Av / Elul / Tishri 5776 / 5777 Vol. 27. No. 1 September / October 2016
THE BULLETIN
Congregation Agudas Israel 715 McKinnon Ave, Saskatoon S7H 2G2 (306) 343-7023 Fax: (306) 343-1244 Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky Website: www.agudasisrael.org President: Harold Shiffman Welcome Yaniv and Sapir Atiya Shalom Saskatoon! We are Yaniv and Sapir – I was born on March 30th 1993, Sapir Atiya, a newlywed couple from in Jerusalem, Israel, where I live until this Jerusalem, Israel. We got married 5 months day. I’m the second born child to Yoram and ago on February 28th, after six wonderful Revital Yazdi, and have three siblings. An years together. older brother, Maayan, 24 and the CEO of We decided to go on Shlichut together in an Israeli startup company. a younger sister, the purpose of sharing our love of Israel with Lihi, 22, a pastry cook by profession, and the community of Saskatoon, and to help a current Shlicha in J-camp at the JCC of strengthen the bond between the community San Antonio, Texas, and a younger brother and Israel. Shaked, 17years old, a high school student. We come from hugging, loving and warm I was a student in the ‘Jerusalem Academy families in Israel, and therefore we hope that of Music and Dance’ for my high school we’ll be able to find our way into the warm years, there I learned to be a singer and was a family of Saskatoon. Here’s a little bit about continued on page 12 ourselves: October 12 • Join us to Sing in the 7:15 pm New Year! Please join us Bring your children, bring immediately after your parents, bring your Yom Kippur Services friends! Be a part of a sweet for a light pastry Oneg evening of music and to break the fast. food and Rosh Hashanah celebration. Our “music-abrasion” will nd B’nai Brith 62 include Chazzan Fabian, Silver Plate Dinner and our talented new Tuesday,November 8th, 2016 Shlichim. Our musical Rosh Hashanah sing along and TCU • Cocktails 5:30 pm • Dinner 6:30 pm • $225 / ticket service at 6 pm will be • Dinner Chairman: David Katzman • Audiovisual: Bryce Sasko followed by dinner. • Ticket Chairman: Arnie Shaw • We’re Proud of You Award • The We’re Proud of You • Display: Steven Simpson Award: Randy Katzman • The Master Of Ceremonies: Sunday, October 2, 6:00 pm • Silent and Live Auction: Ron Gitlin Michael Shaw Prices of dinner to follow.
Annual General Meeting Of Congregation Agudas Israel Wednesday, September 21st, 7:30 pm
This page is sponsored by Gladys Rose of Toronto Deadline for the next Bulletin is October 15th, 2016 Thank you to CAI and B’nai Brith for their support of Sum Theatre’s Theatre in the Park 2016: Little Badger and the Fire Spirit. Almost 7,000 people participated in this summer’s production -- and we could not have done it without your generosity!
Joel Bernbaum Artistic Director Sum Theatre Saskatoon 306.880.4SUM (4786)
T I T L E riend, Grandpa My Good F S I B U TO R C O N T R e y Elaine Sharf Story b y Karen Sim Illustrations b P E C S B O O K S Book Launch 978-1-927756-71-3 cover) T I T L E July 2016 $9.95 (soft 24 pages, 8 x 8 S I N G T I P McNalleyM A R K E T Robinson Book Store e book, ages 3-6 My Good Friend, Grandpa en’s pictur ork • Childr ated orginal artw aries antly illustr eachers, schools, libr • Vibr ents, t tergenerational bonds C O N T R I B U TO R S • Of interest to par ead, charming story of in • Easy-to-r Saturday, Septembertle story about a 10th - 1 pm S Story by Elaine Sharfe R E V I E W amily bonds in this gen aptures the depth of f VERTHORNE, tions e c and Convic Illustrations by Karen Sim “Elaine Sharf andfather.” —JUDITH SIL alo en in boy and his gr ages childr ovoking. This book eng TIE BELL, B O O K S P E C S Authoraward-winning a utElainehor of Honouring the Buff Sharfeoved!”—KA has a passion for writing arming. Inspiring. Thougtihotn-sp.r Teacher appr “Heart-w ational family connec intergener eacher children’sGrade 1 t stories.L I G H T S Her inspiration comes from the H July 2016 978-1-927756-71-3 A L H I G tario and Florida. OT I O N atchewan, BC, On P R O M ts in Sask w, ven rairie Books No 24 pages, 8 x 8 $9.95 (softcover) eading and signing e estern Producer, P childhood• Author r memoriesatchewan, W of her four children and the ead Sask a. romotion in R • P a and www.saskbooks.c M A R K E T I N G T I P S www.ynwp.c mes R ATO R iration co I L L U S T s. Her insp 4 H O R & n’s storie s of her 1 anticsA U T of her 14ing ch ildgrandchildren.Are the antic freelance writer, rit nd nd ssion for w hildren a e Globe a has a pa her four c icles in th • Children’s picture book, ages 3-6 ne Sharfe ories of lished art Her Þrst Elai ood mem e has pub lications. e childh iter, Elain ther pub toon, from th lance wr well as o in Saska • Vibrantly illustrated orginal artwork ren.A free ntinel, as sband live Elainerandch ildhas ’spublished Sun-Se nd her hu articlester. in the Globe and g rida ne a south Flo Room.Elai ail and ur in My aton, Florida in the win s • Of interest to parents, teachers, schools, libraries M ’s a Dinosa a R work ha k is There er whose boo nd design ate. A an in the summer and in Boc artist a ooks to d Saskatchew nd-based ldren’s b usic • Easy-to-read, charming story of intergenerational bonds Mail and southouver Isla Florida’srican chi ithout mSun-Sentinel, as well nc e k w is a Va n and Am on artwor Karen Sim Canadia ly works primarily ed in 13 Karen rare she works en featur vocalist, Though carves in be linist and small studio. and even R E V I E W S ssional vio Þlling her and ink, ggling profe t genres graphite ber of stru as other dipublications.fferen oil pastel, es, a n umHer ) afin rst book is There’s a of a dozen also uses dly snak d (luckily she two frien apher an digital media, ome with photogr or “Elaine Sharfe captures the depth of family bonds in this gentle story about a in ares her h d Andy, a arensim.net, riends. . Karen sh g husban at: www.k stone her lovin work online lants, and of Karen’s boy and his grandfather.” —JUDITH SILVERTHOReNE ,good f Dinosaurhousep inSee mMyore Room.Elaine and her husband cook. aren-sim. oah extraordinary award-winning author of Honouring the Buffalo and Convictions akes N wi.org/members-public/k Ed t www.scb M AT I O N GrandpaGrandpa aandnd N oNoahah ar ndpa I N F O R Gra , and M O R E k Road gether! school live inF O RSaskatoon, Saskatchewany Par in the summer “Heart-warming. Inspiring. Thinogug htto-provoking. This booakc ehn,g atoges children in 74 Academ 7 veryth the be -569-746 do e ge, to Regina, SK S4S9 547T 7 F AX: 306 intergenTehraetyional family connect icoontst. aTeacher approved!”—KAeT IfEo rB ENLoL,ah. -564-4 h.com are good tfriends.o the ays ther PH: 306 kelswort re— @yournic Grade 1 teacrhyewr he d is alw and in Boca Raton,heather Floridaorth.com in the winter. eve andpa E Þnd nickelsw eam! Gr Noah www.your P R O M O T I OoNr iAcLe cHrI G H L I G H T S ymore, can Theyou t dof everythinggo o utogether!t an Ed can’t andpa? • Author readiwngh aennd Gsirgannindgp eav ents in Saskatchreiewnadn, BGCr, Ontario and Florida. But e for his good f Grandpa• Promotioan w ina Rye taod Sb aeEds ktahtech retakeswan, Wester nNoah Producer, Pra irie Books Now, Illustrator Karen Sim is a Vancouver Island-based everywhere—towww.ynwp.ca and www.saskbooks.ca .the cottage, A U T H O R & I L L U S T R ATO R artist and designer whose work has been featured in
