About Shaarey Tefilah

This page provides information on the history of the synagogue, the Rabbi, and activities held throughout the year.  If you are thinking of attending services for the first time, read the New to the Shul? section first.

History

The 1980s brought major changes to many denominations of Judaism that left many traditionally minded Jews searching for a new synagogue home. Sensing this need, a small group met and laid the foundation for a new synagogue. In 1992, a public meeting was held where 40 members of the Vancouver Jewish Community elected a provisional Board of Directors for a new, traditional synagogue to be called Shaarey Tefilah.

What these people wished to establish for Vancouver was a friendly synagogue where a learned, observant Jew would feel challenged, and where a less observant Jew would feel safe enough to learn and grow.

Today, Shaarey Tefilah is a growing synagogue yet we maintain a warm and communal feel.

Shaarey Tefilah is affliated with the Union of Traditional Judiasm.

Rabbi

Rabbi Schachar Orenstein joined us in September, 2004.  Watch this space for more info.  He replaces Rabbi Ross Singer who has gone on to pursue the Jerusalem Fellowship program.

Committees

Shaarey Tefilah has a number of active committees that plan and coordinate events, charity, and other activities:

Membership
Youth
Ritual
Chesed
Program/Social
House
Fund Raising

The committees are always looking for volunteers to help out.  If you are interested, please contact the office at 873-2700 or office@shaareytefilah.com.

Philosophy

"Today's society - with its fast pace, high technology, and lavish comforts - offers an attractive lifestyle for the modern Canadian, yet it challenges the Jewish community to show the value of Jewish tradition in a modern context.

My vision for Shaarey Tefilah is a synagogue that lives up to this challenge by providing a compelling and vibrant Judaism for today's Jew. This vision includes outreach, open-
mindedness, creativity, and passionate commitment to Torah and mitzvot. Towards that end, our synagogue reaches out to Jews from all backgrounds.

In our tefilot (prayer services) we seek to create an atmosphere that allows those with less background to feel comfortable, yet maintains a traditional flavor and meets halakhic (Jewish legal) requirements. We provide classes on a variety of topics and levels in an atmosphere of free and open inquiry. We have social programming that incorporates Jewish values. Our halakhic approach is one that looks for creative solutions to complicated problems.

In this time of great opportunity for the Jewish people it is a privilege for me to be a part of a synagogue that can hold passionately to our tradition as it drives forward into the future."

Rabbi Ross Singer,
Shaarey Tefilah