bulletin
Beth Tzedec Bulletin volume 69, no. 2 | tevet 5780 • january 2020 | www.beth-tzedec.org
ENJOY MUSIC AT BETH TZEDEC All Season Long!
Shabbat Dinner with Shabbat Shirah Purim Carnival and Abridged Aviva Chernick Celebration Megillah Reading February 7 February 8 March 9 See p. 30 See p. 2 See p. 8 Shabbat Shaharit Service 8:45 AM ˙ Shabbat Shirah Concert 8:00 PM
Beth Tzedec celebrates Shabbat Shirah and Black History Month with the Nathaniel Dett Chorale.
Join us for a melodic Shaharit Service led by Cantor Sidney Ezer and the˙ Beth Tzedec Shir Hadash Ensemble, featuring the Nathanial Dett Chorale’s˙ artistic director Brainerd Blyden-Taylor speaking about Old Testament stories in African American Spirituals and the shared experience of slavery/persecution in both traditions and music. Everyone is welcome.
A community kiddush follows.
On Saturday evening, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale joins Cantor Sidney Ezer and the Shir Hadash Ensemble for an inspirational interfaith concert on the theme of slavery and freedom featuring˙ Afrocentric music. The liturgy and music of both faiths will be represented. Tickets: *Advance Purchase: $15 members; $20 non-members. At the door: $25 For information or concert tickets, contact the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 or [email protected].
*Advance ticket sales end Friday, February 7 at 12:00 NOON
The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is a multi-faceted group of singers and Canada’s first professional chamber choir dedicated to Afrocentric music of all styles, including classical, spiritual, gospel, jazz, folk and blues. They have shared the stage with internationally recognized artists such as Juno Award-winning jazz pianist Joe Sealy, singers Molly Johnson and Jackie Richardson, opera star Kathleen Battle and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble has performed for such luminaries as opera singer Jessye Norman and Dance Theatre of Harlem founder Arthur Mitchell. They have also performed at events honouring world leaders Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, boxing personality Muhammad Ali and pianist Oscar Peterson. They were the only Canadian ensemble invited to perform at celebrations surrounding the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009.
2 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 commentary Rabbi Steve Wernick Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue We are Beth Tzedec, a platform for righteousness. We share a passion for extending justice into the world. tzedakah is not charity. though charity is tzedakah. to Toronto after the Holocaust, he needed work. The word charity comes from the Latin word caritas Construction was underway here at Bathurst and meaning love. One gives charity, then, when one feels Eglinton and he was able to work collecting the love or empathy for another person or a cause. There is unneeded and damaged steel and iron. Beth Tzedec no sense of obligation or responsibility, though it is, of worked with JIAS and others and helped provide some course, highly encouraged. of the first jobs for new immigrants. That’s not charity, The word tzedakah, on the other hand, comes from that’s tzedakah. the Hebrew word tzedec, meaning justice or righteousness, We are a congregation that continues to live up to and its implication goes way beyond charity. Tzedec our name. We welcome IDF veterans still suffering from implies a modality of individual and communal PTSD, we rescue refugees, we house the homeless, we responsibility and behaviour to uphold what is right, collect food for the hungry, we engage the lonely and we moral and fair. This is why the Jewish concept of tzedec give charity to support worthy causes. informs how we view legal systems, economic systems, As you read through the winter Bulletin, look for social systems and the like. ways in which you too can make a difference and give of In fact, as Rabbi Sidney Schwarz writes in his book yourself such that we can extend the boundaries of Judaism and Justice, the creation and maintenance of tzedec beyond our synagogue walls. Donate winter justice is one of the essential purposes of Judaism. To clothing to Out of the Cold, join the Refugee fulfill his destiny, Abraham must “extend the boundaries Sponsorship Group, help us meet the needs of bikkur of righteousness and justice in the world.” Schwarz holim (visiting the sick and homebound) or let us know continues, “Why be Jewish?—because it is a heritage ˙how we can help you and your friends in a project that that extends the boundaries of righteousness and justice you care about—we can infuse it with Jewish context in the world and invests our world with holiness.” and offer a vast network, promotion and more. Contact Consider Beth Tzedec. When the generation that Yacov Fruchter, Rabbi Fryer Bodzin or myself and we founded this sacred community determined its name, will be happy to support you. they clearly had this notion of tzedec in mind. I’m We are Beth Tzedec, a platform for righteousness. reminded of a story Zoli Zimmerman’s family shared We share a passion for extending justice into the world. with me as we prepared for his funeral. When he came
Beth Tzedec @ Out of the Cold Tuesdays, January 21, February 4 & 18 and March 3 & 24 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM Beth Tzedec families are invited to participate in Out of the Cold at Beth Sholom, serving hot meals to the guests of the program. Teens in Grades 6 to 8 must come with an adult; parents are welcome! RSVPs required to Daniel Silverman at 416-781-3514, ext. 231 or [email protected].
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 3 beth tzedec bulletin Winter
Volume 69, Number 2 Tevet 5780 • January 2020
Beth Tzedec Congregation 1700 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5P 3K3 Tel 416-781-3511 / Fax 416-781-0150 www.beth-tzedec.org President Debbie Rothstein [email protected] Chair of the Board Bernie Gropper [email protected] Rabbi Steven C. Wernick, Anne and Max Tanenbaum Senior Rabbinic Chair ext. 218, [email protected] Associate Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin ext. 219, [email protected] Cantor Sidney Ezer ext. 296, [email protected] Ritual Director Lorne Hanick ext. 240, [email protected] Director of Community Building & Spiritual Engagement Yacov Fruchter ext. 279, [email protected] Executive Director Randy E. Spiegel ext. 211, [email protected] Director of Education / Congregational School Principal & Programming Coordinator Daniel Silverman ext. 231, [email protected] Director of Youth Engagement Shirel Barkan ext. 290, [email protected] Teen Engagement Associate Sylvie Moscovitz ext. 246, [email protected] Receptionist Avital Narvey 416-781-3511, [email protected] Executive Assistant & Events Coordinator Florence Bendelac ext. 213, [email protected] Manager of Marketing & Communications Linda Marleny Dow ext. 281, [email protected] Production Manager Terri Humphries ext. 212, [email protected] Membership Engagement & Development Klara Romm ext. 220, [email protected] Senior Program Coordinator Mark Your Calendar Zina Glassman ext. 225, [email protected] Museum Curator Dorion Liebgott Out of the Cold ext. 232, [email protected] TO CONTRIBUTE YOUR news, congratulations, Art Exhibit AND Sale member updates or other listings, send an email to [email protected], call Sunday, March 29 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM 416-781-3514, ext. 212 or fax 416-781-0150.
4 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 from the president Debbie Rothstein Stepping Forward Having a diversity of voices at the table only makes us stronger.
i come from a family of strong women, all very Last year, under our new by-laws, for the first time, involved in community activities and leadership. members of the congregation could put their names My grandmothers were both very philanthropic and forward to be nominated to the Board. The hope was tireless in their volunteer positions. My mother was that members would be motivated to get involved, no involved with the National Council of Jewish Women, longer hampered by who they knew on the Nominations Chair of the Women’s Division of UJA, among numerous Committee. What I didn’t expect was that all but one of other organizations, and of course, Beth Tzedec. the members who put their names forward would be My mother’s passion at the shul has always been the men. How was this possible when there are so many Reuben & Helene Dennis Museum. I spent many an incredibly capable and impressive women in our kehillah? afternoon doing my homework in the Museum as she Leah Mauer, a member of our 20’s and 30’s organized and catalogued exhibits. I was always taught Committee, sent me an article from eJewish that a woman’s contribution was just as important as a Philanthropy that gave me an answer. The article, “The man’s in all facets of life, and I learned from the example Week That All Jewish Women Turned Invisible”, details of those who came before me. how without women’s voices being acknowledged in Personally, I had never thought of joining the Board leadership, they simply do not step forward to fill vacant of Directors at Beth Tzedec. When I was nominated nine slots. It was a fascinating read and one that has really years ago, I was taken aback, not really knowing what I changed my way of thinking. We need to be conscious of could contribute. My husband Michael and I had been the make-up of our committees—women need to be asked to join a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Task Force as our better represented as committee members and as leaders. daughter Emma, was starting the Bar/Bat Mitzvah The same holds true for Jews by Choice, Jews of Colour, program. The task force was asked to look at ways in Jews who identify as LGBTQ+. Having a diversity of which the program could be improved. That was the voices at the table only makes us stronger. extent of my involvement at Beth Tzedec, other than I urge each and every one of you to get involved in being a lifelong member and a regular shul-goer. But I some way at Beth Tzedec. We’re not just here for the was asked and really, how could I say no given my High Holy Days. There is so much to experience at our family’s history at Beth Tzedec—but more importantly, shul the other 362 days of the year. I am confident that how could I say no to a place that I love? if you do, you will find a strong community waiting for There are so many opportunities for involvement and you and many opportunities to make Beth Tzedec and leadership in our kehillah. My first year on the Board, I the broader world a better place. co-chaired the Communications Committee, which Rabbi Wernick has said that shlaymoot will be the undertook the redevelopment of the Beth Tzedec website. foundational principle of the synagogue moving forward. I moved onto the Executive a year later. As Chair and We each share a personal responsibility for community, now as President, I have had the unique perspective of social and personal well-being. So please get involved in witnessing the inner workings of the many committees any manner in which you can. that are the heart and soul of our shul. And when the e-mail goes out in early 2020 asking My newest position is serving in an ex-officio role on for nominations to the Board of Directors, ladies, please the Centre for Spiritual Well-Being Advisory Committee. step forward! At our first meeting, under the leadership of Rabbi If you would like to become more involved in any Fryer Bodzin, I was so privileged to see the others on the way at Beth Tzedec, please contact me at committee get so excited about the Centre and sharing [email protected]. their gifts and expertise with our community. There is a —Debbie Rothstein, President lot about leadership that can be exhausting, stressful and draining, but these are the days that keep me energized, excited and focused on our goals.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 5 Lishma Jewish Learning Project launched in November 2018 in Toronto. We are a community of learners in our 20s and 30s, excited to share our desire for greater Jewish engagement. We are willing to ask questions of our tradition and we want to explore how it informs our lives today. We hope you'll be part of it.
Semester 3: January 15, 22 & 29 and February 5, 12 & 19 @ Holy Blossom Temple
Hands-On Track: Judaism + Modernity: Text and Context: New Jewish Film Bad@$$ Sheroes Jewish Couplehood with Aaron Rotenberg with Rabbi Becca Walker with Yacov Fruchter
For information or to register, visit www.lishma.com
Healing Services with Rabbi Fryer Bodzin Wednesday evenings, January 8, March 4 and May 6 at 7:30 PM
When you feel broken, turn to our tradition for strength and renewal. With the launch of the Centre for Spiritual Well-Being, we will be offering regular healing services with Rabbi Fryer Bodzin. Join us as we enrich our lives and strive for a sense of shlaymoot (well-being). No charge, but RSVPs appreciated.
6 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 from the executive director Randy E. Spiegel What Time is It? With so much on the go and a finite amount of time, we must stop and ask ourselves what matters most and give ourselves the opportunity to spend time doing it.
the alarm blasts at 6:00, the but how to do it all and more—and with what we want to do? When we shower heats, the coffee percolates, do it well? can know what really moves us, gives the flat iron is fired up, the mousse Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr., a us pleasure and makes life meaningful, foams, contact lenses are popped into brilliant businessman, inspirational we can lead happier and more tired eyes and clothes are laid out just speaker and author, talks about the successful lives. Balance, Kraemer as the bus beeps for the kids—oy! importance of the number 168; the says, is fundamental. And with the Traffic is “light” (who are they kidding) number of hours in the week. As he numerous competing interests in our and Shaharit starts in 15 minutes. says, it is all we have, for whatever it lives, “It always comes down to doing ˙ Work by 9:00, meetings at 11:30, is we want/need/wish to accomplish. the right thing and doing the best you 1:00 and 3:00, pick-up from extended No more, no less. can.” care by 5:30, dinner, homework and Let’s see: Perhaps, as we strive for excellence kids to bed by 7:00. Finally, by 8:30, • Work (depending on where you in our daily lives, we must (another a chance to ... fill in the blank. work): 50 hours Kraemer principle) have the humility We run our lives with schedules: • Sleep: 42 hours to accept who we are and who others sunrise/sunset; Shaharit / Minhah / are. Try as we do to fit it all in, ˙ ˙ • Personal time (reading, Netflix, Ma’ariv; candles to start and end Shabbat will start when it starts, time with friends): 25 hours Shabbat. Somehow we have to fit it whether we are ready or not. Ever • Time in the car (commuting/ all in. We rely on diaries, devices and watch Iron Chef? “Spatula down, schlepping): 10 hours mostly on each other to keep us on time’s up.” The newspaper, the • Meal time: 10 hours pace and hit our deadlines. broadcast, even this Bulletin, have to • Getting ready for work, activity, My friend Louie z”l used to say go to press. We must live with dead- bed: 7 hours that there are only two important lines and accept there can be no more things in life—timing and moderation. • Exercise: 4 hours “final” edits or tweaks. There will It’s gruelling trying to stay on time. How to spend the remaining 20 always be another headline to write, And in doing so, we frequently hours of your week? another article to post and another violate the idea of moderation. Our In his book, From Values to loaf of hallah to bake. ˙ age of information technology demands Action, in addressing leadership, How to cope? Invest in the time it that we do more, better and faster. It Kraemer says, “Self-reflection is the takes to do our best, accept our takes so much just to keep up, never key to identifying what you stand for, limitations and reflect on what and mind find the time for quality thought what your values are and what how we do what we do. and creativity. From school to work, matters most.” With so much on the We only have 168 hours in each we are forever cramming, playing go and a finite amount of time, we week. Kraemer says that “when you catch-up. must stop and ask ourselves ‘what truly know yourself and what you In the synagogue, there is so much matters most’ and give ourselves the stand for, it is much easier to know going on—Professor Ages’ classes, opportunity to spend time doing it. what to do in any situation.” Think luncheons, Canasta, Family Shabbatot, His message is a reminder of one way about how you spend your 168 and Out of the Cold, Hana Werner for us to look at life. how to use them wisely because they lectures, community programs, What if we just paused and looked are yours. As we spend the time to concerts—all demanding the full at ourselves and each other a little take the time, we may just find the effort of volunteers and staff. And as longer, listened a little more carefully peace and balance we need to do the much as we do, demands grow with and took a few well-earned deep things that matter most. each success. Technology allows us to breaths? What if we set limits on what To make a gift that will strengthen reach more people and to get instant we have to do and gave ourselves the our kehillah, please contact me at feedback. We try to stay on top of opportunity to focus better and with 416-781-3514, ext. 211 or literally hundreds of emails every day, less stress, and feed our inner selves [email protected]. TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 7 Monday, March 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Join the fun at our annual Purim carnival! Kids of all ages will enjoy carnival booths, bouncy castles, a toddlers' play-zone and a dance party. The carnival will pause from 5:15 to 5:45 PM for a child-centric, For more information, contact the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 abridged Megillah reading, and then resume with more fun and games. (A full Megillah reading begins at approximately 7:15 PM).
No charge for activities; children’s food available for purchase. RSVPs appreciated to the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 or [email protected] by Wednesday, March 4.
Searching for My Voice A World Premiere by Allan Soberman May 12, 2020 “Searching for My Voice” is Allan's heartfelt story of growing up in the family of Beth Tzedec's beloved Cantor Morris Soberman (z”l), who was the Ba’al Koreh, Hazzan Sheini and Bar/Bat Mitzvah teacher of 2,800 of us for over 35 years. The show ˙features melodies Allan learned as a child as the “cantor’s son” and traces his personal journey as a performer and music producer to find his own voice. Watch for ticket information coming soon.
8 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 SIVAN 5778 • JULY 2018 8 Mazal Tov to our B’nei Mitzvah WHO HAVE COMPLETED OURBAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM
January 18 February 1 (at Minhah) Justin Giddens Eden Agulnik˙ son of Dr. Jonathan daughter of Adam Agulnik & Susan Giddens & Galit Zupnik
February 17 February 22 (at Minhah) March 28 David Pasternak Maya Klimitz˙ William Wall son of Jonathan & Cara Pasternak daughter of Dr. Jordan & Ester Klimitz son of Edmund & Lisa Wall
Are you a Beth Tzedec member with a child attending Camp Ramah in Canada for the first time? BT members have access to one incentive grant per family, thanks to The Beth Tzedec and Phyllis & Ab Flatt Camp Ramah in Canada Incentive Program Family Fund For additional information about summer camping opportunities, please contact Daniel Silverman at [email protected], call 416-781-3514, ext. 231 or call the Jewish camp of your choice.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 9 The Beth Tzedec Book and Film Club
Wednesday, March 25 at 1:30 PM 20SAND 30S HOLOCAUST (Lunch at 1:00 PM) REMEMBRANCE SHABBAT DINNER $25 (pre-registration required) Shabbat to Remember with Holocaust survivor The Iron Tracks Reny Friedman Dr. Harriet Morris Friday, January 24 discusses Aharon Appelfeld’s book. beginning at 6:00 PM A peddler of Judaica has been riding the trains of postwar Austria for over 40 years, ever since his release from a concentration camp, Beth Tzedec’s 20s and 30s are partnering with with a secret mission. the Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre for Appelfeld takes us on Monday,a Shabbat January dinner 20. in honour of International a trek of memory, Holocaust Remembrance Day. We will beginpm revenge and forgiveness. with Kabbalat ShabbatEventbrite.ca Services at 6:00 . Cost: $25 per person, by advance reservation only by GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY
Reserve online via or call the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511.
