Volume 72, No. 2 Nissan 5785 . April 2025
Rabbi Alan W. Bright, Cantor Boaz Davidoff, the Board of Directors and Staff wish all the members of Shaare Zedek a Chag Pesach Kasher V’Sameach!
Throughout this edition of Shaare Zedek's Koleinu, you will notice the Anemone Coronaria, also known as the poppy anemone. This is the national flower of Israel. The anemone is associated with resilience, beauty, and the deep connection to the land of Israel.
Saturday, April 12
Erev Pesach
9:00 AM Morning Service
Kiddush and Hamotzi following 10:32 AM Stop eating chametz
11:42 AM Discarding of chametz
1:00 PM (approx.) Mincha Service
7:30 PM First Seder
8:23 PM Candle Lighting
Sunday, April 13
Pesach I
10:00 AM Morning Service
1:00 PM (approx.) Mincha Service
7:45 PM Second Seder
8:25 PM Candle Lighting
Monday, April 14
Pesach II
10:00 AM Morning Service
8:00 PM Mincha and Maʼariv Service
8:26 PM Havdalah
Tuesday, April 15Thursday, April 17
Pesach III, IV, and V
Hol HaMoʼed
Regular Service Schedule
Friday, April 18
Pesach VI
7:30 AM Morning Service at SZBE
6:00 PM Mincha and Maʼariv Service and Kabbalat Shabbat at Shaare Zedek
7:26 PM Candle Lighting
Saturday, April 19
Pesach VII
10:00 AM Morning Service
Sunday, April 20
Pesach VIII
Yizkor Service
10:00 AM Morning Service
Sunday, June 1
Erev Shavuot (at SZBE)
7:30 PM Mincha
Thursday, April 24
8:35 PM Mincha, Ma'ariv and Havdalah Yom Hashoah
(Holocaust Memorial Day)
Wednesday, April 30
Yom Hazikaron
Thursday, May 1
Yom Haʼatzmaʼut
Thursday, May 15
Erev Lag BʼOmer
Friday, May 16
Lag BʼOmer
7:45 PM Light Dinner (RSVPʼs required)
8:15 PM Maʼariv Yom Tov
8:18 PM Candle Lighting
8:30 PM Kiddush – HaMotzee –Dessert
8:45 PM 1st Learning Session
9:15 PM 2nd Learning Session
9:45 PM 3rd Learning Session
10:15 PM 4th Learning Session
Monday, June 2
Shavuot I
9:30 AM Morning Service Only (at SZBE)
6:00 PM Mincha and Maʼariv Service at Shaare Zedek
9:33 PM Candle Lighting
Tuesday, June 3
Shavuot II
10:00 AM Morning Service Yizkor Service
9:15 PM Mincha and Ma'ariv
9:42 PM Havdalah
As we gather around the Seder table this year, we do so in a world still yearning for true freedom, justice, and peace. The story of our Exodus from Egypt is not merely an ancient narrative but a living truth, a call to recognise oppression and to commit ourselves to the work of redemption.
Each year, we declare: Bʼchol dor vʼdor, chayav adam lirot et atzmo kʼilu hu yatza miʼMitzrayim - “In every generation, each person must see themselves as if they personally left Egypt.” This is not just a retelling; it is a reliving. We place ourselves in the story, acknowledging that the journey from slavery to freedom is never complete until all people are free.
This year, we are especially mindful of those who remain in captivity, those whose freedoms have been stripped away by war, conflict, and injustice. Our prayers rise for hostages and the displaced, for those whose pain echoes the anguish of our ancestors. We cannot ignore the suffering around us. We must respond with empathy, action, and a commitment to Tikkun Olam—repairing our fractured world.
Passover teaches us that true freedom is about escaping physical bondage and embracing moral responsibility. When we were freed from Pharaohʼs grip, we did not become aimless wanderers; we became a people with a mission to build a society founded on justice, dignity, and compassion.
The Torah reminds us: Vʼahavta et haʼger - “Love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). Our history of oppression compels us to act on behalf of the vulnerable, to see the image of the Divine in every human being, and to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of justice.
As we dip the maror into charoset, we taste both the bitterness of suffering and the sweetness of redemption. The struggle for freedom is never easy, but Passover reminds us that redemption is always possible. Just as the Israelites were led from darkness to light, from despair to hope, so must we believe in the power of transformation for ourselves and our world.
May this Passover inspire us to renew our faith in freedom, to act with courage in the face of injustice, and never to lose hope in the promise of redemption. May we soon see a world where peace triumphs over war, captives return home, and all people can experience the true meaning of liberation.
Chag Pesach Kasher VʼSameach, Rebbetzin Elizabeth and Rabbi Bright and Family.
