2010_february

Holy Blossom Temple BulletinFebruary 2010| Shevat/Adar 5770

Worship: Ties to our living historyAmong the reasons why I choose to worship on a regular basis is my personal choice to fulfill the obliga-tion to do so, as well as my desire to thank and praise God. There are others.

We live in a frenetic world beset with difficult realities and within which all manner of things must (ostensibly) be dealt with immedi-ately. Attending Services gives me an opportunity to put things into perspective and to reflect.

Moreover, it provides — however briefly — a temporary escape from the external furor and allows me to forget an outside world that is all too often consumed by trivialities.

G e n e r AT i o n S o F j e W SA few years ago, I attended part of a Shabbat Service at Prague’s 750-year-

old Altneushul. In this syna-

gogue, the women’s

section is small and

confining. It would not be my syna-gogue of choice if I lived in Prague, but for those few moments, I found it very moving and somehow sensed the presence of countless generations of Jews who had prayed there and with whom we are inexorably linked.

What I experienced is an example of the bond I am aware of when worshipping; a bond to those who have gone before and to those yet unborn. Each of us stands in the long line of our people — a line that began with Abraham and Sarah and that will continue, God willing — for all eternity.

l i v i n G h i S T o r ySuch thoughts inevitably lead me to feelings of responsibility. When my grandmother left Poland for England in 1920, among the things she took with her was a machzor. Each year, before the High Holy Days, I take a moment to look at it. It is a reminder that we do not live in generational isolation, but are part of a living history and tradition we should be very proud of and have a responsi-bility to uphold and pass on.

n e W S i d d u rLater this year, our new prayer book — Siddur Pirchei Kodesh — will be published, and over the coming months you will hear more from our rabbis about this historic event in the life of Holy Blossom Temple.

My personal hope is that this siddur will help each of us strengthen our connection to the rich tradition of our people and, together with worship and ritual, be a vehicle through which we can pass that tradition on to our children and grandchildren.

— Sarita DotanChair, Department of Worship

[email protected]

Siddur Pirchei Kodesh

Holy Blossom’s newprayer book to be launched in the fall

2 w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g

For more details about Holy Blossom Temple programming or events, or to confirm information, call (416) 789-3291 or

and

The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple generously supports many of these programs.

Life at Holy Blossom

M o n d Ay S

Mondays @ the Temple 10 a.m. | Rabbi Michael Stroh Feb. 22 | Annual Purim Party Mar. 1 | Dan Aronchick Mar. 8 |

Paula Warren and Ellen Karabanow Mar. 15 | Dr. Lauren Zelig Mar. 22

T u e S d Ay S

Brotherhood Photography Group 7.30 p.m. Feb. 16 and Mar. 23

W e d n e S d Ay S

Sisterhood Torah Study 9.30 a.m. | Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

The Yiddish Novel 11 a.m. | Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah 2009-2011 7.15 p.m.

Brotherhood Study Group: Pirkei Avot 7.30 pm. | Rabbi Michael Stroh, Mar. 3 to Apr. 7

Holocaust Responsa Literature 7.30 p.m. | Rabbi Karen Thomashow, Mar. 24

Bereavement Support Group 7 p.m. Apr. 14 to May 5, to register call ext. 246

T h u r S d Ay S

Beyond the Chuppah 7.30 p.m. | David & Eileen Berger, and Rabbi Yael Splansky Feb. 4 to Mar. 4, for details call ext. 246

Mussar — What Makes Life Jewish? 7.30 p.m. | Rabbi Chaim Strauchler Feb. 18 | Rachael Turkienicz Mar. 4

F r i d Ay S

Little Blossoms 9.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. Apr. 9 to June 25, for details call ext. 227

S AT u r d Ay S

Shabbat Torah Study 9 a.m. | Rabbi John Moscowitz

Jewish Spiritual Direction after kiddush | Michelle Katz Feb. 20 and Mar. 20, registration required

Havdallah Sports Night 6 p.m. Feb. 20

S u n d Ay S

Learning Liturgy through Singing Jewish Music 10 a.m. | Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner

Brotherhood Breakfast Club 9.30 a.m. | Sam Pikelin Feb. 14

YEAH: Pottery Painting for Passover 12.15 p.m. Mar. 7

Brotherhood Breakfast Club 9.30 a.m | Irene Borins Ash Mar. 14

Sunday Book Club 10.30 a.m. | Sharon Singer Mar. 21,Temple members only

F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 | S h e v a t / A d a r 5 7 7 0 3

Purim and its meaning | In Perspective

by rabbi john [email protected]

The Bulletin is published throughout the year by Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K9. Telephone: (416) 789-3291; Fax: (416) 789-9697; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.holyblossom.org. Honorary President: John A. Geller; President: Larry Babins; Rabbis: John Moscowitz; Yael Splansky; Karen Thomashow; Edward Goldfarb; Cantor: Benjamin Z. Maissner; Cantorial Soloist: Lindi Rivers; Director of Education: Deborah K. Spiegel; Rabbi Emeritus: Dow Marmur; Senior Scholar: W. Gunther Plaut; Executive Director: Benjamin Applebaum; Holy Blossom Temple Foundation Chair: Elliott Jacobson; Director of Development: Adele Sacks; Bulletin Editor: Judy Nyman; Design and Production: nymanink.concepts that click

Holy Blossom Temple was founded in 1856 and is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism.

Worship

d A i ly S e r v i c e SMonday to Friday at 7.30 a.m. Shacharit | Monday to Thursday at 6 p.m. Ma’ariv | Sunday at 9 a.m. ShacharitOn Mon. Feb. 15, the Shacharit Service will be held at 9 a.m.

S h A b b AT S e r v i c e SFriday at 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat | Saturday at 10.30 a.m. Shabbat Morning and Family ShabbatTot Shabbat will be held on Fridays, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., Feb.19 at 5.30 p.m., Mar. 5 at 6 p.m. and Mar. 19 at 5.30 p.m. Shabbat Fusion will be held on Fridays, Feb. 26 and Mar. 26 at 6.30 p.m.

The best chroniclers and interpreters of Jewish history are those who accom-modate themselves to this peculiarity: Judaism — specifically, Sacred Scripture — possesses a primal obsession with history, while expressing minimal interest in the recording of specific events.

Very little interest in such things! Because history is not for the purpose of chronicling what happens, but rather to remember God’s salvific acts.

History, as Sacred Scripture views it, and as classical Judaism affirms, is about what God does — what Gods does to help Jews prevail, to learn, to know how to serve God. Sacred history, then, is more about what God does — than what Jews do.

