High holiday bulletin 2016 5777

Beth Torah Congregation High Holidays 5777

‫שנה טובה‬

Shana Tovah!

What’s Inside?

Rabbi Yossi Sapirman Senior Rabbi Cantor Ben Silverberg Cantor Ephraim Fiksel President Candace Vogel Vice President Michael Goldberg 2nd Vice President Andrew Weisberg Treasurer

President’s Message Ephraim Fiksel, Beth Torah President

Rabbi’s Message Rabbi Yossi Sapirman

Pitch Perfect!

Cantor Ben Silverberg

Who Needs Hebrew School Anyway?

Alley, Principal of HebrewsCool

Mitchell Abbey Secretary

Executive Staff Messages

Mark Krantzberg Gabbai

Introducing: Choir Director, Lisa Cohen

Irving Mueller Gabbai Emeritus

Beth Torah’s Cookbook Recipe

Allen Gerskup Immediate Past President

High Holiday Schedule

Board of Trustees Jeremy Alter Deborah Anschell Peter Farkas Gillian Glazer David Lewis Jean Sutkiewicz Jordan Turk Marvyn Turk Mark Tytel Jill Wagman

Condolences Tree of Life Form Donor Appreciation Mazel Tov Congregants Greetings Ads from our Sponsors Staff Directory What’s Next?

We provide a hands-on learning environment and a tailor-made experience, made possible by individualized programs.

Specialized Private School Social Skills Summer Camp Child Development Services Autism Intervention Located in the Beth Torah Congregation 647-404-6349 or 647-985-7001

President’s Message Ephraim Fiksel, President Perhaps it is coming off of one of the hottest summers on record, perhaps it is the natural waning of day light hours, or perhaps there is within me a sense that autumn is a very exciting and a welcomed time of year, but finally sleeping with our windows wide open so that the noises of the morning rather than the alarm make me rise more eagerly than in summer’s sultry heat. Our bird feeders have ensured, like the proverbial rooster on the farm, that morning is heralded right under my cozy pillow.

No matter the cause, the effect of autumn is energizing. Much has to be attended to, both in our beloved Beth Torah and in our homes, so that Rosh Hashanah can be celebrated with sufficient ceremony, and so that we can turn our full attentions to the important things in our lives; thinking what the year that has passed has taught us and what the year ahead holds: important issues.

I just received a long and comprehensive email from dear family friends who filled their letter with photos and lots of great news. They live far away and their children live everywhere from Los Angeles to Israel. Their connection to everyone is diverse and expansive. The reason I mention these tidings is that though my family lives in close proximity, I, too, have had news worthy of announcement. In this past year my son Zachary announced his engagement to Suzy and in short order we were blessed with the birth to our daughter Zoey of Hayes Isak Grenville, the heart and soul of our little clan. It seems that this year has been one of proclamation for the Fiksels.

It is no coincidence that Rosh Hashanah’s main purpose is to “proclaim God sovereign.”* The idea of a proclamation may sound a bit bombastic to us today, but does it not make sense that the Shofar should be the pronouncement of this proclamation? At no other time of the year is the Shofar part of our service in the synagogue. Naturally its uniqueness makes the New Year important and memorable. Its resonance brings us together to celebrate, reflect, anticipate, and, of course, to enjoy the harvest with wonderful meals with our families and friends.

And so it is my ardent wish that we all have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year, and that our journey into the year 5777 is exciting and hopefully blessed with peace in our lives and in Israel. Yasher Koach. *“The Holy One said, ‘on Rosh Hashanah recite before Me [verses of] Sovereignty, Remembrance, and Shofar blasts (malchuyot, zichronot, shofrot): Sovereignty so that you should make Me your King; Remembrance so that your remembrance should rise up before Me. And through what? Through the Shofar.’ (Rosh Hashanah 16a, 34b)”

Rabbi’s Message Rabbi Yossi Sapirman, Senior Rabbi At the advent of a New Year, the change of season and turning of colours, I have the honour of writing to you: my beloved Congregation and friends.

It has been a hot summer, but at least we did not have to rush into the High Holidays. We start this year in October (or as we say fondly, “late”).