Shabbat mornings, January 18, February 15, March 14 and May 16 from 10:30 to 11:45 AM Shabbat 101 is a monthly, 75-minute, experiential Shabbat morning service for anyone interested in becoming familiar with the structure, choreography and deep meaning of the traditional Shabbat morning service.
Presented by Beth Tzedec Congregation and Keeping the Faith
10 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 lifecycle News and Milestones News received between September 10 and December 9 has been included in this issue.
We can’t share your good news unless you tell us U about it.Send an email to thumphries@beth- Milestones tzedec.org, or call us at 416-781-3514 ext. 212. Deadline for the next Bulletin covering April through June and celebrations is February 12. Births Maya Frances, daughter of Congratulations to Moshe Micha & Chloe REBECCA & IRA SHINER, McAlister, who sponsored a Micah Hallie, daughter of Allan Pyzer, who celebrated his granddaughter of BENITA & Congregational Kiddush on LESLEY & REUBEN KOCHMAN, 90th birthday on October 24. FRED GOLT and FAYE & ALAN September 14 to honour the granddaughter of LAWRIE & SHINER, born October 31. Allen & Susan Schacht, birth of their daughter Nava. ELLEN MANN and MARK & who celebrated their 30th LOLA KOCHMAN, great- Larry & Nina Wallach, who Lior Yitzhak, son of YAKOV anniversary on November 26. granddaughter of ANN & SARAH KOHL, grandson of sponsored a Congregational SAMUELS and LUCY KOCHMAN, RABBI BARUCH & JOSETTE Louise Starkman, who was Kiddush on September 21 to born July 27. FRYDMAN-KOHL and DANIEL awarded the Ontario honour Toby Wallach on her th NEMZER, born November 11. Volunteer Service Award by 99 birthday. Jayden Samuel, son of the Province of Ontario in RACHEL & JONATHAN BERGER, Henry Lev, son of BRYAN recognition of her service to Aaron Bodzin & Rabbi grandson of STUART & LAURA FLATT & SOPHIE GOTTESMAN, Dawes Road Cemeteries. Robyn Fryer Bodzin, who SHAMIS and SEYMOUR & grandson of ILENE & sponsored a Seudah DIANE BERGER, great-grand- STEPHEN FLATT and LIDDY Cathy Surdin & Lawrence Shlisheet on September 28 to th son of DR. PERCY & MIRIAM BECK & STEVE GOTTESMAN, Shiff, who celebrated their 25 commemorate the yahrtzeit of URBACK, SHEILA SHAMIS and great-grandson of PHYLLIS anniversary on October 30. Jerry Bodzin. MORRIS SHAMIS & LOUISE & AB FLATT and FLORENCE Simon Weisz, son of ANNE & Dot Whitehouse, who WENDLING, born August 5. MAGRAM, born November 13. RANDY WEISZ, and Katarina sponsored a Congregational Edie Lynne, daughter of Weddings Zoricic, daughter of SILVIA Kiddush on October 5 to MICHAEL & CARRIE GEIST, BRUDAR & BEBE ZORICIC, on honour the birthday of her Jonathan Rosen, son of granddaughter of THE LATE their engagement. late father Louis Whitehouse. RANDY & HOWARD ROSEN, TERRY GEIST, MARVIN GEIST, grandson of GINA & SIDNEY Many Thanks to BARBARA BREGMAN and Caroline Bokar Gordon & BROWN and PEARL & JOSEPH MICHAEL BREGMAN, great- The Rosen Family, who Errol Gordon, who spon- ROSEN Z”L, and Lauren Kleiner, granddaughter of YETTA sponsored a Congregational sored a Seudah Shlisheet on daughter of FRAN & IRV BREGMAN, born August 26 Kiddush on August 10 to October 12 to commemorate KLEINER, granddaughter of (in Los Angeles). honour the marriage of their the yahrtzeit of Mara Bokar. PAULA & BENNETZ”L AGRANOVE son Jonathan Rosen & and YETTA & LEO Z”L KLEINER, Oliver, son of JUSTIN LINDEN Lauren Kleiner. & STEPHANIE ORLEANS, who were married August 17 grandson of ROCHELLE Yael Liat Pullan, daughter of LINDEN and ADELE & MARVIN ANNE & ELI PULLAN, grand- ORLEANS , born September 5. daughter of DEVORAH Josephine, daughter of PERLMAN & DAVID PULLAN, and Cory Ditkofsky, son of PEARL & GENEVIÈVE COHEN, NANCY & JACK DITKOFSKY (of granddaughter of CATHY & Montreal), grandson of HOWARD COHEN, DENISE GUSTAWA MANSFELD and ROBINSON & JEFFREY MORTON, BEATRICE DITKOFSKY, who and ROBERT FONG-JEAN, were married October 19. great-granddaughter of PENNY & NEIL SIPKES, MARY Justin Rosen, son of RANDY LEE BRAGG & COLIN MORTON, & HOWARD ROSEN, grandson DAVID & ADELE ROBINSON, of GINA & SIDNEY BROWN and PAT & PAUL PARENT and PEARL & JOSEPH ROSENZ”L, and HEATHER FONG-JEAN, born Erica Frieberg, daughter of October 22. KATHY & DAVID FRIEBERG, Mazal tov to Geneviève & Pearl Cohen, who welcomed granddaughter of BETTY & daughter Josephine on October 22. HERB FRIEBERG, who were married December 14. TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 11 lifecycle News and Milestones
Ilene Flatt and family, who The Ezer Family, who Dr. Lawrie Giddens & Candice Adam Agulnik & Galit sponsored a Congregational sponsored a Congregational Kurk, who sponsored a Zupnik, who will sponsor Kiddush on October 12 to Kiddush on November 9 to Congregational Kiddush on a Congregational Kiddush commemorate the yahrtzeit of honour Cantor Sidney Ezer. November 30 to honour their on February 1 to honour P. Theodore Magram. 36th wedding anniversary, the the Bat Mitzvah of their Ab & Phyllis Flatt, who anniversary of Lawrie’s Bar daughter Eden Agulnik. Gella & Paul Rothstein, who sponsored a Seudah Shlisheet Mitzvah and the engagement sponsored a Congregational on November 9 to of their son Seth Giddens & Jonathan & Cara Pasternak, Kiddush on October 14 to commemorate the yahrtzeit Dani Jesin. who will sponsor a commemorate the yahrtzeit of of Moses Flatt. Congregational Kiddush J. Barney Goldhar. Debbie & Mark Bank, Corrie on February 15 to honour Gloria & Dr. Ronald Jacobs, & Paul Gancman and Robert the Bar Mitzvah of their Debbie & Mark Bank, Corrie who sponsored a Seudah & Alison Gladstone, who son David Pasternak. & Paul Gancman and Alison Shlisheet on November 9 to sponsored a Congregational & Robert Gladstone, who commemorate the yahrtzeit of Kiddush on December 7 to Dr. Jordan & Ester Klimitz, sponsored a Congregational Dorothy Freedman. commemorate the yahrtzeit of who will sponsor a Kiddush on October 26 to Harold Gladstone. Congregational Kiddush commemorate the yahrtzeit of Esterita Rajsky and Rochelle on February 22 to honour Shirley Gladstone. Zabitsky, who sponsored a Bernice Stern and the Stern the Bat Mitzvah of their Congregational Kiddush and Gropper families, who daughter Maya Klimitz. Joseph Rosenthal, who on November 16 to sponsored a Congregational sponsored a Congregational commemorate the yahrtzeit Kiddush on December 7 to Edmund & Lisa Wall, who Kiddush on October 26 to of William Chananie. commemorate the yahrtzeit of will sponsor a Congrega- commemorate the yahrtzeiten Gitel Rotenstein. tional Kiddush on March of Shmuel Rosenthal and The Ezer and Arbuck Families, 28 to honour the Bar David White. who sponsored a Congrega- Jason & Vered Feldman, who Mitzvah of their son tional Kiddush on November sponsored a Congregational William Wall. The Black Family, who 23 to honour the birthday of Kiddush on December 7 to sponsored a Congregational Cantor Sidney Ezer. honour the fourth anniversary Jeffery & Cherryl Berliner, Kiddush on November 2 to of their son Nathaniel’s Bar who will sponsor a honour the first anniversary Paul & Gella Rothstein, who Mitzvah. Congretional Kiddush on of the Bar Mitzvah of their sponsored a Seudah Shlisheet February 22 to honour the son Aaron Black. on November 23 to The Ackerman Family, who upcoming marriage of their commemorate the yahrtzeit sponsored a Congregational son Michael Berliner and Geneviève & Pearl Cohen of Isaac Rothstein. Kiddush on December 14 to Sara Schachter. and families, who sponsored commemorate the yahrtzeit of a Congregational Kiddush on Dr. John Ackerman. November 2 to honour the birth of their daughter Dr. Jonathan & Susan Josephine. Giddens, who will sponsor a Congregational Kiddush on January 18 to honour the Bar Mitzvah of their son Justin Giddens.
Join Cantor Sidney Ezer, choir director Ezra Burke and Yacov on Fruchter on the third Tuesday of SHABBAT each month at 8:00 MJ for an uplifting sing-along highlighting familiar and less familiar Tuesdays: melodies that will be featured A MUSICAL KUMZITZ at Shabbat at the Floor and Shabbat/Festival morning January 21, February 18, March 24 services. No charge. Everyone and May 19 from 8:00 to 9:00 MJ welcome.
12 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 commentary Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin Ceiling Tiles When we are able to let go and focus on the blessings and the opportunities we have, then we can begin to act more godly.
most of us, at some point or goodness that surrounds us. One, Blessed be He, created the another, have found ourselves staring When we are able to let go and world, no one thanked the Holy One, upward, counting ceiling tiles. So let’s focus on the blessings and the Blessed be He, until Leah came and imagine that we are sitting in a room opportunities we have, then we can thanked Him, as it is stated: ‘This with a tiled ceiling. Now imagine that begin to act more godly. time I will give thanks to God.’” one tile is missing. Just one. Where do When we consider the sisters Leah Giving thanks to God and our your eyes go? Of course, you’re and Rachel from the Torah, Rachel is fellow human beings is an essential staring at the missing tile. usually elevated in comparison to her part of being Jewish. Among the first What if you were looking at our sister. Rachel is described as shapely words in our siddur, we find the Beit Alpha Floor mosaic and noticed and beautiful, while her sister is not. Modeh Ani, where we thank God for a piece was cracked—would you be Of the two sisters, Rachel is Jacob’s life and for enabling us to wake up. able to look away? beloved wife. In Genesis 30:22, we While our days are short and the Or what if during a rainy summer, read that God was directly involved cold makes many of us want to hiber- your entire family worked on a 1,000 in Rachel’s fertility journey as “God nate through the winter, I encourage piece jigsaw puzzle together? And remembered Rachel; God heeded her all of us to prioritize hakarat hatov. somehow, one piece was missing. and opened her womb.” Rachel is the Make time to thank people for the Which piece would you focus on? one who births Joseph, the favourite good they bestow on us and to thank What about when one hair is out son. It is Joseph who continues the God for the blessings in our lives. of place, or one fingernail is messed story of our ancestors, the Israelite If you have a positive interaction up or there is a tiny stain on an people. with a person, send a text, an email otherwise pristine carpet? When these Leah is known for mothering most or a handwritten note letting them situations arise, what do we fixate of Jacob’s sons. But I think that Leah’s know how they made you feel. on? What don’t we let go of? legacy goes far beyond her ability to Hakarat hatov is contagious. If you That’s The Missing Tile Syndrome— give birth. Leah taught us all how to do it for someone, chances are they the preoccupation with imperfections say thank you. She modeled hakarat will pay it forward. and anomalies. It runs contrary to hatov, the importance of gratitude. Nearly every ceiling we stand how we are supposed to live our lives After giving birth to Reuven, Shimon under will have at least one missing as Jews. We are supposed to engage and Levi, she bore one more son. We or cracked or nicked tile. Some cracks in hakarat hatov, expressions of read in Genesis 29:35 “she conceived will be easier to see than others. gratitude, such as thanking God and again, and bore a son; and she said: Instead of focusing on the negative those around us for our blessings. ‘This time will I thank the LORD.’ above, look at the blessings around People who are afflicted by The Therefore she called his name Judah.” you and within you. And then say Missing Tile Syndrome focus on what On this verse, Rabbi Yohanan thank you, in whatever way works is missing from their lives. It robs us said in the name of Rabbi Shimon best for you. of the ability to appreciate the ample ben Yohai: “From the day the Holy
Rabbi Fryer Bodzin at Associated Hebrew Day School Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin has been getting out to the community and enjoyed the opportunity to visit her alma mater—Associated Hebrew Day School—and meet with many of the current crop of students.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 13 Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 1:00 PM
BetCome in out of the cold and enjoy an afternoon of entertaining films and refreshments with friends both old and new.
January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27 Mr. Gaga Fiddler: A Miracle Data Mining the Prosecuting Evil: of Miracles Ohad Naharin, an artistic genius Deceased: Ancestry The Extraordinary who redefined the language of Discover the origin story and the Business World of Ben modern dance, is a director of the behind one of Broadway’s most Batsheva Dance Company. He is beloved musicals, Fiddler on of Family Ferencz regarded as one of the most im- the Roof, and its creative roots This documentary explores The fascinating story of Ben portant choreographers in the in early 1960s New York, when world. Filmed over a period of genealogy, ownership and Ferencz who, at 27 years of age, “tradition” was on the wane as access of your personal data became the lead prosecutor in eight years, director Tomer gender roles, sexuality, race Heymann mixes intimate and privacy risks. FamilySearch the Einsatzgruppen case at relations and religion were is the largest not-for- profit Nuremberg, which has been rehearsal footage with an evolving. genealogical database in the called the biggest murder trial extensive unseen archive and world and ncestry.com is the in history. All 22 Nazi officials breathtaking dance sequences largest for-profit genealogical were convicted. Ferencz for this fascinating documentary. database. Both sites extensively became a lifelong advocate of The rhythm of the story is share and exchange records. "law not war" and, at 98 years guaranteed to leave you skipping. How do we protect our privacy? of age, continues his fight for [Hebrew with English subtitles] After the movie, we’ll enjoy a justice for victims of atrocity. talk with producer and director Dr. Julia Creet.
Cost: $5 per screening (Funds support the Out of the Cold program)
Sponsored by the Sigmund and Gabriella Schmidt Endowment Fund For more information, contact the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 or email [email protected] Mark Your Calendar Megillah Reading Join us on Monday evening, March 9 at 7:15 PM and on Tuesday morning, March 10 at 7:00 AM for a lively Megillah reading.
Save the Date! Professor Stephen Berk returns to Toronto for his annual scholar-in-residence series April 24 to 26, 2020. Watch for details coming soon.