toElain ethe Sharfe hbeach,as a passion for w toriting cschool,hildren’s stories. Hander inspira tion comes 13 Canadian and American children’s books to date. A from the childhood memories of her four children and the antics of her 14 outgrandch ilfordren.A friceeelanc ecream! writer, Elaine ha sGrandpa published articles in thEde Glob e and professional violinist and vocalist, Karen rarely works Mail and south Florida’s Sun-Sentinel, as well as other publications. Her Þrst MONO / CHROMATIC isboo kalways is There’s a Dino sathereur in My Room for.Elaine aNoah.nd her husban d live in Saskatoon, on artwork without music of a dozen different genres Saskatchewan in the summer and in Boca Raton, Florida in the winter. ButKaren S imwhenis a Vancou vGrandpaer Island-based artis tEd and d ecan’tsigner who se work has filling her small studio. Though she works primarily TAMMI CAMPBELL LEAH ROSENBERG been featured in 13 Canadian and American children’s books to date. A goprofes sioutonal viol inanymore,ist and vocalist, Karen racanrely wor kNoahs on artwork without music in digital media, she also uses oil pastel, graphite Grandpa and Noah are good friends. of a dozen different genres Þlling her small studio. Though she works primarily in digital media, she also uses oil pastel, graphite and ink, and even carves in and ink, and even carves in stone. Karen shares findstone. Ka rean s hwayares her h otome w beith two fthereriendly snake sfor, a num hisber of s truggling They do everything together! Grandpa Ed takes Noah houseplants, and her loving husband Andy, a photographer and (luckily) an her home with two friendly snakes, a number of goodextraordinary friend,cook. See more oGrandpa?f Karen’s work online at: www.karensim.net, or everywhere—to the cottage, to the beach, to school, and www.scbwi.org/members-public/karen-sim. struggling houseplants, and her loving husband Andy, out for ice cream! Grandpa Ed is always there for Noah. F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N a photographer and (luckily) an extraordinary cook. 74 Academy Park Road But when Grandpa Ed can’t go out anymore, can Noah Þnd Regina, SK S4S 4T7 See more of Karen’s work online at: www.karensim. PH: 306-564-4957 FAX: 306-569-7467 a way to be there for his good friend, Grandpa? [email protected] net, or www.scbwi.org/members-public/karen-sim. www.yournickelsworth.com THE BULLETIN Editor-in-Chief...... Steven Goluboff Advertising Manager...... Ron Gitlin Circulation Manager...... Myla Deptuch Layout & Graphic Design...... Janet Eklund Proof Reading...... Bruce Cameron Cost of this issue with mailing...... $1200 Advertisements...... $30/issue COLLEGE ART GALLERIES + KENDERDINE ART GALLERY Page Sponsorship...... $25/issue or $130/year SEPTEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 19, 2016 Issues Published...... 157 Issues/Year...... 6 OPENING RECEPTION - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 7:30 pm - opening remarks in the College Art Gallery, main level If you are happy with the Bulletin and enjoy reading it, please consider sponsoring 8:30 pm - cocktails, snacks & music to follow at the Kenderdine Art Gallery a page ($25/issue or $130/year). Contact Steven Goluboff or Ron Gitlin.
Image top: Leah Rosenberg, 100 Days of Color (from #CHROMAHA) (detail), 2015, acrylic paint, 100 panels, 10" x 8" each, installation, 62" x 233” Image bottom: Tammi Campbell, Monochrome w/ poly and packing tape (detail), 2015, acrylic on linen 20’’ x 16'' E-Mail Address: [email protected], 107 Administration Place Hours: Tues to Fri 11:00 – 4:00 [email protected], University Of Saskatchewan T: 306.966.4571 Saskatoon, Sk, S7N 5A2 www.art.usask.ca [email protected] website: http://agudasisrael.org This page is sponsored by Dr. Syd z'l & Miriam z’l Gelmon of Vancouver 2 Editorial FROM OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY by Steven Goluboff The Mission Statement of Congregation Agudas Israel Congregation Agudas Israel is a spiritual, religious, educational and social home committed to deepening the quality of Jewish life in Saskatoon and district. We are an evolving link in the historical traditions of Can the summer truly the Jewish people. We are a progressive, democratic and sensitive congregation responding to the widest be over? And just when spectrum of Jewish thought and practice. Written at the 2002 Kallah by the members of Congregation Agudas Israel my golf game showed some promise! We really MAZEL TOV AND CONGRATULATIONS TO: David and Susan Katzman on the September 4TH wedding, under the Chuppah, of their deserve longer but hope- son, Daniel Katzman, to Stacey Allen, daughter of Rob and Debbie Allen of Saskatoon. fully we will have a long Stacey participated in her Beit Din on August 3rd and they celebrated their Aufruf on August and beautiful fall. It is exciting to meet our new 22nd. Shlichim who bring to us spirit, enthusiasm, David and Susan Katzman, whose daughter Miriam Katzman, MD, FRCPC, started work- musicality, and a love for Israel. As I watched ing as a pediatrician in Vernon, BC. Yaniv and Sapir lead Adon Olam on their first Elaine Sharfe on the publication of her children’s book, My Good Friend Grandpa, and her Shabbat morning service, I was moved and book launch at McNally Robinson on Saturday September 10th at 1 pm. optimistic about the impact they will have on our community. I particularly look forward to Jim and Jan Scharfstein on the wedding of their daughter, Andrea Nicole Scharfstein to Hayden Lance Rubensohn, son of Mark and Pnina Rubensohn of seeing our children and grandchildren being Vancouver, BC on August 21st, 2016 in Saskatoon. the beneficiaries of their talent. As I have writ- ten for 26 years at this time, we now enter the Introducing Avigail Elmaliach. Yuval and Daniella have some exciting news! On June 12th their daughter was born! holiest of our Jewish year with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur around the corner. I comple- Heather Fenyes who has been appointed the Western Hemisphere ment our Rabbi and Synagogue and Ritual Regional President of the Commonwealth Jewish Council. Its mandate is to help British Commonwealth communities advocate Committee as they embark on a new experi- for their concerns when invited and engage in pertinent advocacy ment and approach to the High Holy Days. As and diplomacy on behalf of the Jewish People in the Commonwealth you will see on the front page, we will begin sphere, creating and developing a supportive network of Common- the holidays by ushering in the New Year with wealth communities and supporting Commonwealth communities in song, music and of course food. We welcome contributing to the benefit of the wider societies in which they live. back Cantor Fabian and with the Shlichim and him leading the “music-abrasion”, it will be a CONDOLENCES TO: memorable evening. For many years we have The Scharfstein family on the death of their mother, grandmother and great grandmother th had a community “Breaking the Fast Blast”. Jean Scharfstein on July 26 2016. This year we will join together for a modest WELCOME NEW MEMBERS and OUR NEW SHLICHIM: breaking the fast with simple pastry. Families Our names are Daniel Katzman and Stacey Allen, though by the will then join together for their formal break- time you read this it will be Daniel and Stacey Katzman. We are ing the fast meal and hopefully will open their proud to be joining the community and begin our