Talmud Torah | Herzliah: Over a Century of Excellence in Jewish Education in Montreal
For over a hundred years, Talmud Torah | Herzliah has been at the forefront of Jewish education in Montreal, thanks to its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the community.
1896-1917
Founding Years: Establishing Roots in Montreal
The school began in 1896 when Rabbi M.A. Ashinsky launched an afternoon religious program for twenty Jewish boys. In 1903, it moved into its own premises on Saint-Urbain Street under the leadership of the Chief Rabbi of Montreal. In 1911, the first female students were admitted. As the Jewish community expanded, several other Talmud Torah schools were established, and in 1917, philanthropist Sir Mortimer B. Davis successfully led an initiative to unite these schools under the banner of the United Talmud Torahs of Montreal. That same year, the language of instruction shifted from Yiddish to Hebrew.
1930s-1946
Expansion and Innovation: The 1930s to Post-War Growth
The 1930s saw the construction of a modern new building on Saint-Joseph Boulevard, offering a full-day primary school program with over 1,300 enrolled students. After World War II, a period of rapid expansion continued with the opening of Herzliah High School in 1946, located nearby.
1970s-1986
Adapting to Change: Campus Evolution and the Rise of the French Section
In the following decades, the United Talmud Torahs and Herzliah High School network underwent significant changes, with the opening and closing of campuses across Montreal. By the 1970s, two campuses remained firmly established in Ville Saint-Laurent and the Snowdon neighbourhood. In 1986, the first French Section was created to address the increasing importance of the French language in Quebec’s curriculum.
2000s-2011
Challenges and Triumphs in the New Millennium
The new century brought numerous challenges and successes. The school was recognized for its academic and athletic excellence, created a "Judaica" program for students with no prior Hebrew experience, and overcame challenges such as the destruction of the Saint-Laurent campus library in 2004. In 2011, the Saint-Laurent campus was closed, and the school consolidated its operations at the Snowdon location. A restructuring followed, with the establishment of a development office, new fundraising campaigns, and the first endowment in the school’s modern history, ensuring a strong future.
2013-Present
Cultural Diversity and Innovation: Building a Modern Jewish Education
In 2013, the school was renamed Talmud Torah | Herzliah, and it now welcomes families from diverse backgrounds. This cultural diversity is accompanied by mutual respect and a shared Jewish identity, strengthened by innovative programs such as video conferencing, connecting students worldwide. Our graduates, proficient in three languages, are well-prepared to thrive in a multilingual and multicultural society.
This cosmopolitan environment is what makes Talmud Torah | Herzliah unique. We embrace it and celebrate it, and it resonates through our halls and classrooms, defining the school as a truly international place of learning.
Continuous Improvement and Strategic Growth
After a successful consolidation, we embarked on continuous improvement, including a reform of the board of directors and a rigorous review of operations, leading to CAIS accreditation in 2016. An ambitious strategic plan, focused on educational excellence and fundraising, enabled the construction of a new building for Herzliah High School, thanks to a major donation from the Azrieli Foundation, and the school opened its doors in August 2018.
A dedicated team ensures that each student maximizes their potential by encouraging critical thinking, innovation, and respect for others' opinions. The school, ideally sized to offer individual recognition and numerous personal development opportunities, provides a wide range of activities, including student government, religious celebrations, sports and cultural programs, and various clubs and activities.
2023 Strengthening Professional Networks: Collaborations and Accreditation
Over the years, we have collaborated with experts from Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, enriching our professional network. In 2023, we once again obtained full accreditation from Prizmah.
Present Day
Today, Montreal's first private Jewish day school remains a close-knit community, driven by faith and camaraderie, ready to develop thoughtful, responsible, and engaged young adults, confident in themselves and their Judaism.
