A Message from Our President.....Page 3 Programs..................................... Page 4 Religious School...........................Page 5 Lighting the Chanukiah................Page 6 60+ Group ................................... Page 7 Sisterhood.................................... Page 8 The Shofar Upcoming Events Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, January 25 at Temple Sholom Save the Date! Friday, February 8, 2013 at 8:15pm at Temple Sholom Chanukah Shabbat Friday, December 14 at Temple Sholom This Shabbat is for EVERYONE who wants to experience a warm, inviting and music filled service. Please come and do invite your friends and family. 6:30-7:30pm: Musical Shabbat Service 7:30pm: Shabbat Dinner Stay as long as you like. BYOB, Adults $10 If you are proficient on a musical instrument please bring it. A 5:45pm Young Family Shabbat Dinner is also available. Adults $10, Child (1-10 years old): $6 Please RSVP for dinner to the office, 604-266-7190, by January 22 at 4:00pm - No 8:15pm service - December 2012 - January 2013 Kislev - Shevat 5773 Temple Sholom The First Todah 2013 Celebration Honouring Rabbi and Cathy Bregman and Family Featuring Villy Tilbenny & Dan Joffre With a seven piece orchestra arranged by Gordon Cherry. Please join us for this unforgettable Shabbat evening, it will knock you kippahs off and have you praying in the aisles Join Temple Sholom for a festive Chanukah Shabbat.We’ll have latkes, gelt, dreidle games and lots of fun! Enjoy a kid-friendly catered meal, followed by a festive musical service. 5:45pm: Festive Chanukah Shabbat Service 6:30pm: Catered Chanukah Dinner 8:15pm: Shabbat service including a drosh by the fourth candidate, Rabbi Philip Rice Adult: $12, Child (1-10 years old): $6 You must RSVP if you would like to attend the dinner. Please call the synagogue office at 604-266-7190 no later than Monday, December 11 to reserve your spots. Please see page 5 for Sholom Judaica extended Chanukah hours
16
Embed
December2012January2013Shofar Shofar 2€¦ · their son-in-law,Dan Owens Fanny Lewis, on the death of her brother, Sam Gordon Dinah Lewis, on the death of her uncle, Sam Gordon Rochelle
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
A Message from Our President.....Page 3Programs..................................... Page 4Religious School...........................Page 5Lighting the Chanukiah................Page 660+ Group ...................................Page 7Sisterhood....................................Page 8
TheShofarUpcoming Events
Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, January 25 at Temple Sholom
S a v e t h e D a t e ! Friday, February 8, 2013 at 8:15pm at Temple Sholom
Chanukah Shabbat Friday, December 14 at Temple Sholom
This Shabbat is for EVERYONE who wants to experience awarm, inviting and music filled service. Please come and doinvite your friends and family.
Stay as long as you like. BYOB, Adults $10If you are proficient on a musical instrument please bring it.A 5:45pm Young Family Shabbat Dinner is also available.Adults $10, Child (1-10 years old): $6Please RSVP for dinner to the office, 604-266-7190, by January 22 at 4:00pm
- No 8:15pm service -
December 2012 - January 2013Kislev - Shevat 5773
Temple Sholom
The First Todah 2013 Celebration Honouring Rabbi and Cathy Bregman and Family
Featuring Villy Tilbenny & Dan Joffre With a seven piece orchestra arranged by Gordon Cherry.
Please join us for this unforgettable Shabbat evening, it will knock you kippahs off and have you praying in the aisles
Join Temple Sholom for a festive Chanukah Shabbat.We’ll have latkes,gelt, dreidle games and lots of fun! Enjoy a kid-friendly catered meal, followed by a festive musical service.5:45pm: Festive Chanukah Shabbat Service6:30pm: Catered Chanukah Dinner8:15pm: Shabbat service including a drosh by the fourth
candidate, Rabbi Philip RiceAdult: $12, Child (1-10 years old): $6You must RSVP if you would like to attend the dinner. Please call the synagogueoffice at 604-266-7190 no later than Monday, December 11 to reserve yourspots.
