Generations Tea Memories Book

Generations

Tea

Memories Book In Honour of CHW Toronto Centre Presidents

CHW Toronto Anna Selick Raginsky 1921-1924 Rose Dunkelman 1924-1930 Sophie Bennett 1930-1934 Esther Rosenberg 1934-1936 Tessie Rotenberg 1936-1939 Queenie Luxemberg 1939-1940 Rose Dunkelman 1940-1944 Ada Adelberg 1944-1947 Ayala Zacks 1947-1948 Ann Farber 1948-1949 Rae Hillman 1949-1950 Belle James 1950-1951 Lucy Samuels 1951-1952

Lilian Levy 1952-1955 Rose Dolgoff 1955-1957 Balfora Gordon 1957-1959 Mildred Devor 1959-1961 Mimi Wise 1961-1963 Mirial Small 1963-1965 Cecily Peters 1965-1967 Rose Kaufman 1967-1969 Irene Fink 1969-1971 Betty Beckerman 1971-1973 Esther Matlow 1973-1975 Roslyn Mendelson 1975-1977 Barbara Levy 1977-1979

Centre Presidents Ilse Seetner 1979-1981 Pearl Greenbaum 1981-1983 Pat Alpert 1983-1985 Myrtle Coopersmith 1985-1987 Taube Zeifman 1987-1989 Joan Kerbel 1989-1991 Rosalie Flomen 1991-1993 Fran Sonshine 1993-1995 Vivien Sharon 1995-1997 Sharon Kroft 1997-1999 Carol Lou Spiegel 1999-2001 Beverley Siskind 2001-2003

Judy Zelikovitz 2003-2005 Lenore Ivers 2005-2007 Marla Dan 2007-2009 Sarah Granatowicz 2009-2011 Sheryl Simon 2011-2013 Elayna Latsky 2013-2015 Fran Luborsky 2015-2016 Tali Baum 2016-2018 Tova Train 2018-2020 Barb Rosenstein 2020-2022 Stephanie Caplan 2022-2024 Susan Rose 2024-Present

Anna Selick Raginsky Toronto Centre President 1921 - 1924 National President 1940-1947

Rose Dunkelman 1924 - 1930 1940 - 1944

Sophie Bennett 1930 - 1934

Esther Rosenberg 1934 - 1936

Tessie Rotenberg 1936 - 1939

Queenie Luxemberg 1939 - 1940

Ada Adelberg 1944 - 1947

Ayala Zacks 1947 - 1948

Ann Farber 1948 - 1949

Rae Hillman 1949 - 1950

Belle James 1950 - 1951

Lucy Samuels 1951 - 1952

Lilian Levy 1952 - 1955

Rose Dolgoff 1955 - 1957

Balfora Gordon 1957 - 1959

Mildred Devor 1959 - 1961

Mimi Wise 1961 - 1963

Mirial Small Toronto Centre President 1963 - 1965 National President 1980-1983

Cecily Peters Toronto Centre President 1965 - 1967 National President 1983-1987

Rose Kaufman 1967 - 1969

Irene Fink 1969 - 1971

Betty Beckerman 1971 - 1973

Esther Matlow Toronto Centre President 1973 - 1975 National President 1990-1993

Roslyn Mendelson 1975 - 1977

Barbara Levy 1977 - 1979

Ilse Seetner 1979 - 1981

Pearl Greenbaum 1981 - 1983

Pat Alpert 1983 - 1985

Myrtle Coopersmith 1985 - 1987

Taube Zeifman 1987 - 1989

Joan Kerbel 1989 - 1991

Rosalie Flomen 1991 - 1993

Fran Sonshine

1993 - 1995

My memories: 1.We moved our offices from Marlee Avenue (which had become untenable) to the current space. I believe since then you have moved across the hall. At the time there was a great deal of push back for fear that we were making a mistake. But it all worked out very well.

2.I launched the Eva and Ernest Braun wall (November 1995). Eva Braun was a strong supporter and member and called me to tell me that she wanted to honour her husband Ernest for his 90th birthday.

Unfortunately, he died within a few weeks of our conversation.

Convinced her to continue, but now with both their names. A great fundraiser!!

3.We had our first GALA DINNER in honour of Maureen Kempston Drakes , first woman President of GM ON November 5 , 1995. A huge success! The night before the gala we heard the awful news about the assassination of Yitzchak Rabin! Lots of discussion about cancelling / postponing the event. Decided to move forward with many tributes. A very sad time.

