2010_march

Holy Blossom Temple BulletinApril/May 2010 | Nisan/Iyar/Sivan 5770

At a Gala Concert on Tue. May 11, 2010 at Koerner Hall, our congregation will have the opportunity to honour Beny Maissner — in his 30th year as our cantor. By now, all Holy Blossom Temple members should have received an invita-tion to Beny — a Tribute in the mail.

W e C e l e b r At e b e N y f o r h I S M u S I C A l I t yBeny has enriched our Worship Services, Festivals, holidays and lifecycle events with his extraordinary repertoire of Jewish music. Outside Holy Blossom, he has performed with choirs and symphony orchestras throughout Israel, Europe and the Far East.

A tribute to Cantor MaissnerW e C e l e b r At e b e N y f o r h I S e f f e r v e S C e N t p e r S o N A l I t yIt is not uncommon to see Beny clap-ping and dancing during Services and celebrations, or repeating the chorus of a song — just one more time — while gesturing for all of us to join in. His unreserved expressions of joy and love of Jewish music enrich and transform how we, his congregants, experience Judaism.

W e h o N o u r b e N y f o r h I S l e A d e r S h I pBeny is the Conductor and Musical Director of Toronto’s Lachan Jewish Chamber Choir and Holy Blossom’s Temple Singers. He has taught and mentored many cantorial candidates and has been awarded degrees and honorary doctorates from Temple University, Hebrew Union College and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

b e yo N d t h e C o N C e r tIn addition to the concert to mark this 30-year milestone, the net proceeds from the event will be used to establish the Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner Music Archive and Library at Holy Blossom Temple. It will commemorate the powerful role that Beny has played in the revival, preservation and creation of Jewish music.

This Archive and Library will cata-logue music that Beny has amassed and will be an invaluable resource for students of Jewish music. It will include recordings, tapes, compositions and

scores by Beny, plus work by many other Jewish musicians and composers.

We hope that those who have been touched by Beny will contribute to this fund. They may also want to express their good wishes and gratitude in the Tribute Book to be published for this event, which includes stories about Beny’s career and accomplishments.

A N I G h t o f M u S I C A N d C e l e b r At I o NBeny — a Tribute will be a wonderful opportunity to show Beny our affec-tion and appreciation. It will be a joyous occasion and will allow us to thank Beny for his 30 years of devotion, commitment and contribution.

This event will be produced and directed by the acclaimed producer and musical director David Warrack. At this point, plans are for performances by friends and admirers of Beny from all parts of the musical world, including Michael Burgess, Daniel Domb, Moshe Hammer, Mark Masri, Joshua Nelson, Louise Pitre, Amy Sky, Theresa Tova and Cantors mentored by Beny.

Details about ordering tickets for Beny — a Tribute, making a gift or being part of the Tribute Book are avail-able at www.holyblossom.org.

— Zita GardnerMember, Beny — a Tribute Committee

[email protected]

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

Life at Holy Blossom

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.

M o N d Ay S

Mondays @ the Temple 10 a.m. | Ian Leventhal Apr. 12 | Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner Apr. 19 | Jordan Klapman Apr. 26 | Harry

Hochman May 3 | Adam Sol May 10 | Dr. Harvey Silver May 17

Yom Ha’Shoah Commemoration 7 p.m. | Dr. Naim Dallal Apr. 12

The Life of Moses Mendelssohn 7.30 p.m. | Rabbi John Moscowitz Apr. 26 to May 17

t u e S d Ay S

The Modern Jewish Writer and Social Conscience 7.30 p.m. | Ron Charach and Kenneth Sherman Apr. 13

Library Book Club 10 a.m. | Janna Nadler Apr. 20

Blanche and Harry Posen Memorial Lecture 8 p.m. | Professor Gabi Ben-Dor May 4

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

Blanche and Harry Posen Memorial Lecture 8 p.m. | Professor Gabi Ben-Dor May 5

t h u r S d Ay S

The Books of Samuel — Israel in a Time of Religious and Political Transition 10.30 a.m. | Rabbi Michael Stroh Apr. 8 to Apr. 22

Divine Fire 7.30 p.m. | Rabbi Jonathan Crane Apr. 8 to Apr. 22

Sisterhood: Unique Lives 8 p.m. | Fran Saltzman and Joysanne Sidimus Apr. 15

Book Talk: Guilt about the Past 7.30 p.m. | Bernard Sclink Apr. 22

Sisterhood: For Life: Organ Donation and the Tradition 7.30 p.m. | Rabbi John Moscowitz May 6

Sisterhood Kallah: What Happened on Sinai (and Afterward) 9.30 a.m. | Rabbi John Moscowitz May 13

Stagecraft: Dramatic Reading of Paddy Chayefsky’s Play Gideon 8 p.m. | May 13

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

Israeli Ambassador to Canada 1 p.m. | Miriam Ziv May 8

S u N d Ay S

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

A p r i l / M a y 2 0 1 0 | N i s a n / I y a r / S i v a n 5 7 7 0 3

rabbi John [email protected]

picture a boy cantor, something of a wunderkind, in the 1950s’ immigrant survivor world of Tel Aviv. This young boy finds a natural home in the neigh-bourhood shuls. Musically talented, he is an unusually able listener and knows how to mimic those he admires, easily absorbing what they know. Like all such admiring young boys, he copies; unlike many, however, he figures out how to learn on his own. This is where his depth began to take hold.

His influences then? Skilled European hazzanim plying their trade in small shteiblach of Tel Aviv; his own uncle, Hazzan Israel Alter; and the unselfcon-scious yet wounded traditional Jewish culture in the nascent State of Israel. When a bit older, the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli ways of the hevre.

As the young Beny Maissner was learning hazzanut, he was also learning Judaism (not as small a matter as one might think). He was launched on his way toward becoming a knowledgeable and deeply feeling Jew, a loyal son of the tradition.

