I met Zev at the Museum of Jewish Montreal’s brand new home on St-Laurent. I’ve been a big fan of his project for a few years now, getting involved and helping out whenever I can. He’s helping spearhead a renewal in the way we look at Montreal’s Jewish culture and history.
What’s his project all about?
The Museum of Jewish Montreal maps and highlights Montreal’s Jewish culture and history, notably through walking tours, interactive maps and exhibits, as well as pop-up events. It is also home to Fletchers Jewish food space and café, and serves as an event space for other Jewish cultural organizations.
Where did the inspiration come from?
“The museum actually began as a mapping project called Hidden Jewish Montreal. As a kid, we often have unusual obsessions and hobbies, and mine was drawing maps of imaginary cities. Fast forward a couple of decades, and I’m working in real estate following my studies in urban planning. Unfortunately, 2008-2009 was not the greatest moment to work in that field…
Shortly after I quit my job, I stumbled upon an article that really intrigued me about a public arts project in the Bronx called the Tree Museum. It mixed history, culture, cities and technology in a way that opened my mind to the possibility of a new digital layer of information and infrastructure that could be added to the urban experience.
Not long after that, I looked out my window and saw a building which was clearly a former synagogue. When I searched for info about it online, I didn’t find anything. So I figured I should map the “hidden Jewish Montreal” in the form of buildings that had a historical significance for this city’s Jewish community.”
What’s been difficult?
“Initially, getting buy-in from community members, and convincing yourself that this is something that’s worthwhile. After 6 years, my family is finally coming around to understanding that this can be a real job! [laughs] Also, with us opening a physical space this summer, it’s just been a thorough lesson in operations. How to manage even more staff, a café, a boutique, etc.”
What are some of the lessons you’ve learned?
Work on your structure and governance right at the start. It’ll only get more complex as you move forward and more people come aboard.
Be kind to others, be it staff or visitors, and build a kind environment. It’s something I wish I had in previous jobs, and I hope I’ve been able to build it into the museum’s corporate culture.
There aren’t any rules, so just do it. There are good ideas that will turn out bad, and other ideas that don’t seem so great at first that will turn out fantastic. It’s your role as an entrepreneur and a founder to push through.
Thanks for the inspiration, I can’t wait until the next event!
Cheers, come by anytime!
You can drop by the Museum of Jewish Montreal at 4040 St-Laurent. Info about its programming can be found on its website and its Facebook page.