Passoverbulletin2014

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Celebrating Spring 2014

PASSOVER 5774 Beth Torah Congregation

Aviv “How to Kosher your kitchen for Passover in 1 minute or less!” Realistically in a few hours!

Shabbat April 5th Rabbi Yossi will reveal the art of Koshering your home for Passover – in no time at all!

With all the work involved with PASSOVER Preparation

take the night off!

Adults $36 kids $18, toddlers under 2 Rabbi Yossi eat FREE! Sponsorship Opportunities Dinner $ 750 Wine $ 500

presents: “It’s Time to Leave Egypt…

What are you going to take with you?”

Special musical guest Evan Malach

For reservations, email: rsvp@bethtorah.ca or 416.782.4495, ext 27

Special guest Monica Parker Best-selling author of Getting Waisted In conversation with Rabbi Yossi on “Freedom from Food Slavery”

Join us! PRE-PASSOVER FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

FRIDAY April 11, 2014, Services-5:30 pm Dinner-6:00 pm

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Beth Torah Congregation Yossi Sapirman Rabbi David Young Cantor 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 Mark Krantzberg Gabbai Irving Mueller Gabbai Emeritus Harold Wolkin Immediate Past President Board of Trustees Mitchell Abbey Deborah Anschell Haley Field Michael Goldberg Marni Hefner Jeffrey Jacob Stephen Klein David Kornhauser Mark Krantzberg Robert Miller Toni Silberman Shane Teper Marvyn Turk Jill Wagman Lawrence Zucker

Photography courtesy of Rabbi Yossi Sapirman

What’s inside!

Pre-Passover Shabbat Dinner President’s Message Rabbi’s Message Cantor’s Message Director of Education’s Message Passover Schedule A Passover Primer Sale of Chametz Form 5774 Delectable Dishes for Passover Thank You Sponsors & Donors Thank You Memory Fund Donors Thank You Yarhzeit Fund Contributors Thank You Prayer Book Donors Thank You Simcha Fund Condolences Refuah Shleimah New Arrivals Past Beth Torah Events Sunday Minyan Siyyum for the Fast of the First Born Hebrew’sCool Executive Director’s Message Staff Advertisements Upcoming Beth Torah and Community Events Epic Trials in Jewish History

i 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

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Aviv President’s Message I am writing this Passover message during yet another snowstorm. If I move closer to the heater, I can imagine that the zero visibility is caused by a sandstorm and I am experiencing a delay during the Exodus from Egypt three thousand years ago.

But I am dreaming of spring, I am hearing the sounds of jubilation as our Boys of Summer, our Beth Torah Baseball team takes to the field. I see them in their Strellson sponsored uniforms, stretching, kvetching and limping, but mostly I hear friendship and community.

Spring can’t be delayed much more; surely, it will be here soon and I am thinking with pride about our Beth Torah community.

Today, as I write, also happens to be International Woman’s Day and I am proud to share with you a significant accomplishment for women at Beth Torah. Our Board formally adopted a motion which supports continued participation in all aspects of ritual life by all our members, and, in this case, focussed specifically on women.

We realize there are some who don’t wish for greater participation and some who do.

Allen Gerskup

We feel that creating the possibility and opportunity for engagement is our duty as we

simultaneously respect the traditions of those who do not see themselves participating beyond their traditional role.

As Rabbi Yossi has said, “I would rather your daughters grow up in a Shul that said, ‘you can’ but they choose not to, than your daughters growing up in a Shul that said, ‘you can’t’ although they want to.”

I am always amazed by the true heroism of Queen Esther in the Megillah. The message for me is always one of leadership, of letting women lead the success of our people. Our Shul is part of the opportunity for leadership. I felt the same way when my granddaughter, Gabbi, had her Bat Mitzvah and I am proud of this accomplishment during my term as President.

As Passover approaches and we consider the Exodus and the freedom we longed for and achieved, I know that our Shul continues to be a place in which we are striving for greatness, looking for equality and freedom of participation and never forgetting the heroism of all who give heart and soul to ensure our community always remains welcoming and inclusive.

With deep appreciation to our Executive and Board of Directors, our Clergy and Staff, on behalf of my wife, Maida, I wish you Chag Sameach, Happy Passover!

Allen Gerskup, President

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Aviv Rabbi’s Message Dear Congregation, It seems like forever ago when Passover was here last, not because of the interminable winter or the Hebrew calendar quirk that added in an extra month (Adar I). No, rather it’s that so much has happened.

So many people met, so many families engaged for lifecycle and counselling, so many simchas and sadly, loss and tragedy – the days sometimes seem to disappear, leaving little time for study and sermons, community obligations, meetings and staff, and of course, my most special obligation, my family.

You all know how wonderful this last while has been, sharing the joy of Allegra with Michol – we marvel daily at the gift of delight and energy our child brings and the time spent together is never enough.

This year Passover brings a new dimension to our lives.

The obligation of the Seder is specifically to “tell your children.” The word Haggada means “telling” and the primary responsibility parents have is to speak of their history, their travails

Rabbi Yossi Sapirman

and successes despite suffering, thus offering their child a roadmap for optimism and positivity.

Children are the ones to whom this conversation must be directed. Alas, children don’t always want to hear it, or they are distracted, or they are just too young to comprehend. Still, we must tell them even if it’s only to practise speaking to our own maturing self so we do not negate the stages of our development.

This ensures our minds and hearts are limber and flexible enough to support our families with the empathy not only of our mature self today but also with a clear, conscious awareness of who we were, what hurt us then, and how we traversed defeat and inexperience to achieve today’s state of Exodus.

