2005_november

in this issueDaily/Shabbat Worship … 2, In Perspective … 3, Chanukah … 4, Annual Contribution Campaign … 5, The Gerald

Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning … 8, Our Israel … 11, Brotherhood … 12, Sisterhood … 12,

Seniors' Programming … 13, Education Matters … 14, Events and Announcements … 15, Our Congregational

Family … 16, This Month @ Holy Blossom … 19 The Last Word … 20

The W. Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award

will be presented to

Lieutenant-General

Roméo A. Dallaire

See page 4 for details.

Vol. LXXXI No. 3 • November 2005 • Tishrei/Cheshvan 5766

Holy Blossom Tem ple

inside … Annual Contribution campaign donor thank you

Holy Blossom Temple 2

Daily/Shabbat WorshipD

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Daily Ser vic esMon. to Fri. 7.30 a.m. Shacharit 6 p.m. MinchaSun. 9 a.m.

Shabbat NoachFri. Nov. 4 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Fri. Nov. 4 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat and Dinner

Sat. Nov. 5 10.30 a.m. Shabbat Service

Sat. Nov. 5 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

Shabbat Lech LechaFri. Nov. 11 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service



Shabbat VayeraFri. Nov. 18 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Fri. Nov. 18 6 p.m. Gesher Service (See page 14 for details.)



Shabbat Chaya SarahFri. Nov. 25 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service



Shabbat ToledotFri. Dec. 2 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Fri. Dec. 2 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat and Dinner

Sat. Dec. 3 10.30 a.m. Shabbat Service

Sat. Dec. 3 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

Please remember to visit our Web site, at www.holyblossom.org, to read our weekly D’var Torah. (Just click on D’var Torah under the Avodah/Worship menu button.)

Honouring our veteransSat. Nov. 12, 2005, at 10.30 a.m.We will call all men and women of our congregation, who have served in the armed forces, to stand together on our bimah for a group aliyah at our Shabbat Morning Services. The kiddush will also be in tribute to their courage and contribution. For details, please call Cynthia Silverman (ext. 276), at the Temple.

November 2005 3 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5766

Shabbat of Sat. Nov. 26, 2005. Please join us in shul and at lunch that day as a way to wish Bebe all the best. (See below for more details.)

In the meantime, of course, we have Deborah Spiegel, our Interim Director of Education, running things. I’m confi dent the school is in very good and capable hands with Debbie for this year. We will work out plans for the leadership of the school from next year forward after the fi rst of the year.

Our speakersThis year’s Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Fall Lecture Series may well prove to be the best so far.

I say this both because of the timeli-ness of the issue — an examination of the American attempt at democratization of previously undemocratic tyrannies — and

In Perspectiveby Rabbi John Moscowitz

Farewell and welcome

Farewell to Bebe Jacobs

Thomas Wolfe famously suggested that once having left home, you cannot (easily) return. I think, by and large, Wolfe

had it right: that when you do return home you are a different person, others have moved on and life has changed more than it appears from what was. And yet, many do leave home and return again — very happily and successfully.

That’s exactly what we wish for Bebe Jacobs and her family. Although I think Bebe would be the fi rst to say that she and her family have been happy here, after three years in Toronto, family concerns, a desire to be home and a terrifi c opportunity will take Bebe back to London, England.

Bebe has signed on to be the Director of Education of the North Western Re-form Synagogue (Alyth) in London and will begin shortly. And so, as she takes her leave of us in early December, we will have the opportunity to express our apprecia-tion and to wish formal farewell on the

because of the particular people who will grace our bimah with their intellect and ideas.

Yossi Klein Halevi, Christopher Hitchens, Samantha Power and Azar Nafi si are all authors, intellects and engag-ing personalities. But more than that, they have important things to say about the question of democratization. They will say it from different points of view, with passion and with integrity. I read each of their writings with excitement and always benefi t from what they have to say.

If we think this is simply an American issue or a global issue without major im-port for the Jews — we have it wrong. The importance of democratization for Israel and for the Jewish People as a whole can-not be overstated.

This potentially world-changing phe-nomenon has the potential not only to change fi rst hand the lives of millions of people around the world, but to bring stability to the Middle East and therefore to Israel.

As citizens of the world and as Jews, we are invested in the success of democratization. Along with you, I look forward to hearing our speakers this year. Please see page 8 for details on this year’s lecture series.

Sat. Nov. 26, 2005, at 10.30 a.m.

In honour of her commitment and leadership in our Religious School, Bebe Jacobs, the outgoing Director of Education, will be called to the bimah for an aliyah during Shabbat morning Services. Please join us afterward for a congregational kiddush luncheon where congregants will have the opportunity to wish Bebe a personal goodbye. We extend a special invitation to parents of those attending our schools. Holy Blossom teachers will also be called to the Torah for a group aliyah on this same Shabbat morning. RSVP to the school office (ext. 256), if you are able to receive this honour.

… after three years in Toronto,

family concerns, a desire to be

home and a terrifi c opportunity

will take Bebe back to London.


Celebrating Chanukah and welcoming ShabbatFri. Dec. 30, 2005Singing and Study 5.30 p.m.Kabbalat Shabbat 6 p.m.Oneg Shabbat 7 p.m. (immediately following Services)

The light of the chanukiyah will make Shabbat that much more joyful. Come join us as we celebrate Chanukah and welcome in Shabbat.

Gather early for some singing and study (plus a little Chanukah nosh) before Services, and we’ll carry over that ruach into our usual Kabbalat Shabbat Services. Then, stay afterwards for a special Oneg Shabbat. There’ll be plenty of sufganiyot (donuts) and other treats to keep kids and parents alike happy.

Mon. Nov. 7, 2005, at 8 p.m.The 2005 W. Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award will be presented to Lieutenant-General Roméo A. Dallaire. The Award is bestowed every two years on a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community and to human rights. Dallaire’s courage, self-sacrifi ce and dedication to world peace saved the lives of thousands of Rwandans in 1994, when he led the United Nations mission in Rwanda. He is currently pursuing a Fellowship at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, where he continues his studies on confl ict resolution.

Introduction: John Fraser, Master, Massey College, University of Toronto

Roméo A. Dallaire

The W. Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award

Roméo A. Dallaire


President's Messageby Alan Garfi nkel

Thank you to our donors

I wish to thank all of our members listed below who have graciously made an additional gift, beyond the basic membership contribution level, to our synagogue this year.

Your generosity has directly enabled those fi nancially unable to afford our basic level of membership support, to remain members of our synagogue community.

Your leadership in promoting a culture of giving at Holy Blossom Temple means that all Jews who wish to join our Temple, regardless of fi nancial circumstances, will be welcomed in our congregation. Your act of

tzedakah has elevated our community to a sacred community, a synagogue that continues to play a central role in sustaining our People and our Jewish values, from generation to generation.

Promoting a culture of giving

BenefactorJoan Garson & David Baskin Frances & Lawrence Bloomberg Janette & Michael Diamond Angela & David Feldman Irving & Gail Gerstein and Family Lloyd Hoffer Robert Lantos Lorraine & Donald Loeb Sheila & Sydney Loftus and Family Judy Nyman & Harley Mintz Gerald Schwartz & Heather Reisman Mr. & Mrs. Howard Sokolowski

PatronAnn MacPherson & Earl Bederman Judith & Marshall Cohen Drs. Richard & Joanne Cummings Michael & Laurie Davis Carey Diamond & Tina Urman Karen & Tom Ehrlich and Family Wendy & Elliott EisenJacqueline & Tom Friedland Joy & Barry Gales Randi & Alan Garfi nkel Rose Garfi nkel Mr. & Mrs. John A. Geller Marilyn & Charles Gold Valerie & Anthony Melman and Family Lewis Rose and Children Sandra & Joseph Rotman Amy Kaiser & Kenneth Rotman Michael Rotsztain & Fay Greenholtz Carol & Lionel Schipper Charles & Rose Tabachnick Rose Wolfe

SponsorPam & Michael Albert Heather Shapiro & Terry Axelrod

Janice & Larry Babins Anthony Benjamin Cheryl & David Blinick Gail & Zel Bocknek Susan & Barry Borden Harvey S. Borden CA Stephen & Elaine Borins Mimi & Myer Brody Elizabeth & Reuben Bromstein Ted & Esther Burnett Debra & Barry Campbell The Caplan Family Robert CarmichaelLisa Ritchie & Dave CarrollThe Charach Family Sara & Richard Charney George & Susan Cohen Gloria & Richard Cole Laurence Colman & Lynne Plosker Esther Zeller Cooper & Morris Cooper Phyllis & Jeff Denaburg Maxine & Victor Drevnig Miriam & Marvin DryerSharyn Salsberg Ezrin & Hershell Ezrin Anonymous Jodi & Bruce Feldman and Family Anonymous Tamara & Gary Fine David & Helena Fine Family of J. Paul Fingold Mr. & Mrs. David Finkelstein Gladys & Lloyd Fogler Joanne & Garry FosterJoy Rosen & Lawrence Freedman Stephen & Jill Fremes Randall Friedland & Jean Anderson Hugh Furneaux & Penny FineDeborah Zemans & Daryl GelgootSusan & Marty Goldberg Nancy Epstein & David Goldbloom

