HOLY BLOSSOM TEMPLE Bulletin June 2012

Our Israel Holy Blossom and the Jewish Homeland High Holy Days 2012 / 5773

Selichot — Saturday, September 8 9 p m.

Erev Rosh Hashanah — Sunday, September 16 • First Service 6 p m • Family Service 6 p m • Second Service 8:30 p m

First Day Rosh Hashanah — Monday, September 17 • First Service 8:30 a m • Early Family Service 9 a m • Second Service 11:30 a m • Late Family Service 11:30 a m • Tot’s Service 3:30 p m (for children five and younger) • Young Reader’s Service 3:30 p m (for children six through eight)

Second Day Rosh Hashanah — Tuesday, September 18 • Service 10 a m • Tashlich 4 p m Markdale entrance to Cedarvale Park

Kol Nidre — Tuesday, September 25 • First Service 6 p m • Family Service 6 p m • Second Service 9 p m • Teen Service 9 p m

Yom Kippur — Wednesday, September 26 • Early Family Service 9 a m • Morning Service 10 a m • Generation Aleph Service 11 a m (for 20 and 30 somethings) • Late Family Service 11:30 a m • Study Sessions 1:30 p m 2 • Little Blossom’s Service 2 p m (for children five and younger) • Young Reader’s Service 2 p m (for children six through eight) • Afternoon Service 3:30 p m

Holy Blossom Temple HOLY BLOSSOM TEMPLE 6 Bulletin 7 CONTENTS My Israel: How It All Began 4

Israel: Our Need to Engage and Commit 5

Israel - year after year, and new every time 6

More questions than answers: 7 One approach to Israel engagement

Shalom uI’hitraot to our Shinshinim 8

8 How I Found Freedom During My Year as a Shinshin 9 Our 2012-2013 Shinshinim 9

Israel Engagement Project 10

Grade Ten Confirmation Trip To Israel 11

My Israel 12 12 Now and Then: Treasures from our Archive 14

An Israel Reading List 15

Holy Blossom Congregational Appeal 16 Supporting our Synagogue Community 3 10 Our Congregational Family 17 Holy Blossom Calendar 20

Want to share a comment about the Bulletin? Email Robert Carnevale at [email protected]. My Israel: How It All Began

Rabbi John Moscowitz [email protected]

At age 18 in the summer of 1970, in the thrall me, it didn’t quite need me. And neither did I of teenage freedom and seeking adventure, I need it. was headed to northern California to pick fruit amongst the farm workers. Two or three months Just like that Israel replaced my family’s boring before, my father suggested that should this plan and banal suburban temple as the locus and fall through – just in case, you know – what the essence of for me. I didn’t then about a trip to Israel (the application for which know that Judaism was exciting and thick, he happened to have in his hand)? Sign the intellectually alive and could claim your soul. application, why not? All I knew was what I saw at home and at the temple – and it wasn’t much. But Israel, pulsating Israel: that was another matter. That “I was enthralled. I was taken was for me. That was mine. I hadn’t chosen my Home, but I could choose my Homeland. As a by the light – bluer, brighter, place to live, I didn’t know; but as a place in my clearer, softer than I’d ever seen.” heart, as the most important place – yes, those for sure.

For various reasons, I’ve never lived in Israel for Sure enough, I found myself in Israel for seven more than a year, and for several summers. By weeks that summer. Who knew it would change now I’ve made some 40 visits over these 40 plus my life? Who knew I’d discover I possessed a years. I have close friends and family there. I Homeland – or more accurately, was possessed have some regrets about not having made aliyah. by this place? Maybe most importantly, nothing about Israel I was enthralled. I was taken by the light – bluer, brighter, clearer, softer than I’d ever seen. By the Israelis — tougher, more focused, more “I didn’t then know that Judaism attractive, more free than the Jews I’d known. By Jerusalem, Yerushalaim – more ancient, more was exciting and thick, intellectually historic, more bedraggled, more beautiful than alive and could claim your soul.” any place I’d seen. And totally entranced by the week spent on kibbutz. Awake and in the fields 4:30 am to pick fruit; driven by the heat to the feels foreign to me. Nothing. Not the Ultra- kibbutz pool by 11:00 am; wowed, I confess, by Orthodox neighbourhoods I love to haunt. the Israeli fighter jets bombing the fedayeen, just Not the Arab villages and markets I walk when across the Jordanian border, a couple kilometres things seem calm. Not the north and not the east. And, enamoured of the kibutzniks, men south. Not the desert nor the beach. Not Tel 4 and women both. Aviv and certainly not Jerusalem, old and new...

Enamoured of the whole country. I had found (Excerpted from April 28, 2012 sermon) my homeland. Or, it had found me. Claimed Moscowitz’s blog From Jane Fonda me in fact. I understood that while I was to Judaism can be found at comfortable in America – America didn’t claim rabbijohnmoscowitz.blog.com

At The Outset Holy Blossom Temple Israel: our need to engage and commit

Mark S. Anshan [email protected]