We know that children learn much more from what we do rather than what we say or “tell” and this is why we act out the Seder. We engage the food object of slavery, Matzah, and we feel the bitterness of affliction, Maror; we temper the sting with Charoset, and after the telling, we eat, sing, enjoy, and share our history and moments of personal significance.

The joy of engaging my child in conversation, when comprehension of my words or actions are evident, has been some of the greatest moments I have ever experienced. I am certain that Michol and I will continue to engage in “Haggada” always, and this year, especially at Pesach, even though Allegra may not understand much of the story, we will still seize the opportunity to speak to her and tell her, knowing she understands even a little, like fish or brown bear or Matzah or even Mama. This will be the first time I am fulfilling my Seder responsibility for my own family and I am deeply awed by its renewed meaning.

I look forward to the renewal of spring and the opportunity to share a learning-filled year with the Congregation, continued community building, and making the lives of all those we impact better and even more meaningful and fulfilling. Let us remember to tell the story of our community and the efforts of so many that have made us such a warm and welcoming Shul.

With deep gratitude to all those I am privileged to serve, the Executive, Board, and Congregation, and the staff team who make what we dream of into reality, my family and I offer you wishes of Chag Sameach, a happy wonder-filled, engaged and meaningful Passover!

Rabbi Yossi Sapirman

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Aviv Cantor’s Message The Music of Passover “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” -Plato The Seder is a wonderful time for family and friends to be together. We know that it is customary to recite the Haggadah, and to ask questions. There are many interpretations and commentaries to the Haggadah to help explain events and passages and hidden meaning.

Passover and the Hallel service provides an array of music for everyone. I would like to provide you with a couple of musical insights of the service.

Cantor David Young

Pg 290 – Btzeit Yisroel – Psalm 114 This psalm is a poetic description of the significance and effect of the Exodus. The movement and rhythm of the words, when spoken, depict a dance. Not surprisingly, it is a beautiful piece that the choir performs in the tempo of a waltz. I have sung this piece of music for over twenty years, and honestly, I still see images of a couple dancing a waltz to the music!

Pg 298 – Hal’lu - Psalm 117-118 These two psalms call upon all the nations of the world to praise G-d for his mercy and faithfulness.

The piece of music usually performed by the choir is a very upbeat and joyous piece, and hence written in a major key. So joyous in fact, that you will see the choir smiling and grinning during its performance as we surprise the Congregation with an unexpected ending of Ki L’olom Chasdo!

Music is a universal language. I believe most of us know that. Just as important as the words in a piece is how the music is composed and performed. It is through the sequence of notes, the chordal arrangements, the intervals, and the time and key signatures that enables one to paint the picture, to portray the inner feelings and theme of the story behind the words. It is my wish that as Cantor, I am able to paint that picture, create that atmosphere, and relay my inner feelings to you.

I am most thankful to my talented choir that time and time again combines over twenty voices into an artistic display of colour and emotion. The mood and solemnity of each holiday is borne through the harmonic delivery of sound that emanates from the soul.

Passover is known for its “bread of haste” when the Israelites left Egypt. May we all take the time this Passover to slow down, take a deep breath and appreciate our lot in life. May we enjoy the songs that are created with our relationships with family and friends.

It will be music to our ears.

Chag Kasher V’sameach

Teen Choir If your mother thinks you have the voice of an angel, and your Bubbie thinks you should be on the stage,

BETH TORAH WANTS YOU! Join the Beth Torah Teen Choir Learn to sing. Meet weekly for lessons.

Sing at services and special occasions.

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Contact YLJ@bethtorah.ca

Aviv From the Director of Education Passover is the time when we invite complete strangers to join our table and sate their needs. It’s been half a year since you invited me, a stranger at the time, to join the Beth Torah family. I thank you for your warmth, your open-mindedness, and eagerness to share and learn.

No season in the Jewish calendar speaks to the heart of an educator the way Passover does. The winter was long, cold, dark, and snowy (even though I, as a fresh newcomer to the community from the Niagara region, may not be qualified to compare), but spring is nigh. Whatever our personal habits of hibernation may be, we are biologically wired to awaken just about… now. The icicles are thinning, the snowbirds are flying back from Florida, and the bright warmth revives the curiosity of our mind.

The Festival of Spring, as the Torah calls it, always brings forth abundant opportunities for teaching, learning, growing, expanding our knowledge, and continuing to wonder.

Seder night, the epitome of the holiday, cannot start properly without questions being asked first, starting with the youngest person present at the table. It signifies the impor-

Rabbi Eli Courante

tance of seeking knowledge in our tradition; a well-put question may be worth a hundred answers.

Last week, I asked a group of our Hebrews’Cool students whether they could come up with examples illustrating the principle “It’s never too late to learn.” A third grade student mentioned she had a great-grandparent in was in their mid-80’s who was still actively attending university courses. Another student chimed in, saying since he was in no mood to study that day, it could be safely left for later, as it is never too late to learn.

Which of the two was right? I dare say, both have a point.

If you strive for knowledge, it doesn’t matter how much (or how little) you know on any given subject. Come for one of our many educational programs for adults, children or teens, and leave knowing more.

Check out our brand-new series of lectures on epic trials in modern Jewish history (see page 27). Don’t know where to start? Come on May 1st and be part of the discussion on Bernie Madoff’s trial and its consequences.

