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ABOUT US
At Pirchei Montreal, we believe that children are happiest and healthiest when they’re engaged in learning and fun. Although for many, the name Pirchei conjures up Shabbos groups, we are much more than that. Did you know that Pirchei Montreal runs a youth program every day of the week, and that each program targets boys of different ages? Each of these programs have costs for food, prizes, transportation, and costs of venues. Our annual budget is a whopping $86,000. Because we are entirely volunteer-driven, you can be assured that each of those dollars is used to help kids in Montreal smile, engage in wholesome activities, and stay out of trouble.
At Pirchei Montreal, we believe that there’s a giant deep inside of every child. Through our programs, we awaken these giants and facilitate the growth of the future leaders of the Jewish community.
Join us in awakening our giants. Can you hear their roar? We’ve only just begun.
Our Programs:
Friday night Bachurei: High school boys gather on Friday nights for cholent and “ask the rabbi” sessions. Surrounded by positive mentors, the boys start off Shabbos engaged and happy in a Torah environment.
Shabbos Groups: Parents rest easy while 150 boys in grades K-6 join together for an hour of stories, skits, raffles, games, sweets, and more. Counselors are veteran Pirchei members who savor their own memories of Pirchei’s Shabbos groups.
Avos Ubanim: Fathers and sons learn for half hour on Motzaei Shabbos, followed by raffles, stories, and prizes for young participants. Pirchei arranges learning partners for all children who do not have a father to learn with. This quality time helps 150 of Montreal’s Jewish families instill a love for Yiddishkeit into their children in a relaxed Torah atmosphere.
Sunday Swim: Nothing like some good physical activity to keep kids happy and healthy. 40 boys are divided into two divisions (older and younger) for a Sunday free swim.
Chabura Program: Although there’s only half a day of school on Sundays, our boys won’t be roaming the streets or getting into trouble in their time off. Young married volunteers teaching extra mishnayos to 75 interested boys on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings. The program finishes with refreshments for all.
Siyum Mishnayos: Our annual international Siyum Mishnayos is a chance for our boys to showcase their leadership and organizational talents in helping to lead a gala Shabbos of unity, fun, and Torah celebration. 200 boys from 5 cities join with Montreal’s Pirchei to celebrate all the extra learning hours that the Pirchei boys have accrued. The Shabbos winds down with a festive siyum and trip for all. This event also gives Pirchei counselors the opportunity to engage in dynamic trainings and workshops.
Bikur cholim Program: Lonely homebound seniors and elderly Jews in nursing homes await their weekly visits from the bikur cholim troop. Dozens of Grade 6 boys visit their rooms, discuss their week, sing songs, and share stories. This program warms the hearts of seniors, kids, and volunteer chaperones. Visits are often completed with a dash for pizza or ice cream for the kids.
Mishnamates: Pirchei believes in the power of young mentors. Elementary-age boys are paired with high school volunteers who learn mishnayos with their young partners on a weekly basis, followed of course by danishes, beverages and raffles.
Chol Hamoed programs: Pirchei doesn’t break for Yomim Tovim. Chol Hamoed mornings find our youth engaged in group learning sessions with volunteers, followed by raffles, stories, and refreshments. It’s a great way to start a day off- the Jewish way.
Chanuka, Purim: At Pirchei, we believe in celebrations. Our annual Chanukah and Purim parties are replete with hilarious skits, stories, refreshments, activities, and more.