Our Congregation
Proudly Progressive, Egalitarian, interfaith, & unaffiliated
We are Toronto’s oldest intentionally 2SLGBTQ+ congregation. Seventy people came to our first High Holy Day services. Since then, we have grown to a congregation of about 250 people who pray, sing, learn, celebrate and mourn together.
Our congregation is built on a foundation of diversity. Our membership is made up of individuals and families from many walks of life, and we welcome participation from all of our community members. We are proudly progressive, egalitarian, and unaffiliated with any particular stream of Judaism. We are home to multi-faith and intercultural families, Jews by birth, Jews by choice, Jews of Colour, Jews with varying levels of personal observance, and people interested in learning more about Judaism.
Our mission is to celebrate and experience joyfully all aspects of Jewish life and spirituality within an environment of inclusivity, innovation and intellectual challenge. We embrace new rituals and liturgy, while recognizing and affirming the many paths our tradition offers.
“Shir Libeynu” is Hebrew for “song of our hearts,” and our services include prayers and music, both ancient and modern. All our service materials are provided in Hebrew and English. We seek to use liturgical texts that reflect our values of diversity and inclusivity. Whenever we can, we opt for egalitarian, gender-inclusive language that allows each member of our community to find their own connection to the prayers.
Read our co-founder, Rabbi Emerita Aviva Goldberg’s thoughts about what makes Congregation Shir Libeynu unique.
Participation
Our members participate in our services through group aliyot (to be called up to the Torah for a blessing) and in many other ways, including singing, playing music, reading (from the Torah or in English), storytelling, giving sermons, sounding shofar, and providing workshops and presentations. We are always open to new ways of involving members.
Please let us know if you require accommodation to participate fully: shirlibeynuadmin@gmail.com, or 416-465-5488.
Our Services and Events
In addition to High Holy Day Services, we hold monthly Shabbat services, usually on the first Saturday of the month, and holiday celebrations, for example, for Chanukah and Purim. In 2007, we were the first congregation in Toronto to hold a special Pride service, which we continue to celebrate every year in June.
As part of our services, we have recognized Refugee Shabbat; honoured Holocaust survivors and their families, our elders, writers and artists. Many members celebrate important milestones at our services, including B’Mitzvahs, baby namings, aufrufs (a blessing for a couple before their wedding), anniversaries and memorial tributes. We always enjoy a kiddush (a small meal to sanctify Shabbat after services), often sponsored by members to mark important milestones or honour people in their lives.
In addition to our services, we offer many other opportunities throughout the year to learn, connect and celebrate.
We partner with the Danforth Jewish Circle, and other downtown Jewish organizations to sponsor or participate in many other cultural, social and learning events.
Location
Our services and events are held in downtown Toronto, generally at College Street United Church located at Bathurst and College. While we do not have our own building, we make where we meet our own sacred space!