Canadian Jewish Heritage Month

May is Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, an opportunity to discover and celebrate Jewish culture, faith and history, as well as the tremendous contributions of Jewish communities to our country's social, political and economic fabric.
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month

May is Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, an opportunity to discover and celebrate Jewish culture, faith and history, as well as the tremendous contributions of Jewish communities to our country's social, political and economic fabric.

The month of May was chosen because of its special significance to the Jewish community around the world. Notably, it often lines up with Shavuot or the “Feast of Weeks”, which celebrates the spring harvest and commemorates the revelation of the Torah.

Why is Canadian Jewish Heritage Month important?

Diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths and the participation of Jewish Canadians in our country’s civic life is of tremendous value. This vibrant community has contributed to every aspect of life in Canada, from business and politics to arts and culture, sports, science, and much more.

The first known Jews to settle in the land we now call Canada were Samuel Jacobs and Aaron Hart, commissaries attached to the British army during the British conquest of New France in 1760. Hart’s sons were involved in founding the first Canadian Jewish community in Montreal, with the first Canadian synagogue being established in 1768.

The biggest wave of Jewish immigration to Canada came between the end of the 19th century and the end of World War I, when persecution and poverty in Europe forced millions of Jews to find a better life elsewhere. Today, Canada’s Jewish population is approximately 335,000 people, making it the fourth-largest Jewish community in the world.

Sadly, Jewish Canadians have faced and continue to face horrendous acts of racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and violence. Antisemitism is an ongoing problem in our world, and its harmful effects continue to hurt Jewish individuals and communities around the globe. This is a month to reflect on the fact that while progress has been made, Jewish people in Canada continue to face discrimination every day.

During the month of May, we recognize and honour the bravery and resilience that Jewish communities have shown throughout history.

Source: Canada.ca

Resources: