Bulletin VOl.70, NO. 3 | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | WWW.BEth-tzEDEC.ORG
Happy Passover!
In this Issue Special Events Searching for My Voice Word Premiere 1 OPENS MARCH # See p. 2
Pesah Katan for Families ˙ 2 MARCH ! See p. 13
Our People are Your People with Prof. Stephen Berk 3 APRIL " Spring Program Guide 2021 Countdown to Passover See back cover See p. 22 See p. 32
“I Am My Beloved’s and My Beloved is Mine”: Officiating at Same-Sex Weddings My journey to this There is a tradition to recite Shir is a celebration of Jody and my growing Hashirim, the Song of Songs, during partnership. (I like to kid Ani L’Jody, moment has been Passover. Why do we do this? Some v’Jody li.) have suggested that spring is the link. As a rabbi, one of the most fulfilling long, thoughtful Passover occurs in the spring, when things I do is working with couples in the green returns, the sun shines and preparing them for their special day, and enriched by life is renewed. The Song of Songs is and more importantly, for their lives about young love—it too has a sense of together as rey’im ahuvim, loving experience. renewal, of the future. companions. Every time I stand under Even more controversial is how the the huppah with a couple, I see the love ˙ Song of Songs was codified into the in their faces and the joy they and their Bible. Like Esther, the book contains no families share at this moment of overt mention of God. And unlike the celebration and covenantal commitment. other books of the Bible, it is love poetry, Shir Hashirim is the logical liturgical at times sensuous and erotic. The Song choice. contains neither the subject matter nor In 2006 the Conservative Movement, is it written in the style of the rest of after years of learning and debate, took the Bible. So what is it doing here? a major step toward permitting the Rabbi Akiva famously argued that while normalization of the LGBTQ+ community all of the books of the Bible are holy, within Jewish life. This decision was Shir Hashirim is the “holy of holies!” based on the principle of Kavod The commentaries state that Rabbi Habriut, the honour/dignity of all of Akiva understood the Song as an God’s creation, articulated in a allegory for the love of God and Israel. teshuvah (responsa) accepted by the Just as the unnamed man and woman Rabbinical Assembly’s Committee on pursue each other through fields and Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS) and valleys, so too do Israel and God pursue written by Rabbis Elliot Dorff, Daniel each other through history. The love of Nevins and Avi Reisner. This acceptance one for the other—whether human love led to the admission of LGBTQ+ or divine love—brings a life of bliss. community members to the rabbinical schools of the Conservative Movement The beautiful imagery of love in the and more. It did not allow for Jewish Song reminds us of our own memories marriage for same-sex partners and it of love’s magic—the twinkle in the eye, maintained the biblical prohibition of the skip in the step and the longing to sexual intimacy between gay men. spend every moment together. No wonder “Ani l’dodi v’dodo li, I am my A dissenting opinion authored by Rabbi beloved and my beloved is mine” (2:16) Gordon Tucker, entitled “Halakhic and is often recited under the huppah. It is Metahalakhic Arguments Concerning ˙ an expression of our anticipation of a Judaism and Homosexuality” was also life of loving partnership. discussed. When I read the opinions and debate from 2006 today, I am I still remember my own wedding day convinced that Rabbi Tucker’s in vivid detail; feeling elated, excited approach is the more authentic and and very much in love. Twenty-eight rational approach to normalizing and a half years later, each anniversary
COMMENtARY Rabbi Steven Wernick | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 3 LGBTQ+ people in Jewish life. I am not alone in making this determination, as many rabbis in our movement are relying on Rabbi Tucker’s opinion to BEth tzEDEC BullEtIN | Spring officiate at same-sex weddings and other halakhic innovations.1 VOl. 70, NO. 3 | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 At Beth Tzedec, we too value Kavod Habriut. For many years we have Beth Tzedec Congregation worked to be more welcoming of LGBTQ+ Jews to our synagogue through 1700 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5P 3K3 sponsorship of, and participation in, Pride Shabbat, Pride Month and Tel 416-781-3511 / Fax 416-781-0150 other programs. We’ve also welcomed same sex couples to celebrate b’nei www.beth-tzedec.org mitzvah, baby namings and brit milah with us. And we have seen to the pastoral care of everyone in our community without regard to gender, President Debbie Rothstein sexual identity, colour, age or ability. [email protected] In our research to formulate our Strategic Plan of 2017, you told us that it Chair of the Board Bernie Gropper was important that the synagogue work to be even more inclusive. [email protected] Toward that end, our Board of Directors formed a task force for LGBTQ+ Rabbi Steven C. Wernick, Anne and Max inclusion that reviewed our policies, forms and culture to make Tanenbaum Senior Rabbinic Chair recommendations on how we could do that. We partnered with Keshet to ext. 218, [email protected] update our documents and to train our staff and Board in strategies for Associate Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin welcoming. That training is ongoing. ext. 219, [email protected] Cantor Sidney Ezer Our LGBTQ Task Force also identified that having our rabbis officiate at ext. 296, [email protected] same-sex weddings is a necessary and imperative step to becoming a fully Ritual Director Lorne Hanick welcoming community. This is a step that we are proud to announce we ext. 240, [email protected] are taking today, after consultation and study with our Ritual Committee, Director of Community Building & Executive Committee and with the unanimous support of our Board of Spiritual Engagement Yacov Fruchter Directors. ext. 279, [email protected] We will be offering a number of educational opportunities in the spring Executive Director Randy E. Spiegel for our members to learn why we believe this decision is so important, ext. 211, [email protected] why we are excited to make it, on what halakhic basis it is made and why Director of Education & Programming Coordinator it matters so much to those who are most directly impacted. We are Daniel Silverman ext. 231, [email protected] pleased to have invited Rabbi Tucker to teach his teshuvah to us, and we hope that you join us for these sessions in March. Director of Youth Engagement Shirel Barkan ext. 290, [email protected] We know that some may find this particular change challenging, and we Teen En gagement Associate Sylvie Moscovitz are happy to sit with you to discuss those feelings—change is always hard. ext. 246, [email protected] Though Rabbi Fryer Bodzin has previously officiated at same-sex Receptionist Avital Narvey weddings, I have not yet done so. My journey to this moment has been 416-781-3511, [email protected] long, thoughtful and enriched by experience. Or if you prefer, please Executive Assistant & Events Coordinator reach out to us privately. We welcome every opportunity to discuss this Florence Bendelac with you. ext. 213, [email protected] As spring approaches, as we celebrate Passover and our redemption from Manager of Marketing & Communications Linda Marleny Dow slavery to freedom, as we renew our sacred covenant with God, as we ext. 281, [email protected] recite Shir Hashirim, we look forward to celebrating the many rey’im ahuvim, loving partnerships, that will flourish under the huppah in the Production Manager Terri Humphries ˙ ext. 212, [email protected] months ahead, including those of the LGBTQ+ community. As is the Member Engagement & Development custom for everyone who attends a wedding, let’s say mazal tov! Klara Romm ext. 220, [email protected] Museum Curator Dorion Liebgott 1 ext. 232, [email protected] Each rabbi of a community is an independent mara d’atra, decisor of Jewish Law. One can use the CJLS for guidance, but one is not bound to hold by its decisions unless they become To contribute your news, congratulations, member updates or other listings, send an a Standard of Rabbinic Practice, of which there are only two. As mara d’atra of Beth Tzedec, email to [email protected], call the Senior Rabbi is free to hold by any teshuvah they see fit, with consultation, for their 416-781-3514, ext. 212 or fax 416-781-0150. community whether accepted by the CJLS or not, written by another rabbi or written by themselves.
4 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | CONtINuED Rabbi Steven Wernick ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 5 Community in a Crisis
I have belonged to Beth Tzedec for my And since COVID-19 began, the entire life. Beth Tzedec is literally my Kiddush Club L’Chaim every Friday has second home, having grown up in its been my lifeline, touching me with halls and, until COVID-19, having spent stories and wisdom from across our an inordinate amount of time in the kehillah. It allows me to come into building. Shabbat on a spiritual high, even when We will continue to While one’s shul can represent many that felt impossible. inspire and enable different things, ultimately, what Beth In the spirit of community, I want to Tzedec means to me is community. My highlight two events that took place in each of you to live first community here was as a kid at December. On Wednesday, December Junior Congregation, where we were 16, we held our Lighting the Way event. meaningful Jewish led by our Pied Piper, RabbiHollander z"l. Gary Elman, Patti Rotman, Larry All of my friends attended shul every Wallach, Arlyn Zimmerman and I lives, to find your Shabbat and more than 45 years later, wanted to honour the members of our I still have incredible memories from kehillah who have gone above and place and be part of a that time. beyond since the beginning of the pandemic. We sent out an eblast asking Michael and I found community early for nominations and received a huge large and embracing in our marriage at the Little Minyan. response, but it's easy to fill out a form— We loved the informality of the service we had no idea how many people community. and made long-lasting friendships that would actually tune in for our program. we both treasure. Michael loved the Little Minyan so much, he’s been Chair It would be an understatement to say for what seems like forever, with no that I was blown away to see 95 signs of giving it up. individual logins to Zoom, almost all with multiple viewers. It was a When Michael lost his dad almost two beautiful and meaningful evening for years ago, we found community when all those in attendance and I was truly we needed it most. I was not prepared honoured to be a part of an incredible for the love and support of Daily planning committee. Thank you to Minyan regulars like Shep Gangbar and Daniel Silverman for helping us pull it Lyon Wexler.
Board of Directors Meetings
In adherence to Toronto Public Health guidelines and Beth Tzedec’s safety protocols regarding COVID-19, the Board of Directors meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Members are welcome to participate, but must pre-register for link information. Upcoming dates: tuesdays, March 2 at 7:00 PM and April 6 and May 4 at 7:30 PM .
For information or to pre-register for a Board meeting, contact Florence Bendelac at 416-781-3514 ext. 213 or email [email protected]. Annual Meeting
All members are encouraged to participate in our Annual Meeting on tuesday, May 25 at 7:30 PM.
6 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | FROM thE PRESIDENt Debbie Rothstein C
all together and to Cantor Sidney for foundation in community. From our community in abundance and I was so stealing the show! daily minyan-goers to our b’nei mitzvah honoured to be a part of it. But I know that there are so many more of you The very next night, I was once again teens; our Small Group participants, to that could bring your unique gifts to thrust into the cast of a Larry Wallach our Out of the Cold volunteers; our Refugee Sponsorship group to hosting helping us build our community of production. Maccabees—The Musical former Israeli soldiers with Peace of communities. If you have any ideas for Including the Story of Judith brought Mind; from our 20s and 30s delivering programming or community building, together members of Beth Tzedec and as always feel free to contact me by Park Avenue Synagogue to tell the hallah to seniors to our young families ˙ email at story of Hanukkah and to teach us connecting with each other at our [email protected]. ˙ . With these about Judith, an actual Hanukkah Family Zoom Havdalah Ultimately, I got involved at Beth ˙ values at the core of our mission, we will heroine. We had 75 logins between Tzedec to ensure that my kids, Emma continue to inspire and enable each of Toronto and New York, with people and Zachary, would continue to feel the our members to live meaningful Jewish literally dancing in the aisles to the same sense of connection and lives and to find your place as part of a amazing soundtrack. Larry’s labour of community that I do. Not every day as large and embracing community. love over four productions brought a President is an easy one—there have sense of community while, as he said, Al l this to say, as we continue to be been plenty of overwhelming days, “making the world feel smaller and less separated from our extended family especially over the last ten months. But lonely for 90 minutes”. and friends, so many of us are looking I have always been proud that I am part for community and we can all stand to The new Beth Tzedec vision infographic of such a caring and wonderful celebrate more. For two nights in that we introduced in January and its community. December, in addition to our weekly six values, Care, Connect, Learn, Pray, , Beth Tzedec delivered Celebrate and Give & Get, has its L’Chaim
CARE
GIVE & GET CONNECT
Inspiring and Enabling Our Community to Live Meaningful Jewish Lives
CELEBRATE LEARN
PRAY
Click here to view our values video.
CONtINuED Debbie Rothstein | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 7 Covidtigue
This year, January came in like a lamb— I miss the familiarity of the fortunate for all who are home, only synagogue, the humbling walks stepping out for essentials, isolated through the sacred spaces where we from friends, family and familiar places pray and dance. I miss my sefarim and where we once gathered. professional resources, knick-knacks Some days, it hurts How we miss the hugs of children and and music that fills my office—old- grandchildren, parents and school CDs of classical, jazz, Israeli so much because I grandparents. And how smart and and other rock stars from the past tech-savvy we of all ages have become! and the present that colour the quiet know what we are as the hours pass. I miss the sounds of We reach out where we can, venture children in the hallways, symbols of all missing, even as out for safe walks and distanced life and future. I miss the kerfuffle of discussions with neighbours, but mostly parents and grandparents picking up we chart a new we are alone. I confess, I am suffering their kids, the hugs, the kisses, the from Covidtigue. In the best of times, simple moments of oneness. I miss normal. the life of an Executive Director of a the familiarity and camaraderie of my kehillah is intense. At one of the most fellow teammates, who energize me dynamic kehillot in North America, the and share the passion for sustaining a pace is generally hectic. Since March 15, sacred community. It is they who are 2020, when I closed the office to ever-present to respond to the needs officially work from home, that pace of members as well as to their own intensified. The “marasprint"—running a families. It is they who embrace us all marathon at the speed of a sprint—has and help us lead meaningful Jewish taken a toll on many and I’m feeling it. lives. Some days, there is lethargy and I’m unable to constantly fire on all cylinders Some days, it hurts so much because I as I am used to. Covidtigue is setting in. know what we are all missing, even as we chart a new normal. I wonder: is this what it was like for the children of Israel, day after day, walking As winter sets in, Covidtigue deepens in the desert and wondering when it its grip and I have become aware of a would end? yearning, an ache that I have not felt
8 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | FROM thE ExECutIVE DIRECtOR Randy Spiegel Join our Book and Film Club, featuring recently published works of Jewish interest. The authors, whose ideas are thought-provoking, stimulating and refreshing, will move and enrich you. Our Beth Tzedec Book reviewers inspire conversations, provide a cultural connection to and Film Club Judaism, answer your questions, Z”L SPONSOREDINMEMORYOFJUDIKAUFFMAN give unexpected points of view and enhance your understanding of the Wednesdays at 1:30 PM books and films featured.
MARCH 24 APRIL 28 MAY 12 Ophelia Inheritance: A Memoir of Film Screening of by Norman Bacal Genealogy, Paternity, A.K.A. Nadia GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY and Love by Tova Ascher Amica On the Avenue Retirement Residence by Dani Shapiro GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY Four Elms Retirement Residence GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY Phyllis and Ab(z"l) Flatt and Carol and Harold Wolfe in memory of Max and Beatrice Wolfe in years. Fortunate to have attended manage this virus. And while our home, as we say goodnight, we Camp Ramah, between summers I government leaders and health wish each other holomotpaz—sweet would wake up with an ache in my professionals provide guidelines and golden dreams that will carry us gut, counting the days until I could recommendations, individually and through the darkness and to the new pack my bags, see friends, daven, sing, collectively we must exercise good day when the sun will rise on swim and water-ski on a glass-like judgement and limit the extent of the potential that is only limited by what cold Muskoka lake or sit by a damage by making responsible we choose to do or say. crackling fire under the stars. I would decisions to survive our lonely I know that Covidtigue will abate, busy myself with school, sports and deserts. replaced with joy and togetherness USY, but always there was that ache. What helps ease the pain is the when our doors are open wide and As I write, the Torah tells the story of knowledge that our journey never we will again physically welcome our our people in Egypt, about to embark ends. What started with Abraham family back to Beth Tzedec. on a journey to freedom, self- continued as we went down to Egypt determination and revelation at Mt. and made our way through some of Sinai. Their future is uncertain in a history’s darkest moments. We have seemingly endless wasteland. For us, survived and thrived because we hope far from the physical desert, in the and believe that there are always midst of a modern day plague, we too better days ahead. face an uncertain future. Hunkering In the desert, or in our homes, we down in apartments and homes, retain the desire to gather, sing, play struggling to be patient in our desert, and pray—together. And that is why it To make a gift that will strengthen we wait for the world to change, for hurts so much. our kehillah or assist those in our the plague to pass. community, please contact me Each night when we tuck in, we say We have the benefit not of sorcerers directly at 416-781-3514 ext. 211 or the Shema—reaffirming belief in one [email protected]. but of scientists, whose practice is to God, our Creator, our God who use their God-given talents to unlock created the world and all that it is. In the mysteries of science and help us
CONtINuED Randy Spiegel | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 9
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4VQQPSUMPDBMCVTJOFTTFTBOEDFMFCSBUF1"4407&3XJUITPNFUIJOHTQFDJBM Proceeds to benefit the Food Insecurity Fund assisting the most vulnerable of our community to access food during this critical time.
