About · FAQ

Ask us anything.

Wondering what to wear, whether you’ll know anyone, or if you need to be a member? These are the questions we hear most – answered plainly, no assumptions.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions.

Everything people usually want to know before they walk in – about services, learning, the High Holidays, and membership. If your question isn’t here, just ask us.

Attending Services B’Mitzvah & Education High Holidays Joining City Shul

First time at City Shul?

You’re not alone.

Many people who join us for the first time have questions about how services work, what they should wear, whether they’ll know anyone, or if they’ll feel comfortable.

We understand. We’ve all been new at some point.

The answer is simple Come as you are.

On this page

Attending Services B’Mitzvah & Jewish Education High Holidays Joining City Shul Still have questions?

Attending Services

Visiting for the first time, or the fiftieth.

Right now, we’re in a temporary home at St. George’s, Grange Park (30 Stephanie Street) for our Shabbat services. We are in different locations for our High Holiday services, and are looking forward to moving to our permanent home at Bloor and Huron in 2027. Please don’t send mail to the address on Stephanie Street; all mail should be sent to 165 Avenue Rd, Suite 402, Toronto, ON M5R 3S4.

Do I need to be Jewish?

No. People attend City Shul from a variety of backgrounds and at different stages of their Jewish journey. Visitors, partners, family members, and those simply curious to learn more are welcome.

Probably not all of it – and that’s perfectly okay. No one expects newcomers to know every prayer, melody, or custom. Services include both Hebrew and English, and people participate in different ways and at different levels.

If you ever feel unsure, there will always be someone happy to help.

There is no formal dress code. Some people dress more formally, while others choose business casual or casual attire. We encourage people to dress in a way that feels respectful and comfortable.

Absolutely. Many people attend on their own, especially when visiting for the first time. You’ll find a welcoming community and plenty of opportunities to connect with others if you’d like to.

If you’re comfortable, let an usher know that this is your first visit to City Shul, and they will be happy to introduce you to other attendees.

No. Visitors are welcome to attend services and many community programs. Membership becomes meaningful for those who wish to deepen their connection and support the ongoing life of the congregation, but it is not required to visit.

Saturday morning services are concurrently live-streamed, so you can join from the room or from your living room. Watch the live stream.

B’Mitzvah & Jewish Education

Learning for children, youth, and families.

Families must be members of City Shul in order to participate in our B’Mitzvah program.

As students approach their B’Mitzvah, they are encouraged to take greater ownership of their Jewish journey, exploring what Judaism means to them in a meaningful and personal way and look at the big Jewish questions. In addition to classroom time together, the B’Mitzvah class is expected to attend experiences outside of Wednesday class time, including workshops and one-on-one learning with Rabbi Crawley, Shabbat bonding experiences, and Tikkun Olam volunteering.

Each family is responsible for working with a private tutor for the service preparations.

Yes. City Shul operates a weekly school for children from JK to Grade 6, as well as for B’Mitzvah students.

We have created a curriculum that speaks directly to the heart of modern, progressive Judaism. We focus on Jewish learning for Jewish living – through Jewish deeds, ideas, questions, language, purpose, people, and living. It’s a hands-on approach that makes learning more meaningful.

High Holidays

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Shofarpalooza.

Absolutely. We’d be delighted to have you join our City Shul family for these important services. Order tickets.

Contact our office at connect@cityshul.com, or purchase online for additional information and purchases.

Please be aware that our Shofarpalooza service, held at Palais Royale on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, has limited space, and members receive priority.

Joining City Shul

Membership, benefits, and cost.

Our mission is to create pathways to explore and live an engaged, connected Jewish life. Wherever you are on that journey – we welcome you. We also know that the best way to find those pathways is to get involved, and so we have a unique membership covenant which asks you to commit to getting involved with learning, prayer and communal gatherings, and asks of kindness for our community and others.

Please email Rabbi Crawley if you’d like to learn more.

Becoming a City Shul member includes myriad benefits. You’ll have access to services and to benefits such as holiday celebrations (for example, a Purim party), adult learning (such as weekly Torah study), a book club, various Mitzvah groups, and discounted membership to the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre. You become part of a community of welcoming, like-minded people with opportunities for new friendships.

City Shul also has a section in the Pardes Chaim cemetery in Richmond Hill, and plots are available to members.

For the 2026-27 year, our recommended membership amounts can be found here. City Shul membership is pay-what-you-can: you choose the amount you wish to give, and may enter any amount that feels right for you. Anyone who purchases High Holiday tickets in fall 2026 may apply that amount toward membership.

Our Leadership Team will work with you to ensure that membership is affordable for you. If you need to discuss any financial arrangements, please email Barb Wiseberg.

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Other questions? We’re happy to help.

Please reach out before your visit if there’s anything we can do to make your experience more comfortable. Email us at connect@cityshul.com and we’ll get back to you promptly.