One example intimately bound up with Purim: Once the Israelites depart Egypt, and make their way through the parted sea and toward the Land — just then they are taken by surprise, attacked from behind by the Amalikites.

Amalek, the arch-enemy, said to be the ancestor of Haman, strikes in cold fury — yet, to no avail. Led by

Moses, Joshua and Hur, the Israelites prevail against their attackers. What is less familiar is what happens next. The text reads: “And then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this (that is, this episode with Amalek) in a sefer (book) as a Zicharon (reminder); and (afterwards) read it aloud to Joshua. I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under Heaven’” (Exodus 17:14).

What is remarkable here is that this is the first time the Bible makes mention of recording, of writing something in a document. So why this, and why here?

The answer is clear: What happened with the Amalikites will happen again and, unfortunately, again. The memory of Amalek may be blotted out, but his deeds are to be recorded and remem-bered because they will happen again.

Still, there is more here than the recording of these events. Moses is also told to express God’s fury over Amalek to Joshua — to say it out loud to make certain Joshua hears and absorbs it.

Would not the recording of the Book have proven sufficient? No. There is an emotional dimension, a charge to the verbal that the written cannot capture.

It is the emotional, the verbal, the personal element of religion — trans-mitted from teacher to student, parent to child, one generation to the next

— which best conveys Scripture’s approach to history: Remember what God has done because God is a redeeming God.

The Rabbis, in turn, will then ever so slightly change this to: Remember what God has done — because God will continue to do the same — if you study, worship and observe.

In short, the Rabbis taught that history (in the religious sense of the word) was to be relived, and God’s salvific power made real again, through Torah, through prayer, ritual and good deeds.

This is the Rabbis at their best, and Judaism at its most essen-tial: We really do learn Torah and observe and pray and serve others to recognize (when it’s unfortu-nately necessary) the power and the reality of an Amalek. And, we do these things no less — in fact, much more — to know and acknowledge the power of God.

So at the end of this month, come let us celebrate Purim together — in frivolity and in fun, but also in serious recognition of God’s saving power and the reality of human nature.


Social Action in actiondid you know that the Lawrence Heights community, which lies just northwest of Holy Blossom Temple, has a high school drop-out rate of 43 percent? Students in this area are plagued by numerous socio-economic challenges that make success in school a difficult task.

In 2007, Pathways to Education, a charitable organization that provides tutoring and mentoring to these at-risk students, arrived at Lawrence Heights to great success. Holy Blossom Temple members later began volunteering as tutors.

As a weekly tutor for this program, I work once a week, tutoring students in Grades 9 through 12 in English and various Social Sciences.

In my first week, I spent an hour helping a young woman named Yoddit study for a geography test. While I’ve long forgotten the content (the farming, fishing and forestry industries of Canada) since my own years in high school, my studying techniques came in handy. The next week, Yoddit informed me that she received 92 percent on her test. How rewarding for us both.

The Pathways to Education program is an excellent way for Temple members to contribute to the community in which we live and a great exercise in interfaith relations, as many of the students are Muslim.

For more information on volunteering as a tutor with the Pathways to Education program, please email me.

In addition to increasing member involvement in the Pathways to Education program, the Social Action Committee has a number of goals for 2010, including: supporting Free The Children’s initia-tive to build the first girls’ high school in Kenya; advocating to end the genocide in Darfur; and supporting asylum seekers from Africa in Israel.

If you would like to get involved with our Social Action Committee, please email our Committee Co-Chairs: Gordon Arbess at [email protected] or Gerri Richman at [email protected].

— Rachel Sommers,Member, Social Action Committee

[email protected].

Holy Blossom Temple goes to KenyaSun. June 27 to Thur. July 8, 2010

In today’s global village, we can fulfill the mitzvah to “love your neighbour as yourself” by doing our part to care for and strengthen our neighbours in Africa.

Led by Rabbi Yael Splansky and the Temple’s Director of Education, Debbie Spiegel, our upcoming trip to Africa will offer a teen track and a simultaneous adult/family track trip. Together we will help build a high school for girls and come to know the natural beauty of Africa and the dignity of her people. Carry the energy of the Kielburger brothers and our recent Social Action Marketplace on Africa into the good work ahead of us!

Trip highlights:

• Build a high school for girls — the first of its kind in Kenya

• Learn about education, clean water, health and alternative income initiatives in a hands-on way

• Spend time with the mamas who run their villages • Learn the ways of the Maasai warriors and the tribal

leaders • Take part in Shabbat on the Savannah and learning

sessions to put humanitarianism in a Jewish context • Enjoy a two-and-a-half-day safari

For more details about our trip, please email Temple member Mary Elliott at [email protected].

Photograph courtesy of Free the Children


Congregational Purim Celebrations

Sat. Feb. 27, 20106.30 p.m. Teen Purim — Eisendrath AuditoriumMegillah Reading followed by a teen carnival. Dinner and prizes, jousting and the like. Admission: One canned good.

7.30 p.m. Havdallah, Adult Megillah Reading and a Schpiel Short — Main SanctuaryAdmission: Open to entire adult congregation. No charge. 8.30 p.m. An Evening in Shushan: A Gala Purim Party — Philip Smith Congregational Hall One very special evening featuring the After Midnight Band, the magic of Scott Hammell, Belly Beautiful belly dancers, tapas, drinks, a silent auction and more. Gala admission: $118.

Sun. Feb. 28, 2010

11 a.m. Family Megillah Reading — Main Sanctuary For those families with children aged 12 and younger. Come in costume and ready to participate.

12 p.m. Family Purim Carnival — Philip Smith Congregational HallCarnival games, prizes, food for sale.Admission: members $5; non-member guests $8.To volunteer to help with the Carnival, please call the main office.

Erev PesachMon. Mar. 29, at 6 p.m.

First Day PesachTue. Mar. 30, at 10 a.m.With songs of Hallel, we will celebrate our freedom. There will be creative-learning programs for children younger than age 13 and a festive kiddush for all.

Holy Chag! PesachTue. Mar. 30, at 10 a.m. Students from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6 are invited to join us for a day of yom tov programming. This exciting day will include tefillah, lunch, learning, games, music, art, festival food and a goody bag to take home! Cost: $18 for members; $36 for non-member guests. Subsidies are available. For more details and to register, please call Lisa Isen-Baumal (ext. 242), at the Temple. We are also looking for students in Grades 7 to 12 to be counsellors.

Erev Seventh Day PesachSun. Apr. 4, at 6 p.m.

Seventh Day Pesach/YizkorMon. Apr. 5, at 10 a.m.We will conclude the holiday together while remembering loved ones whose absence is felt at the seder table and every day. Following the Service, join us for a festive kiddush.