If you were not in the mood to learn yesterday, don’t let it keep you from learning today! Do not be a slave to old habits. Passover is the celebration of our freedom. (Notice: for those who wish to get rid of feeling embarrassed for not attending classes previously, please arrive 5 minutes early to receive personal absolution, or request a formal letter of absolution online from either Rabbi Yossi, myself, or the congregational committee on Jewish guilt…)

On a more serious note, if you were planning to slave away at the kitchen and pour every remaining bit of energy you have left into glatt-passover-koshering your driveway, consider saving some of that effort to liven your Seder with the light of knowledge. Learn something new and exciting; share it with people you love. An unusual Midrash, a novel interpretation, even a meaningful joke can turn a routine Seder feast into an adventure in Judaism.

Wishing you a beautiful, enlightened, happy, healthy, worry-free Passover, Rabbi Eli

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Aviv Passover Schedule – Nissan 5774 Sunday, April 13 Last opportunity to return Chametz form www.bethtorah.ca

12:00 p.m.

Monday, April 14 Fast of the First Born Services 7:30 a.m.

Chapel End Eating Chametz Before 11:00 a.m.

Remove Chametz Before 12:00 p.m.

Berore 12:00 p.m.

Sell Chametz www.bethtorah.ca Erev Pesach Evening Services 5:30 p.m. Sanctuary Candle Lighting 7:41 p.m.

First Seder Tuesday, April 15 Morning Services 8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Pesach I Candle Lighting 8:45 p.m.

Second Seder Wednesday, April 16 Morning Services 8:45 a.m Sanctuary Pesach II Observance Ends 8:46 p.m.

Thursday, April 17 Hol Hamoed I Friday, April 18 Hol Hamoed II

Candle Lighting

Saturday, April 19 Hol Hamoed III

Morning Services 8:45 a.m. Chapel Observance Ends 8:50 p.m.

Sunday, April 20 Erev Yom Tov Hol Hamoed IV

Sunday Minyan Candle Lighting

8:45 a.m.

7:48 p.m.

Chapel

Monday, April 21 Pesach VII Morning Services Candle Lighting

8:45 a.m.

8:53 p.m.

Sanctuary

7:46 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22 Pesach VIII Morning Services 8:45 a.m.

Yizkor 10:30 a.m.

Holiday Ends 8:54 p.m.

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Sanctuary Sanctuary

Aviv A Passover Primer Passover begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan.

Ashkenazic authorities consider kitniyot to be part of the forbidden

It is the first of the three major festivals with both historical and ag-

Neither the grains nor any of the flours or oils made from them may

ricultural significance (the other two are Shavu’ot and Sukkot).

be used. Sephardic tradition allows these products to be eaten. [In

Agriculturally, it represents the beginning of the harvest season in

Israel, the Conservative movement has also allowed these products

Israel, but the real emphasis is related to the Exodus from Egypt after

to be eaten even by Ashkenazim on Passover.]

generations of slavery.

We may not eat chametz during Pesach; we may not even own it or

The name “Pesach” (PAY-sahch,) comes from the Hebrew word to

derive benefit from it. All chametz must either be disposed of or sold

pass over. It refers to the fact that G-d “passed over” the houses

to a non-Jew (they can be repurchased after the holiday). While some

of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. “Pesach”

may mock this practice of selling chametz as an artificial technicality,

is also the name of the sacrificial offering (lamb) that was made in

this sale is real and legally binding.

the Temple on this holiday. The holiday is also referred to as Chag

Some people observe an additional strictness during Pesach known

ha-Aviv , (the Spring Festival), Chag ha-Matzot , (the Festival of

as gebrochts, from a Yiddish word meaning “broken”. Those who

Matzahs), and Z’man Cheiruteinu , (the Time of Our Freedom).

observe this custom will avoid any matzah product that has come

foods on Passsover, but technically these items are not hametz.]

into contact with liquid after being baked (no dipping Passover

Pesach Laws and Customs

sponge cake in your coffee, or eat-

Probably the most significant ob-

The rule arises from a concern that

servance related to Pesach involves

matzah may contain bits of flour that

avoiding chametz throughout the

were not completely cooked and

holiday. This commemorates the fact

that would become leavened upon

that the Jews leaving Egypt were in

contact

a hurry, and did not have time to let

of this additional restriction is not

their bread rise. It is also a symbolic

common, and some have criti-

way of removing the “puffiness”

cized gebrochts for unnecessarily

(arrogance, pride) from our souls.

complicating

All

ing Matzah balls if you follow this).

with

liquid.

Pesach

Observance

and

tak-

preparation,

ing some of the joy out of this

and eating surfaces are scoured

celebration of freedom for no good

and

reason.

cooking, usually

food covered

for

the

duration of Pesach. The refrigerator is

The day before Pesach is the Fast

likewise cleaned to remove all traces

of the Firstborn, a minor fast for all

of hametz. The care and the extent that Pesach preparations are

firstborn males, commemorating the fact that the firstborn Jewish

made depends on the fervor with which a person celebrates Pesach.

males in Egypt were not killed during the final plague.

Some people do not prepare the home for Pesach, but refrain from

On the first night two nights of Passover we have a special family

eating anything that is hametz, while others meticulously follow all

meal filled with ritual to remind us of the significance of the holiday.

of the rules and regulations.

