On this page, we spotlight the celebration of various religious/cultural days of significance, with special focus on events hosted by McGill student groups and other groups in the Montreal area.
Jewish High Holy Days
** Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom is offering free high holy day tickets for students. It’s really simple: all students have to do is email rosie@templemontreal and/or bring student ID to the door. Available for all high holy day ticketed events. See full schedule. **
** Chabad at McGill generally offers free high holy day meals for students. Registration is required. See calendar of all events. **
Sukkot Events
Mon Sep 8, 2025 to Oct 6, 2025 (online event, many days): BUILDING, REJOICING, AND REFLECTING: THE MANY SIDES OF SUKKOT with Rabbi Robert Dobrusin Eating in the Sukkah, waving the Lulav and Etrog, reading the book of Ecclesiastes, dancing with the Torah Scrolls, observing Yizkor, giving thanks, recognizing the fragility of our lives and of the earth, considering our connection with human beings of all faiths: all of these are elements of the holidays of Sukkot and the concluding days of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. How can one nine-day period contain so many meaningful rituals and compelling ideas? Join us for an exploration of the holiday which Talmudic rabbis referred to as “he-chag”: “THE festival”. We will study ancient texts and contemporary traditions as we seek to more deeply understand the significance of these days on the Jewish calendar.
Mon Oct 6, 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT: Pizza in the Hut Join in the mitzvot of Sukkot at Temple by decorating our sukkah and eating in it! Family-friendly crafts and pizza will be available for all.
Fri Oct 10, 2025, 7:45 PM - 10:00 PM EDT: Shabbat Special: Shabbat Sukkot with Reverend Arlen John Bonnar Reverend Arlen John Bonnar, B.A., B.Th., M.Div., was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and has lived in Quebec for over 55 years. He was ordained in 1984 after studies at Bishop’s, McGill, and United Theological College. He has served as Executive Director of Montreal City Mission and as chaplain at the Montreal General Hospital, where he was the first full-time HIV/AIDS chaplain in the world. Since 2000, he has ministered at St. James United Church, where he is dedicated to inclusive, interfaith ministry and social justice, supporting 2LGBTQI+, Indigenous, and refugee communities throughout Montreal.
Fri Oct 10, 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT: Shabbat Kulanu in the Sukkah Come together as a young family community for Shabbat Kulanu in the Sukkah. Musical Kabbalat Shabbat led by Cantor Adam, outdoor games and activities, make your own tie-dye challah cover and shake the lulav and etrog. A catered Shabbat dinner to follow! From 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Sat Oct 11, 2025, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EDT: Family Shabbat: Looking up Through the Schach Join us on Saturday, October 11th at 10:30 am upstairs in the activity room for an exciting Sukkot-themed Family Shabbat as we explore what it means to look up through the sukkah’s leafy roof! After songs and stories, kids will create beautiful sky mosaic sukkah decorations. Kiddush to follow with a special kid’s table! Registration is required.
