Jewish Life on PEI

Jewish Population

The latest census figures show 165 Jews by religion living in PEI as of 2021. This is an increase of 65% since 2011 when there were only 100 Jews on the Island. Jews represent less than 1% of the population of PEI.

Practice of Judaism

PEI is the only province in Canada with neither a rabbi nor a synagogue. Because of this unique status in Canada, the Globe & Mail (Canada’s national newspaper) featured the PEI Jewish Community in a pictorial essay. Jewish holidays and events are organized by the local Jewish community and are led by lay members. There are rabbis in the Maritime provinces who are available to facilitate lifecycle events in PEI, including funerals, weddings, and bnai mitzvahs. Rabbi David Ellis is the Rabbi at Large for Atlantic Canada.

Jewish Food

While there are no Kosher restaurants in PEI, there are many vegetarian restaurants. We are without a Kosher butcher on PEI, nor are there any Jewish food sections in the supermarkets. However, it is possible to find many grocery items bearing the K or COR symbols throughout the major grocery stores. Additionally, Soika, a European specialty foods shop in Charlottetown, carries many Kosher and Jewish foods.

Jewish Education

The PEI Jewish community has a growing number of families with young children. A long-time PEIJC member offers Hebrew instruction and B’nai Mitzvah preparation on line. For more information please write to info@peijc.com.

Funerals and Burial

The Belvedere Funeral Home in Charlottetown is used for Jewish funerals. They are familiar with Jewish burial customs, and they have simple Kosher caskets available, which are in accordance with Jewish law. The funeral home and local Chevra Kadisha can perform the required rituals.

There is currently no space on the Island designated for Jewish burials. The PEIJC has undertaken the establishment of a section earmarked for Jews in the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Hunter River. Further information is available here.