lives together as homes to those that may be alone or not have members of Congregation Agudas Israel. Stacey was born and raised family to share it with. This idea symbolizes in Saskatoon, and most of her extended family remains in Saskatoon the need for our community to think outside to this day. Stacey has a keen interest in the outdoors, a passion she the box and examine all of our programming, shares with Daniel. Stacey has been an active member in both Hillel and Screamin’ Chickens, contributing wherever possible, though sometimes she gets volun- social, spiritual, cultural and educational. Our told by her new husband. Stacey looks forward to becoming more involved in the commu- Mission Statement was written in 2002 and has nity and building a life together with Daniel in the community. Daniel was also born and been featured in every issue in our “From Our raised in Saskatoon, and comes from a little known family in the community, the Katzmans. Congregational Family” section. I think it still Daniel has been active in the community since high school and remains so, as time allows. continued on page 12 Daniel is very proud to have been a member of Hillel Saskatoon for many of his university years, as well as a founding member of Screamin’ Chickens, quite possibly the finest Jewish soccer team to have ever existed. Daniel looks forward to creating a family with Stacey LeilaMember Goluboff of REMAX with strong roots in the community. Chairman Club Yaniv and Sapir Atiya, our new Shlichim Lifetime Achievement Award 2006 GET WELL WISHES TO: Karen Dawson in Phoenix For RESULTS, FOR YOUR INFORMATION: SERVICE & Free Books! EXPERIENCE The synagogue library is being tidied up and part of the process involves removing call me today. obsolete and duplicate materials. These materials are free and “up for grabs” for any I look forward to working with you! community members that wish to take them home. The only rule is that you can’t bring them back! These items are kept on a clearly labeled brown shelf just inside the doors to Saskatoon the library. Help yourself to a good read, or two, or three..... More items will be added Bus: (306) 242-6000 Cell: 241-1900 regularly throughout the year. This page is sponsored by Steven, Leila, Sarah & Shaina Goluboff 3 From the President by Harold Shiffman, President, CAI
The loaded mini-van to do to succeed in the wilderness for so long. how a small group of people, working togeth- pulled into the only Many of the weekly parshiot describe some er, can create something out of nothing and remaining campsite. moment of the Israelites’ travels through survive even the harshest of environments. Three children leaped the desert, and while I can’t say for certain Congregation Agudas Israel will soon be from the vehicle and whether my cold and wet 8-person tent was challenged in similar ways to our ancestors began feverishly un- comparable to what may have been used in the as we should expect to see construction going loading gear and setting up the tent. The boys desert thousands of years ago, I would expect on within our facility over the next several rushed to gather firewood, while the eldest that living conditions would have been fairly months. There is still a long way to go before and her mother set up the camp stove and modest. Thinking back to my lead-in joke this begins, and many opportunities for public cooking utensils. and the display of teamwork, it was during consultation, but once the hammer drops we A nearby camper marveled to the young- my vacation that I realized how important will have to be prepared for change. sters’ father, “That, sir, is some display of community is for helping overcome extremely For example: We may have to hold services teamwork.” difficult and trying obstacles. Although some in different parts of the building, or perhaps The father replied, “I have a system — no may point toward divine intervention in the travel nomadically to willing congregants’ one goes to the bathroom until the camp is Israelites’ survival in the desert, those of us homes for events while we are renovating. But set up.” who do not take the stories literally must I have confidence that we will make it through And so it came to pass that the Shiffman assume that the community and its inherent unscathed, and that in the next 12-24 months family began their summer vacation. teamwork was the true key to success. we will have a new and upgraded facility to An uneventful trip (in the way that you To expand this thought, as part of our vaca- call our home. want camping trips to be uneventful), save tion we travelled to Fort Walsh, located deep If you want more information or have ideas for a 24-hour period of pouring rain which in the heart of the Cypress Hills in possibly for input into our upcoming changes, please caused our tent to shed its own tears through one of the most remote places imaginable. contact me at [email protected] its leaky roof. But as I sat there in the dry van, Built in 1873 this short-lived headquarters of I wondered what our ancestors must have had the North-West Mounted Police was proof of Divrei Harav – Rabbi Claudio’s Message The Still, Thin Voice Of The Shofar by Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky
Some years ago I unable to develop her potential. She may be On Rosh Hashanah we sound the Shofar, the read that in Vienna a able to tune it by herself, but if she doesn’t ram’s horn that calls us to engage ourselves in very particular tele- have an external note as a reference she may that wonderful trip for our souls that we call phone service once mistakenly think her instrument is tuned up Teshuvah. Teshuvah is much more than to existed If you dialled and she may not notice the difference. She will continued on page 10 the number 1509 you would get not a human try hard to play a beautiful piece but sooner voice but a special sound, the musical note than later she will realize she wasn’t doing a “La”. The purpose of this service was to offer good job. al the musicians in the city an easy way to tune We are like the artist, and our lives are in- their instruments. struments that bring beauty to our existence. I don’t know if that telephone service actu- It’s not just about being alive; it’s about what ally existed or not (I could not find anything on we do with our lives. As instruments, we can- Google) but I think the metaphor is beautiful not expect our lives not to lose direction and and it’s perfectly appropriate for this time of always continue to function properly. They the year. We are approaching the High Holy need to be tuned, and I don’t mean taking Days and this is the moment when the Jews time off or going on holidays, I mean a deep around the world get together in order to moment of personal evaluation and of asking “tune” ourselves and try to begin a new year ourselves important questions. Am I enjoying living better and more meaningful lives. my life? Am I feeling satisfied and rewarded For a musician, the instrument is almost with what I do? Am I being faithful with the everything. It’s the most important tool in her principles and priorities I have set for my life. Through her instrument she can bring to family? Those are important questions that life beautiful creations. But if the instrument won’t be answered by themselves or during loses its proper tune, she may be totally lost, a visit to Mexico.