Pesach 2010/5770


We’re keeping the PST | Our Schools

you may have heard that our govern-ment in Ontario is doing away with the Provincial Sales Tax. We at Holy Blossom Religious School say no way and are keeping the PST.

Each week at Religious School, we actually begin our day with the PST: Parasha, Shabbat and Tzedakah. Each class, at every level, discusses these three things: the upcoming Torah portion of the week (parasha), what happened over Shabbat at home and why we give and donate a little to our tzedakah funds. It is a wonderful way of bringing these three basic elements of Jewish life to our students.

How can we again bring a bit of what we do in school home and make it real? How can you get involved? Each week,

through my newsletter, I send a short summary of the Torah portion for you to discuss at home. This is something that is easily accessible to you and your chil-dren. I recommend that you bring this to your Shabbat table, or try to find one family dinnertime during the week where you can have this discussion. There is always something in the parasha that is relevant to you and your children, and it does not matter what time of the week it is discussed. Try to bring this home.

Shabbat is a very special day. It is the one day of the week where you, as a parent, can make a huge difference within your family. We always say that making Shabbat at home is not difficult; just do it in baby steps, one small change at a time, and each change will make a difference.

Each Shabbat experience at home is a celebration in Religious School. Some suggestions include: doing something as a family — have dinner, go to shul, turn

Grade 2 Religious School students display mezzuzot that they made at a Family Education program.

(left to right) Charlie Rosenberg, Jonathan Micay, Tony Rosenberg and Ethan Faulk enjoy their Grade 7 retreat last fall.

Grades 3 to 6 students present their donation toward the restoration of Holy Blossom Temple’s Rose Window.

off the computer or television — and there are so many other ideas. Let your child share one of your ideas with his or her class next session.

Tzedakah is our third weekly initia-tive. This year, as a school, we have embarked on many important tzedakah projects. In Senior School, Free The Children is one of our pet projects. In Lower School, in addition to each class choosing an individual project, we are also collecting funds for school scholar-ships. Our end-of-the-year art show is our major contributor to that project. No child will ever be turned away at Holy Blossom because of financial difficulty.

We encourage our students to contribute from their own money to our weekly tzedakah initiative. To date, including our fantastic showing for the Rose Window project, we have collected more than $700 this year. Kol ha’kovod to our students, and we look forward to their continued successes.

by debbie SpiegelDirector of Education

[email protected]


holy blossom is the place for young families

Family Mitzvah Day, May 2009

Purim Carnival, April 2008 Shabbat in the Hood, August 2009

There’s a buzz in the community about all the great things we have to offer young children and their parents. From our creative and interactive Family Services, to our Schools, to our family-centred events and programs, our halls are filled with youngsters, their parents and their grandparents. So why not let your shul shopping friends and family see what they’re missing by inviting them to join you for one or all of our kid-friendly Services and programs at the Temple. You can even tear out this article and pass it along.

Interactive Shabbat Worship — On the first and third Friday of each month, we offer Tot Shabbat Services for children aged five years and younger and their families. We welcome Shabbat with prayer, song, stories and crafts. The children love reciting blessings with the rabbi, and the parents love the monthly potluck dinner. Those who graduate from Tot Shabbat are encouraged to join us for Hot Shot Shabbat, a child-friendly version of the congregational

Shabbat Service. And every Saturday at 10.30 a.m., during the school year, we have our very popular Family Services, followed by a kiddush lunch where young families can eat and schmooze.

Little Blossoms — Our newest Shabbat program, for infants and toddlers (and their parents or grand-parents), is a great introduction to all Holy Blossom has to offer. On Friday mornings, adults and kiddies prepare for Shabbat with music, movement, stories and just plain fun. The class is a perfect lead-in to our Pre-School.

Festivals — Young families always have a special place at festival times. Whether it’s decorating the Sukkah, dancing with the flag at Simchat Torah, lighting Chanukah candles at our annual celebration or trying their luck at our Purim carnival, Holy Blossom is the place to be. On the High Holy Days, we have a special Worship Service for chil-dren five years and younger (in addition to our Family Services).

And much, much more — Throughout the year, young families are invited to join us for programs ranging from skating to holiday cooking to theatre and more. Our spring Family Mitzvah Day, co-sponsored by the Leo Baeck Day School, is a wonderful opportunity for your family to perform mitzvot together. Family Camp helps you create memories, while enjoying outdoor activities. And Shabbat in the Hood last year drew more than 100 families who enjoyed bouncy castles, crafts, and a visit from Dora and Diego. Don’t forget to hold Sun. May 2, 2010 for our first-ever “Lag Ba’Omer Picnic in the Park(ing lot)” where we’ll enjoy food, arts and crafts, and games for kids of all ages, as well as hear about what our Religious School and Pre-School have to offer.

If you would like more information on any of our family programs, please email me.

— Shannon Tramer, Director of Membership

[email protected]


intergenerational chanukah celebration 2009

Tamara and Tristan Hunter

Amanda Dixon (top left) and her family and friends

Ezra Strauss (left) and Yaniv Cohen

Getting ready for Chanukah

The Himel and Lissaman Family

Dr. Laurence Coleman and his granddaughter

(left to right) Rabbi Yael Splanksy, Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers and Rabbi Karen Thomashow

Mitchell Goldenthal and his mother Cheryl-Anne Cait


Our Congregational Family

Mazal Tov

Bernard S. Goldman, cm, on his appoint-ment as a Member of the Order of Canada, for his contributions to the field of cardiac surgery, as well as to the advancement of cardiac care in Ontario.

Dr. Brian Hands, on the publication of his first book, Finding Your Voice.

Elizabeth Wolfe, on her recent election as Senior Vice Chair of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

b i r T h S

Michelle Lynn & Stive Sachs, on the birth of a daughter, Hazel.

Charlotte & Samuel Schwartz, on the birth of a grandson, Saul Meyer Biro, son of Dina Schwartz & Elliot Biro. Other proud grandparents are Sharon & John Biro. Proud great-grandmothers are Eva Halasz and Rose Lieberman.

Ilyse Lustig & Ted Margel, on the birth of a daughter, Daisy Leigh Margel, sister to Charlie. Proud grandparents are Jill & Ben Lustig and Ruth & Harvey Margel.

Susan & Michael Sole, on the birth of twin grandsons, Tobias Simon Sole Pliamm and Max Baltasar Sole Pliamm, sons of Lesley Sole & Lew Pliamm. Other proud grandparents are Sara & Joseph Pliamm. Proud great-grandmothers are Sheina Gillman, Billie Samuels and Lillian Sole.

Mari Lynn Rusak, on the birth of a grand-daughter, Julia Fay Rusak, daughter of Debra Lovinsky & Howard Rusak. Other proud grandparents are Kolman and Marlene Lovinsky.