Vivien Sharon

1995 - 1997

There were two highlights during my two year term: 1) In those days, we had a major event each spring for Youth Aliyah. It was a CHW Toronto event and was a major fundraiser. During my tenure, I was instrumental in booking Madame Sadat as our guest speaker. It was one of our most successful campaigns and Madame Sadat flew in for the lunch, which was held at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel at the waterfront.

Sadly, a few days prior to the event (which brought in about 550 men and women), my father passed away. I was sitting shiva and I could not attend....Sharon Kroft presided in my absence. When Madame Sadat learned of this, she insisted that she visit our family at the shiva on route back to the airport. She arrived in a Jaguar driven by her bodyguard to my mom's condo at Fifeshire Road near Bayview Village and she stayed for over 40 minutes. Too bad we couldn't take any photos as we were totally taken by surprise by her visit and some family members are religious so that wasn't allowed. This was a very memorable moment for all of us!!

2) During my tenure, Yitchak Rabin was supposed to be a guest speaker at a CHW National meeting at a hotel in Toronto. I represented CHW Toronto. The day before the event, Yitchak Rabin was killed. The question was: Should the event be cancelled. We were all so shocked and stunned as was everyone throughout the world. In the end the event wasn't cancelled and it turned out to be an emotional tribute to Yitchak Rabin and highly emotional and memorable to all in attendance.

I was very proud to be a President of CHW Toronto. I was honoured to serve and support Israel as a very dedicated volunteer in Canada.

Sharon Kroft 1997 - 1999 It’s hard to believe that my term as Toronto Centre President took place 25 years ago - a quarter of a century!

I absolutely loved meeting all the members of all the chapters and going to the teas, luncheons, walks, theatre nights, and every other fundraiser. It gave me great joy!

We all share a common goal to raise as much money as possible for our beloved projects in Israel. Am Yisrael Chai.

Carol Lou Spiegel 1999 - 2001

Beverley Siskind

2001 - 2003

On June 4, 2001, I was installed as CHW Toronto Centre’s 38th President!

It was a very special moment and the experience that followed was second to none!

I followed some of the greats and members of my Gila Chapter. Vivien Sharon, Sharon Kroft, and Carol Lou Spiegel.. and then after me came Sarah Granatowitz.

Working alongside and together with the many chapters and also sitting in the office where my door was always open, gave me the opportunity and chance to build relationships and many friendships with the CHW community - a strong family of many who are now dear friends!

Thanks to the late Pat Alpert, who along with Carol Lou, were the ones who encouraged me to take this Prestigious Leadership role!

I am so proud of my love for Israel and always happy to tell ANYONE. “I AM A PAST PRESIDENT OF TORONTO HADDASH WIZO!!!!”

YASHER KOACH to all of US!! Love and hugs as always.

Judy Zelikovitz

2003 - 2005

I had the honour and privilege of serving as CHW Toronto Centre President from 2003-2005. One of the greatest joys was having many opportunities to meet and speak about our incredible work with members across the city, the country (speaking at the Halifax Youth Aliyah event and having Shabbat Dinner at Government House with Lieutenant Governor Freeman!), and in Israel. We hosted many high-profile speakers during my term, including Irshad Manji (04) and Paula Todd (05) - Women for Women; Jeanne Beker - Volunteer Recognition Night; and Rabbi Elyse Goldstein - Women's Seder. During my term several operational aspects were professionalized including the hiring of a seasoned Executive Director/Fundraiser, featuring local community beneficiary Sunnybrook Hospital with proceeds from Bazaar, allowing us to increase our corporate sponsorships, and a variety of leadership training opportunities for our members. I had the honour of representing CHW at the Brazilian Ball benefitting Sunnybrook Hospital. As a result of one of our training sessions about Shared Values conducted by CIC, I began a 20-year professional career serving Israel and the Jewish people. But the greatest memories continue to be the friendships forged over those years and the many since.

Thank you for the trust bestowed upon me.

Lenore Ivers 2005 - 2007

Marla Dan

Toronto Centre President 2007 - 2009 National President 2009 - 2014

Capturing my favourite memory as Toronto President in just one paragraph was a difficult task. I considered myself a “change agent” President during a pivotal time when CHW was celebrating its 90th anniversary with the theme “Honouring Our Past, Ensuring Our Future.” Nationally, CHW had just introduced significant branding and organizational changes, and I, together with my Executive Committee, was tasked with implementing these at the centre level.