Nancy Cohen & Stephen Goldhar Fran & Bernie GoldmanJoan Thompson & Edwin Goodman Mark Goodman & Avra Rosen Diana & Marvin Goodman Anonymous Sandy & Kenny GordonSondra & Allan Gotlieb Corin & Mark Greenberg Catherine & Robert Grundleger Leslie Milrod & Jonathan Guss Robert Henry & Bonnie Croll W. Bernard Herman Elliott Jacobson & Judy Malkin Susan Harris & David Kassie Mimi & Malcolm Kronby Leon & Anita Lapidus John B. Laskin & Holly Goren Laskin Catherine Orion & Barry Leon David & Susan Linds Rhonda Richer & Tim Lipa Jordanna & Earl Lipson Nancy & Irving Lipton Burtha & Henry Liss Lesley & Ron Miller David & Karen Mock Linda Kamerman & Lewis Molot Allan & Lesley OffmanEmily & Isaac Papsin Rachel & Harvin Pitch Anonymous Annalee Cohen & Franklin Pulver Val & Anita Rachlis Arlene Perly-Rae & Bob Rae Crawford Ritchies Jack & Judith Rose The Rosen FamilyLarry Rosen & Susan Jackson Kay & William Rosenfeld Janis Rotman


Promoting a culture of giving Dr. & Mrs. Shia Salem Doreen & Alan Saskin Brenda & Fred Saunders Julia & Michael Sax Tommy Schafer Alison & Alan Schwartz Mary & Henry Seldon Lili & Michael Shain Molly Shapiro Denise Zarn & Jim Shenkman Diana & Norman Shiffman Janet & Norman Shiner Michael & Jackie Shulman Barry & Gail Silver Joanne Bargman & Earl Silverman Judith & Monty M. Simmonds Lise & Luke Sklar Bob & Sheila Smolkin Ken Snider & Deborah Leibow Julie & Cary Solomon Susan & David Speigel Andy & Gaye Stein Nancy & Raymond SteinNorma & George SteinerSusan & Roger Stronell Cheryl Ann Goldhart & Harvey Tanzer Karen Hacker & Irving Teper Rosemary & Gary Tile Esther & Marvin Tile Stephen & Christine Tile The Wilder Family Natalie & Leonard Waldman Sandra & Lionel Waldman Lillyann Goldstein & Bill Wiener Shari & Michael WilsonJack & Judy Winberg Helene Honey Wolfe Anonymous Leesa Avrith & Jay Wunder Joyce & Frederick Zemans Anonymous Carole & Dr Bernard Zucker

SupporterDorothy & Robert Aaron Karen & Yoel Abells Andrea Himel & Eric Adelson Marlene & Jeffrey Axler Elaine & Lewis Baker Anonymous Stacey & Allan Barish Marianne & Thomas Beck Robin & Noah Belman Bernard Berger Corinne & Neil Berinstein Renette & Dave Berman Rima & Norman Biback

Susan & James Bookbinder Marlene & Andrew Borins Barbara & Michael Bregman Susan Hershman & George Burger Colleen Kennedy & Joseph BurnettElise CachiaAlexandrina & Jeffrey Canto-Thaler Anonymous Randy & Martha Cass Henrietta Chesnie Debra Birnbaum & Stephen Chris Phyllis & Michael Cincinatus Sharon & Stanley Clavir Charles & Joy Cohen Arthur & Meryl Cole Shoshana ColeElaine & Ted ColeJill Witkin & Greg Coleman Dr P.I.Collins & Ms.K.Langille Barbara & Richard Conway Marian & Collin Craig Gitte & Leslie Crangle Susan & Peter Dan Lori & Jeffrey Dennis Rena Mendelson & Allan Detsky Jerome Diamond Nancy Draper Susanne & Stuart Egier Robert & Ruth Ehrlich Leigh & George Eisenberg Clara Engel Sharon & Larry Enkin Anonymous Maxanne & Shaul Ezer Anonymous Lois & George Fine Jack & Gloria Fine Michael & Tara Fingold and Family Sandra & Michael Florence Shelley & Arthur Gans Deborah & Marvin Gans Zita Gardner Steve Garmaise & Sue Rebick Anonymous Frank & Laurie Gerstein Marilyn Gilbert Anonymous Bonnie & Ronald Goldstein The Golvin Family Karen Gold Mindy & Howard Goodman Hanna & Barry Gordon Lloyd GordonThe Gotfrid Family Samuel Gotfrid Marion & Leo Gotlieb Kathy & Maurice Green

Anita & Jack Greenberg Carol & Nolan Grubert Kathy & Hershel Guttman Cynthia & Brian Hands Myrna & Stephen HanetRuth Marayniss & Leland Harris Jill Kamin & Murray HartAlan & Joan Heavenrich and Family Jane & Robert Herman Drs. Elaine Herer & Stephen Holzapfel Diana & Ivan Hronsky Sheldon Inwentash & Lynn Factor Anonymous Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Ian Kady Suzy & Steven Kauffman Shelley Greene & Joel Kirsh Paula Kirsh Anonymous Merle Kriss Doreen & Joseph Kronick Ms Harriette Laing Anonymous Mrs. Else Landauer Jeffrey Leon Anonymous Rhoda Lewis and Family Beverley Colman-Lokash Richard & Jean Lorie Jill & Ben Lustig Mark & Eva Madras Suzette & Keith Meloff Carolin & Jerry Michaels Martha & Walter Moos Isaac Morgulis Sylvia & Harvey Naftolin Erin O’Connor Julia & Randolph Paisley Forence Pape Earl & Sylvia Parker Stephen Pearl Bernice & Yitz PencinerEdith Penturn Gillian Hawker & Marty Perlmutar Marilyn Leitman & Craig Perkins Wendy & Steven Pezim Alison & Gary Polan Nancy & Lloyd Pollack Dr. Sheila Pollock Ann & Gary Posen Anne E. Pritzker Anonymous Marlene & Wayne Pulver Teresa & Alberto Quiroz Anonymous Geraldine Waldman & Charles Rachlis Jeff & Nancy Radnoff


Promoting a culture of giving Elaine & Donald Rafelman Anna Cecille Ratney Michelle & Norman Reisman Judith & Carl Ritchie Anita & Andrew Robins Gillian & David Rosenberg Patricia Nadeau & David A. RosenkrantzDoris & Ted Rosenstock Lynn Wintranb & Richard Rotchtin Anonymous Richard Rotman & Gloria SteinMr. & Mrs. Maxwell Rotstein Anonymous Marlene & Robert Ruderman Gail & Daniel Rumack Audrey Bennett Rumack & Larry Rumack Nancy & Sam Ruth Susan & Mark Sager Robert Salsberg David & Sandra Sandler Drs. Ronald & Elisabeth SaundersDonna & Hal ScherMr. & Mrs. Robert Schipper Esther & Kalman Schneider Paul Schnier & Elizabeth Wolfe Ruth Mesbur & Harlan Schonfeld Julie & Lawrence Schwartz Walter Seaton Anna Maria Shafran Helen & Edward Sheffman Bonnie & Mel ShearRobert & Mona Sherkin Viviane and Saul Ship Bea & Saul Sidlofsky Ruth & Graham Silver Alma & Paul Simonsky Jan & Robert Simonsky Bonita & Brian Smith Tracey and Larry Smith Donna & Lawrence Smith Ethel Solomon Julia & David Sommers Janis & Gary Soren Elizabeth Stewart & Robert Spence Theodore SpevickBarry & Joyce Spiegel Anonymous Cecile Stein Marlene & Stanley Stein Francie & Martin Storm Edward Stossel

