wilfred Shuchat.
125th Anniversary Year.
1990
Stephen Glass was appointed Director of Music.
1993
Reverend David Woolfson was appointed Ritual Director.
Rabbi Wilfred Shuchat was appointed Rabbi Emeritus.
1995
150th Anniversary Year.
Granting of Coat of Arms to Congregation Shaar Hashomayim.
2003
Capital Campaign and major renovation project initiated.
2004
Adam Scheier was appointed Rabbi.
Gideon Zelermyer was appointed Cantor.
2006
160th Anniversary Year.
2007
Dedication of refurbished facilities and renaming of Metcalfe and Kensington Halls to Lande and Victor Halls respectively.
Capital Campaign Lead Donor Wall dedicated.
2008
Westmount Eruv established.
Zomet Institute certifies sound system for use on Shabbat.
2013
Rabba Rachel Kohl Finegold, first ordained Orthodox woman, becomes member of clergy team.
