Holy Blossom Temple Bulletin
May/June/July 2011 | Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz 5771
Shavuot — Z’man Matan Torateinu: The Season of the Giving of Our Torah Tue. June 7 and Wed. June 8, 2011 Erev Shavuot Service Dessert and Tikkun Leil Shavuot Shavuot and Yizkor Services Holy Chag! Shavuot
Photograph by Charlene MacEachern
For details, please see page 6.
Life at Holy Blossom M O N D AY S
Mondays @ the Temple 10 a.m. | continuing to June 20 Blanche and Harry Posen Memorial Lecture 8 p.m. | Prof. Gabi Ben-Dor May 30 T U E S D AY S
Advanced Hebrew Grammar 11 a.m. | Rabbi Edward Goldfarb continuing to June 28 Library Book Club 10.30 a.m. | Janna Nadler May 31 Holy Sprouts pick-up 2.30 to 6.30 p.m. | begins May 31 Sisterhood Annual General Meeting and Open Board Meeting 6.30 p.m. | June 1 The Transforming Power of Loving Kindness 7.30 p.m. | Rabbi Yoel Glick June 1 Blanche and Harry Posen Memorial Lecture 8 p.m. | Prof. Gabi Ben-Dor May 31 Tikkun Leil Shavuot 9 p.m. | Prof. Derek Penslar June 7 W E D N E S D AY S
Sisterhood Torah Study 9.30 a.m. | Rabbi Edward Goldfarb Yiddish Novel 11 a.m. | Rabbi Edward Goldfarb continuing to June 29 Adult B’nei Mitzvah 7.15 p.m. | Rabbi John Moscowitz continuing until May 25 T H U R S D AY S
Stagecraft Production 7.30 p.m. | May 26 F R I D AY S
Little Blossoms 9.30, 10.30 and 11.30 a.m. | continuing to June 24 S AT U R D AY S
Torah Study 9 a.m. | Rabbi John Moscowitz ongoing Learner’s Minyan 10.15 a.m. | Rabbi Edward Goldfarb May 21 and June 4 Stagecraft Production 7.30 p.m. | May 28 Confirmation 10.30 a.m. | June 4 Sisterhood 90th Anniversary Celebrations Shabbat Service 10.30 a.m. | June 11 S U N D AY S
Temple Singers Rehearsal 10 a.m. | ongoing Sunday Book Club 10.30 a.m. | Sharon Singer May 22 Brotherhood Breakfast Club 9.30 a.m. | Cantor Murray E. Simon May 29 Stagecraft Production 2 p.m. | May 29 Sisterhood 90th Anniversary Tea 2.30 p.m. | June 12 Tailgate Treasures and Trash with Bake Sale 9 a.m. | June 26 For more details about Holy Blossom Temple programming or events, or to confirm information, call (416) 789-3291 or and The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple generously supports many of these programs.
2
w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
Summer pleasures | In Perspective Rabbi John Moscowitz jmoscowitz@holyblossom.org
There are few things more pleasurable than having the time, along with the the right place, to read in the summer. So, as (almost) always, here are some suggestions. They come from the limited constraints of my own reading (no fiction, not much by way of philosophy, rather too inclined toward history and biography). I begin with Israel. My bias is that for Jews, there is little more important than our knowing and loving (both in the broad and deep sense, having nothing to do with particular political views) Israel. Daniel Gordis’ book, Saving Israel: How the Jewish People Can Win a War That May Never End, is inspiring and courageous — much like Gordis himself. Learn from Gordis, not only about how Israel will survive, but how it must organize itself, even think in the collective sense, to sustain its future. Staying with Israel, let me suggest, for the 100th time or so, my own favourite book of the last number of years, A Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz.
Oz tells of his growing up in Jerusalem in the 40s and 50s, squeezed in very cramped quarters, both within his parents’ small place, and between two complicated people. The young boy is saved by his active imagination, which eventually yielded a storyteller’s gift for remembering everything and piecing it together, beautifully and decades later. As many who study with me know, I’ve gotten very interested in evolutionary biology and the beginnings of the earth and of human life. Two suggestions in that area: Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution by Nick Lane, and The Diversity of Life by Edward O. Wilson. And if you want a big and great summer book, the best of all: Africa: The Biography of a Continent by John Reader. More: The Memory Chalet is Tony Judt’s memoir of selected pieces of his life, retrieved from his memory bank, dictated as he lay dying of an incurable degenerative disorder. Judt, whose animosity toward the Jewish State proved destructive, nonetheless, had a way of writing that I love. As he put it, “If you must suffer as I am suffering (able to remember and dictate with precision despite his total physical
immobolization) better to have a wellstocked head.” Did he ever, and an interesting one at that. Two other books for the moment. First, Five Germanys I Have Known, a memoir by the pre-eminent historian, Fritz Stern. Stern writes of the various Germanys he knew intimately, beginning with the Weimar Republic, and concluding with unification of the country in the early 90s. Finally, one of the most important books regarding what roils the world today: The Flight of the Intellectuals: The Controversy Over Islamism and the Press. Paul Berman — maybe my favourite author of all — ties together contemporary terrorism, the poverty of the intellectual world and anti-Semitism. A must book. These are a few suggestions for this summer’s reading. I’m interested in what’s on your reading stand (or on your floor, or on your e-reader, or wherever you keep your books in waiting. Mine, by the way, are all over the place.)
To read Rabbi John Moscowitz's blog, please visit rabbijohnmoscowitz.blog.com.