514.484.1122 ext. 110 rabbi@shaarezedek.ca
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As we gather around our Seder tables and recite "Ha Lachma Anya" - this is the bread of affliction - the words carry extra weight this year. When we dip our maror into salt water, each bitter taste reminds us not only of our ancestors tears but of the fresh tears being shed, by families of hostages held by Hamas, a modern embodiment of the ancient Egyptian oppression.
"Ella she-b'kholl dor vador omdim aleinu l'khaloteinu" - in every generation, nations rise against us, but the Holy One saves us from their hands. These words from our Haggadah echo with renewed urgency as we witness the same patterns of persecution that our ancestors faced in Egypt.
The parallels between past and present are stark. Just as Pharaoh refused to acknowledge the humanity of the Israelite slaves, Hamas demonstrates a profound disregard for human life and dignity. Each plague failed to soften Pharaoh's heart, just as international condemnation and humanitarian pleas seem to fall on deaf ears in Gaza.
When we recite "Hashata Avdei" - now we are slaves, next year may we be free - we think of our brothers and sisters still held in captivity, innocent souls awaiting their deliverance just as our ancestors awaited theirs. Their families endure unimaginable psychological and physical suffering, torn apart by uncertainty and grief. Today's hostages and their families embody a spirit of resilience shared by the entire Jewish people - in Israel and around the world. United like one extended family, Jewish communities, globally, stand in solidarity, their hearts beating as one in support of those held captive. Despite the darkness, they hold onto hope - a hope that transcends political boundaries and human limitations.
The story of Exodus reminds us that no oppression is permanent. Systems of cruelty, no matter how entrenched, eventually crumble under the weight of human dignity and the universal yearning for freedom.
As our national anthem declares, we are a people who "did not lose hope" - a hope that has endured for 2,000 years, the hope to live as a free people in our holy land of Zion and Jerusalem. Just as we were redeemed then, salvation will come now. The arc of history bends towards justice, and the light of human compassion will ultimately prevail.
Happy and meaningful Passover,
Nancy Cooperberg and Diana Schweitzer Co-Presidents
Dear members of Shaare Zedek Congregation,
As we gather this Passover season to celebrate, with our families and friends in our Community, we must take a moment to express our gratitude to you all for your continued loyalty and tireless efforts for our Kehillah. Together, with our outstanding Clergy and Staff, we have created a warm and inclusive environment where we all can flourish.
It is our pleasure to give you our update on the happenings at Shaare Zedek. We continue to welcome new members and are happy to have them join us at services and programs. If you see any unfamiliar faces, please greet them and make them feel welcome.
Our joint minyanim with Shaare Zion-Beth El continue to be successful. All the clergy meet regularly to plan other joint events.
We are in the process of undertaking some projects that are necessary to secure our building and provide a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. The elevatorʼs inner workings are going to be repaired by the end of May. The rooftop air-conditioning unit baffles are ordered and will be installed soon, weather permitting. Our new security system is partially operational and should be complete shortly. Our thanks to our Executive Director Billy and our Superintendent Roberto for their diligence in ensuring the work is done properly and quickly.
We are grateful for our Board of Directors and Executive Committee for their support. Thank you to our devoted staff: Wendy, Arlene, Billy, Roberto and Munirah. Our clergy, Rabbi Bright, Cantor Boaz Davidoff and Gershon Katz continue to inspire us and lead us in meaningful prayer every week. Dr. Michael Wasser, with the help of Arnie Yesovitch and Linda Kimelman ensure that the Torah Readings are completed and Matthieu Pourrat assists in giving out aliyot to recognize special events in the lives of our congregants.
Passover is a time for singing and making a little noise, after all didnʼt we just escape from slavery? So take a bit of the Charoset with Matzah, tap your feet to Dayenu and let the joy of this special season fill our hearts, our homes and our Congregation.
We wish you a Happy and Healthy Pesach.
Nancy Cooperberg and Diana Schweitzer Co-Presidents
Billy Booth
Dear Shaare Zedek Family,
There are moments when words fail—and this is one of them. The Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023 shook the Jewish world to its core and shaped an entirely new chapter for us all. We believe our role in this moment—among many others—is to hold this loss with our community, with steadfast strength, and to remind all that amidst deep mourning, our responsibility to build, to believe, and to hold one another remains more important than ever. At the time of this writing, the hostage situation is now over 500 days with the darkest drama unfolding before our eyes. The Jewish community is facing unprecedented levels of antisemitism which most of us thought we would never experience in our lifetimes. During the darkest times, our people have drawn strength from each other and have overcome the greatest adversity, and this is one of those times. At Shaare Zedek, we bear the sacred responsibility of guiding our community through such heartbreak. We hold space for grief, but also for action—helping our people transform pain into purpose. We have already heard of many acts of heroism in Israel and the diaspora. We are seeing Jews from all walks of life organizing and making their voices heard in the media (traditional and social), government and the courts.