This page is sponsored by Effie (Brook) & Harry Gordon of Vancouver This page is sponsored by Dr. Alan Rosenberg & Dr. Lesley-Ann Crone and family 4 Jean Lillian Scharfstein 1930 - 2016 Jean Lillian Scharfstein, 86, died peacefully Scharfstein. They were married in 1951. loved spending time with family and friends. at Sunnyside Adventist Care Center in Joe and Jean raised their family in Naicam, Jean is survived by her sons, Jim (Jan), Saskatoon on July 26, while operating a country Briane (Lenny) and Grant (Marsha); 11 2016. Jean was born general store. They moved grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. January 30, 1930 in to Melfort in 1967, where Jean was predeceased by her husband, Joe Lanigan, SK to John they owned and operated a (1996); her parents, John McWillie and Annie and Annie McWillie and hotel and a clothing store, Dawes; her step-father, Arthur Dawes; 3 raised on their family moving to Saskatoon in 1986 brothers, Robert, George and Fred McWillie; farm near Plunkett. after retirement. Throughout 2 sisters, Nellie Kiss and Miriam Hale; and Following high school this time, Jean was very her great-granddaughter, Briar Holderness at Kamsack and a active in her community (2015). For those so wishing, memorial secretarial course at and its organizations, donations may be made to the Children’s Roberts Secretarial including Eastern Star, Scholarship Fund, care of Agudas Israel School in Saskatoon, Rotary and Hadassah. She Jewish Community Centre. Jean’s family she moved to Naicam enjoyed numerous hobbies wishes to extend their appreciation and sincere where she not only and interests, in particular, gratitude to the staff at Sunnyside for their found employment at contract bridge. But most kindness and the wonderful treatment and Scharfstein’s General importantly, she was a loving support Jean received while in their care. Store, but also her and devoted wife, mother, future husband and life-long partner, Joe grandmother and great-grandmother, who
What I Did on My Summer Holidays The Sesula Museum by Lisa Shiffman
I’ve written many “What I Did on My Sum- his friend Stuart Sesula after Sesula passed mer Holidays” stories throughout my life. away last year. Judah’s own collection already Some were typical and expected: stories of contained museum quality pieces that he had summer camp, European tours, camping in purchased over the past three years using Janet, Lisa, Judah, Aaron and Judah Tyreman the mountains and see- the money he raised from mowing lawns in ing bears and so on. This town. Stuart’s vast summer held all sorts of amount of speci- skeleton and the hopes to display more of adventure for my family mens in addition to the collection, Judah is in negotiations with and myself, but a certain Judah’s own grew the building owner with the plan to expand day trip that my boys and this collection to into the attached building space behind the I took with Janet Erikson mind blowing pro- museum. In a nutshell that is one thing I did sticks out in my mind. portions. Judah on my summer holidays. I highly recommend For my summer vacation wanted to do what taking the 45 minute drive to Radisson to see I went to ….. drumroll seemed logical – this amazing achievement, this little “gem” please …… Radisson, build a geology on the prairie. SK! Why Radisson? It’s museum in Stu- The museum is located on Main Street in all because of a vision art’s memory. He Radisson, next to the post office. The hours that blossomed to fruition over a short period accomplished this through a crowd-funding are 10a.m.-4p.m. every day though check of time of which I had the privilege and honor campaign as well as through private monetary “The Sesula Mineral and Gem Museum” of witnessing. On March 16th the Star Phoenix donations and even more fossil, rock and gem Facebook page for closure dates as there had an article about a boy - an up and coming donations from personal collections. The are some posted. While you are there check geologist. He was working toward building “Sesula Mineral & Gem Museum” opened out the antique stores on the block and the a “hands on” geology museum. 11 year old its doors on June first of this year. The mu- boomtown style museum in the church around Judah Tyreman had inherited a tremendous seum currently occupies a small space but the corner. collection of minerals, rocks and fossils from due to the upcoming arrival of a velociraptor This page is sponsored by Naomi Rose z’l and Stan Sinai of Toronto. This Page is Sponsored by Saskatoon Hadassah WIZO 5 Sherry Made a Friend by Elaine Sharfe Sherry made a friend dinner with his “people”. Since Sherry and I “We feel that we must reach out to survivor’s, on the golf course. A planned to be in the Toronto area a few weeks to apologize for their suffering, to show that friend who challenged later, we agreed to visit, on one condition. we are one with them.” many of our perceptions Earlier Dean had told us that he studies the The Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo area of Christian ministries. parshah of the is one of the most anti We were in Winnipeg week, then he semitic neighbourhoods Beach with Heather who leads a prayer in Canada. Dean lives in had invited some friends to learn about service every the country, on what he the Jerusalem Foundation from the Israeli Friday night. calls the “only Christian executive director of the organization who was He and his kibbutz in Canada. It is the touring Canada. While Heather was preparing followers have international training base dinner that morning, Sherry went to the golf a “traditional” for “Return Ministries.” course. He was paired with three men, one of shabbat dinner They have a communal them Dean Bye. After the third hole Sherry then from 10:00 dining room and a prayer asked: to 6:00 am, they house they call Beit Lev. “And what do you do Dean?” pray for the The ministry supports “I minister to the betterment of the Jewish Jewish people an Aliyah Return Centre people and to the continuance of the State of and the State in Tiberius, Israel, whose Israel.” of Israel. Dean objective is to give Dean continued: “Our vision is to encourage asked if we new (Jewish) olim free Jews and Christians to work together to fulfill would light the vacations. I asked how the God’s plans and purpose for Israel and the candles and talk ministry is supported: nations according to the Word of God.” a little of about “We receive funds from a Sherry thought for a while then asked: our life style and traditions. We agreed to growing movement of Christian Zionists who “How did you come to this?” everything but the extended prayer service believe in the Jewish return and restoration of Dean answered: “It started with some that went to the early morning. the land of Israel.” pictures I saw of the Holocaust which led “If you don’t mind, we’ll pass on that.” We walked into the dining room. The tables me to believe that we must make sure this A month later we were in Cambridge ON. and coloured napkins could have been ready doesn’t happen again. Then, after the fall of Dean picked us up from our hotel and during for a Shabbat family dinner in Saskatoon. The communism and the huge exodus of Jewish the ride to his place for dinner, I asked a lot head table was set with two candle sticks, two people from the former Soviet Union to Israel, of questions. The most important one was: covered challot, wine glasses and a lace shawl I was motivated to help in their aliyah. I’ve “Dean, are you trying to convert us?” in case I wanted to cover my head. All the been doing that ever since.” “No, although I can understand why you tables had a small print out of the order of the Sherry invited Dean and his wife, Patti, to would think that. It is the mandate of other Shabbat service, with the prayers transliterated join us for dinner at Heathers.The evening ministries. I don’t approve of them, and have into English. together was perfect. Dean wanted to know told them so. Our belief is that God asked us There were sixty plus people in the dining more about the Foundation and we wanted to to look after the Jewish people and to make hall when we arrived. Sherry and I were know more about him. When it was time to sure that the State of Israel thrives. We’re not escorted to a reserved table at the front where leave, Dean invited us to join him for a Shabbat called to impose our beliefs on anyone, Jew we were joined by another “special” guest, or Gentile. Ruth Fazal, a violinist, pianist, classical We talked about the church’s role in history, composer and songwriter who was visiting and his particular interest in the Holocaust. continued on page 13
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This page is spsonored by Ann & Debbie Diament (wife and daughter of former Rabbi Saul Diament), of Toronto This page is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Jewish Council 6 Kicking and Screamin’ by Daniel Katzman
As September ap- ment. We are happy to accept your dues, even community come and join us, some from the proaches, so too does if you only play for one game. Hebrew School, as well as some members the soccer season. We Screamin’ Chickens is proud to be entering from B’nai Brith. It was great to finally have are looking for anyone it’s 9th year of operation, and we have a lot to a chance to thank our lifelong sponsor, B’nai who is interested in celebrate. At the end of last season we had our Brith, by scoring on them. playing, and experi- first ever Screamin’ Chickens vs Congrega- If anyone has any questions or would ence or talent is in no way required. Screamin’ tion Agudas Israel friendly game, and I am like to know more please contact Daniel Katz- Chickens hopes to attract any members inter- proud to say I have no idea who won. We man at [email protected] ested in playing, regardless of age or commit- were happy to have many players from the
B’nai Brith Update by David Katzman, President of B’nai Brith Lodge 739 and Chairman of Silver Plate Dinner
Our Lodge welcomes all Jewish men, and grant to Camp B’nai Brith. Annual dues are in joining the ex- men with Jewish partners, to our meetings and $20 and will be collected. Sadly, our secretary ecutive or if you events. Our next meeting will be our Pastrami has gone to more humid pastures (Florida) have a motion on Rye Event on Monday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. and we will be electing a new person to this to put forward at We will be discussing an initiative to support position. Please contact David Katzman (dl. our next meeting. youth leadership development and a major [email protected]) if you are interested
CUELENAERE, KENDALL The Young Shlichim Program KATZMAN In September of 2000 we began a new Hebrew school, Israel and Jewish advocates RICHARDS association with the Jewish Agency in Israel outside and inside the building, participants & and their Young Shlichim program. This in Shabbat and ritual, and organizers of a Barristers, Solicitors and Mediators dizzying number of entertaining, learning and began as a seed of an idea to bring in youthful, RANDY KATZMAN energetic programming and content to our eating opportunities. In fact, the events and B.Comm., LL.B. community. Twelve years later, this program programs each couple brings fill our calendar (306) 653-5000 has grown to become one of our strongest with a range and opportunity for programming Fax: (306) 652-4171 assets. that defies our size.