Jay & Linda Swartz John Sweet Batia & Enrique Tabak Gloria & Seymour Temkin Eleanor & Burnett Thall Deborah & Sidney Troister Graham & Angela Trope John & Rosie Uster Kimberley & Craig Walters Lila WeissBrenda WintraubGordon & Linda Wolfe Michael Wunder & Joanna Sugar Harold Zener OtherHelen Aaron Carol Abugov Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan Annie & Michael ApplebyJanet & David Ber Gail Berman Matilda Bigio Ellen & Murray Blankstein Peter Block Marlene & Rudy Bloom Anonymous Richard Borins & Sheryl Brodey Judith & Allan BorodinReina Bendayan & Don Borrett Joshua & Paulette Brodey Lara & Andrew Brodkin Henny Rappaport & Michael Burns Jacqueline & Arthur Caplan Marilynne & Joseph Cass Carol Dale David & Suzanne Dennis Nancy & Owen Duckman Fran & Murray Ellis Janice Karlinsky Ennis & Jonathan Ennis Catherine & Michael Freeman Max Gladstone Donna & Lionel Goldstein Mr. & Mrs. David Gordon Dennis Chow &Denise Gordon and Family Jane & Gary Griesdorf Merry Gutterson Melodie Hebscher & Tom Markowitz Minnie Herman Mindy Gilbert & Robert JacobyJeanne Kamarner

Ellen Karabanow Danielle & Allan Kates Rose KatesJulie & Eric Kirsh Marie Knaul Sydney & Richard Krelstein Elizabeth Tarshis & Rick Lash Leonard Levy Shelley & Martin Levine Anonymous Gwenn & Gary Liss Anonymous Donna Saslove & Simon Lugassy Arthur Magid Anonymous Sylvia Miller Andrew & Eryn Miller Glenda Mindlin Ilene Hyman & Mitch Moldofsky Anonymous Aileen & Warren Rapoport Barbara Wade Rose & Jonathan RoseRuth & Hank Rosen Ann Ross Ruthe Schipper-Rotstein & Jerry RotsteinMichael & Janet Ryval Ruth & Marvin Sadowski Randi Shaul & David Saevitzon Matthew Sapera In memory of Sidney & Laura Schipper Sharon & Lorne Shapiro Hanna Shlesinger Shirley Shusterman Jordana Silver Rhoda SilverBetty Rebecca Simon Dorothy Singer Judith & Gerald Slan Lynne & Harold Smith Franci & Kenneth Sniderman Richard Soberman Anonymous Shyrle & Jack Solway Doris Sommer-Rotenberg Sara Speigel Amanda Young & Robert Steiner Anonymous Ann Sutton Maureen & David Tartick Pauline & Jack Toker

If we have inadvertently omitted your name from the list, please call Shannon Tramer (ext. 227) at the Temple. If you have not yet made a gift beyond your basic annual contribution, and would like to do so before the end of this year, for tax purposes, or you would like to increase your gift, please call Shannon. Next time you're at the Temple, please take a moment to view our Annual Contribution Campaign donor wall in the foyer outside the main Sanctuary.


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The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Fall 2005 Lecture Series at Holy Blossom Temple

Democratization: Is It For Real?

The View from IsraelTue. Nov. 8

Introduction: Allan Gotlieb

Different Views from WashingtonWed. Nov. 16

Introduction/Commentary:David Frum

Cautionary TalesMon. Nov. 21

Introduction: Margaret MacMillan

The Power of Democracy in (Secret) Action Tue. Dec. 6

Introduction: Heather Reisman

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Yossi Klein HaleviYossi Klein Halevi Christopher HitchensChristopher Hitchens Samantha PowerSamantha Power Azar Nafi siAzar Nafi si

Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom TempleOur Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning provides opportunities to come together for major public lectures, to study Torah and other literature, and to obtain the skills needed to lead a deeper Jewish life. The following pages list only some of the fall 2005 offerings at the Centre. For a complete list of all lectures and classes, please refer to the 2005/2006 Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning Calendar, recently mailed to you. For more details on all lectures and programs, please call the school offi ce (ext. 256), at the Temple, or visit our Web site at www.holyblossom.org. All programs and lectures are open to the community, unless otherwise stated. For your convenience, our daytime programs during the week are marked with this symbol:

Democratization of previously undemocratic or tyrannical societies is an idea in the air and an emerging reality in places on the ground. For some, this phenomenon is revolutionary and important; for others, democratization is American hubris at its worst. This series, featuring some of the most compelling voices of our time, examines this explosive and signifi cant issue. All lectures begin at 8 p.m. Please remember to bring your Advance Seating Card, which was mailed to you with this year’s Calendar of Events, to ensure early admittance to these major lectures. Doors open at 7 p.m. for members with cards.


The 2005 Israel Seminar

Is Israel an Imperialist and Racist State?

Answers to the critics

Rabbis John Moscowitz and Edward Goldfarb

Mondays at 7.30 p.m. Nov. 14 to Dec. 12Pre-registration required. Cost: $40Please call ext. 256, at the Temple, to register.

Ongoing Learning

Shabbat Morning Torah Study: Genesis — When the World Was YoungRabbi John MoscowitzSaturdays at 9 a.m.

Learning Liturgy through Singing Jewish MusicCantor Benjamin Z. MaissnerSundays at 10 a.m.New participants are always welcome. For more details, please call Mari Lynn Rusak (ext. 224), at the Temple.

Intermediate Hebrew*Dalia Alalouf, Hebrew SupervisorMondays at 7 p.m., ongoing

Advanced Hebrew GrammarRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Tuesdays at 10.30 a.m., ongoingOpen to members only.

Sisterhood Torah Study: Second Book of KingsRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Wednesdays at 9.30 a.m.

The Yiddish NovelRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Wednesdays at 10.30 a.m., ongoing New and returning students are welcome. This course is open to the community, non-members will be charged a fee of $60.

Beginners Hebrew:Introduction to the Aleph Bet*Sara Kernerman, TeacherWednesdays at 6.30 p.m., ongoing

* Course is limited to Temple members. Pre-registra-tion required. Cost: $200 per year.

Opening Our Hearts

Jewish Meditation Michelle Katz Blumenthal,Iyengar Yoga Teacher

Wednesdays 10.30 a.m.continuing to Dec. 7Pre-registration required. Cost: $60 for Temple members and $80 for non-members.

Infl uential Thinkers

God in Search of Man: The Thought of Rabbi Abraham Joshua HeschelRabbi Jason RosenbergWednesdays at 7.30 p.m.Nov. 2 to Dec. 7

Holocaust Education Week

Custody: The Vatican and Jewish Children after the HolocaustMichael Marrus, Chancellor Rose and Ray Wolfe Professor of Holocaust Studies, University of TorontoWed. Nov. 2, at 8 p.m.This lecture will explore the controver-sial issue of the post-war fate of Jewish children, rescued by Catholic families or institutions during the Holocaust, and about whom there has been intense controversy.

Studying Talmud

A Taste of TalmudRabbi Dow Marmur

Thursdays at 10.30 a.m. Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24If there is interest, there will be more courses like this one in the future.

Book Talks

Jewish Literary ClassicsRabbi Bernard Baskin, Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Anshe Sholom, HamiltonThursdays at 7.30 p.m., Nov. 3 and 10Rabbi Baskin will introduce the following:Nov. 3 Omaha Blues: A Memory Loop, by Joseph LelyveldNov. 10 Jews and the American Soul, Human Nature in the 20th Century, by Andrew Heinze

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Scholar-in-Residence Weekend

Black Fire on White FireJoel HoffmanA Ph.D. in Theoretical Linguistics, Joel Hoffman is the author of In the Beginning: A Short History of the Hebrew Language.

Fri. Dec. 9 to Sun. Dec. 11Learn the incredible power of Hebrew letters, words and their ancient meanings.

Fri. Dec. 9, at 6 p.m.Kabbalat Shabbat Service, Dinner and Study3,000 Years of Jewish Continuity as Seen Through 3,000 Years of HebrewWhy can almost every written alphabet today trace its roots to ancient Hebrew? How was Hebrew reborn after a 2,000-year hiatus? Pre-registration required. Cost: $20 for adults and $10 for students.

Sat. Dec. 10 9 a.m.Shabbat Morning Torah Study10.30 a.m.Shabbat Morning Sermon: Angels and Ladders12.30 p.m.Lunch and Learn: How to Read Jewish TextsLearn how Jews have taken texts, and then commentaries on texts, and made them their own. Pre-registration required. Cost: $15.

Sun. Dec. 11, at 10.15 a.m.The How and Why of Hebrew GrammarWe will discuss the vowels that grace Hebrew words, uncovering the inner beauty of Hebrew.

For more details or to register, please call ext. 256, at the Temple.

Searching for Justice: an AutobiographyThe Honourable Fred Kaufman, Retired Judge, Quebec Court of AppealThur. Dec. 1, at 8 p.m.The Honourable Fred Kaufman has been a distinguished fi gure in Canadian law for half a century. Searching for Justice is his remarkable story told in his own words.

Brotherhood Breakfast Club

Life after Gaza — Israel after DisengagementAluf Benn, Diplomatic Editor, HaaretzSun. Nov. 6, at 9.30 a.m.Aluf Benn is on a Canada-wide speak-ing tour sponsored by the Canada-Israel Committee. Men and women are invited.