Alana & Ady Steen, on the birth of a son, Ethan Jacob Steen. Proud grandparents are Karen & Yoel Abells and Sylvie & Willie Steen. Great-grandparents are Dafna & David Abells, Mary & Henry Seldon, Hannah Blobstein and Eti Kramer.

Courtney & Steven Weiner, on the birth of a son, Brady Davis Weiner, brother to Paige and Aubrey. Proud grandparents are Judith & Uriel Priwes, Miriam Weiner and Gerry Weiner.

22 Shevat 5770/Feb. 6, 2010Jonathan Lieberman, son of Lori & David Lieberman

29 Shevat 5770/Feb. 13, 2010David Cash, son of Ofra Harnoy & Robert Cash

6 Adar 5770/Feb. 20, 2010Sydney Greenberg, daughter of Margot & David Greenberg

11 Adar 5770/Feb. 25, 2010Zachary Blonder, son of Bonnie & Neil Blonder

13 Adar 5770/Feb. 27, 2010Ben Basian, son of Marta & Jay Basian

20 Adar 5770/Mar. 6, 2010Sonya Ben-Ishai, daughter of Rhonda Wilansky & Israel Ben-Ishai

20 Adar 5770/Mar. 6, 2010Aden Solway, son of Gayle Ackler & Stuart Solway

27 Adar 5770/Mar. 13, 2010Lana Rosenberg, daughter of Ellen & Marvin Rosenberg

27 Adar 5770/Mar. 13, 2010Lauren Wintraub, daughter of Brenda Cowan & Jay Wintraub

b ’ n e i M i T z v A h

e n G A G e M e n T S

Shelly Berenbaum & Chuck Litman, on the engagement of their daughter, Marni Berenbaum to Ran Shoham, son of Franklina & Gideon Shoham.

Jane & Robert Herman, on the engagement of their daughter, Meredith Herman to Dr. Joshua Landy, son of Janice and Keith Landy.

In Memoriam

The congregation sympathizes with the recently bereaved families of:

Michelle Bender, daughter of Miriam Rubin, sister of Heidi Ort, Adam Bender, Perri Blachowitz and Emma Aiken-Klar

Edward Bien, father of Elissa Fingold and Joshua Bien, brother of Yolanda Bien

Stanley Blonder, husband of Cynthia Blonder, father of Neil Blonder, Laurie Cohen and Marcie Gurr

Lynne Burnstein, daughter of Frances Goodman, sister of Mel Goodman and Elaine Goodman, mother of Michelle Zaltman, Penny Bernstein and Tracy Black

Beverley Colman-Lokash, mother of Laurence Colman, Deborah Colman and Caryn Colman, sister of Phyllis Spivak and Sheldon Biback

Goldie Yarmouth Cooper, mother of Dorothy Aaron and Linda Yarmouth,

sister of Miriam RothsteinRifca Dembo, mother of Ron Dembo and

Sharon Dembo

3 Nisan 5770/Mar. 18, 2010Austin Fisher, son of Karen & Dean Fisher

5 Nisan 5770/Mar. 20, 2010Bessie Cassidy, daughter of Suzanne Hersh & Mark Cassidy

intergenerational chanukah celebration 2009


Arnold Epstein, husband of Madeleine Epstein, father of Merryl Epstein and Susan Epstein

Louis Fishbayn, husband of Dorothy Fishbayn, father of Randy Fishbayn, Steven Fishbayn and Lisa Joffee, brother of Saul Fishbein and Harold Fishbein

Toby Frankel, mother of Harriett Blackstein, Heather Shapero and David Frankel, sister of Tillie Margolis

Claire Hunter, mother of John Hunter, Cameron Hunter, Glen Hunter and Geoff Hunter, sister of Marilyn Barry and Lawrence Barry

Philip Mosoff, husband of Helen Mosoff, father of Merna Glowinski and Fern Mosoff

Esther (Buddy) Rotenberg, mother of Donna Levine

Rabbi Richard (Dick) Sobel, husband of Elaine Sobel, father of Rabbi Sharon Sobel, Isaac Sobel, David Sobel, Michael Sobel, Ari Sobel and Naomi Marks, brother of Judy Sobel and Peter Sobel

Gisela Sigler, wife of Gerry Sigler, mother of Janet Ryval and Nikki Sigler, sister of Marianne Rosthal

Beth Sky, mother of Florence Pape and Linda Grossman

Louis Swartz, husband of Florence Swartz, father of Judi Swartz, Rona Armel and Lynda White

Margery Winkler, wife of Vladimir Winkler, mother of Alexandra, Michael and Jaclyn, daughter of Doris Weinberg, sister of Susan Witonsky

We thank our generous donors

W i l l i A M A n S h A n yo u T h A W A r d e n d o W M e n T

F u n d

Heather Crawford & Lawrence Ritchie, Mazal Tov:

Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan

Jordanna & Earl Lipson, Mazal Tov: Brenda Spiegler

& Mark S. Anshan

Harold Nashman, In Honour: Jean Anshan

Frances Ross, In Memory: Jean Anshan

K A r l b A l d yo u T h A W A r d e n d o W M e n T F u n d

Diane Bald, In Honour: Jody & Jerry Golden

b A r r y & S u S A n b o r d e n F u n d

Lynne Burnstein, In Memory: Susan & Barry Borden

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Susan & Barry Borden

r u T h b o r d e n M e M o r i A l F u n d

Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Harvey

Borden and Family

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Harvey Borden

b r o T h e r h o o d M i T z v A h F u n d

Joseph Brott, In Memory: Joy Rosen & Larry

Freedman

b e v e r l e y c o l M A n - lo K A S h S c h o l A r S h i P

F u n d

Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Pam Albert

and Family; Sandy & Gordon Atlin; Glenda

& Harold Bocknek; Marilyn Brown; Diana &

Marvin Goodman; Gail & Gary Goodman; Edith

Kirzner; Ruth Levine; Helen Lyon; Nancy Ruth;

Sandra Shiner & Bernard Berger; Annalee & Brian

Schnurr; Gert Wise; Henrietta Chesnie

d A n S o n FA M i ly c A M P S c h o l A r S h i P F u n d

Bert Danson, In Memory: Mark Miller

Theodora Danson, In Honour: Marilyn Farber;

Helen Glazer; Estelle & Irv Liss; Marjorie & Sydney

Rosenfield; Helen Tizel; Janie & Frank Tizel

e A r l A n d M A r i ly n d A n S o n FA r b e r

e n d o W M e n T F u n d

Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Marilyn

Farber

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Marilyn Farber

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Speedy Recovery:

Marilyn Farber

j e A n F i n e S e n i o r S F u n d

Nicole Kozloff & Aaron Drucker, In Honour: Shirley

& Marvin Latchman

Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Sheila & Robert Smolkin

F lo r A l F u n d

Max Kopstein, Bar Mitzvah: Simone Chambers &

Jeffrey Kopstein

Jordana Lyons, Bat Mitzvah: Lyons Family

Noah Mandel, Bar Mitzvah: Michele Mandel

David Cash, Bar Mitzvah: Ofra Harnoy & Robert

Cash

Jonathan Lieberman, Bar Mitzvah: Lori & David

Lieberman

Jonah Wengle, Bar Mitzvah: Sharonah Masson

Wengle & Danny Wengle

Lana Rosenberg, Bat Mitzvah: Ellen & Marvin

Rosenberg

G A r d n e r FA M i ly F u n d

Zita Gardner, Happy Chanukah: Gillian & David

Rosenberg and Family

Rose Hertzman, In Memory: Zita Gardner

G A r F i n K e l FA M i ly F u n d

Abells and Seldon Families, Mazal Tov: Randi & Alan

Garfinkel

Bernice Palef, In Memory: Randi & Alan Garfinkel

Brenda & Fred Saunders, In Honour: Randi & Alan

Garfinkel

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Randi & Alan

Garfinkel

G e n e r AT i o n א F u n d

Donna Habsha & Mark Weinstock, In Appreciation:

Lisa Rosen

Bianca Israeli, In Memory: Cheryl Rosen & Daniel

Drucker

r A b b i e d W A r d & FA G i G o l d FA r b F u n d F o r

j e W i S h l i T e r A c y

Eric Klein, In Honour: Mira Goldfarb & Adam

Berkowitz and Family

Philip Klotz, In Memory: Isaac Morgulis

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, Happy Birthday: Ruth

Gelber

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Appreciation: Charlotte

Haber

Fagi & Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Honour: Michael

Goldfarb

h o ly b lo S S o M T e M P l e F o u n d AT i o n

Barnet Berris, In Memory: Barbara & Floyd Stern

Dr. Barry Borden, In Honour: Sybil & Jack Geller

Stephen Borins, In Memory: Nancy-Gay & Max

Rotstein

Ruth & Sidney Borshay: Rose Fine-Meyer

Al Cass, In Memory: Janice & Larry Babins

Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Esther &

Marvin Tile; Rosalind & Stanley Witkin

Michael Cooper, In Memory: Myrna Freedman

Heather Crawford & Lawrence Ritchie, In Honour:

Janice & Larry Babins

Sharon Enkin, In Memory: Wendy & Elliott Eisen

Marsha Gold Goldberg, In Memory: Wendy & Elliott

Eisen

Robert Grimson, In Honour: Barbara & Floyd Stern

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Carol & Ron

Abugov; Laurie & Mark Bernick and Family; Sherri

Brown; Patti Cader; Henrietta Chesnie; Beverley

& Sam Cohen; Shoshana Cole; Wendy & Elliott

Eisen; Sybil & Jack Geller; Dr. Reva Gerstein; Susan

& Marty Goldberg; Diana & Marvin Goodman;

Ruby Herman Green; Pearl Harnick; Jane & Robert

Herman and Family; Sharon & Bernie Herman;

Beverley & Harold Hutner; Janice Jackson;

Francie & Dr. Stuart Klein; Queenie Leibel; Helen

Lester; Sally Libman; Lesley & Ron Miller; Sheila

Newman; Yetta Orfus; Barbara Eisen Organ; Freda

& Irving Perlin; Joyce & Milton Shier; Judy & Paul

Siskind; Sara Speigel; Brenda Spiegler & Mark S.

Anshan; Dorothy & Dan Stone; Francie & Martin

Storm; Norma & Murray Sussman; Toby & Joey

Tanenbaum; Pauline & Jack Toker; Kurt Weinberg;

Carole & Bernie Zucker

Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Shanitha

Kachan; Gerald Sheff

Barbara Leibow, In Memory: Ellen & Alan

Rosenbluth

Jordanna & Earl Lipson, Mazal Tov: Janice & Larry

Babins; Elinore Persiko & Family

Philip Mosoff, In Memory: Janice & Larry Babins

Erin O’Connor, Mazal Tov: Janice & Larry Babins

Sandra Papsin, In Memory: Esther & Marvin Tile

Lillian Salsberg, In Memory: Esther & Marvin Tile

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Esther & Marvin

Tile

Brenda & Fred Saunders, In Honour: Judith Eisen

Dr. Marvin Tile, In Honour: Roz & Moishe Davidson;

Nancy Ruth; Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan

Joyce Zemans, In Honour: Nancy Ruth

General: Ruth Gillson

h o ly b lo S S o M T e M P l e r e n e W A l P r o j e c T

Charles Cohen, Happy Birthday: Nancy & Peter

Theimer

Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Jean Anshan

Sam Consky, In Memory: Jean Anshan

Marion Dack, Happy Birthday: Nancy & Joseph Dack

and Family

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Jean Anshan

Louis Fishbayn, In Memory: Jean Anshan


Judy Nyman & Harley Mintz

Dr. Sandra Sandler, In Honour: Davis Family; Griff

Family; Sandler Family

Brenda & Fred Saunders, In Honour: Wendy & Elliott

Eisen; Frances & Paul Hellen

General: Holy Blossom Temple Fine Arts Committee

i S e n b e r G FA M i ly e n d o W M e n T F u n d

Michael Griesdorf, In Memory: Annette Fogel

General: Perry Isenberg

i S r A e l S T u d y F u n d

Florence Golden, In Memory: Rose & Lou Stone and

Family

Sidney Kinderman, Yahrzeit: Helene & Sidney

Diament


Michelle Katz & Larry Blumenthal

Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Glenda Mindlin

Abram Skrobacky, In Memory: Alison & Alan

Schwartz and Family

j A c o b ’ S T o W e r F u n d

Sandy Beallor, In Memory: Marilyn Shesko & David

Hertzman

Molly Harris, Mazal Tov: Jill and Benjamin Hertzman

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Jill and Benjamin

Hertzman

j o A n K e r b e l l e A d e r S h i P d e v e lo P M e n T F u n d

Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Holy Blossom

Temple Sisterhood

Linda & Abe Neufeld, Mazal Tov: Holy Blossom

Temple Sisterhood

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Holy Blossom

Temple Sisterhood

General: Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson

l i b r A r y b o o K F u n d

Dahlia Alalouf, In Appreciation: Louise & Jan

Blumenstein

Emily Burnett & Jon Bloomberg, In Honour: Sandra

& Victor Silverstein

Bikkur Cholim Committee, In Appreciation: Sandi

Lublin

Susanne & Dr. Stuart Egier, Mazal Tov: Bertha &

William Savlov

Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Grace &

Harvey Brooker

Ethel & Dr. Ron Kellen, In Honour: Merle Kriss;