14 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020Friday, October 18 at 6:00 PM cantor Sidney Ezer Melding Musical Encounters Jews and African Canadians share a common history of suffering through a struggle for freedom and acceptance. for the last few summers, during my vacation time, together the interlocking true stories of Portia White, who I have made it a point to travel within Canada to discover broke through the colour barrier to become the first Black as much of our vast country as possible. On each of my Canadian concert singer to win international acclaim, her trips, I’ve come across at least one Jewish connection. This father, a Baptist minister and son of a former slave, and past summer, I actually made it to the Yukon, which I had Portia’s vocal instructor, Ernesto Vinci. always dreamed of visiting. Ernesto was an Italian opera singer, teacher, adjudicator, While in Dawson City, I took in a vaudeville show at doctor and German-speaking Polish Jew. When WWII Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall. Gertie’s, as it is broke out, he was studying opera in Italy, so he passed colloquially known, is Canada’s oldest casino, reminiscent himself off as Italian and escaped to Canada. His family of the area’s Klondike Gold Rush history. Imagine my died in the Holocaust. The relationship between Portia and surprise when I see Gertie Lovejoy and her “Gold Rush Ernesto is explored throughout the musical culminating in Girls” come out for an encore, dancing the can-can and Portia’s death in 1968, when Ernesto attends her grave, singing made-up English lyrics to “Hava Nagila”! I know sings from Proverbs 31 (“Eshet Hayil”) and recites ˙ it has become a prominent tune in secular society, but it Kaddish for her. was still an unexpected surprise. At one point in the musical, Ernesto tells Portia “they I also visited the Bet Chaim cemetery established by the accept you, they accept me”. It puts in perspective a Jew’s Baron de Hirsch Congregation in 1902. At that time, struggle to vicariously gain acceptance through an African Dawson City’s Jewish community had nearly 200 members. Canadian who herself endures racism, prejudice and There are five known burial sites, but the only identified discrimination. Jews and African Canadians share a grave belongs to Solomon Packer, a popular merchant common history of suffering through a struggle for who owned a hardware store. Born Aaron Yehudah ben freedom and acceptance. This is reflected in common Pekler in the Ukraine, he immigrated to North America in spirituals like “Wade in the Water” and “Go Down Moses”. the late 1880s, arriving in Dawson City during the Gold Ever since seeing that musical and the complex Rush. He was a member of the Yukon Order of Pioneers relationship between Portia and Ernesto, it made me but chose to be buried in the cemetery of his faith. Several reflect more on our shared experience of slavery and other members of the congregation are buried in the Exodus and inspired a special celebration of Shabbat nearby Hillside Cemetery. Shirah and Black History Month. Join us as we welcome The Yukon trek notwithstanding, I have mostly travelled the Nathanial Dett Chorale, under the direction of closer to home to see more of Ontario. Two summers ago, Brainerd Blyden-Taylor. This multi-faceted group of I travelled to Tobermory and Manitoulin Island. The singers is Canada’s first professional chamber choir crystal clear waters and the Niagara Escarpment were dedicated to Afrocentric music of all styles, including breathtaking. While aboard the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry, classical, spiritual, gospel, jazz, folk and blues. Together passengers often visit the lounge deck for entertainment. with myself and the Beth Tzedec Shir Hadash Ensemble, ˙ The performers that day were a duo of university they will inspire us with an interfaith concert on the theme students, one of whom sang a song she wrote as an of slavery and freedom, bringing Old Testament stories in assignment for her Concordia professor, who is a member African American Spirituals to life. of the First Nations. Everything seemed fine until the These were my Jewish encounters in the unlikeliest of lyrics “When the Israeli occupation is over …”. After the places. This summer I will likely take a break from performance, I approached them and politely but firmly domestic travel as I hope to join the Cantors Assembly on a expressed my disappointment in their choice of repertoire. musical journey to Italy, to visit Rome, Florence and Venice My sole Jewish encounter was not a pleasant one. to meet with the local Jewish communities and learn about Three summers ago, I travelled through more of their experiences. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, southwestern Ontario, visiting Grand Bend, Goderich, I wish you only wonderful Jewish encounters wherever Blythe and Petrolia and taking in some local theatre. The you go. plays all involved Canadian subject matter. The one I saw in Petrolia was the adapted musical Portia. It weaves TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 15 refugee awareness shabbat Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21
20S AND 30S MONTHLY LUNCH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE FAMILY LEARN SHABBAT SHABBAT with Elise Herzig with Dawit Demosz PROGRAM / SERVICE / DINNER Saturday, March 21 Beginning at 5:15 PM Community Kiddush PROGRAM / SERVICE / DINNER following Services Service begins at 6:00 PM Come together for a delicious Shabbat dinner and great programming for kids Join us for a unique Shabbat dinner as In conjunction with JIAS (Jewish of all ages. A young children’s craft Immigration Aid Services), Beth we get to know activist and refugee program begins at 5:15 PM, with a lively Dawit Demosz, who settled in Canada Tzedec is marking this weekend abridged Kabbalat Shabbat service at with a Refugee Awareness Shabbat. after several years of living in Israel as 5:45 PM followed by a delicious Shabbat Following the congregational an asylum-seeker. dinner, an activity for older kids and a kiddush, Elise Herzig, Executive Cost: $18 per person. conversation with a recent refugee. Director of JIAS, will be leading a lunch and learn. Cost for dinner: $60 per family (2 adults and max. of 4 children); $25 each additional family member. Beth Tzedec member discounted price: $50 per family; $20 each additional family member.
Reserve online at www.beth-tzedec.org/login or call the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 by Monday, March 16.
16 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 director of community building & spiritual engagement Yacov Fruchter Face to Face A vision for Beth Tzedec’s Small Groups.
after my mother died, i learned My mother and her walking group structure of care. how many people, mostly from her showed me the power of being part of While the entire Beth Tzedec team small synagogue (“the shtiebel”) turned a caring community. It has been the will continue to support you during to her for care and support. She heard single most important influence in my challenges and celebrations, the Beth their challenges; stories about their work at Beth Tzedec and in the Tzedec Small Group Initiative (a better children, medical complications and hospitals that I have served. name forthcoming) is one way of important and trivial complaints with With all his interactions and direct reorganizing our community in a way patience and love. conversations with God, there was one that allows members to develop deep When my mother was sick with thing that Moses craved more than relationships with one another, see cancer, she continued to be a source of anything else: to see God face to face, each other panim el panim, face to inspiration and support for others, but panim el panim. Even with the burning face, and offer care, learn together, do she also had to learn a new skill. Two bush, the splitting of the Yam Suf and acts of kindness and affect change years into her diagnosis, she found the Revelation at Mount Sinai, Moshe together, raise families together, herself near death and living on oxygen wanted complete intimacy with God. exercise together, play together and full-time. Though she did so reluctantly, I believe we all need relationships share a loving community together. she learned to accept care from her where we can just be our true selves, More will become clear over the friends. My father worked full-time judgment-free, and be silly, boring, next year as we continue to plan and and my siblings and I lived out of ridiculous, vulnerable, intense, put the infrastructure in place to make town, so she relied on friends to cook emotional and whatever else we this strategy effective for our commu- meals, chauffeur her to appointments authentically need to be in that nity, but here are a few things that you and treatments and visit when it was moment to feel seen, loved and cared should know: best for her. On several occasions, they for unconditionally. 1. The number one goal of this initia- held prayer nights for her recovery. This is where you, the reader, come tive is relationship building. Among the greatest acts of hesed in. When Moshe reunited with his 2. There will be many opportunities to ˙ (kindness) was that her walking group, father-in-law Yitro, following the have a leadership role and to make use ten women in their 50s and 60s who miraculous Exodus story, Yitro notices of the incredible talents, creativity and she spent time with every Shabbat that Moshe is working day and night to skills that exist in this community. afternoon, continued to include her in care for the Jewish People, addressing 3. We will be having a listening cam- their ritual. At first, they would slow their questions, concerns and conflicts. paign over the winter to get a better down a bit for her. When her breath- He acted as rabbi, judge and emissary, sense of your interests and priorities. lessness increased, they would pick her and since he wasn’t God, he struggled 4. We are not reinventing the wheel. up near the end of the walk and she to keep up with the task. The small group strategy is based on would join for the last leg as they Yitro said to Moses: “you will the work of Mega Churches in the made their way to the home where surely wear yourself out, and these United States and Dr. Ron Wolfson, they would share post-walk snacks. people as well. For the task is too the author of Relational Judaism, who Eventually she was wheeled to the heavy for you; you cannot do it adapted it for the Jewish community. host’s home, and later, when leaving alone.” He suggests instead that 5. We plan to share our learnings with home was too much, the group would Moshe must trust the people around you in the spring and formally launch conclude their walk in my parents’ him, share the burden of the Torah the initiative in September 2020. home so she could participate. On the with them and offer leadership and What my mother had in her Shabbat afternoon of her week of facilitation training so that they can, in synagogue community is what I want shiva, these women and their partners turn, support others. In other words, for each of us at Beth Tzedec. Together, joined us in my parent’s home to though Moshe was ultimately respon- I think we can achieve that vision. honour their tradition, though her sible for offering care to his community, B’Shalom, Yacov Fruchter absence haunted the experience. he was implementing a less hierarchical TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 17 PJ Library Our youngest members kicked off the new year with a another series of special programs offered in conjunction with PJ Library, including the “Let’s Talk About Tzekakah” program, where ritual director Lorne Hanick blew the shofar during a story session, and the “Sukkah Fun” program, where kids enjoyed a sukkah craft and activities before settling in for a holiday story.
Making Friends Shul is a place where many things happen— services, simhahs and classes—and there is ˙ always the opportunity to make new friends!
Shakshuka with Shinshinim Gal and Alona helped add a little spice to Beth Tzedec with their shakshuka tutorial.
Save the Date! The Delicious Chocolate Seder for Grades 1 to 12 Sunday, April 5 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
18 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 director of education & family programming Daniel Silverman The Righteous Among Us Our tradition, time and time again, has ways of causing us to stop, to think, to contemplate, to improve ourselves and to see the broader world around us in new ways. the summer i was 16, i had the pleasure of meeting a manner befitting of a tzadik, then can any of us risk Justice Abraham Lieff and reading from the Torah scroll being rude, dismissive or curt to anyone, lest they be one that he donated to Beth Tzedec and which spent its of these 36 and we have provoked them to deviate from summers at Camp Ramah in Canada. their righteous ways? Justice Lieff spoke about how justice, fairness and This framing raises the stakes of any interpersonal equity in the Jewish tradition had guided his work as a interaction—perhaps unfairly so—but it also gives deeper judge, and it left a meaningful impact on me. It brings me meaning and purpose to things like civil discourse, great pleasure to continue to see that Torah around our looking out for others, proper debate and disagreement synagogue and to be reminded of Justice Lieff, who spent and so on. These values continue to be diminishing in our many years involved in my home synagogue in Ottawa society, and whatever we can do to slow their erosion will before moving to Toronto. benefit us as a community and as a people. The Hebrew word for justice, which is inscribed on Are there really 36 righteous anonymous people Justice Lieff’s Torah mantle, is tzedec. From this word, we walking around right now, holding up our world? I have extract two very familiar words in our tradition. One is no idea—I’m not so sure that I really buy it; but in a tzedakah, usually translated as charity but encompassing certain way, that’s beside the point. Our tradition, time much more than that. The other is tzadik, a righteous and time again, has ways of causing us to stop, to think, person, and a moniker that was given to select individuals to contemplate, to improve ourselves and to see the in our tradition who demonstrated righteousness in their broader world around us in new ways. The Tzadikim actions. The Biblical Joseph was understood by our later Nistarim is one of these motifs. It reminds us that how we rabbis to have been a tzadik. Some rabbis of the Mishnah act and how we might cause others to act can have serious and Talmud are also given this title. outcomes and consequences. Another use of the title is the concept of the Tzadikim Justice Lieff understood this too. As someone trusted Nistarim (hidden righteous people), a tradition that with the responsibility to adjudicate and give sentences speaks of 36 individual righteous people who are alive at and other consequences, he expressed to me two decades any given time and on whose merit God continues to ago the sensitivity that one must bring to that action, and sustain the world around us. These 36 people are how making the wrong decision could have significant anonymous, not even known to themselves, but it is their negative impacts on not only one person, but on their inherent righteousness and goodness that makes our family, their social circle and so on—potentially even on world go on. the entire world. To effectively operate in the world of Think about this for a moment and the value that this tzedec, of justice, we need to have qualities of a tzadik: concept offers us when it comes to how we treat others righteousness, fairness, goodness, openness to new ideas and, most especially, how we socialize children to treat and a healthy appreciation of the consequences of our others. Who knows who these 36 individuals might be; actions and decisions. and furthermore, if the continued health of the world is If we can act like tzadikim and embody these values, contingent on these people maintaining their behaviour in our community and our world will be better for it. Board of Directors Meetings Members are welcome to attend all regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors. To accommodate the need for sensitive items to be discussed in private, each meeting will include an in camera portion, allowing the Board to deliberate confidentially without any guests.
Upcoming meeting dates: Tuesdays, January 21, March 3 and April 7 at 7:00 PM* * Meeting dates are subject to change. Please check with the office to confirm dates before attending.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 19 February 11 February 18 February 25 Comforting Helping Caring for Mourners the Ailing Elderly Parents Bikkur Holim ˙
When someone you —visiting Navigate living in the care about is mourning, the sick—is a sacred sandwich generation it can be difficult to and important mitzvah. from a Jewish lens as navigate the right Learn and develop the we explore a child’s words—let alone the skills you need to help responsibility for an rituals, practices and those ailing in our elderly parent. Join traditions of shiva. In community find Rabbi Fryer Bodzin for this workshop, learn support and resiliency a mix of text study and to offer comfort and through a blend of text practical applications support to those in study and practical about what it means mourning with a mix applications.COST FOR SERIES when the caregiver of text study and role is reversed. practical applications.
No charge for Beth Tzedec members; $20 for non-members. RSVp to the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 or [email protected].
20 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 initiative update The Centre for Spiritual Well-Being Building a Caring Kehillah There’s a new energy at Beth Tzedec. it’s official—the centre for spiritual well-being is in full swing at Beth Tzedec! With programs running through the winter, our Artist-in- Supporting the Residence formally “in residence” (see article on p. 35) and the first Small Groups coming together to strengthen their sense of well-being (see article on Centre p. 17), it finally feels like it’s time to talk less about what’s going to happen and more about what’s already happening in our kehillah. This Bulletin is full of calls to action, from our Senior Rabbi to Advisory Committee our President, asking you to get Our Centre for Spiritual Well-Being Advisory Committee meets regularly involved in life at Beth Tzedec and to articulate the mission, vision and goals of the Centre. The Advisory help us work toward the communal Committee is made up of professionals from the fields of social work, goal of shlaymoot, or well-being. psychotherapy, rehabilitation, sociology, spirituality and more. They have One way to get involved is by been brought together to guide the Centre for Spiritual Well-Being and ensure contributing to the Rabbi Baruch that its work aligns with the needs of the Beth Tzedec community. Frydman-Kohl Endowment Fund, When the visioning process for the Centre is complete, the Advisory which supports the Centre for Committee will be turning their attention to finding ways to measure and Spiritual Well-Being. Gifts from track our individual and community well-being. This will help us identify the members like you allow us to challenges and changes shaping the lives of our members. develop programs and resources to help our entire community Learning and Healing Together grow, heal and improve their After Beth Tzedec’s first Healing Service, David and Ellen Zworth wrote sense of social and community they felt “comforted to be able to sit with others who may have experienced well-being. difficulties and setbacks in their lives, to express our own feelings through Today, we are over one-third study... and enable us to have a better understanding of ourselves as individuals.” of the way to our fundraising goal And that’s exactly what we’re going for. Those are the types of experiences of $6 million dollars, which will that we hope to support with the Centre for Spiritual Well-Being as we bring help ensure that the important members of our community together to learn, heal, support, share, grow and work of the Centre will continue transform their lives. long into the future, supporting Experiences come through participating in Healing Services and Small our families for generations to Groups. We are improving support for members with special training for our come. As issues and concerns spiritual leaders and with more programs tackling contemporary issues, like evolve over time, we want to be caring for elderly parents or comforting people in mourning. able to provide evolving levels of support as well. Silence and Sound If you would like to get Music has the spirit to connect us, the influence to inspire us and the involved in the Campaign Cabinet power to move us to action. We are fortunate to have a community that or support our efforts to fund the comes together to share in song, from our musical Shabbat at the Floor Beth Tzedec Centre for Spiritual Services to the many concerts and performances led by our own Cantor Well-Being, contact Klara Romm Sidney Ezer. at [email protected] or We are also fortunate to be able to learn from our Artist-in-Residence 416-781-3514, ext. 220. Aviva Chernick, who blends together singing, silence, meditation and reflection to help us find the spirituality in the regular melodies of our lives. Over the next few months, we encourage you to explore the power of music to bring us together, whether that’s during a regular service or a special program through the Centre for Spiritual Well-Being.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 21 young families and youth Upcoming Programs and Events Shabbat and Yom Tov Mornings 9:30 AM to 12:00 NOON Looking for an opportunity to spend a fun and educational Shabbat morning with your children? Drop off your kids in our Mini Minyans program, then come back and join us at 10:45 AM for an interactive service that includes age-appropriate davening, singing, storytelling, healthy snacks and guided play.