Each couple that has joined us brings Each couple stays for one or two years, but 5th Floor, Atrium Place, #510, 128 - 4th Avenue S., something new and special to enhance our leaves an impression that will linger long after. Saskatoon, S7K 1M8 community. They have been teachers in our SHERWOOD GMC RV GMC Medium Sales Heavy GMC Duty and Duty Trucks Service Trucks
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This page is sponsored by Jeffrey and Sherril Stein. This page is sponsored by Leona Wasserman 7 Biography of the Month: Elie Wiesel by Stan Schroeder This bio is from Nicaragua’s Miskito Indians, Argentina’s and Elie Wiesel established The Elie Wiesel the Elie Wiesel Desaparecidos, Cambodian refugees, the Foundation for Humanity. Foundation for Kurds, victims of famine and genocide in Elie Wiesel died on July 2, 2016 in Humanity website. Africa, of apartheid in South Africa, and Manhattan. When Elie died victims of war in the former Yugoslavia. For July 2, 2016, more than fifteen years, Elie and his wife This is from my annual Yom Hashoah poem we lost the most Marion have been especially devoted to the revered conscience (2015). cause of Ethiopian-born Israeli youth through of the Holocaust the Foundation’s Beit Tzipora Centers for I annually conclude these poems with a theme; and humanity. Study and Enrichment. Elie Wiesel was born in 1928 in Sighet, Teaching has always been central to Elie Elie Weisel is a symbol of those years of Transylvania, which is now part of Romania. Wiesel’s work. Since 1976, he has been despair. He was fifteen years old when he and the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the A survivor of Auschwitz held in high esteem his family were deported by the Nazis to Humanities at Boston University, where he Who is dedicated to keeping the world aware. Auschwitz. His mother and younger sister also holds the title of University Professor. He perished, his two older sisters survived. is a member of the Faculty in the Department Born in Sighet, Romania in 1928; Elie and his father were later transported to of Religion as well as the Department It became Hungary just 12 years hence. 1944 saw the ghetto become Jews’ fate Buchenwald, where his father died shortly of Philosophy. Previously, he served as And from there to camps surrounded by fence. before the camp was liberated in April 1945. Distinguished Professor of Judaic Studies at After the war, Elie Wiesel studied in Paris and the City University of New York (1972-76) His father instilled humanism in his son; later became a journalist. During an interview and the first Henry Luce Visiting Scholar Torah and faith came from his mother. with the distinguished French writer, Francois in Humanities and Social Thought at Yale He learned to survive, getting things done Mauriac, he was persuaded to write about his University (1982-83). And adapting one way or another. experiences in the death camps. The result was Elie Wiesel is the author of more than sixty his internationally acclaimed memoir, Night books of fiction and non-fiction, including A His parents and one sister didn’t survive; (La Nuit), which has since been translated into Beggar in Jerusalem (Prix Médicis winner), They were three of the six million Jews. more than thirty languages. The Testament (Prix Livre Inter winner), Elie knew he was blessed, just being alive, In 1978, President Jimmy Carter appointed The Fifth Son (winner of the Grand Prize Becoming a writer, expressing his views. Elie Wiesel as Chairman of the President’s in Literature from the City of Paris), two Commission on the Holocaust. In 1980, he For ten years he wouldn’t write of his War; volumes of his memoirs, All Rivers Run to A correspondent in Paris and worldwide. became the Founding Chairman of the United the Sea and And the Sea is Never Full, and We can thank Mauriac and the Rebbe for States Holocaust Memorial Council. He is most recently The Sonderberg Case (2010). Elie exposing horrors he no longer would hide. President of The Elie Wiesel Foundation for For his literary and human rights activities, Humanity, an organization he and his wife he has received numerous awards including From Yiddish to French to English he wrote created to fight indifference, intolerance and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the U.S. His memoirs entitled Night, in no way sublime. injustice. Elie Wiesel has received more than Congressional Gold Medal, the National From this book we get the famous quote: 100 honorary degrees from institutions of Humanities Medal, the Medal of Liberty, To forget the dead would be akin to killing higher learning. and the rank of Grand-Croix in the French them a second time. A devoted supporter of Israel, Elie Wiesel Legion of Honor. In 1986, Elie Wiesel won the It is now up to us, it is our task. has also defended the cause of Soviet Jews, Nobel Prize for Peace, and soon after, Marion We must be the ones to remember their cry. To continue the telling isn’t too much to ask. The Jewish people live – Am Yisrael chai!
Plumbing | Furnaces | Air Conditioning Quality Memorials approved Editor’s Note: Stan Schroeder is the Editor of Electrical | Renovations for Agudas Cemetery Congregation Shir Ami’s “Shir Notes” in Los Angeles which also won a Gold Medal for “Bul- 306.222.8466 210B - 33rd Street East letins.” He writes biographies of famous Jews Saskatoon, SK S7K 0S3 710 - 51st Street E and has offered to share them with us. This arti- centennial360.com cle was first published in the Shir Notes. Steven 306-652-5363 Goluboff and Stan met each other in Jerusalem www.remco-memorials.ca to discuss their community Bulletins.
This page is sponsored by Alan, Linda and Sam Goluboff of Toronto 8 Berakhah by Rabbi Roger V. Pavey (z”l)
blessings each day. Indeed, in terms of the The following is And you understand what I intend, even daily experience of living, eating, studying, another essay from from a distance. praying, relating to others, doing business, Moral and Spiritual You winnow out my journeying and my the target is easily met and exceeded. We can Values, the unpub- resting indeed encounter intimations of eternity in lished work of the And are familiar with all that I do. everyday life. The numinous is always with same title by the late Rabbi Roger Pavey. There is no word in my mouth that you, us; we need but to open our hearts and our Eternal, do not know already. mouths to taste it. Berakhah You have hemmed me in fore and aft and Obviously, with familiarity can come, not Literally, the word means “blessing”. placed your hand on me. contempt but trivialization. The freshness of It refers to the formulaic prayers that the The knowledge of this is too much for me, the berakhah as both reflecting and stimulating Jewish tradition associates with specific it far exceeds my grasp experience is easily lost; it becomes readily human experiences in order to embed those Where can I go from your spirit, where routine, words repeated without reflection on experiences in awareness of encounter with escape from you? their meaning. It can also become obsessive, the divine. The Berakhah formula exists in If I were to go up to Heaven, you would a formula fulfilled to the legalistic letter with two forms, long or short. The short form reads, be there, the spirit lost. The correct form can so easily “Praised are You, Adonai, our God, ruler of Or lie down in the underworld, you would come to take priority over the reason that lies time and space,” followed by a conclusion be there too. behind and beyond it. For instance, there are that links the formula to the specific act or If I were to fly with the wings of the dawn those more concerned with whether a tomato experience. The long form reads, “Praised Or live in the depths of the sea, is a fruit or a vegetable (which involves are You, Adonai our God, ruler of time and Even there would your hand guide me, and space, Who have made us special by giving two different forms of berakhah) than they us commandments are with the awe, and commanded us astonishment and to...” followed by a joy of creativity, conclusion that leads and the satisfaction into a specific act, So examine me, God, know my heart, of human physical such as eating food, and emotional seeing the wonders need that the of nature, meeting investigate and plumb my hidden fears, tomato represents special people, and is. The hearing news, getting And lead me along the path of eternity. Talmud records a to a particular time. strange discussion These all involve a as to what to do berakhah that relates if one makes the halakha incorrect them to the encounter with God. Of course, your right hand hold me up. berakhah for the occasion. The example is specific acts of religious ritual, such as If I were to say, surely darkness engulfs me that someone makes the blessing for wine lighting candles for the Sabbath or for and the light has turned into night for me, and then discovers that the liquid they have Festivals use the