Communities of Peace and Light
October 16-25, 2026
A ten-day event to affirm and generate Peace and Light at a time when the world seems overwhelmed by violence, climate crisis, and despair. All are invited to join artists, community organizations, and others in asserting a common hope for a better world.
Come to experience Mouvement Perpétuel’s ‘1001 Lights’ - an impressionistic three-channel video and audio installation conceived by filmmakers, Marlene Millar and Philip Szporer, revealing the intimate and life-affirming quality of the Sabbath candle-lighting ceremony. The work was created over the course of several months as 100 women of all ages from across Montreal’s diverse Jewish community were filmed sharing their spiritual practice. It will be shown nightly between 6 to 10 pm, from the opening night on October 16th until closing night on October 25th 2026.
A central element of the installation is the filmed hand dance based upon these candle-lighting rituals created by choreographer and Feldenkrais practitioner, Ami Shulman, for five contemporary dancers aged between thirty and seventy (Elizabeth Emberly, Carol Prieur, Nancy Prieur, Linda Rabin, Ami Shulman).
Each evening during the ten-days, participants also can participate in other activities, events, performances and conversations led by artists and community groups.
Below find the schedule of events, artists, and activities inviting dialogue, reflection, and action for a world of Peace and Light.
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY OCTOBER 16: OPENING NIGHT
6pm: Welcome, opening night address by Marlene Millar and Philip Szporer and Community Candle Lighting.
6:30 pm "1001 Lights" and Labyrinth Lighting.
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (indoor and outdoor viewing)
Candlelight Labyrinth 6pm-10 pm (west lawn)
Parsis Persian Music Group 6:45pm-7:15pm (indoor main hall)
SATURDAY OCTOBER 17
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (indoor and outdoor viewing)
Candlelight Labyrinth 6pm-10 pm (west lawn)
SUNDAY OCTOBER 18
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (indoor and outdoor viewing)
Candlelight Labyrinth 6pm-10 pm (west lawn)
Poetry for the Planet Workshop 6pm - 7:15pm (indoor main hall)
A Capella Jam 7:30pm - 8:45pm (indoor main hall)
MONDAY OCTOBER 19
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (outdoor viewing)
TUESDAY OCTOBER 20
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (outdoor viewing)
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (outdoor viewing)
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (indoor outdoor viewing)
A Renewed Canadian Welcome Book Launch Tour 7pm-9pm (in-person or on-line)
FRIDAY OCTOBER 23
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (indoor and outdoor viewing)
Candlelight Labyrinth 6pm-10 pm (west lawn)
Parsis Persian Music Group 7:00pm-9:00pm (doors open 6:30 pm -- indoor main hall)
SATURDAY OCTOBER 24
Lueurs dans la nuit - Lucy Fandel performance - 2pm to 3pm (indoor main hall)
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (indoor and outdoor viewing)
Candlelight Labyrinth 6pm-10 pm (west lawn)
SUNDAY OCTOBER 25
1001 Lights 6pm-10pm (indoor and outdoor viewing)
Candlelight Labyrinth 6pm-10 pm (west lawn)