The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Montreal, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
September 25, 1995
Vol. III, p. 45
Arms of the Congregation Shaar HashomayimBlazonAzure between two menorot a representation of the Holy Ark Or charged on the tympanum with a flame issuant from a vessel Gules the ark ensigned by a closed crown topped with a magen David also Or; SymbolismBlue is considered an ancient and important colour in Judaism. The Holy Ark refers to the Gates of Heaven and the Congregation’s historic name and purpose. The menorah represents learning and assembly in Judaism. The menorah and the Ark, also symbolizing prayer, suggest the ancient threefold purpose of each synagogue. The crown surmounted by a Star of David refers to the majesty of God and the gold is a reference to the riches of heaven and earth. |
CrestBlazonBetween two eagle wings displayed Argent highlighted Sable rising from a circlet of roses Gules seeded Or alternating with lily flowers Argent and maple leaves Gules veined Or an open Torah scroll each roll tipped with a magen David Or; SymbolismThe floral crown honours Canada with the maple leaf, Quebec with the lilies, and England with the roses. The rose is also a reference to Montreal, and was found in the first coat of arms created for the city in 1837 by Mayor Benjamin Viger. The Torah symbolizes the Law that forms the basis of Judaism. The helmet decorated with the pomegranate and cornucopia commemorates a battle between the Maccabeans and the Romans that restored the independence of Judea. It recalls the determination and ingenuity of the ancient Jews as they fought for freedom. The white eagle wings outlined in black honour the Polish and German ancestry of Shaar Hashomayim’s founders. Together with the rose, these eagle wings recall the title of the first charter of 1846 incorporating the Congregation Shaar Hashomayim as the earliest Ashkenazi synagogue in Canada. Lastly, the wings refer to the passage into Heaven and are based on the blessing of Isaiah 40:31 which reads, “They that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.” |
MottoBlazonIn Hebrew; SymbolismThe sentence is from Genesis 28:17 and means “This is none other than the House of God and this the Gate of Heaven”. This motto underscores the Congregation’s name and repeats the themes of the Arms. |
Flag of the Congregation Shaar HashomayimBlazonA banner of the Arms within a bordure compony Azure and Or on the three sides of the fly; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of the Congregation Shaar HashomayimBlazonOn a tablet of the Law Azure a magen David Or charged with a maple leaf Gules displaying an open Torah scroll Or; SymbolismThe badge incorporates the older emblem of the synagogue and continues the motifs of the shield and crest. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 23, 1996 in Volume 130, page 3278 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept by Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterJoan Bouwmeester CalligrapherJoan Bouwmeester Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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