By now, school should be routine. There’s a slight chill in the air. I love this season, even though it brings much stress.

In fact, it is my favourite time of the year, mostly because our Shul comes alive and full of the individuals who comprise our community: diverse, engaged, and committed.

We are so pleased that, if you have not already, you will meet Cantor Ben Silverberg and his wife Karen. Formerly of Shaar Shalom Congregation, Ben comes to us with a laudable reputation and many years of experience.

I am so appreciative of his can-do attitude and enthusiasm. Ben has quickly become a vital part of our community, and his joyous music and warm presence is felt daily at Beth Torah.

I wish to thank our staff for their daily efforts in keeping law and order. They work incredibly hard, are mission driven and selfless, and it shows in so many ways.

Our Executive work tirelessly to manage our operations and I embrace the success we have achieved under their guidance and leadership.

We owe so much to the women and men who lead. They do so voluntarily, and are devoted to ensuring that our warm and embracing community continues to thrive.

It’s always the case that at this time of year, there's much conversation about who goes to synagogue and who doesn't. How often should people go? How we feel about those who “only go 3 times a year”?

I, for one, feel that the 3-day-a-year Jew, the so called “Trinitarian", deserves a nonjudgmental warm welcome.

While our tradition over the centuries has increasingly ramped up the centrality of the synagogue, it seems that we have reached the breaking point. Too often the synagogue has positioned itself as the centre of Judaism and the central purveyor of Jewish identity, ignoring the reality that most Jews do not attend regularly, are not sure what exactly they believe, feel disconnected from prayer, and do not really understand the features and differences of denominations and theology.

While Judaism is a particular way of life guided by law and ancient perspectives, it needs to be lived in the world outside of religious institutions. It must pass the test of morality and social justice, and it must provide a healthy and rich lifecycle rooted firmly in the everyday world.

In a society that is increasingly egalitarian, universalistic, and intersectional, Judaism must see itself as providing answers for today and for the future, and root those answers in tradition. Synagogues should be bastions of tradition but also incubators of change; a laboratory of ideas all designed to live within our meaningful tradition, while still welcoming those who don’t, can't, or won’t subscribe to them.

Though the centre of Jewish life is and should remain our family home, the High Holidays are a chance to reconnect to our spiritual home, to our inspiring tradition, and to a place in which special memories are made- much in the way our people have done for millennia.

As a community we are building Beth Torah into a home for those who seek spiritual enthusiasm and rejuvenation outside of their Jewish home and daily environment. We have made great strides in bringing our community together with common purpose and objectives and we look forward to delivering on the promise we make to learn, to grow, and to give, so others can do the same.

In the year to come we look forward to engaging further in study and social opportunities for our congregants, and your ideas are always welcome.

So, to those who come often and those who come rarely, I say, welcome!

Best wishes for a sweet new year, Rabbi Yossi Sapirman, Dr. Michol Hoffman, and Allegra.

“Pitch Perfect!”

Cantor Ben Silverberg Imagine pitching for one team for 14 years and then deciding to sign with a new baseball team.

You know that you will miss the players you’ve worked with and enjoyed spending time with for the last 14 years, but you are excited to join a new team with fresh faces and forge new and meaningful friendships. That is how I am feeling as we approach Rosh Hashanah. I loved working as the Cantor at my previous Synagogue in Thornhill where I made so many friends, but I am delighted to be the new Cantor at Beth Torah. In the short three months I have been here I have been welcomed so warmly by the Congregants on Shabbat mornings who right from day one had only smiles and warmth for me and my wife Karen.

I feel energized and invigorated every time I stand up to lead the prayers because you are a singing Congregation which makes for such an uplifting service.

I have been welcomed and shown the ropes by my teammates, our staff; Shannon, Lawrence, Alley, David and Arlene. All of you have been very helpful and made this a soft landing and an enjoyable place to work.

Last but by no means least – a heartfelt thank you to my friend and my Rabbi. Rabbi Yossi is a true partner who brings out the best in me. We jam together and collaborate to make our services as engaging and meaningful as possible. He took the time to share BTC`s melodies with me so my transition would be smooth and seamless. Rabbi Yossi has created an environment where I can be creative and innovative musically.