For Children 0 to 5 and their Families For Children in Grades 1 to 5 Pre-Shabbat Music Mornings Master Chef Yeladim for Kids @ (babies up to 18 months with an adult) Sundays, January 12 and February 9 Friday mornings 2:00 to 3:30 PM BETH TZEDEC 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM The art of Israeli cuisine is coming to Beth Short & Sweet Family Service Welcome Shabbat with a 45-minute music Tzedec! Children are invited to learn how (for families with young children) class featuring Shabbat songs and blessings, to cook Middle Eastern food. The first hallah, grape juice, reading and lots of session is dedicated to learning about Shabbat, January 11, February 1 and March 7 ˙ 10:30 AM to 12:00 NOON fun. For more information on fees or to ingredients, mixtures and smells. In the register, call the Synagogue office. second session, they will learn to cook Our monthly Short & Sweet Multi- and feed their parents with a blind taste- Generational Family Service, led by Rabbi Sportball @ Beth Tzedec Sunday mornings testing game. They will decorate their own David Lerner and supported by other Beth chef’s apron and at the end of the 8:45 to 9:30 AM (16 months to 2 years) Tzedec staff and volunteers, offers a lively, program, earn a diploma and their own 9:30 to 10:15 AM (20 months to 2.5 years) engaging prayer service incorporating the kid-sized kitchen utensils. Cost for series: 10:15 to 11:00 AM (2.5 years to 4 years) participation of the children, teens and $15 for Beth Tzedec members; $20 families in attendance, followed by Sportball is back at Beth Tzedec! non-members. RSVPs required. a community dairy luncheon. Preschoolers can participate in fun, non-competitive sports activities on Mini Minyans For Teens in Grades 6 to 8 (Kadima) (children up to age 5 with a parent) Sunday mornings. For information or to 9:30 AM to 12:00 NOON register, visit www.sportball.ca. Master Chef Yeladim for Kadima PJ Library presents: A Purim Show Saturday, January 11 6:00 to 7:30 PM Looking for an opportunity to spend a fun Saturday, February 15 6:40 to 8:00 PM and educational Shabbat morning with (toddlers ages 1 to 4 with an adult) your children? Drop off your kids in our Sunday, March 8 The art of Israeli cuisine is coming to Beth Mini Minyans program, then come back 10:00 to 11:30 AM Tzedec! Kadimaniks are invited to learn how to cook Middle Eastern food. The and join us at 10:45 AM for an interactive Every moment is a good moment to laugh, service that includes age-appropriate first session is dedicated to learning about rejoice and be happy - especially in the ingredients, mixtures and smells. In the davening, singing, storytelling, healthy month of Adar! Have a laugh with the snacks and guided play. second session, they will learn to cook clowns and performers at our special and feed their parents with a blind taste- Junior Congregation Purim show. Snacks will be served. No testing game. They will decorate their own (kids ages 6 to 12) charge, but RSVP by Tuesday, March 3. chef’s apron and at the end of the 10:30 AM to 12:00 NOON PJ Library presents: Moses and program, earn a diploma and their own A dynamic drop-off program with the People of Israel kid-sized kitchen utensils. Cost for series: activities, games, engaging and creative (toddlers ages 1 to 4 with an adult) $15 for Beth Tzedec members; $20 non- prayer and quality time with our Sunday, April 5 members. RSVPs required. shinshinim, Alona Laufer and Gal Goren. 10:00 to 11:30 AM (Does not meet when there is a Join Moses on a journey through the Family Service.) desert to the special little mountain: Sinai. Crafts, games, music and a special story will transport us to the times of the “Yetzeeat Mitzraim” exodus. No charge, but RSVP by Tuesday, March 31. 22 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 young families and youth Upcoming Programs and Events For Teens in Grades 9 to 12 (BTUSY) Monthly Family Shabbat Dinner ECRUSY Programs Teen Grogger Making Friday evenings, January 17, February 21 ECRUSY Kadima Regional Sunday, March 8 and March 20 5:15 PM Convention 3:00 to 5:00 PM Come together for a delicious Shabbat February 21 to 23, 2020 dinner and great programming for kids of all Decorate boxes of Wacky-Mac to be ages. A young children’s craft program begins For kids in Grades 6 to 8 (Kadima): Spend purchased at the Purim Megillah reading to the weekend with your peers from throughout at 5:15 PM, with a lively abridged Kabbalat be used as groggers. There will be a food the Eastern Canadian region and the GTA Shabbat service at 5:45 PM followed by a donation box available after the reading for delicious Shabbat dinner and programming enjoying great programs, community service non-perishable foods to be donated. for older kids and adults. Cost for dinner: opportunities and lots of food and fun. Community service/ volunteer hours are $60 per family (two adults and up to four Pre-registration required. For information, available. No charge, but RSVPs children (under age 18); $25 each additional fees or to register, contact Sylvie Moscovitz. are requested. adult / Beth Tzedec member discount price: For Families and Parents $50 per family; $30 each additional adult. Participants are welcome to join for the craft For more information about ECRUSY Teddy Bear Havdalah and service at no cost. RSVPs required by the and teen programs, contact Saturday evening, January 18 and February 8 Monday prior to each program. Sponsored Sylvie Moscovitz at 5:30 to 7:00 PM by the Gertner Family 416-781-3514, ext. 246 or [email protected]. Everyone is invited to say goodbye to Purim Carnival and Abridged Shabbat with music, Havdalah, dinner, a Megillah Reading special story and a very enjoyable time with Monday, March 9 4:00 PM friends and family. No charge, but RSVPs requested through Eventbrite.ca. Join the fun at our annual Purim carnival! High School Student Volunteers— Kids of all ages will enjoy carnival booths, Calling all teens in Grades 9 to 12: BT @ Out of the Cold bouncy castles, a toddlers’ play-zone and a Teen volunteers are needed for many of Tuesday, January 21, February 4 & 18 and dance party. The carnival will pause from our Youth and Family programs. March 3 & 24 5:15 to 5:45 PM for a child-centric, If you are looking to fulfil community 5:30 to 7:00 PM abridged Megillah reading and then service/volunteer requirements or would like to gain valuable experience working Beth Tzedec families are invited to help at resume with more fun and games. (A full Megillah reading begins at approximately on family-oriented programs, contact the Out of the Cold program at Beth Sylvie Moscovitz, Teen Engagement Sholom as we serve hot meals to the clients 7:45 PM). No charge for activities; children's food available for purchase. Associate, at 416-781-3514, ext. 246 or of the program as a community. Teens who [email protected]. are in Grades 6 to 8 must be accompanied by an adult, and community service/volunteer For more information about Youth hours are available. Parents are also welcome and Family programs, contact to participate. No charge; RSVPs required. Shirel Barkan-Slater at 416-781-3514, ext. 290 or [email protected].
Saturday, January 18 and February 8 beginning at 5:30 pm Everyone is invited to say goodbye to Shabbat with music, Havdalah, dinner, a special story and a very enjoyable time with friends and family. No charge, but RSVps required to Shirel Barkan-Slater at 416-781-3514, ext. 290 or [email protected] by the monday prior to each program.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 23
PM Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30 Professor Daniel Rynhold is When Nietzsche wrote that “God is dead,” he was originally from London, just one of many modern philosophers focusing on England, educated at Cambridge and lectured the idea that religions are psychologically destructive in the Department of and prevent healthy human development. Prof. Theology and Religious Daniel Rynhold of Yeshiva University explores the Studies at King's College merits and limitations of this argument and delves London. He is a professor of modern Jewish philosophy into the ways that Rabbi Dr. Joseph Soloveitchik and director of the doctoral used it as a launching pad as he created the foundation program at the Bernard for a modern and powerful Jewish theology. Revel Graduate School, Yeshiva University in New York. He is also the No charge, but RSVPs appreciated to the Synagogue Shoshana Shier Visiting Professor at University office at 416-781-3511 or [email protected]. of Toronto.
24 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 :0mMaster Chef Yeladim 2:00pm :0mMin 4:50pm :0mMin 5:00pm :5mMin 4:45pm :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am :5mSha 8:45am :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am :0mMin 5:10pm sunday January 2020 / Tevet 5780 15 tevet 8 tevet 29 tevet 22 tevet for Grades 1 to 5 ִ ִ ִ harit ִ ִ harit harit harit ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 26 19 12 5 :0mLearn Talmud at 7:30pm Your Winter Film Series:1:00pm :0mWinter Film Series:1:00pm :0mMin 4:50pm :5mMin 4:45pm :0mWinter Film Series:1:00pm :0mMin 5:00pm :0mPilates 7:30pm :0mMa 7:30pm :0mMa 7:30pm :0mMa 7:30pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mThe 1:00pm :0mWinter Film1:00pm Series: The 1:00pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mThe 1:00pm :0mMin 5:10pm monday :5mSha 7:15am 1 shevat 16 tevet 9 tevet 23 tevet rosh Own Pace Mr. Gaga Dr. Marty Lockshin Rabbi Frydman-Kohl Ben Ferencz Extraordinary World of Prosecuting Evil: The Rabbi Frydman-Kohl Miracles Fiddler: A Miracle of Rabbi Frydman-Kohl Business of Family Ancestry and the ִ hodesh shevat hloket Matters w/ hloket Matters w/ ˙ ˙ hloket Matters w/ ִ ִ ִ ˙ ִ harit harit harit ִ ִ ִ harit ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv Humash with hah–Ma’ariv Humash Humash ˙ ˙ ˙ 20 27 13 6 :0mShabbat on Tuesday: 8:00pm BT @ Out of the 5:00pm Cold Min 5:00pm :0mMin 4:50pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :5mMin 4:45pm :5mFast concludes 5:45pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mMin 5:10pm :0mSha 7:30am tuesday 17 tevet 10 tevet 2 shevat 24 tevet fast of 10 A Musical Kumzitz ִ ִ ִ harit harit ִ ִ ִ harit ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv harit ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv th of tevet 28 14 21 7 :0mLishma Jewish 7:00pm Min 5:00pm :0mLishma Jewish 7:00pm :0mMin 4:50pm :0mLishma Jewish 7:00pm :5mMin 4:45pm :0mHealing Service with 7:30pm :0mSha 7:30am :5mMin 4:35pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :5mSha 8:45am :0mSha 7:30am :0mMin 5:10pm ensa thursday wednesday 18 tevet 11 tevet 25 tevet 4 tevet 3 shevat national holiday Learning Project Learning Project Rabbi Fryer Bodzin Learning Project ִ ִ ִ ִ ִ harit ִ harit harit harit ִ harit ִ ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 22 29 15 8 1 10:00amTorah Through the 10:00amTorah Through the :0mMin 4:50pm :0mMin 5:00pm :5mMin 4:45pm :5mMin 4:35pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mMin 5:10pm 12 tevet 5 tevet 26 tevet 4 shevat 19 tevet Ages with Dr. Ages Ages with Dr. Ages ִ ִ ִ ִ ִ harit ִ harit harit harit ִ ִ harit ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 30 23 16 9 2 :9mCandle Lighting 5:09pm :0mShabbat at the Floor 6:00pm :5mKabbalat Shabbat 4:45pm :0m20s & 30s: Shabbat 6:00pm :0mKabbalat Shabbat 5:00pm :2mCandle Lighting 4:42pm :0mCandle Lighting 4:50pm Kabbalat Shabbat 4:50pm 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am :9mCandle Lighting 4:59pm :0mSha 7:30am :5mCandle Lighting 4:35pm Kabbalat Shabbat 4:35pm :0mSha 7:30am 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mKabbalat Shabbat 5:10pm friday :5mMonthly Family 5:15pm 5 shevat 20 tevet 27 tevet 6 tevet 13 tevet Shabbat Dinner Reny Friedman to Remember with ִ ִ harit ִ ִ ִ harit harit harit harit 24 31 10 17 3 20p Lunch & Learn with 12:00pm 20p Choosing Jewish 12:00pm 00a Jewish Meditation 10:00am 03a Short & Sweet Service 10:30am 03a Junior Congregation 10:30am :5mHavdalah 6:05pm :0mMaster Chef Yeladim 6:00pm :5mMin 4:45pm :0mLM/Talking Torah 9:30am :0mTeddy Bear Havdalah5:30pm :5mMin 4:25pm :0mMin 4:20pm :5mHavdalah 5:45pm :0mHavdalah 5:40pm :0mLM/Talking Torah 9:30am :5mMin 4:35pm :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am :5mHavdalah 5:55pm :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am :0mMini Minyans 9:30am Talking Torah 9:30am :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am saturday 21 tevet 14 tevet 7 tevet 28 tevet shabbat mevarkhim Vaera Shemot Vayehi Vayigash Yacov Fruchter Luncheon for Grades 6 to 8 ִ ִ ִ hah/SS/Ma’ariv ִ hah/SS/Ma’ariv hah/SS/Ma’ariv hah/SS/Ma’ariv 25 18 11 4
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 25 :0mMaster Chef Yeladim 2:00pm :0mMin 5:30pm :0mCelebrate Tu B’Shevat 7:30pm :0mMin 5:40pm :0mMin 5:20pm :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am :0mMin 5:50pm :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am sunday 28 shevat 21 shevat 14 shevat 7 shevat February 2020 / Shevat 5780 for Grades 1 to 5 with Aviva Chernick ִ ִ ִ harit ִ ִ harit harit ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv harit ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 23 16 9 2 :0mMin 5:40pm :0mMin 5:20pm :0mMin 5:50pm :0mPilates 7:30pm Learn Talmud at Your 7:30pm :0mMin 5:30pm :0mPilates 7:30pm :0mPilates 7:30pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :5mSha 8:45am :0mThe 1:00pm :0mThe 1:00pm :0mThe 1:00pm monday 8 shevat 29 shevat 15 shevat 22 shevat tu b’shevat Own Pace Dr. Marty Lockshin Dr. Marty Lockshin Dr. Marty Lockshin family day
ִ ִ ִ ִ harit
harit harit harit ִ ִ ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv Humash with Humash with Humash with ˙ ˙ ˙
24 10 17 3 :0mBT @ Out of the 5:00pm Cold :0mMin 5:40pm :0mBT @ Out of the 5:00pm Cold :0mMin 5:50pm :0mCaring for Elderly7:30pm :0mHelping the Ailing 7:30pm :0mMin 5:20pm :0mShabbat on Tuesday:8:00pm :0mMin 5:30pm :0mComforting Mourners 7:30pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am tuesday :5mSha 7:15am 16 shevat 30 shevat 23 shevat 9 shevat rosh Parents A Musical Kumzitz ִ hodesh adar ִ ִ ִ ִ harit harit ִ ִ harit harit ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 25 18 11 4 :0mLishma Jewish 7:00pm :0mMin 5:50pm :0mMin 5:20pm :0mLishma Jewish 7:00pm :0mMin 5:40pm :0mLishma Jewish 7:00pm :0mHealing Service with 7:30pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mMin 5:30pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am ensa thursday wednesday :5mSha 7:15am 24 shevat 17 shevat 10 shevat 1 adar rosh Learning Project Aviva Chernick Learning Project Learning Project ִ hodesh adar ִ ִ ִ harit harit ִ ִ ִ harit ִ harit hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 26 19 12 5 10:00amTorah Through the :0mMin 5:40pm 10:00amTorah Through the :0mMin 5:20pm :0mMin 5:50pm :0mMin 5:30pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm 2 adar 25 shevat 11 shevat 18 shevat Ages with Dr. Ages Ages with Dr. Ages ִ ִ ִ ִ harit harit ִ harit ִ ִ harit ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 20 27 13 6 :0mShabbat at the Floor 6:00pm 20p Social Network 12:00pm 20p Social Network 12:00pm :0mKabbalat Shabbat 5:40pm :6mCandle Lighting 5:46pm :0mKabbalat Shabbat 5:50pm 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am :0mKabbalat Shabbat 5:30pm :0mSha 7:30am :8mCandle Lighting 5:28pm 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am :7mCandle Lighting 5:37pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am friday :8mCandle Lighting 5:18pm :5mMonthly Family 5:15pm 26 shevat 19 shevat 3 adar 12 shevat snowbird shabbat in boca raton, florida with Aviva Chernick Service and Dinner Shabbat Dinner ecrusy kadima regional convention ִ ִ ִ ִ harit harit harit harit 28 21 14 7 03a Junior Congregation 10:30am :0mHavdalah 6:40pm :0mMin 5:20pm 03a Shabbat 101 10:30am :0mHavdalah 6:50pm :5mChoosing Jewish: 5:45pm :0mShabbat Shirah8:00pm Concert :0mMin 5:30pm :5mMin 5:05pm 03a Short & Sweet Multi-10:30am :5mHavdalah 6:25pm :0mMini Minyans 9:30am :0mTeddy Bear Havdalah 5:30pm :0mMaster Chef Yeladim 6:40pm :0mLM/Talking9:30am Torah :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am :5mSanctuary 8:45am Service/Choir :5mHavdalah 6:35pm :0mMin 5:00pm :0mLM/Talking Torah9:30am :5mSanctuary8:45am Service :0mMini Minyans 9:30am saturday :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am :0mLM/Talking9:30am Torah :5mMin 5:15pm :5mSanctuary8:45am Service :5mHavdalah 6:15pm 20 shevat 13 shevat 27 shevat 4 adar 6 shevat shabbat mevarkhim
shabbat shekalim shabbat shirah Havdalah Bo Generational Service Yitro Beshalla for Grades 6 to 8 Mishpatim Terumah ִ ִ hah/SS/Ma’ariv hah/SS/Ma’ariv ִ ִ ִ hah/SS/Ma’ariv hah/SS/Ma’ariv hah/SS/Ma’ariv h ˙ 29 22 15 8 1
