Pesach 2014 - Shaarei Shomayim

Transcription

Passover 2014 | pesach 5774
nisan-iyar-sivan-tammuz-av
What’s inside
with the pm in israel – rabbi strauchler..............2
Calendar – schedule of services......................18
faster, the better – rabbi diamond................... 8
we honoured the memory of benny starkz”l....31
president’s message – benny osher...................9
that 70s purim – pictorial................................... 32
from the executive director’s desk.................15
family news.............................................................36
From the Rabbi’s Desk
Rabbi chaim
strauchler
With the Prime
Minister in Israel
F
rom January 19-22, I served as a delegate on Prime Minister
Stephen Harper’s trip to Israel. I was honoured to represent Shaarei
Shomayim on this historic trip. This opportunity was a tribute to
Shaarei Shomayim and its long history of support for Israel and
its long engagement in the issues that matter to Canadian society.
During the course of the trip, I posted photos and reflections to Facebook and
my blog on the shul’s website. I share some of that material in print here.
Friday January 17
I leave for Ottawa today. As I travel,
I am thinking about what message
I would share with Prime Minister
Harper if I meet him. At the moment,
my message would be that when he
speaks in Israel – he is speaking to an
old people. His words in Jerusalem will
be remembered by the long memory
of the Jewish people. I will urge him –
dabru al lev yerushaleim vekiru eleha
– speak to the heart of Jerusalem. Tell
the people that they are not alone and
make an argument for why they will
not be alone in the future.
Prime
Minister
Harper
is
uniquely positioned to make the
argument for why it is in the interest of
Western States to support the modern
State of Israel. I hope he makes that
case next week.
at Machzikei Hadas. Rabbi Bulka
was very hospitable, and we had a
chance to talk privately over Shabbat
about everything from being a regular
blood donor to Synagogue crests. We
also shared zemirot and divrei torah.
We sped to the airport right after
Shabbat. There’s a special terminal
for the PM’s plane. The plane is called
Royal Canadian Air Force 001, but
it is actually fairly normal on the
inside. Here’s a picture of MP John
Carmichael and me on board the plane.
Shabbat in Ottawa Parshat Yitro
January 18
I arrived in Ottawa on Friday
and Rabbi Bulka was kind enough
to pick me up from the airport. We
enjoyed a beautiful Shabbat including
a special kiddush sponsored by the
Chasan Torah and Chasan Bereshit
Sunday January 19
We stopped in Cologne to refuel.
The irony of us stopping at a German
Army Base on the way to Israel and
pulling together a minyan for Shacharit
(next to German military personnel)
was not lost on any of us. After the
second leg of our journey, we landed
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spring 2014
in Lod and travelled by motorcade to
Jerusalem. They shut down the TLVJER highway for us. I have never gotten
through Jerusalem so quickly; this is
the way to travel. The delegation stayed
at the Jerusalem Citadel Hotel. I polled
some of the other delegates on the
question what we would most like to see
as the headline in Israeli newspapers on
the day after PM Harper’s speech to the
Knesset. Favorite choices were “Israel’s
best friend” and “Achim anachnu – we
are brothers”
After dinner, I took a cab over to
Phil and Faygie Schwartz’s home in
Baka. Bev Lyons arranged for a get
together of Shaarei Shomayim families.
I was honoured that so many people
came together to greet me, including
cont. on page 3
cont. from page 2
Rabbis Sacknowitz and Berzon. I gave a
short devar torah – and thanked those
present for being a good example for
the rest of us to follow. Bev and Faygie
put together a beautiful spread.
Monday January 20
Jet lagged, I woke up long before
dawn. I davened vatikin at the kotel. I
walked from the David’s Citadel Hotel
through a quiet city at 5AM. The light on
the stones was beautiful. As I davened
this AM, I thought about the precision
of time. The NFC championship, the
previous day, was won partially because
of a SF snap that was a second after the
play clock expired. A vatikin minyan
runs at a pace to hit shmoneh esrei
exactly at sunrise. There is a certain
pleasure in the smooth operation of
a football play through time – when
everything clicks. The religious world
has its own choreography – that too
creates a spiritual pleasure. Here are
some of the pictures of Jerusalem from
that morning.
It was beautiful to see Canadian and
Israeli flags flying through Jerusalem
as we drove to the knesset to hear the
Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister’s Speech
to the Knesset
Before we were allowed to enter the
Knesset – there was a long wait.
We moved into a room with
Chagall tapestries where PM Harper
signed the guest book and was given
the keys to the Knesset. First time such
a thing was done.
During the wait in the action, I had
the chance to reconnect with Stockwell
Day (who spoke at Shaarei Shomayim
a few years ago) and the new Canadian
ambassador to Israel, Vivian Bercovici.
I spoke to the Philippine Ambassador to
Israel who told me about reconstruction
efforts after the typhoon in his country.
It was great to see our MP Joe Oliver
and Ministers Kenny and Baird at the
ceremony.
We were finally seated in the gallery
that overlooks the floor of the Knesset
The proceeding began with a speech
by Knesset Speaker Yudi Edelstein. He
sung Harper’s praises and the history
of Canada stepping forward to support
Israel – especially these past eight years.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
complimented Edelstein’s remarks by
speaking about the personal feelings
of appreciation felt by all Israelis for
Canada and the fact that open and
contentious dialog makes Israel unique
in the Middle East. Proving this point
a moment later, he was heckled by an
Arab MP, to which he responded that in
Syria, no one would have the freedom
to do that.
Opposition Leader Issac Herzog
told a beautiful story about the debate
between Dr. Ya’akov Herzog, then
Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, and
Prof. Toynbee of McGill University in
the 50s. He made the point that the
attacks against Israel have not changed.
cont. on page 4
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3
cont. from page 3
Dr. Herzog’s quote from Tehillim – lo
amut ki echyeh – we will not die but live
– spoke to the existential challenge of
Israel, and his argument that no people
has preserved the same language, land,
and religion for longer than the Jews
resonates in today’s day just as it did
then.
When Harper got up to speak,
there was great excitement in the room.
He gave a great speech. He spoke about
Canada supporting Israel because it
is the right thing. He argued that it is
in the interest of Western countries
to support fellow democracies where
both personal freedoms and rule of law
are protected. Harper strongly argued
that Israel and Canada share the same
ideological and physical challenges only Israel is physically closer to them.
He argued that a lesson of the holocaust
was that those who harm the Jews will
eventually harm us all. He received
many standing ovations.
I thought Harper himself would
be treated like a guest and get better
treatment than Netanyahu – but an
Arab member of Knesset heckled
and then walked out when Harper
challenged the audacity of the claim
that Israel could be described as an
Apartheid state.
As we left the Knesset, the members
of the delegation could not stop talking
about how excellent the speech was. We
felt so proud of Canada and so proud
of Israel. A picture from Arutz 7 of the
crowd at the Knesset for PM Harper’s
speech – I am in the foreground.
I’ve included pictures of Rabbis
Bulka and Freedman (Edmonton) as
well as shul members Linda Levenstein,
Berl Nadler, Nathan Disenhouse and
4
spring 2014
Barry Zagdansky in addition to my
badges for today’s events.
delegation at breakfast. He said that
as Israel’s ambassador to US – it was
easier to explain Israel to the US than
to explain US to Israel. He said that for
the American populace, Tahrir Square
was Lexington and Concord, which
made no sense to the Israelis who
said, “Don’t they know who is going
to replace Mubarik.” He also shared
an analysis of the Arab Spring and the
Iranian nuclear deal.
Yad Vashem
The Canadian Delegation received
tours of Yad Vashem. This was my first
time at the newly designed museum.
It was very well done. Many people
(even those who have been here
multiple times) were extremely moved.
I overheard the MP from Vancouver
Island talk about Canada’s policy of
“none is too many.” He felt that the
exhibit on the St. Louis had only
peripherally mentioned Canada, and
that for the Canadian narrative of the
Holocaust the refusal of entry was far
more significant.
After a two hour delay for the
dignitaries, we witnessed a simple
ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance.
Tuesday January 21
Michael Oren, former Israel
Ambassador to the US, spoke to the
The ceremony contained a choir
performing Chanah Senesh’s song,
followed by PM Harper lighting the
cont. on page 5
cont. from page 4
flame of memory and placing a wreath
with the name of Canada on a stone
containing ashes of those martyred in
the Holocaust. The program concluded
with el malei rachamim. Rabbi Yisrael
Meir Lau, PM Benjamin Netanyahu,
and our friend Joe Gottdenker
participated in the ceremony.
In advance of the ceremony –
I spoke with two members of the
delegation from Montreal. They were
speaking about the Quebec Charter
of Values. A Torontonian asked when
they would be moving to Toronto. One
Montrealer mentioned that she was
born in Hungary in 1942 and had been
born into a place of hatred. She said
that her children and grandchildren
kept her in Montreal, but was prepared
to move should it be necessary.
I was stunned by this conversation
in light of where we were: in the Hall
of Remembrance at Yad Vashem.
Our Jewish conversation is still about
fleeing, hatred and discrimination.
PM Harper spoke so movingly
about the Holocaust at the Knesset
the previous night. Yet, within
Canada itself, Jews continue to make
contingency plans to leave their homes
and communities.
afterwards. As he was leaving one of
the “personalities” at the wall holding
Besamim yelled in English for the PM
to come to him for a blessing. He was
shushed but persisted. The PM turned
to him for a second and he yelled out,
“God bless you, Prime Minister.”
The Kotel
Because we were behind schedule,
we traveled directly from yad vashem
to the kotel.
As PM Harper visited the Kotel, the
crowd shouted Todah Rabbah, Thank
You, and CANADA as he passed.
Harper prayed at the wall after being
escorted by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch,
the rabbi of the kotel. He signed a scroll
That evening JNF hosted a dinner
for both Prime Ministers at the David
Citadel Hotel. Netanyahu during his
toast told a joke about all the things
Canada and Israel have in common –
water and great neighbours. He made
the point that we share brains and
heart. Netanyahu told the story of the
cont. on page 6
5
cont. from page 5
Lubavitcher Rebbe telling him that he
was going into a dark place when going
to the UN. But one light can be seen in
darkness. He closed by saying Harper
had shined a great light.
Harper also made a toast. He made
the point that everything he said last
night he has also shared in Canada.
He made the point that Canada’s
connection to Israel transcends his
relationship with Netanyahu.
Wednesday January 22
We drove down from Jerusalem
along route 6 to the Hula Valley this
AM. The construction taking place
throughout Israel is amazing. They are
expanding the road between Jerusalem
and Tel Aviv as well as building public
transit.
We took a tour of the space where
the Stephen Harper Hula Valley Bird
Sanctuary will be built. Thousands of
storks and other birds fill this space
through the year – but most especially
during spring and fall.
The birds migrate through Israel
from Northern Europe to Africa. 500
million birds pass through here every
year. They have a challenge with the
birds destroying agricultural fields in
the Hula Valley. So they confine them
to an area where they are fed. This leads
to a challenge where they stay and don’t
travel to Africa.
6
spring 2014
Nature parallels the human
experience. Israel faces the challenge of
migrants of the avian and the human
varieties. Yet, just as we see the beauty
and opportunity in these majestic birds
– we must find beauty and opportunity
in the human beings who seek freedom
and opportunity.
Birds are symbols of freedom as
Bibi noted last night. Humanity is
calling out for the freedom to succeed.
Partnerships between nations must be
found to help them find it.
Israel and Canada have a unique
opportunity to lead the world. The
symbolic power of this project cannot
be overstated.
