Join MORSL in visiting a local Reconstructionist synagogue. Reconstructionist Judaism is one of the five major streams of Judaism in North America alongside Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Humanistic. It was developed in the 1920's-40's by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan in effort to help give rabbis space to form new adaptions and outlooks in light of contemporary social needs and to help their communities learn and evolve. During this visit, we will attend prayer services (attendees may observe or participate as desired), and enjoy a Q&A with Rabbi Boris Dolin, who leads the community.
Meeting time and location:
Please arrive at 8:45 AM at the LB Building (library) at Concordia University. We will be traveling via public transportation with students from both McGill and Concordia:
Meeting location: 1400 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, QC H3G 2V8 Google map location
Synagogue location: 18 Rue Cleve, Hampstead, QC H3X 1A6
Practical details and etiquette:
Things to know before you leave home:
- Travel: You are responsible for your public transit fare. Please bring your OPUS card or metro fare.
- Dress code: Business casual dress code. Please refrain from very worn jeans or clothing in poor condition.
- Personal items: Please keep your personal items to a minimum as bags will have to be checked by security. We recommend a small bag or large pockets for essential valuables (wallet, phone) which you can keep on your person during the worship services.
Things to know about participating on site:
- This community does not practice gender separation. All persons are invited to sit anywhere in the sanctuary.
- All members of this community and its guests are invited (but not required) to wear the small headcovering cap (kippah) available on site, regardless of faith background. This is seen as a sign of respect rather than a religious obligation. Please follow your own conscience and comfort level in choosing to wear or not to wear the kippah.
- No cell phone use is allowed in the sanctuary. Please ensure that phones are turned off and put away for the duration of the services.
- There is no need to remove footwear. Shoes or boots will remain on during the visit. Coats and any large bags such as backpacks should be left in the cloakroom.
- If you need to leave earlier than 1:00 PM, please advise MORSL staff.
If you can no longer attend, please cancel on myInvolvement or email morsl@mcgill.ca.
Agenda:
8:40: Gather at the LB Building for introductions; travel in group via metro to the synagogue
9:50: Arrival and security check at synagogue
10:00: Observation/participation in prayers
12:00: Q&A with Rabbi Boris Dolin
1:00: Departure of our student group
History and contemporary life of this community:
https://www.dorsheiemet.com/history.html
Learn more about Reconstructionism:
https://www.dorsheiemet.com/reconstructionism.html