Montreal Celebrates New Students Shul and Torah Dedication

This past Sunday, the 9th of Cheshvan, the Montreal Chabad community gathered at Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch Montreal – The Rabbinical College of Canada, in a joyful celebration to mark the dedication of a newly renovated shul.

Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Judith Rossdeutscher, in partnership with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. Howard and Mrs. Naomi Rossdeutscher, this renovation project—along with the donation of a brand-new Sefer Torah—was completed in memory of their beloved husband and father, Mr. Harry Rossdeutscher, of blessed memory. The Rossdeutscher family, known for their significant philanthropic contributions across Montreal and beyond, dedicated this newly refurbished synagogue as a tribute to Mr. Rossdeutscher’s legacy of giving. Mr. Harry Rossdeutscher was a devoted supporter of Jewish causes.

Now, through this dedication, Mrs. Rossdeutscher, along with her son Howard and his wife Naomi, have extended his legacy to benefit the young students of the Yeshiva, providing a lasting gift that will inspire and serve the community for years to come.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs. Judith Rossdeutscher and her son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Naomi, for their incredible generosity and vision. Their dedication to the community and commitment to Jewish continuity have created a sacred space and a meaningful gift of Torah that will uplift countless students in the years ahead. Their warmhearted contribution has enriched not only the Yeshiva but the entire Montreal Jewish community, leaving a lasting impact on all who benefit from this gift.

The Rossdeutscher family’s generosity funded a full renovation of the shul—complete with new furniture, a library, and a reimagined space—and included the donation of a Sefer Torah to be housed in the newly dedicated shul. This Torah will be central to the daily Minyan, especially for Bar Mitzvah boys who gather here each morning to daven, read from the Torah, and don tefillin. In this newly dedicated space, the young students of the Yeshiva will find a welcoming environment in which to connect with their heritage and begin taking on the responsibilities of Jewish adulthood.

Hundreds of community members joined the Rossdeutscher family, students, and faculty in celebrating the dedication. The event included a plaque unveiling in memory of Mr. Rossdeutscher, the writing of the Torah’s final letters, and a festive meal. The celebration continued with a lively parade through the streets of Montreal, where hundreds of community members and Yeshiva students marched in a vibrant demonstration of Jewish pride. Music filled the air as flags waved, torches and balloons were held high, police cars closed off the streets to make way for the parade, creating an unforgettable display of unity and celebration.

Reflecting on the event, Mr. Howard Rossdeutscher expressed his joy in seeing such a public display of Jewish pride. In light of recent anti-Semitism on campuses, he noted that many Jews have felt pressured to conceal their identity. “Watching hundreds of Yidin dancing with music blasting in the streets was a true source of pride,” Mr. Rossdeutscher shared. “It was a beautiful demonstration that Am Yisrael Chai—Jewish identity, Torah, and pride will always prevail.”

Rabbi Moshe Cohen, Director of Development at the Rabbinical College of Canada and organizer of the event, wishes to take this opportunity to thank several individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the celebration. He extends special gratitude to Mr. Mordechai Nelken, Executive Director of the Yeshiva, for his invaluable support in ensuring every detail of the event went smoothly. A heartfelt “Yashar Koach” is extended to the board members of the Rabbinical College of Canada—Mr. Simcha Wenger, Mr. Avner Kirschenbaum, Mr. Aaron Spiro, Mr. Mendel Abramowitz, and Mr. Yossi Gansbourg—for their selfless dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the Yeshiva. May they receive all the blessings reserved for those who work for the community, and may they be zoche to have nachas, bracha, and hatzlacha in all their endeavors, both spiritual and material. A special thank you is extended to our Principal, Rabbi Shmuel Kaufmann, and our Vice Principal, Rabbi Levi Berger, along with all our Melamdim, for assuring that the participation of the students at the Siyum was done in the most beautiful and organized fashion. A special thank you was also extended to Rabbi Dovid Cohen, the sofer who prepared the Torah, for his guidance and invaluable assistance in organizing the event.

This newly dedicated shul, along with its beautiful new Sefer Torah, will serve as a cornerstone for future generations, providing a sacred space for young students to learn, grow, and deepen their connection to Torah and mitzvahs.
 
The celebration was a powerful day of unity for the entire community, reflecting the Rossdeutscher family’s inspiring legacy and bringing renewed purpose and pride to the Yeshiva and the greater Montreal Jewish community.