Bulletin Spring/Summer 2018
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BULLETIN SPRING/SUMMER 2018 VOLUME 90 NUMBER 02 FEBRUARY 11, 2018 - AUGUST 18, 2018 | 26 SHEVAT 5778 – 7 ELUL 5778 TUESDAY NIGHT LEARNING AT THE SHAAR Spring 2018 Semester Choice of lectures or film presentations at 7:30 PM MARCH 13 "LIONESS: GOLDA MEIR AND AN ISRAELI LOVE STORY (2016) THE NATION OF ISRAEL", winner 96 minutes; Hebrew w/English subtitles of the 2018 Jewish Book Award Based on the true story of theatre director FRANCINE KLAGSBRUN and actress Pnina Gary, Multi-award winning Author of more than a dozen books, Director Dan Wolman tells a passionate Klagsbrun’s definitive biography of the story of love and independence set in pre- iron-willed Golda is distinguished by state Palestine. inclusion of recently declassified documents as well by interviews of Meir’s close associates and both of her children. MARCH 20 LESSONS AND CHALLENGES A BAG OF MARBLES (2018) OF LEADERSHIP: COMPARING 110 minutes; French w/English subtitles HERZL, BEN GURION, BEGIN AND NETANYAHU In occupied France, Maurice and Joseph, two young Jewish brothers left to their own DR. SHIMSHON devices, demonstrate an incredible amount HAMERMAN, PH.D. of cleverness, courage and ingenuity to Principal of Solomon Schechter escape the German invasion and try to Academy for 33 years, retired reunite their family once again. Executive Director of the Bronfman Jewish Education Centre. MARCH 27 GOATS AND COATS: WHAT THE HARMONIA (2016) LIFE OF JACOB CAN TEACH US 98 minutes; Hebrew w/English subtitles ABOUT BEING TRULY FREE A childless Israeli musical couple RABBI MARK FISHMAN seeks to form a family. A contemporary Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beth adaptation of the biblical tale of Tikvah, Dollard-des-Ormeaux Abraham and Sarah set in the inner sanctum of a symphony hall. Followed by post-film discussion with Rabbi Adam Scheier FREE ADMISSION - FULL DETAILS AVAILABLE AT SHAARHASHOMAYIM.ORG/TNL 425 Metcalfe Avenue, Westmount, 514.937.9471 2 | www.shaarhashomayim.org RABBI’S REFLECTIONS My, how fast the time has flown. This idea is also beautifully articulated by the scholar Adam Grant, as he argues in favour of procrastination. Grant claims that reflective time Twelve years ago, I wrote the following words in allows for deeper understanding. He makes this argument as it pertains the Shaar bulletin: to procrastination. The more one procrastinates, the more original and “Aviya Scheier, the newest member of the Shaar creative thinking can be produced. He discusses a study in which “a Hashomayim community, has been received in professor at the University of Wisconsin designed some experiments. our family and community with great warmth She asked people to come up with new business ideas. Some were and excitement. I am certain that the foundation randomly assigned to start right away. Others were given five minutes to of ahava that has been established will serve her first play Minesweeper or Solitaire. Everyone submitted their ideas, and well for many years to come…” independent raters rated how original they were. The procrastinators’ ideas were 28 percent more creative.” (New York Times, January 16, Now, as we prepare to celebrate Aviya’s Bat Mitzvah, I reflect on the 2016, “Why I Taught Myself to Procrastinate”) excitement of that moment in our family’s life twelve years ago, marvel how quickly the time has passed, and reflect on how substantially our This is not to promote the value of video games; rather, it emphasizes lives have evolved in that time. that the passage of time can allow ideas to develop; creativity and great ideals are rarely formed from a momentary revelation. I am also brought back to words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel that I quoted in that article, from his beautiful piece, “I Am a Father”: In that bulletin article in which I welcome our eldest daughter, I also referenced the upcoming birth of something else entirely: a new adult “I am a father. I have a daughter and I love her dearly. I would like education program. I wrote, “We are planning an exciting new Adult my daughter to obey the commandments of the Torah; I would like Education initiative for this coming fall, on Tuesday evenings. I hope her to revere me as her father. And so I ask myself the question the entire congregation will partake in the great classes and educational over and over again: “What is there about me that deserves the resources of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim.” This program, of reverence of my daughter?” course, became Tuesday Night Learning, one of the great successes of Those reflective ambitions borne by the birth of my newborn have our congregation’s programming cycle. deepened over the years. The passage of time allows for some truths to On a communal note, it is similarly remarkable to observe the journey of be absorbed, and