PM Harper laid the foundation
stone for the bird sanctuary visitor
center. He spoke about plans to
return when the project is finished.
He expressed his hope that when all
Canadians visit this place, they will see
this as a tribute not just to him but to
them.
We travelled from the Hula Valley
to Tel Aviv University where PM
Harper would receive an honorary
degree. The President of Tel Aviv
University emphasized that in a time of
boycotts against Israeli academics, PM
Harper’s presence on stage to receive a
doctorate is especially meaningful.
TAU Rector connected Harper to
Pearson’s ‘57 Nobel Prize for stabilizing
Israeli diplomacy and ‘61 visit by
Ben Gurion to Canada. He recorded
Harper’s
accomplishments
and
explained that the Honorary degree is
for his contribution to world peace and
politics.
Tel Aviv’s mayor said that Harper
has gone on the Jewish Safari: he visited
the kotel, opened a JNF project, and
now he can be called a doctor – the
dream of every Jewish mother. He
then picked up a flute and played with
the student quartet to pay tribute to
Harper’s playing music the previous
evening in Jerusalem.
PM Harper replied to TA Mayor
that his mother is not Jewish, but she
will be very happy that he is now a
doctor – but she still expects more
from him.
Harper then answered questions on
economics and politics. Here are some
highlights. We should be chastened by
the effects of the Arab spring. We saw
democratic tools used to attempt the
creation of an Islamic state. Canada
welcomes the return to stability in
Egypt while recognizing that it can
only last if real democracy takes root.
The suffering in Syria is
heartbreaking. The issue is broader
than Syria; it is a sectarian war that
is regional between Sunni and Shia.
Victory of either side will not be in
Canada’s or Israel’s interest; only an
accommodation between the two sides
can be a positive outcome.
Iran is an extremist regime with a
violent ideology. It tells the world that
it wants nuclear weapons to use them.
Canada supports diplomacy, but we
cannot become victims of our own
wishful thinking. We are not interested
in nobility of words but in actions
implemented and verified.
After the ceremony, PM Harper
met personally with the members
of the delegation. When it came my
turn, I gave PM Harper the thanks of
Shaarei Shomayim and gave him a
bracha. I said, “May God bless you with
the strength to continue to serve our
country with honour and honesty for
many years to come.” We took a photo
together. Afterwards, I also arranged a
group photo with the prime minister
and many of the Canadian rabbis in the
cont. on page 7
cont. from page 6
delegation.
I travelled with a number of
Canadian Rabbinic Colleagues to the
airport from TAU.
When I landed in Toronto on
Thursday, Benny Osher and Brian
Cantor were at the airport to greet
me, which was especially nice. One
of the nice things about the trip was
the opportunity to have meaningful
conversations with the other delegates
on the trip. I spoke to businessmen,
ambassadors, MPs, as well as deepened
my relationship with my colleagues in
the clergy.
I spoke to David Wells, General
Superintendent for the Pentecostal
Assemblies of Canada. We discussed
some of the challenges of advocating
for faith in a secular age. I also spoke
to Andrew Bennett – Canada’s
ambassador to the office of religious
freedom. He told an amazing story
about a visit to Turkey during which
he brought up issues of rights for
religious minorities. His interlocutor
responded that Turkey would be happy
to help Canada in dealing with issues of
religious freedom in Quebec.
Ambassador Bennett’s response:
someone was well briefed. It just goes
to show that everything is connected.
After I returned from the trip,
I had a chance to read some of
the critical press that the trip has
received. I wonder if I can be tagged
under Jonathan Kay’s accusation in
the National Post as a “rabbi who
will return to his congregation with
Conservative milk and honey.” In my
Shabbat remarks at Shaarei Shomayim,
I acknowledged that every part of life
has an element of politics to it. This
trip was no different. Yet, the trip and
the involvement of rabbinic leadership
speaks to a different vision for Canada
in the world and a different vision of
foreign policy. This transcends politics.
In his book Diplomacy, Henry
Kissinger draws a distinction between
the idealistic foreign policy of
Woodrow Wilson and the Realpolitik
of Teddy Roosevelt. For Kissinger, the
Wilsonian desire to spread democratic
values will always be an element in
US foreign policy – even if it creates
problems for America. PM Harper has
set forward a Canadian corollary to
Wilsonian foreign policy, a Harperian
Foreign Policy. What is this? The idea
that Canada will do what is “right”
even when it is pilloried for it. The idea
that Canada and Western countries
are best served when they promote
“freedom, democracy and the rule of
law.” Canada, while not a superpower,
can have a unique leadership voice
when it specifically does not “go along
to get along.” Israel is a test case for a
broader question of diplomacy and
Canada’s self-perception. Canada can
see itself as a junior partner in world
affairs or it can speak about “human
rights, political stability and economic
prosperity” with its own voice. PM
Harper’s trip to Israel gave him a stage
from which to not just speak about
Israel but also upon which to model a
Canada that leads the world.
Avital, the children and I wish you
a Chag Kasher V’Sameach.
This will be the last bulletin before
Benny Osher’s term as president
ends. I have so much gratitude to
Benny and his leadership team for
all they have given to our shul. The
team’s spirit and commitment has
brought a beautiful excitement
to our community. This energy is
expressed not just in the hugely
successful fundraising campaign and
programming initiatives, but also in
the day-to-day attitude of friendship
and positivity that fills our shul.
I thank the outgoing executive and
board for how deeply you have cared
for Shaarei Shomayim and the values
that it represents. I thank each of you
for all you have given and continue
to give. I look forward to working
with Joyce Eklove and the incoming
executive as we continue to advance
Shaarei Shomayim.
do you receive rabbi strauchler’s
weekly erev shabbat emails?
If not, please contact the shul office to be included in the email
list. Or you can visit our Shaarei Shomayim website at www.
shomayim.org and click on “join email list”.
7
rabbi elliott
diamond
downstairs minyan
A
lmost every year, at
one point during
the holiday, I catch
myself bemoaning
the fact that Pesach
is only eight days.
More than any other festival, Passover
requires a greater level of preparation
and effort and following all the energy
that was expended getting the house
kosher for Passover, it seems to pass
too quickly. After all of our careful
efforts, Pesach, simply stated, should
be longer.
No other Jewish holiday demands
so much careful planning. Reviewing
the Kosher for Passover food updates,
the meticulous cleaning, switching
the kitchen ware and dishes,
koshering the Kiddush cups, covering
the counters, cleaning the car – the
list just goes on! And for only eight
days! It goes by too fast.
But that, in fact, may be the
point. Consider this: The Torah
describes that when the Children of
Faster, the Better
Israel finally left Egypt, they departed
in great haste – so quickly, that the
dough for the bread, didn’t have time
to rise. They were not allowed to
linger or to become sluggish in their
transition to freedom.
The letters of the words
“chametz” and “matzah” differ by
only the smallest speck of ink (the
difference between the letter “Chet”
in “chametz” and the letter “hey”
in “matzah” is the smallest jot of
the sofer’s quill). Just as the letters
differ by the smallest amount of ink,
chametz and matzah differ also by the
smallest measurement of time.
The matzah that we eat on Pesach
is made of the same ingredients
that constitute “chametz” which is
strictly forbidden. What separates
the sanctified from the forbidden
on Passover is time. Water and flour
that is combined and baked within
an 18 minute time span produces
matzah with which we fulfill the
commandment. If the same flour and
Let’s make our shul
warm and hospitable
We are looking for members who can host young singles, new
members, or visitors for Shabbat and Yom Tov meals. We would like
to make sure that every person who comes to our shul has a place to
go. If you are interested, please email or call the shul office.
8
spring 2014
water are combined for only a second
more than 18 minutes the result is
a mixture that is forbidden to eat or
even own on Pesach.
In his book, Living Inspired,
Rabbi Akiva Tatz makes the following
assertion:
“Put another way, laziness, or the
slowing down of action, the expanding
of the physical dimensions, makes us
part of those dimensions. Sluggishness
is the opposite of spirituality. Laziness
is incompatible with spiritual growth.”
The moment of the birth of
the Jewish people and our national
destiny was characterized by haste in
order to emphasize and establish the
notion that we must not allow our
spiritual growth and development
to linger or become sluggish. In the
course of our own lives, or the life of
our community and people, diverse
forces often exert their influence
upon us and can redirect our efforts
and energy. But Pesach and its
message of alacrity and haste declare
that sometimes a delay is more than
just an inconvenience. It can be the
difference between the ability to soar
upward or the frustration of being
held down; the disparity between
a vision of an elevated future or the
unimaginative reflection of a limited
present.
Our Sages teach us that
redemption can come “keheref ayin”
– in the blink of an eye. May it truly
be so!
Rochelle and I wish all of you
Chag Kasher VeSameach.
Benny Osher
President’s
Message
S
havuot will mark the end of my term as President
of Shaarei Shomayim. Leading the shul over the
last two years has been an exciting, challenging
and extremely rewarding experience. I have
had the good fortune of working with smart,
dedicated and committed members and I am
overwhelmed by their support and sheer devotion to our
shul.
At the beginning of my term, I identified a number of
goals that I wanted to work toward. With the support and
dedication of the executive and Board, I am proud to say
that many of those goals were achieved, including increased
membership, a strong sense of ambassadorship among our
members and a strong youth and teen program. But the
one goal that I felt most strongly about, retiring our debt
and re-energizing our capital campaign, is where we found
incredible success – beyond what anyone of us imagined.
Through the generosity of our members and friends, we have
retired the debt and raised enough pledges to renovate the
main level of the shul. From a ‘flood of water’ to a ‘flood of
fundraising’, we can all take pride in this accomplishment.
There is a tremendous amount of work that comes with
launching and succeeding with a fundraising campaign
and our success is entirely due to the hard work, vision
and commitment of the Retire Rebuild Renew campaign
committee, chaired by Michael Goldrich and David Mansell.
Our current and future members and the community at
large are deeply indebted to their vision and determination
to reach the goals of the campaign. We can now focus our
efforts on renovating our sanctuary and lobby. Cliff Korman,
who gave so much of his time, professional expertise and
SSC-KosherGourmet-Ad:Layout 1
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6:12 PM
passion to ensure a beautiful lower level, will now turn his
talent and attention to creating a stunning main level. He,
along with our outstanding Design Committee, chaired
by Charlene Arje and Wendy Kauffman, will continue to
work overtime to ensure everything is in place to begin the
renovations in the fall.
The focus over the last two years has not only been on
fundraising – even though it may have felt like that at times.
All of our committees have been involved in important work
for the shul and there have definitely been some highlights –
let me share some of them with you:
• Our Adult Education Committee has worked
non-stop this year to ensure that the programs
offered are original, thought-provoking and
entertaining. The health care series of speakers
and all the scholars in residence has proven to be
very informative, and we were able to promote all
these events with beautifully designed flyers (Lori
Disenhouse, Jeffrey Lipsitz, Hananel Romer Segal,
Steven Albin, Naomi Roskies, Rabbi Strauchler –
and with thanks to our generous sponsors)
• Our Retire Rebuild Renew campaign, new beit
midrash campaign launch, donor appreciation
reception, million dollar gift from the Sharp
family and the campaign gala dinner honouring
all our donors, exceeded all expectations and will
leave a lasting legacy for many generations to
come (Michael Goldrich, David Mansell, Joyce
Eklove, Katy Korman, Howard Katz, Eli Dadouch,
cont. on page 11
Page 1
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10
spring 2014
cont. from page 9
Jackie Zimmerman, Francine Goldrich, Linda
Craig, Sally Dale, Daniella Silver, Malka Lewittes,
Cynthia Gasner, Elaine Osher).