Please see page 5 for Sholom Judaica extended Chanukah hours
cuy kznMazel Tov, Congratulations To:
Jen & Joel Jaffe, on the birth of their son, NoahJacobMarian Dewitt, on receiving the QueenDiamond Jubilee medal for her work withImmigration Services Society for her years ofwork with immigrant relief (see photos on page 15). Sisterhood Choir, on receiving a kavod awardfor the Advancement of Judaism category fromthe WRJ Pacific District.Sisterhood - Tikun Olam Gogos, on receiving akavod award for community service from WRJPacific District.
www.templesholom.ca 2 www.templesholom.ca
B’m
ishp
echo
tanu
ub,jpanc
In Our Temple Family
PPlleeaassee JJooiinn WWiitthh::Richard Kurland & Jennifer Tobe
as their daughterTiffany Kurland
is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 10:00am
a d a
Neil & Michelle Pollockas their son
Joshua Pollockis called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 10:00am
a d a
Tom Wollner & Cheryl Woolstoneas their daughter
Talya Wollneris called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 10:00am
vnka vtuprRefuah Schleimah, Speedy Recovery To:
Miriam Friedberg Grace CoheneMorry Harrison Rosalyn Sherker
unjb unjbNachamu, Nachamu, Condolences To:Simon Tsemakhovich, on the death of hisbrother, Boris TsemakhovichTalia Magder, on the death of her grandfa-ther, Albert DouekLionel & Beryl Herscovitch, on the death oftheir son-in-law, Dan OwensFanny Lewis, on the death of her brother,Sam Gordon Dinah Lewis, on the death of her uncle, SamGordonRochelle Garfinkel, on the death of hermother, Bella GarfinkelSid Kirson, on the death of his nephew,Allan KarlinskyHarry Karlinsky, on the death of his cousin,Allan KarlinskyRick Parnell & Rena Cohen, on the death oftheir sister-in-law, Trudy TaitChris & Rhoda Friedrichs, on the death oftheir son-in-law, Joe FiorentinoDiana Zoe Coop, on the death of her aunt,Lucy RifkinRick Smith, on the death of his father,Wilfrid Smith
* If you wish to add your e-mail address to ourdeath notices distribution list, please callTemple Sholom office 604-266-7190.
* If you or a member of your family are sick and youwould like a visit from the Rabbinical staff, pleasecall the office: 604-266-7190.
ohtCv ohfurCBruchim Habayim, Welcome to Our
New Congregants:Konstantin & Mary KleinerOlga Bespalaja & Dustin KrysakMichael & Victoria Smus
Do you eat vegetables? Do you like fresh organicvegetables? Did you know that Temple Sholomhas a partnership with an organic farm in Langleythat provides members with the freshest veggiesevery week for 20 weeks from June to November?The 2012 season just ended and it is time to register for 2013. Please see the insert in theShofar. Registrations and payment mustbe into the office by Dec. 15th to receive theearly bird pricing. Please be in touch with Lisaat 604-266-7190 or [email protected] if youwould like more information about the veggie program.
B’m
ishpechotanuub,jpa
nc
www.templesholom.ca 3 www.templesholom.ca
In Our Temple FamilyA Message from Our President
Dear Congregants,
When the Syrian-Greeks defiled the temple anderected idols to their gods and goddesses theytrampled upon and extinguished the light of themenorah. They forbid Jewish worship and study.They tried to assimilate all the Jews. But the truthsof our Torah and the truths of justice and righteousness are hard to extinguish. For thesetruths lived inside of Judah Maccabee and his family and their followers just as they live inside ofus. So this year as we kindle our Chanukah candleslet our faith be renewed by the flame of the menorah. Let our values burn brightly for justiceand righteousness for all people. Let the glow ofthe flames warm us to God's Divine Presence felt inthe circle of loving family and friends.
December is a major food distribution time for theJewish Food Bank’s Project Isaiah. As we prepareto celebrate with our family and friends, we shouldremember to share with those in our communitywho may be less fortunate. This is a good time todonate to the Jewish Food Bank, either with non-perishable food or a cash donation. There isalways a collection basket in the Temple foyer andmonetary donations can be left with the office.
This October, eight Sisterhood members attendedthe WRJ Pacific District Convention in Portland,Oregon. Congratulations to Donna Ornstein whowas installed as Vice-President of the WRJ PacificDistrict and Toni Kennedy who was installed as anArea Director on the WRJ Pacific Board. At theConvention our Sisterhood received two KavodAwards; the Community Service Award for theirTikkun Olam Gogos bags and the Advance ofJudaism Award for the Sisterhood choir.
Technology is becoming more a part of our everyday lives. Temple uses technology to providetimely information to our members and potentialmembers. Available by email are funeral notices,notices of the downtown Talmud study, and theweekly Temple newsletter, Temple Happenings.Contact the office to subscribe. Temple’s Websitewww.templesholom.ca also provides valuableinformation about Temple such as upcomingevents, directions to our cemetery, worship service
schedules, contact information, an online Shofar,and much more – I encourage you to check it out.You might also like Temple’s Facebook page.
Temple has many Standing Committees and Adhoc Committees that are the backbone of Temple.Two committees, which are currently very busy,are the Senior Rabbi Selection Committee and theGala Committee.