for ideas and understandings to develop. this congregation over the past number of years. We have climbed great This is the approach of the Kotzker Rebbe (19th Century, Poland), in his heights, and we’ll continue to climb. It would have been impossible for comment on the words of the Shema (Dt 11:18): “You shall place these us to get here overnight, but with patience, mazal, and hard work we words of Mine upon your heart…” The Rebbe asked, why “upon your take pride in where we are, and gain momentum to gain greater heights heart”? Should the verse read, “in your heart.” in the months and years ahead. He answered that this choice of language reflects the challenge of an And, while looking back and thinking forward, let us not forget to enjoy educator or a parent. Sometimes, the heart of a child or student is not the moment. That appreciation for “now” is what I’ll try to experience on ready to absorb a lesson. The Torah’s advice, then, is to place the words the day of my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, even as I wonder how we arrived upon the heart. Keep presenting the vision, continue to express the here so fast and anticipate the blessings the future will bring. values. Eventually, the heart will absorb those words. Thoughtfulness often takes time. What one understands about life Rabbi Adam Scheier twelve years ago might very well differ from one’s understandings today. Rabba Abby and Rabbi Adam Scheier invite the Congregation to join them in celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Aviya Scheier Shabbat, the sixteenth of june, two thousand and eighteen at eight forty-five in the morning Festive Kiddush following services Congregation Shaar Hashomayim | � | 3 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE As I write this message, we find ourselves still in Our congregational home is entering the next phase of renovations with the very cold months of winter, yet the warmth the emphasis on accessibility and functionality of our facility for all one finds at the Shaar is palpable at every turn. members. As we reflect on the current needs and planning for the next On any given day, there are a multitude of generation, our core objective is to guarantee that the physical upgrades and revitalization to the building will be carried out in a manner which activities and programs in session for every age will ensure that we preserve and maintain the majesty and history of group - from Foundation School children learning a building that we are all so proud of. The design concept for the daily their colours “en français” as they walk through Chapel and upper main lobby are currently in progress and many focus our corridors viewing the art on the walls, to our groups have already met to provide their insights. As we move towards seniors enjoying the Open Gate social program the design development phase, the Congregation at large will be invited and attending weekly without fail, despite the to share in the vision in the months to come. harsh weather. The camaraderie and sense of purpose that emanates from the laughter that one hears as the volunteers and committees These are exciting times for our beloved Shaar Hashomayim. Our prepare for the Mishloach Manot Purim baskets and special Shabbatot foundation is solid as a result of the vision of many generations of is truly inspiring. Peer into the various social halls and one can find leadership that we have been so fortunate to have guiding our shul. It everything from Torah learning to Meals-on-Wheels preparation to the is our responsibility to continue to build not only the physical, but also ever-popular weekly Bridge game that consistently attracts a multitude to enrich the spiritual growth that will resonate with future generations of players. Wednesday evenings are filled with the excitement and energy of members and enhance Jewish life for our community for years to of the NCSY teen programming, the beautiful sounds of our Cantor and come. choir rehearsing, all going on simultaneously and seamlessly. What is less visible to the naked eye is the hard work and dedication of clergy, May the warmth of the spring season allow us to appreciate how far we professional staff and lay leaders whose energy and devotion to our have come as a congregation and inspire us to engage the resources shul is inspiring, as they continue to reach out to the community at of our synagogue to continue to make our Shaar Hashomayim the large which allows us to solidify our membership and encourage others epicenter of Jewish life for our members and for all who want to to become part of the growing Shaar family. become part of our family. Nous pouvons nous estimer très chanceux d'avoir une équipe du clergé tellement dévouée et talentueuse qui continue de mettre en œuvre de nouvelles approches novatrices pour rendre notre synagogue si Claire Berger Fagen chaleureuse et si accueillante.