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 a synagogue that provides 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.

 

E-mail this Page to a Friend Printer-Friendly Page