Worship D A I LY S E R V I C E S
Monday to Friday at 7.30 a.m. Shacharit | Monday to Thursday at 6 p.m. Mincha | Sunday at 9 a.m. Shacharit On Mon. May 23, Fri. July 1, Mon. Aug. 1 and Mon. Sept. 5, Shacharit Services will be held at 9 a.m. S H A B B AT S E R V I C E S
Friday at 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat | Saturday at 10.30 a.m. Shabbat Morning and Family Shabbat Services
Tot Shabbat will be held Fridays, June 3 at 6 p.m. and June 17 at 5.30 p.m. Shabbat Fusion will be held Fridays, May 27 and June 24. TISHA B’AV
Mon. Aug. 8 at 7.30 a.m. Morning Service Mon. Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. Evening Service The Bulletin is published throughout the year by Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K9. Telephone: (416) 789-3291; Fax: (416) 789-9697; Email: templemail@holyblossom.org; Website: www.holyblossom.org. Honorary President: John A. Geller; President: Mark S. Anshan; Rabbis: John Moscowitz; Yael Splansky; Karen Thomashow; Edward Goldfarb; Cantor: Benjamin Z. Maissner; Cantorial Soloist: Lindi Rivers; Director of Education: Deborah K. Spiegel; Rabbi Emeritus: Dow Marmur; Senior Scholar: W. Gunther Plaut; Executive Director: Benjamin Applebaum; Holy Blossom Temple Foundation Chair: Alison Schwartz; Director of Membership: Loriellen Karam; Bulletin Editor: Judy Nyman; Design and Production: nymanink.concepts that click Holy Blossom Temple was founded in 1856 and is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism.
M a y / J u n e / J u l y 2 0 1 1 | I y a r / S i v a n / Ta m m u z 5 7 7 1
3
High Holy Days 5772/2011 Selichot | Sat. Sept. 24
(Temple Emanu-el, 120 Colony Road) Service – 9 p.m.
Erev Rosh Hashanah | Wed. Sept. 28 First Service — 6 p.m. Family Service — 6 p.m. Second Service — 8.30 p.m.
Kol Nidre | Fri. Oct. 7 First Service — 6 p.m. Family Service — 6 p.m. Second Service — 9 p.m. Teen Service — 9 p.m. (sponsored by HABSTY) Yom Kippur | Sat. Oct. 8
First Day Rosh Hashanah | Thur. Sept. 29
First Service — 8.30 a.m. Early Family Service — 9 a.m. Second Service — 11.30 a.m. Late Family Service — 11.30 a.m. Children's Service — 3.30 p.m. (for children five and younger)
Second Day Rosh Hashanah | Fri. Sept. 30
Early Family Service — 9 a.m. Morning Service — 10 a.m. Generation 9 Service — 11 a.m. (for 20 and 30 somethings) Late Family Service — 11.30 a.m. Study Sessions — 1.30 p.m. Children's Service — 2 p.m. (for children five and younger) Afternoon Service — 3.30 p.m. Locations of individual Services are listed on the back of your High Holy Days ticket.
Service — 10 a.m. Tashlich — 4 p.m. (Markdale entrance to Cedarvale Park)
Holidays and Festivals 5772/2011–2012 Sukkot
Erev Sukkot Service — Wed. Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. First Day Sukkot Service — Thur. Oct. 13, at 10 a.m.
Shemini Atzeret
Erev Shemini Atzeret Service — Wed. Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor Service — Thur. Oct. 20, at 10 a.m.
Simchat Torah
Consecration — Thur. Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. Flagmaking —Thur. Oct. 20, at 6.15 p.m. Simchat Torah Service and Celebration — Thur. Oct. 20, at 7 p.m.
Chanukah
First Day Candle Lighting — Tue. Dec. 20 Evening Congregational Chanukah Celebration — Fri. Dec. 23, at 4.30 p.m.
4
w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
Shabbat Shira
Yom Ha'Zikaron
Purim
Yom Ha'Atzma'ut
Service — Sat. Feb. 4, at 10.30 a.m.
Carnival — Sun. Mar. 4, at 12 p.m. Teen Celebration — Wed. Mar. 7, at 6 p.m. Family Megillah Reading — Wed. Mar. 7, at 6 p.m. Adult Megillah Reading — Wed. Mar. 7, at 7.30 p.m.
Pesach
Erev Pesach Service — Fri. Apr. 6, at 6 p.m. First Day Pesach Service — Sat. Apr. 7, at 10 a.m. Erev Seventh Day Pesach Service — Thur. Apr. 12, at 6 p.m. Seventh Day Pesach/Yizkor Service — Fri. Apr. 13, at 10 a. m.
Service — Wed. Apr. 25, at 6 p.m.
Celebration — Wed. Apr. 25, at 6.45 p.m.
Confirmation
Service — Sat. May 26, at 10.30 a.m.
Shavuot
Erev Shavuot Service —Sat. May 26, at 8 p.m. Tikkun Leil Shavuot —Sat. May 26, at 9 p.m. Yizkor Service, Yom Tov and Baby Blessings — Sun. May 27, at 10 a.m.
Tisha B'Av
Morning Service — Sun. July 29, at 9 a.m.
Yom Ha'Shoah
Commemoration — Thur. Apr. 19, at 7 p.m.