In his history of Israel from 1948 to 1972, (My the greatest living democracy should be the first to Country, The Story of Modern Israel) Abba Eban welcome the newest into the family of nations.” recounts the dramatic birth of Israel on May This followed with US recognition just as war was 14, 1948. At 4 pm on that day, in the Tel Aviv about to break out. Canadian recognition was to museum hall, David Ben Gurion, surrounded by come months later in December, 1948. the leaders of the new state, read the Proclamation on the Rise of the State of Israel. Fifty-one years The establishment of Israel as the Jewish state earlier Theodor Herzl presided over the First - through recognition by the international Zionist Congress which set the groundwork for community and military victory in the War of the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. Independence - created the homeland for the Jewish people wherever they lived. This means The Provisional State Council’s first act was that for those of us living in the Diaspora, Israel to resolve that the laws enacted by the British is our Jewish home and we have a responsibility mandatory power restricting Jewish immigration to embrace the land and state – recognizing that and forbidding the purchase of land by Jews be Israel is an essential part of our Jewish identity. rendered null and void. The first and only act, following the reading of the Proclamation, of the For our congregation, we need to instill in each of our members the importance of Israel. Our Israel Engagement project, under the leadership of Jeff “for those of us living in the Denaburg and Rabbi Karen Thomashow, is aimed Diaspora, Israel is our Jewish home at enhancing that relationship. An intensified effort will be undertaken to encourage and and we have a responsibility to provide opportunities for our members to spend embrace the land and state” time in Israel and send our young members on NFTY, MASA and birthright programs. In order Council’s inaugural meeting was to open the gates to achieve a strong and sustained relationship for Jews to immigrate to the new state and begin with Israel and ensure that it becomes a truly building the country. After midnight, the War of Jewish pluralistic state, we hope that all our Independence began with Israel’s Arab neighbours members will become involved and provide the moving to destroy the nascent Jewish state. The support that Israel requires from all Jews international community, including the United throughout the world. Please join us in States, retreated from its position adopted with strengthening our ties to Israel. the UN Partition Resolution of November 29, Mark, Brenda and cousins Terrie and Doug Davidson 1947 moving to establish a “trusteeship” for the Rosh Pinah outlook, February 2012 area. In his letter to President Truman (May 13, 1948), Dr. Chaim Weizmann (Israel’s first President) encouraged immediate recognition of Israel by the : 5 “I deeply hope that the United States, which under your leadership has done so much to find a just solution, will promptly recognize the Provisional Government of the new Jewish State. The world, I think will regard it as especially appropriate that

Bulletin • June 2012 From the Board Israel – year after year, and new every time

Debbie Spiegel [email protected]

For many, it was their first time in Israel. For all Each one of our students communicated with the it was the trip of a lifetime. children in the SACH house with no common language. We played, laughed, sang songs and In March 2012, members of our Confirmation danced together. They demonstrated class travelled together to Israel. One of the most magnificently the concept oftikkun olam – each memorable stops, always, was a visit to Save a doing their part to make the world a better place! Child’s Heart (SACH) house.

The house is a very special place; the organization is amazing!

Save a Child’s Heart works tirelessly to perform life saving surgeries on children who suffer from heart disease. Their mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cardiac care for children from all over the world.

Regardless of the child’s nationality, religion, color, gender or financial situation, SACH is totally dedicated to the principal that every child deserves the best medical treatment available.

It was an amazing experience for all of our students. It was an amazing experience for me! I am blessed that Holy Blossom provides us the opportunity to experience this, year after year, in Israel. With every class, with every year, the impact of this first visit resonates with our students. And it resonates with me, again, as if it were my first time.

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Holy Blossom Temple More questions than answers: One approach to Israel engagement

Rabbi Karen Thomashow [email protected]

According to the Talmud, Moses was concerned with the to look at it this way: it is not that our tradition provides no seemingly erratic distribution of reward and punishment. answers; it is rather, as many opinions in the Talmud reflect, So he posed his concern in the form of a question to God. that no answer is final. That is, until the next question is asked. A I understand that it is often a positive challenge to engage According to Rabbi Meir, there is no answer to be had. As he with Israel in a way in which one feels connected but not teaches, “The knowledge needed in order to understand divine overwhelmed. Questions are both tradition’s suggestion and gift. justice in this world is beyond the grasp of all humans—even the master of all prophets, Moses.” How does he come to this Kol hakavod (a job well done) to those in our community who conclusion? If you look in Parashat Ki Tisa, right after Moses have set the example of one exemplary way to engage. asks God to allow him to know the Divine ways, there is no response. The text simply moves on. And from this, Rabbi Meir infers that some questions are unanswerable.

Which brings me to Israel engagement at Holy Blossom Temple throughout the course of the past year. Generation Aleph recently hosted two Israel engagement evenings, co-sponsored by the New Israel Fund. There, the custom is to begin the evening with principles by which those engaging in conversation would commit. Some of those guiding commitments include “not convincing one another of a personal point of view.” This type of respectful approach to dialogue on Israel promotes excellent question asking and healthy caution against having all the answers.

The Israel committee just concluded its four-week annual Israel Seminar which was entitled, “Confronting the Difficult Questions.” One such question explored was “what is the place of religious minorites in a Jewish state?” The seminar spent a great deal of time reflecting on the Shalom Hartman Institute’s iEngage series, in which Israeli experts raise and address questions through the lens of Jewish law. Additionally, through the work of a task force on Israel Engagement (supported by Makom, an Israel engagement entity which seeks to strengthen question-raising in the synagogue environment) our community has reflected upon the question of “what is your Israel?”

A sophisticated notion of Judaism, after all, is to ask probing 7 questions. As Abraham Joshua Heschel believed, “We are closer to God when we are asking questions than when we think we have the answers.”

I recognize that this may be unsettling. Perhaps it is best for us

Bulletin • June 2012 Shalom ul’hitraot to our Shinshinim: Or Shalem and Mai Levi

We want to say Todah Rabah – thank you from the bottom of different and better community because of Mai Levi and Or our hearts to Or Shalem and Mai Levi, our Shinshinim for 2011- Shalem. We have met and become close to, learned from as well 2012. Or and Mai have been an integral part of our community astaught these two future leaders of Israel and the Jewish People. over the past 10 months. Or and Mai have become central to the life of Holy Blossom: they have lived in our homes; they have Makom, and UJA Federation of Greater have been gone to school with our children; they have taught us Hebrew our sponsoring partners in the Shinshinim program. Makom’s language and Hebrew slang. From Or and Mai we have learned purpose is to bring Israel ‘front and centre’ to the Diaspora about modern Israeli music, Israeli dance (not the “olden days” community. Our Shinshinim are a Makom success story. They folk dances of the pioneers!) and so much more. They have have proved that Israel can come to us in ways we may never celebrated with us, commemorated with us, and relaxed with have imagined before – learning about the modern day Israel us. They have spent hours at our services on Shabbat and other and the unconditional love that we have for her with all of her Festivals, and we have shared countless meals together. How blemishes and bruises and victories and successes. many of us have so much affection and admiration for both Or and Mai! So, to Mai and Or we now say good bye and L’hitraot – we will see you soon – be it in Israel or back here in Canada where Holy Their kindness and desire to be a part of our community is Blossom Temple will always be your home. Please know we will unsurpassed. They love Holy Blossom Temple and Holy Blossom always welcome you with huge open arms. Temple loves and cherishes the time we have had together – each moment with a young child or an adult has had tremendous impact on us individually and collectively. We have been a