The Senior Rabbi Selection Committee under theable leadership of Dennis Pavlich and CharlotteBell conducted eight Skype online video interviewsof Senior Rabbi candidates and decided on fourextremely well qualified candidates to bring toVancouver for in-person interviews. Three candidates have come to Vancouver and the fourthwill be here the weekend of December 14. TheCandidates participated in services and met withthe Selection Committee, the current Rabbis, theStaff, the President, members and others. Once theSelection Committee is ready to approve theirchoice for the position of Senior Rabbi it will bepresented to the Board of Directors for theirapproval and if approved then an extraordinarygeneral meeting of the members will be called fortheir approval. The new Senior Rabbi will start atTemple effective August 1, 2013. Rabbi Bregmanwill then become Rabbi Emeritus.
The Gala Committee co-chaired by Joyce Cherryand Ellen Gordon is also very busy finalizingdetails for Todah 2013 – a Tribute Gala to theBregmans on April 28th at the Chan Centre. Ticketinformation will be available shortly and memberswill be given the opportunity to honour theBregmans by making a donation to theEndowment Fund - Building on the BregmanYears.
Wishing you and your family a relaxing Decemberand a Happy Chanukah.
B’ Shalom,David Schwartz, President
B’m
ishp
echo
tanu
ub,jpanc
In Our Temple Family
www.templesholom.ca 4 www.templesholom.ca
Sholom Baby
Healthy Food Shopping Tour
Next Generation
Are you intimidated byhealth food stores? Do youfeel overwhelmed by choic-es? Temple Sholom memberand nutritionist, AlyssaBauman will help you!Follow her around the storefor fun facts on food, learnhow to determine nutrient
density and read labels, key nutritional informationand more. Alyssa will share her favourite ingredi-ents and you’ll learn the secret to shopping healthierand saving money at health food stores. Shop better,eat healthier, start looking and feeling your best!Cost: $12 per person. Please register in advance in order to attend.Contact Lisa at 604-266-7190 or [email protected].
Please join us on:December 13, 10:00-11:00am
Chanukah Sing-along at Louis Brier –Meet at Louis Brier (1055 West 41st Avenue)
January 24, 10:00-11:00amTu B’shevat
Baby yoga with Jordana Jackson!
December 12 – Talmud Class with Rabbi Brown (Final Session!)7:30-9:00 pm, @ Room for Cream, 888 Kingsway (@18th)
Chanukah WOW Shabbat
Once a month we'll have an exciting Shabbat celebration for children (aged 0 to 8) & their families.
Choose from a variety of activities with Jewish specialists, including:
Art, Music, Kids’ Yoga, Storytelling and Dance.A short musical service & a kid friendly lunch
are also part of the program. Non-Members are welcome. Please bring your friends.
Sholom Baby is a wonderful community for parentsand grandparents to gather with their babies andtoddlers. We will celebrate Jewish holidays, sing
songs, learn some great tips for parenting youngchildren, and more! This is a great way to meetother new parents in Vancouver.
Saturday, December 1 at 10:00am-Noon
The Talmud is our preeminent source on Jewish lawand the basis for so much of Jewish life and practice.But it is much more than a legal code – it contains
incredible storytelling, arguments, and humour. Eachsession we will explore one foundational sugya (section)of the Talmud. No previous experience needed!
Thursday, January 31 , 7:00-8:30pm at Whole Foods (510 West 8th Avenue)
Yoga ClassesJoin us for Yoga Classes with Elana Epstein on Tuesday mornings
from 9:30-10:30am at Temple Sholom. Contact Elana Epstein at [email protected] for more information. Drop-in $18
(try your first class for free). No classes during the Winter Break (December 18-January 8)
www.templesholom.ca 5 www.templesholom.ca
Religious School Religious
School
Tuesdays (6:30-8:00pm)December 4 Regular classes December 11 Regular classes December 18 Winter Break December 25 Winter Break January 1 Winter Break January 8 Regular classes January 15 Regular classes January 22 Regular classes January 29 Regular classes
q A little IntroductionI’m Jenny Glickman-Rynd, the new face you havebeen seeing around the school in the last month.While Jen is home, enjoying her new baby, Noah,I will be here. I have been teaching in the schoolfor the last two years and I'm very knowledgeableof the programs. I’m looking forward to the coming year in this new role, getting to know allthe children and parents. I was principal of the Shabbat School in Calgary,so have some experience. What I’m really delighted about is the opportunity to be part ofthe excellent work of this school. I also believe thiswill give me a chance to get to know the TempleSholom community better; and that will be a gift.
q Todah Rabah!To our school families for supporting JewishFamily Services Food Bank gift program aimedat helping those who depend on the Food Bank.The gifts were distributed on November 22 andand December 4th. At this time of year, bringing light to those in need is an importantpart of tikkun olam. Thanks for your support ofthis worthwhile Tzedakah project.
q Chanukah Festivities - December 9thThis is going to be an amazing morning that willget you in the Chanukah spirit!