The name of the Israeli national anthem is Hatikfah, The Hope. Jews have always looked to the future with hope of better days. When I was growing up, the most feared country to Israel was without a doubt Egypt. They were the most powerful, influential country in the Arab world and their hatred to Israel was a major threat. Amazingly, in 1978 the unimaginable happened when Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin, signed a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, two sworn enemies. Is this a good peace? Not quite. It is a cold peace without the warm and fuzzies from a Hollywood movie. But there has been an absence of war which in context is a miracle in and of itself. This peace is among the things that gives me hope of a better tomorrow for Jews and our neighbours.
Shaare Zedek has welcomed a number of new families over the past few years which enriches us greatly with their dynamism and original ideas. Our leadership has created a New Vision Task Force to look at what changes are needed to make us a vibrant destination for Jewish life in 5, 10, 15 years and beyond. Nothing is off the table in these discussions which are so healthy and inspiring. Jewish engagement is increasing, and our young people are looking for ways to express their Judaism to meet todayʼs challenges. Shaare Zedek is your second home, and we embrace that responsibility to build a bright future together.
Bʼshalom, Billy Booth
For Everything There Is a Season
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
These famous words “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” What is so touching about the words of Ecclesiastes is that everyone on earth is affected by the aura and seriousness of this passage. If we reflect on time, and the speed in which we arrive at the Passover holidays, our response usually goes like this: “Wow, where did the time go?” “A time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to seek and a time to lose, a time to tear and a time to sew, a time for war and a time for peace.” The cycles of life, and so it goes…
As a Jewish community we are so in tune with the world around us, unfortunately we are striving for air amongst those who suck the life out of our souls in defense of the truth. As Jews we were given the title and job mandate to bring light unto the world. That light will eventually overtake the darkness. It might not be today or tomorrow, but in the correct time and season, we will prevail. Please do not feel in anyway that Jews are an elitist bunch, we are not. The Jewish people were given the task and the ability by Gd to bring love and compassion to the world. As a Nation, as a people, we were given the task to be different, without having to apologize for it, and produce and build and teach. Our Torah is our guide, and it is filled with integrity, justice, love and an assortment of different personalities. Gd told Moshe on Mt. Sinai, “You are my people, and I am your Gd. You will bring light and goodness to the world, without any ulterior motive but to make humanity and the world better.” No straps of dynamite to your waist, or there is none of “it's my way or the highway” approach but recognizing the diversity and the very best in your fellow man. With the Torahʼs approach, this will produce a world where everyone can respect each other and live in peace. PEACE is the goal of our world, and the Jewish community recognizes the world was founded on righteousness. With the ups and downs of life continue, as we will succeed, and we will remain AM ISRAEL CHAI.
To my fellow Shaare Zedek Congregants:
Dr. Michael Wasser
Looking back from the start of 5785 (October 2024), there are a number of things to report. Our High Holiday Services were very successful and inspiring, led by Rabbi Bright, Cantor Boaz Davidoff and our Baal Torah, Gershon Katz. Our Shabbat services are also doing well, benefitting from new members. This winter we had more attendance than in the past, both on Friday evening and Saturday morning. The daily minyans with Shaare Zion Beth-El have been good, and I encourage people to come when you can for the camaraderie as well as for the services. Cantor Boaz is with us from the beginning of Tu BʼShevat until the end of Purim, and we shared Tu BʼShevat with Shaare Zion/Beth El. We are looking forward to Passover from the evening of Saturday, April 12 until Sunday, April 20, and to Shavuot from the evening of Sunday, June 1 until Tuesday, June 3. Cantor Boaz will be returning April 29 - May 18, July 4 – August 8, and September 15- October 20. This last set of dates of course is for the High Holy Days.
Wishing you a wonderful Passover,
Dr. Michael Wasser
L’Dor V’Dor
I would like to thank the From Generation-to-Generation committee and Shaare Zedek members who supported the 2024-2025 Yizkor Booklet. With the added funds, we were able to produce a larger edition, and mail one out to all members.
The booklet was used for Yizkor at Yom Kippur and Shemini Atzeret services in the Shul and on Livestream. The next time the booklet will be used is the last day of Passover, April 20, 2025. We welcome you to join us in Shul, or watch our Livestream, for Yizkor and all our regular services.
Our volunteers make calls daily to all our members to remind them of their Yahrzeit observances and to explain the importance of memorializing our dearly departed, attending services and lighting a candle on the appropriate day. We are looking forward to all our important Yom HaShoah programs and having your support in attendance for them. If you have some time on your hands and want to volunteer to help the From Generation-to-Generation committee, please feel free to contact me by email at lenm@havimgroup.com.
Carole Burke, Sisterhood Representative to the Board
We were recently asked how Sisterhood money is spent. A valid question!