• Our Renovations Committee guided the work on
the lower level to its completion and we celebrated
the new space at the launch of our capital
campaign (Hy Hirshberg, Cliff Korman, Charlene
Arje, Hananel Romer Segal, Sol Zeifman).
• Our Design Committee has been working hard
with our professionals and seeking input from our
members to ensure the planned renovations for the
main sanctuary and front lobby are both beautiful and
functional (Charlene Arje, Wendy Kauffman, Cliff
Korman, Hy Hirshberg, Adam Gardin, Beth Singer,
David Kaminker, Warren Grossman, Sol Zeifman,
George Arje, Rivka Jakubovic, Hananel Romer Segal).
• We continued to support the role of women with
our Women’s Purim Megillah reading and our
Simchat Torah Women’s Divrei Torah, one of the
highpoints on the shul’s calendar (Carol Seidman,
Rebecca Nadler, Shayna Kravetz, Sarah Krauss,
Lori Disenhouse, Anna Urowitz Freudenstein,
Devorah Vale, Raquel Kaplan Goldberg, Naomi
Gardin, Miriam Bessin, Talia Holtzman, Chyla
Talesnick, Rachel Parker, Suzanne Wintrob, Atara
Kelman, Rachel Kelman, Racheli Samuel, Becky
Friedman, Judith Talesnick).
• Our Constitution Committee finalized the
amalgamation of the various approved changes
to the constitution (Donna Starkman Shiff, Dov
Begun, Joe Starkman).
• The Religious Committee looked into the needs
of our shul as it relates to the role of the Chazzan
and the new position of Assistant Rabbi and the
high holiday committee worked hard once again
on ensuring that the high holidays went smoothly
(Brian Lass, Larry Zimmerman, Marc Burger,
Charlene Arje, Malka Lewittes, Harvey Brenman,
Hyim Bessin, Ron Cuperfain, Sam Moskowitz,
Jonathan Parker, Tara Dubrow, Lindy Goodman,
David Walerstein, Irving Benmergui, Hymie
Schildraut, Rabbi Strauchler, Rabbi Diamond,
Ralph Levine).
• Our involvement with Shabbat Itanu and Camp
Aim is something we can all take pride in and has
led our shul to establish an inclusion committee
to assess how we can be more inclusive, which
included a memorable Shabbat with Paul Rosen
(Robin Gofine, Rivka Jakubovic, Tali Golombek,
Yaffi Ulman-Scheinberg, Barry and Debby
Goldman, Hart Goldhar).
• We have witnessed a tremendous growth in new
members to the shul, particularly young families
(Charlene Arje, Joyce Eklove, Lance Davis).
• Our Chessed Committee continued to assist our
members both in times of need and in celebrations,
including new mom meals, shiva meals, birthday
cards, refuah shlema phone calls, and organizing
and reaching out to our members during Purim
and delivering a beautiful package of Mishloach
Manot (Amanda Salem, Dalya Hakimi, Sari
Rosenblum, Raquel Kaplan Goldberg, Alan
Burger, Joyce Eklove, Rena Neufeld, Charlene
Arje, Tom Moos, Alan Cohen, Ruby Ezekiel,
Laurie Fialkov, Brenda & Brian Lass, Melissa
Starkman, Rabbi Strauchler, Melech Halberstadt,
Irena Kay, David Eisenstat, Ellen Zaionz, Sam
Moskowitz, Yvette Rosenberg, Rebecca Nadler,
Ralph and Kitty Wintrob, Jean Cohen, Harriet
Morris, David Bronfman, Esther Eisenstat, Sarah
Krauss, Linda Levenstein, Shirley Schildkraut,
Brondell Shapiro).
• The members of the Chevra Kadisha, who went
about their work quietly, with integrity, sensitivity
and personal devotion to our Jewish traditions
(Ronnie Cuperfain, Meyer Zeifman and many
more dedicated volunteers).
• Our Shabbat and Yom Tov greeters helped
create a warm and inviting shul environment
(Robbie Schwartz, Katy Korman, Michael and
Josh Bernstein, Shoshanah Moos, Meredith
Landy, Rachel Libman, Mardi Hirshberg, Ilana
Arje-Goldenthal, Brian Cantor, Kenny Gruber,
Natalie Zahor, Albert Benzaquen, Les Train,
Aliza Stochinsky, Dorothy Halberstadt, Marcy
Ages, Laurie Fialkov, Shirley Schildkraut, Sarah
Koval, Peter Klemensberg, Brenda Lass, Linda
Craig, Naomi Benmergui, Naomi Mansell, Michal
Tylman, Stephen Handelman, Jack Mandel,
Miriam Bessin).
• We admired the work of our volunteers who
coordinated and assisted at the North York
Harvest Food Bank to package food for the
needy (Carol and Stephen Handelman, Max
Handelman, Michael and Evelynne Bernstein,
Linda Craig, Sabrina Craig, Laura and Alan
Winer, Ian Tweyman, Brondell Shapiro, Betty
Cohen, Andrew Neuman, Betty Cohen, Jackie
and Larry Zimmerman, Akyva Spiegel, Elaine and
Danny Shiff, Dalya Hakimi, Ted Saskin, Marcy
cont. on page 12
11
cont. from page 11
Ages, Robbie Handelman and Jessica Tobianah,
Ronnie Cuperfain, Allie Cuperfain).
• Our Simchat Torah, Purim and teen minyan
leiners did another fantastic job this year and
last (Ralph Levine, Yoni Zaionz, Lance Davis,
Eli Vandersluis, Jonathan Vandersluis, Josh
Eisenstat, Ariel Burton, Immanuel Burton, Jamie
Golombek, Jason Goldberg, Jonah Mills, Les
Train, Josh Holtzman, Zachary Zarnett-Klein,
Yeshaya Grossman, David Brown, David Tal,
David Freudenstein, Ezra Nadler, Benny Zaionz,
Aaron Mills, Eli Minkowitz, Daniel Bierstone).
• Our kids had tons of fun this year with a sukkah
party and sukkah hop (thanks to the Shoub,
Nadler, Eisenstat and Aronson families for hosting).
• The Israel Action Committee organized successful
programs such as the Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom
Hazikaron events, and we were honoured to host
the closing ceremony for Holocaust Education
Week (Joyce Rifkind, Bev Lyons, David Eisenstat,
Natan Treitel, Howard Price).
• We continued to remember the past with a
moving and emotional March of the Living
Shabbat, and we took pride in our support for
Israel when we were honoured to host Colonel
Ran Kochav, Commander of the Air and Missile
Defence School for the Israeli Air Force (Heshy
Altbaum, Barry and Nelly Zagdanski, Cliff and
Katy Korman, Beth and Miguel Singer).
• Budget and finance worked diligently to keep
our expenses in check and we anticipate another
surplus this fiscal year (Joel Monson, Brian Lass,
Charlene Arje, David Walerstein, Farokh Hakimi,
Avi Romberg).
• With assistance from our legal and financial
professionals, we successfully completed the
insurance claim relating to the damages to the
lower level from the flood and signed a five year
lease agreement with Netivot HaTorah (Brian
Morris, Sheldon Disenhouse, Barry Goldman,
Joel Monson, Charlene Arje, Brian Lass, Hy
Hirshberg, Cliff Korman).
• Our Cemetery Committee formulated new
policies for our cemeteries (Brian Cantor, Katy
Korman, Harvey Brenman, Sol Zeifman, Paul
Herbert, Brian Lass).
• The Plaques Committee has been busy working
on establishing a new and respectful location for
our memorial and dedication plaques (Jackie
Zimmerman, Charlene Arje, Joyce Eklove,
Hananel Romer Segal).
12
spring 2014
• Our Marketing Committee ensured that our
message was heard and our vision was shared with
our membership and the wider Jewish community
(Carole Freeman, Wendy Kauffman, Rachel Libman,
Sari Disenhouse, Yehezkel Lipinsky, Loretta
Levinson, Robin Daniel, Hananel Romer Segal).
• We launched our newly designed and userfriendly web-site, including a blog by Rabbi
Strauchler, as well as a new Shaarei Shomayim
radio pod cast, and the ability to sign up for shul
events on-line (Rachel Libman, Brian Cantor,
Wendy Kauffman).
• Our youth program was outstanding! Shaarei
Shomayim kids enjoyed programming that was
interesting, stimulating and age appropriate
(chairs - Naomi Mansell, Daniella Silver, Bonnie
Langer, Raquel Benmergui; youth directors - Yael
Disenhouse, Sara Lass; youth leaders – Maya
Albin, Blimi Allice, Sarah Allice, Tamar Begun,
Naomi Benmergui, Evie Bernstein, Sabrina Craig,
Carly Factor, Geoffrey Handelman, Orly Lipsitz,
Zoe Nadler, Jacobs Posluns, Yona Traubici, Yakira
Begun, Ethan Factor, Sarah Posluns, Maytal
Perlman, Gabriel Sultan).
• Our teens now have a program to call their own
(Jonah Mills, Yoni Zaionz, Jordan Lass, Josh
Bernick, Evan Goldenthal).
• Our Silber Family Speaker Series, sponsored by
Alan and Hinda Silber – was a definite highlight,
including Ambassador Yehuda Avner, Dan Senor,
Daniel Pipes, Yosi Klein Halevi and great Friday
night dinners (dinner organizers – Lori Disenhouse,
Judy Laxer, Bonnie Langer, Charlene Arje).
• Our Unplugged Series with Dr. Elliot Malamet
and the conversations from the pulpit with Rabbi
Strauchler and Rabbi Diamond was well received.
• The outstanding Moshe Hammer, Maccabeats
and Ron Davis concerts and fundraisers were
truly very special evenings for our members and
the community at large (Lori Disenhouse, Jeffrey
Lipsitz, Beth Singer, Katy Korman, Hananel Romer
Segal, Naomi Mansell, Daniella Silver, Bailey
Roth, Rachel Libman, Naomi Glustein, Tamar
Arje, Dalia Yunger, Raquel Kaplan Goldberg).
• Our hugely successful BBQ block parties
supported by the Brotherhood and other
Brotherhood events were great fun (Orvin
Zendel, Randall Craig, Samy Ouanounou, Sam
Moskowitz, Brian Cantor, Michael Bernstein,
cont. on page 13
cont. from page 12
Lance Davis, Myer Boldes, Elliott Dale, Tito
Massouda, Ian Tweyman, Peter Klemensberg,
Richard Kay, Jay Stochinsky, Andy Kaminker,
Jerry Genesove).
• Our Minyan Committee helped ensure we had
coverage for services that took place at shivas (Al
G. Brown, Sam Moskowitz).
• Our joint MiNer LiNer Chanukah celebrations
with the Netivot school choir at Baycrest was lots
of fun, and a great way to bring together many
generations (Brenda Lass, Rabbi Diamond).
• Our Purim carnivals, Seudot and Shpiel were
enjoyed by all (Brian Cantor, Gerald Lazar, Jonathan
Parker, Les Train, Yael Disenhouse, Sara Gurza).
• The Entertainment and Cultural Committee
organized summer speakers and the Cavalcade of
Stars (Jerry and Sandra Genesove, Ruby Ezekiel).