Parents are invited to any (or all!) of the morning.
q Wimpel (Torah binder) Workshop - December 16th
Families of our B’nai Mitzvah class will be making wimpels in Sarah’s Tent starting at12:15pm after the final Al Shlosha Devarim session.
q In Case of snowA message will be left on the Synagogue answering machine by 8:30 am to let you knowif classes are cancelled.
Please note: The first class back after Winter Break is Tuesday January 8, 2013
9:30am:10:00am:
10:30am:
Minyan & Celebration kick-offThe Sababas – a ChanukahConcert, songs, puppets, musical instrumentsLight and dark - Mini mitzvah projectw Craft fair (make candles, giftwrap, cards and more)w Dreidle Mania (painting them, eating them and playing with them)w Games and music
The first candle of Chanukkah is on Saturday, December 8, 2012We have everything you need for Chanukah: Chanukiot, Chanukah Candles, Dreidels, Toys/ Games/ Puzzles,
Books, CDs & DVDs, Kitchen Accessories, Arts N’ Crafts,Decorations & Streamers, Great Selection of Chanukah Gifts
604-266-1957 w www.sholomjudaica.ca
SS hh oo ll oo mm JJ uu dd aa ii cc aaSpecial Chanukah Hours:q Monday, December 3
Every home should have itsown Chanukiah. There are awide variety of chanukiotstyles. It is not necessarythat all eight lights of achanukiah are in a straightrow, but all eight candlesmust be the same height.The entire family should participate in thelighting of the Chanukiah. In some families, itis customary for each family member to havetheir own Chanukiah.On the first night of Chanukah, the shamash islit first. Using the shamash, the candle on the
extreme right is lit. On thesecond night, two candlesare lit. The new candle is litfirst and then the one to itsright. In other words, thecandles are put in from rightto left, but they are lit from
left to right. This pattern continues throughoutChanukah to show that each day the miraclebecame greater. Chanukah candles are not sup-posed to be used for any other purpose, as theyare a symbol of the miracle of these days.
The first Chanukah candle is lit onSaturday, December 8th, 2012.
Chanukah Blessings
1. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You hallow us with your Mitzvot, and command us to kindle the Chanukah lights.
On the first night of Chanukah all three blessings are said.On all other nights of Chanukah only Blessings number 1 and 2 are recited
3. We praise You, Eternal One, Soverign God of the universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.
HHaappppyy CChhaannuukkaahh!!
Sonya Ackerman
In Our Temple Family
www.templesholom.ca 7 www.templesholom.ca
B’m
ishpechotanuub,jpa
nc
60+ Group
Celebrating their Special Birthday in December & JanuaryJoin us in commemorating these very special congregants’ 80+ Birthdays!
Mildred Feldman w Harriett Ratner w Sara Ciacci w Adele ChechikBenny Warhaft w Jermaine White w Fanny Lewis
Arthur Guttman w Molly TenenbaumAsher Hamer w Lenny Smith w Bernard Rozen w Roberta SlavinLouis Winkler w Fay Manis w Betty Broudy w Karola Robitschek
Ruth Kliman w Betty Carr
Thursday, December 1310:00am: Yoga10:45am: Business meeting12:00pm: Lunch ($10.00)1:00pm: Chanukah program
Wednesday, January 1610:00am: Yoga10:45am: Business meeting12:00pm: Lunch ($10.00) 1:00pm: TBA
The GREATER VANCOUVER JEWISH COMMUNITY TELEPHONE DIRECTORY Telephone & Address Changes
The 2013-2015 directory is now being compiled. To ensure that we have your correct informa-tion, we respectfully ask you to respond to this form:q Address changes q Newcomers to our communityq Deletions q Cross listingsPlease complete the attached form and email [email protected] or phone 604-279-0660;Email: [email protected]. Carole Fader, Editor @ 604-279-0660
P L E A S E P R I N T C L E A R L YName:_____________________________________________________________
(for families, please print given names of husband and wife)Address:____________________________________________________________
City:__________________________ Postal Code:_________________Telephone:____________________ Email:______________________DATE SUBMITTED:_________________________________________
Our next meetings will be on:
This year, as our family celebrated two wonderful simchas, wehave been overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection and generosity from the Congregation. Thank you so very, very much toeveryone who made donations to various Temple Sholom Funds inhonour of Shai and Michelle’s wedding and Jordana and Itamar’sengagement. Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated by all ofus.