Our Confirmands | Our Schools Debbie Spiegel
Director of Education dspiegel@holyblossom.org
It is that time of year again. We have an opportunity to smile broadly. As we approach Confirmation (Shabbat, June 4, 2011, at 10.30 a.m.), our nachas begins to show! We see our graduating students, ready to take the lead and assume their role in our Jewish community as our future leadership. The growth and maturity that our Confirmands have shown over this past school year are wonderful to observe. They came to class in September with great anticipation, not sure what to expect. They leave us now as a much more cohesive group, ready to take on the challenges of our broader Jewish community; in our school and our synagogue.
acknowledges their strong suits, makes them feel welcome and is proud of their accomplishments. This volunteerism is our entrée to engaging them as future student-teachers. Recently, our cadre of Grade 10 students truly “stepped up to the plate” and deserve high commendation. They led our younger students beautifully during our Pesach program, and once again made us very proud with broad smiles all around. Twelve of our Confirmands joined Rabbi Karen Thomashow and me this year, along with our parent chaperone Phil Smith, on our wonderful week in Israel. It was a life-changing experience for all of us, and I want to publicly thank Phil and the rest of the parents who allowed their children to travel. We know this experience will have rippling
MA TOVU — HOW GOOD THEY ARE
We ask our Confirmands to volunteer in the Religious School with our younger grades —either on Sundays or Wednesdays. Coordinating this can be challenging; however, our coordinator, Myrna Ross, creates a system that
effects, not only for our Religious School (all students will come back and student-teach), but for the Confirmands themselves as the experience of having been to Israel further impacts their lives. We want all of our students to know the beauty of this experience and we look forward to continuing with others each year. Please afford your child this opportunity; it will make a world of difference. A TIME TO BE PROUD
Mazal tov to our Confirmands. June 4th will be another time for you to shine. We thank you for all of your efforts this year. May you continue to go from chayil l’chayil, from strength to strength.
Confirmation 5771/2011 Sat. June 4, 2011, at 10.30 a.m.
We will honour our Grade 10 Confirmation students and their commitment to ongoing Jewish learning by calling them to the bimah for a special ceremony. All are welcome to the kiddush lunch in their honour.
Holy Sprouts CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) A joint project between Holy Blossom Temple and The Cutting Veg Organic Farm Get your weekly veggies from The Farmer’s Table at Holy Blossom Season: May 31 to Oct. 25, 2011 CSA day: Tuesdays (week 2 pick up will be Mon. June 6, to accommodate the Jewish holiday) Pick up time: between 2.30 and 6.30 p.m. Location: on the plaza in front of the Bathurst Street steps To register or volunteer see: http://www.holyblossom.org/ holysprouts
Holy Blossom goes to the farm! Sun. June 12, 2011, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Urbanites of all ages are invited to get their hands dirty by harvesting the summer produce on the organic farm of Daniel Hoffman. No pre-registration required. Just bring a water bottle, and enthusiasm. For directions to the McVean Farm, 30 minutes away, visit http://bit.ly/dokltl. See you there rain or shine!
M a y / J u n e / J u l y 2 0 1 1 | I y a r / S i v a n / Ta m m u z 5 7 7 1
5
Holy Blossom Temple leadership | Nominations The Directors and Officers of Holy Blossom Temple are committed and passionate about the future of the Temple. The job of the Nominating Committee is to identify and recommend members who can best serve the Temple on the Board as Directors. We seek members with a vision, commitment and involvement in Temple life. We are, in particular, seeking individuals representing the next generation of members and leaders under age 40 with expertise in communications, public relations and finance. Directors are
required to be members of Holy Blossom Temple in good standing, eligible under the laws of Ontario and of the age of majority (18). Candidates for any Officer or Board position may be proposed to the Nominating Committee by any member of the Temple. The members of the Nominating Committee are: Harvey Schipper, Chair; Gord Arbess; Richard Charney; Alan Garfinkel; Jack Geller; Barbara Grossman; Elana Paice Lidsky; Ruthe Schipper; John Sweet; Vanessa Yakobson; and Fred Zemans.
Shavuot 2011 — Z’man Matan Torateinu: The Season of the Giving of Our Torah Erev Shavuot Service | Tue. June 7, at 8 p.m. Cheesecake Dessert and Tikkun Leil Shavuot | Tue. June 7, at 9 p.m. Derek Penslar, Professor of Jewish History at the University of Toronto, will look at killing and murder through the lens of the sixth commandment: “Thou Shalt Not Commit Murder.” But When May You Kill?
Shavuot and Yizkor Services | Wed. June 8, at 10 a.m. Hear the chanting of the Ten Commandments and the beautiful Book of Ruth. Honour the memory of loved ones. We will also have a special blessing for all babies born in the congregation in the past year. Enjoy a congregational kiddush lunch immediately following our Service. Creative children’s programming will be provided throughout the morning.
Holy Chag! Shavuot | Wed. June 8, 10 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. Students in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6 are invited for Shavuot Tefillah, including learning, music, games and a picnic in the park, festive snacks and a goody bag. Cost: members $18; guests $36. To register, please call Lisa Isen Baumal (ext. 242), at the Temple or email lbaumal@holyblossom.org. Students in Grades 7 to 12 are invited to register as counsellors for the day. Community service hours will be awarded.