From the beginning, Sisterhood existed to help provide for the Congregation. Together we have provided the following major items:
Doors at the Synagogue entrance
We added new cutlery to the kitchen downstairs
We added new stoves to the kitchen upstairs
The original Bridal Room and the new Simcha Room
Equipment for the babysitting area for the High Holidays
Women's talaisim, challah cover and water jug for Shabbat Kiddush Ongoing purchases are kiddush cups and candlesticks for b'nai mitzvah and flowers for Shavuot.
This year we gave Hanukkah gifts to Sisterhood members in Assisted Living. Through our membership in Women's League for Conservative Judaism, we are twinned with Ashkelon and Karmiel in Israel. Following October 7th, we donated funds to CJA earmarked for these communities. We also donated to the MADA food program and to CJA who assisted us in obtaining the hostage banners on the walls in the entrance.
Many thanks are due to Rabbi Bright, Billy, Wendy, Arlene, and Roberto for their ongoing help and advice.
We look forward to the Sisterhood Shabbat on May 24th and our Torah Fund Evening with Elyse Wolman on May 28th.
Chag
Sameach
AM YISRAEL CHAI.
MAY 24, 2025 10:00 AM
The Shaare Zedek Sisterhood presents their 2025 Annual Torah Fund Event
"The
Importance of Music in Jewish Life from the Pew and Beyond the Pulpit"
Shaare Zedek’s very own, Elyse Wolman, will be the guest speaker for this wonderful evening.
Elyse Wolman
A first-year Rabbinical student, Elyse Wolman has participated in a variety of religious events in the Montreal Jewish community prior to entering the Jewish Theological Seminary. These include working as a cantorial soloist at Shaare Zedek Congregation in Montreal, as well as performing at special events as a member of Jewish community choirs.
Elyseʼs history with the sacred and the secular allows her voice to reach people wherever and whenever she speaks or performs. Given the opportunity, she hopes that JTS will give her the tools needed to further support and educate her community, as well as bridge the gap between different religious denominations. Elyse holds a bachelorʼs degree in music composition from McGill University.
At Shaare Zedek Wednesday, May 28 at 7:15PM
Chairs: Lorna Gerson-Goldig and Dorothy Tonchin
Zedek's Sisterhood Annual Torah Fund and give a donation of $180 or more, you will receive this pin.
*Please note for the Torah Fund Event happening at haare Zedek on May 28, the minimum donation to attend is $18.
For any questions, please reach out to Lorna or Dorothy directly: lornagerson5@gmail.com
Let’s joyfully observe Pesach with a fun, learning-filled Seder that the entire family will love!
Saturday, April 12
7:30 PM First Seder
Shaare Zedek, 5305 Rosedale Ave. Montreal, Quebec H4V 2H7
Adult Member $100 Adult Non-Member $125 Child Member (4-11) $50 Child Non-Member (4-11) $60
Children 3 and under are free
Registration Required by 12:00 PM on April 4
shaarezedek.ca or 514.484.1122
Join us for a special Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner and leave the cooking to us! Friday, April 11 6:00 PM
Registration Required by 12:00 PM on April 4
shaarezedek.ca or 514.484.1122
Begins Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM 5305 Rosedale Ave.
Adult Classes with Rabbi Bright on Thursday Nights, in person, at Shaare Zedek Register
Group Learning
Meaningful Experience Learn to chant the Haftorah Hebrew fluency not necessary
Graduation Ceremony
$200 for 20 classes
Celebrate the arrival of spring and bring beauty and colour into the homes of your family and friends with flowers from Shaare Zedek and Summit Flora
Summit Flora is a flower shop run by special-needs students from Summit School to provide them with hands-on training and work experience. Summit Flora sources flowers from local greenhouses and uses environmentally-friendly wrapping paper and ribbons
Deadline to order: Friday, April 4
Order now!
Ingredients
2 egg whites
1/2 half cup sugar
1/2 tsp. Vanilla or almond extract (optional)
3 cups sliced or slivered almonds
Directions
In a large bowl, mix egg whites with sugar. Add vanilla. Stir in almonds. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a teaspoon, make small mounds of the mixture on the cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for about approximately 10 minutes or until golden brown. Turn off oven and leave cookies in with the door open for 10 more minutes. Cool on rack.
Optional: Add chopped dried apricots and/or dried sweet cherries to the mixture before forming the cookies. I also like to lightly toast the almonds before adding to the mix.
Ingredients
2 cups low fat cottage cheese
1 cup lite sour cream (not fat-free)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) lite cream cheese
1 cup sugar
¼ cup potato starch
3 or 4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Directions
Line a greased 9-inch springform pan with Passover cookie crumbs or cereal crumbs.
First blend the cheeses, sour cream & sugar, then the potato starch, the eggs and vanilla last.
Pour over crust (save some crumbs to sprinkle over the filling before baking)
Bake in 325 preheated oven (center rack) for 60 minutes. Center of cake will be slightly jiggly.