With boundless love, Rabbi & Cathy Bregman Shai & Michelle Bregman and Jordana Bregman & Itamar Shani
Send in your Nomination now to recognize a Sisterhood volunteer -Deadline March 1, 2013
This annual award, named for Sisterhood’s firstPresident, Jan Pollack (z’l), will be presented to a Sisterhood member in recognition of her long term and/or outstanding contributions to Sisterhoodat the Sisterhood Shabbat service on Friday,April 5, 2013.
Nomination Forms are available by download-ing them from the Sisterhood webpages of theTemple’s website: www.templesholom.ca/sis-terhood, or are also available in the Sisterhoodreading rack in the Temple foyer near the frontdoors. Please complete and mail or deliver theform to the attention of Marsha Simmons,Sisterhood Co-VP, Membership Development,c/o the Temple as soon as possible but by nolater than March 1, 2013.
Calling all New and Long-Time Women Singers:
Join the Sisterhood Choir!
The Sisterhood Choir will once again be singingat the April 5 and 6, 2013 Friday night andSaturday morning services as part of theSisterhood Shabbaton weekend.
Rehearsals will take place at the Temple onWednesday nights (January 23 to April 3, 2013,with a one week break for Passover) starting at
7:15 p.m. sharp. No prior choir experience isrequired. You must be able to attend at least 8of the 10 rehearsals.
Choir Director: Joyce Cherry
Please contact choir assistant Joan Fader, byemail at [email protected] to register or
for more information.
q
qqqqq
Sisterhood is once again collecting items for its annualBedtime Kits project which we puttogether for children who go intoemergency and transitional shelters in Metro Vancouver dueto unsafe conditions in their ownhomes.
We are looking for donations of the following items:
New, packaged toothbrushes for children toage 16ToothpasteSmall shampoo bottlesSmall cosmetics containers that can be usedfor the toothbrushes, etc.
Books, new or gently used for children up toages 14New sleepers for infants to 24 monthsNew pyjamas for toddlers and older childrenNew socks for childrenNew underwear for boys and girls (size 4 & up)Packages of diapers and pull-ups
A basket has been set up in the lobby of theTemple for drop offs. If you havequestions, please contact FayeSamson through the Temple officeat 604-266-7190 or email:[email protected] may buy some of theitems required to fill the backpacksso a cash donation towards thatcost is welcome.
q
qqq
www.templesholom.ca 9 ww.templesholom.ca
SisterhoodN
ews
Sisterhood News
Autumn Fling “Country Western” is a Big Success & Lots of Fun!
Ongoing Sisterhood ProgramsPlease check the Sisterhood Upcoming Events page of the Temple website to get more information and updates on our ongoing programs:
www.templesholom.ca/sisterhood
Sisterhood’s major fundraiser ofthe year, the Autumn Fling“Home on the Range CountryWestern”, held on November 19,was great fun with a live danceband, appetizers, silent auction,
raffle, fabulous dessert buffet and new this year, theline dancing led by our own Naomi Taussig. A huge thank you to the core committee:
Reesa Devlin, (Convener), Donna Ornstein, JoanFader, Sara Ciacci, Gayda Coblin, DebbieRootman and Marie Henry,
as well as the many Sisterhood members (andspouses) who volunteered their time with the set upof the silent auction and raffle, baking, making chili,corn bread and baked potatoes, picking up items,setting up and decorating the social hall, acting as MC, working at the ticket desk and the
cashier’s desk and taking care of the photo boothincluding downloading and emailing out the individual pictures:
Alexis Rothschild, Annette Hamm, AnnetteKozicki, Bella Sherman, Bonnie Elster, BarbaraBrezer, Helen Parker, Iris Dayson, Linda Arato,Myra Elson, Riita Nihtila, Sunny Rothschild,Shelley Shindler, Toni Kennedy, Bob Devlin,Shawn Gold and Jack Lewis.
We are also very grateful for the support and assistance provided by the Temple office staff andbuilding staff with the organization and set up ofthis event.Sisterhood gratefully acknowledges the large number of donations made by Temple members andlocal individuals, companies and merchants as wellas all the patrons for the event who helped us coverour costs.