Rosalind & Stan Witkin

David Sax, In Honour: Bernice & Yitz Penciner

d o W & F r e d z i A M A r M u r P r o G r A M F o r

e d u c AT i o n A l e x c e l l e n c e

Fredzia & Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Honour: Shoshana

Cole

Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Appreciation: Thelma Berris;

Holy Blossom Temple Chavurah

Dr. Marvin Tile, In Honour: Sandy & Gordon Atlin

M u S i c A l h e r i TA G e F u n d

Michelle Bender, In Memory: Nancy & Lloyd Pollack

and Family

Ernie Bloch, Speedy Recovery: Mary & Henry Seldon

Edward Brill, Speedy Recovery: Mary & Henry Seldon

Ethel & Dr. Ron Kellen, In Honour: Francie & Martin

Storm

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Honour: Clare &

Monte Denaburg; Lily & Reuben Katz; Gay & Gerry

Lokash; Pnina Margolese


Tami Moscoe & Eric Petersiel and Family; Nancy &

Lloyd Pollack and Family; Myrna Sandler; Bonnie

& Mel Shear; Helen & Edward Sheffman

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Matilda Bigio;

Mary & Henry Seldon

William Spiegel, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles Cohen

Anna Pearl Torgov, In Honour: Esther & Cyril Hersh

M u S i c A l l e G A c y F u n d

Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Cheryl & Joe

Piha


Sandy & Gordon Atlin; Etta Ginsberg McEwan

Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Honour: Etta

Ginsberg McEwan

Mary & Henry Seldon, In Honour: Mari Lynn Rusak

and Family

o l S b e r G r u T S AT z F u n d

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Olsberg Family

o u T o F T h e c o l d

Danielle & Heath Applebaum, Happy Chanukah:

Janet & Michael Ryval

Myer Brody, In Honour: Muriel Cohen and Family

Jason Cash, In Memory: Rina & Zev Fleischmann

Clients and Business Associates, In Appreciation:

Ronald Miller

Bert M. Cohen, In Memory: Muriel Cohen and

Family

Charles Cohen, Happy Birthday: Sandy & Gordon

Atlin

Gretta Cohen, In Memory: Esther & Cyril Hersh

Saul Cohen, Yahrzeit: Sue & Louis Devor

Claudia Colas, Happy Birthday: Kathy Green

Carolyn Collins, In Honour: Ruth & Neville Sischy

and Family

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Debbie & Marvin

Gans

Harold Gladstone, In Memory: Terrye & Jack Kuper

Frank Godfrey, Yahrzeit: Ricki & Gil Gallen; Jean

Godfrey

Harold Heft, In Honour: Emily Robb

Randen James Humphreys, In Memory: Marilyn

Hahn

Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Luba Bilchik;

Aura & Hilton Greenberg; Glenda Mindlin; Gerry

Prendergast; Cole Family

Barb Konyi, In Honour: Audrey Bennett

Neil Kozloff, In Honour: Drucker Family; Risa Mintz

& Gary Himel and Family

Alexander Lutsky, In Memory: Susan Berman

Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson, Mazal Tov: Sybil &

Jack Geller



Sheila & Bob Masters, Happy Chanukah: Brenda

Baskind

Phillip Mosoff, In Memory: Debbie & Marvin Gans

Linda & Abe Neufeld, In Honour: Jill Kamin &

Murray Hart

Our Clients, In Appreciation: Green & Chercover

Sam Pack, In Memory: Gail & Zel Bocknek; Kathy &

Maurice Green; Esther Levin; Ann & Gary Posen;

Selma Sherkin

Fred Perry, In Memory: Debby & Morris Vigoda

Ken Petersen, In Honour: Audrey Bennett

Lynne Peterson, In Honour: Audrey Bennett

Wilma Rebick & Lloyd Duckman, In Honour: Judith

& Michael Aiken and Family

Sylvia Rosenbaum (Smith), In Memory: Marilyn

Hahn

Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Donna Colt; Susanne &

Dr. Stuart Egier; Nora & John Freund; Gail &

Gary Goodman; Kathy & Maurice Green; Bambi

Katz and Family; Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson;

Bernice & Yitz Penciner; Judy & Uri Priwes; The

Ryval Family; Julia Sax; The Sigler Family; Debby &

Morris Vigoda

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Donna Colt; Phyllis

& Jeff Denaburg; Gail & Gary Goodman; Sylvia

Miller; Bernice & Yitz Penciner; Shilly & Lazarus

Rosen; Eva Woolf

Martin Spiar, In Memory: Susanne & Dr. Stuart Egier

Louis Swartz, In Memory: Axler Family

Irv Teper, In Honour: Marsha & Harry Glicksman

Betty & Barney Wolfe, Yahrzeit: Carol Abugov

General: Moe Cooper; Judith & Marshall Cohen;

Dutton Brock llp; Susan Fleisher; Forest Hill Lions

Club; Mindy & Michael Handler; Rhonda Hoffman

& Richard Halpern; Julie & Dr. Larry Keshen;

Karine Krieger & Daniel Daviau; Lorraine &

Donald Loeb; Anne MacPherson & Earl Bederman;

MAZON Canada; McLeish Orlando llp; Melamed

Family Chanukah Party; Niman Zemans Gelgoot

llp; Oatley Vigmund; Seyglor Consultants Inc;

Harry Sherman; Philip Smith Foundation; Stone

Tile International Inc.; Temple Har Zion; The

Toronto Sun News Research Centre; Adam Wagman

h A r r y & c e c i l e P e A r l yo u T h A W A r d

e n d o W M e n T F u n d

Celia Baltzan, In Memory: Joyce & Fred Zemans

Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Joyce & Fred

Zemans

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Joyce & Fred

Zemans

Michael Griesdorf, In Memory: Joyce & Fred Zemans

P l A u T M A n o r F u n d


Judith Plaut; Rabbi W.G. Plaut

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Carol & Rabbi

Jonathan Plaut; Judith Plaut; Rabbi W.G. Plaut

h A r r y A n d b l A n c h e P o S e n M e M o r i A l

l e c T u r e F u n d

Charles Cohen, Happy Birthday: Nancy & Lloyd

Pollack and Family

P r Ay e r b o o K F u n d

Lillian Salsberg, In Memory: Brenda & Fred Saunders

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Susanne &

Dr.Stuart Egier

Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Val & Arieh

Waldman

Rosie Uster, Happy Birthday: Milly & Harvey Kirsh

P r o j e c T T i K v A h F u n d

Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Gail & Barry

Silver

Murray Walman, In Memory: Gail & Barry Silver

r A b b i S ’ d i S c r e T i o n A r y F u n d S

Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Diane &

Christopher Hassell; Janice & Michael Kestenberg;