Order deadline: Wednesday, March 10
Contactless Curbside Order Pickup: Thursday, March 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM (check off pick-up location): ❒ North of Steeles at 141 Langtry Place (THORNHILL) ❒ East of Bathurst, north of Lawrence at 513 Glengarry Avenue (BATHURST & LAWRENCE) ❒ West of Bathurst, north of Eglinton at 42 Ridelle Avenue (UPPER VILLAGE) ❒ East of Bathurst, north of Eglinton at 508 St. Clements Avenue (UPPER VILLAGE) ❒ East of Bathurst, south of Eglinton at 215 Rosemary Road (LOWER VILLAGE) ❒ West of Bathurst, south of Eglinton at 149 Strathearn Road (CEDARVALE) Name: ______
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Payment information: (CREDIT CARD PAYMENT ONLY) ❒ VISA or ❒ MASTERCARD
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OPTION 1 Fabulous assortment of white roses, white hydrangeas and miniature green mums in a beautiful glass vase all beautifully wrapped in cello. Cost $65.00 (quantity) _____ x @$65 each = $ ______
OPTION 2 Delicious 8” Apple Bundt cake that will be a perfect ending to your Passover Seder. NUT FREE KOSHER FOR PASSOVER Cost $30 (quantity) _____ x @$30 each = $ ______
OPTION 3 Scrumptious box of 12 assorted brownies, donuts, cookies and more. (quantity) _____ x @$40 each = $ ______NUT FREE KOSHER FOR PASSOVER Cost $40
OPTION 4 Donation to the Food Insecurity Fund in the amount of $ ______Total Amount $ ______
Click here to access the form online or emai this form to Avital at [email protected] or call 416-781-3511. Milestones and Celebrations We can’t share your good news unless you tell us about it. Send an email to [email protected] or call 416-781-3514, ext. 212. Deadline for the summer Bulletin edition is July 15.
Births Dr. Lauren Friedman, daughter of Maureen & Michael Friedman, and Holden Barnes, son of Sarah Tanz & Leon Hanan, son of Wendy & Ronnie Sam Blumberg, grandson of Stuart & Hanan, on their engagement. Karen Tanz and Edwin & Adrienne Blumberg, great-grandson of Gilda Karen Goldenberg, on being Tanz & Marty Kelman and Mark & appointed to the Order of Ontario for Jacqueline Tanz and Catherine & her efforts championing the Michael Cadogan, born October 29. underprivileged and disadvantaged. Levi Arie, son of Natalie Shenkar & Roenan Mac Solomon, son of Jeffrey Sarah Silverberg, daughter of Robin & Jason Brenzel, grandson of Sherri & Cappe & Tiana Roebuck, grandson of Steve Silverberg, granddaughter of Sandy Brenzel and Michelle & Arie z”l z"l Leonard & Cheryl Cappe and Ray Honey & Irv Milstein and Ruth & Shenkar, born January 5. z"l Roebuck & David MacCoy, great- Willy Silverberg, and Omri Arbuv, grandson of Clara Cappe, born son of Eli & Este Arbuv, on their November 19. Congratulations to engagement. Joan & Marvin Waxman, who Adi Deyah, daughter of Rachel Dr. Sandy Buchman, who was celebrated their 50th anniversary on Hindel & Daniel Silverman, appointed inaugural chair for December 22. granddaughter of Esther Salve- palliative care at North York General Hindel & Josef Hindel and Margo & Hospital. Rabbi Steven Wernick, on being Judah Silverman, born November 21. appointed Chair of the Strategic Florence Shelli, daughter of Planning Committee and an Executive Samantha Seaton & Mitchell Rattner, Committee member of Mercaz Olami, granddaughter of Marlene & Ian and being appointed Vice-Chair of the Rattner and Shelli z’’l & Meyer Seaton, Jewish Agency Aliyah Committee. great-granddaughter of Beverley Weddings Black, born November 30.
Suzanne Carson, daughter of Louise & Terry Carson, and Hussein Hirjee, son of Anar & Abdul Hirjee, on their engagement. Sylvie Moscovitz, daughter of Aviva Chernick, on being nominated Michele & Steve Moscovitz, Dylan Levi, son of Adam & Alix for a World Album of the Year award granddaughter of Kay & David Krebs Goldberg, grandson of Bernie by the Canadian Folk Music Awards and Phyllis z"l and Mike z"l Moscovitz, Gropper & Elise Stern Gropper and for her album La Serena. and Maxwell Librach, son of Judy & Gary & Linda Goldberg, great- Clifford Librach, grandson of Dr. Dr. Jordan Friedman, son of grandson of Lony & Ruth Gropper, Samuel & Evelyn Librach, Herbert Maureen & Michael Friedman, and Bernice Stern & Leo Stern z"l, Zelda Siblin z"l and Jaqueline Siblin and Leah Sutton, daughter of Tandy Korenblum and Henry Korenblum z"l, Barbara & David Saltsman, who were Goldenberg & Dr. Neal Sutton, on and David Goldberg z"l and Karla married December 31. their engagement. Goldberg z"l;, born January 5.
Milestones and Celebrations | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 11 Mazal Tov to our B’nei Mitzvah WHO HAVE COMPLETED OUR BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM
March 4 March 13 March 20 Jack Bleiwas levi Smith Reese Sydney Raphael son of Mark & son of Dr. Kevin & daughter of Michael Samara Bleiwas Joanne Smith Raphael & Judith Reiss
May 1 May 6 May 15 Eli Mandell Ari Judah Cepler Nathan Marcus son of Seth Mandell & son of Brian & son of Michael Marcus & Devorah Lithwick Amanda Cepler Lorraine Lawson
12 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 Pesah Katan for Families˙
Wednesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM Join BT families for a Hol Hamoed interactive dinner as we come together˙ as a community over Zoom to tell the story of the exodus in a fun and unique way. Registration is required.
ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 13 Pesah and Positive Psychology
Do you generally˙ view yourself as an mental health.” I firmly believe that my optimist or a pessimist? Do you see your deep commitment to optimism and coffee cup as half full or half empty? hope, in addition to my daily exercise With all that I hear and am exposed to practice, prayer and meditation have during any given day, it would be easy enabled me to thrive during this less for me to fall into the pessimist camp. than ideal global pandemic. Hope and optimism But I don’t. I can’t and I won’t. When I Hope and optimism can be found find myself being pushed in that scattered throughout our classic texts. can be found direction, I use honed skills to gently In the Talmud, in tractate Brachot on push myself back to the optimist camp. page 32b, we read that Rabbi Hama, son scattered throughout ˙ Even though it is barely two decades old, of Rabbi Hanina, said: A person who ˙ our classic texts. I am a later in life student and strong prayed and saw that he was not proponent of Positive Psychology, which answered should pray again, as it is is the study of what makes life most stated: “Hope in the LORD; be strong worth living. Martin Seligman, founder and of good courage and hope in the of the Positive Psychology movement, LORD!” (Psalms 27:14). The way I under- writes “Life inflicts the same setbacks stand this text is that we should turn to and tragedies on the optimist as on the God with hope. If what we wanted did pessimist, but the optimist weathers not occur, if necessary we should return them better.” Thankfully, our Jewish to God with hope once again. tradition deeply informs many tenets of At the beginning of our Pesah seder, in the field of Positive Psychology. ˙ Ha Lachma Anya, we say “at the present The original positive psychologists time we are here, next year we will be in created a classification system, called the land of Israel. At the present we are Character Strengths and Virtues (CSV). servants, next year we will be free.” They are based on human qualities There is little more optimistic than that, believed to be related to the “good life”. except of course when we say “Next Those characteristics are wisdom, year in Jerusalem!” Tears always form in courage, humanity, justice, temperance my eyes at that point in the seder, and transcendence. Within each of whether I have an upcoming trip these characteristics are virtues. The planned or not. I don’t cry for myself, characteristic of transcendence involves but rather for my ancestors who said a connection to something or someone those words for 2,000 years without a larger than oneself. Virtues included in Jewish homeland. They had hope. They this characteristic are the appreciation were grounded in optimism. of beauty, gratitude, hope, humour and Join me in being hopeful participants in spirituality. Perhaps already, you can making the world a better place once begin to understand how this particular the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Let characteristic has Jewish roots. us draw on the depths of our resilience In the article “Virtues That Transcend: in one of the most challenging Positive Psychology in Jewish Texts and situations of our lifetimes. Let us all do Tradition”, my professor from the what we can so that children will look Wurzweiler School of Social Work, back at this time and feel inspired by Eliezer Schnall, along with Mark the hope and courage we have Schiffman and Aaron Cherniak, wrote: demonstrated. If we are hopeful and “hope connects one to the future and optimistic, together we can write a new its potential.” They also wrote that chapter and contribute to a world that “optimism, a key component of hope is is based on hesed, love and light. ˙ associated with both physical and
14 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | COMMENtARY Rabbi Robyn Fry er Bodzin Carrying Torah, Carrying Song
According to a halakhic midrash on the relationship in which song allows us to book of Exodus by Rabbi Ishmael, music carry the Torah but carrying the Torah has been intricately connected to Torah also makes singing possible. The children ever since Moses first received the Torah of Kehat, son of Levi were given the task on Mount Sinai: “The Holy Blessed One of carrying the Ark containing the Torah On Shavuot, we helped Moses by sharing His divine voice— (Numbers 3:31). While they may have and the melody that Moses heard, he literally carried the Torah on their celebrate receiving repeated to Israel” (Mekhilta Yitro 19:19). shoulders, it was their singing that carried the Torah for them. According to Moses himself heard the divine melodies the Talmud, the Hebrew word for the Torah. while receiving the words of the Torah, “raising” can also mean “singing”. While then transmitted them, together, directly singing allowed the children of Kehat to to the children of Israel. This is the basis carry the Torah, it was also carrying the for our tradition of chanting the Torah Torah that allowed them to sing. with its tropes (cantillations); its recurring musical motifs. The musical Perhaps this will inspire you when you notes themselves are indeed essential. find yourself carrying a Torah and singing on Simhat Torah. Rabbi Nachman of Every cantillation of the holy texts is ˙ Breslow (1772-1810) takes the Talmud’s sacred and must be maintained as imaginative statement about singing scrupulously as the letters of the Torah carrying the Torah one step further, itself. In one Talmudic passage, Rabbi explaining that by means of making Yohanan emphasizes this point: “Anyone music, a person can know if they truly who reads [Torah] without a melody or have taken on the yoke of Torah. The recites [Mishnah] without a tune, it’s nature and quality of our singing can about them that Scripture says, 'I have reflect the extent to which we have also given them laws that are not good' internalized the teachings and values. (Talmud Bavli Megillah 32a). Through singing, our spirits are laid bare It was common to recite oral teachings to before us, and we may notice to what a tune because the melody made them extent we are living up to our full poten- more memorable. However, in addition to tials as spiritual human beings, i.e., to this utilitarian function, singing serves a what extent we take on the yoke of deeper importance when studying Torah. Torah by living with its laws and values. Music activates the pleasantness and sweetness of Torah. In his comment to The music of Torah cantillation is not the words of Rabbi Yohanan above, Rabbi simply a nice add-on to the Torah Moshe Levertov (d. 1941) states: “This verse reading. The specific melodies of the indicates someone who does not feel the Torah, Prophets and Writings were pleasantness of Torah (no’am HaTorah) established at Sinai. The tropes are the and its sweetness, for they have not oldest Jewish music that we have. activated their spirit at all, awakening it Singing them allows us to internalize and through song” (Ma’amar Nigun p. 19). expand upon the musical and spiritual foundations laid by our ancestors. The trop melodies ignite the spirit and reveal the sweetness and pleasantness of On Shavuot, we will be reading the Ten Torah, which presumably we cannot fully Commandments, marking our receiving realize without music. Rabbi Levertov and accepting the Torah, as well as the interprets the verse in this way in part book of Ruth, about the first Jew by based on a play on words between choice to take on the laws and values of ne’imah (tune) and no’am (pleasantness). the Torah. Even during these challenging times, it should be that Torah helps us to Music and Torah are intricately inter- sing our new-ancient song. woven. There is a mutually supportive
CANtOR’S CORNER Cantor Sidney Ezer | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 15 Care and Connection from a Distance
In the winter months of the pandemic, members of this family were not as we tried to keep our bodies healthy wearing masks, and it suddenly Just as we need to and our moods up, my kids and I went dawned on me that this act of hesed sledding or skating every day possible. came with a risk. Sheelo managed˙ to ensure our health On Boxing Day, my nine-year-old, keep distance from them, and Sheelo, and I returned to Christie Pits ultimately was unharmed, but the and physical safety, for our second sledding adventure of anger remained as this was another the day. example of how COVID-19 has it must go hand-in- In a typical encounter for me, what interrupted our lives and forces us to began as exchanging smiles with the second guess even our acts of hand with ensuring father of a family that included a kindness. mother and two teenage children who As we now prepare for Passover, our our emotional looked a bit out of place among the second in this pandemic era, I am mostly younger families on the small reminded of the teaching that the health. hill, turned into a ten minute socially Hebrew word for Egypt, Mitzraim, is distanced conversation. I quickly connected to the word tzar, meaning learned, through broken English and narrow, distress and boundaries. Our some translation help from his son, ancestors were restricted by the that they had emmigrated from Bogota Egyptians in their ability to build three years prior and were so thankful families, to worship God and to be to be living in Toronto, despite the treated as autonomous human pandemic. When we returned to our beings. Much of the distress that we car, we noticed a Costco-sized box of have felt this year has been due to the chocolate in the trunk and after physical boundaries that we have exchanging a knowing smile with me, imposed in order to protect our Sheelo grabbed it and ran over to the physical health. family. Instantly, the mother started We have worked incredibly hard to waving to me with a beaming smile, maintain spiritual connection and and suddenly Sheelo shot up to care for each other despite the celebrity status for this family, as they physical distance, and at the same took turns taking pictures with my time, we must continue to daughter, “the bringer of gifts”. acknowledge how vulnerable and Sheelo is kind to the bone. She keeps constrained we all feel. We muster on extra granola bars in her backpack so with gratitude for all that we have, that as we get off the Allen we can offer but also need to mourn together them to the folks asking for help on the those things that feel lost, broken, side of the road. She is the type of kid scary and painful. We walk together who was surprised to learn that along this narrow path. “Kol haolam sometimes people don’t make kind kulo gesher tzar meod—the whole decisions. I am incredibly proud of her world is a very narrow bridge”. The nedivut lev, her generous heart, but in words of Rebbe Nahman of Breslove this particular case, it also stirred up feel so true in our day. fear in me and then anger. The
16 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Yacov Fruchter At the same time, we have to be ever We must continue to care for all those Ya- from the narrowness we cry out conscious, that in our narrowed who are ill, feeling isolated, struggling to God”. My prayer this year is that physical world that we do not become with employment and losing hope for even from this state of lockdown, that insular and only self-focused. We the future. we hear each other's cry and step up for one another. cannot forget those outside of our Just as we need to ensure our health immediate circles. We continue to care and physical safety, it must go hand in Hag heirut sameah—may this holiday about Israel and kvell about her vaccine hand with ensuring our emotional and of˙ freedom bring a˙ new sense of rollout. We must do all we can to care spiritual health. Sheelo and all kids, freedom. for the homeless and food insecure. We and indeed all of us need to know that must continue to highlight the strife of helping others remains the way that For your seders, check out this refugees in our time, which has only we join with God to continue to build new version of Min Hametzar worsened during the pandemic. As the this world with love—olam hesed by our artist-in-residence Pesah story reminds us, because we yibaneh. ˙ Aviva Chernick. felt the˙ narrowness in Mitzraim when we were “strangers in that land”, we As we recite in the Hallel section of know the importance of finding home. the haggadah, “min hametzar karati
Refugee Awareness Shabbat
.BSDIUP
Join us as Beth Tzedec participates in JIAS/HIAS Refugee Awareness Shabbat, a moment for our mem- bers to turn outward and dedicate a shabbat experience to the millions of refugees around the world fleeing persecution and violence. For many of us, it will also be an opportunity to reflect on the past refugee experiences within our own families.