berakhah. There are also Still the dark is not dark for you and the been drinking is actually beer! The problem formulae for the berekhah used in the liturgy night is as bright as day, is easily solved. While the blessing for wine that are more complex in structure, but the For light and dark are the same to you. is specific in its wording, that for beer is function is the same. You have molded my inmost being; you generic. So, when drinking liquids of dubious The berakhah appears to be unique in world tended me in my mother’s womb. potability, use the latter as all-inclusive! The religion. By associating the minutiae of the So I will thank you for I have been made whole story does not say much for the quality human daily experience - however mundane so wonderfully. of the local wineries and breweries at the - with the divine, it transfers the ordinary into I know how extraordinary your work is. time! Generations of Jewish palates for wine the extraordinary and sensitizes the human to When I am furthest apart from You, I am have been destroyed by the use of the cloying the wonder and the mystery that underlies the still with You. syrup (the dentist’s friend!) that masquerades everyday. It is a doorway from the finite into So examine me, God, know my heart, as wine in Jewish ritual life! the infinite. It creates of Judaism a normative investigate and plumb my hidden fears, It is also true that the traditional listings mysticism. It makes a Jew continually aware And lead me along the path of eternity. of blessings are selective. Despite its and prevents us taking life for granted. The . apparently all-inclusive nature in principle, berakhah is par excellence the practice of the The berakhah ties together the normal and in practical terms there are large areas of presence of God. The underlying concept transient into the potential of the transcendent. human experience that are not covered by is the omnipresence of God, the continuing It reflects the fundamental religious sense the blessings available in the traditional possibility of transformation, well expressed of the mystery at the heart of existence formulations in the Prayer Book... in Psalm 139: and moves us to awareness of that ultimate (to be continued in the next issue) Eternal One, you have examined me and mystery. It creates and reflects the awe and known me. surprise that is the very essence of prayer. You surely know when I sit down and when Traditionally, a pious Jew should say 100 I get up, This page is sponsored by Susanne Kaplan 9 Divrei Harav... from page 4 say “I am sorry”, it’s about evaluating where ing doesn’t have much sense. When we come I would like to invite you to also do your you are and asking whether you are going in to the Synagogue to listen to the Shofar there personal preparation, and come to services the right destination. If you come to services must be an internal response to that sound. It ready to find your “still, thin voice”. A good and don’t dedicate some time to this task you is the still, thin voice within ourselves which sermon or the beautiful voice of the Cantor would miss the most important part of the really counts. The question is not so much how won’t help you with that, because it’s a task High Holidays. to hear the Shofar, but how to respond to it. that can only be done before the services There is a very meaningful verse in the Un- This is the time of the year when I begin begin. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are etane Tokef, one of the most important prayers my personal preparation for the High Holy one of the greatest gifts we have as Jews for of the High Holidays. When speaking about Days. As you know, a Rabbi works with our personal growth, and it’s up to each of us the Shofar the prayer says “a great shofar will the Cantor to review the Services and thinks to take the most of them. be sounded and a still, thin voice will be about improvements and new melodies. We I look forward to see you on Shul. heard”. This sentence has always struck me. also think about subjects for our sermons and L ‘Shana Tova Tikatevu, How is it possible that while the big shofar reflections. The truth is that the weeks before Wishing you a good and sweet year, is sounded we only hear a still, thin voice? Rosh Hashanah are very busy for us while I believe the author of the Unetane Tokef we must begin our spiritual preparation with Rabbi Claudio wanted to remind us that ritual without mean- enough anticipation.
As my father planted The Saskatoon Jewish Foundation for me before I was gratefully acknowledges the following contributions: born, To Greeting From So do I plant for RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND those who will come Rena Boroditsky In honour of your receiving the Larry Hurtig after me. Jewish Communal Professional Award. Mazel from the Talmud Tov. Lesley-ann Crone & Alan Rosenberg MARSHA & GRANT SCHARFSTEIN CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND Grant & Marsha Scharfstein & Family With condolences on the loss of your mother, Jean Steven & Leila Goluboff Briane & Lenny Scharfstein & Family With condolences on the loss of your mother, Jean Steven & Leila Goluboff Jim & Jan Scharfstein & Family With condolences on the loss of your mother, Jean Steven & Leila Goluboff The Scharfstein Family In memory of Jean Scharfstein Cam & Sherry King, Your contribution, Dov & Joan Laimon sent to: & Families Saskatoon Jewish The Scharfstein Family In memory of Jean Scharfstein The Bernbaum Family Foundation Congregation Agudas The Scharfstein Family In memory of Jean Scharfstein LesleyAnn Crone Israel, & Alan Rosenberg 715 McKinnon Avenue, Saskatoon S7H 2G2 will THE AVIVI YOUNG SHLICHIM FUND be gratefully received To: Scharfstein Family In memory of Jean Scharfstein June Avivi and faithfully applied.
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This page is sponsored by Anna Feldman of Toronto 10 A Cautionary Tale: BDS Tears Apart the Green Party by Steve McDonald, Assistant Director of Communications - CIJA
In early August, B.C. Green Party, Andrew Weaver, issued a raged that BDS activists – in using the party to the Green Party of scathing statement disavowing the federal promote their own marginal agenda – nearly Canada voted at its party’s decision. “This is not a policy that I nor pushed the Greens’ only voice in Parliament national convention the B.C. Green Party support,” said Weaver. out of the party. If anything, this initiative has to endorse Boycott-Divestment-Sanctions “I think the Green Party of Canada needs to exposed the toxic nature of BDS to those it (BDS) measures against segments of Israel’s take a careful look at their policy process and intended to seduce. As CIJA Chair David Cape economy and society. BDS advocates were ask themselves how a policy that goes against recently wrote: “Once again, BDS has proven quick to claim victory, citing that the Greens Green Party values could have been allowed bitterly and publicly divisive for political par- are now the first Canadian political party of on the floor of a convention.” ties that contemplate endorsing it. In this case, any significance to support BDS. Various Green candidates likewise con- BDS has sown resentment among Greens and But not so fast. demned the decision. One from Ottawa said come at a great cost for anti-Israel activists.” In the wake of the vote, party leader Eliza- “I’m in a state of disbelief…I don’t agree with And when it comes to the morale of the beth May immediately declared she is “dev- it, I don’t like having that over me going into Jewish community, this issue has mobilized astated” by the decision and “disappointed [the next] election.” Another from Halifax thousands of Jewish Canadians across the that the membership has adopted a policy said that the policy is “destructive for the political spectrum (including former Green in favor of a movement that I believe to be party… Every country has its issues. When Party members) to speak out and condemn polarizing, ineffective, and unhelpful in the we specifically single out Israelis, I worry the party’s hostility toward Israel. In a matter quest for peace and security for the peoples about the buzzwords and subtext and code of weeks, CIJA galvanized some 7,500 Ca- of the Middle East.” May added that, “as language, which is anti-Semitic.” nadians to email the Green Party’s leadership is the right of any member, I will continue A party torn apart. A leader willing to quit. to express their opposition to this initiative. to express personal opposition to BDS” – a Controversial headlines eclipsing anything Without question, our united efforts had an breath-taking statement to hear from a party else the party intended to highlight coming impact, with Elizabeth May openly admitting leader, particularly when the leader is the out of convention. Is this what a BDS victory BDS is “very clearly a polarizing movement party’s sole voice in Parliament. looks like? that leaves most of