About Us
The Beth Israel Beth Aaron Congregation has been serving the Jewish community of Cote St. Luc for over 50 years. We are an orthodox congregation that embraces deep engagement with Jewish life, learning, and observance, while at the same time, through word and deed, affirms the Jewish imperative of involvement with the broader society. Our congregation emphasizes the warmth and excitement of Jewish life and the centrality of family in ensuring a vibrant and relevant Jewish future. We aspire to create an atmosphere where all Jews are welcome and can find avenues to strengthen their Jewish lives.
We are deeply committed to the State of Israel and affirm the obligation on all Jews to play their role in securing its security and its standing in the international community. Our synagogue has become a central address for Jewish activism in defense of Israel and the rights of Jews everywhere.
Meet our Clergy
Rabbi Reuben J. Poupko
Rabbi Poupko has served as rabbi of BIBA since 1986 and is well known as an exciting teacher and inspiring orator. His deep commitment to the synagogue members and his role as a communal leader is source of great pride to the congregation. Rabbi Poupko is accessible and approachable at all times and on any issue of concern. Email Rabbi Poupko - Rabbi@shul.org.
Rabbi Binyamin Stiefel
Rabbi Stiefel has served as Chazzan Sheini of BIBA since 1984. In addition to his commitment to serving the members of our congregation, he is a highly respected Jewish educator. He is available for teaching Bar Mitzvah students as well as assistance in all synagogue-related ritual matters.
Meet our Staff
Vicky Shizgal
Executive Director (x22)
Vicky Honigwachs-Shizgal was born and raised in Montreal. She’s been married for over 30 years to BIBA's well-known candyman, Jimmy. She is the proud mother of Sarah (David Herman), Josh (Talia Ganz) and Adam and proud Bubbie of Aliyah, Aura and Asher.
Vicky worked as a teacher at both Solomon Schecter preschool and the YMWHA. She was both the Program Director at the Beth Israel Beth Aaron Synagogue from 2001-2008 and the director of Camp Chaverim, the largest modern orthodox day camp in Montreal which she had founded. In 2008, Vicky became the Director of Camp Moshava, the only Bnei Akiva sleepaway camp in Canada, which she successfully ran and grew for 15 years. She retired from her position in 2022 and became the Executive Director in November 2023. Email - vicky@shul.org
Kathia Moreno
Office Manager (x23)
Kathia was born and raised in Panama with her 8 siblings. She moved to Montreal in 1997 to Study at Concordia. She has a son, Shimon who is the greatest joy of her life. Kathia joined the BIBA family in 2018, where she worked part time in the office. She officially became our Office Manager in July 2023. Email Kathia - info@shul.org
Fran Guttman
Office Assistant (x21)
Fran came to Canada with her parents and sister who immigrated from Poland . She worked for many years in the office of Canadian Jewish Congress, which later became CIJA, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. Following her work at CIJA, she went to work for David Birnbaum the MNA for D"D'arcy McGee as an office assistant. After retiring from that position, she then joined the BIBA team in 2019 as a part-time office assistant. If you have an questions relating to Yahrzeit or general inquiries, email Fran - reception@shul.org.
Our Catering
Whether it's a brit milah, bar/bat mitzvah, wedding, kiddush, or other event, BIBA will help you make your event a success.
Our event planning team led by Raphy, Danielle and the capable staff of Pavillion et Jardins will guide you through the process of planning your event so that you can focus on what matters, and leave the details to us.
Our facilities have been newly renovated and include:
- Small hall that can accommodate 200 people
- Large hall that can accommodate 400 people
- Terrace for outdoor chupahs & cocktails
For details please contact Raphy at: 514 488 2828