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. Mincha | Sunday at 9 a.m. ShacharitOn Fri. Apr. 2 and Mon. May 24, 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 Shabbat Services

Tot Shabbat will be held on Fridays, Apr. 2 and 16, May 7 and 21, 2010. Shabbat Fusion will be held on Fridays at 6.30 p.m., Mar. 26, Apr. 30 and May 28, 2010.

honouring Cantor Maissner | In Perspective What was (and is) unique about

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner is that he has been intimately shaped, as have few, by the most significant centres of Jewish life this past century: Europe, the State of Israel and North America.

Beny Maissner is different in two other ways, at least. First, perhaps unlike anyone I know, he listens deeply — bodily, as it were. Beny listens, not with his ears (he’s always telling us he can’t hear, anyhow!) — but with his whole being: body, mind and soul. This not only explains his musical knowl-edge and capability as a cantor, it also suggests why he is so empathetic with the vulnerable. Second, notice that Cantor Maissner rarely sings the same way twice, especially at weddings and funerals. This is because, listening and absorbing, he responds to the moment and sings to the needs of that moment and its Jews.

All of this — Beny Maissner’s talent, his knowledge, his soul — has made for an enormous influence on Holy Blossom Temple (and beyond) for 30 years now. Cantor Maissner integrates the worlds of music and worship (as is so neces-sary) — all the while making prayer and Jewish music come alive for listeners and daveners. Beny Maissner, a loving

student of our tradition, is a demanding mentor to many young cantors.

Cantor Maissner’s knowledge, his soul, his musicality has made our synagogue richer and more Jewish over these years. Therefore it is our honour to honour Beny, along with his family, on his 30 years of work at Holy Blossom Temple. I hope you will join with many on Tue. May 11, 2010, at 7.30 p.m. at Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory. For more details, please see our cover article.

Life at Holy Blossom

In addition to the Bulletin, Holy Blossom offers several

channels of communication to keep you connected

with our community. Earlier this month, we launched

Life at Holy Blossom, our new e-mail update of

programs and events at the Temple. Life at Holy

Blossom will arrive in your email in-box every two

weeks. It will include everything that’s happening at

the Temple, as well as helpful links to specific pages

on the Temple’s website. We will also be tweeting,

posting videos on YouTube and keeping our friends

up to date on Facebook, so check out the links at the

bottom of Life at Holy Blossom to join our conversa-

tions. If you prefer not to receive Life at Holy Blossom

by email, you can opt out at any time. To request a

print version, call Shannon Tramer (ext. 227), at the

Temple. Keeping in touch with you is important to us,

so please let us know how you want to hear from us.


renewal project update

Rendering of the proposed Temple Atrium Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc.

holy blossom renewal is a project that involves (or will involve) all of us, at one point or another. That involve-ment may include financial support. It may include participation in one of our committees. It may include just being aware of what’s happening, and sharing your excitement about the project with others in our Temple community. So here’s an update on where we are in the process and a bit of news on what’s to come in the next few months:

• In the last four months, more than $700,000 in new money has been raised in our Leadership Gifts phase of fundraising, with several addi-tional leadership gifts currently being finalized. This is in addition to the funds raised in the successful Rose Window campaign and is a very hopeful signal that we’re on the right track with our new design (unveiled to you last fall). And optimism about the project is

building, as there has been a flurry of new meetings scheduled with potential leadership donors over the next several weeks. (Given that this article went to press in early March, it’s quite likely that more money will have been raised by the time you read this.)

• We expect that the congregational vote to approve the project will take place in late spring. Well before the vote, you will be receiving a package containing the Project Financial Plan, a separate report from the Financial Oversight Committee and, of course, a copy of the plans.

• After you receive this package, and in advance of the vote, there will be a Congregational Gathering to address any questions or comments you may have.

• The municipal approval process is well underway. In December, we submitted an updated rezoning appli-cation to reflect our current plans.

The city scheduled a community consultation meeting on Mar. 8, 2010, and we expect a planning department report will be submitted to commu-nity council on May 25, 2010. This should lead to bylaw enactment by city council in mid-June. In addition to all of this, we have been actively engaging our neighbours these last few months, in group meetings, and on an individual basis.

• Finally, we continue to plan for construction to begin in fall 2011. You may remember that one of the advantages of our current design is that we will likely be able to keep the Sanctuary open for much of this construction period, greatly reducing dislocation in our Worship community.

— David Rosenberg, Renewal Communications

[email protected]


Erev Pesach ServicesMon. Mar. 29, at 6 p.m.This pre-seder Service welcomes the Festival.

First Day PesachTue. Mar. 30, at 10 a.m.This Congregation-wide Service with the Temple Singers and our Simcha Band will include Songs of Freedom and Songs of Hallel. A festive kiddush lunch will follow the Service, and creative children’s study programs will be integrated throughout the morning.

Holy Chag PesachTue. Mar. 30, at 10 a.m. Students in Grades SK to 6 are invited for a day of Pesach tefillah, lunch, learning, art, music, games, festive snacks and a goody bag! Cost: members $18; guests $36. To register please call Lisa Isen Baumal (ext. 242), at the Temple. Students in Grades 7 to 12 may register to be a counsellor for the day for community service hours.

Erev Seventh Day Pesach ServicesSun. Apr. 4, at 6 p.m.Please join us for this erev Yom Tov Service.

Seventh Day PesachMon. Apr. 5, at 10 a.m.At this Congregation-wide Service, we will celebrate the last day of Pesach. Yizkor Services will be followed by a kiddush lunch for all.

Yom Ha’Shoah Mon. Apr. 12, at 7 p.m. Join us for a Service of music and poetry, remembrance and reflection. Dr. Naim Dallal will speak on his survival of the 1941 Farhud Pogrom in Baghdad.

Honouring Travelers to Israel Sat. Apr. 17, at 10.30 a.m.All congregants who have travelled to Israel in the last year will be honoured with a group aliyah, on the Shabbat before Yom Ha’Atzma’ut. Israeli Consul General Amir Gissin will address the congregation on the subject of “Israel’s Current Challenges.”

Shavuot — Z’man Matan Torateinu: The Season of the Giving of Our Torah

Erev Shavuot Service | Tue. May 18, at 8 p.m.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot | Tue. May 18, at 9 p.m. A cheesecake reception and plenty of good coffee will make our learning together sweet. At 9.30 p.m., we will learn together during Shavuot Study (the Book of Ruth) with our rabbis.