Over the course of the weekend, Beth Tzedec with the support of its Refugee Sponsorship Committee will provide programming that will include a special Shabbat at the Floor Kabbalat Shabbat, Havdalah ceremony, refugee focused sermon/D'var Torah and a keynote hour-long refugee program on Sunday.
Please consider making a donation to the Beth Tzedec Refugee Fund, our partnership with JIAS in supporting refugee families. Click here or visit our website.
CONtINuED Yacov Fruchter | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 17 lighting the Way The Beth Tzedec community came together to acknowledge and honour our members who have gone above and beyond to ensure that our community is safe, healthy, educated, nourished, engaged, entertained, inspired and spiritually connected during this difficult time. Thank you to everyone who makes our synagogue such a remarkable place. To view program video, click here>>
Brightening their winter In partnership with Amica, Beth Tzedec distributed over 50 baskets of items to senior members of the Congregation to help brighten their winter days, especially as we are all more confined this year. Pictured safely in their masks are Beth Tzedec's own Brian Dias and Yacov Fruchter and his children Lev and Sheelo Fruchter, who helped package or distribute the baskets. Kol Hakavod to all who helped in this project.
18 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Past Events A Post-Pandemic Normal
We are now a family with a COVID-19 The Passover story gives us a powerful baby. Rachel and I were blessed when our example of how extraordinary daughter, Adi Deyah, was born Saturday, circumstances can eventually become the November 21, adding to the gifts that are norm. When our ancestors were first our other children, Mira and Nadav. All enslaved by Pharaoh, we can imagine the The Passover story but one month of Rachel’s pregnancy emotion, the outrage and perhaps even overlapped with COVID-19. Missing out the resistance they expressed in the face gives us a powerful on the ‘normal’ experience of having a of this new reality. By the time of Moses’ pregnant partner pales in comparison to adolescence, however, we see a people example of how the many members of our community completely broken by slavery and who who have faced illness, death, funerals seem to have accepted this circumstance extraordinary and shiva in the abnormal way in which as the way in which they live their lives. we’ve been living. And yet, I never got to In the animated movie The Prince of circumstances can hear our baby’s heartbeat live and in Egypt, the scene when Moses kills the person until three hours before she was Egyptian taskmaster does an incredible eventually become born. I had to experience ultrasounds job of showing the Israelites' reality. As the through videos that Rachel took on her taskmaster abuses Israelite slaves, the the norm. phone. Adi didn’t get to see my unmasked other slaves mostly go about their work face until she was 36 hours old. None of and keep their heads down. It is as if this this is anything close to ‘normal’. behaviour has become normalized to the We have all been living our own versions Egyptians and the Israelites. When Moses of abnormal for the last year now. We —albeit an Egyptian prince and not a long for in-person experiences, we miss fellow Israelite, at least in the eyes of gathering with family and friends and we everyone else–appears and demands that may even miss attending services and the taskmaster stop his abuse, you see the programs. We know what we miss from Israelite characters wake up from their the time before COVID-19, but what is not trance-like existence, as if to say “Yes! yet clear is how it permanently changes Yes! Our reality can be different after all!” the way in which we live, even once we Passover reminds us that we were once X have all been vaccinated and the virus is (slaves) and now we are Y (free); that one’s no longer a serious threat. circumstance can change e for the better. Some of the new realities that we will We must make sure that we do not fall soon experience will be for the better. We into a COVID-19 trance where, even when all have a much greater awareness of the pandemic is over, we continue to keep hygiene, of the importance of staying our distance from others. Of course, we home when feeling ill and of wearing all need to continue to be safe and follow masks. But will our appreciation for the guidance of public health officials. But doctors, nurses, bus drivers, grocery store we should already be thinking about ways clerks, waste disposal workers and other to embrace our post-COVID-19 normal essential professions continue after the and ensure that we take the best pieces of virus has abated? Will we continue to the pandemic along with us, leave the push for improvements to long-term worst moments behind and create a care. Will we continue to be sympathetic personal and collective memory that, like to the small business owner struggling to Passover and the seder experience, earn enough money to support their reminds us of where we once were and family? And, perhaps most importantly, where we are now. will we remember that interpersonal contact is the lifeblood of so many?
DIRECtOR OF EDuCAtION & PROGRAM COORDINAtOR Daniel Silverman | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 19 Julian Back: Brightening Our Local & Spiritual Communities
Be who you are. Jewish families. He’s a community You’ve likely heard people say those leader, passionate and thriving on building relationships. “My philosophy has words somewhere in a conversation. For Julian Back, he follows the Creative and always looking out for always been that expression assiduously and links it, in others, Back sees himself as more of a his own special way, to the cherished “social butterfly”. He said those two when I accomplish words of his late mother. words were often used to describe his mother, a woman he cherishes daily something meaningful When you get to meet, talk or relate to him, there’s a very good chance and deeply respects for her guidance that included an appreciation for the with merit and it has that you will quickly have an idea that this man is the kind of happy-go- arts, culture and the ability to deal an impact, I can feel lucky individual who does a little bit with people in a positive and of everything. constructive way. my mother smiling He has been on several great “I enjoy connecting with people, adventures. engaging and sharing stories—that’s down on me.” my life,” he said in a telephone As a toddler, he came with his family interview during the challenging to Canada from his native South times of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’ve Africa. Japan was home for him, for always felt that who I am, what I do, several years, when he was single. His comes from my mom. She was like career journey has that and inspired me, in many ways, involved working in and I feel that she’s with me whenever the film industry, I am out and about in the community.” human resources Back likes to talk. Not a gabber, and with the there is a difference. Government of Canada and in His focus has been on making people something called feel good, assisting and looking for talent acquisition ways to be supportive. He has with York benefitted from various career moves University and the that boosted his confidence and Canadian Imperial ability to communicate effectively Bank of Commerce. with others, make wise choices and do what’s best for more than just Now, he is the himself. Managing Director of “Simply Talent”—a full-service recruitment He’s one of those individuals who agency specializing in client prospers on making people feel good. satisfaction and exceptional So much so that he has made a huge candidate experience. impact in the community that he, his wife Rebecca (Spring) and daughter But there is much more about this Stella now call home, in the St. Clair dedicated, radiant and bright young West neighbourhood. member of Beth Tzedec Congregation that has inspired hundreds of “I like to help and engage people,” he people—those in a community that said. “Community involvement can go has seen a resurgence of young a long way. Living in the St. Clair West
20 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | In and Around the Shul area, I decided to volunteer and The doom and gloom of a standard “As a family, we liked the become the administrator and passageway became vibrant, colorful programming and the Hebrew moderator of a community Facebook and the talk of the neighborhood school,” he said, highlighting a Purim group in the Hillcrest Village, after street artists were hired to Carnival that they had attended Humewood and Wychwood areas. It’s paint 40 garage doors in a laneway which brought much joy. “The family all about engaging and we have an between the streets of Atlas and events for children, the family online meeting place that at one time Arlington. Shabbat dinner and the Friday night experience. It’s all about family and involved some 300 people sharing, While the “Feel Good Lane Mural those were things we enjoyed and talking, promoting many things from Project”, an initiative of Back and his hope to return to when the local business to things in the co-partner Kim Lesperance, was not pandemic is over.” community.” intended to become an international The seven-day-a-week gig took off tourist attraction, it has brought a When he does find opportunities to and now, Back claims, the numbers positive outlook in the community. ponder in his busy world, there is a bit of heart and soul mixed in with have swelled to 7,000 people. Back also has the gift of some déjà vu and a touch of Back to While a huge revitalization was righteousness and social justice. the Future. taking place in the neighborhood, Some would say it’s a form of Back started calling himself “the tzedakah, when he pitches in with “My philosophy has always been that Mensch of St. Clair West”. The term the community helping the local when I accomplish something “mensch” often refers to a person of food bank through facilitating meaningful with merit and it has an honor, goodness, character and financial as well as nutritional and impact, I can feel my mother smiling integrity. grocery donations. down on me,” he said. “People remind me of things that get done For him, it fits. Back means well in As for his involvement in the and it makes me feel good.” everything he does. synagogue, Back did not grow up in the Beth Tzedec environment. —David Grossman “I felt good about getting involved, However, his wife did. In 2017, as going for walks, meeting store David Grossman is a multi award- members of another smaller owners, sharing news with people,” winning communicator and storyteller synagogue, they felt it was time to he said. “We had a specific project with a distinguished career in make a change. They were attracted that raised $5,000 on a GoFundMe Broadcasting, Journalism and Public to Beth Tzedec. As Back puts it, “it page, obtained approvals from Relations in Sport and Government was the perfect fit” as he and his wife neighbours, the city got involved and Relations. He, and his family, are had been looking for “a more family- that led to me co-leading a mural long-standing members of Beth Tzedec. oriented shul experience”. project in a laneway.”
ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 21 Care • Connect • Learn • Pray • Celebrate • Give & Get these six core values represent the unified mosaic guiding the programs, services and events offered by Beth tzedec that make our kehillah such a special and unique place. Pray
Shabbat at the Floor Service havdalah, torah Study and Kaddish Friday evenings, March 5, April 2 Every Saturday evening; and May 7 check website for times Once a month, join us for a While we cannot be together to mark Minhah-Only Service ˙ musically-infused Kabbalat Shabbat the conclusion of Shabbat and start Every Friday afternoon; and Ma’ariv, livestreamed to our the new week, join us on Facebook or Check website for times Daily Services page. Prepare your Zoom for a live Havdalah experience During the winter, join our Minhah- spirit for Shabbat with song, comfort and some Torah to begin a new week only service offered on Zoom at:˙ and community. followed by Mourner's Kaddish. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89516993850. While we cannot be together to mark You can also join by phone only by the conclusion of Shabbat and start calling 647-374-4685 and inputting the new week, we hope that this meeting ID 668-598-809. experience together can continue to help create spiritual nearness in the midst of our social distancing..
Sanctuary Service
Saturday mornings at 9:30 AM Join us for Shabbat morning services livestreamed to the website Daily Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Services page. It offers the energy Every Friday evening at 6:00 PM and inspiration of a spiritual and Weekday Shaharit Services Prepare your spirit for Shabbat with liturgical Shabbat experience as you ˙ Sunday mornings at 8:45 AM song, comfort and community at our sing along with Cantor Sidney Ezer. Weekday mornings at 7:30 AM Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Rabbi Steven Wernick and Rabbi services livestreamed to the Daily Robyn Fryer Bodzin offer insights Join us on Zoom by clicking these links: into our Torah reading. Be a part of Services page. Sundays: our musical and spiritual davening. https://zoom.us/j/733141765. Weekdays: https://zoom.us/j/894447868. For candle-lighting and service times, You can also join by phone only. refer to our website calendar. Check our website for meeting
Shabbat at the Floor details.
22 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Program Guide • Spring 2021 Minhah-Ma’ariv Services Family zoom havdalah Shabbat to Remember: A Yom ˙ Every Sunday to thursday evening; Saturdays, March 6 & 13; hashoah Shabbat for 20s and 30s check website for times check websites for times Friday, April 9 at 6:00 PM Join us for Shaharit on Zoom at Join our rabbinic intern Matt ˙ We mark the end of Yom Hashoah by https://zoom.us/j/668598809. You can Goldberg and other Beth Tzedec partnering with the Neuberger also join by phone only by calling friends for Havdalah and a short Holocaust Education Centre and 647-374-4685 and inputting the family program on Zoom. March of the Living for a Kabbalat meeting ID 894-447-868. Pre-registration required via ShulCloud. Shabbat experience and dinner with a Holocaust survivor. Cost: $10; Pre-registration required via ShulCloud.
Prayer: What, Why, When and how Family Outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat Fridays, March 19, April 16 and May 21 tuesdays, March 2, 16 & 30, April 3 & at 5:45 PM 27 and May11 & 25 at 8:30 AM Join us outside in the Beth Tzedec Short & Sweet Multi-Generational Join Reb Steve following Shaharit on ˙ parking as we gather together to Family Service Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/733141765 welcome Shabbat with an engaging, to reflect, share and pray together. Saturday, May 1 at 10:30 AM lively prayer service and community experience incorporating the Join us outside in the parking lot for participation of the children, teens the return of our monthly Family and families. Service, offering a lively, engaging prayer service with participants from This program is planned to be offered the families in attendance. onsite, pending recommendations from Public Health authorities. This program is planned to be offered Registration will be limited to ensure onsite, pending recommendations adequate distancing is maintained. from Public Health authorities. Please check our website for updates Registration will be limited to ensure healing Service with and changes. adequate distancing is maintained. Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin Participants must pre-register and complete Please check our website for updates Wednesday May 5 at 7:30 PM a COVID-19 screening. Pre-registration and changes. required via ShulCloud. Participants must pre-register and complete When you feel broken, turn to our a COVID-19 screening. Pre-registration tradition for strength and renewal. required via ShulCloud. Join us on Zoom at this link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84598368806 as we enrich our lives and strive for a sense of shlaymoot together.
Program Guide • Spring 2021 | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 23 Care Connect
Jewish Meditation with Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin Sundays, April 25 and May 30
9:45 to 10:45 AM loss in the time of COVID-19: A l’Chaim! Bereavement Support Group Find a quiet place, tune out the Friday evenings; with Debbie Berlin and world around you and take some check website for times Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin time for YOU to breathe. Re-center and focus inward. Join us each thursdays, March 4 & 18 and May 6 Join us on Zoom Fridays at month on Facebook. at 7:45 PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82957760474 for an opportunity to share a l'chaim The loss of a loved one, at any time, and kick off Shabbat with a few is challenging. Loss during the time minutes of connection with the Beth of COVID-19 brings a host of other Tzedec community. issues that may complicate our grief and bereavement. Judaism has a clear set of mourning rituals that have been painfully absent during this pandemic. No charge. For information or to join this group, email Rabbi Fryer Bodzin. Gratitude Circle with Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin Sundays, April 11, 18 & 25 and May 2 at 7:45 PM People who exhibit gratitude report Bt hazak Pilates fewer aches and pains, and a general Mondays, March 1, 8, 15 & 22 feeling of health. Research shows at 11:15 AM that gratitude can improve your When many of us are feeling isolated psychological health, enhance and disconnected from one another, empathy and reduces aggression, Small Groups are an opportunity to improve your sleep, enhance your build new relationships and connect Caregivers Connect with self-esteem and increase mental monthly with other Beth Tzedec Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin strength. thursdays, March 11, April 8 members over a shared goal, project Join us virtually on Zoom at and May 13 or interest. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796171998 7:45 to 9:00 PM as we come together to express Join Pilates instructor and Beth gratitude and acknowledge the Tzdec member Mia Rappaport Rabbi Fryer Bodzin leads this virtual blessings in our lives. (reformpilates.ca) for a weekly opportunity for individuals who have class designed for seniors. We will been unable to see loved ones or exercise our bodies while building with relatives in Long Term Care relationships. homes to connect with others and No charge. to join this Small Group, share their experiences. click here>> For information or to join this group, email Rabbi Fryer Bodzin.