• Our partnership in helping to create a children’s
library at a local women’s shelter, named
in memory of Suzanne Burgerz’l, was a truly
meaningful project and drew in so many volunteers
(Wendy Kauffman, Judy Laxer, Avi Lipsitz, Raquel
Milgrom Benmergui, Chyla Talesnick, Sari
Rosenblum, Aliza Derrick Stochinsky, Deborah
Kauffman, Lisa Deutsch, Barbara Friedman,
Joyce Eklove, Eliana Diamond, Kaila Grossman,
Ezra Grossman, Rachel Libman, Miriam Bessin,
Jonathan Parker, Sara Gurza, Yael Disenhouse)
• We continued to engage our young professionals
and families through special programs, speakers,
lunches, dinners and Simchat Torah celebrations
(Avital Strauchler, Ilana Arje, Daniella Silver, Judy
Roth, Chantal Ulmer, Shoshana Schachter, Naomi
Gardin, Aimee Hass, Arielle Farber, Naomi
Glustein, Sara Gurza, Yael Disenhouse).
• We established a process for keeping everyone upto-date through the “President’s Memos” which
were circulated every 6-8 weeks as well as Rabbi
Strauchler’s weekly “Torah for Your Life” emails.
• We celebrated our young members’ Bar and Bat
Mitzvah year with special programs designed
specifically for them (Rabbi Strauchler, Avital
Strauchler).
• We enjoyed great success and participation with
the Parent-Child Saturday Night Learning
program (Rabbi Strauchler, Rabbi Adam Freiberg,
Rabbi Yair Manas).
• We installed a beautiful new sisterhood floor and
the lines in our parking lot were freshly repainted.
We also installed a paid parking system for those
using our parking lot and encouraged merchants
in the area to purchase monthly privileges
(Sol Zeifman, Andy Kaminker, Hy Hirshberg,
Charlene Arje, Cliff Korman, Lawrence Savlov).
• Our Chazzan and Assistant Rabbi search
committees have been working diligently to make
sure our shul has the best and brightest serving
our member needs (Assistant Rabbi – Lori
Disenhouse, Golda Brown, Aaron Rifkind, Raquel
Benmergui, Raquel Kaplan Goldberg, David
Ulmer; Chazzan – David Brown, Alex Neuman,
Agi Mandel, Robbie Handelman, Tamar Arje, Jeff
Silver, David Novak, Brian Lass).
• Our daily and weekly classes and our young
scholars provided our members with many
opportunities for learning (Rabbi Strauchler,
Melech Halberstadt, Rabbi Diamond, Ralph
Levine, Rabbi Yair Manas, Shoshana Zolty, Rabbi
Torczyner, Rabbi Goldreich, Rabbi Noam Pratzer,
Miryam Kiderman, Elianne Neuman, Audrey
Benmergui, Rabbi Hartley Perlmutter, Daveeda
Goldberg, Evan Goldenthal, Rabbi Joel Markin,
David Novak, YU Kollel)
• Our Gabbaim worked diligently week in and
week out, to ensure that our services ran smoothly
(Main Sanctuary – Hymie Schildkraut, Irving
Benmergui; Downstairs Minyan – Jay Stochinsky,
Hyim Bessin).
• The member-led and organized Hashkama
Minyan provided our members with an important
cont. on page 14
Flowers For All Occasions
Large or Small Events • Free Delivery
lealaronahewak@gmail.com • 416-834-6219
13
cont. from page 13
davening experience (Michael Mills, Alan Burger,
Bernie Kleinberg).
• And the Board of Governors fittingly approved
the installation of the Canadian and Israeli
flags, which now adorn the Max and Lil Sharp
Sanctuary, and which I know is something we
will all take pride in for a long time to come.
And I can go on and on – the list of activities, events,
speakers, learning opportunities here at Shaarei Shomayim
is endless!! And it is all thanks to you – because as you can
plainly see, behind the work of all these committees and
programs is an unbelievable team of volunteers! I hope that
in listing these names, I haven’t inadvertently left anyone
out; however the breadth of involvement by our members is
something we can all take pride in. The truth is, I felt such
strong support from the entire congregation that I believe
that each and every one of you was a part of the team. I
encourage you to join in and participate in our beautiful
shul. To all the sub-committee chairs and members, I thank
you on behalf of the entire congregation and community for
your hard work and your commitment to our shul and our
community.
Those who served on the Board of Governors are a
group of dynamic and dedicated men and women. There is
no question that agreeing to be on the Board comes with the
added responsibilities of helping to steer the shul and ensure
that we always have the best interests of our membership in
every decision we make. Thank you to the following members
for your commitment, consideration and leadership: Dov
Begun, Carol Handelman, Donna Starkman-Shiff, Raquel
Benmergui, Cliff Korman, David Ulmer, Hyim Bessin, Judy
Laxer, Fred Waks, Eli Dadouch, Naomi Mansell, David
Walerstein, Carole Freeman, Jonathan Parker, Sol Zeifman,
Farokh Hakimi, Jackie Zimmerman, Charlene Arje, Michael
Goldrich, Lori Disenhouse, Howard Price, Orvin Zendel,
Sam Moscowitz and Alan Burger.
To my exceptional executive – my dream team: Brian
Cantor, Wendy Kauffman, Joel Monson, Joyce Eklove, Hymie
Schildkraut, Irving Benmergui and Brian Lass – thank you
for sharing your time, candor and dedication. Our collective
vision and healthy discussions ensured the decisions made
were always rooted in moving the shul forward and keeping
true to its mission. I thank you all and extend my deepest
gratitude that you agreed to serve with me on the shul’s
executive.
To our exceptional Klei Kodesh team, led by Rabbi
Chaim Strauchler, and including Rabbi Elliott Diamond,
Ralph Levine and Rabbi Yair Manas – I thank them for their
spiritual leadership and guidance, and for their dedication
to our shul. As a congregation we are fortunate to have the
experience and wisdom of such fine people like them. Their
commitment to us goes beyond the weekly Shabbat services
14
spring 2014
and includes lifecycle events, teaching classes, attending
daily minyan and being there for us during our time of need.
They help make our shul the great place that it is.
It has been especially rewarding to have had the
opportunity to work so closely with Rabbi Strauchler. I
admire both his work ethic and his devotion to our shul and
its members. The truth is, Rabbi Strauchler should be listed
as a member of most of our shul committees, as he plays
such a significant role in them – through his leadership,
attendance and guidance.
A member of our shul recently shared with me the
following observation – ‘Rabbi Strauchler is like an iceberg,
we only get to see a small portion of the tremendous amount
of work he puts in – but although there is another 90% we
don’t get to see, we still appreciate the incredible difference
he makes in our lives and in our community’. I have learned
a great deal from Rabbi Strauchler and am grateful to both
he and Avital for their friendship and for their commitment
to Shaarei Shomayim.
And to the team behind the scenes on everything, our
office and building staff – thank you to Nicole Toledano,
Miriam Price, Joven Pinol, Lejla Petrela, Rodica Toma and
the entire maintenance staff – their efforts, patience and
commitment to our shul are greatly appreciated. And to our
youth and teen directors, Yael Disenhouse Lipson, Sara Lass,
Jordan Lass, Evan Goldenthal and Josh Bernick, as well as our
many youth leaders – I thank them for their attention and
dedication to our kids and for making our youth programs
the talk of the neighborhood.
There is no question that in taking on the presidency
there has been a tremendous impact on my family. While
they have been my biggest supporters, I know that my
absence and focus on shul business has been difficult. While
they (almost) never complain, I know it has not always been
easy. I want to thank my wife Elaine, who took my thoughts
and ideas and put them articulately and eloquently to paper,
and our children Noah, Jonah and Sarah, for being my
biggest cheerleaders and for listening to everything “shul”
for the last two years. I also want to thank our parents,
Pnina and Kopel Osher, Bernie and Helen Ceifets, and our
grandparents, Harry and Hanna Fisher for their love and
support too.
As I pass on the torch to Joyce Eklove, our incoming
president, I pass on hundreds of daily emails and phone calls,
the never-ending meetings and the many sleepless nights.
I also pass on the honour, privilege and delight of serving
an institution with an incredible legacy and bright future. I
know that Joyce and her incredible team will serve the shul
with pride and commitment. I look forward to continuing to
work with Joyce, whom I admire as a leader and a friend.
On behalf of my family, I wish you all a Chag Kasher
v’Sameach.
From the Executive
Director’s Desk
Nicole toledano
A
s we go through life, we learn about transition. According to
dictionary.reference.com, transition is movement, passage, or
change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to
another. The most formal of those transitions in Jewish Life
would be the bar / bat mitzvah. In reality, we go through many
more transitions in our lives – from grade school, to elementary, to junior and
then to high school.
As our responsibilities grow, so
does our need for transition. We get
married, have children and then,
eventually watch our children go
through the same transitions. Along
the way, we learn how to cope with
changes, whether in school or in our
friends or in life in general.
At Shaarei Shomayim, the
“prescribed” transition comes every
two years when the board elections
take place. This transition actually
mimics my beginning at Shaarei
Shomayim. In May of 2012, Benny
Osher took up the gavel, the mantel
of leadership, and transitioned to a
new year. He took on the job when
the shul was still recovering from a
flood, staff were still operating out of
a trailer and he had to ensure that the
work got done. Benny, the Executive
and the Board can look back and see
so much that has happened over the
last two years. The shul is constantly
changing and growing, as evidenced
by the more than 35 families that
have joined in the past year. Shul’s
can’t be complacent and just provide
religious services. They have to be the
community that people look to for
all their needs. This is what Shaarei
Shomayim has done and continues
to do. Thanks to the Silber Family
and the Silber Family Lecture Series
as well as Live@Shomayim, we
continue to provide world renowned
speakers as well as world renowned
artists. Thanks to the generosity of
our members, we will soon transition
the sanctuary to one that is accessible
to all, comfortable to sit in and also
be able to hear everything that is
going on. Our lobby will be able to
accommodate so many more simchas
and become a more modern looking
space.
There is always, however,
guaranteed
consistency
when
working in the Jewish community.
There will always be Rosh Hashanah,
then Yom Kippur, then Sukkot, and
ending in Shavuot. Pesach has us
transitioning our lives – whether it is
flipping over our kitchen to be usable
for Pesach or hosting our family for
a seder or two. In North America,
it’s spring cleaning and starting fresh
for the summer. The ending of the
calendar is really not an ending, but
a superficial look at the Jewish year.
You can take a breath, and begin
transitioning again for the new year.
Benny Osher, the Executive
and Board can celebrate their
accomplishments as we move on to
different, bigger and better things.
I always end my note on a thank
you. I often think that the thank
you becomes too much – but it is
well deserved. There are so many
committed members to Shaarei
Shomayim. You are committed and
you take the time to help make sure
that the care and attention to the shul
is maintained and that everyone feels
welcome. Thank you.
As we transition into the new
holiday, my family and I wish you a
Chag Kasher v’sameach.
15
LIVE @ SHAAREI SHOMAYIM brings to our community high-quality
live performances that gather the best of both the international
Jewish scene and Toronto’s vibrant cultural life. This new series of
programs reflects Shaarei Shomyim’s role as a center of Jewish life
and culture in Toronto.
This winter, we hosted two programs under the LIVE @ SHAAREI
SHOMAYIM banner. We welcomed the world famous Maccabeats
who electrified our synagogue before a sold-out audience of
over 1,000 people (images 1-3). This event (sponsored as part
of our Silber Family Lecture Series) was featured as one of the
“Five Things to do this Weekend” by the Globe and Mail. We also
welcomed acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, Ron Davis – whose
music brought together a jazz quartet with a string quartet to form
a unique and inspiring experience (image 4). The performance
included Davis’ own compositions, a heart-rending version of
Chassal Siddur Pesach, and some of the American-Jewish Tin Pan
Alley song book.
