Shana Tova Autumn 2014
Tishrei 5775
Beth Torah Congregation
Hebrews' Cool
Beth Torah’ Hebrew school
is a dynamic, one-day-a-week program for students in grades 1 to 6. Through teaching music, Torah, Hebrew, Israel and holidays, and of course food, our students learn what it really means to live Jewishly.
Alley Dezenhouse-Kelner Director of Education 416.782.4495 ext. 25 hebrewschool@bethtorah.ca Bar-Bat Mitzvah year Join Rabbi Yossi as he explores the values of living Jewishly and answers all the questions you never got to ask in Hebrew school. A combination of open discussions, field trips and exploring the arts, we prepare B’nai Mitzvah to live Jewishly long after their party is over. “Adventure Judaism: Education for kids Who Want to Stay That Way” teaches a living Judaism for the 21st Century.
A YEAR F LIVING JEWISHLY
BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM
Beth Torah Congregation What’s inside!
Yossi Sapirman Senior Rabbi David Young Cantor Eli Courante Associate Rabbi Samuel Frankel ob”m Cantor Emeritus Allen Gerskup President Ephraim Fiksel 1st Vice President Peter Farkas 2nd Vice President Andrew Weisberg Treasurer Candace Vogel Secretary Michael Goldberg Member-at-Large Mark Krantzberg Gabbai Irving Mueller Gabbai Emeritus Harold Wolkin Immediate Past President Board of Trustees Mitchell Abbey Deborah Anschell Haley Field Marni Hefner Jeffrey Jacob Stephen Klein David Kornhauser Mark Krantzberg Robert Miller Toni Silberman Shane Teper Marvyn Turk Jill Wagman Lawrence Zucker
Hebrews’ Cool President’s Message Rabbi’s Message Cantor’s Message Director of Education’s Message Getting into the Spirit! High Holiday Reminders High Holiday Survival Pizza in the Hut About Sukkot How Love Raises Children Donations and Sponsorship Opportunities Beth Torah Calendar 2014/2015 Thank You Prayerbook Fund/Simcha Fund Thank You Refuah Shlemah/Rabbi’s Charitable Fund Thank You Kiddush Sponsors and Donors Condolences Yarzheit (Memory) Fund Kosher Cooking with Lori Sunday Minyan Executive Director’s Message Beth Torah Security Robbins Hebrew Academy Congregational High School Midnight Run CCCS Symposium 2014 B’Te-Avon! Chef for a Night The Hanukkah X-Press CCCS Winter Shabbaton Retreat Magnificent Minds Family Chanukah Bash Past Beth Torah Events! IC Savings A Year of Living Jewishly Graduating Class Shana Tova Greetings Taste for Superstition, Anyone? Associated Hebrew Schools Rachael’s Centre New Arrivals! Beth Torah Staff Simchat Torah Selichot Photography courtesy of Rabbi Yossi Sapirman
i 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 32 33 34 45 46 47 47 48 49 50
Shana Tova
President’s Message Dear friends and fellow congregants, as I sit in front of my computer preparing to write my last President’s remarks for the Rosh Hashana bulletin, I am trying to think of something new to write. I would want to write of the tremendously successful year we have had, of the remarkable people that comprise our community, of the many uplifting moments at our Synagogue. However, I am distracted by something not so new, war in Israel. Alas, it appears that nothing much has changed in this war other than the reality that rockets fired into Israel by Hamas terrorists have a longer range. Having just returned from Israel the day before, the decision was made to mobilize the IDF and cross the border into Gaza in an attempt to silence these attacks. I felt a sense of guilt. I have family in Israel, including a niece and a nephew, who are serving their compulsory time in the army, as well as other relatives who live under the constant threat of annihilation. My feelings for Israel run very deep and having been involved with Maccabi Canada since 1984, and being a past-president of the organization, I have made many trips to Israel, at my last count, over 35!
Allen Gerskup Israel can protect itself; this is what we are told. But every time there is conflict, the hotels become deserted, the shopping malls become empty canyons, and restaurant patrons are scarce. This is my source of guilt. Economically, Israel needs us just as much as Israel needs us for moral support. Israelis need us to stand with them through tough times and as Jews. My question is, are we doing enough to support the youth of Israel, those who must bear arms and put boots to the ground and protect our Jewish homeland? There are many ways to show our solidarity with Israel – investing in Israel Bonds, purchasing Israeli products and services and, of course, visiting Israel. I am committed to continuing my commitment to Israel and hope you all join me. I am also thinking of another long-standing commitment. My term as president of Beth Torah is coming to an end at our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2014. At that time, a new Executive Committee and Board of Directors will be elected. My term as president has had its challenges. However, with the support of an Executive committee that arguably is the envy of any in our community and a no nonsense Board of Directors whose decisions were always made in the best interests for the congregation of Beth Torah, we have achieved a degree of excellence and honour that I am certain will continue with my successor. I specifically want to thank our past presidents for their support and guidance, with a special thank you to our immediate past President, Harold Wolkin. Truly, a more hard working Executive Committee could not be found and I thank them here by name: Ephraim Fiksel, Peter Farkas, Candace Vogel, Andrew Weisberg and Harold Wolkin. I am privileged to lead a team of excellent clergy, Rabbi Yossi Sapirman, Cantor David Young, and Rabbi Eli Courante who joined us last year. The support of the office staff, headed up by our Executive Director, Maureen Verboom, has been a critical element in our success and I am grateful for her sage advice and expert management. So, to my wife Maida and my family who have supported my time commitment to the Shul, to the Board, Executive, Clergy, and administration who have made my presidency purposeful and to the many volunteers who have made us successful, I say thank you for all your efforts. We could not have done it unless it was together. To the congregation I have been fortunate to serve, thank you for electing me the greatest honour I have ever known. I have been so privileged to serve my beloved family Shul and to spend these many years working on behalf of a most wonderful congregation. Shana Tovah!
2
Allen Gerskup, President
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
Rabbi’s Message What a strange summer this has been! Actually what an odd winter it was, what a forgettable spring it became and yes, this summer has not quite lived up to the imagery in the Ontario: Yours to Discover brochure. It has been a depressing time; not in a long time have so many in our community felt such a sense of dread and confusion over the situation in Israel and the quality of Jewish life worldwide. Anti-Semitism, often veiled as anti-Zionism, blared from the news pages and screens and a general sense of intractable malaise enveloped the optimistic season of sun and carefree days. As I write, the cease fire is holding – an opportunity for diplomacy and politics to offer unsatisfactory compromises, to build a partnership between Israel and the intermediaries that represent Hamas, an asymmetrical peace if there ever could be. As the war dust settles, Shiva ends for the children, Shloshim conclude for Israel’s bravest and finest. As Gaza rebuilds and the rockets are silent, we must now speak of our suppressed pain.
Rabbi Yossi Sapirman
There are so many conversations on hold, and now that the children in Israel can safely walk to school, the residents of the south can return home, the Iron Dome batteries continue to track the sky and nothing but migrating storks are seen, there will be an avalanche of dialogue, a release of inquiries and the typically robust dialogue on Israel’s state will form a raging torrent of expression. And what will you ask? What do you want to discuss? Political pundit or ordinary consumer of news, something is left unanswered and it is worth trying to have the conversation even if it only releases the angst we all hold with no answers to be found. We hold on to the fear and the hurt here, in Canada, for our people in places that have it much worse than we do and are not free to ask. We hold on to it for those too young to know the cause of hate but old enough to feel it and fear it. We hold onto it for the Holocaust survivor who is forced to hear the echoing refrains of annihilation – only they truly understand why Never is appended with Again. Our generation only knows Never and we hold that responsibility firmly. We hold on to it for the sake of the tattered and faded hope that states love can conquer hate, that Democracy can inspire the end of despotism, that humanity at its core wishes to be good if only it were shown kindness and sympathy. We hold on to it for fear that if we let these hopes slip from our grasp, the tyrant will use the remnants to severe freedom’s future. The High Holidays have many rituals and observances that form a familiar and meaningful connection to family, synagogue and community, history, Judaism and friends. This year, we must come together to strengthen our collective assurance, to calm the unease, to again embrace the hope that our tradition has always envisioned, that is to hear the sound of the shofar crying out for justice and peace, a sound that has echoed for over 3000 years in our collective memory. As a congregation and a community, we are more than the sum of our individuals, we are a repository of warmth and a bastion of Jewish hope beyond numbers. Everyone counts, everyone is welcome, everyone is needed and we are the future and the past collectively. This year, let’s pray for the sound of silence in Israel, may it continue until the Shofar heralds peace, Amen. Shana Tovah u’Metukah A sweet and good year! Rabbi Yossi Sapirman
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
3
Shana Tova
Cantor’s Message At the time of writing this article, it is a calm warm summer’s day. Looking out my window, one would never guess the turmoil that surrounds us. Israel is in the middle of a three day cease fire with Hamas. We have lost too many heroic soldiers who have fought for the safety and security of our people. Just around the corner from me, a bus shelter was vandalized with hateful graffiti and the customary vulgarity of the swastika. There are numerous anti-Semitic protests in Europe and the all too familiar venomous rants about Jews. Where was the world outrage when Hamas committed unspeakable crimes against us? There wasn’t, and there never will be. We stand alone. How can we be comforted knowing time and time again that we as Jews are always at the bottom of the food chain in the court of public opinion? What solace can we find within our community and ourselves to face these realities?