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Holy Blossom Temple How I found freedom article by Or Shalem during my year as a Shinshin One of our Israeli Emmisaries

On the first night of Pesach, I was honoured by my host family, of Judaism; it’s also about the opportunity to choose multiple the Kleins, to share a personal reflection just prior to the Seder. ways to practice Judaism. As I think about it, while living in The opportunity helped me to pause and think about something Israel I was less open to other movements in Judaism, aside extremely important happening to me during this special year at from Orthodoxy. I didn’t know very much about Reform and Holy Blossom. Conservative Judaism. Here today, after a year in our Reform Jewish community, I am aware of multiple ways in which to be As we know, Passover is the holiday which commemorates the Jewish. passage of our ancestors from slavery to freedom. We also know that slavery is not just about Egypt. Jews throughout much of For me, this is what freedom is about. About choices, options, our history have been hindered in practicing Judaism – unable expressions, and vibrancy. Jews today have many ways to express to be truly independent and fully free, whether in Egypt in our beliefs and practice the tradition. I personally feel more ancient times, or in more recent times. free now to express a Judaism that makes most sense to me. To be clear: I wasn’t previously enslaved, but I do feel a sense of When I came here to Toronto, Holy Blossom Temple, and the freedom new to me now – one on which I will build my identity Leo Baeck Day school, I learned that freedom of religious as a Jew going forward. expression is not just about being free to practice one type

Our 2012-2013 Shinshinim

Gal Baruch and Gefen Chazen Gal, (on the left) is from Karkur, near Pardes Hanna. He is majoring in biology and art in high school. He has been to North America on a variety of Jewish Agency delegations and has spent the past three summers as a counselor for childrens’ summer programs in Israel. His grandfather and father served, as does his sister currently, in the Israeli Air Force. He hopes to join the Air Force as well. He is an intelligent young man who loves to paint, do photography as well as capoeira – Israeli/Brazilian martial arts.

Gefen (on the right) currently attends the Leo Baeck High School in Haifa. She majors in French and photojournalism. Gefen has also travelled to Finland and Turkey on teen delegations, after spending three years with her family in Australia. She is an active member of an entertainment troop through the Jewish National Fund called “Tzevet Hawi” – students who travel all over Israel visiting hospitals, womens’ shelters, and homes for disabled children. In her spare time, Gefen is a singer in a jazz band. 9

We look forward to welcoming Gal and Gefen to Holy Blossom Temple and Religious School this August. Our families serve as hosts for these students. If you are interested in being a host family, please contact Debbie Spiegel, [email protected]

Bulletin • June 2012 Israel Engagement Project

article by Jeff Denaburg

Rabbi Moscowitz teaches that an important mitzvah of our The project team is currently surveying our members on their time is Ahavat Medinat Yisrael (love for the State of Israel). Is views on Israel, and we will use this to develop a vision of the it important for Jews to love a country? place of Israel at HBT. From there we’ll develop an action plan R to achieve our vision. The State of Israel is the modern embodiment of a large society run according to Jewish values and infused with Jewish The expected benefits from the Israel Engagement project are: culture. All Jews have an automatic connection to Israel, even • Create a greater awareness, appreciation and familiarity if we live in the Diaspora. We are, of course, free to form our with Israel among our members own opinions about Israel. We can praise and criticize. But a • Encourage members to engage with Israel using their Jew who is indifferent to Israel renounces a part of his or her own time and resources, in order to improve and support heritage. In contrast, engaging with Israel strengthens both the country and advocate on behalf of Israel in the wider Israel and Diaspora Jewry. community • Aligns with one of the elements of the mission of Holy In the words of HBT member and UJA Israel Engagement Blossom Temple Chair Michael Diamond, engaging with Israel “means that you • Attract new members through participation in Israel have a relationship with Israel that is healthy because it’s based programming Israel Engagement will promote love of on the real Israel of today. It means that you both ‘hug’ Israel Israel and interest in Israel at the Temple and among our and ‘wrestle’ with it.” Michael continues: “Israel engagement members. is a powerful tool that reinforces one’s relationship with Israel in ways that deepen one’s Jewish identity.”

“All Jews have an automatic connection to Israel, even if we live in the Diaspora”

Last year Holy Blossom Temple embarked on an Israel Engagement project, working with UJA Federation, and based on a program devised by the Jewish Agency in Israel.

The goal of the project is to raise the profile of Israel at HBT and among our members, and in particular: • Deepen our knowledge and love of Israel across all generations 10 • Strengthen the bonds between Holy Blossom Temple as a community and as individuals with the State of Israel • Integrate our Israel-related programs to bring greater coherence and impact • Establish Holy Blossom as a leading proponent of Israel in Toronto • Establish at Holy Blossom a Centre for the Love of Israel The Grade Ten Confirmation Trip to Israel article by Charlotte

I am extremely fortunate in that I’ve been to Israel a few times. deeper understanding of what Israel means and so the trip Still, I am always looking for the next opportunity to visit the meant that much more to me. Of course, the trip would not have Jewish homeland. been what it was without the participants I have grown so close with. As I’m looking through my pictures, I see us at the Kotel, When I was given notice that the Holy Blossom Confirmation crawling through caves, next to Jerusalem’s mayor, and I trip was opening up to non-Confirmation students, I was remember the feeling of being so comfortable in this country a definitely interested. I did have a reservation: I would be an half a world away. I know its language, its history, and now for outsider, a non-Confirmation student, in a group of students a very short period, I was living there. I was bargaining with who have known each other most of their lives. However, I locals, conversing in Hebrew, hanging out on a teeter-totter, and ignored my apprehension, signed up, and joined the other building strong, long-lasting friendships with people I had met students at the airport. just a few days before.