This meal is called a seder , from a Hebrew root word meaning

In addition to bread products containing leaven, there are a few

“order,” because there is a specific set of information that must be

other foods that are not eaten on Passover. The basic rule is that any

discussed in a specific order..

product that is fermented or can cause fermentation may not be

Pesach lasts for eight days (seven days in Israel). The first two days

eaten, including five grains: wheat, rye, barley, oats, and spelt. Any

and last two days of the holiday (first and last in Israel) are days

food or drink that is made from one of these grains or that contains

on which no work is permitted. Work is permitted on the intermedi-

one of these grains, even in very small quantity, is considered hametz.

ate days. These intermediate days on which work is permitted are

Ashkenazic Jews follow the custom of not eating rice, corn, pea-

referred to as Chol Ha-Mo’ed.

nuts, or other vegetables in the pea family, treating them as hametz because these products swell when cooked and so resemble a leavening process. [These are called ‘kitniyot’ (legumes). Traditionally,

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Aviv ow You can n r u o send in y z Chamet ne. form onli h.ca bethtora

SALE OF CHAMETZ FORM 5774

Rather than eat all one's Chametz or burn it before Pesach, it is possible to sell the Chametz in your house to a non-Jew. If he so wishes, he is entitled to come and collect it; and were this to happen, you would be amply recompensed after Yom Tov. Normally, all the community's Chametz will be sold centrally.

All Chametz should be set aside in a marked box or cupboard - and sealed to prevent access until after Pesach.

The Rabbi should then be authorised to act for you and sell the Chametz. This is most easily achieved by completing and returning the form below. During Pesach, the Chametz will belong to a non-Jew and for you to use it would be an act of theft. If it has not been claimed, then the Chametz reverts to you (and the non-Jew is given back his deposit).

Though it is seen as a legal fiction, the sale of Chametz is of halachic importance. The prohibition on owning Chametz over Pesach is very severe and there is a Rabbinic ban on eating Chametz after Pesach, which had been owned in violation of the festival (Chametz She'avar Alav HaPesach). The sale of Chametz (Mechirat Chametz) is an easy and effective way of dealing with one's stocks of dried pasta, whisky, packet soups etc.

If you would like Rabbi Yossi to arrange for your Chametz to be sold, please complete the following Sale of Chametz form.

Power of Attorney I, (please print) hereby appoint Rabbi Yossi Sapirman to act as my agent and sell all Chametz that will be in my possession as of 11:00 am April 14, 2014 Address ____________________________________________________________________________ Location of Chametz __________________________________________________________________ Approximate Value $___________ I hereby authorize Rabbi Yossi Sapirman to act in my stead, and empower him to do all that is required to make such a sale valid in order that I conform to all the Halachic requirements and restrictions regarding the possession of Chametz over Pesach. I hereby also make any Agreement of Sale (shetar mechirah) that he may use for this purpose, part of this authorization.

SIGNED

DATE

Optional: ___ I am enclosing/pledging a contribution for Maot Chittim (Passover Charity) to help others less fortunate, to celebrate the holiday. Amount $ ____.00. ( ) Bill my account

( ) Credit Card No. _____________________ Expiry ______

INSTRUCTIONS: Please fill in a separate form for each location.

1) FILL IN THE BLANKS,

2) SIGN, AND

3) FAX, EMAIL OR DELIVER

RABBI YOSSI MUST HAVE IT IN THE OFFICE BY NOON ON SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014

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rabbiyossi@bethtorah.ca

Fax: (416) 782-4496

Aviv Delectable Dishes for Passover

by Lori Goldenberg BROCCOLI CASHEW SALAD 1 head of broccoli stems discarded, florets chopped very small ¾ cup mayonnaise or less-just enough to mix all the broccoli ½ cup sugar 3 tbsp of red wine vinegar ½ small red onion, finely minced ½ cup cranberries or raisins 1 package of Passover chow mein noodles 1 cup raw sunflower seeds, kitniyot

Place the broccoli into a large bowl In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar and onion Put the cut up broccoli in a large ziplock bag and pour dressing in the bag and mix around. Then put broccoli in a bowl; add the raisins/cranberries, crumbled noodles, sunflower seeds and cashews Toss to combine

1 cup raw cashews

PASSOVER FROZEN LEMON TORTE 3 eggs, whole

Filling

3 egg yolks

In a double boiler: combine whole eggs, egg yolks, lemon

½ cup lemon juice

juice, lemon zest and 1-1 ¼ cup sugar in a glass bowl.

Zest of whole lemon

Cook until thickened, stirring constantly.

1 ½ cup sugar

Remove from heat and allow cooling (cover tightly with

6 egg whites, divided

plastic wrap, pressing the wrap on the surface of the

2 packages of bought mandel bread Kosher for Passover

custard). In a separate bowl, beat 3 egg whites until foamy,

3 tbsp melted margarine

add 3 tbsp sugar and beat until stiff. Fold into cooled lemon custard mixture. Pour lemon mixture into the pressed pan.

Base

Freeze at least 5 hrs or overnight. In a clean bowl, beat 3

In food processor finely pulse the Mandelbrot into fine

egg whites until foamy. Add 1 tbsp sugar. Beat until stiff.

crumbs. Measure 2 cups. Then mix with melted margarine.

Pour meringue over frozen lemon mixture in pan, broil until

Put into a 8 “ spring form pan and press up the sides and

golden (**this will brown quickly, so watch carefully).

on the bottom of pan. You can also use a bigger 10” spring

Return to freezer. Remove from freezer about 15 mins

form pan but in that case, you must double the filling and

before serving.

I would add another package of mandel bread and a little more melted margarine. Refrigerate crust while you are doing filling.