Cantor David Young
To me the answer is right in front of us. Although as Jews we can argue with each other and agree to disagree on most anything, we all have one strong common bond. We share our history, our heritage, and what it means to be a Jew. Our Shul provides the opportunity for us be together as an extended family; to find comfort in times of sorrow; to share our joy with B’nei mitzvoth, weddings and other simchas. We are comforted in song and prayer throughout the year.
I am often asked how I manage to get through the rigors of the holidays – how am I able to stand for so long, sing, and conduct the choir without getting tired. Where does this strength come from? The answer is simple – I get my strength from each of you. There is no better feeling than to lead services and hear the congregation join as one in prayer and song. It is uplifting. It is unifying. It is fulfilling. It’s the sound of music that elevates the soul to a higher level. It is the interaction between cantor, choir and congregation that brings us together and provides us strength to meet any challenge. We are united as one when reciting the Un’taneh Tokef – where we contemplate our own lives – who shall live, who shall die. We ask Hashem to inscribe us in the book of life, and in so doing, we delve deeply into our own lives – our wishes, our dreams, our hopes, our failures, our successes. It is truly emotional. Yet we find a sense of relief when we sing together “Brosh Hashanah, Yikatevun, Uv’yom Tzom Kippur Yechatemun”. “Avinu Malkeinu, Chanenu Va-aneinu, Ki Eyn Banu Ma-asim, Asey Imanu, Tz’dakah Va-chesed, V’hoshienu.” Our Father, our King, be Thou gracious unto us and answer us; for lo, we are unworthy; deal Thou with us in charity and loving-kindness and save us.” There is no better way to end the Yom Kippur service than with the Avinu Malkeinu – with the sound of hundreds singing together in harmony one last time prior to the conclusion of the services. For me as Cantor, I am so indebted to my Choir – it is through them that the tone for the holidays is set. All volunteers, all who sing for the love of music and community. What better form of Tzedakah can be found during the holidays? I thank each and every one of them – they are the highlight of the service and without them, the High Holidays would not be the same. My hope for the holidays is that we will all find comfort when participating in the services. Take a moment to close your eyes during the refrain of Brosh Hashanah and Avinu Malkeinu and listen to the sounds of hundreds of people joining together in song and prayer. It is truly remarkable. Join me and the choir this year to sing with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might. It is the best medicine to be unified in times such as these and it proves to us that we can move forward and face whatever challenges greet us. I wish you and your families a very happy, healthy new year, an easy fast, and may we all be privileged to be inscribed in the book of life. Shana Tova, Cantor David Young
4
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
From the Director of Education Time for a Cleanse—Hold the Kale! Many of us go day to day without taking a breath. Maybe we fear that taking time to take a breath will somehow detract from our daily duties—when in reality (from a psychological but also spiritual perspective) the opposite is true. Now I am no biologist, but I know our bodies have a way of requiring us—even as we monotonously check off our to-do list, to continue to breathe (in and out, and out and in). In my studies of mindfulness and self-awareness, I have come to realize that even though we are constantly breathing, we rarely take a breath—profound, right? In a time where juice cleanses are more widely discussed than spiritual cleanses, I can’t help but think about how Rosh Hashana—the dawn of a new year—fits into a more modern pursuit of wholeness, mindfulness, and spiritual cleansing. Rosh Hashana is so much more than just the celebration of the New Year; it is the chance to restore energy, recharge motivation, and aim for spiritual well being—to take a much needed breath.
Alley Dezenhouse-Kelner
Sitting in synagogue, you have nowhere to be but where you are, nothing to do but
what you are doing. On Rosh Hashanah G-d says—OK 21st century go-go-go-ers with an affinity for juice cleanses and I-devices...it’s time to take a breath. And so we do. I vividly remember one particular Rosh Hashana at the Beth Torah, I was six years old and I wasn’t allowed to sit beside my little brother (but that’s another story). I sat sandwiched between my elderly relatives and congregants. I remember exclaiming (definitely louder than my mom would have liked): “I’m bored!!” Her response, half for me and half for the elderly congregants who were raising their eyebrows at me in horror, was “Honey, this is a time to ask for forgiveness; in synagogue, you have a direct line to
G-d”. (To put it in perspective, I
had just been bestowed my own phone line, so the idea of having G-ds personal line intrigued me). My wheels turned. I imagined G-d’s car phone ringing, a boisterous voice on the other side greeting me. After a few minutes of talking to a person I would later refer to as Hashem, I started to stir. Anticipating my next comment, my mom whispered something like “now, just be.” Anyone who knows me (or any fidgety six year old for that matter) knows that saying “just be” is akin to telling a clock not to tic. Knowing I had a direct line to G-d (and presumably, he had a direct line to me), I tried my very best to “just be.” As an adult, I continue to focus on learning to “just be.” Being able to reflect without planning, meditate without anticipation of what is to come, and be content in the moment. As we enter a new year, I have several wishes for you and your family; I wish that you will find the time to breath, on this day—but also every day. I wish for you and your kids the ability to “just be” and accept that it does not come easily; may you recognize that like all things worth pursuing—it will get a little easier with patience and time. May you have happy, healthy and spiritually rich New Year! Shanah Tovah, Alley Dezenhouse-Kelner
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
5
Shana Tova
GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT! 10 Ways to Make the High Holidays More Meaningful For Your Kids Summer’s relaxed pace seems long gone by the time the High Holidays roll around. A flurry of food shopping, cleaning and decisions like, “Should my parents come here, or should we go there?” seem to overshadow the spiritual goals of this time of year. Add to the mix the beginning of the school year, with all those lunches to make, clothes to buy, knapsacks to fill and forms to complete, and we can easily forget what the high holidays are really about. Jewish Parenting Today has a variety of suggestions, submitted by rabbis and educators, to help children and adults get into the proper mood for the holidays. Try them along with your own family traditions and have a sweet year
Tell Bedtime Stories There are countless Jewish stories relating to ethics that children and their parents will enjoy and that will help children grasp the concepts of the high holidays. Stories that convey the importance of such basic Jewish precepts as honesty, compassion or faith can be found in abundance in Jewish texts, folktales, and the shelves of Judaica shops and bookstores. Rabbi Wayne Dosick, author of Golden Rules, says that stories are always best told at night. “That is when the tribe tells its truths,” he says, “and when stories seep into the consciousness.” Rabbi Dosick cautions, however: “The best way to teach compassion is to be compassionate yourself. If you want your child to be honest, you should always tell the truth all year.”
Have a Family Mailbox Rabbi Susan Henneson Moskowitz, family educator at the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore in Plandome, Long Island, suggests a mailbox where members of your family can write notes to each other during the month of Elul, the month before the high holidays take place. “You can write things that you are sorry about, things you hope to do better next year and things that you forgot to say during the year,” says Moskowitz. “It’s also nice to write to family that do not live in your home.” It is especially important, she says, to write positive things that are often neglected, as simple as “I love you.”
Give Tzedakah It is considered traditional to perform the mitzvah of tzedakah, charity, at this time of year. Julie Hilton Danan, author of The Jewish Parents Almanac, suggests telling young children in basic terms, where the money will go: “to feed hungry people who are poor,” for example. “As the children grow up a bit,” she says, “you could choose a personalized tzedakah project for the year. You might decide to ‘adopt’ a shut-in or nursing home resident to visit on a regular basis, to volunteer for work with the handicapped, or to purchase extra food and donate it to a food bank.”
Save Those New Year’s Cards! Marilyn Small, nursery school director of the Hollis Hills Jewish Center in Queens, suggests having kids cut the symbols out of the fronts of all your family’s New Year’s Cards. “Then you can make cards all year long,” she says, and this will extend the pleasure and the meaning. The symbols and words that are cut out are helpful with pre-reading, as well. “The child will start recognizing, for example, that a Hebrew word may contain a letter from their name,” says Small.
6
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year Tzedakah Projects: Giving Back Danny Siegel, author and director of the Ziv Tzedakah Fund, suggests the following tzedakah projects in his booklet, 116 Practical Mitzvah Suggestions. Try them over the High Holidays and throughout the year. • Contribute the money you would have used for food on Yom Kippur or other fast days to MAZON or other organizations to feed the hungry. • Make a home-made Tzedakah box (Pushka) for your home before Rosh Hashanah begins. When it’s full, have the entire family decide where the money should go. • Make a commitment to a once-a-month family visit to a hospital paediatric ward or old-age home. It’s a great way to fulfill the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim, visiting the sick. • Cleaning out your kids’ closet for clothes to give away before the new school year starts? Let your children know about the mitzvah of Halbashat Arumim, providing clothes for those who are in need of them. Make sure your kids are aware that this Jewish tradition stretches back many centuries. • Arrange to install a food barrel in your local synagogue or other Jewish communal building. Collect food and distribute to individuals in need, either through local agencies or individual contacts. Children and adults can decorate the food barrel together.