Zoe Klein & Andrew Zimet; Julie & Larry Schwartz

and Family

Rabbi John Moscowitz: Philip Mosoff, In Memory:

Lyle Stanway

Rabbi John Moscowitz: Samuel Drake Stanway, In

Memory: Lyle Stanway

Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Nina Baltzan;

Joy & Charles Cohen, Owen Duckman; Diane &

Christopher Hassell; Gail Schloss; Jackie & Michael

Shulman

Rabbi Yael Splansky: Zelda Fink, In Memory:

Marilynne & Joe Cass

Rabbi Yael Splansky: Terry Geist, In Memory:


Rabbi Yael Splansky: Claire Hunter, In Memory: Pam

Albert and Family

Rabbi Yael Splansky: Barbara Killam, In Memory:


Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Appreciation: Susan

Guttman & John Harris; Diane & Christopher

Hassell; Zoe Klein & Andrew Zimet; Lisa Rosen &

Kivi Shapiro

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Appreciation: Ron

Charach; Merna Glowinski; Fern & Paul Magder;

Helen Mosoff

Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Appreciation: Jenny Klotz

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Honour: Phyllis &

Alan Wintraub and Family


Helene Brodziak & Jack Kugelmass; Josephine &

Michael Cole; Carol & Robert Collin and Family;

Debbie & Marvin Gans; Joan Garson & David

Baskin; Beth Goldstein & Barry Rosen and Family;

Diana & Marvin Goodman; Frances & Paul Hellen;

Esther & Cyril Hersh; Ellen Karabanow; Julie &

Eric Kirsh and Family; Harriette Laing; Eleanor &

Lou London; Zelda & Leonard Melamed; Cheryl

Rosen & Daniel Drucker and Family; Julie & Larry

Schwartz and Family; Viviane & Saul Ship; Virginia

& Carl Solomon; Eleanor & Hartley Steinberg;

Rosalie Sussman; Gloria & Seymour Temkin; Joyce

& Fred Zemans; Carole & Bernard Zucker and

Family

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner: Cantor David Rosen,

In Appreciation: Nina Baltzan; Gail Schloss; Jackie

& Michael Shulman

Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Appreciation:

Madeleine Epstein; Helena & David Fine and

Family; Merna Glowinski; Susan Guttman & John

Harris; Fern & Paul Magder; Helen Mosoff

Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Honour: Judy

Nyman & Harley Mintz

Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers: Henry Cassel, In

Memory: Andrew Cassel

r o S e W i n d o W r e S T o r AT i o n

Grete Adler, Yahrzeit: Ellen Karabanow

Celia Baltzan, In Memory: Ellen Sue & David Mesbur

The Hon. Reuben Bromstein, Happy Birthday: Susan

Karol, Judith Kennedy & Thomas Naylor; Cathy

Starkman & Dave Hurst

The Hon. Reuben Bromstein, In Honour: Anne

& Sy Browne; Min Givens; Rosemarie & Sam

Goldenberg; Sharron Skidmore & Dan Cooper

Charles Cohen, In Honour: Ruth & Larry Sax; Judy &

Ralph Shiff

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Lois & George Fine;

Penny & Martin Offman

Michael Griesdorf, In Memory: Andrea Most & Alan

Ackerman; Nancy-Gay & Max Rotstein

Molly Harris, In Memory: Elizabeth Johnson & Leslie

Rose

Holy Blossom Temple School Staff, Happy

Chanukah: Lily Lee

Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Debbi &

Robert Moses; Linda & Abe Neufeld; Rosalie

Sussman

Zoe Klein & Andrew Zimet, In Honour: Judy & Jack

Winberg

Linda & Abe Neufeld, In Honour: Ellen Karabanow

Eli Offman, Happy Chanukah: Adrienne Offman

Lila Offman, Happy Chanukah: Adrienne Offman


holy blossom Temple Foundation

The Holy Blossom Temple Foundation raises funds to

support Temple activities, programs and projects.

To make a donation to any of our existing funds,

please call Janice Feuer at (416) 789-3291, ext. 265.

To establish a new fund or learn more about

philanthropic opportunities, please call Adele Sacks,

Director of Development (ext. 260), at the Temple.

We appreciate your support

Holy Blossom Temple appreciates all donations to

our funds; however, due to rising costs, cards will

only be sent for donations of $20 or more. We will

continue to recognize all donations in the Bulletin.

Nine percent of all donations and investment income

is generally set aside to help with administration

costs and special initiatives.

We apologize but due to space constraints, not all

donations will appear in the Bulletin issue closest to

the date on which the contribution was made.

Noa Offman, Happy Chanukah: Adrienne Offman

Poppy Richler, Happy Chanukah: Adrienne Offman

Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Ellen Karabanow

Dr. Adam Sol, Happy Birthday: Ellen Karabanow

Linda Wolfe, Happy Birthday: Rosalind & Stan

Witkin

Joyce Zemans, In Honour: Joan Garson & David

Baskin

General: Ingrid Johnson

lo r r A i n e S A n d l e r T r i b u T e e n d o W M e n T

F u n d

Barbara Cohen, Happy Chanukah: Roni Freedman

and Family

Terry Nicholson, In Honour: Barry Goldblatt; Jeff

Levy

Debbi Snider, Happy Chanukah: Roni Freedman and

Family

lu l A & i r v i n G S A u n d e r S F u n d

Zita Gardner, In Honour: Brenda & Fred Saunders

Philip Klotz, In Memory: Brenda & Fred Saunders

Brenda & Fred Saunders, In Honour: Jan & Mel

Charendoff; Zita Gardner; Sybil & Jack Geller;

Linda Groll; Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson; Sandy

& Steven Moranis and Family; Mary Robinson;

Sheila & Robert Smolkin

S h A c h A r i T F u n d

Edith Abramson, In Memory: Susan & Brian Fishman

Min Biback, Yahrzeit: Phyllis Spivak

Jason Cash, In Memory: Stan & Lillian Cash

Solomon Charach, Yahrzeit: Alice & Ron Charach

Maxwell B. Cohen, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles Cohen

Shirley Patchen Cohen, Yahrzeit: Marilyn Hahn

Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Colman

Family; Phyllis Spivak

Amalia & Henry Dan, Yahrzeit: Susan & Dr. Peter

Dan

Philip Eisenberg, Yahrzeit: Dr. Mildred Eisenberg

Hyman Erdell, Yahrzeit: Carol & Robert Collin and

Family

Marcia Ezrin, Yahrzeit: Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin &

Hershell Ezrin

Charles Fishbein, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul Fishbein