6
w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
Proposed nominations must be submitted in writing to the administrative office at the Temple. Submissions should be sent in as soon as possible. For copies of the nomination form, please download from our website at www.holyblossom.org/documents.htm or call Shelly Berenbaum (ext. 233), at the Temple. — Harvey Schipper Chair, Nominating Committee harveyschipper@gmail.com
The Bulletin isn’t going away; it’s changing Hugh Furneaux
Chair, Communications Committee furneaux@ariad.ca
For almost 20 years, the Bulletin has been the primary means of informing members of Holy Blossom Temple about coming events and programs. New technology and communication channels have now given us the opportunity to transform our communications with members. That means we can change the Bulletin as well — into something relevant in a different way. A newly modernized Holy Blossom website is about to be launched. It will have all the features that most of us expect these days from organizations we
belong to. As well, the new Life at Holy Blossom email newsletter, now being sent out to more than 3,000 members every two weeks, informs about the many and varied services and programs available through Temple. We’ve been very pleased with the response to this new medium. As well, Holy Blossom Temple recently launched itself on Facebook and Twitter, and Rabbi Moscowitz has begun a blog, which has gained wide readership. This gives us the opportunity to improve the Bulletin so it better reflects our synagogue community differently. Now it can be more than mostly a listing of coming events. Instead it can celebrate and showcase the many things that happen in our synagogue community and feature stories about
those of our members who make them happen. We want The New Bulletin to promote less and reflect more. In coming months, we’ll be asking members to contribute towards content of The New Bulletin — with stories, photos and reflections. Although The New Bulletin will now be coordinated and directed in-house, who better than its members to help tell the interesting stories about Holy Blossom Temple? Who better to help us remember past events and celebrate our future than those who are actively involved? If you hear anyone saying that Holy Blossom is doing away with the Bulletin, tell them it’s not true. Can you contribute to The New Bulletin? Contact Robert Carnevale at carnevale@ holyblossom.org
A great big thanks For the past two decades, Judy Nyman has led her team of professionals to serve the many communication needs at Holy Blossom Temple. During that time, Nyman Ink developed into an international awardwinning communications and design
firm, while still maintaining a boutique flavour. Many of its clients are also not-for-profit organizations. But recent personnel additions at the Temple, combined with new digital communication capabilities, mean that Holy Blossom can now do in house
what it needed to outsource in the past. Holy Blossom is deeply grateful and appreciative to Judy Nyman and her team at Nyman Ink. We have benefitted immensely from the passion, enthusiasm and talent they have brought to our member communication activities. — Hugh Furneaux Bold Designs, Brilliant Words, Big Hearts: The Nyman Ink team, led by Bulletin editor Judy Nyman, has been providing value-added and pro bono services to the Temple for more than 20 years.
Judy Nyman M a y / J u n e / J u l y 2 0 1 1 | I y a r / S i v a n / Ta m m u z 5 7 7 1
7
Welcome to Our Temple family We are delighted to welcome the following new members and their families to Holy Blossom Temple: Carly & Seth Foucault, and Samantha and Ava
Mazal Tov BIRTHS Shaina & Bryan Davis, on the birth of their son, Nathaniel Malkam Davis. Proud grandparents are Rona & Robert Davis and Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin & Hershell Ezrin. Proud great-grandmothers are Sophie Davis and Faye Singerman. Ronnie-Lynne Dunkelman on the birth of a granddaughter, Arianna Jocelyn Billet, daughter of Laura & Jordan Billet and sister to Shai. Other proud grandparents are Irving Billet and Lynne & Harold Cipin. Proud great-grandparents are Toby Dunkelman and Myra & Ray Sadowski. Leslie & Jay Hershfield, on the birth of a daughter Ellie Sarah Hershfield, sister to Hannah and Nathan. Proud grandparents are Fern & Joe Hershfield and Betty Young. Alix & Warren Horwitz, on the birth of a daughter Violet Anna Horwitz, sister to Devin, Simon and Jared. Proud grandparents are Valerie & Howard Horwitz and Vicki & Victor Paisley. Proud great-grandparents are Ruth Paisley and Lucile Mason. Liz & Ivan Jaye, on the birth of a granddaughter, Lila Rosenberg Jaye, daughter of Karen Rosenberg & Paul Jaye, sister to Noah. Other proud grandparents are Susan Rosenberg and Richard Rosenberg. Proud great-grandmother is Trudi Rosenberg. Emmy & Elliot Shiffman on the birth of a son, Aiden Jacob Shiffman, brother to Sofie. Proud grandparents are Dee-Dee & Gary Shiffman and Ruth & Ari Dotan. Proud great-grandmother is Genia Kandlik (Israel).