Leave in oven with door open halfway for about an hour (or less)
Thank you to our Shaare Zedek Members for submitting these delicious recipes for Passover
Linda Kimelman
Goldie Libman
Diana Schweitzer
Nancy Cooperberg
Ingredients
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp salt ( I donʼt put salt )
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup ketchup
1 spanish onion sliced thin
A bit of pickling spice tied up in a piece of cheese cloth.
Directions
Begin with 6-8 slices of salmon, skin off.
About 2 days before serving, cut the salmon into serving size pieces. Place on a silicone mat on a cookie sheet if you have one. If not, right on the cookie sheet. Season with a bit of garlic powder.
Bake at 425 for 10-15 minutes, until barely cooked through.
In a large container (I use a big flat tupperware), combine the onions, pickling spice in the cheesecloth bag, water, vinegar, sugar and ketchup. Taste it and if itʼs too vinegary, add a bit more water.
When the salmon pieces are cool, put them into the marinade and seal the container. Place in the fridge for a couple of days. Make sure all the salmon is covered by the marinade. If not, after one day, carefully shake the container to make sure all the pieces are covered.
Ingredients
2 broccoli
1 cauliflower
2 lbs. carrots
Steam the above separately
3 eggs (divided)
6 Tbsp matzah meal (divided)
1 x 8 oz package of potato pancake mix
Makes 2 x 5 X 9” loaves
Directions
Add the vegetables in separate bowl and mash.
Add 1 egg, 2 Tablespoons matzah meal and add 1/3 package of potato pancake mix to each. Mix all and let stand 10 minutes.
Grease each loaf pan. Place parchment paper in the pan and let the edges hang over (makes it easier to remove from the pan). Grease the parchment paper as well. Layer one vegetable on top of the other, in any order you like. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Take it out of the pan and slice it. It looks beautiful.
Can be prepared earlier in the day and then baked before serving. You can do it in one larger loaf pan if you want.
Looking for a book club?
The Shaare Zedek Book Club enjoys another season of fascinating reading and robust discussion, thanks to the enthusiasm of our members. The meetings are held every six weeks on Mondays @ 1:00 PM in person and on zoom. All are welcome, whether Shul members or not, to enjoy a friendly and warm afternoon and share love of the written word.
Look out for a whole new roster of books in September!
Roni Shefler Heft, Chair of the Book Club
Norman Spatz is an aspiring writer with a collection of five novels, four of which are available for sale on Amazon as paperbacks and ebooks. These novels cover several genres: autobiographical, family saga, and historical fiction. Norm's writing reflects his life in both Canada and the United States, gym culture and his lifelong fascination with history, particularly urban history. Despite publishing books for only five years and not having a publisher or significant awards, Norm is determined to continue communicating his vision of life through a blog as well as information about his published and upcoming book releases and public presentations.
Norm, a valued member of Shaare Zedek, often is a moderator for movies that we show, or during the Book Club discussions.
Visit Norman Spatz's website: https://www.normanspatzauthor.com/
This past year, Morah Jessie Tutors, a private tutoring company based in New York specializing in home Hebrew school programs, Hebrew immersion, and Bʼnai Mitzvah preparation, has had the privilege of borrowing a Torah from Shaare Zedek for many meaningful Bʼnai Mitzvah milestones. From Connecticut to New Jersey, Massachusetts, and, of course, New York, this sacred scroll has connected generations in celebration and tradition.
LʼDor VʼDor—from generation to generation—remains at the heart of our community, ensuring that Jewish values and teachings continue to inspire. Through these programs and the presence of the Torah, we honor our commitment to preserving and passing down our traditions, knowledge, and spirit for generations to come.
On behalf of Morah Jessie and all of our Bʼnai Mitzvah families, we say Todah!
Join us for our Joint Tikkun Leil Program at Shaare Zion Beth-El
Sunday, June 1st – Erev Shavuot (SZBE)
7:30pm Mincha
7:45pm Light Dinner (RSVP’s required)
8:15pm Ma’ariv Yom Tov
8:30 pm Kiddush – HaMotzee – Dessert
8:45pm 1st Learning Session
9:15pm 2nd Learning Session
9:45pm 3rd Learning Session
10:15pm 4th Learning Session
Shavuot Schedule
Monday, June 2 - Shavuot Day I
9:30 AM - Morning Service only at SZBE 6:00 PM Mincha and Ma'ariv Service at Shaare Zedek
9:33 PM Candle Lighting
Tuesday, June 3 - Shavuot Day II
10:00 AM Morning Service Yizkor Service
9:00 PM Mincha and Ma'ariv Service
9:42 PM Havdalah
July 10, 2025 at 7 PM
SHAARE ZEDEK'S 2025
GRAND PRIZE $15,000 HELP SECURE OUR SZ FUTURE
Purim 5785 at Shaare Zedek was simply put, outstanding! We had a wonderful turnout, amazing, uplifting, positive energy filled the room, fabulous musical entertainment, loads of laughter, everyone came together to celebrate this festive, magical holiday as one. It was very special amidst the sadness that our community has shared as a whole.