Joan Freedman, Yahrzeit: Whitney & Michael Gnat

Arthur Gelgoot, Yahrzeit: Deborah Zemans & Daryl

Gelgoot

Katy Geller, Yahrzeit: Sybil & Jack Geller

Frank Godfrey, Yahrzeit: Nonni & Saul Akler

Samuel Gotfrid, obe, Yahrzeit: Dr. Sheila Pollock

Harry Grobstein, Yahrzeit: Debra Grobstein

Campbell & Barry Campbell

Mildred Grobstein, Yahrzeit: Debra Grobstein

Campbell & Barry Campbell

Clara Heller, Yahrzeit: Frances & Phil Shapiro

Louis Himes, Yahrzeit: Linda & Peter Rubenovitch

Fayga Hochberg, Yahrzeit: Helen & Joe Hochberg

Mollie Hoffman, Yahrzeit: Bernice & Yitz Penciner

Peter Krakauer, Yahrzeit: Joan Kirsh and Helen

Krakauer

Marcia Kwinter, Yahrzeit: Fern & Lorne Kirshenbaum

Bella Altman Laikin, Yahrzeit: Helen & Joe

Hochberg

Jack Margolese, Yahrzeit: Pnina Margolese

Sharon Marshall, Yahrzeit: Marie Knaul

Arthur Miller, Yahrzeit: Mark Miller and Brenda

Richter

Saleh Mukamal, Yahrzeit: Bernice Mukamal

Abraham Nashman, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul Fishbein

Larry Oiffer, Yahrzeit: Gaye & Andrew Stein

Dobra Penciner, Yahrzeit: Bernice & Yitz Penciner

Dr. Maurice Pollock, Yahrzeit: Dr. Sheila Pollock

Minnie Prosser, Yahrzeit: Lily & Reuben Katz

Bernard Rudman, Yahrzeit: Matilda Bigio

Oscar Salem, Yahrzeit: Jocelyn & Dr. Shia Salem

Harry Schwartz, Yahrzeit: Isabel Schwartz

Jack Shapero, Yahrzeit: Gail & Gary Goodman

Harry Smith, Yahrzeit: Ronna Rubin & Philip Smith

Rosalind Smith, Yahrzeit: Nonnie & Howard Smith

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Linda & Abe

Neufeld

Dr. Sidney Steinberg, Yahrzeit: Ellen & Alan Levine

and Family

Anne Tile, Yahrzeit: Esther & Marvin Tile

Sophie Windish, Yahrzeit: Marie Knaul

Frank Wolff, Yahrzeit: Alison & Gary Polan and Family

General: Susan & Ray Stancer

S i S T e r h o o d G o l d e n b o o K F u n d

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Merrijo Hershoran

S o c i A l A c T i o n F u n d

Dr.Gordon Arbess, Happy Birthday: Mira Goldfarb

& Adam Berkowitz and Family

Wilma Rebick & Lloyd Duckman, In Honour: Judy &

Laurie Zeilig

Jessica Senders, Mazal Tov: Wise Family

h e i n z W A r S c h A u e r F u n d

Billie Mess, In Memory: Janice & Allen Borsuk; Janice

& Rob Danson; Esther & Elliott Goldman; Ana

Pedro and Family

G o r d o n A n d l i n d A W o l F e FA M i ly yo u T h

A W A r d e n d o W M e n T F u n d

Lillian Salsberg, In Memory: Linda Wolfe

l e o n A r d W o l F e M e M o r i A l e d u c AT i o n A l

F u n d

Barnet Berris, In Memory: Honey Wolfe

General: Carole Dale; Honey Wolfe; Myron Wolfe;

Richard Wolfe

yo u T h A W A r d S

Issie Antflick, In Memory: Millie Goldstein

Livia Barto, Yahrzeit: Helene Barto

Barnet Berris, In Memory: Virginia & Carl Solomon

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Estelle Latchman

and Family; Marsha & Eric Slavens; Hannah &

David Wasserman; Lena Winesanker

Nathalie Lalonde & Brad Goldhar, Mazal Tov: Sybil

& Jack Geller


Edith Kirzner

Joel Schwartz, In Memory: Natasha Kuperman

Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Edith Kirzner

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Joy & Herb

Wolfson

Dr. Marvin Tile, In Honour: Shoshana Cole

Jennifer Wilson, Mazal Tov: Linda Somers

General: Joanne & Ronald Schwarz

by rabbi Karen [email protected]

Canada PostPublications Mail

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1950 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON M5P 3K9

A Serious response | The Last Word

i am certainly not a film critic, but I thought it would be a great exercise to critique and respond to the recent Coen Brothers film entitled A Serious Man. For those of you who may not have had the opportunity to see it, professor of physics Larry Gopnick is the father of two teenaged children (one two weeks short of his Bar Mitzvah), the husband of a wife who seeks a divorce, and the brother of a brilliant mathematician who is physically and emotionally unwell and is currently living with their family.

In addition to the pressures of his personal life, Prof. Gopnick is simul-taneously being bribed by one student and defamed anonymously to the university tenure committee. He is

troubled by all on his plate, when he is given advice to consult “the rabbi.” In turn, he consults two rabbis and attempts to consult a third.

A M e A n i n G F u l S e A r c hWhat Prof. Gopnick seeks to address is the randomness, or lack thereof, of life’s incidents. When one rabbi responds by telling him that he is not giving his faith the benefit of the doubt and another rabbi suggests that he simply give up his fixation on this topic, we know that their advice is either absurd or lacking. Judaism, our texts in particular, doesn’t value negating one’s struggle with faith, or suggest that one give up one’s search for meaning. On the contrary, our tradi-tion is built upon constructive struggle and meaningful search.

And when the rabbis respond with questions to the professor’s own ques-tions, regardless of the absurdity of their final responses, they are perhaps

doing something that our tradition encourages us to do in the face of such questions.

The Talmud imagines Moses asking God, “Why is it that some people prosper, while others suffer?” God doesn’t answer the question, but rather, addresses another topic. From this, Rabbi Meir infers that some questions are unanswerable.

A.J. Heschel believed that “we are closer to God when we are asking ques-tions than when we think we have the answers.” I recognize that this may be unsettling. However, it is not that our tradition provides no answers. Rather, it is that no answer is final. That is, until the next question is asked.

We may not know why bad things happen to some over others, or at all, but we are invited to continue to struggle with this. That is our own serious response.

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