8
w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
Michal (Miki) & Aaron Talbot, on the birth of a daughter, Adara Henni Talbot. Proud grandparents are Susan & Stan Stricker and Sherry & Bill Talbot. Proud greatgrandparents are Rose Lew and Margaret & Ralph Pahl. Charna & Robert Yasny, on the birth of a grandson, Jacob Joseph Yasny, son of Jennifer & Jeffrey Yasny. Other proud grandmother is Beverly White. ENGAGEMENTS Julie & Eric Kirsh are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Shauna Kirsh to Richard Markowitz, son of Faye and David Markowitz. Proud grandparents are Julia Markowitz, Selma Jelinek, Murray and Lila Kirsh. B’NEI MITZVAH
22 Iyar 5771/May 26, 2011 Paige Tuchner, daughter of Debra & Steven Tuchner
24 Iyar 5771/May 28, 2011 Matthew Gotlieb, son of Lori & Gary Gotlieb
24 Iyar 5771/May 28, 2011 Erin Hacker, daughter of Heather Shear & David Hacker 24 Iyar 5771/May 28, 2011 Emily Ballon, daughter of Judy Hirsh & Peter Ballon
9 Sivan 5771/June 11, 2011 Dana Meilach, daughter of Cara Crystal & Jeff Meilach
9 Sivan 5771/June 11, 2011 Jacqueline Davidson, daughter of Dimitra & Michael Davidson 16 Sivan 5771/June 18, 2011 Joshua Marks, son of Candace & Darren Marks
16 Sivan 5771/June 18, 2011 Russell Goldman, son of Martha & Paul Goldman
23 Sivan 5771/June 25, 2011 Rivka Kuper, daughter of Jocelyn & Shaul Kuper
23 Sivan 5771/June 25, 2011 Anthony Goodman, son of Bonnie & David Goodman
In Memoriam The congregation sympathizes with the recently bereaved families of: Arthur Benjamin, husband of Phyllis Benjamin, father of Anthony Benjamin, Gavin Benjamin, and Darryl Benjamin, brother of Stella Spiro Esther Charney, mother of Richard Charney and Steven Charney Shirley Berdock, mother of Bruce Berdock, Rocky Berdock and Stven Berdock Helen Dicker, wife of Robert Dicker, mother of Jeff Dicker, Lisa Dicker, Judy Litvak, Michael Dicker, Steven Dicker, and Daniel Dicker. Evelyn Florence, mother of Barbara Florence, Amy Goodman and Joan Florence Merry Gutterson, mother of Linda Munk Florence Harris, wife of Seymour Harris, mother of Judy Harris-Koblin, Craig Harris and Abby Lieberman
Our Congregational Family
W. Bernard Herman, husband of Sharon Flancman Herman, father of Carole Zucker, Wendy Eisen and Leslie Salmons Irving Liss, brother of Henry Liss, father of Gary Liss and Sharon Liss Gary Nachshen, husband of Julie Prentice, father of Thomas and Emma, son of Anne Nachshen, brother of Eileen Nachshen. Freda Perlin, wife of Irving Perlin, mother of Dennis Perlin, Richard Perlin and sister of Goldie Davis Lillian Reiken, mother of Edward Reiken and Vicki Solomon, sister of Carl Horowitz Hy Rotchtin, father of Richard Rotchtin, Sharron Abrams, Arlene Rotchtin and brother of Marcia Colman and Ezra Rotchtin Jesse Rotman, husband of Diana Rotman, son of Sylvia Rotman, brother of Richard Rotman, Betty Rotman and father of Betsy Rotman and Jason Rotman Joyce Rosenberg, mother of Joanne Rosenberg, and sister of Jackie Goldman Wilfred Rovan, father of Rhonda Rovan, Marsha Rovan, Lori Klein and Elliott Rovan Alfred Rudin, husband of Pearl, father of Jonathan Rudin, Jeremy Rudin and Joel Rudin, brother of Diana Dwire Esther Spiegel, mother of Pam Steacy and Jan Siegel Kathryn Solmon, mother of Kenneth Solmon Edna Waisberg, mother of Newton Waisberg, Margo Waisberg and Jodie Waisberg Anne Wein, mother of Solomon Wein, Esther Bobet and sister of David Wax, Dorothy Glauser, Mollie Leman, Lillian Friendly, and Irene Arkin Julius Zweig, father of David Zweig, Klara Zaza, and Heschel Zweig
We thank our generous donors
R A B B I E D W A R D & FA G I G O L D FA R B F U N D F O R JEWISH LITERACY
Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Appreciation: Dr.
WILLIAM ANSHAN YOUTH AWARD ENDOWMENT FUND
Mildred Eisenberg
Jean Anshan, In Memory: Janie & Russell Rendely and
Fagi Goldfarb, In Honour: Isaac Morgulis
Family Mark S. Anshan, In Honour: Janie & Russell Rendely and Family
Bernard Herman, In Memory: Essie & Irving Arnold;
Michael Anshan, In Memory: Anita & Leon Lapidus and Family
& Eddy Gold; Joan & Donald Granatstein; Debra Hershoran; Harrianne Kronick; Ofra & Steven
ENDOWMENT FUND
Menkes; Mansoor Family; Pauline & Dr. Meyer
Esther Charney, In Memory: Henrietta Chesnie
Morrow; Judy Nyman & Harley Mintz; Arlene &
Leonard Levy, In Honour: Henrietta Chesnie
Daniel Neiditz; Judy Osten and Family; Phyllis Pepper; Nancy Prussky & Ronald Steinberg; Ruthe
JEAN FINE SENIORS FUND
Michael Appleby, In Honour: Brenda & Jeffrey Brown and Family Beverley Borins, In Appreciation: HBT Brotherhood Dr. Bernard Goldman, In Appreciation: Mondays @ The Temple Stephanie Matteis, In Appreciation: Mondays @ The Temple