Shavuot and Yizkor Services | Wed. May 19, at 10 a.m. Celebrate the installation of our restored Rose Window, our iconic face to the city. Hear the chanting of the Ten Commandments and the beautiful Book of Ruth. Honour the memory of loved ones. Enjoy a congregational kiddush lunch, see all of our stained glass windows and learn about their history and symbolism. Creative children’s programming will be provided throughout the morning.

Holy Chag Shavuot | Wed. May 19, at 10 a.m. Students in Grades SK to 6 are invited to enjoy Shavuot tefillah, lunch, learning, art, music, games, festive snacks and a goody bag! Cost: members $18; guests $36. To register, please call Lisa Isen Baumal (ext. 242), at the Temple. Students in Grades 7 to 12 may register to be a counsellor for the day for community service hours.

Celebrating and remembering 2010/5770Yom Ha’Zikaron Service/Yom Ha’Atzma’ut CelebrationMon. Apr. 19, at 6 p.m.Join us at Beth Shalom for the Service at 6 p.m., followed by a street fair. Enjoy Israeli food, shopping, music, games and activities for all ages!

Family Mitzvah DaySun. Apr. 25, at 12.15 p.m.Take part in one of eight simultaneous hands-on mitzvot for parents of children in Grade 8 and lower. To register, please call Elana Fehler (ext. 532), at the Temple, or email [email protected]. Co-sponsored by Family Programming and the Leo Baeck Day School Parents Association.

ConfirmationSat. May 15, at 10.30 a.m.Our entire congregation is encouraged to join us for the Shabbat Morning Service when our Confirmands ascend the bimah during the Torah Service in a special ceremony, followed by a congregational kiddush in honour of our Confirmands.


Making holy blossom possible for allWhen I was asked to chair this year’s Annual Contribution Campaign (ACC), I did not hesitate to accept. Our focus is on our member families and Religious School students who are unable to pay full dues and tuition; this was my story as a child.

My father died shortly after I was born, leaving my mother a young widow with two children. We moved from New York City to suburban Long Island, and when my mother looked to affiliate herself with a synagogue in our new town, she had no choice but to ask for dues relief. We were welcomed into that Jewish home as members in-full, and the compassion and gener-osity extended to us in those difficult years has never been forgotten. Our membership allowed my brother to be a Bar Mitzvah and formed the foun-dation of my own Jewish education. Without this community’s willingness to accommodate my family’s financial needs, I would not have had the early start in Jewish life that brought me to the special day of my own adult Bat

Mitzvah at Holy Blossom in

June 2008. It is an

honour to take on the responsi-bility of chairing

the 2010 ACC. It is this Campaign that will ultimately enable membership and Religious School education to be avail-able to the many Holy Blossom Temple families who simply cannot afford to pay standard rates.

Since taking on the role of Chair, I have learned more specifically about the important benefits made possible by the ACC. Thanks to the ACC, long-time members whose aging parents require extraordinarily expensive care are able to maintain their membership. New immigrants just starting out in Canada are welcomed into our commu-nity. Young people’s Religious School educations allow them to formally join the worldwide Jewish community by becoming B’nei Mitzvah. Retirees whose savings have been drastically affected by the economic downturn do not have to forfeit their memberships. Single parents with limited incomes are able to provide a centre of Jewish life and education for their children. Young couples are given the opportunity to continue developing their Jewish lives and to establish Jewish homes. Parents of children with special needs are able to participate, while maintaining the high levels of care their children require.

This list is by no means exhaus-tive. Each person who is given a hand through the ACC — those who worship with us, celebrate with us, learn with us and share our culture with us — has a unique story. Some have been unex-pectedly hit with momentary hardship. Others are engaged in longer term economic struggles.

We all know that Holy Blossom Temple is a large and diverse congre-gation. Many of us are capable of contributing beyond our standard dues. Your contributions to the ACC will allow families to grow as Jews in our vibrant setting. They will enable Jewish children to learn how to live a Jewish life. They will make welcome everyone ranging from the youngest to the oldest who could otherwise not afford to join us. Ultimately and simply, your contri-butions to the ACC will strengthen our Jewish community.

To make your donation to the 2010 Annual Contribution Campaign, or for more information, please contact Director of Membership Shannon Tramer (ext. 227), at the Temple or email [email protected].

— Anita LapidusChair, Annual Contribution Campaign

[email protected]

Annual Contribution Campaign wall in Sanctuary foyer


our Jewish home away from homedespite being lifelong members of a synagogue, my husband and I felt disconnected. We always wanted to provide our children with a rich understanding of their Jewish heritage, and help them feel connected to our community. Not an easy task when you don’t feel connected yourself. And so began our quest to find the right shul for our family.

We spent the spring of 2009 ‘shul shopping’ with the goal of finding a new spiritual home. My husband and I had three key criteria: a robust Religious School program, an engaged and active congregation and an Adult B’nei Mitzvah program.

A l e A p o f fA I t hI met Rabbi Karen Thomashow and was immediately drawn to her warm and thoughtful approach. Rabbi Thomashow explained what Holy Blossom had to offer — and it sounded

wonderful. My husband and I spent lots of time talking to Temple members, some who had recently joined, and some who had been members their entire lives. Without exception, they had positive and wonderful things to say. So, in August of this past year, we made the leap of faith (pun intended!) and we joined Holy Blossom Temple. It was a great decision.

S p I r I t u A l C o N N e C t I o NFor the first time in our lives, our family thoroughly enjoyed the High Holy Day Services. They were meaningful and energetic, and the congregants partici-pated! As a mother of two daughters, it moved me to see women treated equally in the Service. During Simchat Torah, I held a Torah for the first time in my life. As I danced with my daughters in celebration, I had never been so spiritu-ally moved.

Our children truly enjoy Religious

School. They feel connected to their teachers, classmates and their Jewish community. It’s a pleasure to see and experience this transformation.