I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of you. May you be blessed with good health and happiness.

Sincerely, Cantor Ben and Karen

Who Needs Hebrew School Anyway?

Isn’t There an App for That?

Shana Tova, a New Year is upon us! Along with it, comes back to school (Hebrews’Cool too!) and the return of extracurricular programming that has our kids, and us, running from morning ‘til night; I’m tired just thinking about it, and am already longing for quiet summer days by the lake.

As we busily overschedule our kids, and ourselves this fall, I find myself wondering rhetorically, is Hebrew school just another extracurricular activity? Where does it fall on the priority list?

Could we easily swap out Hebrew School for an extra day at gymnastics, an extra hockey practice or dare I say—just a day to do nothing?!

With a new academic year comes new plans, new ideas, and many an-education-related meeting with the dynamic team at Beth Torah. I recently found myself in discussion with the Rabbi, considering the fundamental principles that we subscribe to (which no doubt align with the fundamental reasons parents send their kids to Hebrew School and perhaps help answer the question: Is Hebrew School just another extracurricular activity?). Yes, of course we strive to impart Jewish knowledge (isn’t that the most obvious?) but really, if that was our only goal isn’t there an app for that!?

In thinking about our core tenets I find myself landing on the following ideals, and wondering how they layer to create the fabric of the Hebrews’Cool experience: We are building connections between Jewish children— not because we don’t already have enough birthday parties to attend, but because having Jewish friends is a gift. Having grown up in a non-Jewish area, I was the only Jewish kid in my class. My story is not unique! Many of our students at Hebrews’Cool live in non-Jewish areas and have friends from a myriad of religions and cultures (and that too, is a wonderful gift). There is something to be said for stepping outside your home-turf, and building bridges in a new area while meeting other Jewish kids your age from across the city.

The relationships forged in Hebrew School grow deeper over the course of the years; though kids may drift apart from time to time (or from summer to summer), the connection never extinguishes. When our students go to summer camp, or high school (where several elementary schools merge) suddenly they are greeted by a familiar face (or 10!). When our students go to university, perhaps far away from home, who do they meet at the local pub, in class or in the library…“hey didn’t you go to Hebrews’Cool?”

Eventually our kids join the work force, and who do they see sitting at the desk next to theirs; “You look familiar…”Like planting a seed that erupts into a vine, and over time creates a social network that all started with once a week Hebrew School, it’s evident that we’re doing more than just imparting Jewish knowledge. Creating a community of Jewish people, is at the core of what we do.

We are exposing our students to rituals that create meaning in our lives as Jewish people in the very place that these rituals are performed; we are saying, “You belong in our shul, so take your rightful place among us!” We are doing more than just teaching about religion! We are actively engaging our students in participation in essential rituals.

Every learning opportunity is an experience. We aren’t just teaching about Shabbat. We are kneading and braiding challah; we are holding tradition in our hands! We are a baking and eating challah; we are smelling and tasting centuries of tradition! We are singing the blessings in the sanctuary where they are most meaningful; we are hearing and feeling tradition! We are actively participating in ascribing our own unique meaning and memories to existing traditions. Most importantly, we are making Judaism our own.

“Remember that time we learned about Kosher dietary laws in the shul’s catering kitchen? That was so cool!”

We discuss big picture ideas and encourage students to explore their doubts, and affirm their beliefs. We encourage asking tough questions, and expanding worldviews. Unlike in traditional school, there are no right or wrong answers—there are opportunities to explore ideas, compare and contrast worldviews, and develop foundational philosophies that become the roots of our belief systems. The beauty of Hebrew School is that it allows our students to explore their own truths; in some cases, to consider what they want their Judaism to look like. When we empower our students to create the tapestry of their own beliefs, we are sending the message that there is no wrong way to be Jewish.

If I had to break down our existing curriculum into 3 core ideas, this would be my starting point; it’s not an easy task, but this does seem like a natural stopping point.