26 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 :0mMin 7:00pm :0mMin 7:00pm BTUSY Teen Grogger 3:00pm Library presents: 10:00amPJ Hanisim: Spiritual 10:00amAl :0mMin 7:00pm :0mMin 7:00pm Choosing Jewish: 3:30pm :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am :5mMin 5:55pm :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am :5mSha 8:45am :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am :5mSportball 8:45am Sha 8:45am sunday March 2020 / Adar 5780 daylight savings time 5 adar 4 nisan 12 adar 26 adar 19 adar Jewish Toronto Making A Purim Show Preparation for Purim ִ ִ ִ harit ִ ִ ִ harit harit harit harit ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 29 22 15 8 1 :0mMin 7:00pm :0mMin 7:00pm :0mPilates 7:30pm Learn Talmud at Your 7:30pm :0mPilates 7:30pm Learn Talmud at Your 7:30pm :0mMin 7:00pm :0mFast concludes 8:00pm :0mPurim Carnival4:00pm and :0mMin 6:30pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mPilates 7:30pm :0mPilates 7:30pm Learn Talmud at Your 7:30pm :0mThe 1:00pm :0mThe 1:00pm :5mMin 5:55pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mThe 1:00pm :0mThe 1:00pm monday 20 adar 5 nisan 27 adar 13 adar 6 adar fast of esther Own Pace Dr. Marty Lockshin Own Pace Dr. Marty Lockshin Dr. Marty Lockshin Megillah Reading Reading Abridged Megillah Own Pace Dr. Marty Lockshin ִ ִ ִ ִ ִ harit harit ִ ִ harit harit harit ִ ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv Humash with Humash with hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv/ hah–Ma’ariv ˙ ˙ Humash with Humash with ˙ ˙ 30 23 16 9 2 :0mMin 7:00pm :0mBT @ Out of the 5:00pm Cold :0mPurim Seudah 6:30pm :0mMin 7:00pm BT @ Out of the 5:00pm Cold :0mMin 7:00pm :0mMin 7:00pm :0mSha 7:00am :0mShabbat on Tuesday:8:00pm :5mMin 5:55pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mProf. Daniel7:30pm Rynhold: tuesday 21 adar 14 adar 28 adar 6 nisan 7 adar A Musical Kumzitz Is Religion Bad for You? purim ִ ִ ִ ִ ִ harit harit harit harit ִ ִ ִ harit ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 24 10 17 31 3 :0mMin 7:00pm :0mMin 7:00pm :0mMin 7:00pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mHealing Service with 7:30pm :0mBook & Film Club: 1:00pm :0mSha 7:30am :5mMin 5:55pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am ensa thursday wednesday 29 adar 22 adar 15 adar 8 adar The Iron Tracks Rabbi Fryer Bodzin ִ ִ harit ִ ִ ִ harit ִ harit harit hah–Ma’ariv ִ ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 25 18 11 4 :0mMin 7:00pm 10:00amTorah Through the 10:00amTorah Through the :0mMin 7:00pm 10:00amTorah Through the services, programs or events. scented products when coming to Beth Tzedec’s prayer Please be considerate of others and refrain from using 7:00pm 10:00amTorah Through the :0mChoosing Jewish: 7:30pm :5mMin 5:55pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :0mSha 7:30am :0mGames Afternoon 1:00pm :5mSha 7:15am 1 nisan 16 adar 9 adar 23 adar rosh Ages with Dr. Ages Ages with Dr. Ages Model Passover Seder Ages with Dr. Ages Min Ages with Dr. Ages ִ hodesh nisan ִ ִ ִ ִ harit harit harit ִ ִ ִ harit ִ hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv hah–Ma’ariv 26 12 19 5 :0mShabbat at the Floor 6:00pm :0mKabbalat Shabbat 6:30pm :0mKabbalat Shabbat 6:30pm :4mCandle Lighting 7:04pm :0mKabbalat Shabbat 6:30pm 20s & 30s Social 6:30pm 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am :5mCandle Lighting 5:55pm 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am :0mSha 7:30am 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am :0mSha 7:30am :0mSha 7:30am 13a Pre-Shabbat Music 11:30am :0mSha 7:30am friday :1mCandle Lighting 7:21pm :2mCandle Lighting 7:12pm :5mFamily Shabbat Dinner5:15pm 24 adar 10 adar 2 nisan 17 adar Dawit Demosz Justice Shabbat with ִ ִ ִ ִ harit harit harit harit 20 27 13 6 20p Lunch & Learn with 12:00pm 00a Jewish Meditation 10:00am 03a Shabbat 101 10:30am 03a Short & Sweet Service 10:30am 03a Junior Congregation 10:30am :0mMin 7:00pm :0mMin 6:50pm :0mHavdalah 7:00pm :0mMin 5:40pm :0mHavdalah 8:20pm :0mMini Minyans 9:30am LM/Talking Torah 9:30am :0mMini Minyans 9:30am :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am :5mMin 7:05pm :0mMini Minyans 9:30am LM/Talking Torah 9:30am saturday :5mHavdalah 8:25pm :0mHavdalah 8:10pm :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am :5mSanctuary Service 8:45am 11 adar 25 adar 18 adar 3 nisan shabbat mevarkhim shabbat ha shabbat zakhor shabbat parah Ki Tissa Vayakhel-Pekudei Elise Herzig Tetzaveh Vayikra ִ ִ ִ hah/SS/Ma’ariv hah/SS/Ma’ariv hah/SS/Ma’ariv ִ hah/SS/Ma’ariv hodesh ˙ 28 21 14 7
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 27 Selihot with Shtisel In their˙ only Canadian appearance this year, several cast members and the creator of Shtisel joined us at Beth Tzedec as part of our Selihot celebrations. Rabbi Steven Wernick hosted a discussion about the series and their experiences on this Israeli television drama. ˙
The New York Cantors came to Toronto Beth Tzedec and the Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University had the honour of welcoming the New York Cantors—Yaakov (Yanky) Lemmer, Chaim David Berson˙ and Netanel Hershtik—in an engaging and harmo- nious evening of song in late October.
28 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 shabbat Programs and SynaplexTM Plus Our Shabbat Service Experiences
Kabbalat Shabbat Services every Friday night. Cantor Sidney Ezer or Lorne Hanick to arrange to learn Check our weekly e-newsletter, The Week Ahead, or our to lead parts of the service. Torah readers, daveners and website and monthly calendars for service and candle those wishing to deliver a D’var Torah are always welcome. lighting times. Short & Sweet Multi-Generational Family Service
Sanctuary Services 8:45 AM, every Shabbat. 10:30 AM, Shabbat, January 11, February 1 and March 7. Our musical Sanctuary Service offers a complete spiritual Our participatory abridged service is a perfect way for and liturgical Shabbat experience with Rabbi Steven children, parents and grandparents to experience Wernick, Cantor Sidney Ezer and Lorne Hanick. Lift your Shabbat morning together, learn the structure of the soul in prayer as you sing along, or close your eyes in service and take leadership roles. It features the meditation and be carried away by our inspirational highlights of a Shabbat morning service and is led by Shabbat morning service. children, teens and Rabbi David Lerner. It also includes programs by our shinshinim and youth staff. Celebrate Little Minyan Services 9:30 AM, every Shabbat. a group aliyah and blessing for everyone whose birthday Looking to be more actively involved in the worship is that month. A complimentary dairy lunch follows. experience? The Little Minyan offers a traditional service in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere full of song, spirit For information on Shabbat Youth programming, and warmth. Participants lead portions of the service, and see pages 26 & 27. Little Minyan tunes are available on request. Contact
Can’t Get Enough Torah? Here’s more!
Talking Torah with Daniel Silverman 9:30 to 10:30 AM every Shabbat morning A new look at the traditional and modern interpretations of the weekly Torah reading with Daniel Silverman.
Jewish Meditation with Michelle Katz 10:00 to 11:15 AM on January 11, February 8 Fridays, January 10, February 7 and March 7 Meditation for men and women, centred on texts and March 6 at 6:00 PM from our tradition, eliciting response and deep listening—a doorway to enhanced prayer. Shabbat 101 10:30 to 11:45 AM on January 18, February 15 and March 14 Join our musical Friday night Kabbalat This educational Shabbat morning service is for Shabbat service on the Beit Aleph Floor anyone interested in becoming familiar with the the first Friday of each month. Led by structure, choreography and deep meaning of the Cantor Sidney Ezer, Yacov Fruchter and traditional Shabbat morning service. friends, the focus is on high energy and spirited, participatory singing.TEVET 5780 For • JANUARY more 2020 29 information, contact the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511. Shabbat Dinner with Aviva Chernick
Friday, February 7 SERVICE 6:30 PM | DINNER 7:15 PM Following our Shabbat at the Floor service, join us for a delicious catered dinner with our artist-in-residence, Aviva Chernick, leading us in communal singing. Cost for dinner: $40 adults; $18 youth (ages 5-14); $6 kids (ages 1-4). Register online at www.beth-tzedec.org/login or call 416-781-3511 by Monday, February 3
Come together for a delicious Come together for a delicious Shabbat dinner and great Shabbat dinner and great programming programming for kids of all ages. for kids of all ages. A young children’s craft program begins at 5:15 PM, with a lively abridged Kabbalat Shabbat MONTHLY service at 5:45 PM followed by a delicious Shabbat dinner and older Family kids programming. Shabbat COST FOR DINNER: Dinner $60 per family (2 adults and max. of PROGRAM / SERVICE / DINNER 4 children); $25 each additional family member. Beth Tzedec member Fridays, January 17 discounted price: $50 per family; and February 21 $20 each additional family member. Dinner by advance reservation only at 5:15 PM by the Monday prior to each date.
Reserve online at www.beth-tzedec.org/login or call the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511
30 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 membership news Our New Members We welcome our newest members Every member is an integral part of the Beth Tzedec community. We encourage you to take part in the many spiritual, educational and social programs we offer, and we look forward to your presence and involvement!
Lorne Albaum S. Alexandra Rogul-Lichty Eric Kerbel Sheila Benoit Benjamin Rother David Kirschner Lana Bezner and Hooman Tabesh Jason Saltzman Charles Leranbaum Edward Brown and Susan Friedman Stephanie Schecter Madeline Leranbaum Diandra Budd and Noah Fenyes Rebecca Shalansky Jessica Levitt Juan Carvallo Joshua Silvertown and Ilana Valo Shelby Litwin Lonny Cass Barbara Simmons Sam Maltz Tanya Cotler and Warren Smulowitz Avram Spatz Alanna Mandel Allie Dennis and Asher Farber Joshua and Samantha Spatz Daniel Nepom Semyon and Elena Dovzhik Jacob Trossman Jacob Nepom Shira Fenyes Madison Wagman Faith Pasternak Michael Fogelman Samahra Zatzman Jenna Pasternak Reny Friedman Eugene and Irene Zigelman Aleksandra Plotkin Aaron and Elise Fudim David and Ellen Zworth Daniel Pollock Isaac and Tove Gaon Gabriele Roitman Marcie-Ann Gilsig New 18 to 24 Year Old Members Adam Rotstein Arlo Godel Max Abrahams Hannah Sandler Harvey and Lisa Golombek Tatiana Anhalt Jacob Schwartz Sarah Golombek Sam Aronoff Lily Sherman Michael and Tamara Gottlieb Kyle Cass Samuel Shiff Annette Gruno Laurel Cass Hannah Shuster-Hyman Andy and Adina Hauser Alexa Charlat Margot Sigel Marilyn Herbert Elie Fenyes Paige Soberano Sarah Jones and Ory Valin Ethan Glazman Oren Solish Vered Kamer Liora Golden Alexa Speyer Howard and Sarah Kazdan Lauren Goldfarb Halle Tator Ira Levy and Shari Zinman-Levy Gabriel Grammer Zoe Trister Alexander Mansfield Alyssa Green Jacob Weinstein Jason and Meredith Mednick Hannah Grosman Joshua Weinstein Meagan Newman Rebecca Grossman Matthew White Samuel Newman Tobias Halman Rachel Wine Ilan Orzy Lauren Isenberg Shira Wine Ellie Pinsker Sydney Jacobs Adam Wolfond Daniel Prusky Abby Kazdan Annie Wolfond Harvey and Shirley Rachman Julianne Kazdan Isaiah Zabitsky Judith Reiss Noah Kazdan Annika Zworth
New Member Welcome Bags Klara Romm, Membership Engagement & Development, put together the welcome bags for Beth Tzedec’s newest members. Special thanks to the volunteers of the Membership Committee who helped hand-deliver each package.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 31 in and around the shul Past Events
32 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 in and around the shul Past Events A Moment for Beth Tzedec On Wednesday, November 13, Beth Tzedec celebrated the installation of Rabbis Wernick and Fryer Bodzin
on a cold wintery night in november, beth tzedec Next up was Dr. Eudice Goldberg, a Co-chair of the celebrated what was a major moment in its long and Senior Rabbi Search Committee, who talked about the hallowed history. The two new rabbis at the synagogue process of landing Rabbi Steven Wernick to be the leader were formally installed, Rabbi Steven Wermick as the of the largest synagogue in the Conservative movement new Senior Rabbi and Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin as in North America. And then in what was surely the most Associate Rabbi. It was a kind of a Rabbinic double- emotional moment of the evening, we all had the privilege header. In fact, it was one of those rare occasions where to witness a father induct his son into the position of many of the rabbis in the Conservative movement all Senior Rabbi. The father was Rabbi Eugene Wernick, the were assembled to see two new members welcomed Rabbi of Or Shalom Synagogue in New York City, who officially into the fold in Toronto. If you had a religious had the great nachas of inducting his son, Steven, as the question, that night, with all that clergy around, was the head honcho at Beth Tzedec. It brought a tear to my eye time to strike. and it made me recall that great hockey moment when The evening was an unqualified success. It went so Gordie Howe lined up along side his sons Mark and smoothly and in a room with likely close to 400 people Marty Howe. The pride of the father was palpable in in attendance, those present were treated to a warm each instance. Of course for me, the significance of the welcome from the Installation Chair, Carolyn Kolers. moment was further augmented by the fact that Rabbi Then Cantor Sidney Ezer, accompanied by pianist Eugene Wernick was my rabbi in Winnipeg (from Charles Heller, led the guests in “O Canada” and whence I come) at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue where he “Hatikvah” followed by two other Hebrew selections served from 1979-1986. which really gave the evening a great start. Debbie Then Rabbi Steven Wernick spoke about his taking Rothstein, the President of Beth Tzedec, spoke and over and the feeling he has about the synagogue and the introduced the keynote speaker Dr. Ron Wolfson, who challenges he is ready to face in his new position. is what might be called a superstar in the Conservative Anyone in attendance that night had to feel elevated Judaic world. He sparkled in his delivery with memories right then and there as he spoke. When he concluded, of him growing up in Omaha where he claimed to have Cantor Ezer sang “Birkat Kohanim”, “Sheheheyanu” learned only one Hebrew word in three years of and the familiar melody by Graham Nash of “Teach Hebrew School. Your Children Well”. It was a fitting finish to a wonderful Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin was introduced by Dena night. That it went so well was clear but never clearer Libman and Ted Zittell, the co-chairs of the Associate than was evidenced by the comment of a friend of mine Rabbi Search Committee. After, Rabbi Manes Kogan of who was with me that night. He is a very infrequent he Hillcrest Centre in Queens, New York welcomed attendee at synagogue services and yet he thanked me Rabbi Fryer Bodzin into the club so to speak. He was a for inviting him and said how pleased he was by the long time friend and colleague of RFB. It was easy to see whole night. the closeness of that relationship and how important it And lest I forget, everyone present had to be was to both of them. And then Rabbi Fryer Bodzin impressed with the reception following the ceremony spoke, highlighting her return to the city of her birth and with a terrific spread of pastry delivered by the new the warmth she felt at the synagogue as far back as caterer, Apex Kosher Catering. In short, it was a February, 2019 when she first came to Beth Tzedec for a memorable moment in the life of Beth Tzedec. weekend interview process. Just to see the smile radiating on her face spoke volumes about the joy she felt about —Gerry Posner taking on the pulpit at Beth Tzedec and all that the position entails.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 33 in and around the shul New Faces Welcome Sylvie! Beth Tzedec welcomes a new Teen Engagement Associate.
originally from long island, sylvie moscovitz, people I already knew. Everyone was so friendly and Beth Tzedec’s new Teen Engagement Associate, grew up welcoming, but it was a wonderful surprise to realize deeply rooted in Judaism. An alumna of Emory that so many of the teens I got to know at camp are also University, Camp Ramah, USY and The Schechter involved at Beth Tzedec.” School of Long Island, she has spent her life learning, Sylvie credits her Jewish upbringing—and the teachers, preparing and dedicating herself to becoming a leader in counselors and friends she met along the way—with the Jewish community. shaping her identity and the person she’s become. “I owe Sylvie joins us in Toronto after spending six months everything in my life to the relationships I formed in the living in Israel as a Fellow of The Nachshon Project, an Jewish community. The people I grew up with helped me elite group of young Jewish leaders discussing innovative navigate tough times and provided opportunities to learn ways to improve the future of North American Judaism. and change in ways that I never would have imagined. The Project gave her an opportunity to develop strong My goal at Beth Tzedec is to be that same conduit for leadership skills and explore Jewish identity through an opportunity for the teenagers in this community.” inclusive, pluralistic lens. In her free time, Sylvie loves art and experimenting As a former counselor at Camp Ramah Canada, she with different mediums and styles. She enjoys woodwork, was thrilled to join Beth Tzedec and find so many embroidery, painting and, when the music moves her, tap familiar faces among our teenage cohort. “When I dancing. visited during Shabbat, I was amazed by how many Al Hanisim: Spiritual Preparation for Purim Seeing What Cannot Be Seen with Aviva Chernick
Sunday, March 8 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Purim is a practice of bringing awareness to that which is veiled—that which is concealed within each one of us. Join Artist-in-Residence Aviva Chernick as she guides us through song and silence in a reflection on this rich and intricate moment in our Jewish calendar. A perfect preparation for getting into costume and reading Megillat Esther.
