Kollel Torah MiTzion Montreal (KTM), based at Hebrew Academy, is entering the new year with expanded partnerships, broader programming, and a stronger presence across Montreal’s Jewish institutions.
In a community email, Rosh Kollel Rabbi Ari Faust wrote that “we stand in the aftermath of two profound collective traumas, Covid and October 7th, which have reshaped Jewish communities worldwide. Montreal is no exception. These events have challenged us deeply, yet they have also sparked a powerful resurgence of Jewish and Zionist pride.”
Faust described the moment as one where “the vision of a proud, Zionist, Torah Judaism has never been more urgent or more relevant,” adding that “there has perhaps never been a greater need for KTM’s presence and mission in our community than right now.”
As part of a strategic review of KTM’s role, Faust announced a new partnership with Mizrachi Canada. “This relationship brings invaluable support, educational resources, programming opportunities, and the potential for nationwide initiatives,” he wrote. Faust will serve as Mizrachi Canada’s Montreal representative in addition to his role as Rosh Kollel.
KTM has also established a formal collaboration with Federation CJA. “Together, we will share resources, brainstorm creatively, and run joint initiatives,” Faust wrote. Already, KTM has deepened its connection to students, with Faust accompanying more than 60 CEGEP and college students on Federation’s Journey of Hope mission to Poland and Israel as Rabbi and Spiritual Leader.
Programming will now extend further into Jewish day schools. “In addition to our ongoing presence at Hebrew Academy, we will now be running regular programming at Herzliah, Akiva, JPPS-Bialik, and others—bringing the impact of Torat Eretz Yisrael to the wider community,” Faust explained.
Synagogues will remain a priority as well. KTM plans to build on the success of “Shul Night” with “new learning opportunities, mini-Shabbatonim, and other initiatives designed to strengthen and enrich each community’s offerings.”
Flagship programs such as the weekly Gemara shiurim, the Rosh Kollel Parasha shiur, the Women’s Beit Midrash, the Beirut Club, family learning, and special shiurim remain strong. Faust confirmed that two new bachurim are joining this year, and KTM will soon welcome a new shlichut family, Rabbi Moshe and Kochava Rozenbaum.
“Our guiding principle is to ‘think win–win’: strengthening existing institutions and bringing added value through cooperation,” Faust wrote. “We see the community not as silos, but rather as a network of entities working together to achieve diverse and shared goals. We see that the sum is greater than the individual parts.”
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