To revisit the dialogue on the value of Hebrew School (is it a luxury or a necessity?); can we opt out in favour of hockey practice, and still be sufficiently prepared for a life of rich and meaningful Judaism? The answer is in the nuances that make up your family’s belief system and values. But what kind of Director of Education would I be if I didn’t offer my 2 cents?!

I can entirely understand the dilemma when it comes to figuring out how to finesse an overly packed schedule. Of course, you want to foster your children’s passions and talents (hockey, dance, gymnastics, rock-climbing) and of course you want to include your kids in the discussion (and to be frank, they’d rather be playing baseball than learning Torah), but don’t you also want to help your children develop an authentic love of Judaism?

You play hockey on the rink, you play basketball on the court, you dance in the studio, you do gymnastics at the gym—so doesn’t it just make sense to experience Judaism at shul? You want your kids to explore their passions, to finesse their talents and to develop pride in themselves and wouldn’t it be amazing if you asked your kids to list their passions and they one day responded: Hockey, basketball, being Jewish, the environment, and pizza!? (All nonchalant like it just rolled off the tongue?!)

As you enter the New Year I encourage you to consider: How can you help make Judaism a passion for your child? How you can help Judaism join the rankings with Pokémon Go, Taylor Swift and the Toronto Raptors?!

Wishing you and your family Shanah Tova and a swift journey to making Judaism a passion that sits nestled between your favourite hobby, and your favourite food.

Alley Dezenhouse Kelner Principal, HebrewsCool Director of Youth and Family Engagement

Arlene Silver, Lifecycle Coordinator This past July, I was privileged to be part of the Beth Torah group, Jewish Women’s Renaissance Program, which is an eight day tour and learning program in Israel. The Beth Torah contingent numbered eleven women and we were part of a group of 200 amazing participants from all over the world. The Beth Torah group forged an instant amazing “sisterhood” which is a bond that will stay with us for a very, very long time. We danced, we sang, we cried, we experienced meals at homes of Israeli families, we were inspired, we learned so much about the people and the land.

For me it was personally life changing, I truly fell in love with Israel, and the entire experience surpassed my greatest expectations.

Right now at Beth Torah I am part of the madness that Shuls experience getting ready for the High Holidays. Once the holidays are done I will put on my Director of Lifecycle hat and continue booking the B’nai Mitzvahs which already have reservations until 2019.

On behalf of my own family and my wonderful colleagues at Beth Torah, I wish everyone a healthy, happy and sweet new year, and as always, pray for peace in Israel. Shana Tova.

*contractor

Lawrence Janit, Business Manager I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and members of Beth Torah for their warm and friendly welcome. I joined Beth Torah at the start of our calendar year and now, coincidently nine months later, I am looking forward to celebrating our New Year with my new family at Beth Torah. Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year, Shana Tova and a G’mar Hatima Tova .

David Goodbaum, Event Coordinator* Wow! What an amazing year it's been. The Beth Torah Team has been hard at work beautifying and improving the building.... from the resurfacing of the main entrance, renovating the basement, to enhancing the landscaping.. all in an effort to continually improve the synagogue and to showcase our gorgeous and pristine facility. We're all very proud of the efforts of the staff as well as members who have extended themselves.. all in a commitment to making Beth Torah the best in class. To one and all, I wish for you a year filled with health, happiness and joy!

*contractor

Shannon Harrison, EA to Rabbi Yossi I am overwhelmed this year with gratitude. Gratitude for my second-summer-in-a-row visiting Israel, gratitude my sister is getting married in a few weeks (and that the planning drama will finally be over!), and gratitude for the opportunity to work with the most incredible team Beth Torah has had in as long as I’ve been here. This will be my third High Holidays with the shul, and back then I never could have imagined such a well oiled machine. We’ve been working late nights and long weekends to bring you the best Yontiff ever, and it couldn’t have happened without the professionalism, dedication, and positivity everyone brought to the table.

I learn so much every day from our engaged congregation and brilliant team. Thank you for teaching me, and best wishes for love, laughter and health- in 5777 and always.