the Jewish community in In the weeks that followed, May openly The fight against BDS revolves around Canada feeling that it is anti-Semitic.” mused to the media about how this entire psychology much more than economics. Hopefully, this will spur May and other episode was causing her to rethink her future Israel’s economy is strong, with trade and Greens to take the steps needed to annul the in the Green Party. In an interview with CBC ties growing despite calls for BDS. But on BDS policy, and regain control of the party’s Radio, May talked about the possibility of the psychological level, BDS activities have direction from those behind this hateful walking away from the party: “I would say as the potential to poison attitudes toward Israel agenda. of this minute I think I’d have real difficulties among civil society organizations and demor- going not just to an election but through the alize the Jewish community. On both levels, Steve McDonald is Deputy Director, Com- next month. There are a lot of issues I want BDS proponents failed when it comes to the munications and Public Affairs, at the Centre to be talking about with Canadians, and this Green Party. for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) isn’t one of them.” While May has since declared she will stay And May wasn’t alone. The leader of the on as leader, every Green voter should be out- Annual General Meeting Of Congregation Agudas Israel Wednesday, September 21st, 7:30 pm SLATE OF BOARD MEMBERS Harold Shiffman: President Nicky Gitlin: Shlichim Committee Chair Michael Scharfstein: Member Marsha Scharfstein: Immediate Past Zoe Litman: Sisterhood Seth Shacter: Member President, Treasurer Ralph Katzman: Cemetery Kevin Sharfe: B’nai Brith Heather Fenyes: Ritual Committee Chair Committee Chair Matthew Ditlove: Member Grant Scharfstein: Financial Affairs Simonne Horwitz: Membership Chair Michael Shaw: Member Committee Chair Jan Gitlin: Media Liaison, Holocaust Michael Gertler: Secretary Committee Co-Chair Steven Simpson: House Committee Chair Perry Jacobson: Chevra Kadisha Chair
This Page is Sponsored by the United Israel Appeal of Canada 11 Yaniv & Sapir Atiya.. from cover part of several choirs, including ‘Ankor’ and the army I joined the Jewish agency for service. ‘Animozi’. After participating in a delegation the for the first time and went on a two- I also studied in the ‘Jerusalem Academy to the United States, that involves Israeli months reform summer camp – Crane Lake, of Music and Dance’ for high school, where and American youth, I became a cantor in a in Boston Massachusetts. Upon my return I played the guitar and drums and majored conservative synagogue ‘Moreshet Israel’, to Israel, and for two summers now, I’m in Jazz music. During that time, I was a in Jerusalem. working as a counselor and a group leader part of the high school jazz ensemble, as a After graduating from high school I joined in NFTY, a URJ organization that brings lead guitar. During high school years I was the IDF, where I acted in number of roles. teenagers from north America for a five a member in some youth movements such In my first year I was a ‘Mashakit Tash’, weeks trip around Israel. as: ‘Hatzofim’ (scouts), ‘Madatzim’ (young which is the soldier who is responsible for I really like singing and music in general. I counselors) and ‘Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed’ the welfare of the soldiers. Later on I was enjoy everything that involves arts and crafts, (working and learning youth), and was also a Commander in ‘Mashakiot Tash’ training and love to make things from scratch. I also very active on the school student council. As course, and in my last role I was promoted to like reading books, and hiking in nature. I graduated from High school I pushed my be a senior commander, and in charge both Yaniv – I was born on April 1st 1989, in military service in one year to volunteer for on the course contentsand schedules, as well Jerusalem, Israel, and raised in Jerusalem ‘Shnat-Sherut’ (one year of service), where I as of the soldiers and other commanders. and her surroundings until the age of 19, worked with youth at risk, who were brought At the end of my service I went on when I joined the army. I’m the first born out of their homes by court orders. ‘Taglit’ (Birthright), accompanying young child to Oded Atiya, and Iris Hen, and I have I joined the IDF at the age of 19, and served adults from the United States for a ten-day two siblings. A younger sister, Mor, 26, who as a combat soldier in the armored corps. I trip around Israel, as a solider. Also I was has just finished her first degree in behavioral was a tank commander and staff sergeant, chosen to take part and to be a counselor in since, and lives in Haifa with her boyfriend, training new recruit soldiers for most of my a very unique project called ‘Beney Haeil’ and a younger brother, Gal, 21 years old, a service. After my military service I joined – a summer camp for IDF orphans. After musician and about to start his one year of the Jewish agency for the first time, and travelled to ‘Shemesh day camp’ at the JCC Editorial.. from page 3 of Scottsdale, Arizona, as a song leader and music counselor. reflects our goals and aspirations but we must over the next few months to a year. Our reli- Today I’m a law student, and have one be always thinking of what we can do better. able columnist from CIJA, Steve McDonald Our future is with our youth and our focus has written a timely column about the Green year left to finish my degree. I also work in must be upon enhancing their experiences. Party’s support of the toxic BDS movement the Ministry of Justice, but thinking about Rabbi Claudio has a vast amount of experi- that does nothing to encourage peace and only getting another degree in education and ence in Jewish education and we must tap that fosters anti-Israel and anti-Semitic dogma. Jewish history. I enjoy music a lot and beside resource to its fullest. Our Hebrew School It made me think of a recent invitation I guitar and drums I also sing. I really like to has not had so many children in recent years received to a medical meeting in Winnipeg read and hike, and enjoy both watching and and we must ensure that there is a curriculum in mid-September and after initially declin- playing sports. that is full and rich and will give our children ing the invitation, I thought of the Canadian We are both very excited about the and grandchildren a strong base upon which Museum of Human Rights and thought – what Shlichut, and can’t wait to get to Saskatoon to further their education and Jewish experi- an opportunity to visit the museum. I sent it and experience everything about it. We hope ence. While programming and synagogue my acceptance and look forward to this op- that we could bring ‘our Israel’ to you, and services are paramount, there is no doubt portunity with my wife Leila, to see what the mostly that we can truly become a part of that we must think of the bricks and mortars Asper family inspired museum has produced. your wonderful community. in which we provide these experiences. Our I finish on my perennial note at this time, See you all soon! Yaniv and Sapir Atiya. building is almost 60 years old. Our annual that we are entering the season of the two Building Fund has provided a small amount biggest fund raising drives, the B’nai Brith of money to keep it in order. Our Long Term Silver Plate Dinner and the Saskatoon United Planning Committee under the Chair of Grant Israel Appeal Campaign which provides our Scharfstein is examining the future. The community with the financial resources to ideas range from renovating, repairing and ensure we have a synagogue, support Israel enhancing our present building all the way to and continue our unique relationship with the Accounting & Auditing Financial Planning considering selling the land, commercializing Shlichim program. Suffice it to say, we need Estate Planning Mergers & Acquisitions the property and ensuring a new Synagogue your support and voluntary participation to Management Consulting Income Tax Returns is part of that development. This will have make both these successful. From my fam- Business Valuations Corporate Tax Returns an enormous price tag and unless we do this ily to all of you, we wish you a Healthy and with developers with deep pockets, it is a less Happy Rosh Hashanah. Saskatoon Regina likely scenario. Our President has invited and Tel: (306) 653-6100 Tel: (306) 522-6500 will expect members to be part of that process Website www.virtusgroup.ca