The Bʼnai Mitzvah Program kicked off in September with a new group of students. Itʼs always a pleasure to get to know the students and watch them learn and ask mature questions. We saw the movie “Paper Clips” which is about Grade 8 students from a small town in Tennessee, USA, who participated in an after-school project to learn about the Holocaust. They decided to collect six million paper clips to represent the estimated six million Jews who were killed during World War II. A lively discussion ensued.
Heritage Night is a great event as the students share something special about their Jewish heritage. It could be an article, photo, letter, ticket, book, or almost anything. One studentʼs family were founding members of the synagogue in Ste-Sophie in the Laurentians and presented a series of photos. We learned about the history of the shul, how it came into existence and some of the challenges it faced over the years. It still operates during the High Holy Days with approximately 60 people. Another student knew exactly what she would talk about when we introduced the program. She brought in a magnificent set of silver candlesticks that miraculously survived WWII. The history of how they were hidden during the war and found afterward was amazing. When the matriarch of the family passed away, she wanted someone to commit to polishing the candlesticks every week. Her son, the studentʼs grandfather, assumed that responsibility and was with us that evening. It was truly remarkable.
In the coming months, we will visit the Holocaust Museum, Auberge Shalom will speak to the group, and each student will present their Mitzvah project about volunteer work they have done during the year.
Eli Kershaw
Son of Natalie Kershaw and Syed Ahmad Lavasani
April 5, 2025 - Parshat Vayikra
Hello! Iʼm Eli, and Iʼm currently in 8th grade at Royal West Academy. Some things I enjoy doing are resistance training, running (track and field), reading, playing video games with friends, swimming, and more! One of my favorite holiday traditions is the dreidel game during Chanukah. Itʼs so much fun because itʼs a playful game that brings everyone together. I love the excitement of spinning the dreidel and seeing who gets the best results! Naturally, my favorite holiday is Chanukah, with all the fun activities, delicious food, and great memories. Surprisingly, my favorite Jewish food is matzah. Egg matzah with jam and butter is next level.
Daughter of Lisa Topor and Michael Derai
April 21, 2025 - Parshat Shemini
Maya is currently in grade 6 at Royal Vale Elementary. In the fall, she will begin high school at Royal West Academy. Her favourite pastime is playing sports; she partakes in competitive gymnastics and plays on her schoolʼs soccer team. Maya loves music, especially Taylor Swift. Her favourite Jewish holiday is Passover because she loves getting the entire family together, usually at her parentsʼ house. Her favourite holiday foods are latkes, especially loaded with apple sauce. Mayaʼs favourite Jewish tradition with her family is finding the Afikoman. Sheʼs confident in her ability to find it, as sheʼs the oldest of 8 cousins.
Billie Kakon
Daughter of Tania Gilbert Picard and Philip Kakon
May 17, 2025 - Parshat Emor
I go to Solomon Schechter and for High School will be going to ECS. I love to bake and cook for my family and make my own all natural face masks at home. Purim is my favourite Jewish Holiday because I love dressing up and making chocolate hamentaschen with my mom. My favourite holiday food is Latkes, all the way, but if Shabbat were a holiday, my bubby's matzah ball soup would take the cake. Shabbat dinner is my favourite tradition with my family because we get to be all together as a family and eat tons of challah!
Nathan Tevel
Son of Cristina Marini and Adam Tevel
May 19, 2025 - Parshat Behar-Behukotai
Nathan graduated from Solomon Schecter School and now attends Royal Vale School. His favourite activity is swimming. He loves Rosh Hashanah and his favourite Jewish food is prune hamentaschen. Nathan loves to be with his whole family for the Pesach seders.
Micah Sochaczevski
Son of Elissa Benjamin and Arieh Sochaczevski
May 22, 2025 - Parshat Behar
Micah attends Westmount High School. His favourite pastimes are building 3D puzzles, reading and drawing. Micahʼs favourite Jewish Holiday is Sukkot because he gets to do construction. His favourite holiday food is sufganiyot during Hannukah and his favourite Jewish tradition with his family is re-enacting the ten plagues during the Passover seder (complete with ping-pong ball hail!).
Daughter of Elisha Wohl and Adam Goldberg
August 24, 2025 - Parshat Rosh Chodesh
Lauren will be graduating from Royal Vale in June and will be attending Bialik High School. Her favourite pastime is hanging out with her friends. Laurenʼs favourite Jewish Holiday is Passover, when her cousins come to town to celebrate! She also loves the fried matzah and macaroons! Her favourite holiday food is homemade Bubby latkes and meatballs. Her favourite Jewish tradition is challenging her Zaidie to find the Afikoman – he has yet to be successful!