Those two years, though challenging, were deeply rewarding. Requiring me to attend many chapter meetings and fundraising events to help members understand the changes. Along the way, I had the privilege of meeting so many of our dedicated members, donors, and volunteers, each with their own stories of why they supported CHW. Their passion reminded me of the foundation our organization was built on: camaraderie and love for Israel.

By the end of my term, many changes had been achieved, one of the last being that Toronto hosted the 84th and final Hadassah Bazaar. I was fortunate to have a remarkable team of volunteers by my side—Sarah Granatowicz, Sheryl Simon, Elayna Latsky, Fran Luborsky, and Lenore Ivers—all of whom either were or went on to become Toronto Presidents.

Looking back, my greatest memory is not a single moment but the privilege of serving as Toronto President—an experience I will always treasure with gratitude.

Sarah Granatowicz

2009 2011

I have many wonderful memories from my time as CHW Toronto Centre President.

One of my favorites goes back to the very beginning — the day I met Carol Spiegel, who was then Vice President. I showed her my references from WIZO São Paulo, Brazil, and she was so impressed that she said, “Sarah, you could be a president here in Toronto!” I laughed and replied, “I will — but give me ten years!”

During those ten years, I worked hard — learning English, chairing many events, and getting to know this amazing organization. And just as I promised, ten years later, I became CHW Toronto Centre President! My presidency was both fun and deeply rewarding. At our executive and chapter presidents’ meetings, we always had a wonderful time. Sheryl Simon, our Vice President, would bake delicious homemade cakes, and I would bring the wine! We shared laughter, good ideas to help Israel, and lasting friendships.

I also have fond memories of our trips to Israel to see our projects in action.

Sometimes there was music and dancing — and I absolutely loved to dance! I’ll never forget one day when I was dancing so hard that Marla Dan kindly offered me her inhaler, because I was so out of breath.

Looking back, being CHW Toronto Centre President was one of the greatest pleasures of my life. It was an honor to serve, to contribute, and to share so many joyful moments with such wonderful women and friends.

Sheryl Simon 2011 - 2013

Elayna Latsky Toronto Centre President 2013 - 2015 National President 2020 - 2022 Here are some fun memories from my time as Toronto Centre President: 1.Noar Chapter anniversary meeting with Rae Sinukoff and Marla Dan 2.Moving day from the larger office space at 638 Sheppard W to the current one. Ellen Ostofsky and I hired very cheap movers to keep the cost down and ended up moving a lot ourselves! What a long day and what a mess!

3.Campaign fundraising event with guest speaker and Marla Dan. I can’t find her exact name…a doctor who spoke about the women founders and builders of Israel.

4.Me, Ellen Ostofsky, Beverly Kahn, and Tali Baum at an “offsite” Executive planning meeting.

Fran Luborsky 2015 -2016 My installation as CHW Toronto President when my family and chapter members came and showed their support for me.

Attending the many wonderful chapter fundraising events where I met so many passionate and dedicated CHW women.

These are the memories that really stand out for me.

Tali Baum

2016 - 2018

I was extremely fortunate to have an amazing team with me, consisting of Tova Train, V.P., Stephanie Caplan, Treasurer, Gayla Schwartz, Secretary, Fran Luborsky, Immediate Past President, Elayna Latsky & Shelley Fine, Fundraising Co-Chairs, Debbie Goldberg, Annual Campaign Chair, Laurie Koch & Barb Rosenstein, Mentorship Co-Chairs, Jodi Schechter, Membership/Engagement Chair, Gail Cooper, Communications Chair, and Louise Tenenbaum, Resource & Tech Chair...it was truly the Dream Team!!!

Two events that were put on during my term to first, increase the membership of younger women, and second, to recognize and thank our most senior members were: A co-ed event called Start-Up Your Career for millennials in Toronto which was a sold-out event attended by dozens of young people in Toronto (Thank you again Jodi and Debbie); and, a Tea honouring our two oldest chapters: Beth Gan and Israeli, who both celebrated their 70th anniversaries in 2018.

During my term, we teamed up with a new local partner, Stella's Place, which offers free mental health services to young adults. Our support allowed Stella's Place to launch the "Bean Bag Chat," which still exists today. BeanBagChat is a chat-based app for young adults, ages 16-29 in Toronto, that allows someone to get one-on-one support from a counsellor from the comfort of their home.

I was also fortunate to be the Toronto President during CHW's 100th Birthday. This gave me the opportunity to celebrate many events and fundraisers in Toronto as well as the opportunity to go to Israel with over 85 CHW members and friends from across Canada on CHW's Centennial Trip called Celecation, which took place in October 2017.