Donors of Gift Certificates, Merchandise & Services to Silent Auction & Raffle
Thank you to:
After FiveAlexis RothschildAndy Trott Kerrisdale Men’s WearAnnette KozickiArthur Murray Dance StudiosVancouverBarbara BrezerBean Brothers CafeBella ShermanBenton Bros. Fine CheeseBonnie ElsterBoys Co StoresBuchan’s Kerrisdale StationaryCan Am ImportiqueCanada Safeway LimitedCarol WalkerConnie TraczD’s Hair SanctuaryDanceHouseDaniel Hospitality Group (Daniel Frankel)David Schwartz & Debbie FreimanDebbie RootmanDestination Mazda VancouverDKNYDonna & Neil OrnsteinDr. Rodney ShainbomEd’s Linens
Enigma RestaurantEstrella’s Restaurant & DeliGeraldine BieleyGerri KleinHair by Gina & Co (Gina Zilli)Happy Dog Mobile Bath & Home(Annette & Ryan Kozicki)Hedgerow House Bed & BreakfastInternational Cellars Inc.Iris DaysonJana TimkoJenny Pearson Esthetic StudioJessica DevlinJewish IndependentJoan FaderJoan RogersJoe Fortes Seafood & Chop HouseJohn & Marie HenryKerrisdale BooteryKerrisdale Custom TailorsKLAR Coaching & ConsultingKokopelli CafeLen & Annette HammLinda AratoLinda VickarsLisa Rose Judaica ArtMusqueam Golf & Learning Academy
Myra ElsonNorman & Annette RothsteinTheatre (Mary Louise Albert)On the Go FashionsPanda ShoesParis CliniqeQue Pasa Mexican FoodsRaber Glove ManufacturingReesa & Bob DevlinRichard Tyce (S-Bahn)Richmond Country ClubRiitta NihtilaRiver Rock Casino ResortRobin FriedRonson Shoe StoresRose MikelbergRosedale on Robson Suite Hotel(Jodi Sprackman)Rufina’s European Skin & Facial ClinicRuth ZinkhoferSandy CrystalSave-on-FoodsSharon KahnShirley CohnSholom Judaica Gift ShopSofra RestaurantSteve & Bonnie Gertsman
Continued on page 16
B’m
ishp
echo
tanu
ub,jpanc
In Our Temple Family
www.templesholom.ca 10 www.templesholom.ca
I was fortunate to be in Toronto in November whenARZA Canada hosted two dynamic speakers who are veryinvolved in the Reform movement in Israel. YairLootsteen is the president of the largest Reform congregation in Israel, Kol HaNeshama in Jerusalem.Yaron Shavit is the chairman of the board of the IsraelMovement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ).
Yair shared interesting information about the impact ofreligious demographics in Israel:
Currently 800,000 people live in Jerusalem;300,000 of those are Arabs and 180,000 are ultra-orthodox/Haredi (please note that there is ahuge difference between ultra-orthodox Haredi andmodern orthodox; in general, modern orthodox Jewsparticipate fully in Israeli society, Haredi Jews do not)The Haredi birthrate (on average 7.7 children perfamily) has resulted in 60% of Jewish first grade students in Jerusalem being from Haredi familiesLess than 50% of adult Haredi men are employed(they spend their time studying )For economic reasons, Haredi families are movinginto (and thereby changing the character of) more lib-eral neighborhoods; they also move into West Banksettlements (NOT for religious reasons, but because ofcheaper housing prices and proximity to Jerusalem)After grade 6, children at publicly funded Haredischools do not learn the secular curriculum – thatmeans math, science, etc. stop after grade 6!In August this, the supreme court of Israel ruled thatHaredi men who are Israeli citizens must do militaryor national service, like every other Israeli citizen.However, the government (which relies on the support of the ultra-orthodox vote) has not enforcedthis rulingProjections are for the majority of Israel’s populationto be Haredi within 30 - 50 years. This will have drastic impacts on the Israeli economy and quality oflife, due to underemployment and low levels of seculareducation. The minority of people will be required tosupport the majority
Yair talked about the importance of integrating HarediJews into Israeli society in order for the country to survive. Integration does not have to mean destroyingthe Haredi way of life, but it does require a more activerole in Israeli society. More Haredi women are beingallowed to train at vocational schools and enter the workforce in order to support their families. Increasingeducation levels will be crucial, as will be reducing thebirth rate (perhaps by cutting government child subsidies– again something that has been considered by the government, but not acted upon, for political reasons).Small numbers of Haredi men have joined the army, andthe IDF is learning how to make adaptations to help these
men feel comfortable.
It is a fascinatingaspect of life in Israel,and another reason why it is so important for the 1.7 million Reform Jews of North America to support thegrowing Reform movement in Israel. More and moreIsraelis are learning that “there is more than one way tobe Jewish”.Yaron spoke about the vibrancy of the growing Reformmovement in Israel. A focus of IMPJ is to attract moreSabras – Jews born and raised in Israel. This is done inpart by providing high-quality preschool programs thatsecular Israelis are choosing for their children. IMPJ hasa free holiday website which, in 2011, was accessed by100,000 Israelis. IMPJ expects to start 2 – 3 new congregations yearly until 2020. There are now 55 nursery school programs, and 20 public schools haveProgressive Judaism as part of their core curriculum(reaching 800 students). Large numbers of secular andtraditional Israelis have participated in IMPJ activities,but only 3000 families have actually become members.