We look forward to developing this series with more great live
performances in the coming years.
16
1
2
3
4
spring 2014
COR 2014 - 5774 Passover Guide – Article
Rabbi chaim
strauchler
When G-D Matters
P
esach is an important Jewish holiday – so
important that even gentiles pay attention to it.
If you listen closely to how Pesach is described
in the popular Canadian media, you will find
that something is missing. Reporters will refer
to it as the holiday wherein Jews celebrate
their freedom from Egyptian bondage. True enough, yet,
something is missing.
If you look up ‘Passover’ on Wikipedia, you will find
it described as the holiday that “commemorates the story
of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed
from slavery in Egypt.” A student of the English language
will notice very quickly what the passive voice used in this
sentence conceals. It hides the subject who freed the Jews
from slavery. That subject is G-d.
While reporters and encyclopedias may conceal G-d,
what is more troubling is the extent to which Jews have
likewise concealed G-d in our own thinking about Pesach.
In our preparations for the holiday, we forget the reason
that we make these preparations. Even on the Seder night
itself, we lose sight of what we are trying to remember. We
conceal G-d by going through the motions of the Seder and
saying the words of the Haggadah without internalizing what
we do and what we say. Some are in a rush to get to the food.
Others are not in a rush, but with all the discussion focused
on the text, interpretation and calculation, will fail to talk
about their own experience of Hashem’s blessing.
We are products of our age. We are conditioned to
believe that to speak to G-d is to be overly pious and to
believe that G-d speaks to us is absolutely irrational. Our
religious imaginations are left underdeveloped and our
spititual intuitions uncultivated.
To read the Torah’s description of yetziat mitzrayim is to
appreciate that G-d meant to ignite our spiritual sensitivity.
The Torah teaches us that the departure from Egypt was
only a means to an end. G-d tells us that He took the Jews
from Egypt so that the political power of the world would
know that “I am the Lord, when I stretched out My hand
upon Egypt.” We are all familiar with the four expressions of
redemption. The final expression velakachti reads:
“I will take you to me for a people, and I will be for you
a G-d; and you will know that I am the Lord your G-d, who
brings you out from the burdens of Egypt.” (Shemot 6:7)
The exodus from Egypt was a revelatory experience in
which the end was not to merely be free. It was to create a
relationship with G-d. We cannot merely experience our
liberation without experiencing the Source of our freedom.
This brings us to the following practical questions: How
are we to feel G-d’s presence in our own deliverance from
Egypt? How can we feel G-d’s soft hand on our frail shoulders
this year at our Seders?
I don’t have one single answer to these questions,
however, I have a series of suggestions.
1. Gratitude: Step back and appreciate how much of
what we have comes from G-d’s blessings. This gratitude
frees us from our selfcenteredness and opens us up to new
types of awareness. At the Seder, look around at the faces at
your table. Focus not upon what is lacking but upon what
is present. Feel the positive emotion of connecting in the
moment to this time and this place. This thought is especially
appropriate for the blessing of Shehechiyanu at Kiddush.
2. Experience awe: We invest so much into the beauty of
our surroundings at the time of the Seder. We have cleaned
and we have prepared. Soak in the surroundings - listen,
look, smell, feel, and taste. We can sense a quality that goes
beyond the physical. Every Seder table has its own majestic
quality – feel it.
3. Connect: We connect across generations on the Seder
night. We can feel the presence of loved ones who have left
this world. We have memories of Seders from our youth. This
night, we create memories that will last for decades, perhaps
centuries. We are more than our selves, we are a conduit for
memory that passes faith through time. We are the living
channel of Judaism.
These techniques often work for me, as they help me
begin to connect to Hashem. I encourage you to search and
find what works for you. The most important thing is to
ask the question: ‘Where is Hashem at my Seder?’ Ask your
children what G-d means to them. Allow them to ask you
what it feels like for G-d to deliver you from slavery.
Make the Ribbono Shel Olam an agenda item for
discussion at your Seder. Make G-d Matter.
17
6
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
7 Nisan
Monday
8:50 pm !!
Count Omer 7
7:53 pm !! (6:43 pm)*
Count Omer 6
Count Omer 13
28
Holocaust Rememberance Day
Count Omer 14
Sun - Wed Mincha this week is at 8:05 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
28 Nisan
7:55 pm Mincha
7:00 pm Mincha
27 Nisan
8:45 am Shacharit
21 Nisan
Count Omer 1
Count Omer 15
29 Nisan
8:51 pm Yom Tov concludes
Count Omer 8
8:00 pm Mincha
8:45 am Shacharit
Yizkor Memorial Service
8th day Pesach
22 Nisan
29
22
8:42 pm Earliest start 2nd seder 7:50 pm Mincha
8:37 pm Earliest start 1st seder
16
23
30 Nisan
Count Omer 16
1 Rosh Chodesh Iyar
30
11
Saturday
24
17
‫אחרי מות‬
7:54 pm !! (6:48 pm*)
Count Omer 11
7:20 pm Mincha
25 Nisan
7:46 pm !! (6:41 pm*)
Count Omer 4
7:20 pm Mincha
8:30 am Shacharit
Civic Holiday
Chol HaMoed Pesach
25
‫קדשים‬
8:38 pm Shabbat Ends
Count Omer 12
7:25 pm Mincha
*Earliest time for this activity
At both sedarim, the Afikomen must be consumed by 1:16 am
Monday April 14 - Burn and nulify remaining chametz by 12:10 pm
Monday April 14 - Cease eating chametz by 11:03 am
19
12
5
26
6:00 pm Rabbi's Drasha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Shabbat Mevorchim
26 Nisan
Count Omer 5
7:35 pm Mincha
8:45 am Shacharit
Megillat Shir HaShirim
Shabbat Chol HaMoed
19 Nisan
18 Nisan
7:37 pm !! (6:35 pm*)
6:00 pm Rabbi's Drasha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
7:25 pm Mincha
18
12 Nisan
Shabbat HaGadol
7:00 pm Mincha
11 Nisan
‫מצרע‬
9:00 am Shacharit
5 Nisan
CHAMETZ TIMINGS FOR EREV PESACH
Sunday April 13 - Search for chametz after 8:30 pm
Count Omer 10
24 Nisan
7:55 pm Mincha
Count Omer 3
Chol HaMoed Pesach
17 Nisan
Wed & Thurs Mincha is 8:00 pm
Count Omer 9
23 Nisan
8:43 pm Yom Tov concludes
Count Omer 2
7:50 pm Mincha
8:42 pm !!
8:45 am Shacharit
2nd day Pesach
16 Nisan
9 Nisan
7:50 pm Mincha
15
8
7:41 pm !! (6:38 pm*)
8:30 am Shacharit
27
Tefilat Tal
21
8:45 am Shacharit
15 Nisan
7:00 am Shacharit & Siyum
Fast concludes with Kiddush at
seder
10
4
8 Nisan
10 Nisan
Friday
4 Nisan
7:20 pm Mincha
3
7:29 pm !! (6:28 pm*)
9
Thursday
3 Nisan
7:00 pm Mincha
2
Tue-Thurs Mincha this week is at 7:25 pm.
5:30 am Fast begins
See box for Chametz timing
Wednesday
2 Nisan
Sedrah
1
Nisan 5774
1st day Pesach
14
7
Tuesday
Rosh Chodesh Nisan
1 Nisan
Fast of the Firstborn
14 Nisan
7th day Pesach
20
13
Chol HaMoed Pesach
20 Nisan
7:50 pm Mincha
8:30 am Shacharit
13 Nisan
Tue-Thurs Mincha this week is at 7:40 pm.
8:30 am Shacharit
6 Nisan
Sunday
April 2014
11 12 Iyar
Count Omer 21
8:30 am Shacharit
25 26 Iyar
Count Omer 35
Count Omer 41
Count Omer 42
Sun-Thurs Mincha this week is at 8:30 pm.
8:30 am Shacharit
25 Iyar
Count Omer 34
Civic Holiday
8:30 am Shacharit
18 19 Iyar
Count Omer 28
Lag Ba-Omer
18 Iyar
Count Omer 27
8:30 am Shacharit
11 Iyar
Count Omer 20
Yom Haatzmaut
(oberserved on Tuesday)
Yom Hazikaron
4 5 Iyar
Monday
(observed on Monday)
8:30 am Shacharit
4 Iyar
Sunday
May 2014
Count Omer 43
26 27 Iyar
Count Omer 36
19 20 Iyar
Count Omer 29
12 13 Iyar
Count Omer 22
5 6 Iyar
Tuesday
Count Omer 44
Yom Yerushalayim
Thursday
Count Omer 38
21 22 Iyar
Count Omer 31
14 15 Iyar
Count Omer 24
7 8 Iyar
Count Omer 17
8:05 pm Mincha
Rosh Chodesh
1 Iyar
Count Omer 45
28 29 Iyar
27 28 Iyar
Count Omer 37
20 21 Iyar
Count Omer 30
Pesach Sheini
13 14 Iyar
Count Omer 23
6 7 Iyar
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
‫אמור‬
‫בהר‬
‫בחקתי‬
‫במדבר‬
Count Omer 46
31
24
17
10
3
*Earliest time for this activity.
Count Omer 47
8:20 pm Mincha
7:15 pm Mincha
8:32 pm !! (7:17 pm*)
Sedrah
‫נשא‬
9:00 am Shacharit
30 2 Sivan
Count Omer 40
8:15 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Shabbat Mevorchim
23 24 Iyar
Count Omer 33
8:05 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
16 17 Iyar
Count Omer 26
8:00 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
9 10 Iyar
Count Omer 19
7:50 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
2 3 Iyar
Rosh Chodesh
29 1 Sivan
Count Omer 39
8:26 pm !! (7:12 pm*)
7:00 pm Mincha
22 23 Iyar
Count Omer 32
8:18 pm !! (7:06 pm*)
7:00 pm Mincha
15 16 Iyar
Count Omer 25
8:11 pm !! (7:00 pm*)
7:00 pm Mincha
8 9 Iyar
Count Omer 18
8:02 pm !! (6:54 pm*)
7:00 pm Mincha
1 2 Iyar
Iyar/Sivan 5774
8 11 Sivan
Count Omer 49
15 18 Sivan
22 25 Sivan
29 2 Tammuz
Sun/Mon Mincha this week is at 8:50 pm.
8:30 am Shacharit
Rosh Chodesh
1 Tammuz
8:30 am Shacharit
24 Sivan
8:30 am Shacharit
17 Sivan
8:30 am Shacharit
10 Sivan
Count Omer 48
8:40 pm Mincha
8:40 pm Mincha
1 4 Sivan
3 Sivan
Monday
8:30 am Shacharit
Sunday
June 2014
30
23 26 Sivan
16 19 Sivan
9 12 Sivan
18 21 Sivan
11 14 Sivan
‫חקת‬
8:35 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Rosh Chodesh
28
8:45 pm !! (7:28 pm*)
7:15 pm Mincha
‫קורח‬
8:30 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Shabbat Mevorchim
21
27 30 Sivan
8:44 pm !! (7:28 pm*)
7:15 pm Mincha
‫שלח‬
8:30 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
7
14
20 23 Sivan
19 22 Sivan
8:42 pm !! (7:26 pm*)
7:15 pm Mincha
‫בהעלתך‬
8:25 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
6 9 Sivan
Saturday
13 16 Sivan
12 15 Sivan
8:37 pm !! (7:22 pm*)
7:15 pm Mincha
5 8 Sivan
Friday
26 29 Sivan
8:45 pm Mincha
9:43 Yom Tov concludes
25 28 Sivan
24 27 Sivan
17 20 Sivan
10 13 Sivan
Yizkor
8:45 pm Mincha
9:42 pm !! (9:42 pm*)
8:45 pm Mincha
Yom Tov kiddush not
before 9:39 pm
Megillat Ruth
8:45 am Shacharit
8:45 am Shacharit
Erev Shavuot
8:35 pm !! (7:20 pm*)
2nd Day Shavuot
4 7 Sivan
Thursday
1st Day Shavuot
3 6 Sivan
Wednesday
2 5 Sivan
Tuesday
Sivan/Tammuz 5774
6 9 Tammuz
Monday
13 16 Tammuz
20 23 Tammuz
Rosh Chodesh
27 1 Av
Sun/Mon Mincha this week is at 8:25 pm.