Take From What’s Around You For young children, suggests Beth Teitelman, co-author of Wonderplay and director of the 92nd Street Y Parenting Center, take something and make it special. “A placemat, card or picture for the holiday involves them,” she says. Children associate with symbols, says Ansche Chesed’s Judith Turner. “That’s our first association with ideas, a more complex way of thinking. Teaching kids to blow the shofar, going food shopping for the holiday or creating New Year’s cards together gets the whole family in the spirit of the holiday.” Marilyn Small, of the Hollis Hills Jewish Center, suggests sensory-type activities for young children, easily done at home. “When eating apples and honey, talk about the different colour apple skins and how people also have all different colour skins. Children learn that we have to look at what’s underneath.”
Ease into the Holidays This suggestion is especially important for children with learning disabilities. The most important thing is “not to press beyond the child’s capabilities,” says Dr. Steven Benardo, director of a new program for learning-disabled children at the Brotherhood Synagogue in Manhattan. “The synagogue should not be a place of pain,” says Benardo, “but should be one more opportunity for success.” Preparation is important, he suggests. Try attending services for a few Saturdays for a couple of hours and slowly increase the time span. Let the child know where the bathroom is, where the exits are and where he or she can have some time out. “Don’t worry about the whole service,” Benardo says. “You can concentrate on one sentence, or one paragraph. Find ways to be successful, not ways to prove that the child needs extra help.” And be prepared to deal with sibling competition, which can be the hardest thing to deal with at such a time as the High Holidays.
Go to Selichot Services Selichot, which means pardon or forgiveness, begin the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah with a midnight or close to midnight service. A study session and refreshments often precede the services. Julie Hilton Danan’s Jewish Parents Almanac suggests that “going to pray in the middle of the night can be a memorable experience for older children as well as for adults. There is a special atmosphere there that can really set the mood of awe that characterizes the Jewish New Year. “With younger children, you might adapt the idea of the Selichot by taking a few moments of quiet at bedtime, shortly before Rosh Hashanah, for everyone to think about his or her actions and talk silently to God about what he or she wants to improve in the coming year,” says Danan.
Make a Sweet Treat Cooking has always been an integral part of the High Holidays, and it is a great way to engage children, says Henneson Moskowitz. “Try a round challah, honey cake, or tegelach,” she suggests. Hollis Hills Jewish Center’s Marilyn Small agrees. “Through food, children can really feel that they are a part of the holiday,” she says. The most important thing, concludes Fretta Rietzes, co-author of Wonderplay and director of the 92nd Street Y’s Center for Youth and Family, is to “engage the child where the child is.” Holidays are overwhelming, reminds Rietzes. School is starting and it can be a tense time. “If your child doesn’t want to wear that special dress, it’s okay,” Rietzes says. “Take cues from your child if he or she is being overwhelmed. For example, on Yom Kippur, it’s okay not to go back to the synagogue. You can mark the moment at home.” Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
7
Shana Tova
High Holiday Reminders High Holiday Security A Friendly Reminder for your peace of mind and Safety: Improved more rigorous SECURITY MEASURES are in place this Holiday Season. Only those persons with a HIGH HOLIDAY 2014-5775 ticket will admitted to services.
High Holiday Parking PARKING ATTENDANTS will furnish drivers with a DASH BOARD TICKET – identifying available parking in the area. Before you leave your car –REMEMBER to put the DASH BOARD TICKET in a VISIBLE place on your DASHBOARD allowing Toronto Police Parking Enforcement Officers to see it.
The Toronto Police Service has granted Beth Torah Congregation consideration for parking during HIGH HOLIDAYS for violations such as the three-hour limit parking zones and No Parking Anytime areas.
All other offences will be enforced. There will be no consideration for offences such as No Parking within 9 metres of Inter section, No Standing, No Stopping, Stopping on Sidewalks and Parking on Boulevards, Fire Hydrants, Fire Routes, Rush Hour Hours and Permit Parking Streets.
If the police receive a parking complaint, they will enforce the bylaws.
Please do NOT PARK ILLEGALLY or in the LADY YORK PARKING LOT. You will likely be ticketed or towed.
High Holiday Seating The Executive Committee and Board wish to remind you that all our members must have fair and equal access to the seats located in the Main Sanctuary during the High Holidays
To ensure equality, we cannot allow the practice of saving seats by placing Tallitot, prayer books and other objects on the seats prior to the start of the service. Items left on the seats for that purpose will be respectfully removed by the ushers and placed in the coat check area for retrieval by their owner.
Please also note that persons sitting in the Main Sanctuary may not save extra seats for family members who will join them at a later time in the service. You may, however, save seats for your family and friends if you are sitting in the Chapel or the Social Hall until notified that it is no longer feasible to do so.
High Holiday Attire Appropriate Synagogue attire should be modest and reflect the importance of spending the High Holidays in a sacred place. Dress style should be festive, modest or business (casual). Kippot and a limited number of ladies’ shawls are available at the entrance.
Parents please remind your teens that although ultra-casual, sleeveless, ultra-short or low-cut clothes may be in fashion, they are not suitable for religious services.
Please avoid the use of strong smelling perfumes or colognes.
High Holiday Communication Please remember . . .
In respect of the sacred Holiday please refrain entirely from texting, tweeting, updating Facebook or any use of phones and communication devices in and around the Synagogue.
8
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
High Holiday Survival • It’s not always easy to pray. • It is not always a simple matter to focus on those obscure Hebrew words or to listen to the intoning of ancient tomes amidst the fervour and hesitance that mark Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. • How can you make prayer become a relevant and meaningful experience? • Think about some of these ideas before you step inside the synagogue. They may help: • Try not to expect too much! Don’t try to get everything out of every prayer or to follow along the whole service. • Use a translation, preferably with explanations. There are some excellent bilingual festival prayer books on the market today. • Select one or two prayers that are objectively more significant on these High Holy Days, or that seem to have special meaning for you. • Read through them carefully. (Don’t worry if you are “falling behind” following the reader...) Think about what the prayers mean to you. Why did you select them? Of what wider significance could the prayer be to your community, someone you know, mankind? • Close your eyes. Take in the atmosphere. Now look around and share a feeling of togetherness with others in the synagogue. • Think about the fact that millions of Jews around the world are doing exactly what you are doing. What does that mean to you? • Use the time to “time out” and reflect on yourself, your family, those you care for - and the rest of the world. Any special thoughts? • Think that just by being in synagogue you have made a commitment as a Jew. • Do you want to strengthen that commitment somehow? If so, how? Think of three things you could do once the day is over. • Join in with the prayers. Even if you don’t understand what you are saying, your thoughts and feelings are communicated. Your words join those of your fellow congregants in the synagogue: they combine together. Your prayers, if sincere, will be heard and understood... • And may you be inscribed for a Happy and Healthy year.
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
9
Shana Tova
It’s that time again...
Help decorate our Sukkah Join us for food, fun and arts & crafts to make the Sukkah beautiful.
Advanced RSVP $ 2 per person At the door $ 15 per family RSVP to hebrewschool@bethtorah.ca
Lulav and Etrog Lulav & Etrog sets are available for purchase for Sukkot at a cost of $60.00 Order by October 5th 2014
PIZZA
IN THE HUT TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH 2014 AT 5:30 PM
10
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
About Sukkot Sukkot is a seven-day harvest holiday that arrives during the Hebrew month of Tishrei. It starts four days after Yom Kippur and is followed by Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Sukkot is also known as the Festival of Booths and the Feast of Tabernacles. The Origin of Sukkot Sukkot hearkens back to times in ancient Israel when Jews would build huts near the edges of their fields during the harvest season. One of these dwellings was called a “sukkah” and “sukkot” is the plural form of this Hebrew word. These dwellings not only provided shade but allowed the workers to maximize the amount of time they spent in the fields, harvesting their food more quickly as a result. Traditions of Sukkot There are three major traditions associated with Sukkot:
Building a sukkah • Eating in the sukkah • Waving the lulav and etrog At the beginning of sukkot (often Kippur and Sukkot) Jews conpeople would live in the sukkot modern times people most often or help their synagogue conJerusalem some neighborhoods who can build the best sukkah. sukkah here.
during the days between Yom struct a sukkah. In ancient times and eat every meal in them. In build a sukkah in their backyards struct one for the community. In will have friendly contests to see You can learn more about the
Few people live in the sukkah toone meal in it. At the beginning recited, which goes: “Blessed are universe, who has sanctified us manded us to dwell in the sukmandment to eat in the sukkah more accommodating.
day but it is popular to eat at least of the meal a special blessing is you, Adonai our God, Ruler of the with commandments, and comkah.” If it is raining then the comis postponed until the weather is
Since Sukkot celebrates the harvest in the land of Israel, another custom on Sukkot involves waving the lulav and etrog. Together the lulav and etrog represent the Four Species. The etrog is a kind of citron (related to a lemon), while the lulav is made of three myrtle twigs (hadassim), two willow twigs (aravot) and a palm frond (lulav). Because the palm frond is the largest of these plants, the myrtle and willow are wrapped around it. During Sukkot, the lulav and etrog are waved together while reciting special blessings. They are waved in each of the four directions - sometimes six if “up” and “down” are included in the ritual - representing God’s dominion over Creation. The lulav and etrog are also part of the synagogue service. On each morning of Sukkot people will carry the lulav and etrog around the sanctuary while reciting prayers. On the seventh day of Sukkot, called Hoshana Rabba, the Torah is removed from the Ark and congregants march around the synagogue seven times while holding the lulav and etrog. The eighth and last day of Sukkot is known as Shmeni Atzeret. On this day a prayer for rain is recited, demonstrating how the Jewish holidays are in tune with the seasons of Israel, which begins on this day.
