The Ben Weider Educational Centre – Chabad Seminary of Canada

Established in 1988, the Ben Weider Educational Centre, under the auspices of the worldwide Chabad movement and the Québec CEGEP system, has been dedicated to the highest caliber of post-secondary education for young Jewish women from the province of Quebec and beyond.

To date, close to 2,500 graduates have benefited from the knowledge, moral wisdom and compassion transmitted by the Centre’s programs and professional staff, with many alumnae advancing to leadership positions in communities around the world. As ambassadors of the program, they disseminate their learning and ensure continuity and inspiration strengthening our Jewish nation.

Operation Miriam is the Ben Weider Educational Centre’s five-year mission to welcome 25 young women, ages 17-20, from war-torn Israel and Ukraine, to study at our Montreal Educational Facility and dorm in the Frieda Dym Residence Hall. The Centre will provide these vulnerable young women the opportunity to live and learn within a safe and warm communal environment. While offering an opportunity for the refugee students to have a new start in life, the Educational Centre also offers them the peace of mind and opportunity to learn, grow and develop in an environment that is based on our Jewish heritage and traditions.

Operation Miriam’s initiative of compassion has aroused the humanitarian interest and enthusiasm of many community members and philanthropists. Our goal for this year’s Feast of the Nations Gala 2024 is to raise the funds to fullfil this mission.