8:30 am Shacharit
29 Tammuz
8:30 am Shacharit
22 Tammuz
Sun-Mon Mincha at 8:45 pm.
8:30 am Shacharit
15 Tammuz
8:30 am Shacharit
8 Tammuz
Sunday
July 2014
Tuesday
Wednesday
1 4 Tammuz
28 2 Av
21 24 Tammuz
8:40 pm Mincha
29 3 Av
22 25 Tammuz
9:33 pm Fast concludes
8:20 pm Mincha
& Selichot
15 18 Tammuz
8 11 Tammuz
6:45 & 7:45am Shacharit
4:29 am Fast begins
Fast of Tammuz
14 17 Tammuz
7 10 Tammuz
Tues-Thurs Mincha at 8:50 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
Civic Holiday
3 Tammuz
30 4 Av
23 26 Tammuz
8:40 pm Mincha
16 19 Tammuz
9 12 Tammuz
Thursday
2 5 Tammuz
31
8:29 pm !! (7:17 pm*)
7:15 pm Mincha
24 27 Tammuz
8:36 pm !! (7:22 pm*)
7:15 pm Mincha
17 20 Tammuz
8:40 pm !! (7:26 pm*)
7:15 pm Mincha
10 13 Tammuz
7:15 pm Mincha
8:44 pm !! (7:28 pm*)
Friday
3 6 Tammuz
‫בלק‬
‫פינחס‬
‫מטות‬
‫מסעי‬
19
12
5
26
8:15 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Shabbat Mevorchim
25 28 Tammuz
8:25 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
18 21 Tammuz
8:30 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
11 14 Tammuz
8:30 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Saturday
4 7 Tammuz
Tammuz/Av 5774
Tu B'Av
10 15 Av
8:40 pm Maariv
17 22 Av
7:35 pm Mincha
5 Elul
8:30 am Shacharit
7:45 pm Mincha
8:30 am Shacharit
28 Av
31
Begin L'David-Ori Veyishe
Rosh Chodesh
25 30 Av
18 23 Av
Tue-Thur Mincha this week is at 7:45 pm.
24 29 Av
8:30 am Shacharit
21 Av
11 16 Av
Shofar blowing begins
Rosh Chodesh
Thursday
13 18 Av
8:20 pm Mincha
6 11 Av
27 2 Elul
20 25 Av
19 24 Av
12 17 Av
8:20 pm Mincha
5 10 Av
Wednesday
26 1 Elul
2:30 & 8:05 pm Mincha
9:17 pm Fast Concludes
8:25 pm Later Mincha
8:36 pm Fast begins
6:30 pm Early Mincha
Fast of Tisha b'Av
7:00 am Shacharit
8:30 am Shacharit
4 9 Av
Tuesday
Simcoe Day
3 8 Av
Monday
8:30 am Shacharit
14 Av
8:25 pm Mincha
8:30 am Shacharit
7 Av
Sunday
August 2014
Friday
Saturday
7:39 pm !! (6:36 pm*)
7:00 pm Mincha
28 3 Elul
7:51 pm !! (6:46 pm*)
7:00 pm Mincha
21 26 Av
8:02 pm !! (6:55 pm*)
7:00 pm Mincha
14 19 Av
8:13 pm !! (7:04 pm*)
7:00 pm Mincha
‫ואתחנן‬
‫עקב‬
‫ראה‬
‫שופטים‬
30
23
16
9
2
7:25 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
29 4 Elul
7:35 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Shabbat Mevorchim
22 27 Av
7:50 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
15 20 Av
8:00 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Shabbat Nachamu
8 13 Av
7 12 Av
8:10 pm Mincha
‫דברים‬
8:22 pm !! (7:11 pm*)
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Shabbat Chazon
1 6 Av
7:00 pm Mincha
5 Av
Av/Elul 5774
u
o
y
k
n
a
Th for your
continued
patronage
Our best wishes
for a Happy
& Healthy
Passover
We’ll suit you.
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23
Adult Education
A
Jeffrey Lipsitz and Lori Disenhouse
ttendance at the Adult Education
programs since High Holidays 5774 has
been stellar as word spreads through the
community that quality programming
MATTERS at Shaarei Shomayim! Here
is a partial listing of our events. In our
Scholars-in-Residence series over Shabbat, we hosted;
• Yossi Klein Halevi – Renowned journalist,
author of the critically acclaimed, “Like
Dreamers”
Israel Turns Inward: Facing Our Domestic Crises
40 Years from the Yom Kippur War: How the
war changed [and is still changing] Israel
Israel’s Declaration of Independence: A line
by line study of what the founders meant by
democratic and Jewish
• Rabbi Mark Dratch – Executive Vice-President
of the Rabbinical Council of America and former
Rabbi of Shaarei Shomayim
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: the Rising
Immorality in the Observant Community
The Pew Report
Rabbinic Politics, Public Policy & A Personal
Price to Pay
Issue around the ordination of women
• Rabbi Jeffrey Saks – Agnon scholar and Director
of ATID in Israel
Who Needs a Chief Rabbi?
Jewish Leaders and Literatures
“Some say stories put one to sleep, and I
say Stories can arouse us from slumber!” –
Conversation between Rebbe Nachman of
Breslov and S.Y. Agnon
Herring and Schnapps in the Mishkan? –
Agnon’s Modern Mishkan Midrash
• Rabbi Steven Weil - Exec. Vice President
Orthodox Union
Spiritual Red Lines
Anatomy of the World’s First BDS Movement
24
spring 2014
Religious Education; Different Strokes for
Different Folks
All our scholars were insightful, thought-provoking
and inspiring. There were sold-out Friday night dinners
to launch several of these weekends, and all in attendance
had a wonderful time.
We also had capacity crowds for an outstanding lecture
on “Kabbalistic Secrets in Italian Art and Architecture” by
Roy Doliner, and a program on “The Jewish Approach
to Organ & Tissue Donation” in partnership with Beth
Haminyan and Trillium Gift of Life.
We have hosted Polish scholar and guide, Tomasz
Cebulski, speaking on “The changing patterns of
Auschwitz commemoration in Poland in the last 20 years:
Perspective of a young Polish Academic, Genealogist, and
Auschwitz guide”
Our accredited and acclaimed Jewish Medical Ethics
and Halachah series continues, with Rabbi Mordechai
Torczyner, Rosh Beit Midrash, Yeshiva University Torah
MiTzion Beit Midrash Zichron Dov.
Live@Shomayim – Another incomparable musical
evening featured renowned jazz pianist Ron Davis, who
took to the stage (Bimah) with his jazz quartet and string
ensemble. About 300 people enjoyed an upbeat and
uplifting concert with moving commentary by Davis.
The proceeds from the event supported summer camp
programs for the families of fallen IDF soldiers.
Adult Education will continue to focus on these three
streams of programming; Shabbat scholars; lectures by
renowned experts on cultural, historical and scientific
issues; and concerts and other cultural events that bring
talented artists into the sanctuary.
There is so much that we can learn and enjoy, right
here in our own shul. We greatly appreciate all those who
generously sponsor these events, and in particular we are
grateful to the Silber Family whose support allows this
high calibre programming to be possible.
Thank you for coming out to these events and for
having given us the opportunity to deliver all of these fine
programs!
Pesach and the
Educational Imperative
O
ne of the central themes of Pesach is
the education of children, epitomized
by the question and answer dynamic
of the Seder. It is always instructive
to see how previous generations
grappled with the problems inherent
in Jewish education. The Rav of Piazetsna, Rev Kalonymus
Kalman Shapiro, was also known more famously as the
Aish Kodesh. Killed by the Nazis, he was one of the great
Hassidic rabbis of Poland before the war, and in 1932 he
wrote Hovat Hatalmidim, (The Student’s Obligation). His
central point in that book is that the education of each and
every child depends on his/her nature, mind, character
and other unique qualities. And the educator must become
aware of these qualities. “It will not suffice for him – the
teacher – to know himself and his own mind alone.”
Seems simple and yet revolutionary. You don’t teach
kids just what you know; you teach kids by knowing who
they are. This does not mean that we tailor everything to
the lowest common denominator of a child’s mindset, but
to be oblivious to their mindset is to court disaster. The
real purpose of teaching a child Torah, argues R. Shapira
is to help forge a person who has internalized the value
of seeking out Torah for its own sake because, frankly,
neither parent nor teacher will be around indefinitely.
In his words: “Every father and every teacher knows
that their children and students will not remain children
forever, but will eventually grow in years and possibly in
Torah knowledge and spiritual devotion. Yet there exist
fathers and teachers who are concerned only with what
they see right now, and since all they see right now are
children, the goal of their efforts is to educate their charges
to become good children.”
“Wrong,” says Rav Shapiro. They must see the children
sitting in front of them as great souls still immature. Their
task is to get them to grow and flourish. Parents talk about
Dr. Elliott Malamet
how good their child was at the Shabbat table. Rivkah
came home with her parshah questions and she knew
every one of them and she can tell you all the information.
And what about Yitzhak? He wasn’t that interested, he
was bored when the Rebbe talks. But he did ask a kind of
interesting question about torah.
So, what’s happening with Rivkah and Yitzhak? What
do we really want for them in ten years? Do we want
somebody who simply ingests information, but actually
left to their own devices doesn’t really think independently
about the material? Says Rav Shapiro, a teacher is a
gardener in the garden of g-d. And actually the gardening
metaphor is central in Chovat Hatalmidim.
Even if some of the children seem rebellious or flawed
in their character, the teacher must know that the nature
of souls “is to taste bitter as they are ripening.” Just because
it tastes bitter now, we do not give up on this child. For
Rav Shapira, premature judgment about children is akin
to someone taking a fruit that’s not ripe and biting it and
proclaiming with supposed great wisdom, this doesn’t
taste good.
Far from the stereotypical image of the cloistered
Rosh Hayeshiva, Rav Shapira – even in early 20th century
Poland – was achingly aware of the difficulty of inspiring
young Jews in a modern age: “Poke your heads outside of
the four cubits of your yeshiva. You will see the great mass
of people who have broken from the observances of our
faith. May G-d have mercy on them and us.”
Every child – every Jew – is a link in a chain that
long preceded us and will far outlive us. Our job is not to
change the world, but to recognize our place in that world
and, among other things, transmit what we can of what we
understand of Judaism, the best way we know how. And if
we do not know how, then our task is to learn. On Seder
night, we are all children.