Not surprisingly, the group was amazing and by the first night, Formal education is important, but nothing will ever compare to all my anxiety had worn off. The trip itself was incredible. It was immersing yourself in the culture like we did that week. While my first visit to Israel without my family, and with the ability to I love CHAT and appreciate my education there, I also know actually communicate in Hebrew. a synagogue community is especially important, and, after this experience, I now have a much stronger connection with Holy Before this trip, I had last been to Israel when I was 10, and Blossom. therefore could not fully appreciate the experience. This time, being older and having Jewish studies 12 hours a week, I had a 11

Bulletin • June 2012 My Israel

article by Cantor Beny Maissner [email protected]

Israel, my beloved home land calls and cries out to me. She has my uncle, the famous Grand German Oberkantor of burned inside me since my birth into her sacred land. Hannover, before Kristahlnacht. II often wonder what would have been if my parents had not Our home nourished me with warmth, passion and love for made it to Israel from the fires of Nazi Germany. For who am family and friends, which to this day provides strong bonds. I without Eretz Yisrael, those noisy side streets of Tel Aviv of The rush of the sea water, the smell of the Tel Aviv beach is the 50s and 60 in my formative years. Walking the heart of the today as strong as ever within my senses when I visit my city from Dizengoff St, uphill toward the Mann Auditorium; “Tel Aviv Haktanah”, the little Tel Aviv of my youth. seeing my elementary “BILU” school building stand proudly – these days, it feels like fifty years are but a fleeting shadow. The most nostalgic memories of those early years are my IDF duty service. Just short of fifty years this coming September, Born into a modern Orthodox family, I was raised with I was recruited to serve my country. Together with my national Zionistic values. Love of the Land, the People Israel, childhood friends we joined the army. On November 29th and God were one principal. This was a totality of life which 1962, we established an army settlement on Mount Gilboa – led me to join Bnei Akiva, the religious youth movement as a right at the border between what was then Jordan and Israel, young boy. Meanwhile, my parents’ European background over the valley of Beit Sh’an. instilled in me discipline and a serious outlook on life. My musical education led me naturally to my life’s dream to This settlement is today a prosperous Kibbutz of the B’nei become a Chazan; I was thrilled to follow in the footsteps of Akivah movement. For six months we toiled, clearing rocks

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Holy Blossom Temple from the arid soil, planting JNF trees. Now, the landscape is lush with green forests covering the slopes of the mountain.

My precious Israel and I are celebrating, please God, this coming December the fiftieth anniversary of our IDF Unit. Some seventy or more families will share memories and life stories with one another. I can’t wait to be there in my former life – really one which still burns inside me because it’s still who I am today: an Israeli, wherever I am, whatever I do.

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Bulletin • June 2012 Now and Then: Treasures Treasures From our Archive

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Holy Blossom Temple An Israel Reading List

The following list, suggested by Rabbi Moscowitz, contains recommendations for deep and broad reading to best understand Israel – as well the larger context of the modern Middle East.

Six Days of War: A Tale of Love of Jerusalem: June 1967 and the Making of Darkness City of Longing the Modern Middle East

Michael B.Oren Amos Oz Simon Goldhill

• A History Of Zionism: From The French Revolution • 1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War . . To The Establishment Of The State Of Israel ...... Benny Morris ...... Walter Laquer • Righteous Victims: A History of the • Herzl...... Amos Elon Zionist-Arab Conflict, 1881-1998 . . . Benny Morris

• One State, Two States: Resolving the • The Israelis: Founders and Sons . . . Amos Elon Israel/Palestine Conflict ...... Benny Morris

• Whose Land? ...... James Parkes • The Body and the Blood: The Middle East’s Vanishing Christians and the Possibility for Peace ...... Charles Sennott

• The Zionist Idea ...... Arthur Hertzberg • At the Entrance to the Garden of Eden: a Jew’s Search for Hope With Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land . . Yossi Klein Halevi • One Palestine, Complete: Jews and Arabs • Dream Palace of the Arabs: Under The British Mandate . . . . . Tom Segev A Generation’s Odyssey ...... Fouad Ajami

• The Jewish State: The Struggle of Israel’s Soul . 15 ...... Yoram Hazony • The Edward Said Reader ...... Edward Said

• Saving Israel: How the Jewish People Can Win a War That May Never End Daniel Gordis

Bulletin • June 2012 Holy Blossom Congregational Appeal Supporting our Synagogue Community

article by Alison Schwartz

Any of us could one day find ourselves in harder times… members of our Temple community, who have expressed deep appreciation for their ability to participate despite their The Holy Blossom Congregational Appeal enables inability to make financial contributions at the standard rates. membership and Religious School education for the many Thinking of my own family, I can’t help but remember a Holy Blossom Temple families who simply cannot afford to phrase so often used by my mother: “There but for the grace pay our standard rates. This appeal also allows us to welcome of God go I.” Having now looked up the origin of these new families who want to be part of our sacred community, words, I know they are attributed to the sixteenth century but for whom our regular dues would represent a financial Christian evangelical, John Bradford. I doubt that my hardship. mother knew of these origins, but she obviously had a keen appreciation for the meaning of the phrase, which she has Each Holy Blossom family has its own story. I’d like to share passed on to me: any of us could one day find ourselves in with you just a few of the many life situations that make this harder times. Congregational Appeal so important: Together with my Co-chairs of this year’s Appeal, Gladys A wife has retired, while her retirement-aged husband Fogler and Vanessa Yakobson, I offer my sincere thanks to all loses his job. The couple lost a significant portion of those who have made their pledges. If you have not yet their savings in the recent downturn in the market. made your pledge, we urge you to be in touch with Loriellen They have sold their home and moved in with relatives. Karam at [email protected], or by phone at ext.227. They have two grandchildren for whom they provide some monetary support. Every gift is important. Those $600 or greater will be recognized on our donor wall outside of the main Sanctuary. A single mom with two children has taken a second All gifts will be gratefully acknowledged on our website job in order to reduce her financial stress. She believes and in our Bulletin. strongly in Jewish education, ensuring that her children regularly attend our Religious School. For an update on this year’s Appeal, for more information, or to donate, please visit our website at www.holyblossom.org. An elderly husband suffers from a degenerative disease. Unexpected medical expenses have eaten into the couple’s retirement nest-egg. His wife, Pledges to date are up understandably, is finding life difficult at the moment. She almost 10% over last year looks forward to Mondays, when she joins her peers for the cherished weekly programming offered at Holy Blossom. We are so proud of our community for coming 16 together to support each other. Thank you! The people described above are quite different – different ages and life stages, some are employed and others retired. - Gladys Fogler Many of our families shoulder significant responsibilities - Alison Schwartz for extended family members, in addition to their own immediate financial concerns. - Vanessa Yakobson Congregational Appeal Co-chairs Yet all of these people have much in common: they are valued Holy Blossom Temple Welcome to Our Congregational Family

