Get to Know Solel

Solel Congregation of Mississauga has been a part of this city, located in the Sawmill Valley area of Erin Mills, for almost 5 decades. As Mississauga’s first synagogue, their mission is to be a dynamic, progressive hub of Reform Judaism west of Toronto.

Solel has always welcomed all who are interested in Judaism in Mississauga, regardless of identity, colour, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or cultural background.

Solel’s building has recently undergone an extensive renovation toward making it an even more progressive centre in our city. The synagogue board worked with G Architects in designing a facility that would make everyone feel comfortable and welcome in the synagogue’s newly renovated spaces.

The renovation included eight new gender-neutral washrooms, and a brand new handicapped accessible washroom with automatic door and updated, new change tables, with the option to use a washroom with included sink and mirror or share within the main bathroom area.

Access to washrooms is a basic physical need at the core of human dignity. Trans and non-binary people, parents and adult caregivers may freely enter a gender-neutral washroom without the anxiety or harassment of entering a gender assigned facility. By renovating these washrooms, Solel’s building has become more welcoming and respectful to all members of the Mississauga community. Solel is also currently working on funding for new ramps and automatic doors.

Throughout the year Solel opens its doors to all its Friends and Neighbours in Mississauga, and holds special Shabbat (sabbath) services with speakers and programmes that promote diversity, support disability rights and access for all. Solel welcomes hundreds of school groups from world religion classes each year and participates in a regional Jewish Information Class for those wishing to learn more about Judaism, or sponsor individuals looking to become Jews by Choice. Solel has a service each June dedicated to Pride for its LGBTQ+ constituency.

A founding member of Pathway Non-Profit Community Development and the Mississauga Foodbank, along with the Interfaith Council of Peel, Solel Congregation has, since its founding, aimed to increase community accessibility within the city. Solel has a proud history of Social Action in Mississauga and invites all to participate.

For more information, check out solel.ca/events.

Filed under: President's Message

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