IMPJ congregations focus on Tikkun Olam. Currentlythere is strong support being given to the non-JewishAfrican refugees in Israel. In part this is done by welcoming their children into the preschool programs.
Last month Anat Hoffman was arrested and traumatizedfor trying to pray at the Western Wall according toReform principles. This month, more than 100 women(compared to the usual 30) attended Rosh Chodesh services at the wall to show their support for women to beallowed to participate fully in Jewish services at the holiest Jewish site, which is now totally under control ofthe Orthodox rabbinate. A push is being made to createan egalitarian section at the site. Yaron shared his excitement about the fact that RabbiGilad Kariv, Executive Director of IMPJ, is running in theupcoming Israeli national election, as a Labour Partycandidate.
As I write this, we are into day 5 of Operation AmoodAnan (Pillar of Clouds). I hope and pray that by the timeyou are reading this, the situation in Israel will havecalmed down. Consider showing your support for Israelby contacting people you know there – they need to knowthat we care and appreciate the difficulties they live withdaily to keep the State of Israel alive for all of us. Evenbetter, consider visiting Israel, perhaps joining the Ridefor Reform in March.
Hebrew words of the month:Election – bechirot -Bomb shelter - miklat -
Blessings in a BackpackA donation was made: David & Judy CoblinRuth StewartDorita Flakser
Mazel Tov:Pat Yurkowski & Susan LazarOn the renewal of their vowsBonnie & Harry TregabovRhea, Gary, Casey & Solly Lazar
Endowment FundCondolences:Chris & Rhoda FriedrichsOn the death of their son-in-law, JoeFiorentinoDebby Freiman & David SchwartzEric & Anne AndrewRena Cohen & Richard ParnellOn the death of their sister-in-law,Trudy TaitDebby Freiman & David SchwartzRochelle GarfinkelOn the death of her mother, Bella Garfinkel
Elliott & Loren LipseyRochelle Garfinkel & Kevin Rennie
On the death of her mother, Bella GarfinkelDebby Freiman & David Schwartz
Family and Youth FundMary & Sarah KleinerWelcome to Temple Sholom Shirley & Jack Hyman
Flower FundCondolences:Chris & Rhoda Friedrichs & FamilyOn the death of their son-in-law, JoeFiorentinoJoice Myers
On your special Birthday:Helene NetterBarry & Joyce Silverman
Harlene Riback Israel/Camp Scholarship FundCondolences:Chris & Rhoda FriedrichsOn the death of their son-in-law, JoeFiorentinoBud & Fay RibackLionel & Beryl HerscovitchOn the death of their son-in-law, DanOwensThe Gruenthal FamilyRochelle Garfinkel & FamilyOn the death of her mother, BellaGarfinkelBill & Noemi Gruenthal
Mazel Tov:Ken & Maureen Neuman
On Zachary’s Bar MitzvahBud & Fay Riback
On your special Birthday:Leonor Etkin
Bud & Fay Riback
Healing FundMazel Tov:Shai & Michelle Bregman
On their marriagePaul & Cheryl Meyers
Speedy Recovery:Miriam Friedberg
Deborah & Henry Ross Grayman
Landscape FundCondolences:Chris & Rhoda FriedrichsOn the death of their son-in-law, JoeFiorentinoSharon Kahn & Barrie Mac Fadden60 Plus GroupHarry Garfinkel & FamilyOn the death of their wife & mother,Bella GarfinkelRochelle Moss & Sidney AlpersteinRochelle GarfinkelOn the death of her mother, BellaGarfinkel
Shelley Rivkin
60 PlusJean AngusBarry Garfield & Ellen GilfixNorman & Alisa StreatRochelle Garfinkel & FamilyOn the death of her mother, BellaGarfinkel
Sharon Kahn & Barrie Mac FaddenSid & Lynn KirsonKenn & Gayda CoblinJerry & Susan LampertChuck & Bev GoldenBud & Fay RibackLorne & Jill WeinsteinEric & Anne AndrewRochelle Garfinkel & Kevin RennieOn the death of her mother, BellaGarfinkel
On the death of their mother, mother-in-law & grandmother, Bella GarfinkelEsther & Irv WeinsteinSid KirsonOn the death of his nephew, AllanKarlinskyIsabelle & Moshe Somekh
Mazel Tov:Neil OrnsteinOn his retirement
Bruce Howitt & Joan GalesShai & Michelle BregmanOn their marriageMarianne HaeblerThe Bregman FamilyIn honour of the marriage of Shai &MichelleTimothy & Tammy Kalla
www.templesholom.ca 14 www.templesholom.ca