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
11
Shana Tova
How Love Raises Children • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my drawing on the refrigerator, and I wanted to draw another one. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favourite cake for me, and it wasn’t even my birthday, and I knew that little things are special things. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you become very angry, and stay calm and “use your words”, and I learned to do that too. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give my clothes that didn’t fit any more to those less fortunate, and I learned to reach out to others to help. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you read, just for fun, and I learned to love books, and learning. • When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you look at the night sky, and I learned to see beauty in the world around me. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you sing as you worked, and I learned that work can bring great satisfaction. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you fail, and make mistakes, and I saw you keep doing your best, and I learned perseverance. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be. • When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked . . . . and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.
A Family Prayer Avinu Malkeinu, bless my family with peace. Teach us to appreciate the treasure of our lives. Help us always to find contentment in one another. Save us from dissension and jealousy; shield us from pettiness and rivalry. May selfish pride not divide us; may pride in one another unite us. Help us to renew our love for one another continually. In the light of Your Torah *No grant us, the people IsraelRSVP andfor allthe your creatures everywhere, health24 and fulfilment, harmony, charge for the luncheon. luncheon to 416.782.4495, extension or rabbisoffice@bethtorah.ca peace, and Joy. Amen.
SIMSERVICES
THURSDAY SEP-
12
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
Donations & Sponsorship Opportunities at Tell them you Care Send a card to a friend $18 or $36 Donate a Siddur, High Holiday Machzor or a Chumash in honour or in memory $72 determined by the needs of the synagogue
Sponsor us! Sponsor a Kiddush on Saturday morning $500 Sponsor a Family Shabbat on a Friday evening $500 Sponsor a Sunday Minyan Breakfast $180 Dedicate the weekly newsletter and announcement in memory, celebration or honour of a person or event. $180 Sponsor or Co-sponsor our Annual Festival Events Priceless! Sponsor any of the Events in this Bulletin
Visit us at www.bethtorah.ca for more details or call 416 782-4495, Ext 24. or email rabbisoffice@bethtorah.ca
NOW s m r o F ABLE L I A V A online
Tree of Life Enlargement to show detail
Honour or memorialize a loved one, commemorate a simcha or recognize a special achievement with an inscription on our magnificent Tree of Life. Please contact office Please selectthe your leafforormore barkdetails size:
Leaves Small
$360
Bark Plaques Small (1� x 4�)
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
$180
13
Shana Tova
Calendar 2014/2015 September 2014 Hebrew School Parents’ Orientation: Sunday September 14th at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday Hebrew School Sessions: September 16th (first day), 23rd, 30th Sunday Hebrew School Sessions: September 14th (first day only at 1:00 p.m.), 21st, 28th YLJ and B’nai Mitzvah Orientation: Sunday, September 14th at 1:00 p.m. YLJ Session: September 28th at 9:00 a.m. Selichot: Motzei Shabbat, September 20th 9:30 p.m. Services Selichot Services @ Beth Shalom Synagogue Erev Rosh Hashanah: Wednesday, September 24th Services 5:30 p.m. Candle Lighting 6:50 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day I: Thursday, September 25th 7:45 a.m. Pre-shul Kiddush 8:00 a.m. Services 10:00 a.m. Shofar Family Service in the tent begins after Shofar followed by Mussaf, Sermon and Kiddush 6:00 p.m. Evening Services Candle lighting 7:55 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day II: Friday, September 26th 7:45 a.m. Pre-shul Kiddush 8:00 a.m. Services 10:00 a.m. Shofar Family Service in the tent begins after Shofar followed by Mussaf, Sermon and Kiddush 5:30 p.m. Evening Services Shabbat Candles 6:50 p.m. Shabbat Shuvah: Saturday, September 27th 8:30 a.m. Pre-Shul Kiddush 8:45 a.m. Services Observance ends: 7:50 p.m. Fast of Gedaliah: Sunday, September 28th Observance begins 5:45 a.m.; Fast ends 7:45 p.m.
October 2014 Kol Nidre: Friday, October 3rd 6:00 p.m. Services sharp Candle lighting 6:35 p.m. (Light safely before leaving for shul) Yom Kippur: Saturday, October 4th 8:00 a.m. Services 10:00 a.m. Bonds Appeal, Yizkor followed by Mussaf & Sermon 3:30 p.m. Rabbi Yossi’s Study Session: “How Yom Kippur Was Made: A behind the scenes look at sin, forgiveness and the spectacle that made it” 4:30 p.m. Mincha 5:45 p.m. Ne’ilah followed by Havdallah (All children participate) (Bring Friends and Family – All are welcome) Observance Ends/Break the Fast: 7:36 p.m.
14
Congregation. Community. Connection
Pizza in the Hut – Sukkah Decorating Party: Sunday, October 5th at 12:00 p.m. Erev Sukkot: Wednesday, October 8th Candles at 6:28 p.m. Sukkot I: Thursday, October 9th 8:30 a.m. Pre-Shul Kiddush in Sukkah 8:45 a.m. Services followed by Kiddush in Sukkah Sukkot II: Friday, October 10th 8:30 a.m. Pre-Shul Kiddush in Sukkah 8:45 a.m. Services followed by Kiddush in Sukkah Light Shabbat candles 6:25 p.m. Shabbat Chol Hamoed: Saturday, October 11 8:30 a.m. Pre-Shul Kiddush in Sukkah 8:45 a.m. Services followed by Kiddush in Sukkah Observance ends: 7:25 p.m. Shemini Atzeret (Yizkor): Thursday, October 16th 8:30 a.m. Pre-Shul Kiddush in Sukkah 8:45 a.m. Services followed by kiddush 10:00 a.m. (approx.) Yizkor Light Candles after 6:50 p.m. Erev Simchat Torah Celebration for kids followed by Mincha/Maariv Service & Hakafot & Aliyot for families & entire congregation Simchat Torah Party: Friday, October 17th at 5:45 p.m. Candle lighting 6:10 p.m. Simchat Torah Day: 8:30 a.m. Special Pre-shul Kiddush 8:45 a.m. Morning Services Simchat Torah Lunch: 11:45 a.m. (approximately) Tuesday Hebrew School Sessions: October 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Sunday Hebrew School Sessions: October 5th, 19th, 26th Golden Year of living Jewishly: Tuesday, October 28th at 12:00 p.m. Adult Year of Living Jewishly Meet and Greet / Registration: Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. YLJ Sessions: Sunday, October 12th, 26th
November 2014
Tot Shabbat Program: Saturday, November 1st at 10:00 a.m. Sunday Hebrew School Sessions: November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th Tuesday Hebrew School Sessions: November 4th, 11th, 18th 25th YLJ Sessions: Sunday, November 9th, 30th Golden Year of living Jewishly: Tuesday, November 11th, 25th at 12:00 p.m. Adult Year of Living Jewishly Lecture: Thursday, November 6th, 20th at 7:00 p.m. Holocaust Education Week: November 2nd – 9th New Members’ Evening: Friday, November 21st at 5:30 p.m.
Happy New Year
Stay tuned…much more to come December 2014
Sunday Hebrew School Sessions: December 7th, 14th Tuesday Hebrew School Sessions: December 9th, 16th Tot Shabbat Program: Saturday, December, 6th at 10:00 a.m. YLJ Session: Sunday, December 7th - Trip day Adult Year of Living Jewishly: Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. Chanukah: December 16th- 24th. Light candles at nightfall
April 2015 Sunday Hebrew School: April 12th, 19th, 26th Tuesday Hebrew School: April 14th, 21st, 28th YLJ Sessions: April 12th, 26th Adult Year of Living Jewishly: Thursday, April 30th at 7:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat Program: April 4th at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Hebrew School: January 11th, 18th, 25th Tuesday Hebrew School: January 6th, 13th, 20th , 27th Tot Shabbat Program: January 10th at 10:00 a.m. YLJ Session: January 11th, 25th Adult Year of Living Jewishly: Thursday, January 8th, 22nd Golden Year of living Jewishly: Tuesday, January, 27th at 12:00 p.m. Fast of Tevet 10: Thursday, January 1st Observance begins 6:19 a.m.; ends 5:36 p.m.