You Can Take a Jew Out of the Ghetto — But Can You Take the Ghetto Out of the Jew?Rabbi Dow MarmurSun. Nov. 20, at 9.30 a.m.

Jews in Literature

Exploring the Jewish Character in LiteratureCynthia Good, Director, Creative Book Publishing Program, Humber College

Tuesdays 9.30 a.m. Nov. 8 to Dec. 13Pre-registration required. Cost: $60 for Temple members and $80 for non-members.

Library Programs

Book Club: Earth and High Heaven, by Gwethalyn GrahamKen Skolnik, Facilitator

Mon. Nov. 21, at 10 a.m.For a complete list of books and dates, please call Anne Dublin (ext. 235), at the Temple. Everyone is welcome.

Multifaith Dialogues/Learning

What Every Jew Should Knowabout Islam Atif Khalil, Toronto Centre for the Study of Religion, Specializing in Medieval Islamic Philosophy and MysticismWednesdays at 7.30 p.m.Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7 and 14

Holy Blossom at the ROM

Great Moments in Jewish HistoryGeri Durbin, Royal Ontario Museum EducatorSun. Dec. 4, at 1 p.m.Limited to 30 people. Suitable for adults and children in Grades 5 and over. Pre-registration required. Cost: $30.

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Our Israelby Jeff Denaburg, Co-Chair, Israel Committee

A window into Israeli life

Israel’s fi lm industry has come of age. Only a few years ago, the number of quality feature fi lms produced in Israel each year was

small. Traditionally, Israeli fi lms were of-ten dramas about military confl ict, or else they were slapstick comedies with wacky characters.

Recently, Israeli directors have focused their lenses on everyday life in Israel, weav-ing together the stories of interesting people with the joys and challenges of living in Israel today. The quality of fi lmmaking has improved dramatically, and with it, interest in Israeli fi lms has increased.

Israelis themselves bought only 140,000 theatre tickets to local fi lms in the year

2000, but this number grew almost ten-fold in 2004, to 1.3 million admissions. Israeli fi lms are now regularly screened at all of the major fi lm festivals and, with Israeli fi lms increasingly shown in the-atres throughout the world, international sales are also rising.

Watching Israeli fi lms is not just an opportunity for quality entertainment: it also offers a rare way for Diaspora Jews to open a window onto the everyday chal-lenges and humour of living in Israel.

Let us entertain youHoly Blossom Temple will be screening a selection of recent Israeli dramas and com-edies in a series of Israel Film Nights. We offer you the opportunity to turn an ordi-nary evening into a gem of entertainment and Israeli culture.

Our second fi lm night is Thur. Dec. 8, 2005, at 7.30 p.m., when we will show the comedy “Sima Vaknin Is a Witch.”

In this spoof of Israeli society, Sima, who lives in a modest apartment building, wants to expand her unit, but is thwarted by one diffi cult neighbour. Sima puts a series of curses on her nemesis and when they come true, Sima becomes a national sensa-tion and everyone’s lives are permanently changed. That Sima is a simple and charm-ing Moroccan Jew, while her stubborn opponent is Ashkenazi, is just one of the elements of poignant social commentary.

The series will continue in the new year; watch the Bulletin for further details.

Generation t (for 20 and 30 somethings)

The Fence

Alexandre Trudeau

Wed. Nov. 9, 2005, at 8 p.m.

Holy Blossom Temple’s Outreach Program for 20 and 30 somethings presents the screening of Alexandre Trudeau’s provocative documentary, “The Fence,” followed by dialogue with Mr. Trudeau on the current challenge facing Israel and the territories. Dessert will be served. Tickets: $12. For more details, please call the My Story hotline (ext. 502), at the Temple, or e-mail [email protected].

Israel Film Night

Sima Vaknin Is a Witch

Thur. Dec. 8, 2005, at 7.30 p.m.Admission is free.

Martinis and Maimonides Rabbi Yael Splansky and Neil Yerman, Torah ScribeMon. Dec. 5, 2005, at 8 p.m.

How do you like your Maimonides? Shaken, not stirred. Over martinis, Rabbi Yael Splansky will lead an interactive text study, based on the writings of the 12th-century philosophy giant, Maimonides. Neil Yerman will guide us through the ancient art of crafting a Torah, and the power of each letter. Open to all 20 and 30 somethings, members and non-members. For more details, please call Cynthia Silverman (ext. 276), at the Temple.


Brotherhood has be-gun 2005–2006 with its busiest schedule in many years. We held our Annual General Meeting and Installa-

tion. We hosted an important launch for Stewart Bell’s book, The Martyr’s Oath. Our Photography Group has begun another creative season under the leader-ship of Paul Hellen. We participated in a home-building project with Habitat for Humanity. We welcomed new members at our second annual Open House and Trivia Challenge. We are also continuing our tradition of presenting the Plaut Torah Commentary to all our B’nei Mitzvah youth. Our popular Sunday Breakfast Club began with an excellent

book review by Michael Cole. On Sun. Nov. 6, 2005, Aluf Benn, Diplomatic Edi-tor, Haaretz, will speak about “Life after Gaza — Israel after Disengagement.” On Sun. Nov. 20, 2005, Rabbi Dow Marmur’s topic will be “You can take a Jew out of the ghetto — but can you take the ghetto out of the Jew?” On Sun. Dec. 11, 2005, Temple Archivist David Hart will educate and entertain us with little-known facts from the history of Holy Blossom. Breakfast is served at 9.30 a.m., followed by our speaker at 10 a.m.

We have an excellent line-up for the remainder of the year. Hear speakers from the Reena Foundation and Camp Winston on the needs of children with developmen-tal disabilities and autism; see a colourful presentation by our Photography Group; and learn from Albert Frank about the tra-dition of Jewish meditation.

Brotherhood and the Library Committee will sponsor three Tuesday evening lectures.

Learn about Franz Kafka with Ralph Wintrob. Join poet and writer Adam Sol as he moderates a panel discussion on Jew-ish values in the world of publishing (also co-sponsored by Sisterhood). Finally, Bill Gladstone will speak about the roots of Toronto’s Jewish community. All Temple members (men and women) are welcome to our Breakfast Club and other lectures.

For details on everything we have planned, please visit our newly designed Web site regularly, at www.obrj.org/hbbh.

In our recent Brotherhood survey, we asked you what the role of Brotherhood should be. Fundraising events and provid-ing opportunities for men’s study topped the list. Our challenge for 5766 will be to make this happen. Our veterans are always there for us, but we need some new, eager faces, so please join us. To contact us, please call ext. 530, at the Temple, e-mail us at [email protected], or come out to any event and introduce yourself.

Brotherhoodby Jeff Levy, President

Another year of study, tefi llah and mitzvot

Holy Blossom Temple Sisterhood is once again looking forward to a year of study, service and tikkun olam.

We began our year by co-sponsoring Rochelle

Carrady’s lecture, “Scandinavia Through Jewish Eyes,” with the Library Committee. We are also looking forward to co-sponsoring a panel discussion — "The Place of Jewish Values in the World of Publishing" — on Tue. Mar. 21, 2006.

There will be an open board meeting on Tue. Dec. 13, 2005, followed by enter-tainment by Sharon Miller as we pick our winners for the Project 2005 raffl e draw.

First prize is a weekend for two at the Briars Resort. Please support our Project by pur-chasing and returning your completed raffl e ticket books promptly, so we can continue to provide funding to our benefi ciaries: youth; our schools; rabbinic students; Library; Plaut Manor; Out of the Cold; Temple Singers; Women of Reform Judaism; Union of Re-form Judaism; and other Temple projects.

One of the initiatives that Sisterhood has underwritten for the 150th anniversary of Holy Blossom Temple is the writing of a new Torah. Watch the Bulletin for more details, and do not miss the opportunity to meet the scribe, Neil Yerman.

Again this year, we will celebrate a Tu B’shvat Seder with our youth group on Tue. Feb. 14, 2006, and we will sponsor our annual cooking demonstration, on Wed. Apr. 5, 2006, when our guest chef will be Rose Reisman.

We are looking forward to the uplifting experience of our annual Women’s Retreat with Rabbi Yael Splansky and Anne Dub-lin, from Fri. Apr. 7 to Sun. Apr. 9, 2006. A few weeks later, we will hold our Sister-hood Kallah on Thur. Apr. 27, 2006, with Rabbi John Moscowitz and Yoell Abells.

For many years, Sisterhood has spon-sored Wednesday morning Torah Study with Rabbi Edward Goldfarb. Please watch the Bulletin for more details on these and other new pro-grams that Sisterhood will be sponsoring throughout the coming year.

Also, join us for coffee every Sunday morning from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., when school is in session. And if you have any questions about Sisterhood, one of our board members will be present to assist you. You can also leave a message for us at ext. 514, at the Temple.