No charge, but RSVPs appreciated to the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 or [email protected].
34 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 in and around the shul New Faces Introducing Aviva Chernick Beth Tzedec’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence offers new ways to think about prayer.
when the time came to decide how she wanted to congregant—it isn’t my suggestion that everyone should practice her Judaism, Aviva Chernick didn’t want to start meditating, because that doesn’t work for everyone. have to choose between being a “singing Torah person” I want to help create doorways for the myriad of ways and a “speaking Torah person”. She wanted to be both. that people want to enter into a relationship with That’s one of the things that makes her perspective so themselves, their community and God. unique. She uses silence and sound, music and moments “While I certainly want to nourish the musical of stillness, to help Jews deepen their connections with culture at Beth Tzedec, people approach shlaymoot in God, with each other and with themselves. different ways: singing, silence, eating meditation, As Beth Tzedec’s new Artist-in-Residence, Aviva walking meditation, reflecting, tefillah, movement of the Chernick will spend her tenure here, (from November body … there’s no wrong way to bring people into a new 2019 to May 2020), leading programs related to relationship with the liturgy.” mindfulness and spirituality for our members and Aviva recently led a program at Beth Tzedec called offering mentorship to our spiritual leaders to nurture “Al Hanisim: Spiritual Preparation for Hanukkah”, ˙ their own practice. which gave community members the opportunity to After growing up in Congregation Or Shalom in explore and prepare for the Festival of Lights. London, Ontario, she went on to take leadership roles at Keep your eyes on your e-mail newsletter for the Camp Ramah and in USY. She began her cantorial details on her other upcoming programs, including: training at Holy Blossom in 2005 and has spent three • Saturday, January 25: Aviva will share a D’var years leading the sitting and singing community Shira with our community, as part of the neySHEV. She also facilitates workshops in freeing the Sanctuary Service. voice and practices of Mindfulness in Song and Silence in • Friday, February 7: Aviva will join the Shabbat at Toronto and with diverse communities while on her the Floor Kabbalat Shabbat Service, followed many travels. by dinner. Aviva might be best known for her musical talent and • Sunday, February 9: In partnership with Rabbi for being the lead singer in Jaffa Road for over a decade. Robyn Fryer Bodzin, Aviva will lead an innovative Singing in Hebrew, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), Yiddish and mindful eating meditation for Tu B’Shevat to help English, she has had the pleasure of making music with our members connect to the holiday and awaken to many wonderful musicians including Frank London, our sense of aliveness, even in the dead of winter. Yair Dalal, Jackie Richardson and Flory Jagoda. Her • Wednesday, February 19: Aviva will lead a special collaborative recordings have garnered several Healing service, holding space for comfort with nominations and awards, including Juno nominations. song and silence. “For almost 16 years, I’ve been leading tefillah across • Sunday, March 8: Aviva will be leading “Al Hanisim: denominations (although I had a Conservative upbringing),” Spiritual Preparation for Purim”, to help our she says. “I’m here to help invite congregants into a community prepare for Purim. practice of shlaymoot—wholeness, well-being, • Friday, April 3: Aviva will be leading a Spiritual completeness—through different doors. Sounds Lab Pre-Shabbat Concert and Service, “There’s no one type of shlaymoot, or one type of followed by dinner.
Save the Date! Spiritual Sounds Lab Pre-Shabbat Concert and Service
Friday, April 3 beginning at 5:45 PM Following the incredible success of our first two Spiritual Sounds Lab weekends, Aviva Chernick, our artist-in-residence, joins us for a captivating and inspiring program.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 35 in and around the shul Profiles First to Meet and Greet Barry Phillips shares his passion for community with our kehillahevery Shabbat.
surely one of my favourite has spent his career catering to the the names, or at least the faces, of moments of synagogue life is getting public as a pharmacist. In fact, in everyone who comes to synagogue the royal welcome when I enter the 2016, Barry Phillips was awarded the regularly. But the real challenge is to Sanctuary. You can count on few Lifetime Achievement Award by the make the stranger feel at home. things in life, but as certain as it Ontario Pharmacists Association. Moreover, Phillips or another usher snows in December, there is a smiling That made me think that he should occasionally has to assign members to face and a warm greeting for you be nominated for a Synagogue Usher be the gabbai or parnos. The ushers when you arrive at shul each Shabbat of the Year Award (if such existed). are charged with the task of handing —or on any Jewish holiday, for that Phillips, a 1962 graduate of the out aliyot and other honours where matter. Those who perform this vol- University of Toronto, was a there are gaps. That might seem unteer service really are the unsung community pharmacy owner and simple, but it can be a weekly heroes of any synagogue. They help Shoppers Drug Mart Associate for challenge. You can easily knock the service move along seamlessly. many years. He was responsible for someone’s tallit off his shoulders with Because the service moves so the implementation of the “Brown a perceived slight in the handing out smoothly, it is easy to miss the little Bag” program, whereby people were of honours. Happily, Barry says he things that ushers do to facilitate an encouraged to bring in old medications and the other members of the ushering easy and friendly experience. to be discarded. He was also very quartet—Lawrie Lubin, Marvin When I first joined Beth Tzedec much involved in the Employee Miller and Jeff Gertner—have not seven years ago, I was struck by the Assistance Program for Shoppers had to deal with that issue. More sincere and heartfelt greetings I Drug Mart, which helps employees serious problems arise when a person received, especially as I visited the and their families suffering from drug arrives late for an aliyah and the Hendeles Chapel for services. The and/or alcohol dependency issues. He honour has been assigned to another welcome each person receives is from served as the President of the Ontario person. Barry says that quick thinking, that friendly group of volunteers College of Pharmacists in 1984-85 help from Lorne Hanick and diplo- known as our ushers. Their welcome and again in 1993, and has been macy go a long way in alleviating is noticeable. The feelings they active in many areas of his profession these potential upsets. engender go a long way to creating a over his career. In short, Barry knows So the next time you join the proper atmosphere for the morning. what it means to be committed, and Sanctuary Service, note the speed, For the last three years, the leader that’s the attitude he brings to the ease and comfort of the aliyah of this ushering team has been Barry table—or more accurately, to the brigade, and thank Barry, Marvin, Phillips, who has ushered for over 23 synagogue service. Lawrie and Jeff. They are sure to help years. It is not surprising that Barry is Barry is quite clear about an you feel at home. so effective. at ushering, given that he usher’s duties. It starts with knowing —Gerry Posner
Sending Purim Cheer to Our Post-Secondary Students The Membership Committee is gearing up to send our annual holiday package filled with Purim treats to our university/college student members. To receive a package, please provide a mailing address to Klara at [email protected] or call 416-781-3514, ext. 220. All requests must be received by Wednesday, February 12 to ensure that they arrive in time for the holiday.
36 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 in and around the shul Museum The Other Roth Collection I was fortunate to visit the United Kingdom recently to explore what I think of as the other Cecil Roth Collection, at Leeds University. as many of you may know, beth tzedec is exceptionally Frojmovic, Associate Professor, Director of Postgraduate proud of the Cecil Roth Collection, which makes up a big Research Studies and Director of the Centre for Jewish part of the Reuben & Helene Dennis Museum. I was Studies at Leeds University, to discuss the Roth collections— fortunate to visit the United Kingdom recently to explore theirs and ours. Recently I was invited to the University what I think of as the other Cecil Roth Collection, at of Leeds to give a talk about our collection, and I was Leeds University. able to not only share with them a presentation about Cecil Roth (1899-1970) was the foremost historian our Cecil Roth Collection, but also to see what they had of Jewish history in Great Britain. Over a period of stored in their stacks under special collections in the 50 years, Cecil, with his wife Irene at his side, amassed Brotherton Library. an exceptional and historically important collection of An example of an unusual item in their collection Judaica that included 1000 ritual objects, a circumcision is a booklet of hymns sung in the service preceding a seat, books, art works, ephemera and manuscripts. These circumcision over the Chair of Elijah. Vernacular in style, items were acquired by Beth Tzedec members Sam and the title page is framed by a colourful arch-shaped border. Israel Shopsowitz and their family Beneath the title, a pair of out- for the museum during the period stretched hands make the gesture of that Rabbi Stuart Rosenberg was the priestly blessing. Dated before Senior Rabbi (1965). 1805, the manuscript was doubtless The personal collection of Dr. Roth made especially for the family of Isach went to the Brotherton library at the di Sabbato Coen, (Cohen), who University of Leeds in England. signed his name on both the front and Housed there since 1961 are back fly leaves. Roth’s medieval and early modern To finally have the opportunity to manuscripts, rare printed books, meet the scholars who curate and care pamphlets and ephemera relating for the “other” Roth Collection and to Jewish life, history, liturgy and to be taken into the stacks, behind the culture. Another small collection of scenes, to explore the collection at Cecil Roth material is located in Northampton University Leeds University was an inspiring and unique experience. and includes some correspondence, transcripts, documents, To be asked to speak photographs and other artifacts of the social history of the about and show images Jews in Europe. of our Cecil Roth Working between 1925 and 1970, Dr. Roth’s most Collection was truly an lasting achievements are his editorship of the notable empowering moment in Encyclopaedia Judaica and his book Jewish Art. Roth’s my career and I look literary output was vast, encompassing the history of the forward to sharing Jews in particular of England and Italy, editing of many what I have learned publications, writing more than 30 academic books and with our Beth Tzedec papers, studies of painting and scholarly research, particularly family and on the Dead Sea scrolls and biographical works. Add to beyond. that his brilliant eye for collecting important objects of Judaica and, specifically, the unique collection of —Dorion Liebgott, ketubbot (marriage contracts) from countries around the Curator world that are an outstanding part of our museum collection. Over the 27 years that I have been curator at the museum, I have occasionally been in touch with Dr. Eva
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 37 DAY TRIPS IN JEWISH HISTORY With educator and lecturer HANA WERNER MONDAYS: 1:30 PM Refreshments / 2:00 PM Lecture 10 sessions: $60 for Beth Tzedec members / $70 for non-members; 5 sessions: $45 for Beth Tzedec members / $55 for non-members; Per session: $14
PART TWO: Bible Is Our School of Life
April 27 May 25
May 4
June 1 Evil and Hope in Noah’s Ark: A modern approach Vision, passion and Hutzpah: The midwives, May 11 puah and Shifra and the five daughters of The Challenge of Blindness: Samson, Isaac, Zelophehad Jacob and others To register, visit www.beth-tzedec.org/online or contact the SynagogueJewish office Continuity: at 416-781-3511 Dilemmas or email [email protected]. in family relationships—moses, Eli and Samuel 38Rejuvenation TEVET 5780 • JANUARY and2020 Resilience: Deborah, Yael and miriam in and around the shul Community Initiatives Together for Tzedakah Bazaar Tzedakah: Hands-on Social Justice.
˙ when i lived in israel, in my kibbutz and many others, that had helped a close family member battle a terrifying children would go on an annual hunt for donations of childhood illness, she knew that it was finally the right new or second-hand items to sell. Knocking door to door time to let go of those dishes. in our community, pulling a little cart, they would bring The china was picked up by a young woman who their treasures back to the Beit Yeladim. The money thought they would be perfect for Pesah. , meaning that raised by selling those goods would not go to the kibbutz, once a year, when they were taken out of storage, they but to organizations that help people in need. It is true would be appreciated and used by another loving family that these children volunteered in different ways sharing their seder together. What a beautiful way to throughout the year, but the “Bazaar Tzedakah” was celebrate our member’s gift and her mother’s legacy. their special project. It’s a special project that I wanted Hine ma tov! to bring to Beth Tzedec. In my two years as part of this community, this was From the first time we mentioned the Bazaar on the one of the most rewarding projects that I have been a part synagogue Facebook page, I was getting of. Thank you to the incredible calls and emails from many members donors and volunteers who helped who were excited about the idea and make this event a reality. Thank you were willing to donate, volunteer and to our co-sponsors, PJ Library support the project. Just like in my Toronto, UJA Federation of Greater kibbutz, the idea was embraced by Toronto, the Miles Nadal JCC and our community. JNF. Thank you to the vendors who I’m still amazed by the amount of joined us and the community members support we generated. Leading up to the who browsed and purchased items. big day, staff and community members Thank you to Klara Romm, dropped off hundreds of new and gently- Membership Engagement and used housewares, toys, knick-knacks Development, who helped me from and lots more—not to mention over a the beginning to the end of the thousand books! On September 8, the project. None of this would have day of the Bazaar Tzedakah, we had been possible without Brian Dias, more than 35 hardworking volunteers, Rachel Zelunka, Peer-to-Peer Manager our Building Manager, and his including teens and children. Thanks to of Chai Lifeline Canada and Beth amazing team. Special thanks to these amazing people, we raised nearly Tzedec’s Shirel Barkan-Slater. our superstar volunteer, Alan $1000 for Chai Lifeline Canada in two Bernstein, who worked tirelessly to hours. help make this event a success. Many of the items donated and sold that afternoon The members and staff of Beth Tzedec have came with stories, but there is one I would like to share transformed this synagogue into a home away from home for with you. I call it Mamtak L’nefesh (Sweet for the Soul). myself, my husband Yuda and our daughter Mia—you A community member, who had been holding on to her might have seen her running around the shul on Shabbat. late mother’s beautiful china dishware for years, called Thank you for transforming this little idea from my kibbutz me. She told me about the dishes and the memories they back in Israel into an opportunity to help others, support a represented and explained that she wanted to know that great cause and come together as a community to do they would go somewhere that they would be appreciated— something incredible. a feeling that I’m sure many of us would share. Yours, When she heard that our “Bazaar Tzedakah” would —Shirel Barkan-Slater be supporting Chai Lifeline Canada, an organization
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 39 in and around the shul Community Initiatives Our Next Refugee Sponsorship Whoever saves a life, saves the world. just over three years ago, the beth tzedec community welcomed our sponsored Syrian family to Toronto. Tarek & Hanaa Alhamwi and their three daughters had escaped from Syria and spent a challenging year in Turkey. It was with much relief and excitement that a group of Beth Tzedec members and rabbis greeted them at the airport in September 2016. What has life been like for the family since then? Dad Tarek secured a job within four months of arrival—a job he still holds today. After three years of ESL and a job in a day care centre, mom Hanaa is studying medical technology to become a certified medical instrument technician. She will be graduating next June. As sponsors, Beth Tzedec has changed the course of The girls are performing well in school. Sanaa, now this family’s life. And we have the opportunity to do that 19, will graduate from high school this coming year. Her again for another family. plan is to apply to an engineering program at an Ontario The Beth Tzedec Board of Directors has approved our university. She volunteers as a translator for newly sponsorship of a second refugee family through JIAS arrived Arabic-speaking students at her school and works (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services, an agency of UJA part-time. Siba, 15, is also a high academic achiever and Federation of Greater Toronto), a Canadian government an active volunteer. Youngest sister Besan, 11, is creative refugee application licence holder. Our Refugee and funny. She is also a terrific student. The girls speak Sponsorship Group will be actively raising contributions perfect, unaccented English; they sound like the Canadian and awareness. Please plan to attend information and citizens they will soon become! fundraising events to help support this initiative. Through generous community support, the kids have Teddy and I have just returned from Berlin with experienced summer camp, canoeing in Algonquin Park, renewed clarity about our moral imperative as Jews to picking apples and hitting most of the tourist attractions help refugees in need. We are proud that our community around the GTA. Hanaa is able to converse with great has helped and continues to help Jewish refugees because confidence about politics; we chat about parenting and they are Jews. And now we help all refugees because we raising kids in today’s challenging world. She has are Jews. explained the intricacies of the conflict in Syria to me from —Bari Zittell a true insider’s perspective. Tarek is not as comfortable speaking English, but he understands everything I say. Chair of the Beth Tzedec Refugee Sponsorship Group They even love winter!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Beth Tzedec Purim Seudah Tuesday, March 10 Watch for details coming soon!