Tova Train Toronto Centre President 2018 - 2020 National President 2024 - Present I made two declarations when I became TC president: 1.I would find a replacement for Bazaar, and; 2.I would visit all of the chapters in the city. Well, I don't think that there will ever be a replacement for Bazaar. I tried but nothing came close. But I did visit almost all of the chapters. The Pandemic snuck up on me and I missed three! It was great fun to meet everyone in their homes and join their group. I am most proud of the 22 new Sustainers, 13 monthly givers, and 9 Women for Women added to our fold! I became quite adept at putting pins on lapels!

Barb Rosenstein 2020 - 2022 I was CHW Toronto’s Pandemic President! Some of my most cherished memories are of witnessing our chapters rise to the challenge with such creativity, resilience, and enthusiasm.

Even when we couldn’t gather in person, our chapters found innovative ways to stay connected and keep CHW’s mission alive —hosting virtual fundraisers, online celebrations, and imaginative events that brought people together when it mattered most!

Bingo, cooking demos, home deliveries of beautiful food and tulips, virtual travel tours, and more!

I’m so proud of the incredible spirit that shone through in those difficult times, reminding me just how strong and truly compassionate CHW Toronto Chapters are.

Stephanie Caplan

2022 - 2024

It was my great honour to serve as the Toronto Centre President from 2020-2024.

Coming out of the pandemic, it was very important to me to focus on strengthening the sisterhood and sense of connectedness that so many of us associate with CHW. The atrocities of October 7, 2023 happened in the middle of my tern and reinforced the need for connection even more. The Nova massacre and the subsequent war in Israel caused so many members of the Jewish community to look for opportunities to engage within our community. With the foundation we put in place during the first year of my term, we were able to offer over 40 women an opportunity to join CHW and find community. In the last year of my term, we reengaged with dozens of people, many of whom joined chapters, and for the first time in many years, helped create two new chapters, Aura and Nova.

At the conclusion of reading a book of the Torah, we say, “From Strength to Strength May We Be Strengthened.” We celebrate the past at the same moment we look to the future. The CHW Toronto Executive is an excellent example of this.

We look to the past and learn from it to ensure that the future is stronger than before. It is from Strength to Strength that we celebrate all of the past CHW Toronto Centre Presidents and I am very proud to be able to stand with you.

Susan Rose

2024 - Present

It is such an honour to be serving the Toronto Jewish Community in this manner. When I started in Tamid Chapter over 26 years ago, we were still planning our booth at the annual Bazaar, I never thought I would be asked to be Toronto Centre President. During the last year, I have become even more passionate about raising funds for Israel and I am so grateful that I can do that at CHW. What I love most about my position is meeting all kinds of people at CHW events, chapter meetings, during campaign calls - all while representing the organization throughout the city. It has been a privilege to go to City Hall for Yom Haatzmaut, and other holidays, attend openings at the ROM, and to meet the Consul General of Israel to Toronto and Western Canada all on behalf of CHW. I have also had a lot of fun at chapter events. The very first event I attended as President was the Gila Walk. It was my first time speaking as President, and everyone was so welcoming!

Throughout my term, I have been invited to members’ homes to talk about CHW’s projects in Canada and Israel. This always starts wonderful conversations with our volunteers and is so rewarding. Some of my nicest conversations have been with people in places like United Bakers about their memories of CHW. I am constantly surprised by how many people are connected to CHW through their families or memories of Bazaar.

My mother, Betty Skolnik, made me a Life Member of CHW as she and her own mother and extended family had all been. My mother wanted me to be part of what Lisa Colt-Kolter calls the “sisterhood” and to understand the importance of giving back to the community. As Toronto Centre President, I get to work with the wonderful staff of CHW and my fantastic Toronto Executive planning events and supporting our chapters. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of women and children in Israel and Canada. What I will remember most about these times are the friendships I have made, how much warmth there is in the organization and our common goals. Looking back over my years with CHW, I can say my mother was right: CHW is such a good fit for me!

My best memory from this year was having my daughter, Melanie, being a Community Runway Model at Fashion Blooms this past April. What a proud moment for me!

Memories

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Includes updates from CHW National President Tova Train and CHW CEO Lisa Colt-Kotler

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Annette Filler Corinne Engel Leila Lax Sandy Cohen Stephanie Caplan Susan Rose Tobie Bekhor CHW TORONTO CENTRE 209 – 638A Sheppard Avenue West Toronto ON M3H 2S1 416-630-8373 info@toronto.chw.ca