Sisterhoodby Gail Goodman, President

A new season of Sisterhood


Seniors’ Programming at Holy BlossomIndifference, with Dr. Norman Epstein, Founder, Canadians Against Slavery and Torture in the SudanNov. 28 Israel from the 40s and Israel Today: the Impact on Our Community, with Susan Jackson, Executive Director of the Centre for Knowledge and Heritage

For more details, please call the Seniors' hotline (ext. 517), at the Temple, and leave a message. Someone will return your call as soon as possible.

Lunch and Learn in RetirementPlease join us for exciting day-time programming and socializing.

The group meets on alternate Wednesday afternoons at 12 p.m. Please bring your own dairy lunch and we will provide coffee, tea and cookies. Please mark our next exciting programs on your calendars.

Nov. 16, at 12 p.m. Current Events, with Doug HaddowDec. 7, at 12.30 p.m. Back to Broadway, with Janet Thorpe and John Simeon. Please note change of time. A light luncheon (co-sponsored by Kensington Place Retirement Residence) will be served before the concert. The cost for this afternoon is $2.

Daytime programming

Holy Blossom Temple Stagecraft CompanyWelcome Yanna Baizer

Yanna Baizer — who is originally from Winnipeg — has joined our administra-tive team as our new receptionist. She will direct all your calls and answer any questions you may have. Yanna has worked in customer service-related industries for several years. She brings enthusi-asm and energy to her new position at Holy Blossom Temple. We wel-come Yanna and know you will enjoy meeting her.

Founded in 1994, Holy Blossom Temple Stagecraft Company has a simple man- date: to produce plays with Jewish themes and content — and to have fun while doing them! Thanks to a corps of about 25 actors, directors, stage managers and lighting and sound technicians, the Com-pany strives to deliver entertaining, yet thoughtful productions. Past productions have included Yentl, I’m Not Rappaport, The Sisters Rosenzweig and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. If you are interested in working behind the scenes, or perhaps in a future production, please call the Stage-craft hotline (ext. 511), at the Temple.

Our next production will be Women’s Minyan, by Naomi Ragen. This powerful

drama, set in Jerusalem, tells the story of a mother who is seeking custody of her children, after being denied access by a religious court.

Women’s Minyan, by Naomi Ragen

Thur. Dec 15 and Sat. Dec. 17, 2005 at 7.30 p.m., and Sun. Dec. 18, 2005 at 2.30 p.m.

Tickets $15; $10 for seniors and stu-dents. For more details, or to order tickets, please call the Stagecraft hotline (ext. 511), at the Temple.

Mondays @ the TempleMondays @ the Temple continues each Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us and your many Temple friends for interesting pro-grams, gentle exercise and lunch. Upcoming programs include:

Nov. 7 Older and Wiser: a Dynamic and Entertaining Look at Fire Safety for Older Adults, presented by the National Council for Jewish WomenNov. 14Healing in Jewish Text, with Rena Arshinoff, Rabbinical Student, Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of ReligionNov. 21 Darfur — Never Again … Again: Genocide in Sudan and the World’s


Education Mattersby Bebe Jacobs, Director of Education

The importance of rabbis

We know that families wish to see our rabbis deeply involved with theirchildren’s learning. Yet many aren’t aware

of what an important role our rabbis play in our schools.

The rabbis teach every B’nei Mitzvah student for nine weeks as they study Torah together in small groups.

Rabbis Yael Splansky and Jason Rosenberg share a Grade 7 class that students can opt in to if they wish to study at a more intense level. Grade 10 students study theology for several

weeks with Rabbis John Moscowitz and Jason Rosenberg, giving them opportu-nities to discuss, argue and stretch their thinking. The rabbis are involved in many of the year’s highlights, including Consecration, Confi rmation and Siyyum HaSefer (the Grade 3 celebration of learning all the letters in the Hebrew alphabet).

A part of our education teamRabbi Jason Rosenberg is our educational rabbi and, when asked to elaborate on his role, he said, “While all of the rabbis are involved in our schools, I’m the one who's lucky enough to offi cially be ‘Rabbi to the Religious Schools.’ What does that mean? A number of things. It means that whenever there are Services in the school, or assemblies, or large programs, I get to

be a part of them. When teachers need a rabbi to help in their class, I’m the one who most often helps out. When class is in session, I’m the most likely one to be peeking in. And, like all the rabbis, I get to teach — Grade 7 and Confi rmation, to be specifi c.”

Our students are fortunate to benefi t from the presence of three rabbis and, of course, our cantor, with the variety of skills, experience and different dy-namics that they bring to enrich our school.

Our strategic plan has made it clear that parents want our clergy to be more involved with our youth, and recognize that the more this happens, the more our children are infl uenced by the rab-bis as role models, and are excited to learn from them.

Cooking with kids

for Chanukah

Sun. Dec. 11, 2.30 p.m.Last year we did it for Sukkot. This year, come for a family cooking class at “Upstairs at Loblaws” (St. Clair Ave. W. and Bathurst St.), as we make Chanukah foods together. Space is limited, so register now! To RSVP, call the Family Programming hotline (ext. 518), at the Temple.

Moms’ Night

Tue. Nov. 15, at 7.30 p.m.Hey Moms! Tired of only talking to the kids? Want a chance for good, engaging conversation? Join us for a special night of shmoozing, noshing and great dis-cussion — just for the moms of our group. Erica Ehm of the televi-sion show Yummy Mummies will be joining us, and leading a session entitled “Secrets of the Yummy Mummy club.” It’s a perfect chance to have an evening away from the family, and to have some time just for you. To RSVP, call Shelly Beren-baum (ext. 233), at the Temple.

Tot Shabbat Services

Nov. 4 Service and DinnerNov. 18 Gesher ServiceDec. 2 Service and Dinner

Gesher means bridge, and this Service is the bridge between Tot Shabbat and our Congregational Kabbalat Shabbat. Perfect for any family with young children, it will introduce you to how we pray in the main Service, but it’s totally accessible for kids and parents alike. Try us once and you'll want to join us for every Tot Shabbat!

Family Programming 2005


Events and AnnouncementsArts and Literature

The Fine Arts CommitteePAINTINGS BY EVA NICHOLLS

Meet the Artist Tue. Nov. 15, 2005, at 7 p.m.Exhibit runs Nov. 3 to Dec. 8, 2005Nicholls' interest is in natural materials that show the passage of time.

A CALL TO TEMPLE ARTISTS Help us celebrate our 150th anniversary. Exciting plans are under way for the talented members of the Holy Blossom Temple family to present their art at a juried exhibit to be held in spring 2006. The criteria for this show will be posted on the Temple’s Web site at www.holyblossom.org, or you may contact the Temple offi ce for a form.

Sisterhood

OPEN BOARD MEETING AND PROJECT 2005 RAFFLE DRAW

Tue. Dec. 13, 2005, at 7 p.m.All Sisterhood members are invited to attend our Open Board Meeting and Project 2005 Raffl e Draw (remember to return your raffl e ticket stubs by Dec. 9). Prizes will be drawn at this important open meeting. Guest artist: Sharon Smith Miller. Refreshments will be served.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION Please join us for coffee and conversation when you pick up your children from Religious School on Sundays. Sisterhood members will be serving coffee from 11.30 a.m., in the Ava Road Foyer.

SISTERHOOD JUDAICA SHOP

The Judaica Shop offers wonderful gifts for all occasions: hostess and Chanukah gifts, Passover items, books and more. We are especially proud to offer a new book by Temple member Jill Hertz-man, illustrated by Florence Hertzman. The book is called Jacob’s Journey, and

is in memory of Jill’s son. Also available is a book for pre-teen and teenaged girls, called The J Girls Guide. Our hours are:Monday to Friday: 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Sunday: 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. During the winter, the shop will also be open on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m.

BABY NAMING SWEATERS

Sisterhood presents all baby girls named at the Temple with a hand-knitted sweater. If you knit and would like to help with this project, please call the Sisterhood hotline (ext. 514), at the Temple. Wool and patterns are supplied.

SISTERHOOD HOTLINE

Please call our voicemail (ext. 514), at the Temple, if you have any questions or comments for Sisterhood. Your call will be returned within 24 hours, during normal business hours.

Greater Community

ARZA CanadaCAN THERE BE PEACE AFTER DISENGAGEMENT?Alan Baker, Israeli Ambassador to Canada Wed. Nov. 2, 2005, at 8 p.m.Temple Sinai, 210 Wilson Ave.The entire Reform community is invited to this important lecture.