40 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 in and around the shul Community Initiatives Bringing Peace to Minds from november 10 to 17, 2019, beth tzedec hosted 20 israeli veterans of the Oketz (canine special forces) Unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and two specially trained Israeli therapists. The visit was arranged through Peace of Mind Canada, an organization whose mandate is to facilitate emotional and psychological support for veterans who have undergone difficult battle situations. Our group of veterans served as a unit in the IDF from 2007 to 2010, although many of them served longer and most continue to do reserve duty. The concept of the program is to bring the veterans to a Jewish community of embracing hosts, away from the pressures and distractions of their everyday lives, where they can, as a unit, deal with the emotional and psychological scars of their years of intense army service. For the soldiers, the week is one which taxes their emotions, but ultimately gives them the tools to live their lives in a new way. And for the host community, the week is one in which we develop a deep bond with our guests and the State of Israel and In October, Beth Tzedec had the privilege to again more fully understand the lingering trauma associated with serving host a special unit of discharged Israeli elite in an IDF combat unit. The end result for all involved is one of combat soldiers through the Peace of Mind shlaymoot—wholeness, well-being and peace; a result which is in program. The soldiers spent their days in group line with our goals as a synagogue community. This was the fourth time that Beth Tzedec has been a Peace of sessions, but evenings and Shabbat were spent Mind host and we hope to continue to host on an annual basis. interacting with our community, including their host Plans are already in process for 2020; if you’re interested in hosting families and at a Kabbalat Shabbat service and or helping to fund the visit, contact the Synagogue office at dinner and Shabbat morning service and kiddush. 416-781-3511 or [email protected]. (In order to protect the identity of the POM —Bernie Gropper participants, their faces have been blurred.)
This year, when you Celebrate • Honour • Commemorate Choose ‘Treasures of Beth Tzedec’ Tribute Cards
Our ‘Treasures of Beth Tzedec’ series, by local photographer Darren Levant, beautifully captures signature architectural details, noteworthy art and precious artifacts—timeless treasures of our Congregation. The Tribute cards featuring general, lifestyle and holiday themes, with space to add your own personal message, are available as a set of 6 or as individual cards sent from the Synagogue office.
• Purchase a package of 6 cards for $50, or $10 for an individual card, and personalize and send them out yourself; or • Call us to order cards at a cost of $18 each and we’ll inscribe and send them out for you. All ‘Tribute card’ contributions are fully tax receiptable. For information or to purchase, contact Avital Narvey at 416-781-3511 or [email protected].
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 41 Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30 AM
A Purim Show Moses and the People of Israel March 8 April 5 Every moment is a good moment to laugh, Join moses on a journey through the desert to rejoice and be happy—especially in the month the special little mountain: Sinai. Crafts, games, of Adar! Have a laugh with the clowns and music and a special story will transport us to the performers at our special purim show. times of the “Yetzeeat Mitzraim” exodus.
No charge, but RSVPs requested by the Tuesday prior to each session. For information or to RSVP, contact Shirel Barkan-Slater at 416-781-3514, ext. 239 or [email protected].
The art of Israeli cuisine is coming to Beth Tzedec!
Grades 1 to 5 (Kokhavim) Sundays, January 12 from 2:00 to 3:30 PM and February 9 from 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Grades 6 to 8 (Kadima) Saturdays, January 11 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM and February 15 from 6:40 to 8:00 PM
Does your child enjoy cooking? Children in Grades 1 to 5 and Grades 6 to 8 are invited to learn how to cook Middle Eastern food and feed their parents their delicious creations. Master Chef Yeladim is a two-session program. Kids will decorate their own chef’s apron, and at the end of the program, they will earn a diploma and their own kid-sized kitchen utensils.
First Session Learn about ingredients, mixtures and smells. Second Session Learn to cook and feed your parents with a blind taste-testing game.
Cost: $15 for Beth Tzedec members; $20 for non-members. For information or to RSVP, contact Shirel Barkan-Slater at 416-781-3514, ext. 239 or [email protected].
42 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 Hesed Report information hotline 416-781-3514 ext. 261
Outִ of the Cold Winter 2020 12th Annual Mother’s Day Chai Tea: Save the Date Our shelter, which is run jointly with Beth Sholom out of The annual Mother’s Day Chai Tea will be held on Sunday, their premises, operates every Tuesday night from January 7 May 10 and promises to be an inspiring afternoon. The until March 24. We serve dinner to nearly 200 guests each committee is already hard at work and I have no doubt it will week and provide sleeping accommodations and breakfast be a wonderful experience. As co-chair of Out of the Cold, I for 60. Our guests have the opportunity to participate in am so grateful that we have been the recipients of the our art program, play BINGO and chat with our volunteers. proceeds from this special event since its inception, which We have a nurse on hand each week as well as community to date totals over $80,000. We could not have achieved support workers. We are thrilled that this year, St. Michael’s the success that we have at OOTC without such generosity. Hospital Eye Clinic is sending a specialist to our site as well. Thursday Games Afternoon As you are all aware, homelessness in Toronto has reached Games Afternoon is going strong! Every Thursday from crisis levels. Our work at the shelter is vital, as is your 1:00 to 4:00 PM, more than 75 participants gather to play involvement. Out of the Cold is completely self-funded, Mahjong and Canasta. For those interested in playing therefore we rely on monetary and product donations from Bridge, please contact me ahead of time to be sure that the community and from local companies. It is never too there are enough Bridge players on any given dat. Feel free late to donate to this worthwhile cause and there are so to join us for any of the games, regardless of your level of many ways to do so. expertise. The cost is a toonie, which helps to support Beth Tzedec’s various hesed programs. Please remember You can purchase items, such as underwear, long johns, to bring your own cards˙ and supplies and encourage your waterproof gloves, boots/running shoes, sweatshirts or friends to join us. Non-members are always welcome and sweatpants. (These donations will be eligible for a tax you do not have to bring your own foursome to attend.. receipt for the value of the goods.) You may choose to sponsor dinner for our guests. Bar/Bat Mitzvah students Mahjong and Canasta Lessons occasionally decide to fill centerpieces at their simhah Mahjong and Canasta lessons are available from our with items that we use each week: large tins of coffee,˙ fabulous instructor. We try to hold lessons every month, cereal, granola bars, soya milk, socks, t-shirts, art supplies depending on the demand. Our ‘snowbirds’ may want to and personal care toiletries. Students can take the initiative pre-register and reserve a spot for lessons in the spring. to organize a drive to collect much-needed items. It is a Call the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 to leave me a wonderful opportunity for youth to get involved in hesed message if you would like more information on any of activities and earn community service hours. You can˙ buy these exciting initiatives. tribute cards from the synagogue and direct the proceeds to OOTC. The possibilities are endless, and if you have —Maureen Tanz any questions or ideas, feel free to reach out to me at the Chair, Hesed Committee Synagogue office or by e-mail at [email protected]. ˙ We are always in need of gently used adult-sized winter Beth Tzedec /Beth Sholom clothing such as down-type coats and ski jackets, winter boots, running shoes, sweatpants and sweatshirts, t-shirts Out of the Cold Adult and blue jeans as well as hotel-size toiletries. Donations Clothing Donations should be bagged, labelled and dropped off at Beth Out of the Cold always appreciates donations of Sholom on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. warm clothing, which can be dropped off at Beth Sholom Synagogue. Please note that they only Please mark your calendars for Sunday, March 29 from accept the following adult-sized items: down coats, 1:00 to 3:00 PM for Out of the Cold’s Annual Art Exhibit ski jackets, parkas, snow pants, sweaters, hoodies, and Sale, hosted at Beth Sholom. It showcases the talent sweatshirts, sweat pants, blue jeans, corduroy pants, and creativity of our guests who work on their paintings winter boots, hiking boots and running shoes. each week under the guidance of our talented instructors. For many of our guests, it is the highlight of their year.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 43 Mahloket Matters: Constructive Conflict in Jewish˙ Life with Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl
Monday evenings, January 13, 20 & 27 at 7:30 PM In the current cultural and political climate, most people agree that civil discourse has deteriorated, a sign of danger to democracy. Following a program developed by the pardes Institute, we shall study constructive disagreement. Whether in the Sanhedrin (High Court) or the Beit Midrash (Academy), mahloket, conflicting opinion, is found throughout classic Jewish literature. Using video and text study we shall ˙examine a contemporary issue with reference to a biblical conflict narrative, how classical commentators read the “facts,” historical precedents for each position and practical possibilities to understand and engage more constructively with opposing political views, encountered in personal interaction, social or news media.
COST: No charge for Beth Tzedec members; $20 non-members.
For more information or to register, contact the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 or [email protected]
The Beth Tzedec Sisterhood wishes everyone a Happy Purim.
44 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 beth tzedec men’s club and federation of jewish men’s clubs Winter News Men’s Club Makes a Difference
Membership Cards Beth Tzedec at the Blue Jays The Beth Tzedec Men’s Club has Thank you to all those who helped mailed out personalized cards to make our “Family Blue Jays Baseball Men’s Club members that have a Night” on Thursday, September 12 three-year Jewish calendar. Each card such a wonderful success. In particular, identifies supporters and allows thanks to our the Men’s Club leaders World Wide Wrap 2020 —Larry, Adam and Karen—who privileges for designated There’s a big change to our World Men’s Club events. honoured our amazing teens and new Wide Wrap program! This year, kids in shinshinim, Alona and Gal, at the Your voluntary, tax deductible Grades 6 to 8 are invited to order a Rogers Centre! Thank you also to contribution of $36 allows us to ‘Build-a-Pair’ tefillinkit to create their Ellie, Dani, Tal, Isaiah, Seth, Abby and continue to serve the needs of our own handmade ‘model’tefillin . The Lily who helped cheer on the Jays as synagogue and community. If you kit includes Hebrew script, inserted they battled the Boston Red Sox in an have not received your card, please straps and ideas for their own “wRAP” end-of-season match. Beth Tzedec is contact our Membership songs to sing during the World Wide really lucky to have you. Reb Steve and Chairman Art Andrews at Wrap service and breakfast on Sunday, Jody were there too, helping make the [email protected]. February 2. Cash prizes will be evening extra fun. Being part of a awarded. “Build-a-Pair” is a fun, community is so important for well- Cardholders are invited to attend a educational program that introduces complimentary Men’s Club Board being, and we feel so lucky to be part kids to the joy and mitzvah oftefillin of such a wonderfulkehillah . dinner. For information on dates or in Jewish life. To get a ‘Build-a-Pair’ to RSVP for a dinner, contact kit, contact Shirel Barkan-Slater at Art Andrews. 416-781-3514, ext. 290 or [email protected]. Men’s Club Scholarship Program Applications are now available for scholarships assisting young adults pursuing programs of higher Jewish education. For information or an Photo courtesy of Larry Rachlin. application, email Hersh Rosenthal at [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is April 7, 2020. Anshe-Zafon (Lake Region) News
FJMC Convention Recap with Mercaz Canada and Rabbi Clubs (FJMC) and Mercaz held The Anshe-Zafon region had its Jennifer Gorman, executive director separate streams throughout the annual retreat in Toronto from of Mercaz, was our special guest. retreat, but joined together as a December 6 to 8. It was held jointly The Federation of Jewish Men’s community for tefillah and meals.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 45 Inscribe our Siddurim!
Inscribe one or more of our siddurim, to mark a celebration, special occasion or achievement, or to honour the memory of a loved one. Each siddur will bear an elegant, personalized bookplate to acknowledge the mitzvah of your gift to Beth Tzedec.
For more information or to arrange for an inscription, contact the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 or visit www.beth-tzedec.org/login.
46 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 TRIBUTES Memory, yahrtzeit, appreciation, thanks and honours (For children Make a donation, send a tribute card and include your listing ages 6 months U here to honour your friends and loved ones. For more Tributes information about tribute opportunities, contact Avital at 416-781-3511.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Prep Club Fund Beverley Black, commemorating the The Leibel and Nemoy Families, The Milne Family, wishing Lorne yahrtzeit of Ada Starkman. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Hanick Shanah Tovah. Lorne Blumer, marking the conclusion of Helen Nemoy. kaddish for Jack Blumer. Nathan and Glennie Lindenberg and Camp Ramah Fund The Bot Family, commemorating the family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of yahrtzeit of William Bot. Miriam Lindenberg. Phyllis Flatt, commemorating the Glennie Lindenberg and Morland yahrtzeit of Samuel Albert. Fredelle Brief, commemorating the tenth yahrtzeit of Millie Stein and marking the Brown, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Michael and Rochelle Kerzner and tenth anniversary of davening with the David Brown. family, honouring Carole and Harold morning minyan. Ruthann and Lawrie Lubin, Wolfe on the Bar Mitzvah of their commemorating the yahrtzeit of grandson Jake Mandel. The Cummings Family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of George Cummings. Lillian Cutler and honouring the Michael and Rochelle Kerzner and memory of Ernest Cutler. family, honouring Jodi and Paul Mandel Brenda Dales and family, marking the Lawrie and Ruthann Lubin and Carole on the Bar Mitzvah of their son conclusion of kaddish for Bernard S. and Bernie Starkman, commemorating Jake Mandel. Dales. the yahrtzeit of Max Lubin. Michael and Rochelle Kerzner and Brian, Kathryn and Robert Feldman, Helen Marr and family, commemorating family, acknowledging Louise Starkman commemorating the yahrtzeiten of the yahrtzeit of Gerald Marr. and Bobby Starkman and family in Gilbert and Reta Newman. memory of Steven Starkman. The Fox Family, commemorating the Liz Martin-Landau and Joel Landau, yahrtzeit of Helen Fox. commemorating the yahrtzeiten of Sally Daily Minyan Breakfasts Jeffrey and Jane Gertner and family, Shapiro Martin, Melvin Shapiro and commemorating the yahrtzeit of Ruth Smith Shapiro Dickstein, and Jeffrey Axler, commemorating the th Samuel Gertner. honouring the 45 anniversary of yahrtzeit of Sara Axler. Harry and Nicole Martin. Helen Glazer and family, commemorating Rosalee Berlin, commemorating the the yahrtzeit of Jennie Potash. Mitch and Anne Max, marking the yahrtzeit of Myer David Berlin. conclusion of shloshim for Paul Max. Helen Glazer and family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Melville Potash. Sam Merson and family, commemorating Daily Minyan Fund the yahrtzeit of Lorraine Merson. Sheldon and Judith Godfrey, commemo- Rosalee Berlin, acknowledging Brenda rating the yahrtzeit of Bert Godfrey. Henia Miller, commemorating the Dales in memory of Barney Dales. yahrtzeit of Meir Ambruski. Sheldon and Judith Godfrey, commemo- Rosalee Berlin, acknowledging Esther rating the yahrtzeit of Ruth Godfrey. Harvey Minuk, commemorating the Peters in memory of Cantor Morris tenth anniversary of the yahrtzeit of Dr. Eudice Goldberg and family, Goldlust. Edith Michnik. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Rosalee Berlin, acknowledging the Tillie Goldberg. Annette Oelbaum and family, Schlanger Family in memory of Mary commemorating the yahrtzeit of David and Cindy Goldfarb, honouring Miriam Aaron Schlanger. Ron Oelbaum. the marriage of their son Robbie Rosalee Berlin, commemorating the Goldfarb to Nikki Rand. Alan and Francine Peters, honouring the yahrtzeit of Kate Lee Moss. marriage of their daughter Sabrine Peters The Greenberg Family, marking the to Jason Craig. Rosalee Berlin, commemorating the conclusion of shloshim for Carole yahrtzeit of Rose Greenberg. Greenberg. Marlene and Ian Rattner and Mitchell Rosalee Berlin, wishing Dot Whitehouse and Samantha Rattner, commemorating Ena and Moshe Greengarten and Eric the yahrtzeit of Aaron Black. Shanah Tovah. Potechin, commemorating the yahrtzeit Rose Sobel and Duke Segel, commemo- of Norman Potechin and honouring the Jacqueline and Mark Rother and family, rating the yahrtzeiten of Harry Chelin memory of Evelyn Potechin. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Joyce McDonald. and Anne Grimson. Brian Heller and Dr. Beverly Kupfert and Rose Sobel and Duke Segel, commemo- family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Lorraine and Allan Sandler, commemo- rating the yahrtzeiten of Verne Chelin Dr. Leon Heller. rating the yahrtzeit of Harry Weinstock. and Lillian Kaplan. Mark and Jan Lapedus, commemorating Soozi Schlanger, Goldie Schlanger and the yahrtzeit of Ann Gross. Chaja Grande, marking the conclusion Daily Minyan Breakfasts of kaddish for Mary Miriam Aaron Justin Lapedus and Danielle Lapedus, Schlanger. An anonymous contribution, honouring honouring the Bar Mitzvah of their son The Scoler Family, commemorating the those who sacrificed so much and those Ryan Lapedus. yahrtzeit of Renee Scoler. who keep the memory alive. The Leibel and Nemoy Families, Lauren and Dvir Shatach, honouring the The Ashley Family, marking the conclu- commemorating the yahrtzeit of birth of their daughter Eleanor. sion of shloshim for Evelyn Ashley. Max B. Nemoy.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 47 tributes Memory, yahrtzeit, appreciation, thanks and honours
