Montreal Synagogue Sisterhoods (1900-1949): A Unique Organization

Type of resource
Author/collaborator
Title
Montreal Synagogue Sisterhoods (1900-1949): A Unique Organization
Abstract
The author points out that synagogue sisterhoods were formed and evolved in the twentieth century along with other women's volunteer organizations. The synagogue sisterhoods had their own characteristic structure and purpose possessing a particular niche in Jewish institutional and religious life. This essay is based upon the author's larger Master's degree study of Montreal's three oldest, prominent synagogue sisterhoods and the experience and voice of the sisterhood members between 1900 and 1949. She considers women's expected roles within the separate "female sphere" and the extension of the boundaries that the organization afforded. The author offers a brief history and development of sisterhoods together with a description of the types and purposes of activities performed. She provides the context for the scholarly debate as to whether the early Canadian sisterhood organizations changed women's power and position in the social structure of the synagogue and the larger Jewish community.
Publication
Canadian Jewish Studies / Études juives canadiennes
Volume
Vol. 16-17
Pages
117-137
Date
2008-2009
Language
en
URL
Citation
Goodman, Donna. “Montreal Synagogue Sisterhoods (1900-1949): A Unique Organization.” Canadian Jewish Studies / Études juives canadiennes Vol. 16-17 (2009 2008): 117–137. http://cjs.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cjs/article/view/31322/28744.
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