THE TORONTO JEWISH HEALING PROJECT

Rabbi Ed Elkin and Michelle Katz, EducatorWednesdays at 12.30 p.m. Nov. 2 to Dec. 7, 2005First Narayever Congregation 187 Brunswick Ave. (north of Harbord St.)This is a spiritual support group for those coping with physical illness or emotional despair. This six-week session is designed to provide sustenance for those seeking spiritual and emotional healing in a respectful com-munity. Cost: $50 (assistance available on request). To register, please call Etta Ginsberg McEwan, Co-ordinator, (416) 944-3359.

Holocaust Education WeekLIBERATOR AND LIBERATED: TWO PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES

Ronald Anderson and Mark Lane Mon. Nov. 7, 2005, at 6.30 p.m.Holy Blossom TempleRonald Anderson, a Holocaust liberator, and Mark Lane, a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau, will speak about their different perspectives of the Holocaust.

THE HEAR AND NOW CONCERT 2005Joshua NelsonSun. Dec. 4, 2005, at 7.30 p.m.Temple Sinai, 210 Wilson Ave.Join us for a rousing musical celebration, featuring Jewish gospel singer/songwriter Joshua Nelson. All proceeds from this concert will go to Camp George. Tickets are $36 for adults and $18 for children under 18 years. For details or to order tickets, call (416) 638-2635, or visit www.campgeorge.org.

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND

More than 25,000 have died after the recent powerful earthquake that struck South Asia. Foreign aid is urgently re-quired. To make a donation through the UJA Federation Earthquake Relief Fund (which fi nances the efforts of many Israeli relief organizations), please visit www.jewishtoronto.net, or call (416) 631-5700. You can also donate through Ve’ahavta, by visiting www.veahavta.org, or calling (416) 964-7698, ext. 13.

Attention SnowbirdsIf you are spending all or part of this winter outside of Canada, you may either: continue to receive your Bulletin at home, receive it at your winter address, or receive it as an e-mail attachment. To make a change in delivery, please call Shannon Tramer (ext. 227), at the Temple.


Our Congregational Family

10 Cheshvan 5766/Nov. 12, 2005 Samuel Daviau, son of Karine Krieger & Daniel Daviau

10 Cheshvan 5766/Nov. 12, 2005 Sarah Golvin, daughter of Judy Mayer-Golvin & Stuart Golvin

17 Cheshvan 5766/Nov. 19, 2005 Jared Allen, son of Rita & David Allen

17 Cheshvan 5766/Nov. 19, 2005Hayley Platt, daughter of Lucy Walker & Errol Platt

24 Cheshvan 5766/Nov. 19, 2005 Emily Kassie, daughter of Susan Harris &

David Kassie

24 Cheshvan 5766/Nov. 19, 2005Rachel Micay, daughter of Susan Baskin & Jack Micay

2 Kislev 5766/Dec. 3, 2005 Jacob Lipson, son of Jordana & Earl Lipson

Welcome to Our Temple Family

We would like to welcome to the following people to our Holy Blossom Temple family:

Tamara Krygier BaumDavid CohenAnne DiamentJoyce EpsteinSara & Patrick Handreke, and Henry and MaximilianYvette & Jordan Ison, and Chase, Task, Tahlo, Cruz, Rio and TiraVicki & Marc KestenbergSarah Kronick & Henry Erlichman, and Gabriella and EugeneLonia Krygier & Harry Baum, and Jason, Michael and DavidKeri & Shelley Levine, and IsabelMimi & Govind Menon, and RivaSandra Morch & Jason Baker, and Samuel, Naomi and WilliamPaula RochwergerKaren & Michael RotsteinJoanne & Ronald Schwarz, and Michael, David and DanielleRoberta & Richard SolEthel SolomonJoseph SoussanRoseanne & Paul SpiarRachel SpiarAlan SpiegelCarol Lou Spiegel Marla Spiegel & John DonahueJennifer Stulberg & John Adair

Mazal Tov

UJA Federation Shem Tov award winners: Debra Grobstein Campbell (New Israel Fund of Canada), Sarita Dotan (Holy Blossom Temple), Geoffrey Matus (Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care) and Frank Tizel (Jewish Camp Council of Toronto), who received these awards for their volunteer work.

Jodi Bager, on the publication of her new cookbook, Grain-free Gourmet.Anne Dublin, whose story, “This Ain't Graceland,” will appear in

Parchment 2005. Anne will read her story at the launch on Sun. Nov. 13, 2005, at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre.

Beny & Hope Maissner, on the birth of their fi rst granchild, Kaia Georgia Maissner, daughter of Tal & Hilary Maissner.

BirthsJamie Bearg & Daniel Pustil on the birth of their daughter Ella Paige

Pustil. Proud grandparents are Elyse & Kenny Bearg and Suzie & Steve Pustil. Proud great-grandparents are Annette & Syd Bearg, Fran Pustil and Lillian Weinstein.

Carolyn Offman & Neil Dankoff on the birth of their daughter Jordyn Leigh Dankoff, sister to Jack. Proud grandparents are

Tammy & Larry Dankoff and Penny & Martin Offman. Proud great-grandmother is Flora Ilovitch.

Owen & Nancy Duckman on the birth of their son Mitchell Duckman, brother to Julia and Allison. Proud grandparents are Sharon & Lloyd Duckman and Sandra & Lionel Waldman. Proud great-grandparents are Pearl Duckman and Dr. Sid Fogel.

Hailey Biback & Adam Kaftalovich on the birth of their son Noah Aubrey Kaftalovich. Proud grandparents are Frances & Warren Biback and Judie & Mark Kaftalovich. Proud great-grandmother is Tillie Paulin.

Haley & Josh Overland on the birth of their daughter Joey Faith Overland. Proud grandparents are Phyllis & Paul Bordo and Zelly Zuskind & Ken Overland.

B’nei Mitzvah


2 Kislev 5766/Dec. 3, 2005Shane Rosenberg, son of Ellen & Marvin Rosenberg

2 Kislev 5766/Dec. 3, 2005 Shane Rumack, son of Susan Yack & Eric

Rumack

Engagements/MarriagesJodi Charto, daughter of Vicki & Marvin Charto, and Mark

Alexander Smith, son of Lynne & Harold Smith, who were married in August 2005 in Montreal.

Samantha Fienberg, daughter of Mimi & Stanley Fienberg, and Mitchell Glickman, son of Sherry Mandell and Hersh Glickman, who will be married in summer 2006.

Joanna Gordon, daughter of Marcia & Barry Gordon, and Nikolas Perlus, son of Donna & Jon Perlus, who will be married this month. Proud grandparents are Naomi Bendon, Sybil & David Gordon and Vicki & Mervin Levinter.

Jodie Kaufman, daughter of Sue & Alan Kaufman, and Jamie Davis, son of Lynda & Ken Davis, who will be married in November 2006 in Michigan.

Elise Pulver, daughter of Marlene & Wayne Pulver, and Neal Dlin, son of Barbara Alexander & Neville Alexander and Moshe Dlin, who will be married in May 2006. Proud grandmother is Ida Shapiro.

Tova Rose, daughter of Judi & Larry Rose, and Daniel Cummings, son of Joanne & Richard Cummings, who will be married in May 2006. Proud grandparents are Norma Cummings, Elayne & Ted Gold, Esther Kates and Jean Rose.

Andrea Turner, daughter of Marsha & Mark Turner, and Matthew Sack, son of Barbara Francis and Marshall Sack, who will be married in June 2006.

Nicole Vlasblom, daughter of Debra & Jack Vlasblom, and Jonathan Davis, son of Lynda & Ken Davis, who were married July 2005.

In Memoriam

The congregation sympathizes with the recently bereaved families of:Irwin Borins, husband of Harriette Borins, father of Allan Borins and

Robynn JolliffeDr. Elie Cass, father of Dr. Charles Cass, David Cass and Paul Cass,

brother of Al Cass, Miriam Cass, Betty Heller and Zelda FinkSusan Daniels, mother of Anthony Daniels and Michael Daniels,

sister of Jean HaaseTillie Finn, sister of Bernard Feldman and Anne KerbelGerrie Spiegel, mother of Gay Spiegel, Marna Snitman and Shelly

SpiegelIsadore (Gus) Weinstein, husband of Lucy Weinstein, father of

Miriam Adams and Susan Gold, brother of Malca MarinFreda Zipursky, wife of Dr. Alvin Zipursky, mother of Ben Zipursky,

Larry Zipursky and Dr. Robert Zipursky, sister of Shirley Cohen*Inadvertently omitted from a previous Bulletin.