25
26
spring 2014
Bat Mitzvah Program
M
azal Tov to the participants of this year’s
Bat Mitzvah program organized by Avital
Strauchler: Maya Aronson, Maya Britstone,
Eden Elbogen, Tehilla Elzas, Amy Gotkin,
Nina Katz, Hayley Monson, Madeleine Monson, Ella
Shoub, Lauren Shoub and Maya Treitel. Thank you to both teachers and volunteers: Ilana ArjeGoldenthal, Jodi Katzeff- Klein, Brenda Lass, Bella Motzen
Devorah Vale, Chyla Talesnick, Rifka Sonnenberg, Ronit
Holtzman, Yaffi Ullman and Avital Strauchler. A highlight
of this term’s program was an inclusion event with Camp
Aim. We enjoyed a fantastic evening of friendship, beading
and ice cream.
We celebrated the completion of the program with
a fancy Sunday morning breakfast where mothers,
grandmothers and daughters spent the morning studying
together about courage and leadership in Tanach.
The Bat Mitzvah program was a wonderful experience
combining Torah learning with chessed, creativity and
fun. We look forward to welcoming next year’s Bat
Mitzvah girls. nisan-iyar-sivan-tammuz-av 5774
27
14 - The Jewish Tribune - March 20, 2014
Evening of Music Expects to Hit
the Right Note for Jews for Judaism
Joanne Hill
Staff Writer
TORONTO – Shaarei Shomayim
Congregation will host an evening
of music on March 23 to raise funds
for Jews for Judaism.
The 20th annual Cavalcade of Stars
Evening of Jewish Song will feature
the musical talents of the Netivot
Hatorah Choir, The Shul of Rock,
the Arbah Kolot Barbershop Quartet
and Rabbi Moshe Meirovich.
Shaarei Shomayim Rabbi Chaim
Strauchler will add a dose of
rabbinical humour to the event
and Linda Craig will emcee. In
addition to the entertainment, Carol
and Stephen Handelman will be
recognized for their outstanding
contribution
to
the
Jewish
community and the late Dr. Isadore
Eisen will be honoured for his
considerable contribution to Israel
and the Toronto Jewish community.
The fundraiser was started 20
years ago by event coordinators
Jerry and Sandra Genesove of
Shaarei Shomayim’s entertainment
and cultural committee.
“It’s hard for me to realize I was
a young kid of 63 when we started
this,” said Jerry Genesove. “Now
I’m 83 and I really get a burst of
energy because my wife and I are
doing something that I think is so
important to the community. It’s
wonderful that [the performers]
donate their services… so the money
goes towards Jews for Judaism to
keep Jews Jewish.
“There’s this saying, ‘Without
bread, there is no Torah’… which
yizkor
memorial
book
We are now in the planning stages
for our 2014 / 5774 Yizkor Memorial
Book.
means if you can’t eat, you don’t
have the energy to do anything.
Sandy and I feel that our job is to
provide the bread so that the others
can do the work…. I believe in this
and I get satisfaction knowing that,
through the work my wife and I do,
we have saved Jewish souls.”
Julius Ciss, executive director of
Jews for Judaism, said their support
has made a huge difference.
“l don’t know, quite honestly,
where Jews for Judaism would be
today without their active input
for the last two decades because
they have really been helpful in us
being able to meet our financial
needs through their fundraising,”
said Ciss. “It’s been fantastic. I have
such appreciation for them…. They
have a real passion for fighting the
missionary threat.”
The event will begin at 6:30
p.m. on Sun., March 23 at Shaarei
Shomayim. For more information
or to buy tickets call the synagogue
at (416) 789-3213.
For more than 19 years, Shaarei
Shomayim’s Yizkor Book has
been an important part of our
community’s remembrance of loved
ones and observance of the Yizkor
prayer. Published every Shavuot, the
book contains the prayers recited
during memorial and remembrance
services, and the names of the
departed in whose memories we
recite Yizkor. This year, the Yizkor
Book will be available for use by
the congregation at the following
services:
2nd Day Shavuot June 5, 2014
Yom Kippur
October 4, 2014
Shemini Atzeret October 16, 2014
8th Day of PesachApril 11, 2015
On the facing page, is our Yizkor
Book Inclusion Form. If you would
like a loved one to be remembered
in the Yizkor Book, please complete
the Yizkor Book Inclusion Form and
return it to our office. Should you
have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact Miriam in the
office (miriam@shomayim.org or
416-789-3213). You will also notice
various sponsorship opportunities
which will, of course, be recognized
in the Yizkor Book.
We invite the entire congregation
to be part of this important annual
project. Your support is vital to the
continuation of this very worthy
endeavor.
Thank you for your participation.
28
spring 2014
29
30
spring 2014
WE HONOURED THE MEMORY OF
BENNY STARKz”l
On Friday, October 4, 2013 (30 Tishrei 5774), Shaarei
Shomayim lost a great leader. On Shabbat, Parshat
Vayishlach (November 16, 2013), we honoured the
memory of Benny Starkz”l with a special Shloshim
Service. Benny saw Shaarei Shomayim as his family,
and Shaarei Shomayim saw Benny as a beloved friend
and family member. Benny, as Building Chair, looked
after this building as if it were his home. Benny was
always in shul overseeing or making repairs. From
the ramp out front to the sukkah out back, Benny’s
fingerprints are everywhere within our synagogue.
Benny, as a friend, established lasting bonds with
so many of our members. From sending flowers
to a new mother to quietly looking after the needs
of staff, Benny was always there for the people of
Shaarei Shomayim. Benny, as a leader, was a person
who was larger than life. With a smile and a wink, he
could diffuse a tough situation and with his courage
and determination could take on any problem. Benny
was a person who loved his Judaism and loved his
Shul. He would lead us in davening on Simchat Torah
and would often be the last one off the dance floor at
Shaarei Shomayim celebrations. We have lost a leader
and a friend. We will miss our one and only,
Benny Stark.
31
That 70s purim
32
spring 2014
That 70s purim
33
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spring 2014
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Family News
from december 1, 2013
We wish Mazal Tov to the following:
to March 15, 2014
Births
Henry and Atta Zieleniec on the birth of
a grandson born to parents Miriam and Elitzur
Weiser and excited sisters Shayna, Chana, and
Adira of Jerusalem.
Brian and Bryna Bloom and Rhona Light
on the birth of a granddaughter, Zahava
Chaya, born to Robert and Rachel Bloom of
Israel.
Great grandparents Cynthia Gasner, Ruth
Resnick and Vita Rosen and grandparents Rob
and Julea Gasner, Nava Rosen and Stephen
Gibson on the birth of a beautiful baby girl
Maya Temimah to Nethaniel and Orly Gibson
in Jerusalem.
Sheldon and Norma Finkelstein and
Lynne and Gerry Fields on the birth of
a grandson, William Saul, son of Richard
and Caren Finkelstein. Excited brother is
Teddy. Thrilled great grandmother is Molly
Finkelstein.
Joe and Linda Fried on the birth of their
newest grandchild, Rivka Bracha, daughter
of Dov and Tara Fried. Excited siblings are
Moshe, Simcha Akiva, Yaakov Yitzhak and
Temima.
Jay and Mara Silber on the birth of baby
girl, Charlotte Hope, grandparents Allan
and Hinda Silber, Gail Nisker and Arthur
Cole and great grandparents Mac and Faye
Nisker and Judith Cole. Excited siblings are
Olivia and Madelyn.
Ilan and Stephanie Ulmer on the birth
of a baby boy Montgomery Neil. Happy
grandparents are John and Lori Ulmer
and Marsha Goldberg. Excited siblings are
Harper and Poppy Ulmer.
Ernie and Bonnie Singer and Ron
and Glorie Jacobs on the birth of a baby
granddaughter Samara Hazel (Kraindel
Chana) born to Brian and Rachel Jacobs.
Bernie Goldhar and Marlene Oilgisser
on the birth of a grandson Liam Irving Samuel.
Proud parents are Mark and Christin Goldhar.
Neil and Sherri Closner on the naming
of their daughter Quinn Scarlett (Shoshana).
Proud grandparents are Arnold and Joy
Closner and Liz and Ivan Lavine.
Fred and Linda Waks and Michael and
Wendy Goodman on the birth of twin
grandsons Jack Henry and Charlie William.
Proud parents are David Goodman and
Jessica Waks. Proud great-grandparents are
Eve Goodman and Evy Smith.
36
Spring 2014
spring 2014
Haim and Mardi Hirshberg and Hershel
and Sandra Mitchell on the birth of a
granddaughter, Ariella born to Jonatan and
Naomi Mitchell of Ottawa. Thrilled big brother
is Eric.
David and Naomi Tal and Paula and Ed
Truitt of Jerusalem, on the birth of their
granddaughter, Emuna Sara, in Israel. Proud
parents are Ariel and Rachel Tal of Kibbutz
Lavi. Happy siblings are Nechama and Shlomit.
Paul Brown and Carol Brown and Rabbi
Avraham and Frada Stone on the birth of a
grandson, Yitzchak David. Proud parents are
Reuven and Rivky Brown of Passaic, NJ.
Aaron and Jaclyn Orzech on the
birth of a daughter Madison Isabella. Proud
grandparents are Gary and Fern Orzech
and Robert and Gloria Bielak. Proud Aunts
and Uncles are Ilan and Rebecca Bergel.
Josh and Yael Orzech, Nata and Rachel
Philosoph and Lesley Bielak. Proud greatgrandmother is Marsha Bielak.
Gershon Hurwitz and Heather Socken
on the birth of a son Noah Sean. Proud first
time grandparents are David Socken and
Gale Borison-Socken and Jennifer and
Aubrey Hurwitz of South Africa. Proud Uncles
and Aunts are Allan Socken, Daniel Socken
and Sarah Hurwitz.
Zev and Sophia Spiro on the birth of a son
Oliver Moses. Proud grandparents are Michael
and Betty Spiro and Farshad and Terrian
Rabbenou. Excited siblings are Mia and Arelia.
bar / bat mitzvah
Joey and Ronit Holtzman on the Bat
Mitzvah of their daughter Talia. Excited
brother Josh and proud grandparents are
Zave and Sandra Climan from Montreal.
David and Bernice Walerstein on the
Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Adina. Proud
grandfather is Gonadi Gopin.
Ellen and Raphi Zaionz on the Bar Mitzvah
of their son Benny at the Kotel in Jerusalem.
Excited brothers are Yoni and Sammy. Proud
grandparents are Ruthie Zaionz and Newton
Markus.
Anshel Buxbaum on the Bat Mitzvah
of his great granddaughter Atara Tikvah,
daughter of Eli and Yael Bienenstock. Proud
grandparents are Daniel and Bruria Frances
and Zev and Chana Bienenstock.
Myrna Lambert on the occasion of the Bar
Mitzvah of her grandson Ari, in New York.
Thrilled parents are Rachel Lambert and Brian
and Rebecca Lambert. Proud grandparents
are Carol and Eli Iskowitz and Sandra and Dr.
Albert Dorfman. Happy siblings are Yaakov,
Tova, Temima and Sarah
Jamie and Tali Golombek on the Bat
Mitzvah of their daughter, Sarah. Proud
grandparens are Harvey and Lisa
Golombek and Gavriel and Hana Harel.
Proud great-grandmother is Mali Hersh. Proud
brothers are Isaac and Jake.
engagements
anniversaries and birthdays
David Wm. and Helen Brown on the
engagement of their daughter Sarah to
Steven Strauss, son of Renee Strauss and
Michael Robbins and Rudy Strauss. Proud
siblings are Pnina Brown and Jeff, Alex and
Pamela Strauss. Proud grandparents are Al G.