Yasher Koach to our members who have or will chant the Haftarah
Karen Assouline
Myer Bick
Billy Booth
Ben Bright
Carlos Diaz
Alexander Gross
Maurice Kershaw
Julian Lewin
Mark Merson
Paula Sacks
Norm Spatz
Zev Tabatchnick z"l
Dorothy Tonchin
Elyse Wolman
Dov Wolman
Lili and Arnie Yesovitch
Dr. Pylyp Zolotarov
A
warm SZ welcome to our new
Elissa Benjamin and Family
Shari Brotman
Flannery Brown and Jason Knecht and Family
Rachel Cytrynbaum and Jeremy Pearce and Family
Dawn Eisman and Family
Francine Granner and Eric Goldapple
Jess and Jonathan Gordon and Family
Tania and Philip Kakon and Family
Miri Rozenek and Lorne Rosenbloom and Family
Elisha Wohl and Adam Goldberg and Family
We wish a mazel tov to our members on the following occasions
Thelma Lesser, grandmother of Shira and David Plotkin of Ottawa, on the birth of her great-grandson, Eli Israel, named in memory of the late Eddie Lesser z”l.
Michelle Rosenstein and Michael Nelson on the Baby Naming of their daughter, Emily Jade Nelson, big sister is Sophie Nicole Nelson, granddaughter of Julia and Ron Nelson, and of Myriam and Mark Rosenstein.
Sara Halickman and Jordan Azran on the Baby Naming of their daughter, Margaux Clara Azran.
Renée Karp and Ed Katz, Brenda Fayerman and Jack Noodelman on the Baby Naming of their granddaughter, Felicia Bowie Noodelman. Proud parents are Rebecca Katz and Adam Noodelman.
Sury Samper Hernandez and Hart Fishman on the birth of their son, Benjamin Liev, big sister is Amelia Rose.
Carolyn Booth and Daniel Cruz, on the birth of their daughter, Morgan Rose Cruz. Proud grandparents are Sheila Fishman and Billy Booth, Ana Carvajal and Jorge Cruz. Proud great-grandparents are Alba Granados and Carmen Cruz. Dearly missed at this time are Eduardo Carvajal, Raisie and Sonny Booth z”l, Malka and Charles Fishman z”l.
Gianna and Howie Birenbaum, on the birth of their granddaughter, Raye Lily Richman, Daughter of Alexandra Birenbaum and Zachary Richman, big brother is Ryder Larry.
Bʼnai Mitzvahs
Miriam Hakim and Alexander Gross on the Bar and Bat Mitzvah of their children; Noah, Joshua, and Abigail Gross.
Rachelle Deitcher and Jonathan Wyse on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Maya, granddaughter of Esther and Michael Deitcher, and of Rosalyn and Ed Wyse. Happy to celebrate with Maya is her sister Olivia.
Naomi Simms and Jeffrey Pressman on the occasion of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Dylan, grandson of Terri and Maury Simms, and brother of Samuel.
Marion and Jack Druker for their family's achievements. Daughter, Susan Druker, was recently appointed Head of the Division of Audiology in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Granddaughter, Emily Wener, graduated from University of Ottawa medical school, and has begun her residency in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in Ottawa. Granddaughter, Jennifer Wener graduated from Queen's University with a First Class Honours degree in Applied Science - Mathematics and Engineering.
Dr. Ann Grisaru Wechsler on her son, Dr. Dan Wechsler being given the prestigious honour of appointment as the President of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.
Debby and Manny Vineberg on the wonderful occasion as their grandchildren, Jonah, and Emma Szlak, will be representing Montreal at the Maccabi games in Pittsburgh this summer. Jonah will be playing on Montrealʼs U17 hockey team, and Emma will play on the girls U15 Basketball team. With pride and excitement, they are thrilled for their grandchildren to have this amazing Jewish experience.
We wish a mazel tov to our members on the following occasions
Julia Lapointe and Jace Stelman on their marriage.
Leila Kalfon-Iovannone and Robert Schenker on their marriage.
Dr. Jasmine Schecter and Zachary Izenberg on their marriage.
Ellyn and Alvin Delovitch on the marriage of their son, Brendan Delovitch to Sara Ruttenberg, daughter of Barbara Ruttenberg. Dearly missed at this time are grandparents; Lily and Philip Ruttenberg z”l, Anita and Sidney Strulovitch z”l, Ruth Choran z”l, and Ralph Delovitch z”l.
Gianna and Howie Birenbaum, and Stephanie and Brian Wolfe, on the marriage of their son Trevor Wolfe to Kayla Palumbo, daughter of Carla and Mike Palumbo. Trevor is the grandson of Marion and Howard Wolfe. Dearly missed at this time is Trevor's grandmother, Tina Pedulla.
Belaine Lacey and Dr. Michael Wiseman on the marriage of their son, Stewart Wiseman to Ashley Orloff, daughter of Lori and Jeffrey Orloff
Shana Walsh and Joel Barmish on the occasion of the Auf Ruf of their son, David Barmish who married Emily Weinstein, daughter of Ruth and William Weinstein from Boston, MA, happy to celebrate with them is their uncle, Teddy Goloff and Marilyn Takefman.