24 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Program Guide • Spring 2021 Bt hazak zentangle BtuSY & Kadima Matzah Iron Chef Babies, Blessings and Shabbat Fun: for Grades 5 to 12 Workshops for Parents of Babies Fridays, March 5, 12 & 19 at 1:00 PM thusday, April 1 at 5:30 PM Friday mornings, March 1 and Join certified Zentangle instructor April 2 at 11:30 AM and BT member Bonnie Greenberg Want to make a delicious matzah for lessons in the Zentangle Method. meal? Join us for a matzah pizza and Parents of babies are invited to join dessert cook-off competition! We us each month for interesting Zentangle is a relaxing, easy-to-learn will be making a main course and a parenting workshops via Zoom. Each and fun way to create beautiful dessert, all from our own homes. session will focus on different topics images by drawing structured Guests will judge our items based on such as breastfeeding or deveoping patterns using combinations of dots, decoration, presentation,and how good sleep habits. lines, simple curves and circles. delicious you think your creation is! No charge; Pre-registration required via There are no mistakes and the result No charge; Pre-registration required to ShulCloud. is unexpected and beautiful! You Sylvie Moscovitz. likely will enjoy increased focus, creativity, self-confidence and an increased sense well-being. If you can hold a pen and write your name you can create a Zentangle piece of art and you will be amazed at what you created! to join this Small Group, click here>>
Bt hazak: tea time for Seniors Babies, Blessings and Shabbat Fun: thursdays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1, Pre-Shabbat Music Class for toddlers and their Families 8, 15, 22 & 29 and May 6 at 2:30 PM Friday mornings, March 19 and Gather weekly for informal conversations May 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 11:30 AM guided by fellow seniors over Zoom. We'll come together for 15 minutes of Welcome Shabbat with music, inspiration at the beginning of the movement and friends! We'll sing session, and then participants will be Shabbat songs, recite Shabbat Mother-Daughter Rosh hodesh for invited to join the conversation the fits blessings, experience early Hebrew ˙ Pre-teens, teens and their Mothers your mood that day. learning and dance together. Embrace the feeling of community as Sunday, March 14 at 5:00 PM Join us every week as we share and we welcome Shabbat into our hearts. Join Sylvie Moscovitz and Rabbi Robyn compare our favourite books, movies, We'll be practicing safe physical Fryer Bodzin for a special mother- theatre and art. distancing Public Health protocols daughter Rosh Hodesh experience. Current Tea Time Conversation Groups ˙ and guidelines. When weather Watch for information coming soon. • Ess Gezunterheit! Led by Judy Libman conditions allow, we will meet in For information or to register, please email Cedarvale Park ravine. Sylvie Moscovitz. • News and Schmooze Led by Harold Margles No charge; Pre-registration required • Books and Culture Led by Rayna Jolley to Anat Kriger. No charge; for information click here.
Program Guide • Spring 2021 | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 25 Learn
Israel Quest: Virtual Scavenger Judaism & homosexuality with hunt for 20s and 30s Rabbi Steven Wernick and Rabbi Gordon Tucker thursday, April 15 at 7:00 PM tuesday, March 8 at 7:45 PM Do you wish you can travel to Israel? Rabbis Wernick and Tucker discuss As we dream about healthy trips to Conversations Over Coffee the evolution of the Conservative Israel in the near future, Join as a with Rabbi Steven Wernick Movement’s position on team or individual for a ScaVenture Monday afternoons 12:30 PM homosexuality and Rabbi Wernick’s Yom Ha'atzmaut scavenger hunt. Reb Steve gathers a cadre of community announcement on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Cost: $5. Pre-registration required. personalities for conversations on Pre-registration required via ShulCloud. politics, culture, social existence and Jewish life. Grab a coffee and join us.
UPCOMING SESSIONS: March 1: Rakefet Ginsberg March 8: Annamie Paul March 15: Rabbi David Steinhardt March 22: Norman Bacal April 5: Rosette Rutman April 12: Shmuel Rosner April 19: Dawit Demoz Yom Sport Israeli: A Family April 26: DJ Schneeweiss Bt hazak Wise Aging Scavenger hunt May 3: Debbie Berlin and Rob Kamen tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 May 10: Tammy Glied Sunday, April 18 at 3:00 PM at 1:00 PM Sessions will be streamed to After a long winter, let's warm up Led by Dr. Elaine Cooper, this group Facebook and YouTube. Comment with some fun Israeli activities while will explore the years beyond midlife with questions on either platform. exploring a fun scavenger hunt, as an opportunity for growth and Spoiler alert—There will be some discovery, engaging in discussion yummy chocolate at the event! There based on text study, reflection and will be activities for all ages. Don't Jewish mindfulness on a wide range forget to dress blue and white to of relevant topics, including celebrate Israel's birthday! revitalizing relationships, living with This event is planned to be held in loss and change, cultivating spiritual the Cedarvale Park ravine, observing qualities for well-being, conducting a all physical distancing and COVID ’life review’ and practicing forgiveness. protocols recommended by Public to join this Small Group, click here>> Health. In the case of inclement Daily tanakh Study weather or Public Health directives Weekday afternoons 3:00 PM to suspend in-person gathering, we Click here to will reschedule the event. We continue our 929-day project access our No charge; Pre-registration required via studying each chaper from the ShulCloud. Tanakh on our Facebook group— Passover https://www.facebook.com/groups/144 Guide
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26 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Program Guide • Spring 2021 A Panel Conversation with People Mizmor Monthly with Cantor Bt Book & Film Club presents in the lGBtQ Community and Sidney Ezer and Asher Farber Ophelia by Norman Bacal Yacov Fruchter tuesdays, March 16, April 13 Wednesday, March 24 at 1:30 PM Monday, March 15 at 7:45 PM and May 11 at 7:30 PM After the daring boat-lift of Jews Yacov Fruchter leads a panel Join Cantor Sidney Ezer and Asher from Nazi-occupied Denmark in discussion on LGBTQ inclusion Farber as we explore many Jewish 1943, two 12-year-old friends will initiatives at Beth Tzedec. musical themes and genres, one for never see one another again. Yet Pre-registration required via ShulCloud. every month of the Jewish calendar. when the CEO of a leading generic Pre-registration required via ShulCloud. pharmaceutical company, dies in mysterious circumstances, Ophelia, who has served in Israeli intelligence, reunites the families with shocking consequences. Aside from mysteries set against the modernization of Shakespeare's Hamlet, this addresses how our view of God's role in the universe is shaped by our personal experience. Led by Norman Bacal. the PJ library Presents Series No charge; pre-registration required via Exodus: Clay Pests in the house!?! ShulCloud. Sundays, March 14, April 11 and for Kids in SK to Grade 5 THE BT BOOK & FILM CLUB IS SPONSORED IN May 9 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM MEMORY OF JUDI KAUFFMAN Z”L Sunday, March 21 at 3:00 PM Meet some new friends while enjoying SPONSORED BY AMICA ON THE AVENUE Jewish story-time and free play,. Bring the story of Exodus alive by RETIREMENT RESIDENCE making your own clay pests from the March 14—It’s Our Pesah Party Exodus story to join us at the seder. Let’s prepare for Passover˙ and the No charge; Pre-registration required to seder with matzah, crafts, story time Anat Kriger. and songs!
April 11—Israel Sheli Move and dance to Israeli songs and lirkod (dance) until we get warm as Eilat, strong as Jerusalem and like they do in Tel Aviv! Dress in blue and white Wisdom in Relationships: A Pirkei because it’s Israel’s 73rd birthday! Avot Series with Yacov Fruchter May 9—Halav HuDvash (Milk and Honey) tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 and Practice some Yoga while reading May 4 & 11 at 11:00 AM about the people of Israel in the desert Same Sex Marriage: under the Basing discussion on the Rabbinic and stand tall on Mount Sinai as we huppah with Rabbi Fryer Bodzin Assembly's Pirkei Avot Lev Shalem, receive the Torah. Celebrate Shavuot ˙ Monday, March 22 at 7:45 PM explore the wisdom and structure of with friends, yoga and ice cream. these chapters of the Mishnah. Pre-register with Anat Kriger. Rabbi Fryer Bodzin discusses same sex marriages. Pre-registration required via ShulCloud. PRESENTED BY BETH TZEDEC, PJ LIBRARY AND UJA FEDERATION OF GREATER TORONTO Pre-registration required via ShulCloud.
Program Guide • Spring 2021 | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 27 Notable Speakers Series Our People are Your People: Day trips in Jewish history: SPRING SESSIONS American Jews and the Iconic Personalities, Connecting Wednesdays, April 7 & 14 and Struggle for Civil Rights and Reflecting with Hana Werner May 5 at 1:00 PM with Professor Stephen Berk SPRING SESSIONS Mondays, April 12, 19 & 26 and Engaging ideas in Jewish affairs, Wednesday, April 7 at 7:45 PM May 3 & 10 at 1:30 PM politics, arts and sciences—with Professor Stephen Berk will describe note-worthy community figures. the relationships and connections In keeping with Public Health pandemic safety protocols, this In accordance with Public Health between the Civil Rights movement series will be offered via Zoom. ecommendations, this program will and the Jewish community in the be offered via Zoom. 1950s and 1960s, and discuss the April 12—The Amazing Dr. Ruth implications of these historical Ruth Westheimer is an American sex April 7—Josh Basseches connections to our current moment therapist, media personality, author, st “The 21 Century Museum and the Future of of racial justice. radio, television talk show host and Jewish Art and Life at the ROM”— Holocaust survivor. As the ROM embarks on an ambitious Cost: Suggested donation of $10 for the Beth tzedec Membership Relief Fund strategic plan to become one of the appreciated; pre-registration required April 19—Justice Rosalie Abella foremost cultural organizations in via ShulCloud. Canada's Supreme Court justice and a the world, Josh Basseches, Director staunch fighter of discrimination. THE SAM & SARAH KERZNER AND JOSEPH and CEO, goes behind the scenes to KERZNER HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL INSTITUTE April 26—Elie Wiesel explore the past, present and future The messenger and his legacy of of Judaica and Jewish art and culture. human dignity.
April 14—Alex Josephson May 3—Nelly Sachs and S.Y. Agnon “The Architectural Future of Our City”— Nelly Sachs, the German-Swedish poet Great architecture strives to make and playwright, and S.Y. Agnon, the the world a better place for us all and Ukrainian-born writer of modern leaving it better for future generations. Hebrew fiction, are both Nobel Prize May 5—Adam Minsky and Rabbi Wernick recipients. “Jewish Toronto, Today and Tomorrow”— May 10—Naomi Shemer Adam Minsky, President and CEO of together with a Survivor: A Yom Singer, poet and author of the iconic UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, hashoah Program for Grades 1 to 4 "Jerusalem of Gold", the unofficial joins Reb Steve for a conversation Sunday, April 11 at 3:00 PM national anthem of Israel. about Jewish Toronto. On Yom Hashoah, let's gather to No charge; pre-registration required via No charge; pre-registration required via ShulCloud. ShulCloud. learn from our survivors and embrace their souls. Never forget, GENEROUSLY SPONSORED IN MEMORY OF SPONSORED BY THE MANUEL AND CANTOR JOSEPH COOPER Z"L ANNE PUSITZ FUND never again. This program is designed for children in Grades 4 to 8 and their families. If we are able to gather in person, physical distancing Click here to and COVID-19 protocols will be access the full observed. Otherwise, this program will be delivered via Zoom. Beth tzedec
calendar. No charge; Pre-registration required to Anat Kriger.
28 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Program Guide • Spring 2021 Bt Book & Film Club presents Matan torah Comes to life: A BtuSY and Kadima Shavuot Pickle Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Comics Workshop for Grades 1 to 5 Making with Marty Strub Paternity and Love by Dani Shapiro Sunday, May 9 at 2:00 PM thursday, May 13 at 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 28 at 1:30 PM Join us for an amazing comics Get ready for a very special Shavuot What makes us who we are? What workshop, where they will learn program celebrating the harvest— combination of memory, history, unique drawing techniques while we're making pickles with pickle biology, experience and that bringing to life one of the most expert Marty Strub! Registration is ineffable thing called the ‘soul’ important moments for Am Israel, the required and there will be a small fee defines us? In this fascinating Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah). for the materials. memoir, author Dani Shapiro, an If we are able to gather in person, Cost: $25; Pre-registration required via Orthodox woman, shares how she physical distancing and COVID-19 [email protected]. discovered that she was not ‘Jewish’ appropriate health and safety after submitting her DNA to a regulations will be observed. If we genealogy site. Led by Julia Creet. cannot gather safely in person, this No charge; pre-registration required via program will be delivered via Zoom. ShulCloud. No charge; Pre-registration required to THE BT BOOK & FILM CLUB IS SPONSORED IN Anat Kriger. MEMORY OF JUDI KAUFFMAN Z”L
SPONSORED BY PHYLLIS & AB Z”L FLATT AND CAROL & HAROLD WOLFE IN MEMORY OF MAX & BEATRICE WOLFE
Tikkun Leyl Shavuot:
Poetry, Peoplehood and Politics: A Pre-Shavuot Evening of Songs that Defined a Nation with Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl Learning and Connection Wednesdays, April 29 and May 6 & 13 at 7:45 PM Sunday, May 16 beginning at 6:00 PM
Hebrew poetry and song shaped the The evening of Shavuot is traditionally spent learning until late national consciousness of the State into the night. In order for us to learn together as a community, of Israel from the 1950s through the we will be holding our group learning in advance of the beginning end of the century. We will explore of the holiday. poems in Hebrew and English, with an emphasis on the social significance No charge; pre-registration required via shulcloud. of the texts. No charge; pre-registration required via ShulCloud.
Program Guide • Spring 2021 | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 29 Celebrate
Searching for My Voice with Allan From Bonfires and Bar Yochai to Soberman: A World Premiere Candles and Kiddush: lag Ba’Omer On-Demand Presentation Kumzitz and Kabbalat Shabbat
March 18, 2021 Friday, April 30 at 5:30 PM In the Spirit of Miriam: An Evening Experience Allan’s journey growing up Join us (virtually) to sing along with of Freedom, Wisdom and Song in a religious family in Toronto with Cantor Magda Fishman Cantor Sidney Ezer and Asher Farber through the ‘50s and ‘60s before and Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin as we celebrate Lag Ba’Omer and finding his own way in the world of bring in Shabbat with warm and Sunday, March 14 at 8:00 PM secular music. This intimate show joyous melodies, stream on our Join Cantor Fishman of B'nai Torah blends story with song as Allan shares Daily Services page. (Boca Raton, Florida) and our own the synagogue and secular musical Rabbi Fryer Bodzin as they lead us in influences that shaped his life. a virtual evening of song, sharing and The on-demand video will available reflection. for streaming beginning Thursday, No charge; pre-registration required via March 18 at 12:00 NOON. ShulCloud. to access the video, click here>>
Celebrating 1967, honouring Jerusalem
Sunday, May 9 at 7:45 PM Join Cantor Sidney Ezer, Asher Farber and Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin as we Soul Brew: liberation Sessions A Musical tradition: Remembering express thanks for Jerusalem through and Celebrating Cantor Morris song, gratitude practice and a tuesday, March 30 to Friday, April 2 Soberman virtual kotel. In celebration of the Passover Pre-registration required via ShulCloud. thursdsay, April 1 at 7:45 PM season, we're brewing the spirit of liberation at Beth Tzedec with We will come together as a Soul Brew: Liberation Sessions. This community to celebrate the musical tax Receipts short series of conversations with legacy and tradition of the Soberman Tax receipts for contributions artists, scholars and activists, led by family as we sit down with Allan made to Beth Tzedec during Rabbi Rachel "Bluth" Rosenbluth, will Soberman to discuss his show, 2020 have been emailed to all explore slavery, climate change, Searching for My Voice, and the those who have contributed over this trying year. If we do racial justice, spiritual liberation experience of growing up as the son of Beth Tzedec's beloved Cantor not have an email address on and gender. file, the charitable tax receipt Morris Soberman. has been mailed to your home Pre-registration required via ShulCloud. address. If you have any questions, email Aida Adel. Thank you to all who helped support our community.
