Village Shul

 > Home Page > Branches > Village Shul

It's a fast paced world, bursting at the seams. Cell phones ring while pagers and emails compete for our attention. And yet, amidst this frenzied storm there is a sanctuary.

The Village Shul, built of majestic Jerusalem stone, sits calmly on bustling Eglinton Avenue. Walking through its doors, you are greeted by a community that smiles. Each and every Jew is welcomed warmly and is accepted. After services, many newcomers are delighted to be invited to a warm, delicious, Shabbat lunch at a new friend's home.

Walking past the smiles of the lobby and into the service, you are struck by a special enthusiasm and exuberance. People here are motivated to grow spiritually and enrich themselves with the wisdom of the Torah. Through classes, seminars, and home study groups, The Village Shul successfully makes Torah come alive for today's thinking Jew.

The shul's programming meets the members' needs. Young children receive nurturing care at the children's Shabbat programmes while older kids enjoy innovative Torah-related activities. The Village Shul's popular pre=school is set in a bright, friendly environment. There is also a very successful Hebrew School for students aged 4 to 13. An exciting forum addresses the issues of teens, while the Bat Mitzvah girls are involved in learning and community projects. There is also a programme dedicated to young professionals in our community.

For those adults who seek the meaning and relevance of Judaism in today's society, there are dynamic classes on Shabbat, during the weekdays, and on many weeknights. Learn with psychologists, rabbis, and scholars; explore subjects such as effective parenting, strengthening your marriage, and Jewish philosophy. At the Village Shul Jewish wisdom is accessible to everyone, regardless of Jewish background or knowledge. Courses are continually added and fine-tuned in response to member input.

During the holidays, this high-spirited congregation shows its true colours. On Simchat Torah, delight in the festivities as young children upon parent's shoulders waving flags - this joyous singing and dancing lasts well into the night. On Sukkot, be enchanted by story telling under the stars in the shul's beautiful sukkah. On Purim, dress up in zany clothes and join in with the roar of the gregors, then celebrate with the crowd at the fun-filled Purim party.

On the more sombre holidays, the intense concentration and dedication is palpable. This is a place that amidst a busy, selfish world insists on reaching out and connecting with one's self and others. This is a place that, despite the bombardment of billboards, on Internet and TV, provides a reality check for what really matters.

Whether it's a new baby, an illness or if you're new on the block, a delicious home-cooked Shabbat meal is delivered with a flourish. Shul members are there to help out in many ways: be it a friendly hospital visit, a phone call or the giving of a well-loved book, this community knows how to reach out to others in meaningful ways.

In just 15 years, this congregation has experiences an exciting evolution. Where once a handful of families met in a home and learned on a front porch, hundreds of people now walk through these doors to immerse themselves in Torah and spiritual growth. As Rabbi Shalom Schwartz , the founding Rabbi of The Village Shul observed, it is a remarkable accomplishment to be "big and small at the same time".

For many, The Village Shul has become an extension of their home; friendships are developed, wisdom is shared and simchas are warmly celebrated. Here you will discover a caring and personable village within our city.

For more information on any of our classes, programmes or services, please call:
The Dan Family Village Shul / Friedmann & Berg Families Aish HaTorah Learning Centre
1072 Eglinton Ave. W, Toronto, ON M3H 1Y2 - 416-785-1107