Smolkin; Dr. Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan; Elaine & Joseph Steiner; Alissa & David Train and Family H O LY B L O S S O M T E M P L E F O U N D AT I O N
Ginsberg McEwan
Paula Warren, In Appreciation: Mondays @ the
Evelyn Florence, In Memory: Marilynne & Bob
Temple
Anglin; Nancy Draper; Cherylyn Funston; Laura Langmaid; Cheryl Lefton; Ontario Power
F LO R A L F U N D
Generation Local; Sheila & Bob Sheaffer; The
Noah Davis, Bar Mitzvah: Laurie & Michael Davis Matthew Gotlieb, Bar Mitzvah: Lori & Gary Gotlieb Jonah Feldberg, Bar Mitzvah: Raquel & Alan Feldberg Josh Marks, Bar Mitzvah: Candace & Darren Marks Jacqueline Davidson, Bat Mitzvah: Dimitra & Michael Davidson
Society of Energy Professionals; Elizabeth Wolfe & Paul Schnier Shirlee Goodman Klein, In Memory: Nyla Ahmad & Robert Sandler and Family; A Farber & Partners Inc.; Wendy & Natan Treitel Mervyn Levinter, In Memory: Janie & Russell Rendely
Erin Hacker, Bat Mitzvah: Heather Shear & David
Peter Loebel, In Honour: Cookie & David Baum;
Hacker Emily Ballon, Bat Mitzvah: Judy Hirsh & Peter Ballon
Elizabeth & Boris Shields Hyman Rotchtin, In Memory: Fern & Donald Resnick Jean Silver, In Memory: Esther & Marvin Tile
G A R D N E R F A M I LY F U N D
Adam Sol, In Honour: Roberta & Richard Sol
Dr. Allen Gardner, In Memory: Dee-Dee & Gary
George Steiner, In Honour: Lynne & Mitchell Gropper
Shiffman and Family Earl Gardner, In Memory: Dee-Dee & Gary Shiffman
Leonard Levy, In Honour: Zita Gardner
& Bob Scolnick; Dolores Smith; Sheila & Bob
Robert Dunn, In Honour: Maxine Bernholtz; Etta
Temple
Shiffman and Family
Rosenbaum; Susan & John Rothschild; Doreen
Esther Charney, In Memory: Matilda Bigio
Eric Vengroff, In Appreciation: Mondays @ the
Gertrude Gardner, In Memory: Dee-Dee & Gary
Harriet & William Cass and Family; Maxine & Robert Fish; Sandra & Michael Florence; Nancy
J O S H U A & H E N R I E T TA C H E S N I E T E M P L E
and Family
W. B E R N A R D H E R M A N E D U C AT I O N A L F U N D
Helen Tator, In Memory: Sybil & Bud Rothschild Beatrice Young, In Memory: Bernice & Nate Leipciger H O LY B L O S S O M T E M P L E R E N E W A L P R O J E C T
Michael Anshan, In Memory: Alice & Ron Charach; Joan Garson & David Baskin; Debbie Redner & Benjamin Applebaum; Esther Charney, In Memory: Alice & Ron Charach;
M a y / J u n e / J u l y 2 0 1 1 | I y a r / S i v a n / Ta m m u z 5 7 7 1
9
Gail & Gary Goodman; Debbie Redner & Benjamin
LIBRARY BOOK FUND
Applebaum; Sheila & Bob Smolkin
Cayle Chernin, In Memory: David Latchman; Estelle
Cayle Chernin, In Memory: HBT Fine Arts Committee Helen Dicker, In Memory: Joan Garson & David
Latchman Anne Dublin, In Honour: Etta Ginsberg McEwan
Jacobson Ann MacPherson & Earl Bederman, In Honour: Kathy & Maurice Green
Baskin; Sheila & Bob Smolkin; Debbie Redner &
Pamela Halpern, Mazal Tov: Jenny Shnoll
Faye Mintz, In Memory: Ann & Gary Posen
Benjamin Applebaum
Klara Hoffman, In Memory: Janie & Russell Rendely;
Hank Rosen, In Honour: Shirley & Marvin Latchman
Janice Feuer & Andrew Morrison, Mazal Tov: Janie & Russell Rendely; Myrna Ross Evelyn Florence, In Memory: Diana & Marvin Goodman
Evette Serota
Sapera & Darren Sukonick Bernard Herman, In Memory: Joan Garson & David Baskin
Marilyn Scolnick, In Memory: Ann & Gary Posen
Nancy Sniderman, Yahrzeit: Susan Felicia Crystal;
Jean Silver, In Memory: Ann & Gary Posen
Barbara Sniderman
Family; Harvey S. Borden; Susan & Dr. Barry Borden; Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin & Hershell Ezrin; Jeffrey Freedman; Myrna Freedman; Joan Garson & David Baskin; Geraldine & Lorne Gold; Esther & Cyril Hersh; Michael Larkin; Diane & John Phillips;
Dean Simonsky, In Honour: Ruthe Winkler Simonsky Jan Simonsky, In Honour: Ruthe Winkler Simonsky
DOW & FREDZIA MARMUR PROGRAM FOR E D U C AT I O N A L E X C E L L E N C E
Esther Charney, In Memory: Sybil & Jack Geller
Mimi & Malcolm Kronby, Mazal Tov: Myrna Sandler Leonard Levy, In Honour: Tania Blumenthal and
Jocelyne & Shia Salem, In Honour: Esther & Cyril Hersh
Caroline Ingvaldsen, Mazal Tov: Jenny Shnoll
Bernard Herman, In Honour: Ethel Sapera; Matthew
Natalie Simonsky, In Honour: Ruthe Winkler Simonsky Robert Simonsky, In Honour: Ruthe Winkler Simonsky
M U S I C A L H E R I TA G E F U N D
Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Joanne Cohen
Sol Liebgott, In Memory: Phyllis & Jeff Denaburg and
Adina Weinstein, In Honour: Zelda & Leonard
Family
Melamed
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Appreciation: Sue Rebick & Steven Garmaise Sharon Smith, In Appreciation: HBT Brotherhood
HARRY & CECILE PEARL YOUTH AWARD ENDOWMENT FUND
Esther Charney, In Memory: Ann & Irving Shendroff
Janie & Russell Rendely and Family; Adele Sager; Susan & Dr. Mark Sager; Alison & Alan Schwartz;
MUSICAL LEGACY FUND
Gail & Barry Silver; Sheila & Bob Smolkin; Dr.