30 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Program Guide • Spring 2021 Give and Get
Finding home: the Refugee love thy Neighbour Sponsorship Program The Food Insecurity Fund, supported by Olam hesed yibaneh—We must build contributions from our Beth Tzedec ˙ this world from compassion—is the members, has allowed us to establish the Passover treats and Florals compelling force behind Beth Tzedec’s “Love Thy Neighbour” initiative, an Fundraiser Refugee Sponsorship Group. exciting collaboration with UJA Genesis. Orders accepted through March 10; With your help, we have been able to Pick-up date: thursday, March 25 Our goal is to bring an Eritrean family living in a refugee camp in Ethiopia to provide warm meals Brighten your Passover celebration Toronto, where they can thrive, where to supplement the Beth Sholom while supporting local businesses their children can go to school, and Synagogue food bank and the St. and the Food Insecurity Fund by where they can live in a safe and Michael’s All Angels Anglican Church placing an order in our Passover secure home. Most of us take the Out of the Cold lunch program. florals and treats fundraiser. Enjoy safety and security of our homes for Our members have been on the fabulous florals from Ken’s on Av & granted, but this family was forced to frontlines in helping people struggling Dav and delicious nut-free, kosher flee theirs, and are now living in dire through a difficult winter without access for Passover baked goods from conditions. Through the Refugee to filling, nutritious food. As we continue Randy at Kosher City Plus. Program fund, we are committing to to raise funds—be sure to check out our raise $45,000 to sponsor this family. Deadline for orders is Wednesday, special Passover Fundraiser!—we look March 10; pick-up is Thursday, You can help by making a donation; forward to using those contributions to March 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM from telling friends and family about this address food insecurity in our one of six pick-up locations. program; joining our committee. community. This Passover season, after to place your order online, click here or call to make a donation, click here; For more a long, cold winter following a long, the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511. inforamtion or to join our Committee, email difficult year, everyone deserves a warm Bari zittell at [email protected]. meal and helping hand. to make a donation, click here. Yizkor Memorial Book It is time to send information to include the names of your loved ones in the annual Yizkor Memorial Book used at Yizkor Services on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Pesah and Shavuot for the year 5782. The cost is $18.00 per memorialized name per˙ household. Submission deadline: Friday, July 15. You can submit your Yizkor Memorial Book listing by completing this online form or you can phone or contact Terri Humphries at 416-436-9960 or [email protected].
Yizkor Memorial Book Donation Make cheques payable to: Beth Tzedec Congregation 1700 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5P 3K3 Phone: 416-781-3514 ext. 213 Fax: 416-781-0150
Deadline: Please complete and return this form with your payment no later than 5:00 PM on July 15, 2021.
Program Guide • Spring 2021 | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 31 Passover Guide Why This Passover is Different from Other Years last year's Passover celebrations were a dramatic shift for many of us, as we celebrated one of our first virtual holidays together. Again this year, we are encouraging members to stay home and conduct seders only with members of your own household. We have all become well-practiced at social distancing; this year, we must put that practice to good use for the health and safety of those closest to us.
These ongoing protocols limit our and supports those who will choose of sha’atd’khak influences our ability to celebrate as a community to use electronic means to bring understanding of these unusual times. family and friends together for seder. or family and to engage in activities Yizkor that we’ve long taken as At the time of printing this Bulletin, tradition. Though these are big Individuals living alone or those Public Health restrictions prevent changes to our usual absolutely unable to prepare for haggim indoor gatherings for most purposes, ˙ Passover are encouraged to customs and traditions, it is the including religious services. If there is contact us directly and we will do responsible thing to do to protect a change in recommendations, we will our best to help you acquire what all those we love. update members on our website and you need to enjoy a Passover seder. We thank you for your continued via enewsletter messages. Kosher for Passover commitment to protecting the As is our tradition, we will mark We should strive to clean our homes well-being of our entire community. Yizkor with a livestreamed service for Passover as we normally would. on the last day of Pesah. Please note Preparing Our homes for Passover If you are unable to procure kosher that this service will begin˙ at 8.30 Over the past year, we have become for Passover food and/or cooking or AM, an hour earlier than our usual deeply familiar with the rabbinic preparation items, we recommend Shabbat livestream services. We will understanding of sha’atd’khak, a time refraining from food items that are record Yizkor and make it available of crisis, and pikuah nefesh, the specifically prohibited as hametz and on Beth Tzedec All Access and preservation of life—the mitzvah that use new items whenever possible social media channels following pushes aside all other (see the RA Passover Guide for more the service. commandments. We are living these information). values as we practice social The Sale of Hametz distancing, self-isolation and follow Vegetarians and vegans are Forms to sell˙ your hametz to our the mandate from governments and permitted, l’hathilah, from the rabbis who will sell˙ it on your behalf public health authorities to stay outset, to eat kitniyot (legumes). In may be accessed here or found on home and limit excursions to these times, only if other food the Beth Tzedec website. Alternately, essential matters only. options are not available, all are you can contact our Synagogue permitted to eat kitniyot. (At this Seder office at 416-781-3511 or moment of crisis, if necessary, we Passover plans for most of us have [email protected] to make are permitting it and will return been disrupted, causing personal and arrangements to sell your hametz. to it later.) ˙ familial heartache. Nevertheless, Contributions to Rabbi Wernick’s public health measures require that In other words, for pikuah nefesh, we Discretionary Fund in honour of we follow current guidelines, should simply do the best we can to this mitzvah are especially appreciated therefore, we must celebrate the observe the holiday to the fullest and at this time, as there are many seder in place, with the people in not worry over those details that people facing food insecurity that our households. These are might not be possible to achieve require tzedakah and these extraordinary times, which is why we during this crisis. As we do so, contributions will be earmarked to believe Jewish tradition understands holding the kavanah, or mindfulness, purchase food vouchers.
32 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Passover Guide • Spring 2021 the Fast of the Firstborn redeem us from COVID-19. Our • Celebrate Passover with Following morning minyan on ancestors stayed in that night and something special while Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 AM,we will placed the blood of the pascal supporting local businesses as provide a siyyum(completion of a sacrifice on their doors. We will stay part of Beth Tzedec’s “Passover cycle of study) of Tractate in the night of our seders, stepping Florals and Treats” initiative. Berakhot on Zoom. Join us for coffee back from our traditional family and Enjoy fabulous florals from and a bagel in the comfort of your social experiences. In so doing, we Ken’s on Av and Dave and own home as we celebrate this too will be redeemed. And God delicious, nut-free, kosher for learning together. willing, when this passes over, and it Passover baked goods from will, we will have played a role in Bidikat and Biur hametz Randy at Kosher City Plus. Four redeeming the world. The search for hametz ˙ takes place as different packages are available usual Thursday,˙ March 25, using the to order, with pick-up from one We pray that each of us celebrates a formula found in your Hagaddah. If of six locations across the city. meaningful, safe and healthy you do not have a Hagaddah, see one Deadline is March 10, so be Passover and that God will bless all of the resources we have made sure to submit your orders in humanity with health, happiness available on our website. advance. Click here for the and shlaymoot. order form. Traditionally, we use a candle, a Passover Community Resources wooden spoon and a feather to find During sha’atd’khak, a time of crisis, • If you don’t already have a even the smallest amount of hametz. we are tasked with finding new favourite haggadah, take this If you don’t have these tools handy,˙ strategies and ideas for celebrating opportunity to customize your you can use any utensil or product in Pesah with our loved ones. We hope own family haggadah with your home that accomplishes the ˙ that this list of resources helps Haggadot.com. They also offer same symbolism. inspire and educate your family. an excellent webinar with tips The burning of hametz takes place • The Rabbinical Assembly for feeling connected and ˙ the morning of Friday, March 26, Pesah guide is a brief outline of inspired at your seder, before 12:00 NOON. The last eating the policies˙ and procedures whatever form it takes. of hametz is 11:00 AM. Normally, we relevant to the preparation of a Watch it here>> provide˙ an opportunity for people to kosher for Pesah home. Find burn their hametz at Beth Tzedec. ˙ Stay home; stay safe … by ˙ it here>>. ‘welcoming’ guests virtually this This year, we encourage our • Apex Kosher Catering offers an Passover, without exception. kehillah to do so at home using their extensive menu for your barbeque, a metal trashcan or in another safe manner. If that is not Passover seder, although the possible, then one may crumble deadline to place your order is the hametz and throw it into a Monday, March 30. Find their flowing˙ body of water or into a menu here>> natural area where animals are likely to consume it, as in tashlikh, the casting away of our sins on Selling Your hametz Rosh Hashanah. There are four ways we fulfil˙ the Biblical Other Resources mitzvah of ridding ourselves of hametz before Pesah-we clean our homes; we burn˙ any We will be posting a variety of remaining crumbs; we verbally declare that Passover resources, downloadable any hametz in our possession is worthless Hagaddot, supplemental readings and no˙ longer owned by us; and to ensure and the like for all ages on our that there is no question about our intent to website. Check back regularly to remove hametz from our possiession, we sell see what’s been added. our hametz˙ to non-Jews who may own As others have noted, it is indeed leavened˙ products on Passover. ironic that a “plague” continues to If you are unable to personally sell your modify our Passover celebrations. hametz, please complete this form no later Passover is our master myth. Just as than˙ 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 25. God redeemed our ancestors from slavery in Egypt, so too will God
Passover Guide • Spring 2021 | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 33 liberation Sessions tuesday, March 30 to Friday, April 2 In celebration of the Passover season, we’re brewing the spirit of liberation at Beth Tzedec with Soul Brew: Liberation Sessions. This short series of conversations with artists, scholars and activists, led by Rabbi Rachel "Bluth" Rosenbluth, will explore slavery, climate change, racial justice, spiritual liberation and gender.
34 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | In and Around the Shul Pesah Lessons ˙ I have not had the chance to meet many Hitzalti—“I will save you,” refers to of you yet, but I'm Matt Goldberg, the physically leaving the land of Egypt; rabbinic intern at Beth Tzedec. I grew Ga’alti—“I will redeem you,” refers to up in Vancouver and now live in Boston, the Sea splitting as the Israelites were where I am in my third year of being chased; In times of trouble, Rabbinical and Cantorial school at Hebrew College. I have only worked at Lakachti—“I will take you” refers to whether persecution Beth Tzedec for a few months but have Sinai, where God took the Israelites as already learned a lot about what it God’s People. or pandemic, we all means to create holy moments This teaching is especially comforting require something a together, whether in person or online. this year because we learn that there is Aside from watching and learning from no “one size fits all” way to find healing. little different to feel the incredible Spiritual Leadership God used (at least) four different ways Team, the most important work I am of saving the Israelites to get them out whole. doing is “engagement” —connecting of Egypt. In times of trouble, whether with members so we can get to know persecution or pandemic, we all require each other and support each other something a little different to feel whole. through challenging times. I enjoy this The beautiful thing is that we all have work not only because I love to talk but something unique to offer. This is why I because I love to learn. I’m eager to learn have enjoyed my work at Beth Tzedec. about the people in my community: their In connecting with this community, I passions, hopes and struggles. I am discover what we each can contribute, grateful for the opportunity to create and what we feel like we are lacking. programs that serve those needs. I am excited to speak to as many "Yitro said to Moshe, 'this thing that you members as possible. I am looking are doing is no good. You will surely forward to learning what I can offer you, wear yourself out, and the people what you can offer me and what we can around you. The task is too heavy for create together. I have been impressed you; you cannot do it alone'” (Shemot with and proud of how this synagogue 18:17-18). has continued to offer a variety of Not too long from now, we will observe religious and social programming, even Pesa h and recall the story of the though we cannot meet in person. ˙ redemption of the Israelites from Egypt. Just like there was not only one way We will go through the process of that God brought the Israelites out of searching for hametz, cleaning and Egypt, there is not only one answer ˙ kashering our homes and reading how about how to make life bearable in a God brought the people out of slavery. pandemic. I am excited to learn from Parashat Va’eira describes God’s work each of you about what has kept you using four verbs. Rabbeinu Bachya, a 13th going this year and to create opportunities century Spanish Torah commentator, for us to come together (virtually). taught that each verb is associated with I would love to hear from you! If you a different moment or part of the have specific ideas or just want to chat, redemption narrative. call, text or email me at 617-903-7257 or Hotzeiti—“I will bring you out,” refers to [email protected]. the stopping of persecution, the actual In the meantime, stay warm and end of slavery; healthy. Hag Samea h. ˙ ˙
In and Around the Shul | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 35 AKaren Daily Goldenberg Minyan Community Appointed We talk a lot about the importance of was an incredibly moving gesture of tobuilding the community. 2020 At a recent Ordercommunity. of Ontario visioning exercise for the Centre for Michael and I started attending Daily Spiritual Well-Being, the Karen Goldenberg describes herself Minyanothers. Heregularly was an as active he moved volunteer overwhelming needs highlighted were as an agent of change, moving throughwith Toronto the stages Jewish of Free mourning. Loan and The for community and social well-being. between a variety of positions and lastwas nineconstantly months donating have afforded his time me and a When we foster greater welcoming, IMy have theory been about able to interests. But she has always been perspectivemoney to those that who I don’t needed believe it. I“My inclusion and care, it has a singularly focused on helping her wouldfather washave not had a ifrich I had man, been but the he one was service delivery is transformative impact on our community and took her mentality of whoa generous had suffered man”, shea loss. recalls. While “No one witness firsthand community and there is no better change to JVS Toronto in 1999. At the supportingcould come Michael to our door throughout that my his that…you take place to highlight the important role time, JVS was a small career and yearfather of wouldn’t Kaddish, give I have money been to.” able Karen to the care, love and community plays at Beth Tzedec than employment services agency witness“lived and firsthand breathed” the this care, philanthropic love and services to people and in our Daily Minyan services. compassion operating out of North York. compassionlifestyle and showntook it byforward and for the not people to services. LeadingFor years, the Shep company, Gangbar, Karen a past took the peoplethroughout who theattend rest Daily of her Minyan. life. rehabilitationpresident and programa regular out at morning of the Karen’sThat first efforts morning, to serve walking the into shown by and for minyan, has been encouraging me basement and put it on the road. “My breakfastunderserved after have services, continued we felt today. and other shul leaders to attend Daily theory about service delivery is that… somewhatShe is currently tentative the Chair(at least of IProject did) as Minyan. To be honest, the services the people who you take services to people and not theAbraham, people a in charitable the Dr. Small organization Lounge were not really on my radar and, people to services”, she says. This appearedthat raises to money be such to ahelp tight-knit Yazidi because I attend shul weekly, I attend Daily theory helped to significantly expand group.refugees But in Michael Turkey andand IraqI were immigrate thought I was attending enough. The JVS’ reach: they developed welcomedto Canada andwith integrate open arms into and first time I was counted as the tenth relationships with mental health and broughtCanadian immediately society. The into Yazidi the fold. I Minyan person in a minyan was at a weekly disability focused agencies in many knowpopulation, how much like the this Jewish has meant population, to Min˙hah-Ma’ariv Service, and while different areas around Toronto. “We Michaelhave been and historically how much discriminated it has helped that experience was profound for me reinvented the agency from a North himagainst deal and with have the suffered loss of his from father. Yorkpersonally, based itagency…to didn’t impel being me ato metro start genocide. Project Abraham His experience is no different than wideattending community weekday that services. serves Ipeople simply establishes Refugee Sponsorship that of our friends who have attended fromdidn’t all understand backgrounds”. the important Now, JVS helps Committees across the GTA, raises Daily Minyan regularly during their individualsservice Beth across Tzedec the provides GTA excel by in funds and awareness of the plight of periods of mourning. The routine, theirholding job services search and twice employment, a day, seven Yazidi’s and advocates on behalf of comradery and the shared loss have withdays a particularweek. Until focus last year.on supporting Yazidi families with the Canadian contributed greatly to the healing newcomers,My father-in-law, youth, Henry individuals Friedman with z”l, government. process. The ebb and flow of the year, passeddisabilities away and very other suddenly underserved on April asKaren’s some dedication mourners haveto serving the 30,populations. 2019. To say Karen that was we awardedwere in shock the completedcommunity saying is inspiring, Kaddish and while her wouldOrder ofbe Canadaan understatement in 2014 for her and otherscontinued have work started, around has thebeen world quite is Rabbipioneering Wernick, efforts Rabbi in Toronto. Frydman-Kohl profound—aremarkable. Sheliving is exampleproud to ofhave the and Yacov Fruchter were a great Karen’s work with JVS expanded on circlebeen appointed of life. to the 2020 Order of hercomfort previous to my work husband as a physical Michael and and Ontario, a well-deserved honour for We at Beth Tzedec are truly occupationalour family. That therapist. first Shabbat To her, after the a lifetime of service and a reminder privileged to have daily occupationalfuneral, when therapy Michael and had to recite of all the lives she has changed along services along with a daily breakfast, employment“Kaddish d’Rabbanan”, services rest Mitch on Max,the a the way. which only serves to enhance the samemember foundation: of the Little “the Minyan underpinnings who was feeling of community. These services ofalso occupational saying kaddish, therapy came are to really stand supportShare our a members Story! and the about…helpingnext to Michael people as a sign to offunction support. at It Do you know someone in our community their maximum capacity.” Helping who's living the Beth Tzedec values? Someone other people achieve their potential making the world better who can inspire and became a central pillar to Karen’s life. empower all of us to care, connect, learn, pray, She credits her father as the role celebrate or give & get? Contact Linda at model who ignited her love of helping [email protected] and let us know who you would like to see profiled in the next Beth Tzedec Bulletin. 