Join the Jewish Vegan Life Montreal Tikkun Circle for a joyful afternoon picnic celebrating the New Year for Animals, one of Judaism’s ancient but little known holidays that invites us to deepen our relationship with the animals who share our world.

In Jewish tradition, this day marks a New Year connected to animals. Part of a broader global campaign, Jewish Vegan Life is helping revive this meaningful holiday as an opportunity to celebrate compassion, gratitude, and our responsibility to care for all living beings.

Gather with friends, family, and fellow community members for an afternoon of delicious food, music, learning, and connection in the beauty of Mount Royal Park.

We are honored to welcome Rabbi Boris Dolin, Rabbi of Congregation Dorshei Emet and spiritual leader of JVL Montreal, who will share reflections on the meaning of the New Year for Animals and how this ancient holiday speaks to our lives today.

Bring a vegan dish to share with the group, or simply join us and order vegan pizza if you prefer. Feel free to bring your guitar or another acoustic instrument for informal music throughout the afternoon. Pets are also welcome to join the celebration.

About the New Year for Animals

Long before modern conversations about animal welfare and environmental responsibility, the Jewish tradition recognized a New Year for Animals.

This holiday reminds us that animals are not merely resources for human use, but fellow creatures worthy of care and compassion. It offers an opportunity to reflect on how our daily choices can express Jewish values of kindness, stewardship, and respect for life.

As we gather together, we celebrate a vision of Judaism that embraces compassion for all living beings and inspires us to help create a more peaceful and caring world.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, August 9

Time: 12:30 PM

Location: Mount Royal Park, Montreal
Exact meeting location will be shared after you register.

What to Expect

• A relaxed vegan picnic in one of Montreal’s most beautiful parks
• Reflections from Rabbi Boris Dolin on the New Year for Animals
• Great conversation and new friendships
• Live acoustic music and community singing
• Vegan pizza available to order for anyone who prefers not to cook
• A welcoming space for people of all backgrounds
• Pets are welcome

Who This Is For

This gathering is open to anyone interested in:

• Jewish community and spiritual exploration
• Plant based and compassionate living
• Animal protection
• Nature and the outdoors
• Music and community
• Meaningful conversation and authentic connection

No prior knowledge of Judaism or veganism is required. Everyone is welcome.

What to Bring

Please bring either a vegan dish to share with the group, or plan to order vegan pizza from Pizzeria Zac.

You are also welcome to bring:

• A blanket or picnic chair
• Water or other beverages
• A guitar or other acoustic instrument
• Your pet, if they are comfortable around people and other animals

About the Montreal Tikkun Circle

The JVL Montreal Tikkun Circle brings people together to explore Jewish wisdom, compassionate living, and our relationship with animals, one another, and the earth through shared meals and meaningful gatherings. We create spaces for reflection, friendship, and collective renewal.

A Free Community Gathering

This event is offered free of charge because we believe everyone should have access to meaningful Jewish community, learning, and spaces rooted in compassion.

If this gathering resonates with you, we invite you to support Jewish Vegan Life by becoming a member of JVL here. Your support helps us continue growing the Montreal Tikkun Circle and reviving the New Year for Animals for future generations.

Want to Get More Involved?

If you would enjoy helping organize future Montreal gatherings or hosting a Tikkun Circle of your own, let us know when you register. Our community grows because people choose to help build it together.

RSVP

Please register to receive the exact meeting location in Mount Royal Park and reserve your spot.