Don
atio
nsDonationsMagen David Adom FundCondolences:Fern Swedlove & Sid Chapnick
On the death of their sisterMoira & Jeff Gort
On your special Birthday:Gary RomalisPhilip & Iris Dayson
Mazon FundCondolences:Chris & Rhoda FriedrichsOn the death of their son-in-law, JoeFiorentino
Kenn & Gayda CoblinChris & Rhoda Friedrichs & FamilyOn the death of their son-in-law, JoeFiorentino
Dennis & Suzanne PavlichDonna Smith & Family
On the death of her busband, Wilfred
Lorne & Jill WeinsteinEllen Yackness
On the death of her mother, Hilda Bruer
Mel & Anita KarpLionel & Beryl HerscovitchOn the death of their son-in-law, DanOwens
Dolly JampolskyRick Smith & Family
On the death of his father, WilfridLorne & Jill Weinstein
In Appreciation:Robert & Naomi DesormeauSharon Isaacson
Mazel Tov:Jordana Bregman & Itamar Shani
On their engagement
Michael & Laurie Bertrand & FamilyRabbi & Cathy BregmanOn Shai’s marriage and Jordie’sengagement
Paul & Cheryl MeyersWilliam Clark & Danna Marks
On Adam’s Bar MitzvahMel & Anita Karp
Marian DewittOn receiving the Queen’s DiamondJubilee for her work with theImmigration Services Society60 Plus
On your special Birthday:Leonor EtkinTed & Shirley Cohn
Steffany StandbergKenn & Gayda CoblinVera Frinton & Bryan Davis
Religious School FundCondolences:Chris & Rhoda FriedrichsOn the death of their son-in-law, JoeFiorentino
Deborah & Henry Ross Grayman
www.templesholom.ca 15 www.templesholom.ca
Donations Donations
Rochelle GarfinkelOn the death of her mother, BellaGarfinkelDeborah & Henry Ross Grayman
Mazel Tov:Jen & Joel Jaffe
On the birth of their son, Noah JacobEric & Anne Andrew
Seniors FundCondolences:Ellen Yackness
On the death of her motherJack & Shirley HymanLionel & Beryl HerscovitchOn the death of their son-in-law, DanOwensJanet ShierRochelle Garfinkel, Kevin Rennie& FamilyOn the death of their mother & grand-mother, Bella GarfinkelSherri Silverman & Marvin Stern &Family
Mazel Tov:Marian DewittOn receiving the Queen’s DiamondJubilee for her work with theImmigration Services SocietyEric & Anne AndrewSteve & Bonnie GertsmanOn their 50th anniversaryTed & Dale Wormeli
On your special Birthday:Claire GolumbiaPaul & Cheryl Meyers
Speedy Recovery:Marian DewittKenn & Gayda Coblin
Sisterhood FundCondolences:Monica MondrowOn the death of her daughter, Chloe
Alexis Rothschild & Shawn GoldRena Cohen & Richard ParnellOn the death of their sister-in-law,Trudy Tait
Alexis Rothschild & Shawn GoldRochelle GarfinkelOn the death of her mother, BellaGarfinkel
On the death of her mother, Bella GarfinkelThe Elster Family
Mazel Tov:Donna & Neil OrnsteinOn their retirementMark & Bonnie ElsterDonna OrnsteinOn becoming Vice President of the URJPacific District
Jack & Phyllis Lewis
On your special Birthday:Leonor EtkinKaren Eve Lecovin
Tree of LifeIn Honour Of:The birth of their son Noah Jacob, aleaf was made for the Tree of LifeJen & Joel JaffeIn Honour Of:Leonor Etkin’s 80th birthday a leaf wasmade for the Tree of LifeSara Ciacci
Webcast FundCondolences:Rena Cohen & Richard ParnellOn the death of their sister-in-law,Trudy TaitSharon Kahn & Barrie Mac FaddenRochelle Garfinkel & FamilyOn the death of her mother, BellaGarfinkelDonna & Neil Ornstein
Mazel Tov:Donna OrnsteinSharon & Irving KatesFred & Rose MikelbergOn Daniel’s engagementSharon & Irving Kate
Youth Group FundMazel Tov:Julia & Aaron WennerOn the birth of their daughter, BriyahAppel David & Patricia Nerman
Our Temple member, Marian Dewitt receiving Queen Diamond Jubilee medal for her work withImmigration Services Society for her years of work with immigrant relief.
A special “Thank You” to:Our Temple FamilyThank you so much for all yourgood wishes & donations.Marian Dewitt
Temple SholomA Canadian Reform congregation that honours and sanctifies each and every person, integrating a deep sense of Jewish tradition with contemporary life.
SisterhoodN
ews
Sisterhood NewsTemple SholomThe Perfect GiftThe Right Shoe
The Studio Video Facilities (David Cooperstone)The Umbrella Shop