Welcome B’nei Mitzvah

We are delighted to welcome the following new members to Holy Blossom Temple:

n Michael & Jackie Flatt

Mazal Tov n 12 Sivan 5772/ n 17 Sivan 5772/ n 19 Sivan 5772/ n 19 Sivan 5772/ n 26 Sivan 5772/ June 2, 2012 June 7, 2012 June 9, 2012 June 9, 2012 June 16, 2012 n Zita Gardner has been awarded a Queen Adrian Lugassy, Gabriel Nisker, son Maya Morrow, Cole Brodkin, son Jared Klein-Tyer, Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal, for service to son of Donna Saslove of Karen Mazer & daughter of Jill & of Lara & Andrew son of Barbara Klein peers and community & Simon Lugassy Lawrence Nisker Gary Morrow Brodkin & Steve Tyer

n Helena Fine for her extensive work in Holocaust education through the arts, including the production of The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser - the first Canadian Holocaust drama for young audiences and one which reached more than 20,000 students

n Josh Silver, son of Barry and Gail Silver, who is being called to the Bar in June.

n Judy Tessler, daughter-in-law of Shirley & Leon Tessler in honour or receiving the Karen n 26 Sivan 5772/ n 26 Sivan 5772/ n 3 Tammuz 5772/ n 3 Tammuz 5772/ n 9 Av 5772/ McGibbon Award of Excellence – Seymour June 16, 2012 June 16, 2012 June 23, 2012 June 23, 2012 July 28, 2012 Schulich Honorarium in recognition of her Neil Jonatan, son Harley Jonatan, Nathan Schenk, Jared Bongard, James Hendrickson humanitarian behaviour in nursing. of Sara Clodman & son of Sara Clodman son of Cheryl son of Kelly & son of Lauren Israel Joe Jonatan z’l & Joe Jonatan z’l Sylvester & Robert Warren Bongard & Tim Hendrickson n Sandy & Steven Moranis on the engagement Schenk of their daughter Jessica to Ira Goldstein, son of Janet and Howard Goldstein.

n Cyril Stanway upon being awarded a Doctor of Divinity by Hebrew Union College. Births

n Josephine & Michael Cole, on the birth of a granddaughter Abigail Maya Cole. Proud parents n 30 Av 5772/ n 30 Av 5772/ are Leora & Avi Cole. Other proud grandparents are August 25, 2012 August 25, 2012 Michelle & Laurie Apple and proud great grandparents Zoe Solomon, William Klein, son are Arthur Cole, Lorna Michel and René Pelkowitz daughter of Muriel of Gillian Helfield & Zuratas & Jordan Eric Klein n Cruz Ison, son of Deborah Loman & Troy Ellis n Alina & Jonathan Duviner on the birth of a son, Solomon and Jordan & Yvette Ison, brother of Chase, Task, Leo Simon Duviner. Proud grandparents are Beth Tahlo, Rio and Tira Duviner and Bretonia & Dan Goldstein. n Toby Klapman, wife of Norman Klapman, In Memoriam mother of Karen Klapman and Merril Klapman, sister of Leon Tessler n Irving Appleby, father of Michael Appleby and n Jenny Klotz, mother of Dr. Laurence Klotz, Lynne Bohnen, brother of Reva Gerstein Robert Klotz, James Klotz and John Klotz n Shoshana Cole, mother of Edward Cole n Mary Kugelmass, mother of Jack Kugelmass, n Uriel Domb, husband of Elizabeth Domb, Stanley Kugelmass, Claudia Kugelmass, Terri father of Sharon Domb, Ilana Domb, Arielle Domb, Kugelmass and Dr. Robin Kugelmass, sister of Ben Gabrielle Domb and Michael Domb, brother of Kaminsky Daniel Domb n Rabbi Jonathan V. Plaut, husband of Carol 17 n Gertrude Goldman, mother of Elaine Markoff Plaut, father of Daniel Plaut and Deborah Elias, and Debbie Eisner, sister of Max Borinsky brother of Judith Plaut n Frances Goodman, mother of Mel Goodman n Anne Rudson, mother of Philip Rudson, Joan and Elaine Goodman, sister of Bertha Kerbel Tobe and Linda Waldman n Lynne Gordon, mother of Johanna Faulk, n Mildred Selznick, mother of Stephen Selznick, Evelyn Faulk and Frank Faulk Michael Selnick and Arna Selznick n Maxine Henry, mother of Kathy Thomas and n Lee Schwenk, father of Elizabeth Yager and John Beth Goodman Schwenk n Andree Hoffman, mother of Tatiana Hoffman n Fae Steinberg, mother of Beverly Ross Bulletin • June 2012 We thank our generous donors