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Aviv THANK YOU! Sponsors & Donors From July 1, 2013 - January 31, 2014

Minyan Sponsors

Alan Freedman & Michal Pomotov

Merle Levine

Sandi Leibovici

Mark and Elyse Tytel

Bruce & Patti Nashman Daniel & Risa Drimmer Marty Schmerz

Kiddush Sponsors

Galla Erenberg & Allan Horenfeldt

Martin and Betty Baranek Leon and Freda Yermus

Kiddush Donors

Tom and Peter Kofman

Henry and Velma Ruschin

Jill Wagman and Warren Ikeman

Gayle Nussbaum and David Lewis

Sam and Helen Yermus

Sivan Fox and Daniel Shap

Marvyn and Debby Turk and Stephen and Maura Turk

Gary Newton and Jean Wang

David and Marilyn, Eddie and Susan, Marty and Shirley Glick

Sharlene Wilder and Sheldon Freeman

Marilyn Glick and Allen Charney

Adele Freeman and Florence Wilder

Joel Silver

Mark and Elyse Tytel

Susan Lieff

Saul and Annalea Libstug

Brian and Shelly Feldman

Melissa and Brian Tafler

Mitchell and Nancy Abbey

Sharyn and Simon Gitalis Rob Storm and Lisa Borden Barry and Carol Presement Laurie Goodman and Simone Mayer Paul Orlander and Heleyna Shekter Joshua Gans and Natalie Lippey Marty Schmerz Edward Panela and Irene Zellermayer Robert and Johanna Flagal Simone Collier and Jeffrey Waldman

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Aviv THANK YOU! Memory Fund Donors From July 1, 2013 - January 31, 2014

Memory Fund To Jack Shore In memory of Fruma Shore From Lenny Baranek and Ita Kleiner To the Burstein and Greenberg families In memory of Hy Burstein From Marty Schmerz

To Alissa and Mel Herman In memory of Ethel From Hope Springman and Annais Jeroff To the Douglas family In memory of Harry Douglas From Bill and Lynda Castor

To Nava Baranek In memory of her father From Leon and Freda Yermus

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Aviv THANK YOU! Yahrzeit Fund Contributors

From July 1, 2013 - January 31, 2014

Yarzheit Marlene and Justin Kaufman in memory of Morry Baranek

Barbara Gross in memory of Sarah Ida Everett and Maurice Isaac Everett

Billy Berger and Brucyne Sud in memory of Lois Berger

Eila Kates in memory of Jack Kates

Carol Bloom in memory of Sam Bloom Stephen and Celia Bobkin in memory of Lucy Picov Stephen and Celia Bobkin in memory of Manny Bobkin Stephen and Celia Bobkin in memory of Michael Picov Phyllis Caplan in memory of Laurence Caplan Jennie Cass in memory of Irwin Cass Jennie Cass in memory of Manny Rotman Henry and Layah Cohen in memory of Julius Long Mark and Helen Dodick in memory of Mania Jarcaig Florence Fenwick in memory of Dora Fenik Sugarman Florence Fenwick in memory of Samuel Bloom Joel and Gail Fenwick in memory of Charlotte Gottlieb Paul and Debbie Fenwick in memory of Peter Bakonyi and Rosa Junger

Ralph Tarmy in memory of Etta Tarmy Sam Kessler in memory of Rifka and Aaron Kessler, William and Eugene Kessler and Alice Kessler Irving Kirsh and Jennifer Pulis in memory of Hyman Kirshenbaum Zelda Korenblum in memory of Devorah Korenblum and Israel Szuch Faye Kushnir in memory of Lee Shulman, David Kushnir and Rose Enchin

Dorothy Gordon in memory of Gerald Waldman

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Passover

Frieda Traub in memory of Moses Goldenberg, Victoria Traub and Menia Goldenberg Ronald and Sandra Traub in memory of Izzie Fine and Helen Fine Alina Turk in memory of Leib and Sarah Unger, Mania Turkienicz, Jonah Turkienicz and Philip Turk

Isaac and Linda Lallouz in memory of Benjamin Rich

Norman and Sandra Turk in memory of Bella Holland, Jonah Turkienicz and Philip Turk

Marvin and Merilyn Lean in memory of Anne Lean

Sue Turk in memory of Michael Turk

Marla and Fern Lukofsky and Elaine Goldberg in memory of Hersh Margulies, Meyer Lukofsky and Ruth Lukofsky

Eli and Ellen Turkienicz in memory of Milton Turkienicz

Howard and Gloria Moscoe in memory of Sally Caplan and Morris Green Louis and Nannette Mostyn in memory of Joseph Grader Irving and Helen Mueller in memory of Molly Muschkies, Cyrla Mueller and Abraham Mueller Natalie Rich in memory of Ben Rich

Sally Gallinger in memory of Hershel and Edith Rubenstein

Harvey and Beverly Silverstone in memory of Philip Silverstone, Isaac Silverstone, Harry Cohen and Sarah Smolkin

Dave and Anne Shapiro in memory of Yetta Randall Jack Shore and Karen Agulnik in memory of Isadore L. Shore

Natalya and Yury Vol in memory of Sophya Berlyavsky and Yury Berlyavsky Andrew and Fay Weisberg in memory of Irving Katz Brent Weiser and Sharon Katz Weiser in memory of Paul Katz Randy and Anne Zalken in memory of Morris Premsky Doris Zarecki in memory of Charles Zarecki Howard Kamen in memory of Ruben Kamen