A d u lt b At M I t z v A hThe third criterion in our search was a synagogue where I could study to have my Adult Bat Mitzvah. Our Adult B’nei Mitzvah group started together this past fall, and we have already bonded in a way that has exceeded my expecta-tions. I have already learned prayers and traditions that I have taken home with me to expand our family’s Jewish experience. I am looking forward to becoming a Bat Mitzvah in 2011.

We cannot say enough good things about Holy Blossom. It’s so friendly and inviting, and everyone is engaged in Jewish learning, fun and community.

Our family has found a Jewish home away from home.

— Pam Greenstein

Pam Greenstein, Stuart Baltman and daughters Lindsay and Katie

Pre-School registration 2011/2012

Apr. 5, 2010 marks the beginning of member registration for our nursery (a.m. or p.m.) and Junior Kindergarten (a.m. or full day) program.

July 5, 2010 marks the beginning of sibling registration. To obtain an application, please call the School office (ext. 240), at the Temple, or e-mail [email protected]. Member appli-cations will be processed as received. Non-member, non-sibling applications can be filled out from Sept. 21 to Oct. 8, 2010, and will then be placed in our lottery.


Keeping our musical heritage alive

our holy blossom temple Singers choir is made up of a dedicated group of volunteers, who are the spirit behind our synagogue’s style of Worship. Together with our professional choir, the Temple Singers participate most weeks during Shabbat Services and Festivals. Their voices are inviting and engaging, and draw us into the realm of the divine.

Cantor benjamin z. Maissner

[email protected]

Rejoice and be happy

The Torah commands us to rejoice

and be happy with our prescribed

Festivals. And so, our Worship

Services and our celebrations of the

chagim — the Festivals of Pesach,

Shavuot and Sukkot — are always

accompanied with the joyful and

enriching sounds of music.

Over the years, many people have

asked me if we have music available

to help them celebrate a particular

Festival. I am proud to say we have

professionally produced CDs for our

High Holy Days, Shabbat, Festivals

and more. To learn about these CDs,

please visit www.holyblossom.org >

Avodah/Worship > Music of Worship.

As Pesach approaches, you may

particularly enjoy Songs of Haggadah,

a collection of songs in the Haggadah,

along with a song booklet. This collec-

tion will enhance your family seder

with some of the most traditional

melodies of Passover. The music of

Hallel — the Psalms of Praise that are

recited during the Festivals — reflects

the joy of our Worship Services with

music that is engaging and uplifting.

Temple Singers gain meaningful understanding and familiarity with the depth of Jewish liturgy and sacred music. For many Singers, participation has brought them religious fulfillment and spirituality. They are rewarded in the knowledge that they are helping the congregation to become comfortable in the art of prayer. However, many have been with the choir for many years and we desperately need new and younger members to join us.

We want to reach out to any music lover and invite you to come out and join us at our rehearsals every Sunday morning from 10 a.m. until noon.

“I joined [Temple Singers] because I loved to sing and I was looking for a musical hobby. But the reason I have stayed is because of how much I have learned, and continue to learn, about Jewish ritual, Shabbat and holidays, Jewish teachings, and the wonderful variety, quality, power and beauty of all kinds of Jewish music from many different traditions … It has made me a better congregant, a better person and a better Jew.” — David Sandler

“I love to sing. I have been a member of Temple Singers for more than 40 years. When I am at rehearsals or singing with the choir at Services, my everyday cares and worries fade and I am rejuvenated. It is great to be a member of this family …” — Ethel List

Temple Singers in rehearsal Photograph by Cantor Maissner


our senior successes“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Thank you for all that you give.”“It’s a joy to come out and be a

participant.”These are just some of the responses

from seniors who make the Temple their home each and every Monday throughout the year.

Seven years ago, Temple staff asked me to form a program that would strengthen the sense of community felt by our senior members. With a small

group of volunteers and a vague

sense of what might be of interest, the program was launched. It has been a

success ever since. And over

the past seven years, while having lots of fun, we have learned so much.

W h At W e h A v e l e A r N e d Seniors like regular program-ming. Our program runs almost every Monday (holidays excluded), throughout the year, including in the summer months in a somewhat modi-fied form.

Seniors like stimulating program-ming. While some of our programs are highly entertaining, others include discussions on some of the complex issues of the day. We are so grateful to Temple members who have given their time and expertise, and participated in discussions with this group.

Seniors like to exercise. Melanie Nesbitt, an accredited dance-movement therapist, has been involved with the program from the beginning, and works with the participants in a fun-loving way to improve mobility and flexibility.

Seniors like to eat. Our sit-down lunches, which include soups made by a dedicated group of volunteers, provide

not only nutritious sustenance, but an opportunity for social interaction.

Seniors like to contribute. The clear division between volunteer and partici-pant that existed when the program was launched no longer exists thanks to everyone’s desire to pitch in to make the program run as smoothly as possible.

We continue to explore new ways to enrich the Temple experience of our target group. For example, transporta-tion can now be arranged. For a small fee and a phone call to Elana Fehler (ext. 0), at the Temple, taxis will be sent to bring Temple members to and from the program. And outings are now being planned to theatres presenting plays of interest.

If this sounds like something you might enjoy, join us on Mondays at 10 a.m., or call the Temple office and ask to speak to someone about the program. You too can start the week in a friendly Temple environment.

— Sheila SmolkinChair, Mondays @ the Temple

[email protected]

Helen Lyon and Toby Ciglen enjoy exercise. All photographs by Sheila Smolkin. (Left to right) Sue Joel and Melanie Nesbitt serve soup with help from others.

Some of our volunteers are: (left to right) Donna Colt; Paula Warren; Gail Goodman; Sue Joel; Julie Noorden; Terrye Kuperl; Sheila Smolkin; and Edith Kirzner. (Left to right) Marion Horowitz, Helen Lyon and Ben Jacobson enjoy lunch.


A hub of activity | Foundation

the foundation, as usual, has been a hub of activity in recent months. It has been busy managing the many charitable donations and funds, imple-menting the next phase of our Capital Campaign, and organizing special fund-raising events for the Temple. Members have made generous time and financial commitments to these projects, all of which help to enrich Temple life.