Memorial Plaques

Lights will be kindled in the Sanctuary, for seven days, starting the Saturday evening before the anniversary date, to mark the yahrzeit of the following:

Name DateMurray Pulver Sept. 20 *Fanny Borinsky Nov. 6Bernard Davis 6Jack Kamarner 6Frieda Schuster 6Bertha Eisen 7Bernard J. Persiko 7Bella Zweig 7Maurice Eisendrath 9Harry Goldstein 9Mary Krugel 9Norman Raitblat 9Morris Senderowitz 9Samuel Tile 9Asher Pritzker 10Fritz H. Warschauer 10Irvin Cohen 11Simon Fremes 11Nathan Yudashkin 11Sidney Isman 12Louis Saunders 12Lee Allen 13Louis Bernstein 13Max Finberg 13Hyman King 13Joseph King 13Jacob Kringold 13George Avery 14Joseph Banks 14Bessie Cohen 14Harry Leo Cowan 14Perce Cohen 15Israel Ginsburg 15Joseph Mayles 15Arthur Schipper 15Sylvia Seaton 15Etta Clara Winkler 15Victoria Levy 16Sam Ratkovich 16Elsie Bregman 17

Name DateAlice (Allie) Herman Nov. 17Adele Killen 17Barney Morris 17Herbert Hyman Sherman 17Carol Sprachman 17Clara Warsh 17Saul Stanley Wintraub 17David Appleby 18Eugene Gross 18Sydney Taube 18Harris Wineberg 18Edith Woodrow 18Sol Brown 19Victor Kent 19Phyllis Perlman 19Eva Sonja Simon 19Diane Hans Gillman 21Samuel Wolfe Silver 21Alex Bain 22Sol Eisen 22Rose Silverman 22Joseph Singer 22J. John Shulman 22David Fryfelt 23Jerry Solway 23Kathleen Stutz 23Joseph Crangle 24Boris Fox 24Queenie Singer Hennick 24Dora Beth Sternberg 24Mark Friedman 25Joseph C. Kardish 25Mark Marks 25Cecil Robert Croll QC 26Allan Joseph Fingerhut 26Jetty Geldzaeler 26Dorothy Horowitz 26Bess Weinstein 26Maurice Pollock 27Shaul Shabsay 27Bert Simonsky 27Frank Meisl 28Saul Sigal 28Frank Farber 29Harry Sugarman 29Sadie Cole 30Henry Dan 30Nell Foster 30Frank Godfrey 30Bessie Massey 30Harry Solway 30


To make a donation to any of our existing funds, please call the Foundation Offi ce, at (416) 789-3291, ext. 228, or you can now donate online by visiting www.holyblossom.org and choosing "Donate Now" from the menu.

To learn more about how you can support the Holy Blos som Tem ple Foundation, or to establish a new fund, please call Deborah Tameanko, at (416) 789-3291, ext. 228.

To make a donation to MAZON Canada, please call (416) 783-7554.

To make a donation to the Toronto Community Forest Fund, please call Sybil Gor don at (416) 489-5709.

We appreciate your supportHoly Blossom Temple appreciates all donations to our funds, how ev er due to rising costs, cards will only be sent for donations of $18 or more. We will con tin ue to rec og nize donations of $18 or more in the Bulletin.

We apologize but due to space constraints, not all do na tions will ap pear in the Bulletin issue closest to the date on which the con tri bu tion was made. Donations in this issue were received by Sept. 8, 2005.

Contacts for Donations

We thank our generous donors

Ruth Borden Memorial Youth Award FundBarry Borden, In Honour: Gloria Wunder

Cantor’s Music FundFela Schwartz, In Memory: Esther & Mel BargmanCantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Shanah Tova: Karen & Shelly Mandell and Family

Beverly Colman-Lokash Camp Scholarship FundFlorence Hertzman, Special Birthday: Beverly Colman-Lokash

Jean Fine Seniors FundHelen Freedman, Special Birthday: Sally & Ben JacobsonMorris Vigoda, Special Birthday: Anne & Arthur Freeman; Rosalyn & Saul Leese

Floral FundJared Marc Allen, Bar Mitzvah: Rita & David AllenJacob Lipson, Bar Mitzvah: Jordana & Earl LipsonRachel Micay, Bat Mitzvah: Susan Baskin & Jack MicayHayley Platt, Bat Mitzvah: Lucy Walker & Errol PlattJoshua Rosenkrantz, Bar Mitzvah: Patricia Nadeau & David Rosenkrantz

Gardner Family FundFlorence Hertzman, Special Birthday: Zita Gardner

Holy Blossom Temple FoundationMarjorie Baskin, In Memory: Roslyn & Albert Savage, and Naomi, Eli and DebbieJack Geller, Special Birthday: Susan & Barry Borden; Mary & Henry SeldonMorris Vigoda, Special Birthday: Mary & Henry Seldon

Isenberg Endowment FundRuth Borovitch, In Memory: Annette Fogel; Rose FogelRoy Waisberg, Special Birthday: Annette Fogel; Rose Fogel

Joan Kerbel Leadership Development FundJack Geller, Special Birthday: Gail & Gary GoodmanMorris Vigoda, Special Birthday: Gail & Gary Goodman

Library Book FundFlorence Hertzman, Special Birthday: Judy Jordan AustinNancy Sniderman, Yahrzeit: Barbara Sniderman

Dow and Fredzia Marmur Program for Educational ExcellenceLil & Max Cole, 65th Wedding Anniversary: Bernice & Yitz PencinerFredzia Marmur, Special Birthday: Sybil & David GordonMorris Vigoda, Special Birthday: Sybil & Jack Geller

Musical Legacy FundMatilda Bigio, In Honour: Sandi & Andy SchaferJack Geller, Special Birthday: Diana & Marvin GoodmanMatilda Bigio, In Honour: Jill Kamin & Murray Hart

Out of the ColdMilton Cohen, Speedy Recovery: Doreen NeissGunnar Funke, In Memory: Ann & Earl Bederman; Annalee & Brian Schnurr;

Vivienne & Arthur StevensKathy & Maurice Green, Happy Anniversary: Vivienne & Arthur StevensMaurice Green, Happy Birthday: Vivienne & Arthur StevensFlorence Hertzman, Special Birthday: Marla & Gordon Hertzman, and Zachary and YaelAlice Lieberman, Special Birthday: Judi & Mickey CohenRosemary & Gary Tile, Wedding Anniversary: Tina Urman & Carey Diamond; The Reich FamilyHenry Rogosin, In Memory: Eleanor & Hartley SteinbergMorris Vigoda, Special Birthday: Barbara Organ

Prayer Book FundSusan Hershfi eld, Yahrzeit: Janet Hershfi eld and FamilyFlorence Hertzman, Special Birthday: Phyllis & Morris Schwartz

Project TikvahFlorence & Harold Hertzman, Happy Anniversary: Judy Jordan AustinBarry Silver, Special Birthday: Judy Jordan Austin

Rabbis’ Discretionary FundRabbi John Moscowitz, Shanah Tova: Karen & Shelly Mandell and FamilyRabbi Yael Splansky, Shanah Tova: Karen & Shelly Mandell and FamilyRabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Ron Baker and Rachel and CarmenRabbi Jason Rosenberg, In Appreciation: The Family of Lillian Altman; Barbara

Steinberg & Lorne GladstoneRabbi Jason Rosenberg, Shanah Tova: Karen & Shelly Mandell and FamilyRabbi Edward Goldfarb, Shanah Tova: Karen & Shelly Mandell and Family

Ralph Roger Camp Scholarship FundLuba Geller, Special Birthday: Beverley Fine

Nancy Ruth Educational FundSam Ruth, Special Birthday: Judy Jordan Austin

Olsberg-Rutsatz FundJoan Berndt, Special Birthday: The Olsberg FamilyMrs. Hope & Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Mazal Tov: The Olsberg FamilyHilary Bigel & Tal Maissner, Mazal Tov: The Olsberg Family

Shacharit FundMax Kassel, Yahrzeit: Carol & William KasselViolet Kassel, Yahrzeit: Carol & William KasselStephanie Kessler, Yahrzeit: Harvey KesslerSaul Morris, In Memory: Myra & Danny KrangleWilliam Shuchat, In Memory: Joy Shuchat

Sisterhood Golden BookRobert Ehrlich, Happy Birthday: Hanna Shlesinger

Al & Dora Track Scholarship FundJack Geller, Special Birthday: Dora Track

Leonard Wolfe Educational FundAileen Applebaum, In Memory: Honey Wolfe

Youth AwardsAlice Lieberman, Special Birthday: Lorraine & Donald LoebMax Shilling, Bar Mitzvah: Carole & Howard GelfandGert Wossman, In Honour: Donna Robins


This month @ Holy Blossom November 2005Tishrei/Chesvan 5766

The Bulletin is published 11 times a year, between September and June, by Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K9. Telephone: (416) 789-3291; Fax: (416) 789-9697; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.holyblossom.org. Honorary Pres i dent: John A. Geller; President: Alan Garfi nkel; Senior Rabbi: John Moscowitz; Associate Rabbi: Yael Splansky; Assistant Rabbi: Jason Rosenberg; Rabbi: Edward Goldfarb; Cantor: Benjamin Z. Maissner; Director of Education: Bebe Jacobs; Interim Director of Education: Deborah Spiegel; Rabbi Emeritus: Dow Marmur; Senior Schol ar: Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut; Executive Director: Benjamin Applebaum; Holy Blossom Temple Foundation Chair: Judy Nyman; Bulletin Committee Chair: Richard Rotman; Bulletin Editor: Judy Nyman.

