Jewish Life

Synagogues

Synagogues are a major force in Jewish communal life, and Winnipeg is blessed to have synagogues that span the various streams of Judaism. Jewish traditions cover the entire life cycle, contact the synagogue that most matches your views to plan the life cycle event that fits your family:

 

  • Brit Milah (circumcision for a boy) or Baby Naming (for a girl): our synagogues can help you locate a Mohel and arrange the ceremony to welcome a new baby to the community

  • Bar or Bat Mitzvah: to mark the coming of age as the child transitions adult responsibility

  • Chupah (wedding): synagogues can help you plan a ceremony and a celebration with the clergy and venue of your choice

  • Funeral: to connect with a cemetery and a member of the clergy and help determine the service and shiva (mourning period) that works for your family

Spiritual Services

The Mikvah is a pool of natural water in which one bathes for the restoration of ritual purity, and our community is home to two Mikvot as listed below. Leave a message with either one to arrange your visit. Should you need the Mikvah for conversion contact your synagogue clergy.

 

If a loved one has recently passed, you can find burial information below if you are not yet connected with a synagogue or cemetery. 

 

If you are in need of any Judaica or spiritual items, contact the Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop or Congregation Etz Chayim Gift Shop

Kashrut

Kashrut is a set of dietary laws dealing with the foods that Jews are permitted to eat and how those foods must be prepared according to Jewish law. Our community is home to several kosher restaurants that offer dine-in and take out options, grocery stores that stock kosher products, as well as Jewish caterers.

Spiritual Care

The Jewish Community Chaplain at Jewish Child Family Service provides support and emotional and spiritual care to community members confined to acute care and long-term care medical facilities, as well as other institutions. The chaplain, who is an ordained rabbi with extensive counselling experience, keeps patients connected to the Jewish community and to community resources, and will, if the patient desires, keep hospital staff informed of the patient’s faith-based needs and practices such as kashrut and holiday commemorations.

 

Jewish Child and Family Service is also available to help community members manage the expense of Jewish living.

The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre provides spiritual care for residents of all faiths, with a special focus on Judaism. Shabbat Services are offered on Saturday morning for Jewish residents who often attend with family members and community. Occasionally, students are brought to the centre to participate in intergenerational programming. The High Holy Days, Pesach, Shavuot, and many other Jewish religious services and cultural events are observed throughout the year, offering residents an opportunity to participate with family and peers. In addition, end-of-life care is offered to residents and their families with special comfort measures like Comfort Care Baskets containing items such as a CD player, music, information packages, tissues, prayer books, teas, and much more. Therapy sessions are also provided during this difficult time.

Look what else we have to offer!