Pesach April 3-11 Erev Pesach: Friday, April 3th Fast of the First Born First Seder: Candle lighting 7:28 p.m. Second Seder: Saturday, April 4th Pesach VIII: Saturday, April 11th 10:00 a.m. Yizkor Observance ends 8:41 p.m. Yom Hashoah: Thursday, April 16th Yom Hazikaron: Wednesday, April 22nd Yom Ha’Atzmaut: Thursday, April 23rd
February 2015
May 2015
January 2015
Sunday Hebrew School: February 1st, 8th, 22nd Tuesday Hebrew School: February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th Tot Shabbat Program: February 7th at 10:00 a.m. YLJ Sessions: February 8th Adult Year of Living Jewishly: Thursday, February 5th, 19th at 7:00 p.m. Golden Year of living Jewishly: Tuesday, February 10th, 24th at 12:00 p.m. Tu B’Shvat: Wednesday, February 4th
March 2015 Sunday Hebrew School: March 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th Tuesday Hebrew School: March 3rd, 10th, 24th, 31st YLJ Sessions: March 1st, 29th Adult Year of Living Jewishly: Thursday, March 12th, 26th at 7:00 p.m. Golden Year of living Jewishly: Tuesday, March 17th, 31st at 12:00 p.m. Fast of Esther: Wednesday, March 4th Observance begins 6:50 a.m. ends 6:55 p.m. Erev Purim Services & Megillah Reading: Wednesday, March 4th at 6:00 p.m. Purim: Thursday, March 5th 10:00 a.m. Morning Megillah Reading 4:30p.m. Purim Carnival Shushan Purim: Friday, March 6th Pre-Passover Dinner and Services: Friday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m. RSVP to 416.782.4495, extension 27 or rsvp@bethtorah.ca
Sunday Hebrew School: May 3rd, 10th (last day) Tuesday Hebrew School: May 5th, 12th (last day) YLJ Sessions: May 17th Adult Year of Living Jewishly: May 14th, 28th at 7:00 p.m. Lag B’Omer: Thursday, May 7th Yom Yerushalayim: Sunday, May 17th Tot Shabbat Program: May 2nd at 10:00 a.m. Erev Shavuot: Saturday, May 23rd Shavuot I: Sunday, May 24th Shavuot II: Monday, May 25th 10:15 a.m. Yizkor
June 2015 YLJ Graduation: Friday, June 5th
July 2015 Fast of Tammuz: Sunday, July 5th Observance begins 3:56 a.m.; ends 9:47 p.m. Fast of Tish B’Av: Sunday, July 26th Observance begins 4:29 p.m.; ends 9:33 p.m.
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
15
Shana Tova
THANK YOU!
To Jeffrey Grenville Mazel Tov! From Mark Grenville & Family To Anna & Rob Miller Mazel Tov on the birth of your grandson, Hunter Louis Risen, on February 25th, 2014 From Mark Grenville & Family To the Beber Family Mazel Tov on the celebration of Jonah’s Bar Mitzvah! From Elaine Goodman
Prayerbook Fund From February 1 – June 30, 2014 A Siddur has been donated in memory of Henry Korenblum By Zelda Korenblum A Siddur has been donated in memory of Julie Kaplan By Galila Turkienicz A Siddur has been donated in memory of Tyrus Reiman By Glalila Turkienicz A Siddur has been donated in memory of Shalom Ben-Uri By Galila Turkienicz A Chumash has been donated in memory of Pesach & Margalit Ben-Uri By Galila Turkienicz
To Rabbi Yossi & Family Happy Passover From Barbara Gross To David Glick In honour of his 65th birthday From Zelda Korenblum From Joel & Rochelle Kuchar To Cantor Young For his ever thoughtful and generous consideration From the Waserman Family
A Siddur has been donated in honour of Zelda Korenblum By Dianne & Michael Yanofsky & Family By Howie, Russell, Eric, David & Daniel Yanofsky
To Ray & Rosalie Moscoe Mazel Tov on this wonderful milestone and wishing you many more years of good health and happiness From Mel & Arlene Schecter
A Siddur has been donated in honour of Ray & Rosalie Moscoe By Bev Ballett
To Paul Walman Many happy wishes on your special birthday. From Barbara Gross
A Siddur has been donated in honour of David Glick & Family By Shawn & Lori Goldenberg
Simcha Fund From February 1 – June 30, 2014 To the Charney/Sosnow Family Mazel Tov on the celebration of Emma’s Bat Mitzvah! From Gayla & Kenneth Schwartz
16
To Jeffrey & Barbara Finstein Happy Passover. From Barbara Gross
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
THANK YOU! Refuah Shleimah – Get Well From February 1 – June 30, 2014 To Claire Silverman Best wishes for a speedy recovery From Judy, Sam & Brandon Binguaich To Cantor Young Get well soon From Leon & Freda Yermus & Family From Hope Springman & Annis Jeroff
Rabbi’s Charitable Funds To Rabbi Yossi Thank you for the wonderful baby naming. From The Glick Family
Kiddush Sponsors Stephen & Yasmin Klein Toni Silberman & Jamie Filer Jeffrey & Faye Dorfman Andrew & Fay Weisberg Helen & Steven Silverstein, Bonnie & Henry Webber Shoshana Katz & Faye Gitter Helicia Glicksman & Ed Lane Gail Krantzberg & Douglas Markoff Karen Fenwick & Saul Unterman & Brenda & Michael Somer Marty Schmerz Jackie Shinfield & Robert Wasserman Harry Shapero & Terry Goldenberg Wayne & Susan Robbins The Schwartz & Shulman Families Isak Fiksel & Penny & Ephraim Fiksel Sheldon Freeman, Sharlene Wilder, Florence Wilder & Family Lori & Shawn Goldenberg Ray & Rosalie Moscoe The Morgan/Brodski Families Helen & Sala Herscu
Kiddush Donors Stan & Melissa Freedman Laurence Goldberg & Diane Spivak David Winer & Anne Morais Helen & Henry Mail and Renee & Dinu Focsaneanu Allen Charney & Angela Sosnow Chery Daniels & Neil Grammer Joe, Ann & Tyler Rastin Stephen & Yasmin Klein Rhonda & Oren Lichtenstein Elissa & Justin Beber Alexandra & David Altow Arlene & Harvey Consky Ilena & Mark Borinsky Dena & Adam Ochshorn Risa & Daniel Drimmer Peter Ruby & Stephanie Kirsh Helen & Steven Silverstein Eyal Perelman & Susan Mellor Martin Day & Martina Borchardt Chaia Berkowitz & Sheldon Nadal Bailey & Jonathan Daniels Adam & Robyn Polan Ian & Antree Levine Karen Fisman & Frank Guarascio Barry & Carol Presement Jeff Waldman & Simone Collier David Lewis & Gayle Nussbaum
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
17
Shana Tova
Condolences From February 1 – June 30, 2014 We extend our sincere condolences to the following families; may you know no more sorrow.