Introducing: Lisa Cohen, Choir Director Eric Clapton once said: "The most trustworthy vehicle for spirituality has always proven to be music." I can't find a better way to start the New Year than by connecting to Judaism through music. This year, the Beth Torah choir has prepared a number of tried-and-true pieces, as well as some new versions of old favourites - to help deepen your experience at Beth Torah this High Holiday season. We hope you will enjoy listening as much as we have enjoyed preparing our songs for you! Shannah Tova Umetuka.

Lisa Cohen

Lisa joined Beth Torah as the choir director leading up to the 2016 High Holidays. She has sung in various shul choirs since childhood and has always enjoyed connected to Judaism spiritually and socially through music. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Music from the University of Western Ontario in 2008, and her Master of Teaching from OISE in 2011. She has been teaching music, art, and drama at various levels in the Toronto District School Board since 2011, and has continued to participate in various community music groups in the city (both choral and orchestral). Currently she is the Curriculum Leader for The Arts at Kipling Collegiate Institute. Lisa is thrilled to be joining the Beth Torah community this year.

Bubby’s Honey Cake Submitted by Fay Weisberg 5 eggs

1.

Preheat oven to 325F.

1-1/2 cups sugar

2.

Beat eggs, sugar, and oil until blended.

3.

Add the rum, honey, and juice

1/2 cup oil 2 cups honey

and rind of the orange and the lemon.

5 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder 1/4 cup rum

4.

salt, making sure they are combined well.

1 tsp rum flavour 1/2 tsp salt

5.

Spray a large bundt pan with non-stick spray and pour in the batter.

Juice and rind of 1 orange Juice and rind of 1 lemon

Slowly add the flour, baking powder, and

6.

Bake at 325F for 1 hour.

Want more great recipes from our members tables? The Beth Torah Family Cookbook is available for only $30! All proceeds support your Family Shul.

Thanks, Cookbook Committee!

High Holiday Schedule Erev Rosh Hashanah 5:30pm 6:37pm

Sunday October 2 Services Candle lighting

Rosh Hashanah 1 7:45am 8:00 am 9:45am 10:00am 3:00pm 5:30pm 7:43pm

Monday October 3 Pre-Shul Kiddush Services Shofar Family Service and Programming Rosh is On Community Service (with Darcy Tucker!)

Evening Service Candle lighting

Rosh Hashanah 2 7:45am 8:00am 9:45am 10:00am 10:15am

Tuesday October 4 Pre-Shul Kiddush Services Shofar Family Service and Programming Guest Scholar Elliott Malamet: A New Me: Daily Steps for Transformation Observance ends

7:41pm Fast of Gedaliah 5:55am 7:32pm

Wednesday October 5 Fast begins Fast ends

Shabbat Shuva

Saturday October 8

8:30am 8:45am 11:30am

Pre-Shul Kiddush Services, Guest Scholar Elliott Malamet Study Session with Elliott Malamet: Forgiving Difficult People: From Rejection to Reconciliation

Kol Nidre 5:45 pm 6:00 pm 6:22 pm

Tuesday, October 11 Torah Honours Kol Nidre Services Latest candle lighting (light safely before Shul)

Yom Kippur 8:00 am 9:45 am 3:00 pm 4:45 pm

Wednesday, October 12 Services Shofar Rosh is On Services Guest Scholar Elliott Malamet: Running from Your Life: Jonah and the Escape from Ourselves Mincha - Reading of the Book of Jonah Ne’ilah - Closing of the Gates followed by Havdallah and Shofar Observance ends / Break the Fast

5:30 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm Erev Sukkot 6:12 pm

Sunday, October 16 Candle lighting

Sukkot 1 & 2 8:30 am 8:45 am 7:19 pm

Monday, October 17 - Tuesday, October 18 Pre-Shul Kiddush in the Sukkah Services followed by Kiddush in the Sukkah Candle lighting (Monday); Observance ends (Tuesday)

Hoshana Rabah 6:01 pm

Sunday, October 23 (Sukkot Day 7) Candle lighting

Shemini Atzeret

Monday, October 24 (Sukkot Day 8)

8:30 am 8:45 am 9:45 am 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:08 pm Simcha Torah 8:30 am 8:45 am 7:06 pm

Pre-Shul Kiddush in the Sukkah Services followed by Kiddush in the Sukkah Yizkor Erev Simcha Torah Children's Programming Service and Torah Celebration followed by Kiddush Candle lighting Tuesday, October 25 Pre-Shul Kiddush in the Sukkah Services and Celebration followed by Kiddush Observance ends

condolences We extend our sincere condolences to the following families; may they know no more sorrow.