Aviv THANK YOU! Prayerbook Donors From July 1, 2013 - January 31, 2014 A siddur has been donated in memory of Michael Turk

by Helen, Alan, Matthew, Jenna and Jonathan Turk A siddur has been donated in honour of Martin and Betty Baranek’s 60th wedding anniversary

by Eric Friedman and Dina Krawitz Two chumashim have been donated in honour of Betty and Martin Baranek’s 60th wedding anniversary

by Moishe and Marsha Goldstein Prayer Book Fund A siddur has been donated in honour of Howie Shiffman’s 60th birthday

by Jeremy and Mindy Alter

THANK YOU! Simcha Fund

From July 1, 2012 - January 31, 2013

Simcha Fund To Susan and Eddie Glick Mazel Tov on Daniel and Danielle’s engagement From Helen and Sam Yermus To Betty and Martin Baranek Mazel Tov on Hayley’s engagement From Helen and Sam Yermus To Lenny and Ita Baranek Mazel Tov on Hayley’s engagement From Helen and Sam Yermus To Mollie Rothman Mazel Tov on the marriage of your granddaughter Zehava to Baruch From Zelda Korenblum

To the Beth Torah Choir Mazel Tov and Yasher Koach From Lori and Shawn Goldenberg To Leon Yermus Mazel Tov on your 80th From Lenny Baranek and Ita Kleiner To Betty and Martin Baranek Happy 60th Anniversary From Donna and Steven Goldenberg From Mark and Elyse Tytel

To Helen and Sam Yermus Mazal Tov on your 60th wedding anniversary From Sheldon and Gillian Glazer To Harvey Borden Mazal Tov on your 100th birthday From Esther Atkin To Yetta and Harold Martin Mazel Tov on your 70th wedding anniversary From Esther Atkin

To Len Libman Thank you From Steve Blitzer To Cantor David and Beverly Young Mazel Tov on the new baby!

From Lori and Shawn Goldenberg

To Mark Krantzberg and Iris Rosenbluth Happy and Healthy New Year From Lori and Shawn Goldenberg

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Aviv Condolences From July 1, 2013 – January 31, 2014 We extend our sincere condolences to the following families; may you know no more sorrow.

To Jack Shore and Karen Agulnik, on the loss of his mother, Fruma (Garber) Shore.

To Neil and Cheryl Grammer on the loss of his father, Harold Grammer.

To Richard Halpern and Rhonda Hoffman on the loss of his mother, Esther Halpern and his father, Harold Halpern.

To Jack and Bernice Douglas and Irwin and Phyllis Douglas on the loss of their brother, Harry Douglas.

To Paul and Shelley Tushinski on the loss of his mother, Genia Tushinski.

To Debbie Granek, Miriam Levy and Joshua and Patricia Granek, on the loss of their husband and father, Fred Granek.

To Howard and Lorie Bogler on the loss of his father, Geza Bogler.

To the Karpati family on the loss of their father and grandfather, Leslie Karpati.

To Helene and Allan Rutchick, Marvyn and Debby Turk, Stephen and Maura Turk on the loss of their mother, Sue Turk.

To John Kirk on the loss of his wife, Belle Kirk.

To David Freedman and Shari Caplan on the loss of his father, Allan Freedman.

To Allan Swartz on the loss of his wife, Peggy Swartz.

To Philip Herman on the loss of his mother, Rose Herman.

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.

14

Please select your leaf or barkPlease size: contact the office for more details

Passover Leaves

Bark Plaques

Aviv Refuah Shleimah - Get Well

From July 1, 2013 - January 31, 2014

Get Well To Martin Epstein From Zelda Korenblum To Florence Fenwick From Zelda Korenblum From Lori and Shawn Goldenberg From Lenny Baranek and Ita Kleiner To Aaron Yermus From Lenny Baranek and Ita Kleiner

NEW Arrivals! From July 1, 2012 – January 30, 2013 Mazal Tov

To Ron and Sandy Traub on the birth of their grandchild, Gideon Julius Traub Koffman; to parents, Samantha Traub and David Koffman; and to great grandmother Frieda Traub.

To Helen and Aaron Yermus on the birth of their great granddaughter, Kaylee Alexis; to parents, Daniel Greenwald and Jessica Litwin; and to grandparents, Judy and Rob Greenwald, Jules Litwin and Cindy Pinkus.

To Mollie Rothman on the birth of her great-grandson; to the parents, Michelle and Yaakov Gamliel; and to the siblings, Bracha-Esther and Batsheva.

To Cantor David and Beverley Young on the birth of another grandson; to parents, Haddon and Cara Suttner of Australia; and to great grandmothers, Thelma Fine and Merle Young.

To Jordan and Faye Glick on the birth of their daughter, Sasha Rina; and to grandparents, Marilyn and David Glick.

To Benjamin and Somayeh Walton on the birth of a baby boy; to grandparents, Marilyn and Howard Walton; and to great grandparents, Mark and Esther Goldenberg.

Passover

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Aviv

Past

Events!

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION WEEK: SCULPTURES OF THE HOLOCAUST NOVEMBER 2013 Beth Torah hosted Greek-Orthodox artist, Anastasia Contoguris. Through her remarkable life-size sculptures, Anastasia gives voice to the persecution of Jews in the Holocaust. Selected sculptures were on display at Beth Torah throughout Holocaust Education Week. The artist engaged in an interactive conversation with the audience.

RABBI DAVID HARTMAN MEMORIAL STUDY HALL NOVEMBER 2013 On Sunday, November 3rd, Beth Torah Congregation welcomed Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman for the dedication of the Rabbi David Hartman Memorial Study Hall.

