Nestled in the heart of Montreal, the neighbourhood of Outremont offers a compelling mix of tradition and transformation. Once a quiet residential area, it has been revitalized by gentrification into a vibrant cultural hub, brimming with hip restaurants, cozy cafés, independent galleries, artisanal shops and organic grocers. It’s an ideal place to experience the Montreal’s evolving identity.

Outremont is also home to one of North America’s largest Hasidic Jewish communities — a deeply religious group living side by side with a largely secular, progressive urban population. This coexistence raises fascinating questions: How does a devout community preserve its beliefs and customs within such a modern, cosmopolitan environment? And how do its members navigate relationships with neighbours whose worldviews may differ dramatically?

In this episode of Here & There, producer Lia Grainger explores these questions, bringing us the story of two remarkable women from profoundly different backgrounds, who are working to bridge the cultural divide. It’s a nuanced, deeply Canadian story of identity, coexistence, and connection.

Thank you to Jay Kipps Band for the theme song music. 

This episode originally aired on the North Americana Podcast.