This page is sponsored by Arnold z’l & Claire Golumbia of Vancouver 12 Sherry Made a Friend.. from page 6 dinner with a group of unknown Christians. The message is clear: “We share your pain.” from Israel. Ruth is part of the ministry. She How can the warmth and congeniality of this When the video was over, Dean turned moved to Israel for a year, and five years later, night translate into something good? to Sherry and me. I sensed something was is still there. Just when I thought there was no more to happening, and that we were the only ones The service began when “Paster Joe” stood say, Ruth went to the piano, then her violin, who didn’t know what. Dean had two rings at the front of the room and held up a beautiful and pulled us into her music. The words to her in his hand. long and twisted, brown and white shofar. He compositions were flashed onto a screen and “These rings aren’t for survivors. They are held it to his mouth and I waited to hear the the room sang with her. She played with her slightly different and will be given to people shrill sound we expect from a shofar. Instead eyes closed and one sensed that she was talking who are worthy of honour in the Jewish he created different notes and tonalities that directly to God. The people in the room were community. Sherry and Elaine will be the first were totally new to me and unbelievably in the same space. Had I not been there, to to receive one.” compelling. see them and to feel the energy, I would have For the first time that night I was unable I lit the candles. The room was silent said: “This is an act.” But it was real. And to speak. Both Sherry and I were crying, as and when I opened my eyes, I realized that for what ever reason you might say—group were most of the congregants. When I could everyone else had written a prayer onto his/ hypnotism, “being in the moment”—Sherry talk, I thanked them with the following story: her heart. and I were caught up with their intensity. And, Several years ago I went with a friend to her Dinner was served. The women from the while we don’t expect to live in this “high”, childhood home in the Portuguese Azores. It ministry had cooked all day in their communal we will maintain this friendship. was a Saint’s feast day and it seemed as though kitchen. There was a kosher chicken just for Ruth finished, and once again, I thought the entire island was wandering around a small us. I helped them serve, mostly so I could the evening was over. But no. There was a square that was dominated by a blue and white meet everyone. There were young people with short video. Dean and some of his ministry Catholic church. Emelia went into the church children, singles, married couples, retirees, all were shown driving across Canada in ten and I followed her. The narrow pews faced of whom believed, deeply, in the message of white pick-up trucks. The trucks were going an elongated wooden figure of Jesus on the their ministry. to Israel as a gift from a car dealer in Nova cross. I sat down. Emelia and I were the only During the evening we had chances to share Scotia with the proviso that Dean raise the people in the room. It was quiet. I closed my ideas and personal experiences. The concept equivalent in dollars. So, he and some of eyes and felt a Presence. It felt totally “right”. of the Jews as the chosen people came up his colleagues were speaking to other church This night felt totally right. in a discussion. Sherry responded by saying members, carrying their message to those that we are uncomfortable with the idea of who would listen, and collecting money and Post Script: chosenness, that to be chosen is not an elitist gold and silver from those who would give. When I tried to describe this evening to concept, but rather a responsibility given to us At the same time they were working on a friends, one said: “So! What was this all to live a life that is an example to the world, project they called “Restoration,” directed to about?” I think it was about pulling down a life of high morals, good deeds and loving Holocaust survivors. They are making rings stereotypes, about building bridges, about kindness. from the gold jewellery that was donated from finding God in the “other.” It was about We shared feelings. We talked about the same-minded Christians around the country. recognizing that My God is Their God, that we trust factor between Jew and non Jew. After Working with an organization in Israel called merely travel on different roads to find Him. hundreds of years of anti semitism that “Helping Hands”, they will give the rings I’m not expecting you—this reader—to culminated in the Holocaust, is it possible for to a group of survivors when in Israel on understand. You had to be there. Jew and Gentile to totally reconcile? Can we September 17th. There will be an inscription stop the new anti semitism that calls itself anti- on each ring: “Your God will be my God. zionism? We talked about the probability of Where you go I will go. Let nothing but death an unknown Jewish couple having a shabbat separate you and me.”
C H A R T E R E D A C C O U N T A NTS Keith Thomson B.Comm. CA Brian Turnquist B.Comm. CA Michael Gorniak B.Comm. CA Rodney Trayhorne MPAcc. CA 500, 123 - 2nd Avenue South Amberly Chabot B.Comm. Saskatoon Sk Canada S7K 7E6 •Accounting & Auditing •Personal & Corporate Tax Planning & Preparation • Computer Consulting, Training & Monthly Processing Michael R. Scharfstein, B.Comm., J.D. •Financial Planning & Loan Proposals [email protected] •Estate Planning •Agristability •Business Plans •Litigation Support •Business Valuations Ph: 306.244.0132 Fax: 306.653.1118 244-4414 Fax: 244-1545 www.SHTB-law.com 400 - 15 23rd St. East - Saskatoon
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Multifaith Saskatchewan we design and print... Multifaith Saskatchewan has been promot- needs of various cultures, particularly at the Brochures Newsletters ing greater understanding of and respect for time of someone’s death. Our members have Flyers the many faith communities in Saskatchewan. been invited into schools and other institutions Posters Our provincial motto, “From many peoples, to help students to understand the values and Presentation Folders Strength”, has inspired us to celebrate our practices of various religions. Laser Cheques Stationery differences and learn from each other. For We are looking for a few good men and Annual reports the past five years, we have sponsored a women from Saskatoon to either volunteer Business Forms Family History Books provincial visual art contest for high school to help us plan and execute our activities or Carbonless Forms Textbooks students to encourage students to use art to to join our provincial board. Please contact ... to your specifications and satisfaction promote for each other and for the environ- me ([email protected]) if you would ment. We have created a very popular chart like to learn more. Tel. 306.955.3373 • Fax. 306.955.5739 for hospitals to assist personnel to meet the 217 Jessop Avenue • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 1Y3
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14 Where do you read What a Scoop! your Bulletin? Editor in HIgh Places - goes to any extreme to get a story! We know our Bulletin is a good read. But where do you enjoy leafing through the lovely pages?
Mogen David Flower Bed at the Cemetery
Vienna Shiffman reads the Bulletin in her favourite comfy chair
We are thrilled to announce that both our CJPAC Generation: Student Leaders program for high school students and Fellowship program for university students are now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year. We would encourage anyone with an interest in Canada’s political system to apply today – you never know where the experience might take you, but you don’t have to take our word for it…read Generation and Fellow alum Jonathan Glustein’s take go to cjpac.ca – we’re sure you’ll be inspired!
Regards, Eleanor Millar Director, Campus Programming
Jaime Reich Director of Outreach & Programming For more information go to cjpac.ca
This page is sponsored by Lois & Walter Gumprich, with Susanne, Daniel, Michelle, Abigail and their families. 15 September 2016 • Av / Elul 5776 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 Av 29 3 Av 30 1 Av 28 RE’EH ROSH CHODESH
* *Harold Shiffman
4 Elul 1 5 Elul 2 6 Elul 3 7 Elul 4 8 Elul 5 9 Elul 6 10 Elul 7 SHOFTIM Office Closed Hebrew School Registration Elaine Sharfe Book Launch 4:15 pm McNalley Robinson Book Store 1 pm
* *Steven Simpson
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October 2016 • Elul / Tishri 5776 / 5777 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Elul 28 NITZAVIM
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2 Elul 29 3 Tishri 1 4 Tishri 2 5 Tishri 3 6 Tishri 4 7 Tishri 5 8 Tishri 6 VAYELECH EREV 9:00am - SHACHARIT 9:00am - SHACHARIT ROSH HASHANAH Day 1 Day 2 SHABBAT SHUVAH 7:00pm - ARVIT Day 2 Family Dinner and Office Closed Musical Program 6pm Office Closed *Nicky Gitlin
9 Tishri 7 10 Tishri 8 11 Tishri 9 12 Tishri 10 13 Tishri 11 14 Tishri 12 15 Tishri 13 HA’AZINU Cemetery Visitation Office Closed 6:00pm - EREV YOM YOM KIPPUR Unveiling of Headstone KIPPUR - KOL NIDRE Shacharit 9:00am, for Books Canadian Thanksgiving Mincha 5:00pm, 10:00 am Havdalah and Oneg 7:15pm Office Closed *Matt Ditlove
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