About us
Something from nothing – and everything since.
City Shul is a vibrant, warm, inclusive and liberal Jewish presence in downtown Toronto, formed by Rabbi Elyse Goldstein and a core of dedicated laypeople who wanted a shul they could truly call their own.
It began with a series of parlour meetings, asking participants a simple question: what would your ideal synagogue look like?
Those meetings drew together people who had longed for years for a shul to call their own, alongside others completely new to the idea of commitment to a Jewish organization or synagogue. Out of those living-room conversations, a congregation was born. City Shul was launched in the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot of 2011.
Today, under the leadership of Rabbi Stephanie Crawley, that founding spirit continues: music-led worship, serious and joyful learning, a deep commitment to justice, and a welcome that means it. We’re currently between buildings, gathering in a temporary home while we build toward our next chapter – but a shul was never really a building. It’s the people.
2011Launched in the 49 days of the Omer
Our story
From a living room to a movement
2011
A shul is launched
City Shul comes to life in the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, founded by Rabbi Elyse Goldstein and a core of laypeople determined to build something from nothing.
A growing home
Music-led, justice-driven, downtown
Over the years City Shul grows into a warm, inclusive Reform community – with City Shul School, adult learning, social action and song-filled prayer led by Hazzanit Tara Abrams.
Nov 8, 2025
Rabbi Stephanie Crawley is installed
City Shul marks its first transition from one rabbi to another. Rabbi Goldstein presents Rabbi Crawley with the envisioning papers from the original parlour meetings – a passing of the founding dream.
Today
Between buildings, building forward
Gathering in a temporary home at St. George’s, Grange Park, the community looks toward its next chapter – because a shul was never really a building.
Our people
Leadership & clergy
A partnership of clergy, staff, and dedicated lay leadership.
Rabbi Stephanie Crawley
Rabbi
Installed in November 2025, leading City Shul’s next chapter with warmth, music and vision.
Rabbi Elyse Goldstein
Rabbi Emerita & Founder
The founding rabbi whose vision sparked City Shul into being out of a series of parlour meetings.
Hazzanit Tara Abrams
Hazzanit
Leads soulful, song-filled prayer on guitar and piano.
Barbara Wade Rose
President
Chairs the lay leadership guiding the congregation into its next phase.
What we stand for
Our character
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Radically welcoming
Every age, background, family shape and level of observance has a place here. No membership required to visit.
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Joyful & musical
Prayer you can feel – guitars, harmonies and a whole lot of heart.
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Justice-driven
We turn Jewish values into action for our city and our world.
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Curious & learned
Serious learning that meets you where you are, from JK to adulthood.
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Reform & egalitarian
Proudly part of the Union for Reform Judaism and ARZA Canada.
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Rooted downtown
A Jewish heart, beating in the heart of Toronto.