Archives Fund Sheila Smolkin, In Honour: Phyllis & Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Lesley & Ron Miller Music Josephine & Michael Cole, In Manuel Spivak Appreciation: Arly Abramson and Fund Honour: Sheila & Bob Smolkin Tina Urman, In Appreciation: Mondays Family; Natalie & Jeffrey Kirsh and Lesley Miller, In Honour: Dena Shoshana Cole, In Memory: Josephine @ the Temple Family Arback & Jay Shanker & Michael Cole Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Gardner Family Fund Appreciation: Arly Abramson and Joshua & Henrietta Chesnie Allen Gardner, In Memory: Zita Family Musical Heritage Fund Temple Endowment Fund Gardner and Family Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Lily Chapnik, In Honour: Carol Shoshana Cole, In Memory: Henrietta Zita Gardner, In Honour: Gillian & Arly Abramson and Family; Natalie & Abugov Chesnie David Rosenberg and Family Jeffrey Kirsh and Family Susan Chernow, In Honour: Matilda Margaret Hart, In Memory: Henrietta Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Bigio Chesnie Garfinkel Family Fund Appreciation: Arly Abramson and Uriel Domb, In Honour: Corinne Jenny Klotz, In Memory: Henrietta Margaret Hart, In Memory: Randi & Family; Natalie & Jeffrey Kirsh and Black & Richard and Liam Vrooman Chesnie Alan Garfinkel Family Anne Dublin, In Honour: Matilda George Levin, In Memory: Henrietta Bigio Chesnie Rabbi Edward & Fagi Isenberg Family Endowment Dr. Joseph Florence, Yahrzeit: Joan Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, In Memory: Goldfarb Fund for Jewish Fund Florence & Edward Sweet Henrietta Chesnie Literacy Peggy Silver, In Memory: Carol & Bonnie Goldman-Masters, In Shoshana Cole, In Memory: Ruth Steve Pilon Memory: Virginia & Carl Solomon Sami and James Cooper Hamill Fremes; Joan & Ray Wilson and Margaret Hart, In Memory: Joy & Youth Award Fund Family Israel Study Fund Charles Cohen; Marie Knaul; Joy & Mervyn Cohen, In Memory: Sami & Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Judy Nyman & Harley Mintz, In Al Rudolph; Barbara & Floyd Stern James Cooper Appreciation: Rose Wolfe Appreciation: Walter Seaton and Jacki Jill Kamin, In Honour: Matilda Bigio Lillyan Stork, In Honour: Sami & Paul Hellen, In Honour: Barry Silverman Jenny Klotz, In Memory: Joy & James Cooper Goldblatt Charles Cohen Jacob’s Tower Fund Mary Kugelmass, In Memory: Holy Educational Programming Esther Hands Memorial Terry Axelrod, In Honour: Jill and Blossom Temple Choir; Jill Kamin & Margaret Hart, In Memory: HBT Fund Ben Hertzman Murray Hart Brotherhood Study Group Ralary Brown, In Memory: Sharon Margaret Hart, In Memory: Jill Burtha Liss, In Memory: Francie & Clavir Hertzman Martin Storm Earl and Marilyn Danson Mynne Soupcoff, In Memory: Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Farber Endowment Fund Hortense Geldzaeler Fund Marilyn Shesko & David Hertzman Honour: Bayla & Leo Chaikof Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Applebaum, In Alfreda & Philip Henry, In Memory: Eva Ormut-Fleishman, In Honour: Honour: Marilyn Farber Friends and Family of Alfreda & Joan Kerbel Leadership Matilda Bigio Benjamin Henry Beutel, In Honour: Philip Henry z”l Development Fund Bernice & Yitz Penciner, In Honour: Marilyn Farber Shoshana Cole, In Memory: Sybil & Mary & Henryz’l Seldon Shoshana Cole, In Memory: Marilyn Holy Blossom Temple Jack Geller; Phyllis Pepper; HBT Sandi Schafer, In Appreciation: Phyllis Farber Foundation Sisterhood; Sheila & Bob Smolkin; Wintraub Happy Iscove, In Honour: Marilyn General Donation: Shechinah Int’l Chave Thall Henry Seldon, In Memory: Sybil & Farber; Jane & Frank Tizel Non-Denominational Outreach Prayer Margaret Hart, In Memory: Gail & Jack Geller; Marilyn Hahn; Sheila Center Gary Goodman & Robert Smolkin; Midway Lumbar Floral Fund Keith Allin, In Honour: Judy Winberg Happy Iscove, In Honour: HBT Mills LTD and the Morgan Family Josh Kazman, Bar Mitzvah: Andy Marsha Berk, In Honour: Barbara & Sisterhood Sharon Smith-Miller, In Honour: Kazman Floyd Stern Jenny Klotz, In Memory: Phyllis Matilda Bigio Maya Morrow, Bat Mitzvah: Jill & Shoshana Cole, In Memory: Esther & Pepper; HBT Sisterhood Francie & Martin Storm, In Honour: Gary Morrow Marvin Tile Rabbi Jonathan V. Plaut, In Memory: Linda & Jerry Levine Allison Hoffman, Bat Mitzvah: Leslie Evelyn Florence, Yahrzeit: Joan HBT Sisterhood Giller & Andrew Hoffman Florence & Edward Sweet Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Musical Legacy Fund Gabe Nisker, Bar Mitzvah: Karen Bonnie Goldman, In Memory: Wendy HBT Sisterhood Margaret Hart, In Memory: Mazer & Lawrence Nisker & Elliott Eisen Elizabeth & Reuben Bromstein; HBT Jared Klein-Tyer, Bar Mitzvah: Paul Hellen, In Honour: Anna Mae & Kiddush Fund Brotherhood Barbara Klein & Steve Tyer Sol Belmont; Sandra Hausman; General Donation: Laurie & Michael Mary Kugelmass, In Memory: HBT Neil and Harley Jonatan, Bar Merle and Morris Kriss; Janice Steinberg Davis; Carol & Nolan Grubert; Tami Brotherhood Mitzvah: Sara Clodman Isi Lehrer, In Memory: Anita & Sid Moscoe & Eric Petersiel; Ronna Rubin Spencer Atin, Bar Mitzvah: Katie Redner and Family Mai Levi, In Honour: Avra Rosen & Out of the Cold Fund Hoffman & Jordan Atin Burtha Liss, In Memory: Wendy & Mark Goodman General Donation: Phyllis Segal Nathan Schenk, Bar Mitzvah: Cheryl Elliott Eisen Janet & David Ber, In Honour: Sylvester & Robert Schenk Rabbi Jonathan Plaut, In Memory: Library Book Fund Nadine & Bob Charendoff; Dana Lewis Rhoda Buckspan, In Memory: Beverley and Samuel Cohen; Margaret Hart, In Memory: Florence & Michael Orenstein Marilyn Hahn Henrietta Chesnie; Maria Ferrez Dioz & Alfie Wecksler Anne Grosman, In Memory: Maxine Karen Einstoss, In Honour: Marilyn Helen Tizel, In Honour: Jackie & & Michael Finkelstein Hahn David Busheikin Dow & Fredzia Marmur Sandy Gordon, In Honour: Carolyn 18 Program For Educational & Stuart Berger; Nadine & Bob Jean Fine Seniors Fund Holy Blossom Temple Excellence Charendoff; Kenny Munshaw; Emily Gertrude Abel, In Memory: Marilyn Renewal Fund Mary Kugelmass, In Memory: Etta Rayson & Michael Sherman; Adell & Hahn Heather Crawford & Larry Ritchie, Ginsberg McEwan Michael Scheer Rose Freedman, In Memory: Fradell In Honour: Sheila Smolkin Lea Levy, In Memory: Terrye & Jack Maurice Green, In Honour: James Epstein; Barbara & Bert Stitt; Phyllis Paul Hellen, In Honour: Karen & Dr. Kuper Forster & William Edwards; The Wintraub Larry Hausman Rabbi Dow & Fredzia Marmur, In Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Alan Gordon, In Appreciation: Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Appreciation: Janet & David Hunter, Federation Mondays @ the Temple Appreciation: Arly Abramson and Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson Sadie Haley, In Honour: James Forster Cheryl Kaplan Hughes, In Family; Natalie & Jeffrey Kirsh and Rabbi Michael