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From science and modern medicine to Judaism and pop culture, come together for an evening of inspiring conversation with influential thought leaders.
Learn With Us!
Provocative Lectures
Engaging Conversations
Group Discussions
Exciting Presentations
Diverse Topics
Tuesday, October 21 | 7:30 PM
Free & Open to All
Shaar Voices: Stories That Inspire
Join us for an unforgettable evening with four extraordinary Shaar members — all Recipients of the Order of Canada — whose vision and lifelong service
have shaped our community and nation.
Aldo Bensadoun — Founder of the ALDO Group and leading philanthropist with a global vision.
Marvin Corber — Former senior partner at Richter and key figure in community fundraising.
Dorothy Reitman — Advocate for women’s rights and first female president of the Canadian Jewish Congress.
Bernard Shapiro — Former McGill Principal and influential voice in education and ethics.
Moderated by:
Barbara Kay — National Post columnist known for her sharp insight and engaging commentary.
Tuesday, November 4 | 7:30 PM
Free & Open To All
An Evening with Lee Yaron
Author of 10/7: 100 Human Stories
Join award-winning Haaretz journalist Lee Yaron as she discusses her powerful new book, 10/7: 100 Human Stories — winner of the 2024 National Jewish Book Award and the 2025 Natan Notable Books Prize.
Rather than focusing on loss, this groundbreaking work tells the lives behind the headlines — from peace activists to Holocaust survivors, Bedouin citizens, guest workers, and refugees. Through their stories, Yaron offers a rare and deeply human perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the resilience of Israeli society.
Book signing to follow.
Tuesday, October 28 | 7:30 PM
Free & Open to All
Tuesday Night Learning
7:30 PM
100 Years of the Shaar in Westmount – The Digital Exhibit
Join the Congregation Shaar Hashomayim’s Museum & Archives for a session on the newly launched digital exhibit 100 Years of the Shaar in Westmount. Through archival photographs, documents, recordings, and more, we will explore highlights from the exhibit which showcase the rich history of the Shaar over the past century.
8:30 PM
Scott Sternthal, author of ‘A Violet Light’, in conversation with Cantor Gideon Zelermyer
After a fatal accident, a young artist named Adrian finds himself seated at a table with an esteemed guide: the Montreal legend, Leonard Cohen. Together, over the course of a long meal at an idyllic bistro, the dead artists reflect on the meaning of their lives—the struggle to love, the pursuit of fame, and the pleasure of friendship.