To Paula & Les Tarmy On the loss of their father, Ralph Tarmy To David & Alexandra Altow On the loss of his aunt, Helen Better To Noah Forman On the loss of his father, Harry Forman, and his mother, Frances Forman
To Joan Carol Mortimer & Richard Schwartz On the loss of her father, David Mortimer
To Iris Rosenbluth & Mark Krantzberg On the loss of her mother, Anette Rosenbluth
To Jacqui Goldberg & Dan Cohen, Shoshana Goldberg & Joel Weisberg, Estreya, Ariane, Hannah, Rachel and Ethan On the loss of their father and grandfather, Uri Faivel Goldberg
To Shelly & Brian Feldman On the loss of her father, Bernard Herbert Dorfman
To Andrea & Malcolm Marcus, Erin & David Marcus, Solomon, Samantha, Bonita and Elijah On the loss of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Dorothy Sugarman
To Don Epstein On the loss of his wife, Carol Ann Epstein To Anne & Howard Biderman On the loss of her mother, Naomi Stemerman
To Jordan & Wendy Goodman On the loss of his mother, Yolande Goodman
To Steve Goren & Donna Chudnow On the loss of his mother, Tillie Goren
To Stephen Farb & Esther Yermus On the loss of his sister, Wendy Yudell
To Naomi & Michael Cohen On the loss of her mother, Roselle Abramowitz
To Randi & Michael Abramsky On the loss of her father, Lawrence Hammer
18
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
Yahrzeit (Memory) Fund From February 1 – June 30, 2014 To Jacqui Goldberg In memory of Uri Goldberg From Lori & Shawn Goldenberg
To Ephry & Denise Mudryk In memory of Alvin Mudryk From Faithe Sversky
To Paula Tarmy In memory of Ralph Tarmy From Mollie Rothman
To David Glick & Family In memory of Morris Glick From Helen & Irving Mueller From Candace Vogel & David Goodbaum From Mark & Esther Goldenberg From Florence Fenwick From Leon & Freda Yermus Jeffrey Hoffman & Sherri Freedman
To Iris Rosenbluth In memory of Anette Rosenbluth From Candace Vogel & David Goodbaum From Helen & Irving Mueller From Hope Springman & Annis Jeroff From Shawn & Lori Goldenberg From Faye, April & Steven Kushnir From Karen Eidinger & Allan Weinbaum From Marty Schmerz From Ephraim & Penny Fiksel
To Lauren Friedman & Suzie Solnik In memory of their brother From Faithe & Harrison Sversky
To Don Epstein & Family In memory of Carol Ann Epstein From Zelda Korenblum & Family From Helen Mueller From Barbara Gross From Max & Sharon Elkouby From Helen & Aaron Yermus, Esther Yermus & Rebecca Farb From Carol Bloom From David & Barbara Schwartz From Penny & Ephraim Fiksel From Jack & Tolsa Greenberg To Howard & Anne Biderman In memory of Naomi Stemerman From Hope Springman & Annis Jeroff To Vadim Bychutsky In memory of Leonid Bychutsky From Irving & Helen Mueller To Naomi & Michael Cohen In memory of Roselle Abramowitz From Michael & Dianne Yanofsky Candace Vogel & David Goodbaum
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
19
Shana Tova
Kosher Cooking
with Lori
Roast Chicken with Rosemary-Easy! by Lori Goldenberg
2 clean chickens
Directions
2 Tbsp paprika
Preheat oven to 450 F.
2 Tbsp chicken soup mix (powder)
Put ingredients on top of chickens.
2 Tbsp dried rosemary
Place in the oven, breast side up for ½ hour, uncovered. Turn over and cook another ½ hour (until you see it brown), still uncovered. Reduce heat to 350 F, then turn breast side up and cover with silver foil and bake another ½ hour
Sunday Minyan
Interested in learning more about Sunday Minyan? Contact Rabbi Eli at edu@bethtorah.ca or 416.782.4495 x 36
All are welcome! Sunday Morning Minyan takes place at 8:45 a.m. every week Tefillin wrap/schmoozing 9:00—9:20 a.m. services. Great buffet breakfast following To sponsor a breakfast, please call Rivka at 416.782.4495 ext 24 icanhelp@bethtorah.ca
20
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
Executive Director’s Message Shana Tovah: A message or greeting. A variation on the traditional Rosh Hashanah greeting in transliterated Hebrew: “Shana Tova Umetukah” or “Shanah Tovah Umetuka” which means, for “A Good and Sweet Year”.
It is a chilly day in mid-August as I take up my pen (yes, I am probably one of the few people who actually handwrites my missives!). At once I find myself contemplating the approaching High Holidays and my thoughts recall this gorgeous greeting, rich with custom and tradition: “Shana Tovah. “ The phrase rolls off the tongue of the speaker transmitting a sweetness to the ear of the receiver, immediately surrounding you in a feeling of goodness and well-being. As I snuggle deeper into my sweater wondering where the warm days of summer have disappeared to, thoughts of Shana Tovah are closely followed by memories of High Holiday food! Not just any food . . . sweet and utterly delicious food! The popular obser-
Maureen Verboom
vance during this holiday of eating apples dipped in honey, symbolic of our wish for a sweet new year, conjures images of golden honey, crisp red and green apples evoking the taste of the sweet nectar mingled with apple freshness. Little wonder people are heard to explain to one another: “Wishing you a good and sweet New Year!” This New Year marks my second High Holidays at Beth Torah and with it, I look forward to Rosh Hashanah as a time for introspection, reviewing the past year, taking the lessons forward and applying the learning to create a meaningful and sweet new year ahead for our Beth Torah community. What will this Sweet New Year look like at Beth Torah? Programs, Celebrations, New member faces, Education - joined under this year’s theme of Congregation, Community and Connection. Congregants will enjoy expanded Educational programs, curriculum, and lectures in this year’s Adult Year of Living Jewishly (AYLJ), Golden Years of Living Jewishly (G-YLJ), Year of Living of Jewishly (YLJ), Hebrews’Cool and the new Magnificent Mitzvah and Mini Motek programs. Look for more information on our web site and in your weekly Shabbat bulletin. Beth Torah’s dedicated Educational team have been busy creating and are excited to share this year’s line up with you. Favourite programs and Youth and Family celebrations return featuring new elements and reprising those we love. Plan to attend: Family Music night, BTC’s 3rd annual Jazz Havdalah and Art Show, New Members’ Evening, Family Shabbat evenings for Hebrews’Cool families and more! Connecting with Community, a hallmark of Beth Torah’s long standing Community program repertoire promises not to disappoint. Mark your calendars for Holocaust Education week’s Perlasca Event November 4th and stay tuned for news of guest lecturers and special projects marrying Beth Torah Congregation with Community presenters, guests and visitors. Beth Torah’s office and maintenance staff have worked tirelessly these past months preparing budgets, engaging in High Holiday planning, creating meaningful programs, polishing, fixing, and beautifying Beth Torah for the High Holidays and the coming year. On behalf of this extraordinary ensemble dedicated to ushering in a Good Sweet Year for our Beth Torah Congregation and Community, I bid you: “Shanah Tovah.” Maureen Verboom, Executive Director
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
21
Shana Tova
Security Beth Torah Members and Guests your safety is our priority! With the NEW YEAR you will note expanded Beth Torah Security protocols. ➢
SIGN-IN @ Beth Torah office Member, Guest, Delivery person, Vendor, Teacher, Board Member
We invite ALL VISITORS to sign-in/sign-out at the Beth Torah office. In return we will give you a lovely VISITOR badge and a SMILE!
➢
NEW! Hebrews’Cool Parent and Student Sign-in - Sept 2014 One of our friendly staff will be on hand to GREET you and your child (ren) for drop-off and pick-up.
➢ Expanded AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY areas
Whether on Shabbat or when you and your family visit Beth Torah for Simchas or Hebrews’Cool, Beth Torah’s Administration remain vigilant and attentive that those in our care are safe.
Cleaning, kitchen, office and storage areas are locked at all times. Access granted to Authorized Personnel only.
Beth Torah’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Staff and Clergy thank you for your cooperation in following these new measures. We wish you a Safe, Healthy, and Happy New Year. Beth_Torah2014.pdf 1 7/23/2014 11:32:44 AM
WHILE KATE WAS BUSY EARNING HER SUPERSTAR AWARD IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION, SHE STILL MADE TIME TO COLLECT TOYS AND BOOKS FOR KIDS IN NEED.
C
M
Y
CM
Kate RHA Student
MY
CY
Cutting-edge academics and a spirit of community are what make our students take off.
CMY
K
OPEN HOUSE WHERE EXTRAORDINARY THINGS HAPPEN.
22
Congregation. Community. Connection
Thursday, October 23 & Wednesday, November 19 @7pm www.rhacademy.ca RSVP: mviner@rhacademy.ca 416.224.8737 x 137 or contact Michele Viner to book a private tour
Happy New Year
BEYOND A YEAR F LIVING JEWISHLY Adath Israel • Beth Emeth Beth Sholom • Beth Tikvah Beth Torah congregational HigH ScHool JewiSH StudieS Program grade SeVen – ten tHe total teenage JewiSH exPerience Study & Socialize • weekly dinnerS included
Passover Food Drive
Snow Tubing at Horseshoe Resort
SHabbaton retreat
February 20-22, 2015 Hotel (Kitchener/Waterloo)
SPecial grade 7 b'nai mitzVaH Program
Student Volunteer Program
triP to iSrael
(Receive required hours)
Eligible to students who complete 2 / 3 years (grade 8 & above)
Monday Evenings at Adath Israel Synagogue 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Opening session/BBQ:
Monday, Sept. 15, 2014 Classes Resume: Monday, October 20, 2014 TUITION: High School: $395.00 (receipt issued) For Further Information and Registration
Linda Schwartz, School Administrator Tel: 416.635.5354 Fax: 416.635.1629 Email: linda@adathisrael.com Cantor A. Eliezer Kirshblum, M.Sc., Educational Director Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
23
Shana Tova
24
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
CCCS Symposium 2014 Keynote Speaker DR. RON WOLFSON
Visionary Jewish Educator & Author Fingerhut Professor of Education at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles
Topic “Relational Judaism”
Using the Power of Relationships to Transform the Jewish Community
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Beth Sholom Synagogue 1445 Eglinton Ave. W.