Stephen Klein Beloved husband of Yasmin Klein, loving father of Nadia, Aaron (Jeannette), and Talia.

Dear brother and brother-in-law of Rochelle and Mark Stenzler.

Joseph Levy Beloved father of Robyn & David Beron and Tamara & Jason Gilbert Adoring Zaidie to Madeline, Chloe, Gavin, and Avery.

Barbara Gross Beloved wife of the late Larry Godfrey Gross.

Florence (Flossie) Koven Loving mother of Robert and Marla Koven and dear friends of the Congregation, Steve and Lee-Anne Koven. Devoted bubbie of Elyse and Aaron.

Reta Korenblum Beloved wife of the late Harold Korenblum.

Dear mother and mother-in-law of Marshall and Tami Korenblum.

Merle Young Beloved wife of the late Jack E. Young. Mother and mother-in-law of Beth Torah's recently retired Cantor David and Beverley Young.

Grandmother of Becky, Shira, and Jakie.

‫המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים‬ May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

Donor Appreciation Beth Torah could not be what it is today without the generosity of our community.

Thank you to the following individuals who support us in achieving our goals.

Yahrzeit Donations Lenny Baranek and Ita Kleiner Marlene Baranek Billy Berger and Brucyne Sud Carol Bloom Stephen and Celia Bobkin Fran Brodt Mark and Helen Dodick Max and Sharron Elkouby Lawrence Federman and Lynne Feingold Gordon and Ricki Fenwick Joel and Gail Fenwick Larry Goldenberg and Paula Gordon Shawn and Lori Goldenberg Steven and Donna Goldenberg Saul Kaufman and Tobi Lemberg-Kaufman Faye Kushnir Robert Kutner Joseph Leinburd The Lukofsky Family Howard and Gloria Moscoe Dean and Jodi Newman Barry and Carol Presement Carl and Ruth Rosen Jack Shore and Karen Agulnik Syd Solomons Norman and Sandra Turk Andrew and Fay Weisberg Ralph and Renee Wolfe Michael and Dianne Yanofsky Randy and Anne Zalken

Memory Fund Howard Adler and Marla Eisen Sid and Sophie Chapnick Ephraim and Penny Fiksel Mark and Dori Frank David Goodbaum and Candace Vogel Saul and Annalea Libstug Barry and Carol Presement Mollie Rothman Marty Schmerz Jack and Susan Waserman

Magnificent Mitzvah Naomi Brown and Mark Mason Jonathan Eisenstat and Paula Isenberg Jonathan Farber and Alison Gordon Allan and Hayley Goodman Jeremy Logan and Hilary Goldstein David and Adrienne Malamed Andrew and LeeAnn Schon

Rabbi’s Fund Marsha Bond Michael Gangel Paul Gleitman Martin and Shirley Glick George Keri Saul and Annalea Libstug The Fenwick Family Jean Sutkiewicz and Stephanie Shlagbaum Bella and Arkady Tevlin Stephen Turk and Maura Levine Andrew and Fay Weisberg

Good Wishes Fund Marsha Bond Harvey Dolman and Shirley Aronson David Goodbaum and Candace Vogel Stuart and Gail Mostyn Seymour and Rosalyn Rosenthal Marty Schmerz Betty Shaw

Prayer Books and Chumashim Stephen Turk and Maura Levine Jack and Susan Waserman

Kiddush Donors Martin and Shirley Glick Lorne and Aliza Levy Barry and Carol Presement David Schwartz and Barbara Miller Schwartz Daniel Shap and Sivan Fox Gary and Carole Sherkey Daniel Borts and Trisha Fortis Bruce Brymer and Margo Newman Avie Esakov Brian and Shelly Feldman Warren Ikeman and Jill Wagman Stephenzl and Yasmin Klein Sandi Leibovici Hugh Lissaman and Nicole Himel Jack and Miriam Pinkus Gerry and Sharna Posner Sara Price Daniel and Michelle Scholes Brian and Melissa Tafler