Marmur, In Honour: & William Edwards Appreciation: Mondays @ the Temple Family Ellen Karabanow Holy Blossom Temple Jenny Klotz, In Memory: Heather Baker; Beverley Shacharit Breakfast Fund Anne Lesarge; Doris Levine; Lori & David Lieberman Beher; Adele Farber; Judith Golden; Lucille Griff; Lilian Black, Yahrzeit: Corinne, Debra and David and Family; Enid & Michael Locketz; Ronna & Dick Nancy Mayer; Rochelle Thompson; Debby Vigoda Black Locketz; The Mahon Family; Audrey Marcus; Erin and Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, In Memory: HBT Rudolph Bodor, Yahrzeit: Agi Lantos Aedan O’Connor; Diane & John Phillips; Myrna Ross; Brotherhood Judith Burstein, Yahrzeit: Candy Burstein; David Rosen and Freedman Family; Nancy Ruth; Myra Joseph Shulman, In Memory: Esther & Shahar Burstein Schiff; Mary & Henryz’l Seldon; Marlene & Chuck Chudy and Family; Staff at Dublin Heights Meryl Cole, Yahrzeit: Michael Cole Siegel; Debby Vigoda; Kimberley & Craig Walters Pauline Toker, In Honour: Debra Grobstein Yetta Fishbein, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul Fishbein and Family; Dr. Marcia Zemans & Adam Ronthal and Campbell & Barry Campbell Anna Flancman, Yahrzeit: Sharon Herman Family Alex Flomen, Yahrzeit: Mona & Robert Sherkin Taylor Johnson, In Honour: Sylvia Miller Plaut Manor Fund William Frohman, Yahrzeit: Amanda Frohman Jonathan Kirsh, In Honour: Sylvia Miller Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, In Memory: Allen Gardner, Yahrzeit: Dee-Dee & Gary Shiffman Debbie Spiegel, In Honour: Erin and Aedan Etta Ginsberg McEwan and Family O’Connor Earl Gardner, Yahrzeit: Dee-Dee & Gary Shiffman Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Honour: Erin and The Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut Memorial and Family Aedan O’Connor Fund Gertrude Gardner, Yahrzeit: Dee-Dee & Gary Jane Tizel, In Honour: Edith Kirzner Carol Henry & Richard Clearfield, In Honour: Shiffman and Family Year Confirmation Class, In Honour: Erin and Miriam & Marvin Dryer Bella Gruenspan, Yahrzeit: Myrna Sandler Aedan O’Connor Pauline Pattenick, In Memory: Judith Plaut Joel Guberman, Yahrzeit: Judy Wilansky Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, In Memory: Terrie Bev Gurza, Yahrzeit: Terrye Kuper Youth Programming & Doug Davidson; Miriam & Marvin Dryer; Michael Hart, Yahrzeit: Jill Kamin & Murray Hart Jonathan Kirsh, In Honour: Madeleine Epstein; Lili & Dr. Barry Garfinkel; Gail and Family Robin & Yaron Brill and Family & Gary Goodman; Denise Goldstein; Ruth Ellen & Eric Helfield, Yahrzeit: Helfield-Klein Family Sheldon Greenwood and Family; Dr. & Mrs. S. W. Charles Hershfield, Yahrzeit: Janet Hershfield and Gordon and Linda Wolfe Family Youth Grossman; Esther & Cyril Hersh; Lisa Kent & Danny Family Award Endowment Fund Greenspoon; Marie Knaul; Judy Malkin & Elliott Howard Jack, Yahrzeit: Malach Family Gordon Wolfe, In Memory: Etta Ginsberg McEwan Jacobson; Dr. Sheila Pollock; Brenda Spiegler & Mark Harold Hertzman, Yahrzeit: Florence Hertzman S. Anshan; Barbara & Floyd Stern; Francie & Martin Harry Klein, Yahrzeit: Helfield-Klein Family Storm Max Klein, In Memory: Zoe Klein Helen Tizel, In Honour: Judith, Rabbi Jonathanz’l and Shirlee Klein, Yahrzeit: Helfield-Klein Family Carol Plaut Felicia Knaul, Yahrzeit: Knaul Family Herman Knaul, Yahrzeit: Knaul Family The Rabbi Jonathan V. Plaut Memorial Sigmund Knaul, Yahrzeit: Knaul Family Fund Nathan Kozloff, Yahrzeit: Susan Himel & Nathan Rabbi Jonathan V. Plaut, In Memory: Irene Borins Kozloff and Family Ash & Irv Ash; Madeleine Epstein; Sybil & Jack Geller; Pearl & Jay Lipsey, Yahrzeit: Helen Lyon Edith Kirzner; Harriet Wolman Morris Malach, Yahrzeit; The Malach Family Alex Mandel, Yahrzeit: Veronica Mandel Prayer Book Fund Eva Miloia, Yahrzeit: Veronica Mandel Minnie Prosser, Yahrzeit: Lily & Reuben Katz and Gabriel Nisker, In Honour: Karen Mazer & Lawrence Family Nisker and Family Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, In Memory: Charles Palef, Yahrzeit: Barbara & John Greenberg Sharon Abron Drache David Rigler, Yahrzeit: Bonnie & Sheldon Hoppe and Family, Jamie Rigler Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Dobra Laya Rosen, Yahrzeit: Hank Rosen Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Dr. Henry Sager, Yahrzeit: Adele Sager and Family Elissa and David Fingold Jacob Sandler, Yahrzeit: Myrna Sandler Paul Hellen, In Honour: Paula & Peter Schatz; Sharon Ella Schaefer Sax, Yahrzeit: Julia & Michael Sax Clavir and Robin Mirsky; Plaut Family; Gail & Barry Samuel Sax, Yahrzeit: Julia & Michael Sax Silver Jack Shapero, Yahrzeit: Gail & Gary Goodman Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Appreciation: Laura Schipper, Yahrzeit: Robert Schipper Cynthia Good; Joyce & Milton Shier; Paul Hellen, In Sidney Schipper, Yahrzeit: Robert Schipper Honor: Isaac Morgulis Molly Shoichet, Yahrzeit: Shirley & Leon Tessler Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Nancy Sniderman, Yahrzeit: Barbara Sniderman and Sharon Clavir and Robin Mirsky; Jonathan Mirsky and Felicia Crystal Jessica Siracusa; Norma and Elise Teitler Hartley Steinberg, Yahrzeit: Eleanor Steinberg and Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Appreciation: Family Rabbi Jonathan & Carol Plaut; Judith Plaut; Ida Tugg Bonnie Sweet, Yahrzeit: Edward Sweet and John Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Appreciation: Sweet Sharon Clavir and Robin Mirsky David Sweet, Yahrzeit: Edward Sweet and John Sweet Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Appreciation: Ronald Tugg, Yahrzeit: Ida Tugg Joyce Lokash Family; Judy Malkin; Rabbi Jonathan & Ruth Verbeeten, Yahrzeit: Dr. Yvonne Verbeeten Carol Plaut; Judith Plaut Graham Wilansky, Yahrzeit: Judy Wilansky Rabbi Yael Splansky: Olivia Miriam Weinstock, In Honour: Dr. Hillary & Rabbi Jason Rosenberg Stagecraft Fund Eric Kirsh, In Appreciation: The Cast of the Triangle Ralph Roger Scholarship Fund Factory Fire Project Jenny Klotz, In Memory: Jackie & Howard Roger and Family Youth Awards Fund Pitch Grandchildren, In Honour: Judy & Laurie 19 Nancy Ruth Educational Fund Zeilig Dr. Irving Appleby, In Memory: Nancy Ruth Happy Iscove, In Honour: Dianne & Jeffrey Cole and Rabbi Jonathan V. Plaut, In Memory: Nancy Ruth Family; Jacqueline Davidson; Phyllis & Jeff Denaburg; Sam Ruth, In Memory: Etta Ginsberg McEwan Elisa & Ari Eisen; Joy and Ira Eisen; Jay Fishman; Myra and Ray Fishman; Rabbi Stephen Franklin; The Lorraine Sandler Tribute Endowment Goldbergs; Marion & Leo Gotlieb and Family; Pearl Fund Hermant; The Hoffman Family; Dorothy Jacobs; Lorraine & Alan Sandler, In Appreciation: Karen & Bambi Katz & Al Freireich; Natalie & Jeffrey Kirsh Dr. Larry Hausman and Family; Steffi & Rabbi Barry Kogan; Lily Lee; Bulletin • June 2012 Life at Holy Blossom For all programs between June 15 to August 15, 2012