Denise Cape, and to Sheryl and Jeffrey Cape on their grandson, and son, Matthew Capeʼs Auf Ruf, in honour of his marriage to Joanna Cernero.
Annette Wolfstein Joseph and David Joseph on the engagement, in Jerusalem, of their son, Noah Benjamin Joseph to Ariel Warren daughter of Nancy and Ray Warren of Cincinnati.
Judy and Norman Small on the engagement of their grandson, Jacob Izenberg to Samantha Dicker, daughter of Ellen and Michael Dicker, from Toronto. Jacob is the son of Wendy and Geoffrey Izenberg, whose son, Zachary, married Jasmine Schecter. They couldn't be happier that their small family is growing.
Katharine Anderson and Joshua Feder on their marriage.
Fifth Anniversary
Dr. Victoria Korsos and Dr. Lorne Schweitzer
Tenth Anniversary
Karen Erlichman and Noah Turner
Chai Anniversaries
Valerie Morgan Wasserman Grodinsky and Michael David Grodinsky
Flannery Brown and Jason Knecht
Stephanie Pesner Cymet and Jeremy Cymet
Andrea Celina Caplan and Neil Lewis Rubin
Twentieth Anniversaries
Randee Fisher and Trevor Wieskopf
Fayla Vinebaum and Michael Heitner
Twenty-fifth Anniversaries
Caryn Roll and Richard Kirsch
Bonnie Bloch and Lorne Kronish
Thirtieth Anniversaries
Robin Levitt Suliteanu and Michael Suliteanu
Joanne Miller Eisman and Harley Noah Eisman
Marcie Krane Fergenbaum and Mark Fergenbaum
Double Chai Anniversaries
Heidi Nadler Sklar and Murray Sklar
Barbara Dolman Pearl and David Pearl
Ellen Cytrynbaum and Harvey Buksbaum
Kathy Luger and Ron Teitelbaum
Julia Tenser Nelson and Ron Nelson
Fortieth Anniversaries
Sharyn Katsof and Jerry Coviensky
Debbie Miller Fuchs and Fred Fuchs
Deborah Klein Hefter and Issie Hefter
Rhonda Shaffer and Bernard Herman
Merle Ellen Miller and Michael Applebaum
Sonia Halperin Bitensky and Zalman Bitensky
Ellyn and Alvin Delovitch
Marilyn Koll Kasner and Oscar Kasner
Rita Bauer and Norman Spatz
Forty Fifth Anniversaries
Judith Lifshitz and Danny Kaufer
Cheryl Lipson and Alan Goffman
Sheila Soifer Gradinger and Harvey Gradinger
Michele Atkinson Lukofsky and Herb Lukofsky
Felice Ostrowski Flegg and Jeffrey Flegg
Elaine Cohen and Stan Browman
Fiftieth Anniversaries
Marlene Katz Schwartz and Isaac Schwartz
Mona Hirsh Propst and Arthur Propst
Fifty-fifth Anniversaries
Bonnie Merson and Mark Merson
Janie Margolis Etinson and Michael Etinson
Sondra Segel Schwartz and Martin Schwartz
Sixtieth Anniversaries
Jacqueline Carin Silver and Joel Silver
Tamara Ilovitch Dankoff and Larry Dankoff
Sandra Padoskin Grief and Harry Grief
Reena Reisman Eisman and Seymour Eisman
Sixty-fifth Anniversaries
Regina Perera Halpern and Nahum Halpern
Nancy and Jack Cooperberg
Seventieth Anniversaries
Minnie and Israel Lipman
Esther Arshinoff Margolian and Morton Margolian
Seventy-seventh Anniversary
Lil and Jack Margolis
We mourn the loss of our members
Moe Ross
Dr. Allan Finesilver
Lynda Oppen (née Novolker)
Jean Yudin (née Liberman)
Lolita Hasid (née Weintraub)
William (Zev) Tabatchnick
*We
Rabbi Alan W. Bright
Rabbi 514.484.1122 x 110 rabbi@shaarezedek.ca
Billy Booth Executive Director
514.484.1122 x 105 billy@shaarezedek.ca
Cantor Boaz Davidoff Nancy Cooperberg Diana Schweitzer sbdavidoff@gmail.com Co-President nancycooper514@gmail.com Co-President dianatschweitzer@icloud.com
Roberto Ortiz Maintenance Supervisor 514.484.1122 x 112 roberto@shaarezedek.ca
Wendy Tessler Rabbiʼs Executive Assistant Communications and Marketing 514.484.1122 x 114 wendy@shaarezedek.ca
Arlene Gorin Bookkeeper
514.484.1122 x 104 arlene@shaarezedek.ca
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