Tree of Life & Yahrzeit Plaques Bob Engelberg and Judy Phillips Don Epstein Iris Richter Mollie Rothman Martin and Betty Baranek Allen and Maida Gerskup Lorne and Aliza Levy

Lifecycle Donations Marsha Bond Graham Rosenberg and Audrey Newman

Please note: This list includes pledges that were paid in full between April 19th, 2016 - October 2nd, 2016.

We regret if we’ve inadvertently missed or misspelled names - please let us know and we will update this bulletin.

Mazel Tov! We know you worked hard for months to prepare for your b’nai mitzvah, and everyone is so proud of you! It was honour to welcome the following young men and women into Jewish adulthood this year*:

Bayli C Benjamin R Benjamin S Brandon C Cole B Dalia F Dylan M

Eden G Elan M Emma N Ethan S Jaime E Jake C Jamie S

Jonah T Joshua B Joshua T Leah L Lily G Miriam S

Rebecca L Remi R Rylee G Sonny F Spencer L Sydney R Sydney Z

*Since Pesach 2016. Surnames excluded for online privacy.

Martin and Betty Baranek wish their children, grandchildren, friends and relatives a healthy and happy new year.

In loving memory of Max and Rose Herman Remembered by, Philip Herman and Sandra Druck and Family A happy and health year to all our family and friends.

Sherri, Tom, Ryan and Justin Patak

BEST WISHES for a Peaceful New Year 5777 Mollie Rothman and Family

Wishing family, friends & Beth Torah a Shana Tova for the coming New Year!

Stephen, Celia, Matt and Ryan Bobkin

Susan and Eddie Glick and family would like to wish the members at Beth Torah a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Susan and Eddie Glick Daniel, Danielle and Dylan Jaclyn, Daniel and Myles Matthew and Nadia, and Lauren

Wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year To our family, friends, and Beth Torah Congregation Allen and Maida Gerskup Stuart , Alysa and Gabbi Gerskup Michael, Gillian and Emma Barsky

Wishing our friends and family a healthy and happy New Year Helen and Steve Silverstein Daniel, Erin, Caleb and Allison Silverstein Mark, Shira and Liam Silverstein Ami and Sarah Toubkin

Happy and Healthy New Year to all!

With Love from Hayden, Robyn, Max and Halle Solomons

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

Wishing all our friends and family a healthy and joyous New Year.

Eddie, Devra, Melanie and Alex Wasser

On these High Holy Days we wish you and your family peace, joy, good luck; God’s blessing and success.

L’Shanah Tovah!

From our family to yours may this New Year be filled with health and happiness, and sweet moments for everyone!

Mark, Ilena, Michael and Matthew Borinsky

With our best wishes for a healthy, happy and meaningful Rosh Hashanah David Goodbaum & Candace Vogel Zachary, Madeleine, Spencer & Charlotte

With warm wishes to our family, friends, esteemed clergy and the Beth Torah Congregation for a "sweet" New Year filled with good health, happiness, prosperity and peace!

Marilyn & David Glick Leora, Maddy & Reuben Glick Jordan, Faye, Saul & Sasha Glick Shira, Kyle, Pearl & Leo Goldenberg Tamara, Corey & Noa Herscu

Wishing our Family, Friends and Congregation a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year!

L'Shana Tova!

Shawn, Lori, Brooke, Stephanie and Jordana Goldenberg

A day of joy, a time of hope, a year of peace and happiness to all our relatives, friends and Beth Torah family.

Shana Tova!

Stevezl, Yasmin and Talia Klein Mark and Rochelle Stenzler

Shana Tova We wish you a happy, healthy, and sweet year Mark Krantzberg, Iris Rosenbluth, Alyssa and Zoey

We wish our family, neighbours and friends a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year.

Shana Tova from Penny and Ephraim Fiksel and our entire family.

