Shaar Shalom Synagogue


The Shaar Shalom Synagogue in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a Conservative Jewish synagogue. The Shaar Shalom Synagogue was among the first Canadian Conservative synagogues to hire women in clergy positions and welcome same-sex partners as members.

History

It was founded in 1953 by a collective of families who were members of Halifax's Baron de Hirsch Synagogue who sought a community that would permit "family seating". They sought an egalitarian ideology that would permit women's political and ritual leadership.
The community has had professional leaders over the years, including Dr. Irving Perlin. Perlin was an obstetrician who served as a lay hazzan and mohel, and presided over weekly sabbath liturgies and ceremonial circumcisions. The synagogue hosted groups such as a Catholic Women's League chapter and was a supporter of Camp Kadimah.
Many of the art pieces still decorating the synagogue were procured during David Jacobs' tenure from 1953-1957. The building that stands at the corner of Oxford St. and Pepperell St. was dedicated on October 31, 1955.

Rabbinic Leaders