36 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | In and Around the Shul Aviva Chernick Nominated for La Serena After leaving the band Jaffa Road in 2016, Aviva Chernick thoughtfully considered her next steps. “What is it that I am meant to bring to the world?” Mazal Tov! Our Aviva had spent the last eight years artist-in-residence, travelling back and forth between Toronto and Alexandria, Virginia to study under the Aviva Chernick’s tutelage of Flory Jagodaz”l. Flory has been known as the mother of the Bosnian- that the relatively recent formation album has been Judeo-Spanish musical tradition and Aviva of the group allows for more had discovered her music, then asked if experimentation in live settings. The nominated for a they could work together. A relationship music evolves as the band develops quickly blossomed between the two artists: together, and “the album becomes Canadian Folk Music “I fell in love with her music, then I fell in inspiration for what’s created next”. Award for World love with her”. Of course, Aviva and her band have not Aviva soon began playing Flory’s music with been able to perform as they used to. Album of the Year. multi-instrumentalist Joel Schwartz. So, as Their last live performance was in August. Aviva pondered her next project, it seemed But Aviva has taken the time to reflect on only fitting that she and Joel record what the album’s success and her appreciation they had worked on. for her role as the Beth Tzedec artist-in- “I thought I’d do a very simple project… residence. She speaks fondly of her just to get it out in the world.” surprise when, at a performance last year, That project turned into the lush, right at the beginning of her tenure at the ten-track album La Serena, which was synagogue, both Rabbis Wernick and recently nominated for a Canadian Folk Fryer Bodzinwere in the audience. “I was Music Award for World Album of the Year. very appreciative that they showed up so She and Joel were joined by bassist and early in our relationship, and I’m excited producerJustin Gray. to be welcomed to share my artistic voice with Beth Tzedec”. Because of the group’s time working on the music, they had already created the —Noah Brown arrangements before they entered the Shortly after this article was written, the studio – it was just a matter of hitting the person to whom La Serena is dedicated, record button. The band spent only three Aviva’s beloved mentor Nona Flory, died. days in the studio together, then spent She passed peacefully on Friday, January the next few weeks adding bits and pieces 29, just as Shabbat was beginning. to round out the album’s sound. There have been many events honouring Aviva’s respect and admiration for the Flory and there will be many more in the music is clear on the album, which coming months. We hope you will attend combines four of Flory’s Ladino and learn about the Mother of the arrangements with a few traditional songs Balkan Ladino tradition, the Keeper of and a couple of originals. It is a textured the Flame, a person so filled with light mixture of Aviva’s Ashkenazi roots with the and love that all those she encountered songs’ Sephardic melodies. felt transformed. Aviva invites us all to Since its release, the album has gone on to turn to Flory’s many recordings online, have a life of its own in live performances: to listen, to enjoy and to become a part “you want it to come alive, you don’t want it of carrying on this rich tradition. to be stuck to the recording”. Aviva notes
In and Around the Shul | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 37 ACare Daily and Minyan Giving Community from the BT Community
Out of the Cold an 8 ft table, this year, two people sit As you know, due to COVID-19 we are at opposite ends of a 12 ft. unable to operate our Out of the Cold There is minimal contact with the Many things have Shelter from Beth Sholom Synagogue guests, which is very hard on us as we changed for Out of this year. This could not have come at are used to interacting with them. a worse time as there are historic They really need that one-on-one the Cold due to the numbers of people sleeping on contact, but under the circumstances, Toronto’s streets. In order to continue we are doing the best that we can. All pandemic, but our serving those we have assisted for so volunteers wear PPE, and the tables, many years, we needed to find a chairs and washrooms are disinfected desire to help those temporary location where we could after each use. feed our homeless population. we have served for The City is no longer providing us Fortunately, my partner Rafi Aaron with staff. We are blessed that we some 22 years was able to secure a partnership with have found wonderful front-line Rev. James Keenan of Saint Luke’s organizations who have partnered remains steadfast. United Church which has allowed us with us and provide staff for the to operate with him at his church on Program. These include: Street Sherbourne Street. Health, Ontario Aboriginal AIDS HIV We opened the Out of the Cold Meal Strategy, and Sanctuary. We have also Program at Saint Luke’s on Sunday, hired one individual. There is December 13. The Program operates currently a deadly opioid overdose on Sunday and Wednesday nights crisis in our city, province and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and its last country. From January to September evening will be on Wednesday, April of 2020 there were 353 overdose 28. The Wednesday night meal is deaths in Toronto. This is a 65% with Rabbi Stevenprovided Wernick by Holy Blossom Temple Out increase in deaths over the same of the Cold and they have been period from 2019. All of the staff work wonderful to work with. We are in harm reduction which means they currently serving approximately 120 have experience in reversing homeless people on those nights. overdoses. Social distancing, health protocols On Sunday, January 10, we began and limits on the number of bringing meals to six encampments individuals in the building at any one scattered throughout the downtown time have changed how we operate. area. We have wonderful volunteer Guests enter the church one at a time drivers who pick up the dinners from and are asked a series of health Saint Luke’s and deliver them. questions and have their temperature Many things have changed for Out of taken. They are then ushered into a the Cold due to the pandemic, but our seating area where they can warm up, desire to help those we have served have a hot chocolate, use the for some 22 years remains steadfast. washrooms or charge their phones. I want to thank the entire Beth Tzedec They then enter the dining area family for its continued support of this where a hot dinner is then provided very necessary program. to them in prepared, individual containers. Whereas in the past, we Maureen Tanz would have had ten people eating at Chair, Hesed Committee ˙
3838 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Hesed Report ˙ Men’s Club Makes a Difference
Men’s Club Scholarship Program • The overall quality of the The Men’s Club is pleased to sponsor application. our long-standing scholarship • Special needs or other program to assist young people consideration. pursuing programs of higher Jewish The information provided is the education. Applicants need not be a sole source upon which the member of Beth Tzedec. scholarship committee will make a The criteria judge applicants is based decision. on the following and should be given Download an application here or careful consideration when applying: contact Hersh Rosenthal at COVID may separate us but photos • The financial need of the candidate. [email protected]. Deadline for and Pesah greetings canbring us submissions: April 9, 2021. • The program of study for which the together! Men's Club is producing a funds will be used. video of our community celebrating • The career goals of the candidate Pesah. Take a photo holding a Pesah ˙ and how the program of study greeting sign and sent it to us. Be relates to it. sure to include your name(s). Submissions should be sent to • The benefit that may be brought [email protected]. to the Jewish community by the candidate.
Anshe-eh Zafon (Lake Region)
Men’s Club Scholarship Program United Nations 2021 Holocaust Remembrance The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs has presented six different webinars during the adjusted to life during the pandemic. The last week of January in conjunction with Friday Night Kiddush Club has continued over FJMC. We have also held programs on Zoom, with different cantors from around the Palestinian refugees since 1948, childhood world leading Kabbalat Shabbat every week. survivors of the Holocaust, recreational All are invited to watch and participate. marijuana use and sports affinity presentations. All upcoming events are on the FJMC website, The FJMC summer convention will be virtual as are links to previously recorded webinars. and held over two weekends. The convention will focus on learning and will feature a wide The Leadership Development Institute retreat array of world-renowned speakers, all of was held virtually in the last weekend of whom will be listed in the next bulletin. January. “Yiddish Alive!” continues to be our most ITo be added to our mailing list, email us at popular online program. Additionally, [email protected].
the Rav Roy tanenbaum Israel Scholarship
Students enrolled in degree programs in accredited colleges or universities in Israel are encouraged to apply for The Rav Roy Tanenbaum Israel Scholarship. For information, contact Randy E. Spiegel at [email protected].
Men’s Club | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 39 An Enormous Thank You!
COVID-19 has had huge financial and Our Spiritual Leadership Team and social impacts to our community. That's support staff are a lifeline, bringing why we want to thank all who are able comfort and community within reach. for stepping forward to help your fellow We continue to be accessible, helping members, demonstrating our strength you access online programs, attend Membership Relief as a community. online minyanim to say Kaddish with Fund and Hanukat The culture of philanthropy is alive, well your physically distanced community and growing at Beth Tzedec. and where possible, we have officiated Habayit campaigns at weddings, funerals and celebrations Annual High Holy Day Appeal for bat and bar mitzvah children, while are close to our goals. This year, President Debbie Rothstein hundreds tune in over Zoom. appealed to you to support the new Everything we do today is for tomorrow. Membership Relief Fund (MRF). To date, Each one of us who can has the we have provided 301 members with opportunity to step forward and help over $175,000 in membership relief. secure the future of your Beth Tzedec. The response to Debbie and her follow- Gifts to the Congregation can be made up letters was remarkable. Many with cash, bonds and appreciated continue to mark lifecycle moments securities, life insurance and through with tzedakah gifts, bringing our total testamentary gifts that say, “I want to raised to date to $167,000, so close to ensure that future generations are our goal of $????. We thank you so much connected to the Jewish community”. and encourage those who can to help push us over the top. Establishing an endowment that will annually sponsor a program or guest Hanukat Habayit Renewal Campaign speaker can provide financial relief for COVID -19 has decimated Beth Tzedec's members, sustain special hesed programs alternative revenue sources; rentals and ˙ and launch new initiatives like the catering have plummeted. As a result, Centre for Spiritual Well-Being. our professional and lay leadership took immediate steps to significantly reduce We are here to work with you to realize expenses while responding to the your philanthropic vision and be a increasing demands for pastoral care builder of community. We are here to and other programs and services. Since work with your financial planners and member contributions cover less than advisors to set up a fund or name a part 50 percent of our expenses, we needed of our building that will remain for a new campaign to balance our budget. generations. Immediately after the High Holy Days, Thank you to all who have given so far we embarked on a special Hanukat and thank you in advance to all who will Habayit renewal campaign and our help secure our future. members have responded to this call to To make a gift or discuss how to make action. To date, commitments total your philanthropic investment work for $263,000 and we are moving ever closer the community, call 416-781-3514, ext. to reaching our $300,000 goal. 211 or email [email protected]. We thank everyone who has contributed. Stay safe, stay healthy and always wear Your renewal of trust in the synagogue a mask. gives everyone the impetus to press —Randy E. Spiegel onward to keep our kehillah strong.
40 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | In and Around the Shul Sharing Memories
Because our life has always been much and authors whose books he consulted, too busy, it was not until my husband’s but he also learned from his students retirement, at the start of COVID, that and from the people who attended his we finally took time out to reflect upon Torah classes. All were treated with the 50 years that he had been associated same respect as his teachers. To his last days, with Beth Tzedec. But Torah study must be accompanied Professor Ages Our first thought was that a thank you by action, “maa'sim tovim” (good deeds), note should be sent to this synagogue and this was another area that meant a continued to search for the opportunity it had given him, a lot to my husband and me. When we professor of French Studies, to experience heard of or witnessed some act of hesed ˙ for and explore any over five decades the great adventure of by any of his Torah students, we always Torah study. hoped that perhaps that good deed was, materials he could What is most important is that he was motivated by the donor’s Torah study. find that would privileged to pursue this undertaking In the weekly Torah reading of Va'yera we for almost three generations with a read of God testing Abraham's faith and enhance his most remarkable group of people. devotion. Although a most challenging test, his response is conveyed in one Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers contains knowledge of the the moral and practical teachings of word—“hineini”—here I am. Torah texts and about 60 sages over a period of nearly When he witnessed any of his Torah five centuries. Two of their teachings class responding to the needs of our which he could share describe so well the type of approach community or Israel, he felt especially Professor Ages z”l had to Torah study. proud. He saw this as the “hineini” response in our own generation and a with his Torah class. 1. “Eize who khakham? Ha'lomed mi'kol true expression of “ahavat Yisrael”, a adam: shene'emar, mikol m'lamdai The Torah for him love and caring for the Jewish people. hiskalti.” (Who is wise? He who learns was truly an “etz from every person, as it is said: From all At this time, my family and I want to my teachers I grew wise.) thank the Beth Tzedec family, its past and present rabbis and its staff for chaim”, a tree of life. To his last days, Professor Ages continued having honoured Professor Ages by to search for and explore any materials making it possible for him to share the he could find that would enhance his precious teachings of the Torah during knowledge of the Torah texts and which the past five decades, and almost three he could share with his Torah class. The generations of Beth Tzedec members. Torah for him was truly an “etz chaim”, a tree of life. We also want to thank all those who reached out to us during these difficult 2. Another most appropriate teaching days. Your thoughtfulness and support in the Pirkei Avot, which reflected of numerous charities in memory of Professor Ages’ approach, is found in Professor Ages have been a source of the passage “Yehi khvod talmidkha great comfort to all of us. khaviv alekha k'shelkha”. (Let the honour of your student be as dear to you, as We are honoured that your Shabbat your own.) Torah classes will continue in memory of my dear husband and best friend, Professor Ages practiced this rule “ ”. throughout his academic career. Not zichrono liv'rakha only did he learn from great scholars —Shoshana Ages
In and Around the Shul | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 41 Tributes Make a donation, send a tribute card and include your listing here to honour your friends and loved ones. For more information about tribute opportunities, call the office at 416-781-3511.
Camp Ramah Fund Cantor Sidney Ezer Rachel Nisker and family, Art and Carole Andrews, acknowledging Discretionary Fund commemorating the yahrtzeit of Isaac Bernie Prusznowski. Phyllis Flatt and family in memory of Donnie Friedman, commemorating the Ab Flatt. yahrtzeit of Mark Bohnen. Marlene Olyan and Arthur Cole, Sharon and Norm Bacal, acknowledging commemorating the yahrtzeit of Donnie Friedman, honouring Cantor Jack Cherlon. Phyllis Flatt in memory of Ab Flatt. Sidney Ezer. Florence Bendelac, acknowledging Lorraine and Morris Rotbard and family, The Glazer Family, honouring Hazzan and Gerry and Donna Koffman and Phyllis Flatt and family in memory of Sidney Ezer for his support after˙ the Ab Flatt. family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of passing of Helen Glazer. Morris Koffman. Howard Black and family, Susan Arbuck, for her friendship. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Mildred Schwartz, commemorating the Ada Starkman. yahrtzeiten of Jack Schwartz and Food Insecurity Fund Michael Meyerson. Howard Black and family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Sharon and Norm Bacal, acknowledging The Segal Family, commemorating the Maxwell Starkman. Phyllis and Jeff Miller in memory of yahrtzeit of Joshua (Shuki) Segal. Maxine Gourley. Howard Black and family, Rachel Shupak and family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of The Band and Mitz Families, commemorating the yahrtzeiten of Philip Black. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Leon and Mindel Shupak. Philip Ephraim Band, Q.C. Dr. Leo and Bayla Chaikof, Adam Spears and Casey Eisenberg, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Annette Bot and family, commemorating honouring Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl Harry Chaikof. the yahrtzeiten of Reva and William for officiating at their daughter's baby Pinkus. naming. Ab z”l and Phyllis Flatt, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Moses Flatt. Cleotilde Ceron, commemorating the Elliott Sud, commemorating yahrtzeit of yahrtzeit of Ernestina Valencia de David Sud. Zina Glassman, acknowledging the Flatt Ceron. Family in memory of Ab Flatt. Martha, Avrom, Howard, Elliott and Carol Clarfield, commemorating the Warren Sud, commemorating the Gloria Houser, honouring the memory of yahrtzeit of William Clarfield. yahrtzeit of David Sud. Ab Flatt. Leonard and Merle Eisen, Norman Tobias and Ava Kanner-Tobias, Dorion and Bernie Liebgott and family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of commemorating the yahrtzeit of acknowledging Phyllis Flatt and family Harry Eisen. Pearl Tobias in memory of Ab Flatt. Fred and Jocelynn Engle, Ruth and Harold Margles, acknowledging commemorating the yahrtzeiten of Phyllis Flatt and family in memory of General Fund Sarah Engle and Gerald Krivel. Ab Flatt. Karen and Bert Amato, acknowledging Diane and Ron Ennis, honouring Fred Marilyn and Saul Merrick, acknowledging Sara Wunch in memory of Engle on his birthday and honouring Phyllis Flatt and family in memory of Jerry Freeman. Fred and Jocelynn Engle on their Ab Flatt. Florence and Elie Bendelac, honouring anniversary. Barry and Susan Phillips, acknowledging Randy and Debbie Spiegel on the birth Martin and Sandra Karp, Phyllis Flatt in memory of Ab Flatt. of their grandson Ayden Julius. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Marjorie Rasky, acknowledging Phyllis Max Karp. Lorne Blumer, honouring the Flatt and family in memory of Ab Flatt. memories of Jack and Rhoda Blumer. Sophia Kert, honouring the memory of Debbie Rothstein, Michael, Emma and Ephraim Newman. Mark Burstyn, honouring the Beth Zach Friedman, acknowledging the Flatt Tzedec Spiritual Leadership Team for Susan Laufer and Barry Greenberg, Family in memory of Ab Flatt. providing the online minyan. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Caryl and Bernie Schwartz and family, Ida Laufer. Paula Clayman, commemorating the honouring the memory of Ab Flatt. Ruthe Mann and family, yahrtzeit of Sadie Spivack. Brenda and Jeroham Singer, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Jordan Gnat, honouring the memory of acknowledging Phyllis Flatt and family Dr. John Mann. Willy Gnat. and Harold and Carole Wolfe in memory Irving Matlow, honouring David Matlow Morley Goldberg, acknowledging of Ab Flatt. on his 60th birthday. Shoshana Ages in memory of Randy and Debbie Spiegel and family, Irving Matlow and family, Professor Arnold Ages. acknowledging the Flatt Family in commemorating the yahrtzeit of Dr. Eudice Goldberg, commemorating memory of Ab Flatt. Anne Climans. the yahrtzeit of Richard Goldberg.