Design and Production: Holy Blossom Temple was found ed in 1856 and is af fi l i at ed with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism.

As dates and times may change without notice, please confi rm all information by calling the Temple – at any time – to access This Week @ Holy Blossom recording.

For Worship Services, please see page 2.

Tue. Nov. 1 29 Tishrei11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew

Wed. Nov. 2 30 Tishrei9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study10.30 a.m. The Yiddish Novel10.30 a.m. Jewish Meditation, with Michelle Katz Blumenthal12 p.m. Lunch and Learn in Retirement, with Larry Gordon6.30 p.m. Beginners Hebrew7 p.m. Bereavement Support Group7.30 p.m. God in Search of Man, with Rabbi Jason Rosenberg8 p.m. Custody: The Vatican and Jewish Children after the Holocaust, with Prof. Michael Marrus

Thur. Nov. 3 1 Cheshvan10.30 a.m. A Taste of Talmud with Rabbi Dow Marmur7.30 p.m. Jewish Literary Classics, with Rabbi Bernard Baskin

Fri. Nov. 4 2 Cheshvan6 p.m. Tot Shabbat Service and Dinner

Sat. Nov. 5 3 Cheshvan9 a.m. Torah Study

Sun. Nov. 6 4 Cheshvan9 a.m. Grade 6 Parent/Student Program9 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast Club, with Aluf Benn

Mon. Nov. 7 5 Cheshvan10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew8 p.m. W. Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award Presentation

Tue. Nov. 8 6 Cheshvan9.30 a.m. Exploring the Jewish Character in Literature, with Cynthia Good11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew8 p.m. The View from Israel, with Yossi Klein Halevi

Wed. Nov. 9 7 Cheshvan9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study10.30 a.m. The Yiddish Novel10.30 a.m. Jewish Meditation, with Michelle Katz Blumenthal6.30 p.m. Beginners Hebrew7 p.m. Bereavement Support Group7.30 p.m. God in Search of Man, with Rabbi Jason Rosenberg8 p.m. My Story: The Fence, with Alexandre Trudeau

Thur. Nov. 10 8 Cheshvan10.30 a.m. A Taste of Talmud, with Rabbi Dow Marmur7.30 p.m. Jewish Literary Classics, with Rabbi Bernard Baskin


Mon. Nov. 14 12 Cheshvan10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Rena Arshinoff6.30 p.m. Grade 7 Parent/Student Program7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew7.30 p.m. The Israel Seminar, with Rabbis Moscowitz and Goldfarb

Tue. Nov. 15 13 Cheshvan9.30 a.m. Exploring the Jewish Character in Literature, with Cynthia Good11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew7 p.m. Fine Arts Reception, with Eva Nicholls7.30 p.m. Family Programming's Moms' Night

Wed. Nov. 16 14 Cheshvan9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study10.30 a.m. The Yiddish Novel10.30 a.m. Jewish Meditation, with Michelle Katz Blumenthal12 p.m. Lunch and Learn in Retirement, with Doug Haddow6.30 p.m. Beginners Hebrew7 p.m. Bereavement Support Group7.30 p.m. God in Search of Man, with Rabbi Jason Rosenberg8 p.m. Different Views from Washington, with Christopher Hitchens

Thur. Nov. 17 15 Cheshvan10.30 a.m. A Taste of Talmud, with Rabbi Dow Marmur


Sun. Nov. 20 18 Cheshvan9 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast Club, with Rabbi Dow Marmur

Mon. Nov. 21 19 Cheshvan10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Dr. Norman Epstein10 a.m. Library Book Club, with Ken Skolnik 7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew7.30 p.m. The Israel Seminar, with Rabbis Moscowitz and Goldfarb8 p.m. Cautionary Tales, with Samantha Power

Tue. Nov. 22 20 Cheshvan9.30 a.m. Exploring the Jewish Character in Literature, with Cynthia Good11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew

Wed. Nov. 23 21 Cheshvan9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study10.30 a.m. The Yiddish Novel10.30 a.m. Jewish Meditation, with Michelle Katz Blumenthal6.30 p.m. Beginners Hebrew7 p.m. Bereavement Support Group7.30 p.m. God in Search of Man, with Rabbi Jason Rosenberg7.30 p.m. What Every Jew Should Know about Islam, with Atif Khalil

Thur. Nov. 24 22 Cheshvan10.30 a.m. A Taste of Talmud, with Rabbi Dow Marmur


Sun. Nov. 27 25 Cheshvan10 a.m. Annual General Meeting

Mon. Nov. 28 26 Cheshvan 10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Susan Jackson7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew7.30 p.m. The Israel Seminar, with Rabbis Moscowitz and Goldfarb

Tue. Nov. 29 27 Cheshvan9.30 a.m. Exploring the Jewish Character in Literature, with Cynthia Good11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew

Wed. Nov. 30 28 Cheshvan9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study10.30 a.m. The Yiddish Novel10.30 a.m. Jewish Meditation, with Michelle Katz Blumenthal6.30 p.m. Beginners Hebrew7 p.m. Bereavement Support Group7.30 p.m. God in Search of Man, with Rabbi Jason Rosenberg7.30 p.m. What Every Jew Should Know about Islam, with Atif Khalil


1950 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON M5P 3K9

Canada PostPublications Mail

Sales Agreement No. 40063407

Last Wordby Rabbi Jason Rosenberg

Why do we pray

Why do we pray? For as long as Jews have prayed together, most of us have wondered what the goal of prayer is. I

don’t believe in prayer as literal supplica-tion — that if I ask for something hard enough, God will give it to me. So, then, why pray? Our tradition offers us myriad answers to this important question.

Some would say that we pray because it’s commanded of us. Just doing what we’re supposed to is enough; we don’t need any other benefi t. Some would say that it’s essentially a social act — it’s what Jews do together, and the deeper mean-

ing is in the connection we make with each other. Others say that prayer is actu-ally a mantra — something to keep our rational minds busy so other parts of us can fi nd expression.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel offers another explanation. He says that prayer is a discipline, meant to change the way in which we see the world. To Rabbi Heschel, all religion is under-girded by a sense of awe. We have to learn to be in awe of the universe in order to take our fi rst steps towards a relationship with God. And so, prayer is meant to sensitize us to the wonder that exists around us. We say a blessing over bread, not to make it holy, but rather to remind ourselves how wondrous it is that a seed, dirt and water can eventually lead to a tasty loaf. We say a blessing when we see a rainbow, not to prove to God that we remember

the covenant, but to remind ourselves how truly miraculous even this small event can be. We come together to pray that God is One, not to defeat pagans, but to remind ourselves how great that Oneness is, and how small we are in comparison.

But, the trick then is to realize that just saying the words of prayer isn’t the same thing as praying. Praying has to be a pur-poseful, serious refl ection on our prayers, as we say them. They don’t work by magic — expecting to feel closer to God because I utter the words of the Sh’ma is like ex-pecting to be clean because I bought a bar of soap. Soap must be used properly to keep us clean; prayer must be engaged in seriously to have meaning.

Did you fi nd this teaching interesting? Join Rabbi Rosenberg for a full course on Heschel! For more details, please see page 9.

a new outreach program

Rabbi Yael Splansky will lead an interactive, text-based monthly discussion as part of an outreach initiative. Enjoy the company of women who span the generations, while studying what makes each month of the Jewish calendar unique. Celebrate Rosh Chodesh, which, according to tradition, was God’s gift to women. Dessert and coffee will be served. Bring a friend.

Cheshvan – Wed. Nov. 2, 2005Kislev – Thur. Dec. 1, 2005Shevat – Mon. Jan 30, 2006Adar – Tue. Feb. 28, 2006Nisan – Wed. Mar. 29, 2006Iyar – Thur. Apr. 27, 2006Sivan – Mon. May 29, 2006

Rabbi Yael SplanskyMiles Nadal Jewish Community Centre (Bloor and Spadina), at 8 p.m.

Rosh Chodesh celebration and studyRosh Chodesh celebration and study

2005_november

Documents

tot shabbat

kabbalat shabbat servicesat

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family shabbat serviceplease

shabbat morning services

congregational family

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