Thanks to the support of our donors, the Foundation is able to make grants to the Temple, which offers excel-lent programming and services to the community, including youth education through our Religious School, seniors programming such as Mondays @ the Temple, young adult activities through the vibrant Generation א community

by Adele SacksDirector of Development

[email protected]

and the Out of the Cold program. These grants have been made possible through tribute card donations, endowment, lifecycle and memorial funds, as well as planned giving.

As our first step toward renewal, we asked the congregation to support the restoration of the Rose Window to avoid irreversible winter damage. The response from the community was overwhelm-ingly positive. Members of all ages made donations to preserve this treasure. Repairs to the Rose Window are sched-uled to be completed in the spring. We will be celebrating its reinstallation on Shavuot morning, Wed. May 19, 2010.

Additional opportunities to support the Temple were incorporated into this year’s list of activities with exciting new fundraising events. In December, members of the community attended Fiddler on the Roof in support of the Temple. In February, more members enjoyed An Evening in Shushan, a gala Purim party. These initiatives brought

together Temple fundraising with fun and entertaining events. We look forward to seeing you at the next event, Beny — a Tribute, Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner’s 30th anniversary celebration. (For details, please see the cover article.)

The Foundation’s many fundraising initiatives would not be possible without the help of our dedicated and passionate lay leaders and volunteers. The commit-ment and energy our volunteers bring to enrich Temple life is inspiring and exemplary of the deep connection many feel towards the Temple. The number of hours that these volunteers give to the Temple is astonishing, given their busy schedules outside of the synagogue. The Temple is so fortunate to have members who are willing to donate their time and expertise to the many different projects that make our Temple extraordinary.

For more information or to make a donation, please call the Foundation office (ext. 249), at the Temple.

The Rose Window in our SanctuaryThe Hall of Honour, in our Dewbourne rotunda


Gemilut Chasadim

flower planting for the 2010 season will take place after Mon. May 24, 2010, weather permitting. Letters about our annual flower planting were mailed in early March.

If you wish to have flowers planted for a loved one at Holy Blossom Temple Memorial Park, please call Hayley Nuttall (ext. 246), at the Temple, or email hnuttall@holy blossom.org to discuss annual and perpetual flower-planting options.

If you have special requests or concerns, please contact Michael Larkin (ext. 230), at the Temple, or email [email protected].

To discuss flower planting at Pardes Shalom Cemetery, please call (416) 635-2883, ext. 5211.

p u r C h A S I N G A C e M e t e r y p lo t We have 100 plots available at Holy Blossom Temple Memorial Park. The plots are $3,000 each plus GST. We also

our cemeterieshave plots available in the Holy Blossom Temple section at Pardes Shalom Cemetery. These plots are currently $1,900 plus GST. To purchase a plot, please contact Hayley Nuttall (ext. 246), at the Temple.

u N v e I l I N G S If you have an unveiling coming up, our clergy would like to offer their support. Please choose from among the following Sundays in 2010 for family and friends to gather for the dedication of a monu-ment: Apr. 18, May 30, June 6, July 11, Aug. 29, Oct. 17 and Nov. 7.

This ceremony does not require a clergy’s presence and some families prefer to conduct the unveiling them-selves, using our prayer pamphlets. To make arrangements for an unveiling, please contact Hayley Nuttall.

How lovely to think that we can start now, start slowly changing the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make a contribution toward introducing justice right away!

— Anne Frank

The Social Action Committee invites you to:• volunteer with us as tutors of high

school students through the Pathways to Education program in Lawrence Heights

• help plan a project to improve the plight of Darfuri refugees and

continue our efforts to speak up for justice in Sudan

• become involved in the building of a high school for girls in Kenya

• learn with us about institutions in Israel that are working to alleviate poverty

• attend our next meeting and share your ideas.

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].

Seeking vision and commitmentThe Directors and Officers of Holy

Blossom Temple are committed to

and passionate about the future of the

Temple. The job of the Nominating

Committee is to find and endorse

members who can best serve the

Temple on the Board and as Officers.

We seek members with vision,

commitment and involvement in

Temple life. Candidates for any Officer

or Board position may be nominated

by any member of the Temple.

The members of the Nominating

Committee are: Ari Burkes; Martha

Cass; Richard Charney; Jack

Geller; Elliott Jacobson, Co-Chair;

Merle Kriss; Elana Paice Linsky;

Debbie Moses; Gerri Prendergast;

Eric Rumack; Nancy Ruth; Ruthe

Schipper; Barry Silver, Chair; Cary

Solomon; John Sweet; Richard Toker;

and Fred Zemans.

Proposed nominations must be

submitted in writing to the administra-

tive office at the Temple. Submissions

should be sent in as soon as possible.

For copies of the nomination form,

please contact Shelly Berenbaum

(ext. 233), at the Temple, or download

a copy from our website at

www.holyblossom.org/documents.

— Barry Silver

Chair, Nominating Committee

[email protected]


Much joy over a special weekend — purim 2010

purim Carnival: Cantor Beny Maissner and Rabbi Karen Thomashow Photograph by Paul Hellen purim Carnival: Grade 6 students help at the Family Megillah reading Photograph by Paul Hellen

Cutline

Adult purim Gala: (left to right) Marilyn Gotfrid; Heather Crawford; and Pnina Margolese Photograph by Howard Rogers

purim Carnival: Elana Paice Lidsky and Brian Lidsky, and their children Lauren and Matthew Photograph by Paul Hellen

Adult purim Gala: (left to right) Roseanne Mason; Debbie Spiegel; and Elise Cohen Photograph by Howard Rogers

Adult purim Gala: Alison and Alan Schwartz Photograph by Howard Rogers

the Jewish people are commanded to enter the month of Adar (in which Purim falls) with great joy, so that when we reach Purim our energy is on par with the happiness of the celebration. This Purim, we reached such joy at Holy Blossom Temple, five times over.

Eighteen teens led their peers in a Megillah reading in the Youth Chapel,

dispersing into a fantastic carnival. Special thanks to our teen leaders, participants and chaperones.

Under the leadership of Eva Ormut-Fleishman and Shelly Miller, the Adult Purim Shpielers performed two rousing numbers during our Adult Megillah reading. Yasher Koach to our Shpielers and Megillah readers.