42 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Tributes Janis and Robert Goldberg, honouring The Cooper Family, commemorating Jack and Libby Orenstein Adult Rabbi Baruch Frydman Kohl. the yahrtzeit of Nathan Korzenstein. Education Fund Gerold and Rosylin Goldlist and family, Judith and Aubrey Golden, Roslynne and Harry Greenberg, commemorating the yahrtzeit of commemorating the yahrtzeit of commemorating the yahrtzeit of Charlotte (Shaindel) Goldlist. Pearl Freedhoff. Belle Korzen. Lou and Magda Hoffer, Daisy Hort and family, commemorating commemorating the yahrtzeit of the yahrtzeit of John Hort. Jewish Family Living Fund Sali Hoffer. Honey Milstein, acknowledging Sam Brenda Orser, acknowledging Yacov Lou and Magda Hoffer, Glazer and family in memory of Fruchter in memory of Sylvia Fruchter. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Helen Glazer. Sam Hoffer. Barry and Genny Nathanson, Jonathan Kahn Memorial Fund Shaya and Ziva Izenberg, acknowledging Sam and Melissa commemorating the yahrtzeit of Glazer and Steven and Karen Glazer Norman and Jackie Kahn and family, |Helen Izenberg. and families in memory of commemorating the yahrtzeit of Robert and Janice Jordan, Helen Glazer. Rose Kahn. acknowledging Jerry and Linda Silver Susan and Barry Philips, in memory of Arlene (Etty) Silver. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Kaddish Fund The Pervin Family, acknowledging David Hamer. Alan and Ellen Levine and family, Robert Garmaise and family in Marjorie Rasky, acknowledging the commemorating the yarhtzeit of memory of Michael Garmaise. Glazer Family in memory of Dr Sidney Steinberg. The Rash Family, commemorating the Helen Glazer. Marcus Scoler, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Harry Rash. Marlene, Ian, Mitchell and Samantha yahrtzeit of Renee Sandra Scoler. Allan and Ellen Rosenbluth, Rattner, commemorating the Terry Walman, commemorating the acknowledging Stephen and Ilene yahrtzeiten of Phillip Black, Ada yahrtzeit of Bernard S. Walman. Flatt in memory of Ab Flatt. Starkman and Maxwell Starkman. Loren and Mark Roth, honouring Sarah Lorraine and Alan Sandler, Kosher Food Bank commemorating the yahrtzeit of and Benjamin Yavelberg on the birth Sandra Appel, honouring the memory of Sheila Broomberg. of their daughter. Rebecca Appel. Arlene Shillinger, acknowledging the Gella Rothstein, acknowledging Dorion Harvey Coopersmith, commemorating Good Family in the memory of Liebgott in memory of Ralph Berrin. the yahrtzeit of Joseph Coopersmith. Mendel Good. Richard Seligman, commemorating the Susanne Egier and family, acknowledging Howard and Emily Snow and family, yahrtzeit of Merle Seligman. Jerry and Linda Silver in memory of commemorating the yahrtzeit of Richard Seligman, commemorating the Arlene (Etty) Silver. S. Milton (Mickey) Snow. yahrtzeit of Sidney Seligman. Ruth and Alby Garbe and family, Cantor Deborah Staiman, wishing The Shinewald Family, honouring commemorating the yahrtzeit of Florence Bendelac a refuah sheleimah. Sylvie Moscovitz and Max Librach on Esther Matlow. Dot Whitehouse, acknowledging their marriage. Frances and Moishe Goldstein, Hilary Moore on marking the The Valo Family, commemorating the honouring the memories of Ann and conclusion of Kaddish. yahrtzeit of Sidney Valo. Wolf Woznica. Marlene Zeidenberg, honouring Hana Howard (Hy) Cooper Trust Fund Nathan Greenberg and family, Werner. honouring Cantor Sidney Ezer. Mila Zigelman and family, Carole and Art Andrews, acknowledging Esther Hussman, honouring the commemorating the yahrtzeit of Barbara Lewis Warner and family in memory of Binyamin Mizrachi. memory of Joe Warner. Leon Zigelman. Murray and Adrienne Levinter Carole and Art Andrews, acknowledging Irving Matlow, commemorating the Hesed Fund Phyllis Miller in memory of Maxine ˙ Gourley. yahrtzeit of Esther Matlow. Sharon and Norman Bacal, Irving Matlow, honouring Ruth Garbe acknowledging Bernie Good and Arthur and Carole Andrews, honouring Solly Stern on his birthday. on her birthday. Jennifer Joseph in memory of Nadine Smolarski Koff and David Koff, Mendel Good. Sandra and Jack Grossman and family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of commemorating the yahrtzeit of Rosalee Berlin and family, Henri Smolarski. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Murray Bisgould. Ronnie, Elana and Evan Hoffer, Howard Sud, commemorating the Rose Berlin. yahrtzeit of David Sud. Rosalee Berlin and family, commemorating the first yahrtzeit of Sam Hoffer. Joe and Marilyn Sunshine, acknowledging commemorating the yahrtzeit of Jerry and Linda Silver in memory of Rose Greenberg. Elaine Marcus, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Stanley Axmith. Etty Silver. The Cooper Family, commemorating Sara Wunch, commemorating the the yahrtzeit of Hyman Perry. yahrtzeit of Cypora Kamel. The Cooper Family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Mervin Cooper.
Tributes | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 43 Mila Zigelman and family, honouring the The daughters of Jack Friedman, The Rothstein and Rosenberg families, memory of Leya Goldshteyn. commemorating his yahrtzeit. honouring their ancestors, the Goldhars Shep and Lorraine Gangbar, honouring and Rothsteins. Lighting the Way Fund Larry Wallach. Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Howard Cohen, honouring Daniel Marvin Geist, commemorating the acknowledging Bernie Good and Silverman and Rachel Hindel on the yahrtzeit of Samuel Louie Geist. Jennifer Joseph in memory of birth of their daughter. Sandra Gertner, commemorating the Mendel Good. Miriam Melamed, acknowledging yahrtzeit of Eva Reich. Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Zelda Melamed in memory of The Gross and Hurwitz Families, acknowledging Rosette Rutman in Lenn Melamed. commemorating the yahrtzeit of memory of Abraham Rutman. Dot Whitehouse, honouring Rabbi Harold Gross. Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Baruch Frydman-Kohl. Martin Halpern and Karen Glass, acknowledging Claire and Newton commemorating the yahrtzeit of Markus and Joey, Linda, Marty and Little Minyan Fund Sidney Halpern. Janice in memory of Ruth Bayne. Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Michael Hartt, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Rose Gallay Hartt. honouring Adam and Sherri Storm on acknowledging the Zworth Family in the bat mitzvah of their daughter memory of Mickey Zworth. Karen Hersh and Lawrence Davis Abby Storm. Ruth Torchinsky, honouring Shirel Ruth Hyman and family, commemorating Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Barkin-Slater for her good work and the yahrtzeit of Gurion Hyman. honouring Elise Stern Gropper and the joyful goodwill she brings to the Shaya and Ziva Izenberg, commemorating Bernie Gropper on the birth of their community. the yahrtzeit of Isaac Izenberg. grandson. Ruth Panofsky and Gary Gottlieb and Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Lorne Hanick Website family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of honouring Daniel Silverman and Rachel Development Fund Marvin Panofsky. Hindel on the birth of their daughter. Ronnie, Elana and Evan Hoffer, Jerome and Pearl Kazdan, commemo- Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, honouring Lorne Hanick. rating the yahrtzeit of Louis Kazdan. honouring Marice Hart and Benjamin Barbara and Ricky Kirshenblatt and Dolly and Max Kerzner, commemorating Shinewald on the bat mitzvah of their family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of the yahrtzeiten of Murray Penwick and daughter Orly Shinewald. Gordon Quitt. Tillie Penwick Mandel. Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, Brenda Orser, commemorating the Anna Leventhal, honouring the memories honouring Randy and Debbie Spiegel yahrtzeit of Bryan W.R. Orser. of Dr. and Mrs. Abraham Leventhal. on the birth of their grandson. The Librach and Funt Families, Debbie Rothstein, Michael, Emma and Membership Relief Fund commemorating the yahrtzeit of Zach Friedman, acknowledging the Alexander Funt. Garmaise Family in memory of Ethel Abramowitz, commemorating the Glennie Lindenberg and Morley Brown, Michael Garmaise. yahrtzeit of Siegmund Martin commemorating the yahrtzeit of Paul and Gella Rothstein, commemorting Kamnitzer. Rose Brown. the yahrtzeit of Isaac Rothstein. Earl Altman and family, commemorating Lawrie and Ruthann Lubin and Carole Patti and Sheldon Rotman, the yahrtzeit of Sonny Altman. and Bernie Starkman, commemorating acknowledging Rosette Rutman in Florence and Elie Bendelac, honouring the yahrtzeit of Max Lubin. memory of Abraham Rutman. Dr. Anna Day. Pam and Ted Minden, commemorating Patti and Sheldon Rotman, Esther Bernstein, commemorating the the yahrtzeit of Dr. John and Marcia acknowledging Shari Teichman in yahrtzeit of Isaac and Bella Rich. Wiseman. memory of Allan Wolfson. Ira Bernstein, commemorating the Elaine and Marvin Mintz and family, Patti and Sheldon Rotman, honouring yahrtzeit of Dr. Abraham Bernstein. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Bernard Gropper and Elise Stern Melvin and Sandra Brown, honouring Sari Troister. Gropper on the birth of their grandson. the memories of Saul Brown, Lena Norman and Susan Mogil, commemo- Patti and Sheldon Rotman, honouring Brown and Celia Tanzman. rating the yahrtzeit of Ruth Mogil. Don and Leanne Smith on their Lyle Cappe, commemorating the Barbara Nemoy Leibel, honouring the marriage. yahrtzeit of Solomon Freedman. memories of Helen and Max Nemoy. Patti and Sheldon Rotman, honouring Lyle Cappe and family, commemorating Molly and John Pollock, commemorating Marlene and Howard Black on the bar the yahrtzeit of David Cappe. the yahrtzeit of Bernard Koffman. mitzvah of their son Adam Black. Cheryl and Maury Cepler, commemo- Mary and Leslie Richmond, Coleman Rotstein, commemorating the rating the yahrtzeit of Sam Abramson. commemorating the yahrtzeit of yahrtzeit of Dr. Morris Rotstein. Larry, Jordan and Jamie Chad and Andrew Mittelman. Jeanne Salit, commemorating the Eunice Tanzer, commemorating the Susan and John Rose, commemorating yahrtzeit of Ethel Cooke. yahrtzeit of Dr. Lionel Tanzer. the yahrtzeiten of Betty Skolnik and Dr. Renee Sananes-Spiegel and Robert Joyce and Paul Chapnik, commemorating Harry Swadron. Spiegel, commemorating the yahrtzeit the yahrtzeit of Mollie Peiser. Sandra and Hascal Rosen, of Joseph Sananes. Anne Fergus, commemorating the commemorating the yahrtzeit of Fay Schwartz, in appreciation of the yahrtzeit of Samuel Roher. Leah Zatz. Beth Tzedec Book and Film Club.
44 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Tributes Paul Sheldon and Amy Phillips, Phyllis Budgie Frieberg and family, Elaine and Joseph Steiner, honouring commemorating the yahrtzeit of commemorating the yahrtzeit of the Spiritual Leadership and staff of Irving Sheldon. Joseph Frieberg. Beth Tzedec. Eric Sobel and family, commemorating Sally Gallinger, commemorating the Gilda Tanz and Martin Kelman, the yahrtzeiten of Bert Fine, Eli Sobel, yahrtzeiten of Herschel and commemorating the yahrtzeit Ben Sobel, Frances Sobel and Edith Rubinstein. Alex Newman. Lilian Fine. Morrie and Cynthia Glick, commemorat- Gilda Tanz and Martin Kelman, Eric Sobel and family, commemorating ing the yahrtzeit of Reuben Glick. commemorating the yahrtzeit of the yahrtzeit of Meyer Samuel Fine. Abe and Janice Glowinsky, honouring Bernard Newman. Eric Sobel and family, honouring Eric’s Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl. Gilda Tanz and Martin Kelman, birthday and the anniversary of his bar Beverley Kupfert, commemorating the commemorating the yahrtzeit of mitzvah. yahrtzeit of Morris Kupfert. Rebecca Newman. Deborah and Lloyd Speyer and family, Jack and Diane Livingston, commemorating the yahrtzeit of commemorating the yahrtzeit of Prayer Book Dedications Esther Wells. Monroe Abbey, Q.C. Sandy Cohen and family, commemorat- Debbie and Randy Spiegel and family, Anne and Mitch Max, honouring the ing the yahrtzeit of Irwin (Bob) Cohen. honouring Ian Tweyman. memory of Edith Atkin Goodis. Sandra Cohen, commemorating the Mel and Ruth Steinhart, honouring the Marvin and Elaine Mintz, yahrtzeiten of Murray L. and Minnie memories of Harry Steinhart and commemorating the yahrtzeit of Clavir. Sam Siegel. Abraham Mintz. Claire Friedlich Markus, commemorating Reesa and Avrom Sud, commemorating Petra Newton and family, the yahrtzeit of Fanny Steinberg. the yahrtzeiten of David Sud and commemorating the yahrtzeit of Michelle Glied-Goldstein and Allan Louis Hotz. Sam Pearlman. Goldstein, commemorating the Carole and Howard Tanenbaum and Ruth Nichols, commemorating the yahrtzeit of William (Bill) Glied. family and Jane Josephson, yahrtzeit of Samuel Nichols. Michael, Dianne, Ashley and Jonah commemorating the yahrtzeit of Ruth Nichols and Dianne Zeifman, Rose Granick. Gould, honouring the memory of Allan acknowledging the Rosen Family in Gould and commemorating the first Felicia Valo, commemorating the memory of Helen Rosen. yahrtzeit of Marion Gould. yahrtzeit of William Travis. Frank and Milli Richmond, Shirley Promislow, commemorating the Arlyn and Danny Zimmerman, commemorating the yahrtzeit of yahrtzeit of Corinne Gandler Koslovsky. acknowledging the Flatt Family in Edward I. Richmond. memory of Ab Flatt. Shirley and David Promislow and family, Milli and Frank Richmond, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Oscar Zimmerman and Anna Day, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Israel Gandler. commemorating the yahrtzeiten of Larry Lorman. Irving, Rosalynd and Laura, Asher Zelek Zimmerman and Sarah Lawrence Ross commemorating the Devorah Zimmerman. commemorating the yahrtzeit of yahrtzeit of Marianne Ross. Elie Lefler. Lorraine and Morris Rotbard and family, David and Elana Seligman, honouring Out-of-the-Cold Fund acknowledging Gerry Koffman in the memory of Ann Samuels. Jack and Diane Abbey-Livingston, com- memory of Annie Koffman. Rosalie White and family, memorating the yahrtzeit of Philip Pass. Jeanne Salit, commemorating the commemorating the yahrtzeit of Cindy Breslin-Carene, commemorating yahrtzeit of Emmanuel Cooke. Lionel White. the yahrtzeit of Hannah Stern Breslin. Judith and Ralph Shiff, commemorating Arthur Cole, commemorating the the yahrtzeit of Samuel Troster. yahrtzeiten of Judith and Allen Cole. Renata Somers, honouring Dr. Fred Fred and Ruth Fishman, honouring Engle on his birthday. Maya Mandell on her bat mitzvah.