Pamela Halpern, Mazal Tov: Judith Wilansky
PLAUT MANOR FUND
Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan; Sue & Michael
Caroline Ingvaldsen, Mazal Tov: Judith Wilansky
Evelyn Florence, In Memory: Linda & Dr. S.W.
Weingott; Gloria Wunder
Lewis Molot, In Honour: Claire Fainer & Brian
Faye Mintz, In Memory: Joan Garson & David Baskin Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Binnie
O’Hara; Carol Albert-Firestone & Michael Firestone Jean Silver, In Memory: Brenda & Fred Saunders
(Bena) Hyman Jesse Rotman, In Memory: Sheila & Bob Smolkin I S E N B E R G F A M I LY E N D O W M E N T F U N D
Joseph Israel, In Memory: Elke & Melville Olsberg and
LECTURE FUND
Family
ISRAEL STUDY FUND
Leonard Levy, In Honour: Elke & Melville Olsberg
Olsberg and Family
Happy Iscove, In Appreciation: Sue Rebick & Steven Garmaise and Family
and Family Cantor Benjamin Z. & Hope Maissner, In Honour:
Arthur Benjamin, In Memory: Gail & Gary Goodman
General Donation: Robert Smolkin; Wilansky Family Fund Kay Drache, Yahrzeit: Miriam & Marvin Dryer
Hart and Family; Corinne & Richard Vrooman and
Evelyn Florence, In Memory: Susan Berman
Family
Stan Guttman, In Honour: Judy Malkin & Elliott
Helen Dicker, In Memory: HBT Sisterhood Helen Fogel, In Memory: Gail & Gary Goodman Ruthe Schipper, In Honour: Gail & Gary Goodman; Elaine & Donald Rafelman; Debbie & Arthur Stern and Family
w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
P R AY E R B O O K F U N D
Hershell Ezrin, In Honour: Brenda & Fred Saunders Donna & Dr. Lionel Goldstein, In Honour: Dorothy & Stanley Tessis and Family RABBIS' AND CANTORS' DISCRETIONARY FUNDS
OUT OF THE COLD FUND
Esther Charney, In Memory: Jill Kamin & Murray
Jean Silver, In Memory: Fern & John Silver
Elke & Melville Olsberg and Family
JOA N KE RB E L L E A D E R S H IP D EVELOP MEN T FUND
Matilda Bigio, In Honour: HBT Sisterhood
Grossman HARRY AND BLANCHE POSEN MEMORIAL
Frania Leitenberg, In Memory: Elke & Melville
Jeffrey Denaburg, In Appreciation: HBT Chavurah
Grossman Harold Mandel, In Memory: Linda & Dr. S.W.
O L S B E R G R U T S AT Z F U N D
Susan Bresler, In Honour: Carol & Steve Pilon
10
Leonard Levy, In Honour: Judy Malkin & Elliott
Jacobson Mindy & Moishe Handler, Mazal Tov: Bonnie GouldLipton and Family Mervyn (Bing) Levinter, In Memory: Ruthe Winkler Simonsky
Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Phyllis Benjamin and Family; HBT Chavurah; Sue Rebick & Steven Garmaise and Family; Diana & Dr. Norman Shiffman Rabbi John Moscowitz: Lauren Caplan & Michael Blinick, In Honour: Cheryl & David Blinick Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Adult B’nei Mitzvah Class Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Appreciation: Phyllis Benjamin and Family; Fern Daiter & Dr. Howard Jay; The Spiegel and Steinberg Families
Our Congregational Family Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Honour: Harriette Laing and Family Rabbi Karen Thomashow: Helen Dicker, In Memory: Marilyn & David Gotfrid Rabbi Edward Goldfarb: Sandra Kamenir, In Honour: Isaac Morgulis Rabbi Dow Marmur: David Wise, Yahrzeit: Nancy & Joseph Dack and Family Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Appreciation:
Frances & Paul Hellen, In Honour: Barry Goldblatt
Jean Silver, In Memory: Linda Wolfe Gordon Wolfe, In Memory: Etta Ginsberg McEwan
and Family Ann Ichelson, Yahrzeit: Marla Powers Sima Kadin, Yahrzeit: Tanny & Charles Kadin and
YOUTH AWARDS FUND
Janice Feuer & Andrew Morrison, In Honour: Edith
Family Eva Miloia, Yahrzeit: Veronica Mandel
Kirzner
David Rigler, Yahrzeit: Bonnie & Sheldon Hoppe and
Carol Henry, In Honour: Joan & Donald Granatstein Happy Iscove, In Appreciation: Linda Hacker &
Family; Janie Rigler Samuel Sax, Yahrzeit: Julia & Michael Sax
Marvin Pludwinski and Georgia Hacker
Diana & Dr. Norman Shiffman; The Spiegel and
Laura Schipper, Yahrzeit: Robert Schipper
Judy Ritchie, In Honour: Joan & Donald Granatstein
Steinberg Families; Charna & Dr. Robert Yasny
Sidney Schipper, Yahrzeit: Robert Schipper
Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Appreciation: Myrna Ross
Cantor Benjamin Z. & Hope Maissner, In Honour:
Molly Shoichet, Yahrzeit: Shirley & Leon Tessler
Holy Blossom Temple Foundation
Esther & Melvyn Bergman; Penny Fine & Hugh
Max Shrier, Yahrzeit: Joni & Eric Eisenberg
Furneaux
Adele Silver, Yahrzeit: Myrna Freedman & Allan Silver
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner: Gecel Schwartz, Yahrzeit: Esther & Melvyn Bergman and Family Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner: Victor Szold, Yahrzeit:
Samuel Silver, Yahrzeit: Myrna Freedman & Allan Silver David Wise, In Memory: Rickie & Paul Wise
Esther & Melvyn Bergman and Family SINGER SMITH YOUTH AWARD FUND N A N C Y R U T H E D U C AT I O N A L F U N D
Sam Ruth, In Memory: Etta Ginsberg McEwan
Anita & Eddie Levine, In Honour: Alexis Singer & Brian Nichols; Mary Singer
S H A C H A R I T B R E A K FA S T F U N D
S TA G E C R A F T F U N D
Oliver Blatt, Mazal Tov: Joanne Godel-Blatt & Warren
Alan Gordon, In Appreciation: Susanne Egier