Brown and Ruth Fuld.
Ralph Etigson on his 98th birthday. May he
play many more Scrabble games for years to
come.
Harold and Esther Tabacznik on the
engagement of their son Barry to Amy,
daughter of Jeff and Michelle Leifer. Happy
grandparents are Malcolm and Denise Werner
and siblings Danielle Tabacznik and Romy
Leifer.
Myra Mechanic on the occasion of her
special birthday.
Farokh and Dalya Hakimi on the
engagement of their son Jedd to Sarah
Rafson, daughter of Roger and Sally Rafson.
Sidney and Rebecca Laufer, on the
engagement of their daughter Mira, to Rob
Tanner, son of Bryna Cohen and Marvin and
Joyce Tanner.
Reuven and Debbie Spiegel on the
engagement of their daughter Yael to
Nachum Silverman, son of Murray and
Susan Silverman. Proud grandparents are
Beatryce Spiegel and Elaine Krohn Medwed,
and Harry and Helen Cohen. Proud siblings
are Akyva and Gila Spiegel, Miryam and
Geoffrey Michael Kiderman, Koby Spiegel,
Avi and Erin Silverman, Naphtali Silverman
and Benyamin Silverman.
Jerry Genesove on the occasion of his 83rd
birthday.
Ralph Fromer on turning 95 years young!
Rabbi Strauchler on his birthday.
Brian and Robbie Schwartz on their
wedding anniversary.
Larry Gamulka on turning 80 years
young!
special announcements
Yashar Kocheich to Pnina Brown who made
aliya and joined the IDF. May this important
transition in your life be filled with success
and blessing.
Mazal Tov to Dr. Brian Schwartz, Director
of Emergency Management Support for the
Ontario Agency for Health Protection and
Promotion (OAHPP), one of the honourees
of A Heritage of Healing Aish Gala Dinner
honouring health care professionals who
exemplify clinical expertise, compassionate
care and a commitment to Jewish values.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Strauchler’s Gemara
Class on completing the Bava Kama this week.
Mazal Tov to Daniel David, Max
Nathanson, Joseph Birnboim, Ethan
Ohayon, Jason Bergman and Ari
Fialkov for completing Rabbi Strauchler’s
bar mitzvah course.
Yasher Koach to Rabbi Strauchler and
our members who were invited to be a part
of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s delegation
to Israel.
Tzeitchem L’Shalom and best wishes to Rabbi
Noam Pratzer on returning to Israel to
complete his degree.
Tzeitchem L’Shalom and best wishes to
Evan Goldenthal and Ilana ArjeGoldenthal on their trip to Israel.
NEW HOURS:
SUN. 11-5 MON. - THURS. 10-6:30
FRI. 10-4
416.785.5290
2 lights north of Lawrence Ave.
marriages
Barry and Nelly Zagdanski on the
marriage in Israel of their son Joshua to
Jennie Kuretsky, daughter of Barry and
Elaine Kuretsky. Proud grandparents are
Ernest and Helen Singer. Excited siblings
are Tamar Zagdanski, Ari Zagdanski, Joshua
and Anndra Kuretsky and Peter and Naomi
Kuretsky.
Orvin and Lynne Zendel on the marriage
of their daughter Becky to Shai Berliner,
son of Dov and Carmela Berliner. Happy
siblings are Adam Zendel, and Tomer and
Shoshana, Yaniv and Shirra, and Eran and Erin
Berliner.
Dr. Ed and Diane Zeligman on the
marriage of their son David to Heather
Slepchik, daughter of Brian Slepchik and
Judy Belfer.
BLMCREATIVE@GMAIL.COM
Marilyn and Mendy Maierovitz on
the marriage of their son Eli and to Orly,
daughter of Danny and Mirtha Aidelman.
37
Mazal Tov to Dr. Lisa Golombek, Professor
Emeritus, Department of Near and Middle
Eastern Civilizations at the University of
Toronto, on the recent publication of her
masterwork, 15 years in the making, Persian
Potter in the First Global Age.
Yasher Koach to Rabbi Hartley Permutter
and Rabbi Joel Markin on receiving their
Semichah at the Chag HaSemichah from the
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of
Yeshiva University.
Yasher Koach to Chidon HaTanach finalists
Eliyahu Freudenstein, Isaac Mansell,
Natan Parker, Jacob Ringel and
Nathan Starkman.
condolences to
Donna Starkman Shiff and Randy
Shiff and Donna’s siblings, David and Dee,
Marlene and David, Joel and Mary Martha, and
Paul and Galina on the loss of their mother
and mother-in-law, Elva Starkmanz”l.
Loretta Helman on the loss of her mother,
Alice Falkz”l.
Irving Kwart, Debbie Drewnowsky-Harris
and David Harris, Richard Kwart, Sam Consky,
Ruth Trachter, and Renee Goldhar on the
loss of their wife, mother and mother-in-law,
Bookie Kwartz”l.
Karen Donin, Al, Cheryl and Gerry Rosen,
Hyla and Kobi Lederman, Janet and Carl
Frederiksen on the loss of their husband,
father and father-in-law, Marvin Doninz”l.
Elfrieda Vale, Rabbi Asher and Devorah
Vale, Sandy Vale, and Lydia and Jeff Goldfarb
on the loss of their husband, father and fatherin-law, R. George Valez”l.
Mel and Miriam Bottner, Marlene Bottner,
Gordon Bottner and Gitel Fastag on the loss
of their mother, mother-in-law, and sister
Toby Bottnerz”l.
George and Charlene Arje, Veronika
Furst, Judith and George Kende, Eli and
Tamar Lechtman, Evan Goldenthal
and Ilana Arje-Goldenthal, Danielle
Arje, Tom and Nicole Furst and Dan and
Samantha Furst on the loss of their mother,
mother-in-law, sister and grandmother, Eva
Arjez”l.
Annemie Vlessing, Eric and Susan Vlessing
and Robert Vlessing and family on the loss of
their husband, father and grandfather, Philip
Vlessingz”l.
Roy, Rick Goldberger, and Dan and Alice
Goldberger and family on the loss of their
mother, mother-in-law and grandmother,
Barbara Goldbergerz”l.
Faye and Yossi Weisman, Moishe and Bette
Barmherzig, David Barmherzig, Shoshana
and Stanley Lubinsky and family on the loss of
their mother, sister, grandmother and greatgrandmother, Milia Barmherzigz”l.
Lorraine Nathanson, Lisa and Earl
Kantorowitz and family on the loss of
their husband, father, and father-in-law,
Larry Nathansonz”l.
Leah and Mitchell Lerner and Chana
Futterman on the loss of their father and
father-in-law, David Janowskiz”l.
Alan Burger, Marc and Jill Burger,
Lorne and Ashley Burger and Naomi
Burger on the loss of their mother-in-law
and grandmother, Mary Nelsonz”l.
Stephen Sacks, Carol Eisenstat and Dena
Sacks on the passing of their mother, Jenny
Sacksz”l.
Samuel H. and Beverley Cohen on the
loss of their sister and sister-in-law, Jeannette
Anne Cohenz”l.
Lonni and Samuel Zeifman on the passing
of their brother and brother-in-law Dr. Joel
Mark Ellenzweigz”l in California.
Frances Forman and family on the passing
of her husband, Harry Formanz”l.
Mark and Shulamit Verman on the loss of their
mother and mother-in law, Toby Vermanz”l.
professionally we serve
professionally we care
38
spring 2014
See
Associated
in
o
n
i
t
c
A
Enjoy a
personally
guided tour
of one of our
campuses at a time
that’s convenient
for you.
To schedule your visit,
please contact
Pearl Greenspan at
pgreenspan@ahschools.com
or 905-889-3998,
ext. 337 or go to
Associated Cedarvale Posluns Education Centre
(Pre-Nursery to JK)
Beth Sholom Synagogue
1445 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto
agreatschool.com
(Nursery to Grade 5)
18 Neptune Dr, Toronto
Hurwich Education Centre
Kamin Education Centre Danilack Middle School
(Pre-Nursery to Grade 5)
300 Atkinson Ave, Thornhill
(Grade 6 to 8)
252 Finch Ave W, Toronto
Extended Day Care & Busing available.
Discover more about
Associated.
View our e-brochure at
www.ThisIsAssociated.com
39
Dates to Remember
470 Glencairn Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5N 1V8
Telephone (416) 789-3213 • Fax (416) 789-1728
www.shomayim.org • E-mail info@shomayim.org
Apr. 12
Shabbat HaGadol
Apr. 14
Fast of the Firstborn
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday..............................................8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday......................................................................... 8:30am - 2:00pm
Shabbat, Sunday.........................................................................Closed
Apr. 14
Erev Pesach
Apr. 15
First Day Pesach
WHO’S WHO
Rabbi...........................................................................Chaim Strauchler
Shamash / Baal Kriyah.................................................Ralph Levine
Baal Kriyah....................................................................... Philip Zucker
Rabbi, Downstairs Minyan..................................... Elliott Diamond
President............................................................................Benny Osher
Executive Director................................................... Nicole Toledano
Youth Directors.............Yael Disenhouse Lipson and Sara Lass
Bulletin Contributor...............................................Lawrence Savlov
DONATIONS
Capital Fund.........................................................................$18 and up
Library Fund.........................................................................$18 and up
Philip Zucker Torah Fund.................................................$18 and up
Phillip Wintrob Youth Fund............................................$18 and up
Rabbi’s Charity Fund.........................................................$18 and up
Volunteer Appreciation Fund........................................$18 and up
Beit Medrash Book Fund................................................$36 and up
Chessed Fund......................................................................$36 and up
Memorial Plaques..........................................................................$400
Tree of Life: Leaf.......................................................................... $1,800
Tree of Life: Stone...................................................................... $5,400
SPONSORSHIPS
Regular Shabbat Kiddush.........................................................$720*
Shabbat Mevorchim Kiddush..................................................$900*
Downstairs Minyan Kiddush...................................................... $250
Hashkama Minyan Kiddush........................................................ $180
Seudah Shlishit................................................................................ $180
Teen Minyan Kiddush...................................................................$200
Chessed Fund Sponsor a Meal.................................................... $72
Flowers for the Sanctuary.............................call for more details
Youth Kiddush....................................................................................$54
Weekday Breakfast: per day........................................................ $72
Weekday Breakfast: per week.................................................. $250
*Partial sponsorships available........................... starting at $180
To make a donation or arrange for a sponsorship, please call
the shul office. Tax receipts will be issued.
ENDOWMENTS
Endowment funds can be set up to suit your individual
requirements. For further information, please contact the
shul office.
Apr. 16Second Day Pesach
Apr. 17 - 20Hol Mamoed Pesach
Apr. 217th Day Pesach
Apr. 22
8th Day Pesach
Apr. 22Yizkor
Apr. 27
May 5
Yom Hazikaron L’Shoah
Yom Haatzmaut
May 9 - 10SIR Jonathan Rosenblatt
May 18Lag B’Omer
May 28
General Member Meeting
May 31March of the Living Shabbat
June 3Erev Shavuot
June 4-5Shavuot
June 14
Graduation Shabbat
June 14Emunah Shabbat
June 16Medical Halacha Series
July 2 - August 6Entertainment and Cultural Committee
Speaker Series
July 15
Fast of Shiva Asar B’Tamuz
Aug. 5Tisha B’Av
Aug. 11Tu B’Av
Happy Passover to our
members, friends and the
entire Jewish community

Pesach 2014 - Shaarei Shomayim

Transcription

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