Jeannie Sklar and Miki Stricker-Talbot, Co-chairs of our Purim Gala, hosted 200 guests for an elegant, warm and outstanding evening of camaraderie and fun. Many thanks for the amazing generosity of our caterers Chapmans, L’eat, GMB and Zest. The Phillip Smith Congregational Hall was transformed

continued on Page 15


Our Congregational Family

26 Nisan 5770/Apr. 10, 2010Jonathan Micay, son of Susan Baskin and Jack Micay

26 Nisan 5770/Apr. 10, 2010Talia Rivers, daughter of Lindi & Dr. Stephen Rivers

3 Iyar 5770/Apr. 17, 2010Emma Lash, daughter of Liz Tarshis & Rick Lash

10 Iyar 5770/Apr. 24, 2010Daniel Leese, son of Ora & Michael Leese

10 Iyar 5770/Apr. 24, 2010Lucas Sheiner, son of Liza Mauer & Andrew Sheiner

17 Iyar 5770/May 1, 2010Ethan Faulk, son of Johanna Faulk

22 Iyar 5770/May 6, 2010Jordan Young, son of Lisa & John Young

24 Iyar 5770/May 8, 2010Lesley Shiner, daughter of Janet & Norman Shiner

Welcome to Our Temple Family

We are delighted to welcome the following new members to our Holy Blossom Temple family:

Rochelle Chester & Daniel Horwitz, and Benjamin and Ezra

Sari & Jonathan Harris, and Aidan and Sophia

Mazal Tov

b I r t h S

Anita & Dr. Val Rachlis, on the birth of a granddaughter, Lyla Sophie Blanc, daughter of Alisa Rachlis & Yoran Blanc. Other proud grandparents are Rose-Marie & Jean Blanc. Proud great-grandparents are Ruth & Frank Gishman.

Joy & Barry Gales, on the birth of a grand-daughter, Sydney Faith Brodlieb, daughter of Jennifer & Jesse Brodlieb and sister to Ryan. Other proud grandparents are Rhonda & Richard Brodlieb. Proud great-grandparents are Donald Gales, Ruth Gales, and Honey & Julius Wise.

Tobie & John David Lipson, on the birth of a granddaughter, Charlotte Rae DuPuis, daughter of Nancy Lipson & Kerry DuPuis. Other proud grandparents are Rose & Marshall DuPuis.

Jodi & Zachary Laksman, on the birth of a daughter, Kaiya Shalom Laksman. Proud grandparents are Karl & the late Selma Goodwin, and Cherie and the late Sander Laksman. Proud great-grandmother is Anna Laksman.

Phyllis & Paul Bordo, on the birth of a grandson, Dylan Levi Siegel, son of Dara & Stuart Siegel and brother to Ethan. Other proud grandparents are Ellen & Michael Siegel.

Teresa Milke & Jesse Steinman, on the birth of a daughter, Isabelle Marie Steinman. Proud grandparents are Kathleen & Fred Milke and Valery & Cary Steinman. Proud great-grandparents are June & Robert Campbell.

b ’ N e I M I t z v A hIn Memoriam

The congregation sympathizes with the recently bereaved families of:

Jason Cash, son of Dr. Stanley & Lillian Cash, brother of Nonnie Smith and Deena Blum

Merryl Josephson Conway, wife of Hilliard Conway, mother of Josh Josephson and Robert Josephson, step-mother of Audrey Mirvish, Richard Conway and Susan Mitchell

Florence Gordon, mother of Myles Gordon, Rowesa Gordon, Jeffrey Gordon and Kerry Gordon, sister of Irving Shendroff

Ella Greenholtz, mother of Fay Greenholtz and Joe Greenholtz

Alice Koralek, wife of George Koralek, mother of Debbie Daniels and Jaynie Koralek, sister of Elfrieda Vale

Moshe Krieger, husband of Ahuva Krieger, father of Karine Krieger and Orran Krieger

Mavis Mendelsohn, mother of Tania Blumenthal, Huntley Mendelsohn, Richard Mendelsohn and Marcelle Riback

Samuel Pack, husband of Linda Pack, father of A.J. Packz”l and Jessica Pack

Dorothy Shekter, wife of Ben Shekter, mother of Lorie Shekter-Wolfson, Richard Shekter, Mark Shekter and Rhona Shekter-Muirhead

Fanny Silberman, mother of Toni Silberman and Rosie Abella, sister of Sam Krongold

Maxwell Smolkin, father of Bob Smolkin, Rosalie Kane and David Smolkin

Richard Stern, brother of Nancy BakerJack Ungerman, father of Marvin

Ungerman, Bernie Ungerman and Elayne Wortsman, brother of Irving Ungerman

Albert Wasserman, husband of Sylvia Wasserman, father of Toba Offman, Ellen Moss, Gary Wasserman and Pam Hendelsman, brother of Murray Wasserman


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

Dorothy Shekter, In Memory: Brenda Spiegler &

Mark S. Anshan

A r C h I v e S f u N d

Maxwell Smolkin, In Memory: Judy Malkin & Elliott

Jacobson

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: Barbara

Gordon & Fred Davis

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

Sidney Rosenfield, In Honour: Theodora Danson

M A x I N e & J A C K f e d d e r yo u t h A W A r d f u N d

Irving Singer, In Memory: Roz Fedder Garber and

Family

J e A N f I N e S e N I o r S f u N d

Maxwell Smolkin, In Memory: Daisy & Sidney Jacobs;