The Sobel Family, commemorating the Frances Ackerman and family, wishing Jonathan Kahn Memorial Fund yahrtzeit of Ben Sobel. Joseph Isaacson a refuah sheleimah. Brenda Orser, acknowledging Jackie and The Sobel Family, commemorating the Shirley and Perry Cooper, acknowledging Norman Kahn and family in memory of yahrtzeit of Eli Sobel. Nathan Greenberg in memory of Jonathan Kahn. The Sobel Family, commemorating the Carole Greenberg. Clare, Ken and Noah Shapiro, wishing yahrtzeit of Frances Sobel. Shirley and Perry Cooper, commemorating Norman and Jackie Kahn Shanah Tovah. Eric Sobel, honouring his birthday. the yahrtzeit of Doris Cooper. Dayna and Jordan Waltman, acknowl- Rose Sobel and family, commemorating Shirley and Perry Cooper, honouring edging Jackie and Norman Kahn and the yahrtzeit of George Sobel. Harry Enchin and Susan Friedrich on family in memory of Jonathan Kahn. Dr. Sylvia Solomon and family, their birthdays. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Aubrey and Judith Golden, acknowledging Jonathan Steiner Memorial Fund Cantor Joseph Horowitz. Louise Starkman in memory of Steven Harold and Ruth Margles, honouring Bernice Stern and the Gropper family, Starkman. Joseph and Elaine Steiner on their 50th commemorating the yahrtzeit of Aubrey and Judith Golden, commemo- anniversary. Ruth Goldstein. rating the yahrtzeit of Harry Golden. Sharon Yale and Blake Teichman, Marsha Joseph, acknowledging Louise Kaddish Fund commemorating the yahrtzeit of Starkman in memory of Steven Starkman. Marilyn Debora and Judy Litwack- Bernard Yale. Helene Kerr, commemorating the Goldman, honouring the memory of General Fund yahrtzeit of Shirley Rosenthal. Dora Litwack. Helene Kerr and Adrian Tenser, Mariana Grinblat, commemorating the commemorating the yahrtzeit of Kosher Food Bank yahrtzeit of Fridel Sulim Klepper. Max Rosenthal. An anonymous contribution, honouirng Bernie and Elise Gropper, acknowledging Sylvia Singer and family, acknowledging Rabbi Jennifer Gorman and wishing her Danny and Arlyn Zimmerman in memory Nathan Greenberg in memory of Carole Shanah Tovah. of Zoltan Zimmerman. Greenberg. An anonymous contribution, honouirng Shane Grosman, commemorating the Rose Sobel, commemorating the Rabbi Shalom Schachter and Marcia yahrtzeit of Ben Grosman. yahrtzeiten of Benjamin Chelin and Gilbert and wishing them Shanah Tovah. Terri Humphries, acknowledging Neil Harry Sobel. An anonymous contribution, honouring Abbott and Mary Johnston Abbott and Melvin and Ruth Steinhart, honouring the volunteers of the Kosher Food Bank. family in memory of Dr. Michael Abbott. Judy and Ralph Shiff on the marriage of Denise Chriqui, wishing Ab and Phyllis Norman and Jackie Kahn, honouring their grandson Noam. Flatt Shanah Tovah. Lyon Wexler on being named Hattan Terry and Nadine Walman, acknowledging ˙ Irving and Barbara Green, honouring Bereisheet. the Zimmerman Family in memory of Lyon Wexler on being named Hattan Mildred Kriezman, commemorating the Zoltan Zimmerman. Bereisheet. ˙ yahrtzeit of Morris Kriezman. Howard (Hy Cooper) Trust Fund Marlene Laba, wishing Allan and Mildred Kriezman, commemorating the Margaret Weinstein Shanah Tovah. yahrtzeit of Max Bernard Kriezman. David, Carol, Ari, Marissa and Yonit Newton and Claire Markus, Mildred Kriezman, commemorating the Grossman, acknowledging the family of acknowledging the Nachman Family in yahrtzeit of Rose Glazier. the late David Reiss. memory of Gabriel Nachman. Ellis and Vicci Macmull, honouring Harry Sandi and Jack Grossman and family, Newton and Claire Markus, honouring Enchin and Susan Friedrich on their wishing Gayle and Morty Eisenberg Diane Grafstein on her special birthday. birthdays. Shanah Tovah. Pearl Schwartz, honouring John and Susan Schendel, commemorating the Israel Sydney & Pearl Wolfe Memorial Fund Jane Trachtenberg on the birth of their yahrtzeit of Edith Milder. grandson Andrew. Jerry Schendel, commemorating the Caryl and Bernard Schwartz, commemo- yahrtzeit of Klara Schendel. rating the yahrtzeiten of Pearl Wolfe, Little Minyan Fund Myrna Hanet and Sean Atkins. Richard Seligman, commemorating the Sephi Band, Jeffrey Mitz and Zoe Mitz, yahrtzeit of Lawrie Seligman. Jewish Family Living Fund honouring Lyon Wexler on being named Hattan Bereisheet. Hesed Fund ˙ ˙ An anonymous contribution, honouring Frances Ackerman, acknowledging Pearl and Geneviève Cohen on the birth Lorne Hanick Website Development Fund Nathan Greenberg in memory of of their daughter. An anonymous contribution, honouring Carole Greenberg. An anonymous contribution, honouring Lorne Hanick. Frances Ackerman, honouring Lyon Moshe Micha and Chloe McAlister and An anonymous contribution, honouring Wexler on being named Hattan family on the birth of their daughter. Lorne Hanick. Bereisheet. ˙ Dot Whitehouse, honouring Avital Frances Ackerman and family, acknowl- Narvey, Florence Bendelac and Klara Men’s Club Scholarships edging Sara Zimmerman and family in Romm and wishing them Shanah Tovah. memory of Zoltan Zimmerman. Sylvia Singer and family, acknowledging the family of the late Ida Wiesenthal. 48 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 tributes Memory, yahrtzeit, appreciation, thanks and honours
Art and Carole Andrews, acknowledging Sheldon and Patti Rotman and family, The Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl Daniel Zimmerman in memory of honouring Lyon Wexler on being named Endowment Fund Zoltan Zimmerman. Hattan Bereisheet. ˙ An anonymous contribution, acknowledg- Dot Whitehouse, honouring her late Sheldon and Patti Rotman and family, ing Sara Zimmerman and family in father’s birthday. honouring Stephanie and Justin Linden memory of Zoltan Zimmerman. An anonymous contribution, honouring on the birth of their son Oliver. An anonymous contribution, honouring Gary Elman. Alan and Lorraine Sandler, acknowledg- Rabbi Baruch and Josette Frydman-Kohl ing Aubrey Golden and family in and wishing them Shanah Tovah. Out of the Cold Fund memory of Ron Golden. An anonymous contribution, honouring An anonymous contribution, honouring Alan and Lorraine Sandler, acknowledg- the office and caretaking teams and Nash’s Lyon Wexler on being named Hattan ing Dr. Martin and Estelle Kosoy in team and wishing them Shanah Tovah. Bereisheet. ˙ memory of Mildred Gervase. An anonymous contribution, honouring Beverly Applebaum, commemorating the Alan and Lorraine Sandler, honouring the spiritual care team and wishing them yahrtzeit of Sydney Applebaum. Heather Gotlieb on being named Kallat Shanah Tovah. Torah. Rosalee Berlin, honouring Lyon Wexler An anonymous contribution, honouring on being named Hattan Bereisheet. Alan and Lorraine Sandler, honouring Rabbis Steven Wernick and Robyn Fryer ˙ Lyon Wexler on being named Hattan Bodzin on being installated as Beth Barbara Firestone, acknowledging Bereisheet. ˙ Tzedec’s rabbis. Carmella Betel in memory of Rauba Barac. Ralph and Judy Shiff, acknowledging David Ackerman and Joni Cohen, Louise Starkman in memory of Steven honouring Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl Ilene and Stephen Flatt, acknowledging Starkman. on his retirement. Danny Zimmerman in memory of Zoltan Zimmerman. Ralph and Judy Shiff, acknowledging the Rosalee Berlin, honouring Rabbis Steven Zimmerman Family in memory of Wernick and Robyn Fryer Bodzin on being Corrine Hart, honouring Lyon Wexler Zoltan Zimmerman. installated as Beth Tzedec’s rabbis. on being named Hattan Bereisheet. ˙ Larry and Nina Wallach, honouring Sandra Brown and family, honouring Eileen Hersey, commemorating the Harry Enchin and Susan Friedrich on Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin. yahrtzeit of Gerald Levy. their birthdays. Murray Collis, commemorating the Henrietta Kostman and Judith Kostman, Lyon Wexler, honouring Denise Chriqui yahrtzeit of Max Collis. acknowledging Sherman Hans in on her birthday. memory of Judith Hans. Marion and Ron Feld, honouring Mel and Lyon Wexler, honouring Janet Bomza Ruth Steinhart on their 60th anniversary. Ellis and Vicci Macmull, wishing Patti and Joel Binder. and Sheldon Rotman and family Shanah Ab and Phyllis Flatt, acknowledging Tovah. Reesa and Bernie Yunger and family, Louise Starkman in memory of Steven honouring Lyon Wexler on being named Starkman. Harold and Ruth Margles, honouring Hattan Bereisheet. Lyon Wexler on being named Hattan ˙ Ilene and Stephen Flatt, honouring Bereisheet. ˙ Brenda Singer on receiving the Order of Canada. Marilyn and Saul Merrick, acknowledging Jackee Gosewich in memory of Arnold Gosewich. Marilyn and Saul Merrick, acknowledging BETH TZEDEC SISTERHOOD’S Louise Starkman in memory of Steven Starkman. Torah Fund Tribute Cards Roslyn Oslender, honouring Lyon Wexler Choose these beautifully illustrated cards when you honour, acknowledge or on being named Hattan Bereisheet. ˙ commemorate the memories of those who are most important in your life. The Pollock Family, wishing the Aronowicz Family Shanah Tovah. Frank and Milli Richmond, commemorat- ing the yahrtzeit of Edward Richmond. Mary and Les Richmond and family, honouring Lyon Wexler on being named Hattan Bereisheet. The Torah Fund tribute cards can be purchased individually at a cost of $5 ˙ Patti and Sheldon Rotman and family, each or a selection of 5 cards for $20*. To purchase, contact Lynne Taradash acknowledging the family of the late at 416-781-3714 or [email protected]. Zoltan Zimmerman. Sheldon and Patti Rotman and family, The Beth Tzedec Sisterhood supports Conservative Judaism through its Torah Fund, the acknowledging Randy Kalpin in memory designated philanthropy fund of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. of Jean Kalpin. Sheldon and Patti Rotman and family, *Tax receipts will be issued acknowledging the family of the late for orders of $20 or more. Yehuda Golan.
TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 49 tributes Condolences and Memorial Plaques
Condolences The Congregation extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the late: Dr. Michael Abbott Arthur Levman Sarina Auriel Harvey Lindzon Dr. Robert Bendavid Gene (Eugene) Opler Cindy Duchon-Pasternak Andy Senyi David Gavsie Marvin Shore Yehuda Golan Bernard (Bernie) Staiman Arnold Gosewich Steven Starkman Marion Gould Margaret Ungar Aurel Gropper William (Bill) Wagman Sam Hoffer Ruth Sarah Wagman “May the God of mercy sustain and strengthen them in their sorrow.”
Everything we do Today is for Tomorrow Beth Tzedec has a number of opportunities for members wishing to support our tzedakah initiatives. Honour the memory of a loved one by making a contribution to one of our funds or sponsoring breakfast on a yahrtzeit. For a complete list of Synagogue funds, please call the office at 416-781-3511. If you are interested in leaving a legacy for the Congregation to name a special project, youth program or adult education seminar, we would be pleased to help you Jewish plan today for tomorrow. Contact our Executive Director, Randy Spiegel at 416-781-3514, ext. 211 to discuss these Meditation opportunities in confidence.
Shabbat, January 11, February 8 and March 7 from 10:00 to 11:15 AM
For men and women, centred on texts from our tradition, eliciting response and deep listening— a doorway to enhanced prayer. For more information, please contact Marlene Laba at 416-781-3514, ext. 234 or [email protected]. Canasta and Mahjong Lessons Michelle Katz is an educator in English and Special Education. She provides workshops, retreats and group classes in Jewish Are you interested in learning to play Canasta or Meditation, Jewish Spiritual Direction and Torah yoga. Mahj? We are offering a new series of lessons in the coming months. For fee information or to SPONSORED BY THE BETH TZEDEC MEN’S CLUB register, please contact the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 or [email protected].
50 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 Lila Freedman, commemorating the Millie Pollock, commemorating the Jack and Jill Spitz, honouring Lorne yahrtzeiten of Sima Hirsh, Norma yahrtzeiten of Muriel Gorsky and Harry Hanick. Freedman and Naomi Freedman. Tobenstein. Ruth and Melvin Steinhart, commemorat- Maxine Gallander Wintre, honouring Paul Millie Pollock, commemorating the ing the yahrtzeit of Rose Siegel. and Gella Rothstein on their anniversary. yahrtzeit of Faye Tobenstein. Beverley Stern, commemorating the Shep Gangbar, honouring Allan Phillips. Dr. David and Shirley Promislow, yahrtzeit of Geri Sitzer. Diane Grafstein, acknowledging Sara acknowledging Nathan Greenberg in Jennifer Wyman and Neil Zworth, Zimmerman and family in memory of memory of Carole Greenberg. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Zoltan Zimmerman. Dr. David and Shirley Promislow, Roel Wyman. Diane Grafstein, honouring Lyon Wexler honouring Judy and Ralph Shiff on the Cecile Zaifman and Malcolm Weinstein, on being named Hattan Bereisheet. marriage of their grandson Noam. honouring Patti and Sheldon Rotman. ˙ Barry Greenberg and Susan Laufer, Dr. David and Shirley Promislow, honouring Lorne Hanick. honouring Ruth and Mel Steinhart on the Sheila Zeldin Memorial Fund marriage of their grandson Zachary. Henrietta Kostman and Judith Kostman, Susan Zeldin and Ron, Noah and Daniel honouring Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Clark, commemorating the yahrtzeit of on his retirement. acknowledging Estelle Perlmutter and Sheila Zeldin. Ruthann and Lawrence Lubin, acknowl- family in memory of Marvin Shore. edging Jill Cain in memory of Ruth Cutler. Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Victims of Terror Fund Marilyn and Saul Merrick, acknowleding honouring Jeffrey and Joanne Perlmutter on the birth of their grandson. Bella, Zamir and Alexander Latipow, Nathan Greenberg in memory of Carole commemorating the yahrtzeit of Larisa Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Greenberg. Zhornisky Shpiegelman. Rochelle and Peter Miller, commemorating Emma and Zachary, acknowledging Drew Berman in memory of Alex Berman. David and Shayndelynne Zeldin, the yahrtzeit of Yale Daniel Piltz. acknowledging Ron and Karin Poizner Bernie and Caryl Schwartz, acknowledging John and Molly Pollock, acknowledging in memory of Julius Poizner. Dr. Bill and Taffy Cass in memory of Louise Starkman in memory of Steven Starkman. Larry Cass. Yom Hashoah Candle Fund Millie Pollock, acknowledging Sara Lesley Shore and family, honouring Joseph th Eddie and Bonny Kirschner, honouring Zimmerman in memory of Zoltan and Elaine Steiner on their 50 anniversary. Jack and Jill Spitz, honouring Cantor Cathy Surdin and Lawrence Schiff on Zimmerman. th Sidney Ezer. their 25 anniversary. Dot Whitehouse, honouring her late father’s birthday.
with Christine Biggs Monday evenings at 7:30 PM Sculpt your body, improve your strength and flexibility and relax your mind with certified pilates instructor Christine Biggs. participants must bring their own mat and sign a waiver form. Class size limited. pre-registration recommended. Contact the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511 or [email protected]. FIVE SESSIONS: To register, visit www.beth-tzedec.org/onlinePER SESSION: $60 Beth Tzedec members / $75 non-members $15 orBeth contact Tzedec the members Synagogue / $20 office non-members at 416-781-3511 or email [email protected]. TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2020 51 Beth Tzedec Congregation Publications agreement #40009286 1700 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5P 3K3 Tel (416) 781-3511 / Fax (416) 781-0150 www.beth-tzedec.org on on I Only Want discussing her discussing AM PM
and a special Kiddush panel discussion with and a special Kiddush panel discussion
IN BOCA RATON at B'nai Torah Congregation Torah B'nai at www.btcboca.org. www.btcboca.org. . Holiness versus Happiness attend! to Florida friends and snowbirds your Encourage reserve for the dinner, contact B'nai Torah at 516-392-8566 or visit 516-392-8566 at B'nai Torah contact the dinner, for reserve Rabbis David Englander and Steven Wernick and Dara Horn and Dara Wernick Englander and Steven Rabbis David Tzedec members; $32 USD non-members. For information or to or to information members; $32 USD non-members. For Tzedec the Modern World . Cost for dinner: $24 USD for Beth USD for dinner: $24 for . Cost Life Eternal book The latest My Child to be Happy be My Child to and in Holiness versus Other Lies: Happiness Saturday, February 8 at 8:45 8 at February Saturday, Horn Dara from a pulpit address services, Join us for Friday, February 7 at 5:45 7 at February Friday, Horn Dara dinner with guest a delicious Join us for Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8 February and Saturday, 7 February Friday,