From left, Liz Wolfe SHI, Rabbi Yossi Sapirman, Dr. Rabbi Donniel Hartman, Dr. Douglas Wilansky, Rabbi Marc Wolfe, VP, North America, SHI

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Passover

Past

Aviv

Events!

SYMPOSIUM - NOVEMBER 2013

The Canadian Council of Conservative Synagogues (CCCS) held a SYMPOSIUM 2013 on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Beth Torah

Congregation with Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jonathan Sarna of the Brandeis University in Boston. His topic was “The Future of the Conservative Synagogue in the 21st Century”. Mordechai Ben-Dat, former editor of the Canadian Jewish News, was the moderator for the evening with Cantor Eli Kirshblum of Adath Israel coordinating the dinner and lecture.

He also presented a special gift of a wall hanging to Rabbi Yossi Sapirman upon graduating as a senior Rabbinic Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. After his lecture, Dr. Sarna responded to many comments and questions that were put to him by those assembled.

The leadership of affiliated CCCS synagogues Adath Israel, Beth Emeth, Beth Sholom, Beth Torah, and the Lodzer participated in large numbers.

From left, Morde chai Ben-­‐Dat; Eric Gossin; Dr. Jonat Sarna; Rabbi Yos han si Sapirman; and Rabbi Erwin Sch Israel ild, Adath

athan ; Dr. Jon , Adath in s s o G

Schild at; Eric i Ben-­‐D nd Rabbi Erwin a h c e d r n; a ft, Mo Sapirma From le bi Yossi b a R

; a Sarn Israel

From

left, Cantor Eli K irshblum, Adath CHANUKAH PARTY - DECEMBER 2013

Israel, Rabbi Yos Sapirman and Eric si Gossin.

We did it again! Our Chanukah party on December 1st, with our very own Kids Choir under Bryna’s guidance and the magnificent Resa’s Pieces concert band working the crowd, the games, Risa Worth’s famous latkes, doughnuts, laughs, gelt and schmooze attracted a crowd of 300!

Many thanks to our dedicated staff, to all of you who came, and especially to our volunteers for adding that special touch.

We also collected over 100 brand-new packaged toys for the Chai Lifeline Toy Drive.

Passover

17

From l Sapirm

Aviv

Past

Events!

ZIMRIYAH - FEBRUARY 2014 Many thanks to all of you who came to support Bryna and the amazing Beth Torah Kids’ Choir at the Zimriyah Festival on Sunday, February 23, 2014. Our kids were not just great. They were... unbelievable!!

They were magical, and did not leave a heart untouched. People wept, and clapped, and some of that crowd even danced along, leaving the parents to kvell and marvel and swell with pride. A huge Yashar Koach to Bryna and all our stars!

PURIM - MARCH 2014 Yasher koach and thank you to Rabbi Eli, Jacqui Goldberg, staff and volunteers who helped to make the Beth Torah Purim Carnival such a tremendous success! The Shul was filled with the sounds of music and laughter as generations of members joined in for the Megillah reading, games, face-painting, snacks, prizes and so much more.

Thanks too, to donors and sponsors for their generous contributions. In the words of one tuckered reveller: ”Dad, I had so much fun I forgot this was our synagogue!”

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Passover

Aviv Sunday Minyan

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

Service and Siyyum for the Fast of the First Born

Monday, April 14, 2014 7:30 a.m., with Breakfast Following Rabbi, what is this all about? Ok, follow the logic.....

Siyyum A festive meal connected to a mitzvah such as the meal following a bris or baby naming, or a significant accomplishment or occasion.

Fast of the First Born The ancient custom of firstborn Jewish males fasting in gratitude for being spared and in sympathy for the loss of life during the Egyptian Exodus.

The Work Around A firstborn child can participate in a meal of mitzvah rather than fasting and, having broken their fast, may continue to eat for the rest of the day. Completing a substantial amount of Torah study is deemed a celebration and hence is followed by a meal of mitzvah!

Nice....gotta eat, it’s a mitzvah!

Passover

19

Aviv

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.

Rabbi Eli Courante 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.

Email YLJ@bethtorah.ca

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Passover

A YEAR F LIVING JEWISHLY

BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM

Aviv Executive Director’s Message Spring - Renewal Meets Opportunity Spring unites us in wonder of rebirth, renewal, and religious celebration. It inspires us to initiate new ideas and plans, nudging us toward opportunities created through reflection.

Passover is celebrated as a time of discussion and discovery. At the Seder table, family and friends join to recount the story of miraculous redemption from slavery to freedom.

Originally called Pesach, it is thought to mean “God passed over,” or “God gave protective watch over His people.” Scripture beckons to Jews: “Remember this day, in which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for by strength the hand of the LORD brought you out from this place.” Exodus 13:3.

A springtime festival of freedom and rebirth is celebrated during Easter. It too is an important time of year for my non-Jewish family as we celebrate a tradition of overcoming injustice, suffering, and the imperfection of the material world. It is a time of forgiveness for limitations and errors, but most significantly, an opportunity for individuals to be transformed into new realms of being.

Maureen Verboom

Working in a Conservative shul in my role as Executive Director, I have been welcomed into a new and wondrous religious and spiritual community. This spring, as we celebrate our respective holidays, I reflect on the similarities of our religious beliefs, recognizing the lessons of renewal, rebirth, reflection and transformation, applying these to my work at Beth Torah.