Advance tickets: $10.00 • At the door: $15.00 Limited Seating Tickets available at all CCCS affiliated Synagogues Adath Israel
416.635.5340
Beth Emeth
416.633.3838
Beth Sholom 416.783.6103
Beth Tikvah
416.221.3433
Beth Torah
416.782.4495
Co-sponsored Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
25
Shana Tova
Join Kids From Across Toronto Zas & Stella Feitelson Culinary Arts Studio Prosserman JCC, 4588 Bathurst Street
Access Your Application at: www.canadianccs.ca Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 5th
26
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
Join Kids From Beth Torah and Across Toronto
Sunday, December 7, 2014 from 12:30 - 3:00 PM
Adath Israel Congregation, 37 Southbourne Ave, Toronto
Sponsored By: Access your application at: www.canadianccs.ca Registration Deadline: Monday, December 1st
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
27
Shana Tova
“SAVE THE DATE” GRADES 6–8, GRADES 9-12 (Two Track Programming)
CCCS WINTER SHABBATON RETREAT - 2015 February 20th – February 22nd Crowne Plaza Kitchener – Waterloo • • • •
Round trip bus transportation (coach) Shabbat Programming 2 nights luxury hotel accommodations On site indoor recreational centre
(pool, fitness centre, mini-golf, bowling, video arcade)
• All meals catered (kosher) • Saturday evening Snow Tubing
Further details to follow www.canadianccs.ca Welcome to Magnificent office@canadianccs.ca
Minds: Private School &
Therapeutic Services for Children
OUR SCHOOL-
Magnificent Minds is a comfortable, pressure-free learning environment in which our students thrive under our holistic (whole body, whole mind) framework. We cater to visual and hands-on learners whose needs are currently not being met in larger scale school environments; we pursue academic excellence, and individual pride. Small classes, a warm feeling of community, creative and engaging teachers and individualization are just a few fundamental aspects of our holistic educational programs. At MM we have one motto; "We understand."
OUR THERAPEUTIC SERVICES-
We create individualized play-based Applied Behaviour Analysis/Intensive Behavioural Intervention, academic, communication, behavioural, social and Occupational Therapy programs. For more information reach our Principal and Children’s Therapist Ms. Alley Dezenhouse 1-647-404-6349. View our website for additional details. WWW.MagnificentMinds.CA
28
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Tova Year Shana
Join CELEBRATION Join us us for for aa CELEBRATION of Chanukah Chanukahmelodies... melodies... of Featuring
Resa’s Pieces Concert Band and Beth Torah’s own
Children Choir. Bring a Toy for the Toy Donation Drive $5 per family with advance RSVP $15 per family at the door RSVP to hebrewschool@bethtorah.ca
Family
Mu
Chanukah
sic, Da n Game ce, Food, s, Fu n!
Bash
SATURDAY DECEMBER 13, 2014 AT 5:30PM
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
29
Shana Tova
Past
Events!
Jazz Havdalah On Saturday, March 29th, Beth Torah held its 2nd Annual Jazz Havdalah and Art Showcase Program. It was an amazing and entertaining evening for all who were lucky enough to attend. From the delicious hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and desserts to the beautiful art and outstanding music of The Steve Koven Duo and Dr. Howard Shiffman, the event was definitely a “night to remember.” Moderated by Terry McElligott, host of Midday Jazz at radio JAZZ.FM91 and emceed by our Rabbi Yossi, it made for a very professional show. The surprise guest of the night was our own Erez Zobary and her unbelievably outstanding voice—she blew the crowd away.
Rabbi Yossi, Friends and congregants enjoying Jazz Havdalah
Pre-Passover Shabbat Dinner Everyone who attended the pre-Passover Shabbat dinner on Friday, April 11th experienced the true meaning of freedom from slavery and enjoyed a day of rest from cooking. Rabbi Yossi presented “It’s time to leave Egypt...what are you going to take with you?” Special guest Monica Parker, best-selling author of Getting Waisted joined Rabbi Yossi in a conversation about “Freedom from food slavery.” Musical guest Evan Malach brought the lyrical sound of the holiday to all.
Monka Parker
30
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
Past
Events!
The 28th Annual Interfaith Speakers Dinner The 28th Annual Interfaith Speakers Dinner sponsored by the Neighbourhood Interfaith Group (NIG) took place on May 14th at the NOOR CULTURAL CENTRE. Three featured panelists representing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, spoke on the topic of “Religion and Social JusticeHealing the World.” Lively music was provided by “The Shpeelers.” Pictured from left: Dr. Shari Golberg; Dr. Nevin Reda; Samira Kanjico-chair of the event; and Susan Kennel-Harrison (Photo credits to Mollie Rothman)
Epic Trials in Jewish History Beth Torah held four consecutive Thursday evening video programs, presented by Jerry Seidenberg, who delved into the history of four famous trials in Jewish history, such as the anti-Semitic and false accusation of Alfred Dreyfus being a spy in the French army. Pictured below were the trials that Jerry presented: Alfred Dreyfus, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, Adolf Eichman, and Bernie Madoff.
Also pictured are Jerry Zeidenberg (Left) and Rabbi Eli Courante, Director of Adult Education. (Photo credit to Mollie Rothman) Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
31
Shana Tova
L’Shanah Tovah MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING JOY AND HAPPINESS TO YOUR HOME.
2900 Dufferin Street, Toronto Tel. 416.784.4007 | www.icsavings.ca 32
Congregation. Community. Connection
v o la T
z a M
Happy New Year
A YEAR F LIVING JEWISHLY
BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM
GRADUATING CLASS 2013-2014
Aiden Altow Matthew Jacob Borinsky Jackson Brownstein Barry Bytensky Calla Chapnik Emma Charney Jayden Daniels Benjamin Joshua Day Daniel Diamond Ryan Feldman Rachel Fisman-Guarascio Brandon Garfield Michael Goldberg
Jessie Horowitz Jenna Kaufman Rachel Lissaman Thade Maklin Joshua Mason Rachel Meyerowitz Orit Mourad Jacob Nadal Jacob Newman Olivia Paul Hannah Rothstein Max Sable Maya Silver
Eli Silverman Adam Smith Cole Starkman Lucas Stein Joey Storm David Teper Sydney Tytel Abigail Waldman Matthew Wechsler Talia Wilk Meyira Winer
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
33
Shana Tova
To our Beth Torah Congregants and your families Let us all have peace, prosperity, and long life. Shana Tova! Clergy Rabbi Yossi Sapirman Cantor David Young Rabbi Eli Courante Executive Committee Allen Gerskup Ephraim Fiksel Peter Farkas Andrew Weisberg Candace Vogel Michael Goldberg Harold Wolkin Beth Torah Staff Maureen Verboom Alley Dezenhouse-Kelner Natalya Vol Lori Ponte Rivka Cranley Raina Kornhauser Shannon Harrison Walter Stansfield
34
Congregation. Community. Connection
Board of Trustees Mitchell Abbey Deborah Anschell Haley Field Marni Hefner Jeffrey Jacob Stephen Klein David Kornhauser Mark Krantzberg Robert Miller Toni Silberman Shane Teper Maryn Turk Jill Wagman Lawrence Zucker Past Presidents David Glick Lenny Baranek Jack Greenberg Jacques (Isaac) Lallouz Eva Zimmerman Mollie Rothman Shawn Goldenberg Stephen Turk William Castor Mark Goldenberg Sid Chapnick
Happy New Year
From our family to yours, Wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year To our family, friends, and Beth Torah Congregation The Gerskup Family Allen, Maida, Gillian, Stuart, Alysa, and Gabbi
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
35
Shana Tova
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year Penny and Ephraim Fiksel and Family
Wishing our family, friends and congregation a happy, healthy and sweet New Year! a year blessed with good Shawn, Lori, Brooke, Stephanie and Jordana Goldenberg
36
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year Mark and Esther Goldenberg
Wishing everyone health and happiness in the New Year Harold, Shelley, Jay and David Wolkin
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
37
Shana Tova
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year. Susan and Eddie Glick, Daniel, Danielle, Jaclyn, Izzy, Matthew, Nadia, and Lauren
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to all our family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation The Glick Family Shirley, Marty, Jonathan and Michael
38
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
With our best wishes to Rabbi Yossi, Rabbi Eli, Cantor Young and the entire Beth Torah Congregation for a year of good health, happiness, prosperity, and peace. Shana Tova u’metukah!