Vera Eisen, Yahrzeit: Joy & Herbert Wolfson
LEON AR D WO LFE M E M O RI AL E DU CATI O NAL FU ND
Anna Flancman, Yahrzeit: Marvin Flancman
Miriam Cass, In Honour: Honey Wolfe
David Gold, Yahrzeit: Esther & Marvin Tile and Family Granatstein
G O R D O N A N D L I N D A W O L F E F A M I LY Y O U T H AWARD ENDOWMENT FUND
Dr. Barry Borden, In Appreciation: Linda Wolfe
Holy Blossom Temple Brotherhood Great Cantors of the Golden Age: Yossele and Friends Sun. May 29, 2011 In conjunction with Jewish Music Week, Cantor Murray E. Simon will show excerpts of his acclaimed DVD, produced in conjunction with the National Center for Jewish Films at Brandeis University. See rare historic film footage of the great cantors from the first half of the 20th century, including Yossele Rosenblatt, Moshe Koussevitsky and Moishe Oysher.
DVDs will be available for purchase. There is no charge for this event. Registration is required by May 27 for 9.30 a.m. breakfast; no registration required for 10 a.m. presentation. For more details, please call Elana Fehler (ext. 221 v.m. 532), at the Temple.
Brotherhood baseball
To make a donation to any of our existing funds, please call The Foundation at (416) 789-3291, ext. 265. Nine percent of all donations and investment income is generally set aside to help with administration costs and special initiatives.
Blatt
Morris Allan Granatstein, Yahrzeit: Joan & Donald
The Holy Blossom Temple Foundation raises funds to support Temple activities, programs and projects.
The Holy B's play every Sunday from May through September in the Inter Synagogue Baseball League. Visit www.hbtbrotherhood.ca for dates and places.
We apologize but due to space constraints, not all donations will appear in the Bulletin issue closest to the date on which the contribution was made.
Summer Gathering — summertime‌ and the living is easy! Sat. July 16, 2011, at 10.30 a.m. The Connecting Team of the Caring Community invites Temple members to reconnect with long-time friends during a special Shabbat Service. After the Worship Service, we will enjoy a light picnic lunch made lovingly by Sisterhood. See you there! RSVP to Elana Fehler (ext. 221, vm 532) at the Temple.
M a y / J u n e / J u l y 2 0 1 1 | I y a r / S i v a n / Ta m m u z 5 7 7 1
11
Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto | The Last Word Rabbi Yael Splansky
ysplansky@holyblosom.org
Half way through my term as chair of the Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto (RRGT), I realize our community should know more about the strength and purpose of this rabbinic body. It is unusual for a city’s Reform rabbis to establish a shared approach to religious practice. It isn’t always easy. Each rabbi, of course, has his or her own style; some favour the tradition, others innovation. This leads to some animated discussion at our monthly meetings. However, every member of the RRGT agrees to uphold the standards of practice as articulated in our Brit HaRabanim, a document written to provide common ground on which the Toronto Reform
Jewish community of rabbis and congregations can firmly stand. OVERSEEING THE COMMUNITY
There are a number of communal institutions overseen by the RRGT. First is the Beit Din. When a Reform rabbi of Toronto officiates over marriage, divorce or conversion, the change in status takes place under the auspices of the Beit Din of the RRGT. This provides our congregants with the backing of a larger rabbinic body beyond the individual rabbi. Also, the Jewish Information Class (JIC), the year-long prerequisite course for anyone wanting to convert within the Toronto Reform community, is also overseen by the RRGT. And the physicians who serve as Reform mohelim in our community are trained by the RRGT. We jointly support The Leo Baeck Day School and Camp George, as well
as the efforts of the Reform Movement in Israel and beyond. We often meet with representatives from Toronto’s Jewish communal organizations to determine how we can best support their efforts and vice versa. There are times when the RRGT uses its collective voice to make a public statement about a particular issue; the impact is greater than any one rabbi could make by speaking alone. SHARING OF IDEAS
But most of all, there is a valuable sharing of ideas at the table of the RRGT. Oftentimes, newer rabbis ask for guidance from more experienced rabbis, or one rabbi may bring an anonymous case to seek advice from colleagues who may have already come across a similar circumstance. And we always take time out of each meeting to study together. This is perhaps the most gratifying exchange of all.
Adult B’nei Mitzvah
Mazal tov to our 2009–2011 Adult B’nei Mitzvah participants who have recently celebrated becoming a Bat Mitzvah: %FCSB #FOOFUU t 1BN )BMQFSO t $BSPMJOF *OHWBMETFO t &MMFO -FWJOF We are all so proud of your efforts and commitment to your studies. You overcame many challenges and are proven leaders in our community.
Canada Post Publications Mail Sales Agreement No. 40063407 1950 Bathurst Street Toronto, ON M5P 3K9