Spring signals a time for new plans and preparations for the coming year. Lessons learned from the past year(s) inform our future constructs, guiding us toward continuous improvement, developing more meaningful program and learning opportunities for our community’s future. Indeed, work has begun on Beth Torah’s 2014-15 Programming season. Taking our queues from this season, we have entered the discussion and discovery process with renewed vigor. We all look forward to sharing our exciting plans as they unfold over the coming weeks and months.

On behalf of the Beth Torah Congregation team, Chag Sameach. At long last – welcome spring!

Maureen Verboom Executive Director

Passover

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Aviv

Beth Torah Staff Rabbi Yossi Sapirman

Rivka Cranley

Cantor David Young

Maureen Verboom

Rabbi Eli Courante

Shelly Cohen-Tabak

Natalya Vol

Raina Kornhauser

Walter Stansfield

Martin Gomez

416.782.4495 rabbiyossi@bethtorah.ca

416.782.4495 Extension 35 cantor@bethtorah.ca

Director of Education Extension 25 hebrewschool@bethtorah.ca

Accounting Manager Extension 33 accounts@bethtorah.ca

Maintenance and Facilities Extension 32 maintenance@bethtorah.ca

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Passover

Members Services Extension 24 icanhelp@bethtorah.ca

Executive Director Extension 21 officemanager@bethtorah.ca

Communications Coordinator Extension 41 communications@bethtorah.ca

Office Support Extension 27 admin@bethtorah.ca

Assistant Custodian

Beth Torah Congregation 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6B 3K4 Office 416.782.4495 Email icanhelp@bethtorah.ca

Aviv Private School and Therapeutic Services Cultivating Magnificent Minds and Inspiring Personal Greatness

Magnificent Minds is a comfortable, pressure-free learning environment where academic, social and emotional growth is constantly pursued. 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 greatness using a multi modal approach. Low-ratio classes, a sense of unity and community, creative and engaging teachers and individualization are just a few fundamental aspects of our educational and therapeutic programs. We provide educational and therapeutic services which are tailor made in each application. With a client-centered approach, we respect the uniqueness of each individual we service.

We operate out of the lower level of the Beth Torah Congregation Monday to Friday from 8:30 - 6:00, and Sunday afternoons from 2:00-5:00. Our private school program runs from September to June, and Summer Camp runs for 8 weeks in July and August. We are open 12 months per year to provide short or long term educational and therapeutic programs. Our list of services includes classroom learning, ABA/IBI Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Emotion Regulation Training, Social Skill Groups, and Summer Camp. We service boys and girls from pre-kindergarten to grade 6. Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis, we motivate our students to achieve personal greatness.

For more information please call our Principal and Children’s Therapist Mrs. Alexandra Dezenhouse-Kelner ABS MA 647-404-6349 For additional information, please visit our website at www.magnificentminds.ca

join us

for our

open house or contact Michele Viner today to book a private tour

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

robbinshebrewacademy

RobbinsHebrew

Passover

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Aviv

Upcoming

and Community Events Shabbat Mevarchim

April 26, 2014

Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration

April 27, 2014

Yom HaShoah

April 28, 2014

Jewish Heritage Month Begins

May 1, 2014

Yom Hazikaron Evening Memorial Ceremony

May 4, 2014

Yom Haatzmaut

May 6, 2014

Lag B’Omer

May 18, 2014

Shabbat Mevarchim UJA Walk with Israel

May 24, 2014 May 25, 2014

Jewish Music Week Heart and Soul: A Chassidic Style Klezmer Shabbat Evening

May 23, 2014

Yom Yerushalayim

May 28, 2014

Erev Shavuot Where Sinai Meets Spadina – Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre Shavuot

June 4 & 5 2014

Yizkor

June 5, 10:30 a.m

Beit Halochem

June 8, 2014

YLJ Graduation

June 13, 2014

Shabbat Mevarchim

June 21, 2014

Shabbat Chazon Tisha B’Av Fast begins August 4 to evening of Shabbat Nachamu Tu B’av

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June 3, 2014

Passover

August 2, 2014 August 5, 2014 August 9, 2014 August 11, 2014

indicates events held at Beth Torah

EPIC TRIALS IN JEWISH HISTORY

Aviv

Four discussions in May with Jerry Ziedenberg

Admission is FREE

please register at

rsvp@bethtorah.ca

May 1 – Bernie Madoff

Thursday Night, 7- 8 PM

How his trial affected North American Jewry and its image in the world

May 8 – The Dreyfus Affair (1894 to 1906)

A defining moment in Jewish History. This young officer was falsely accused of spying for Germany, and subsequent trials reverberated throughout France for almost 100 years.

May 15 – The Trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Put on trial for atomic espionage, the couple were found guilty and then executed. Were they guilty? Did they deserve the electric chair?

May 22 – The Trial of Adolf Eichmann (1961) Transformational in our comprehension of the Holocaust. It was a landmark event that transfixed the entire world.

Jerry Ziedenberg, author of books and articles on modern Jewish history, has lectured over the last 20 years in numerous synagogues and organizations in Canada, US, and Israel. This spring, he joins us here at Beth Torah!

Passover

E T A D E H T SAVE m e h c o l a Beit H e 8th

Shabbat Mev arch im

Jun , y a d n Su m. at 8 a.

TH EB

S atu rd ay, Ap ri l 26th & S atu rd ay, M ay 24 th H TORAH ET

K

k o o b k o ect o C oj Pr COOKBO

Tikun Liel Shavuot June 3, 2014 at Miles Nadal JCC

O

by Gala e Th Girls