Arms of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
Arms of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
Blazon
Barry Azure and Or per pale counterchanged, a chief double-enarched Argent;
Symbolism
The division of the shield evokes the tablets of the Ten Commandments, thus referring to the Shores’ devout Jewish faith and its foundation as an anchor of integrity as espoused by Mr. Shore’s father, Sigmond. As the Ten Commandments are also a foundational text of the western legal tradition, the design also honours the memory of Mr. Shore’s maternal grandfather, Dr. Jakub Herzig, a lawyer, and Mr. Shore’s own work as a justice of the Federal Court of Canada. More generally, the division of the shield resembles an open book, thus representing Mr. Shore as a writer of fiction, essays and poetry. The arched division at the top of shield evokes a shoreline, a visual pun on the surname “Shore”, as well as a symbol of the family’s migration from Europe to Canada after the Second World War. It also recalls the arched windows of the family’s synagogue, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim in Westmount, Quebec.
Crest of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
Blazon
Between dexter a chestnut tree and sinister a poplar tree a bridge Or charged with a mullet between an decrescent and an increscent Azure;
Symbolism
The crest honours Mr. Shore’s mother, Dr. Thérèse Lena Shore, who sought inspiration and courage from a grove of poplars during the Second World War. After surviving the Shoah, she devoted her life to building bridges between people and communities. Chestnut trees grow in great numbers in Westmount, where Mr. Shore grew up, and particularly around the Congregation Shaar Hashomayim synagogue. Stars and crescents are significant symbols for the Shore family, representing dreams and aspirations.
Motto of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
Blazon
VISION • COMPASSION • DIGNITY;
Symbolism
Not applicable
