Arms of Congregation Shearith Israel of Montreal

Blazon

Argent between in chief two columns also Argent fimbriated Azure a Canadian pale wavy tierced in fess Azure Or and Azure charged in chief with two columns Argent in centre point with an open Torah scroll Gules the parchment Argent and in base with a Menorah Or all within a bordure Purpure;

Symbolism

The colours red, blue, purple and silver have particular religious and historic significance for the Congregation. The vertical band of blue represents the St. Lawrence, the river which the founders of the synagogue travelled up to Montreal, and emblematic of the life they created there. The Sephardic tradition of having the rabbi and cantor at the centre of the sanctuary is shown through the gold band at the centre with the Torah being used as a symbol of the faith and the ultimate source of teaching and spiritual enlightenment. The menorah and the four columns represent Judaism and the four buildings which have housed Shearith Israel for over 200 years. Finally, the purple border symbolizes the walls of the sanctuary and the community at worship.