By contributing to Beth tzedec’s many funds, scholarships, and initiatives, you heal and build our community. Click here for a list of Beth tzedec Funds.
Tributes | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 45 Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl The Houser Family, commemorating Warren Sud and family, commemorating Endowment Fund the yahrtzeit Lena Houzer. the yahrtzeit of David Sud. Dennis Brockman, honouring the Rochelle Linden and family, Line and Steven Troster, memories of Louis Brockman, Mr. commemorating the yahrtzeit of commemorating the yahrtzeiten of Jean and Mrs E. Moskoff, Mr. and Mrs. N. David Risen. and Madeleine Veillant. Brockman, Dr. and Mrs S. Wax, Max The Lindenberg and Weizman Families, Terry Walman, commemorating the Lefko, Ben Springer, Mr. and Mrs. H. commemorating the yahrtzeit of yahrtzeit of Bernard S. Walman. Lee, Roberta Lee, Helene Springer, Philip Lindenberg. Robert Springer and Donna Steinberg. Elie Malka, commemorating the Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin Jeffrey and Tamara Cummings, yahrtzeit of Aliyah Malka. Discretionary Fund commemorating the yahrtzeit Caroline and Danny Mandell and family, Terri Humphries, acknowledging Dr. Anne Cummings. honouring Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl. Rosette Rutman and Stephen Abrams Jeffrey and Tamara Cummings, Elaine Marcus, commemorating the in memory of Abraham Rutman. commemorating yahrtzeit of yahrtzeit of Max Marcus. Terri Humphries, acknowledging Michael Cummings. Melissa Melnitzer, honouring the Tamara Abrams in memory of Vera and Larry Finkelstein, memory of Catherine Adam. Abraham Rutman. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Roslyn Mendelson and family, Candy Kurk and Lawrie Giddens, Esther Glassman. commemorating the yahrtzeit of honouring Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin. Fred and Ruth Fishman, honouirng Fay Bigman. Lawrie Lubin and Carole Starkman, Rabbi Baruch and Josette Frydman- Honey Milstein, commemorating the commemorating the yahrtzeit of Kohl on the birth of their granddaughter. yahrtzeit of Sarah Nisker. Joseph Baruch Cooper. Phyllis Flatt, commemorating the Marjorie Rasky, honouring Zina yahrtzeit of Beatrice Wolfe. Glassman on her retirement. Rabbi Steven Wernick z"l Ab and Phyllis Flatt, honouring Daniel Franci Schwartz Sniderman, honouring Discretionary Fund Silverman and Rachel Hindel on the Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl. birth of their daughter. Earl Altman and family, commemorating Don Smith, honouring Rabbi Baruch the yahrtzeit of Ruth Altman. Phyllis Flatt, commemorating the Frydman-Kohl for his participation in yahrtzeit of Nettie Albert. the Maagal Group. Dr. Earl Berger and Dr. Joan Moss, Phyllis Flatt, commemorating the honouring the memories of Louis and Beverley Stern and family, Salome Berger. yahrtzeit of Samuel Abraham Albert. commemorating the yahrtzeit of The Glazer Family, honouring Rabbi Morton Stern. Murray and Cheryl Cepler, Baruch Frydman-Kohl for his support commemorating the yahrtzeit of Harry Stilman, commemorating the Frances Irene Cepler. after the passing of Helen Glazer. yahrtzeit of Naemi Stilman. Ydessa Hendeles, commemorating the The Goldbach Family, commemorating yahrtzeit of Dorothy Hendeles. the yahrtzeit of Jack Goldbach.
with Rabbi Steven Wernick
Monday afternoons 12:30 PM Rabbi Steven Wernick gathers a cadre of community personalities for conversations on politics, culture, social existence and Jewish life. Grab a cup of coffee and log on to join us. Sessions will be streamed to Facebook and YouTube. Comment with questions for our guests on either platform. New guests are added to the series regularly. Check our website frequently for updates. March 1: Rakefet Ginsberg April 12: Shmuel Rosner March 8: Annamie Paul April 19: Dawit Demoz March 15: Rabbi David Steinhardt April 26: DJ Schneeweiss March 22: Norman Bacal May 3: Debbie Berlin and Rob Kamen April 5: Rosette Rutman May 10: Tammy Glied
46 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Tributes Sid and Nancy Golden, commemorating Dot Whitehouse, honouring the Marsha Joseph, honouring Bernice the yahrtzeit of Isadore Rosen. Hussman Family. Stern on the birth of her great-grandson. Jack Gwartz, commemorating the Bari Zittell, commemorating the Marsha Joseph, honouring Cliff and yahrtzeit of Mary Raskin. yahrtzeit of Stan Stern. Judy Librach on the marriage of their Jerome and Pearl Kazdan, Bari Zittell, honouring the volunteers, son Max Librach and Sylvie Moscovitz. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Spiritual Leadership, staff and the Michael Katz and family, commemora- Martin Kazdan. Board of Directors. ting the yahrtzeiten of Melvin and Harold Margles, commemorating the Bari and Teddy Zittell, acknowledging Blanche Katz. yahrtzeit Maurice Margles. Thea Weisdorf and Allan Kanee and Ruthe Mann and family, commemorating Marsha Pascoe, honouring Hana Werner. family in memory of Isa Elman. the yahrtzeit of Jeffrey Mann. Millie Pollock, acknowledging Susan Irving Matlow, commemorating the Lindzon and family in memory of Reuben and Helene Dennis yahrtzeit of Esther Matlow. Ab Flatt. Museum Fund Marcia Schnoor, commemorating the Millie Pollock, commemorating the Debbie Rothstein and Michael Friedman, yahrtzeit of Betty Billinkoff. yahrtzeiten of Fay Tobenstein, Muriel acknowledging the the Berrin Family in Pearl Seetner, acknowledging Shoshana Gorsky and Harry Tobenstein. memory of Ralph Berrin. Ages in memory of Professor Arnold The Rogul Children, commemorating Ages. the yahrtzeit of Norman Rogul. Torah Through the Ages Fund Paul and Mari Spring, acknowledging Shoshana Ages and family in memory Marcia Schnoor and family, The Ackerman Family, commemorating of Professor Arnold Ages. commemorating the yahrtzeit of the yahrtzeit of Dr. John Ackerman. Jack Schnoor. Cantor Deborah Staiman, acknowledging Frances Ackerman and Henry Einstoss, Shoshana Ages and family in memory Mildred Schwartz, commemorating the commemorating the yahrtzeit of of Professor Arnold Ages. yahrtzeiten of Michael Meyerson and Jack Einstoss. Jack Schwartz. Lyon Wexler, acknowledging the Albina Backman, commemorating the Ages Family in memory of Professor Beverley Stern and family, yahrtzeit of Mariana Rozencwajg. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Arnold Ages. Sidney Brown, commemorating the Morton Stern. Dot Whitehouse, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Morris Brown. yahrtzeit of Louis Whitehouse. Refugee Program Sam and Melissa Glazer, acknowledging Irving Matlow in memory of Yom Hashoah Candle Fund Rosalee Berlin and family, Jean Matlow. commemorating the yahrtzeit of Sam and Melissa Glazer, commemorating Brenda Orser, commemorating the Anne Tennenbaum. the yahrtzeit of Anna Glazer. yahrtzeit of Bryan W.R. Orser. Linda Brager, honouring the Beth Sam and Melissa Glazer, honouring Brenda Orser, commemorating the Tzedec Refugee Sponsorship Group. Jeffrey Cummings. yahrtzeit of Trevor R.S. Orser. The Caplan Sisters, commemorating the Gloria Houser, acknowledging yahrtzeit of Leonard Caplan. Shoshana Ages in memory of In the event of an error in your Fred and Ruth Fishman, honouring Bari Professor Arnold Ages. Tribute contribution, please Zittell and wishing her success in the contact Terri Humphries. ongoing endeavours with the Beth Tzedec Refugee Sponsorship Group. Edna Hussman, Ayal Lesh and Dori Hussman-Lesh, honouring Adam and Sherri Storm on the bat mitzvah of their daughter Abby Storm. Irving Matlow Jerry McIntosh, honouring the Beth Tzedec Sponsorship Group. Rochelle and Peter Miller, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Samuel Izenberg. Danny Richmond, honouring Bari Zittell and Lori Nemoy. Are you a Beth Tzedec member with a child attending Camp Ramah Malka Rosenbaum, honouring Bayla, in Canada for the first time? BT members have access to one incentive Sam, Myles, Aiden, Maddie and Reed. grant per family, thanks to The Beth Tzedec and Phyllis & Ab Flatt Paul and Gella Rothstein Camp Ramah in Canada Incentive Program Family Fund. Abby Storm, honouring Rabbi Steven For additional information about summer camping opportunities, please Wernick. contact Daniel Silverman at [email protected] or call Pearl and Lloyd Weiss, honouring 416-781-3514, ext. 231. Irving Matlow.
Tributes | ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 47 Condolences The Congregation extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the late: Pearl Amsterdam Joyce levy-Shier Rick Baer Ruth Marks Ruth Bayne Jean Matlow Ralph Berrin Susan Moneta Gail Cross Marcel Mozes loss in the time of COVID-19: Roslyn Eisen Fanny Fay Radzinsky A Bereavement Support Group with louis Enchin Beth Randolph Debbie Berlin and Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin Abraham (Ab) Flatt helen Rosenbaum Jerry Freeman Abraham Rutman thursdays, March 4 & 18 and May 3 at 7:45 PM Michael Garmaise Arnold Somers Bluma Gertner Fern Sugarman The loss of a loved one, at any time, is Mendel Good Bernie tishman challenging. Loss during the time of COVID-19 Shirley Grossman Margaret Weinstein brings a host of other issues that may Maxine Gourley Evelyn Wolfe complicate our grief and bereavement. Judaism Mel himel Allan Wolfson has a clear set of mourning rituals that have Isaac Jesin Mickey zworth been painfully absent during this pandemic. No charge. For information or to join this group, “May the God of mercy sustain and strengthen email Rabbi Fryer Bodzin. them in their sorrow.” Memorial Plaques If you wish to honour the memory of a dear one, a fitting, traditional and dignified remembrance is through a memorial plaque and lamp. Each plaque, bearing the name and yahrtzeit date, is mounted on a bronze tablet in the Sanctuary. The lamp is lit on the Shabbat of the week of the yahrtzeit, on the day of the yahrtzeit, and on the four festivals during the year when Yizkor is recited. To order a memorial plaque, click here or contact our Ritual Director Lorne Hanick at 416-781-3514, ext. 240.
Everything we do today is for tomorrow Beth Tzedec has many 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 inscribing a siddur on a yahrtzeit. For a complete list of Ralph Berrinz"l Synagogue funds, click here or call 416-781-3511. Ralph Berrin, a volunteer in the Beth Tzedec Reuben and Helene Dennis Museum and a If you are interested in leaving a legacy for the frequent tour guide through the shul, passed away Congregation to name a special project, youth on December 15 after a brief illness. Our kehillah program or adult education seminar, I would be will miss his insight about the museum and pleased to help you plan today for tomorrow. archives as well as the stories of our synagogue Email Randy Spiegel at 416-781-3514, ext. 211 to and broader Jewish community. discuss these opportunities in confidence.
48 ADAR 5781 • MARCh 2021 | Passover Menu 2021 | 5781 Email Orders to @apexkoshercatering.com All Orders Must be Received by Sunday March 21st, 2021 Available for Pick-Up From 10AM to 1PM on Friday, March 26th, 2021
QTY QTY Pan Seared Chicken Supreme SOUPS$16 & per APPETIZERS litre (serves 4) MAINSServed with Mango Peach Salsa and Au Jus $18 per portion Chicken Noodle Soup with Brunoise of Carrot, Celery, Onion and Diced Chicken Citrus Glazed Salmon $20 per litre (serves 4) Served with Citrus Pomegranate Salsa $22 per 8 oz portion Clear Chicken Soup $12 per litre (serves 4) Montreal Spiced Braised Brisket Served with Au Jus Matzah Balls $30 per 8oz portion $2 per piece
With Red Beet Horseradish Cajun Spiced Chicken Leg Quarters $4 per 4oz portion ADDITIONAL$12 for 2 pieces $25 for 6 pieces
With Red Beet Horseradish Chicken Fingers $4 per 4oz portion with Ketchup and Plum Sauce $30 per dozen
Crispy Chicken Wings with Smokey BBQ Sauce Mixed Green Salad $24 per dozen with Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin Segments, Sweet Pickled SALADHeirloom Carrots, Honey Berry Dressing Charoset $6 per portion $15 per 500 ml Baby Spinach Salad Seder Plate With Roasted Red and Golden Beets, Balsamic Vinaigrette $20 per plate $6 per portion Red Beet Horseradish $7.50 per 250 ml
Herb Garlic Crisp Potato with Garlic Chimichurri SIDES/STARCH$5 per portion (6oz . portions) Frozen Lemon Cake Potato Kugel INDIVIDUAL$7 per piece DESSERTS $14 per pan (7” x 4”) Flourless Chocolate Cake Apple Kugel $6 per piece $16 per pan (7” x 4”) CLIENT INFORMATION Herb Sautéed Mixed Vegetables $5 per portion (6oz. portions) Name ______Address ______Phone # (_____) _____ - ______Date ____ / ____ / ______$40 per person Minimum 2 Servings Email ______PAYMENT INFORMATION SEDERSeder SET Set MenuMENU includes: CREDIT CARD • Chicken Noodle Matzah Ball Soup Credit Card # ______• Baby Spinach Salad with Roasted Red and Golden Beets, Balsamic Vinaigrette Expiry Date ____ / ____ CCV ______• Pan Seared Chicken Supreme Served with Mango Peach E-TRANSFER: [email protected] Salsa with Au Jus •Herb Crisp Potato with Garlic Chimichurri PICK UP/DELIVERY •Sautéed Mixed Vegetables Beth Tzedec Beth Emeth • Choice of Individual Dessert - frozen lemon cake and Delivery 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 here. PM
7:45
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the sam & sarah kerzner and josephholocaust kerzner memorial institute Struggle for Civil Rights Struggle American Jews and the Jews and the American Our People Are Your People: People: Your Are Our People guest scholar In keeping with current Public Health and physical distancing recommendations, and physical distancing Health with current Public In keeping
Pre-registration required. Pre-registration movement and the American Jewish community. movement and the American Jewish community. intersection between the American Civil Rights intersection between the American Civil Professor Stephen Berk will address the point of Stephen Berk will address the point Professor WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 WEDNESDAY,
this program will be offered via Zoom. Pre-registration is required in order to Pre-registration via Zoom. this program will be offered can do so by clicking You receive the link information. Professor Stephen Berk Stephen Professor