Staff Directory Rabbi Yossi Sapirman Senior Rabbi (416) 782 4495 ext. 42 rabbiyossi@bethtorah.ca Alley Dezenhouse Kelner Principal, HebrewsCool (416) 782 4495 ext. 25 hebrewschool@bethtorah.ca Cantor Ben Silverberg Cantor (416) 782 4495 ext. 30 cantor@bethtorah.ca Shannon Harrison Executive Assistant to Rabbi Yossi (416) 782 4495 ext. 42 rabbisoffice@bethtorah.ca David Goodbaum Events Coordinator* (416) 782 4495 ext. 43 events@bethtorah.ca Arlene Silver Lifecycle Coordinator (416) 782 4495 ext. 27 admin@bethtorah.ca Lawrence Janit Business Manager (416) 782 4495 ext. 33 accounts@bethtorah.ca

*Contractor

What’s Coming Next?

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming programming!

Here are some important dates for your calendar.

Peace of Mind Program October 30th, 2016 – November 6th, 2016 Peace of Mind is a unique program developed by the Israel Centre for the Treatment of Psycho-Trauma. It paves the way back to civilian life for young men and women who have served three or more years in high-risk combat units in the Israel Defense Forces. Different groups of discharged veterans are brought to Toronto, Canada several times a year with their therapists, are housed with members of our community, and are immersed in both therapy and community events during their stay. It truly becomes a meaningful week as they become aware of the caring, strength and unity of the Toronto Jewish community.

A Voice Among the Silent: The Legacy of James G. McDonald November 6th, 2016, 7:00 pm Shuli Eshel‘s A Voice Among the silent: The Legacy of James G. McDonald is the first documentary to shine light on James McDonald’s remarkable efforts to warn the world of Adolf Hitler’s plan for the Jews.

The son of Catholic immigrants, James McDonald was one of the first Americans to meet face-to-face with Hitler in 1933. Shocked by Hitler’s threats, McDonald, as League of Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, worked tirelessly to find safe havens for refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. McDonald repeatedly warned world leaders including President Franklin Roosevelt and the future Pope Pius XII, of the looming tragedy he foresaw. To watch the trailer visit www.avoiceamongthesilent.com

Programming Calendar This list will continue to grow!

Keep up to date on new Beth Torah programming by reading our weekly Shabbat bulletins in Shul or online at bethtorah.ca.

YLJ Orientation The Idea of Modesty Annual General Meeting (AGM) HebrewsCool Family Shabbat Remembrance Day Shabbat Installation of the New Board Women of Valour - the ideal of Eshet Chayil Global Day of Jewish Learning Can I be Observant and a Feminist?

New Members Welcome Dinner The Idea of Mitzvah JACS Talk: Families Coping With Addiction HebrewsCool Winter Break Begins Chanukah begins Chanukah ends Fast of Tevet HebrewsCool Classes Resume Tu B’Shvat Annual Jazz Evening HebrewsCool Purim Carnival Erev Purim Erev Pesach

Sunday, October 16, 9:00 am Thursday, November 3, 7:00 pm Tuesday, November 8, 7:30 pm Friday, November 11, 5:00 pm Saturday, November 12, 8:45 am Saturday, November 12, 8:45 am Thursday, November 17, 7:00 pm Sunday, November 20, TBC Thursday, November 24, 7:00 pm Friday, December 2, 5:30 pm Thursday, December 8, 7:00 pm Thursday, December 15, 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 20, 9:00 am Saturday, December 24, 4:41 pm Sunday, January 1, 2017 Sunday, January 8, 2017 Tuesday, January 10, 2017 Saturday, February 11, 2017 Saturday, February 25, 2017 Sunday, March 5, 2017 Saturday, March 11, 2017 Monday, April 10, 2017

The four italicized entries are special classes for the community led by educator Shayna Kravitz. She attended Stern College for Women, an arm of Yeshiva University, and later obtained her B.Sc. and LL.B. from the University of Manitoba. She has been giving divrei Torah and teaching on Jewish topics since the 1980s, and has taught in both Canada and the US. Her goal in teaching is to enable her students to read and think critically on Jewish topics, and deepen their understanding of Jewish ideas and traditions.

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