Sue Joel; Annalee & Brian Schnurr

f lo r A l f u N d

Ben Basian, Bar Mitzvah: Marta & Jay Basian

Sonya Ben-Ishai, Bat Mitzvah: Rhonda Wilansky &

Israel Ben-Ishai

Emma Lash, Bat Mitzvah: Liz Tarshis & Rick Lash

Lesley Shiner, Bat Mitzvah: Janet & Norman Shiner

Lauren Wintraub, Bat Mitzvah: Brenda Cowan & Jay

Wintraub

G A r f I N K e l fA M I ly f u N d

Maxwell Smolkin, In Memory: Randi & Alan

Garfinkel

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

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Honour: Mira Goldfarb

and Adam Berkowitz and Family

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb and Mira Goldfarb, In

Honour: Michael Brown and Mark Webber

h o ly b lo S S o M t e M p l e A C C e S S I b I l I t y f u N d

Robert Fishman, In Honour: Susan & Brian Fishman

h o ly b lo S S o M t e M p l e f o u N d At I o N

Edythe Abron, In Honour: Sylvia & Sidney Roth

George Beurling, In Memory: Dr. George Bernstein

Dr. Barry Borden, In Honour: Gerry Prendergast

Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Nancy-Gay & Max

Rotstein

Alice Koralek, In Memory: Koralek Family

Dr. Philip Klotz, In Memory: Dr. George Bernstein

Dorothy Shekter, In Memory: Judi & Jack Winberg

and Family

Maxwell Smolkin, In Memory: Janice & Larry Babins;

The Birthday Girls; Esther & Marvin Tile

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

Wendy & Elliott Eisen, In Honour: Lieberman

Family; Zucker Family

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Wendy & Elliott

Eisen

J A C o b ’ S t o W e r f u N d

Dr. Barry Borden, In Honour: Jill 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

Holy Blossom Temple Sisterhood, In Appreciation:

Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson

Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Honour: Holy Blossom

Temple Sisterhood

Maxwell Smolkin, In Memory: Holy Blossom Temple

Sisterhood

l I b r A r y b o o K f u N d

Lynne Burnstein, In Memory: Orleans Family

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

Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Honour: Sybil & Jack Geller;

Bunny & Ben Zion Shapiro

M u S I C A l h e r I tA G e f u N d

Marianne Beck, In Honour: Mary & Henry Seldon

Blanche Spiegel Posen, Yahrzeit: Joyce & Barry

Spiegel and Family

Mary & Henry Seldon, In Honour: Phyllis Wintraub

L. William Spiegel, Yahrzeit: Joyce & Barry Spiegel

and Family

M u S I C A l l e G A C y f u N d

Dr. Barnet Berris, In Memory: Virginia & Carl

Solomon

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Appreciation:

Carmen & Emil Horvath

o u t o f t h e C o l d f u N d

Shelly Berenbaum, In Honour: Daisy & Sidney Jacobs

Philip Berger, In Honour: Gordon Arbess and Family

Bikur Cholim Committee, In Appreciation: Judy

Malkin & Elliott Jacobson

Tobias Blum, In Memory: Sheila Bacher; Andrea Katz

Morris Cooper, In Honour: Kathy & Maurice Green;

Ann MacPherson & Earl Bederman; Lorie Shekter-

Wolfson & Lorne Wolfson; Cynthia & John Warren

Dr. Stuart Egier, In Honour: Eric Stacey

Malcolm Goldberg, In Honour: Etienne & Aubrey

Kaplan

Susan Himel & Neil Kozloff, In Honour: Peggy

Warner

Happy Iscove, In Appreciation: Zachary Blonder

Eric Klein, In Honour: Sharon Neiss & Gordon

Arbess and Family

Leo Linsky, In Memory: Sheila Bacher; Marilyn Hahn

and Family

Gurion Marks, In Honour: Judy Malkin & Elliott

Jacobson

Saul Nussbaum, In Memory: Kathy & Maurice Green

Out of the Cold Cooking Crew, In Appreciation:

Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson

Sam Pack, In Memory: Janice & Larry Babins; Sue &

Louis Devor; Yvonne Lowe; Nancy & Lloyd Pollack;

Emily Rayson

Nancy Salem, In Honour: Shelly Berenbaum

Julia Sax, In Honour: Dori & Richard Schaefer

Joseph Shub, Yahrzeit: Bonnie & Neil Blonder and

Family

Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Sue & Louis Devor; Holy

Blossom Temple Chavurah; Gerry Prendergast

Maxwell Smolkin, In Memory: Shelly Berenbaum &

Chuck Litman; Sybil & Jack Geller; Cynthia Good

& Dan Aronchick; Margaret & David Hart; Bambi

Katz & Al Freireich; Barbara Organ; Ann & Gary

Posen; Brenda & Fred Saunders

Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Esther Zeller

Cooper & Morris Cooper and Family

Dr. Joseph Weinstock, In Honour: Marilyn & David

Gluskin

Muriel Zuratas, In Honour: Lori & Lawrie Wilder

General: Brenda & Fred Saunders; Wilansky Family

Fund

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

Moshe Krieger, In Memory: Joyce & Fred Zemans

p l A u t M A N o r f u N d

Dr. Deborah Chesnie Cooper, In Honour: Carole &

Rabbi Jonathan Plaut; Judith 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

Blanche Spiegel Posen, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles Cohen

p r Ay e r b o o K f u N d

Holy Blossom Temple Shiva Leaders, In Honour:

Linda Grossman; Florence Pape


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.

r A b b I S ’ A N d C A N t o r S ’ d I S C r e t I o N A r y

f u N d S

Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Florence

Pape and Linda Grossman and Family

Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Lieberman

Family; Lyons Family; Judy Malkin & Elliott

Jacobson; Barbara Organ; Ann & Irv Shendroff;

Zucker Family

Rabbi Yael Splansky: Samuel Reuben Davis, In

Honour: Barbara Gordon & Fred Davis

Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Appreciation:

Lieberman Family; Lyons Family; Zucker Family

Rabbi Karen Thomashow: Eric Klein, In Honour:

Marie & Neil Finkelstein and Family; Amy Hanen;

Shari Novick; Deborah Siegel & Eric Beutel and

Family

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Appreciation: Judy

Malkin and Elliott Jacobson; Barbara Organ

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Appreciation:

Lieberman Family; Zucker Family

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Honour: Lyons

Family; Marla Powers

Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Appreciation:

Linda Grossman; Lyons Family; Florence Pape

r o S e W I N d o W r e S t o r At I o N

Dr. Laura Berk, In Honour: Barbara & Floyd Stern

Dr. Barry Borden, In Honour: Joan Garson & David

Baskin

The Hon. Reuben Bromstein, In Honour: Rainer Goeller

Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Carmen &

Emil Horvath

Edward Karabanow, Yahrzeit: Ellen Karabanow

Eric Klein, In Honour: Cheryl Sylvester & Robert

Schenk and Family

Sam Pack, In Memory: Myrna Freedman

Maxwell Smolkin, In Memory: Ellen Karabanow

Hubert Stitt, In Honour: Linda WolfeN A N C y r u t h e d u C At I o N A l f u N d

Dr. Barry Borden, In Honour: Nancy Ruth

Maxwell Smolkin, In Memory: Nancy Ruthlu l A & I r v I N G S A u N d e r S e N d o W M e N t f u N d

Brenda & Fred Saunders, In Honour: Esther

Schneider

S h A C h A r I t f u N d

Harry Cash, Yahrzeit: Lillian & Stanley Cash

Arnold Cohen, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles Cohen

William Frohman, Yahrzeit: Amanda Frohman

Shirley Armstrong Gomes, Yahrzeit: Teresa &

Alberto Quiroz

Esther & Phillip Gorlicky, Yahrzeit: Frances &

Murray Ellis

Esther Hands, Yahrzeit: Sharon & Stanley Clavir and

Family; Cynthia & Brian Hands and Family

Charles Hershfield, Yahrzeit: Janet Hershfield and

Family

Melba Pollock, Yahrzeit: Sydney & Richard Krelstein

Dr. Oscar Pollock, Yahrzeit: Sydney & Richard

Krelstein

Luis Alberto Quiroz, Yahrzeit: Teresa & Alberto

Quiroz

Ira Ruderman, Yahrzeit: Marlene & Robert Ruderman

Joel Schwartz, Yahrzeit: Schwartz Family

Molly Shoichet, Yahrzeit: Shirley & Leon Tessler

William Shoichet, Yahrzeit: Shirley & Leon Tessler

Max Shrier, Yahrzeit: Joni & Eric Eisenberg

Samuel & Adele Silver, Yahrzeit: Myrna Freedman

Florence Swartz, Yahrzeit: Judi Swartz

Marcus Tessler, Yahrzeit: Shirley & Leon Tessler

Harry Uster, Yahrzeit: Donna Uster; Rosie & John

Uster

Annie Wasserman, Yahrzeit: Maxine & Mel

Wasserman

Hy Wasserman, Yahrzeit: Maxine & Mel Wasserman

S o C I A l A C t I o N f u N d

Gerri Richman and Dr. Gordon Arbess, In Honour:

Mark S. Anshan

S tA G e C r A f t f u N d

Philip Mosoff, In Memory: Nora & John Freund

Michael Ryval, In Honour: Susanne Egier

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

Frances Cohen, In Memory: Carole Dale and Honey

Wolfe

Continued from Purim 2010 on page 12

into a Persian night scene, with tents of delightful food for all to eat, between dancing, magic, belly dancing, henna, adult dress-up, silent auction bidding, and more. The evening’s success was due to the generosity of many congregants

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

Dorothy Shekter, In Memory: Helene Brodziak & Jack

Kugelmass

yo u t h A W A r d S f u N d

Dr. Deborah Chesnie Cooper, In Honour: Shushie

Cole

Happy Iscove, In Appreciation: Lyons Family

Hazel Millie Sachs, In Honour: Anne Lesarge

Maxwell Smolkin, In Memory: Edith Kirzner

Carolyn Soskin and Ron Polster, In Honour: Karen

Kollins & Daniel Abramson

Debbie Spiegel, In Appreciation: Adult B’nei

Mitzvah Class

who worked on our committee, contrib-uted generously to the silent auction, donated to the décor, and came to enjoy.

Finally, following our Family Megillah reading, the tents were used by our youngest congregants to enjoy

carnival games and food. Thanks to Phyllis Cincinatus, Tamara Hunter, Jackie Mammott, and our cadre of volunteers, it was a perfect way to end a wonderful weekend of Purim joy.

by rabbi yael [email protected]

the gift of Siddur pirchei Kodesh | The Last Word

We are about to receive a gift. Our congregation currently uses no

less than six different prayer books throughout the year, as well as count-less prayer pamphlets for individual holidays. However, this fall we will receive the gift of Siddur Pirchei Kodesh, our own complete prayer book, which will be used in all our sanctu-aries and on every day of the year, save the High Holy Days.

Siddur Pirchei Kodesh is an expres-sion of the Temple’s unique blend of liturgical tradition and innova-tion. Educational elements reveal the origins of the prayers as well as the ideas and beliefs behind them. Gender-inclusive language, linear translations and well-designed pages make the prayers accessible. A colourful essay by Professor Irving Abella celebrates Holy Blossom’s distinguished history. Prayers for home ritual and lifecycle observances make Siddur Pirchei

Kodesh a useful volume not only for the pew, but also for the home.

t I M e ly A N d t I M e l e S S Many people have put their time, talent and devotion into making this book a reality. The Siddur Committee — Randi Garfinkel, Brenda Saunders, Rabbi John Moscowitz, Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner and I — have been hard at work for many years now. For us, devel-oping this book has been a privilege and a labour of love — love for our congre-gation and love for our tradition.

Ten proofreaders have held the manuscript under a microscope. Our publisher, Malcolm Lester, has guided us and his tremendous team of profes-sionals every step of the way. And we are most grateful to the Plaut Family and the Salsberg/Ezrin Family for spon-soring this publication so generously.

Every prayer book is a sacred store-house of Jewish values and beliefs, history and aspirations. Siddur Pirchei Kodesh is also intended to be an invita-tion for us to enjoy the multiplicity of voices with which the Jewish People addresses the Divine, to learn from this

multiplicity of voices and to find our own voices within it.

The way to true prayer is a mystery to many, but with Siddur Pirchei Kodesh in our hands and the synagogue commu-nity at our side, words and wishes can be transformed into sincere prayer, taking root in the soul. This is among my many hopes for our congregation as we boldly face the future and prepare ourselves to meet the spiritual needs of coming generations.

Canada PostPublications Mail

Sales Agreement No. 40063407

1950 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON M5P 3K9

2010_march

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