Marilyn and David Glick, Leora, Maddy and Ruben Shira, Kyle, Pearl and Leo Goldenberg, Jordan and Faye, Saul and Sasha, Tamara and Corey Herscu
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation A Happy New Year Florence Fenwick and Family
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
39
Shana Tova
Wishing all of our family and friends a healthy and happy New Year Adam, Robyn, Shane, Ryan, Sophie and Gracie Polan
Wishing all our friends, family, and the Beth Torah congregation a year blessed with good health, good fortune, and happiness. Jack and Susan Waserman and Family
Wishing “Shana Tova� to our Friends and Family and the members of Beth Torah Congregation Lily, Ethan, Andrea and Greg Milavsky
40
Congregation. Community. Connection
Wishing all of our Beth Torah family and friends a happy and healthy New Year Debbie, Lawrence, Jenna and Sammy Zucker
Happy New Year
Shana Tova to our friends and family at Beth Torah Paul Bain, Shawna Perlin, Ari Perlin-Bain
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year The Farkas and Lewis Families
Best Wishes for a sweet, healthy and Happy New Year.
Wishing friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year
The Silverstein Family; Helen and Steve Daniel, Erin, Caleb and Allison Mark and Shira Sarah
Jacob Family Jeffrey, Michelle, Gabi and Talia
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
41
Shana Tova
Best of fortune to all at Beth Torah and a Happy New Year Michael Goldberg, Daniela Tiger and Family
Wishing our family, dear friends and Beth Torah Congregation all the blessings of good health, prosperity and a Happy New Year. The Marr Family Sam, Susan, Darren and Adam
42
Congregation. Community. Connection
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year. Naomi, Michael, Loren and Adam Cohen
Wishing peace, health and happiness to all our relatives, friends and Beth Torah family. Shana Tova! Stephen, Yasmin and Talia Klein Mark and Rochelle Stenzler
Happy New Year
Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year From Mollie Rothman and family
Happy and Healthy New Year From Irving Kirsh and Family
Wishing family and friends a happy New Year Jeremy, Mindy and Noah Alter
With warmest wishes for a year of good health, much happiness and peace. Toni Silberman and Jaime Filer
Happy and Healthy New Year Adele Freeman and Family
Wishing family and friends a healthy and Happy New Year Steve Goren, Donna Chudnow, Rachel and Dayna
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year Gideon, Meghan, Addison, Jacob, Eden and Zev Cohen
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, safe and loving year Gloria and Howard Moscoe and Family
Wishing you a Happy New Year from our family to yours Marni, Glenn, Ashley, Kylie Hefner
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year Honey and Lou Mostyn
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year! Arlene, Harvey, Stephanie and Mitchell Consky
With best wishes for a heathy, Happy New Year David Goodbaum, Candace Vogel and Family
Wishing the Congregation a Happy New Year From Ben, Ysabel, Roselyn and Corby Fine
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year Stephen, Celia, Matt and Ryan Bobkin
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
43
Shana Tova
Wishing Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year Peggy, Joel, Anna, and Samara Frankel
Wishing our family and friends health, happiness and peace in the New Year Irwin and Phyllis Douglas
Wishing Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year Helen, Mark and Howie Dodick
Wishing family, friends and Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year! Martin, Patti, Nathaniel, Joy, Robert, Michelle, Jordan and Mitchell Epstein
Wishing Beth Torah Congregation a Happy New Year! Frances and Samy Ezerzer
Best wishes to all our family and friends a happy and healthy New Year to all Stephen, Maura, Drew and Goldie Turk
44
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
Taste for Superstition, Anyone? Whether as a student or an educator, I never could (nor wanted to) shake off the culinary angle of my Judaism – from running a culinary show at my previous pulpit to randomly relocating a class on history or tradition into the kitchen for a hands-on experience. Few milestones in the cycle of Jewish life merited as many omens, metaphors, and superstitions as Rosh HaShanah and the “Days of Tremor.” The thought of the entire year passing in the same way as it started led our ancestors to treat this holiday’s rites with particular piety and diligence. The following provide a glimpse of the customs related to the holiday table of Rosh HaShanah. “Simanim,” meaning signs or omens, are rituals of connecting the nature of a treat (and even more commonly, its name) to a blessing we bestow upon ourselves. Some are merely illustrations of a particular quality (e.g. dipping a peace of apple or challah – “round, as the year’s round” – in honey, calling for a sweet year; or eating fish to call out blessings for fruitful procreation). Most, however, are playful puns on the names of foods. The Hebrew and Aramaic word for beets, silqa, which sound like ‘siluk’ (removal), leads to the exclamation, “May our adversaries be removed!” Fenugreek, rubia, which sounds similar to the Hebrew word for ‘increase,’ prompts a wish for increase in our merits. Pumpkin is connected to negation of harsh heavenly decrees; dates and leeks to the end and destruction of our enemies, all based on Hebrew verbs that sound like the names of those fruit and vegetables. The most observant Jews follow these little rituals solemnly and scrupulously, thus possibly exhibiting a lesser sense of humour than the Aramaic-speaking sages who originally came up with them. Yet didn’t our own bubbes (for those of us who come from Eastern European Ashkenazi families) promptly feed us chicken livers on Rosh HaShanah, while repeating the Yiddish word for livers, leverlach, to making it sound as ‘leb erlich’, live honestly? Follow the suit of our sage grandmas and play your own puns at the family festive dinner. “Meat,” “beet,” “leek” and “dates” offer no less room for creativity in English than they had in the Aramaic. If you are feeling particularly ultra-Orthodox this year, there
is also an abundance of special food taboos and restrictions to choose from. If you are of Sephardic backgrounds, you may want to stay away from fish because the Hebrew spelling of “fish” (dag) resembles that of da’aga – worry or trouble. Should you really desire a stuffed head on your table, Rabbi Eli Courante use a sheep’s head, not fish (yes, it is delicious if well-prepared – ask me how). Pious Ashkenazim, on the other hand, will do well to abstain from olives and pickles, at least according to a Talmudic opinion that connects olive consumption with forgetfulness. And of course whatever you do, stay away from nuts! The gematria (alphanumeric value) of “nut” in Hebrew, is the same as that of “sin.” Pickles, too, conceal the grave danger of causing a sour year upon us (May the Almighty save and protect us from such a fate!). Should you, on the other hand, adopt a somewhat more relaxed approach, put out all your best delicacies and make the night special, meaningful, joyful and bright – it’s the difference between using the ritual as a toolkit or a straightjacket. To quote my own bubbe, “Eat whatever you want, and let us have a delicious year!” Shanah Tova U-Metukah, Have a beautiful sweet year of love, joy, and health and prosperity. Rabbi Eli Courant
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
45
Shana Tova
46
Congregation. Community. Connection
Happy New Year
NEW Arrivals! From February 1 – June 30, 2014 Mazal Tov To David Goodman & Jessica Waks on the birth of their twins, Jack Henry and Charlie William; and to grandparents, Wendy & Michael Goodman and Fred & Linda Waks. To Shira & Kyle Goldenberg on the birth of their son, Leo Russell; to grandparents, David & Marilyn Glick and Marsha & Steven Goldenberg; and to great-grandparents, Morris Glick, Esther Axelrod, and Gerald & Naomi Goldenberg. To Daniel & Erin Silverstein on the birth of their daughter, Allison Ivy Mae; and to grandparents, Helen & Steve Silverstein.
Contemporary. Traditional. Judaism
47
Shana Tova
Beth Torah Staff
Rabbi Yossi Sapirman
Rivka Cranley
Cantor David Young
Maureen Verboom
Rabbi Eli Courante
Shannon Harrison
Senior Rabbi Extension 23 rabbiyossi@bethtorah.ca
Cantor Extension 35 cantor@bethtorah.ca
Associate Rabbi (Focusing on Adult Education) Extension 36 edu@bethtorah.ca
Natalya Vol
Member Services Extension 24 icanhelp@bethtorah.ca
Executive Director Extension 21 executivedirector@bethtorah.
Office Support Extension 42 communications@bethtorah.ca
Raina Kornhauser
Accounting Manager Extension 33 accounts@bethtorah.ca
Office Support Extension 27 admin@bethtorah.ca
Walter Stansfield
Alley Dezenhouse-Kelner
Custodian Extension 32 maintenance@bethtorah.ca
Director of Child & Youth Education Extension 25 hebrewschool@bethtorah.ca
Lori Ponte
Executive Assistant Extension 41 rabbisoffice@bethtorah.ca
Beth Torah Congregation 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6B 3K4 Office 416.782.4495 Email icanhelp@bethtorah.ca 48
Congregation. Community. Connection
Simchat Torah CELEBRATION, LET’S REJOICE! FriDAY OCTOBER 17th, 2014 SIMCHAT TORAH PARTY 5:45 Kids Celebration Services, Singing, Dancing, Le’Chaim And Dinner.*
B R E A L E E C S THE WHOT L E
A
H O A PENS R O T SIMCHAT TORAH DAY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH 2014
8:30 Special Pre-Shul Kiddish 8:45 Services 11:45 Simchat Torah Luncheon**
*No charge for dinner. RSVP to 416 782 4495, ext. 25 or hebrewschool@bethtorah.ca **No charge for luncheon. RSVP for the luncheon to 416 782 4495, ext. 27 or rsvp@bethtorah.ca