Monday June 18 & 25 10:00 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple

Weekly throughout the summer 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mondays @ the Temple card games

June 18 & 25 7:30 p.m. Sisterhood Zumba Classes, Tuesday June 19 11:00 a.m. Advanced Hebrew Grammar, Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

June 26 6:00 p.m. Sisterhood Board Installation & AGM

Wednesday Weekly 9:30 a.m. Sisterhood Study, Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

June 20 11:00 a.m. Last Class - Yiddish Novel, Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

June 20 & 27 7:30 p.m. Torah Lishma – Learn Torah for its own Sake, Talmud IV, Rabbi Thomashow,

Friday June 15 & 22 9:00 a.m.,10:00 a.m., Little Blossoms - Shabbat Prep for children 3 and under 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Tot Shabbat - (For children 5 and under and their families) Hot Shot Shabbat (For children 5 & up and their families) June 15 5:30 p.m. (Service & Craft)

Saturday Weekly 9:00 a.m. Weekly Torah Study

June 23, July 21, Aug 18 1:00 p.m. Women’s Rosh Hodesh Beit Midrash, after Kiddush

Sunday June 17 10:00 a.m. Temple Singers, Cantor Maissner !

June 24 9:00 a.m. Sisterhood Treasures and Trash

1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K9 416.789.3291 • www.holyblossom.org