Weekly Bulletin - Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue

Weekly Bulletin
November 22, 2014 | 29 Cheshvan 5775
www.beby.org
Amalgamated Hebrew Men of England (1975)
100 Elder Street, Toronto ON M3H 5G7 | 416.633.3838
Toledot
Hertz Chumash
Torah Reading pp. 93-101
Haftarah pp.146-161
Etz Hayim Chumash
Torah Reading pp. 948-950
Haftarah pp. 1216-1218
~ The Congregational Kiddush will be held in the Foyer following services ~
We extend a warm welcome to Moshe Gold our Shabbat Guest Speaker.
He is the organizer for the shul’s Poland-Israel trip next November, being run
under the auspices of Ramah-Israel.
He will talk about Jewish life in Poland/Israel, past, present, and future.
In addition, we join synagogues across the GTA in expressing our soidarity with Israel,
as we mourn the deaths of four rabbis, and a Druze Police Officer. Several others were
wounded including a Canadian, Howard Chaim Rothman, who is fighting for his life.
The Sefer Haftarah Parasha
is dedicated in honour of our granddaughters
Alexndra Sara and
Elyse Matilda Bergman’s Bat Mitzvah
by Esther & David Bergman and Sam Borenstein
Services for Week of November 23rd
Sunday (Rosh Chodesh) ....... 7:15 & 8:30 am
Monday - Friday ................... 7:15 & 8:15 am
Sunday - Thursday ........................... 4:35 pm
Friday evening.................................. 4:35 pm
Shabbat Candle Lighting .................. 4:24 pm
Hashkama Minyan............................ 7:30 am
Shabbat Services ............................... 8:45 am
Yehuda Rosenberg Tribute Dinner
Friday, December 12th.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 4:35 pm
Followed by a fully catered Shabbat Dinner
$36 per person / Children 12 & under $22
(special children’s meal will be served).
Supervised children’s activities will be provided.
Donations honouring Yehuda are welcome and
may be directed to the David & Sandra Anisman Israel Fund.
Event purchase in advance only by noon, Tuesday December 9th.
We will be honouring Yehuda throughout the evening with personal tributes and
stories. Please submit your name and tribute
by Monday, December 8th to the synagogue office.
Photos are also welcome. Please keep tributes to under 2 minutes.
Event Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Wine - $1,000 | Liquor - $1,000 | Dessert - $500
Decor - $360 | Event Sponsors - $180
BEBY reserves the right to make copy & editorial changes.
DEADLINE THURSDAY NOON of each week.
Beyond that time we cannot guarantee that your
event will appear in the bulletin.
We regret any errors and omissions that may occur.
Please contact the office to make corrections.
The Shabbat Study Group
will resume December 13th
Shabbat Mincha — 4:20 pm
Shabbat Ends — 5:31 pm
ALLERGY ALERT!! Many of our members suffer from asthma or other breathing difficulties. Please be
considerate of those who are chemically sensitive to fragrances and other scented products - your
discretion in applying scented products when attending Shul is appreciated.
HALACHA (JEWISH LAW) prohibits the use of audible beepers, cell phones, electronic games and any
type of photographic equipment on Shabbat and Yom Tov.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation in preserving the sanctity of Shabbat.
Yasher Koach and thank you to our Shabbat Ushers!
WEEKLY PROGRAMMES
RABBINICS STUDY GROUP – Daf Ha’Shavua - The Weekly Page of Talmud.
For beginning or intermediate students, study the first Tractate of the Talmud
known as Masechet Berachot. “The primary focus of the tractate is the
myriad ways in which a Jewish person expresses his faith during his life.” 35
minutes prior to Mincha. Study group resumes December 13th.
SUNDAY
FREE HEBREW READING CLASSES - LEVEL II WITH MICHAEL KINRYS: Call to
register. Level II begins Feb. 22/2015 for 6 weeks.
THE LIBRARY ~10 am - 12 noon. Drop by and peruse our many fabulous
new titles! A Thread of Kindness by Leah Perl Shadlar; From Central Park to
Sini by Roy S. Neuberger.
The KADIMA CENTRE: 2-3:30 pm. For info on student registration, contact
Marcel Cohen at 416.633.3838 or marcelcohen2003@yahoo.ca. More info
available from www.beby.org. We are looking for adults to volunteer who
are compassionate, patient and positive.
TANACH STUDY GROUP - 7:30 pm, November 23, at the home of Shirley &
Avrom Gossack. 14 Overbrook Place. Studying Bereisheit, Chapter 20.
MONDAY
MAH JONGG AT 12:00 NOON. All welcome. Call the office 416-633-3838 to join.
Donation of a Toonie. Refreshments served. No games today.
RABBI’S STUDY CLASS: PROBING THE PARSHA: A detailed study of a particular
theme emanating from the weekly Torah portion. Each theme is linked to an
essay topic found in the new book, The Observant Life - The Wisdom of
Conservative Judaism for Contemporary Jews. The book is encouraged
but not required for participants. Boardroom. 7:15 - 8:15 pm.
FRUMBA & NIA! WOMEN’S CARDIO DANCE FITNESS
- Sponsored by Sisterhood.
7:30 pm. For more information on upcoming class schedules and pricing,
contact Bette at frumbadance@gmail.com.
TUESDAY
SISTERHOOD STUDY GROUP - 10 - 11:30 am | Rabbis Morrison and Lipson
alternate weekly. Ask The Rabbi with Rabbi Morrison: Brief English
responsa to modern halakhic questions from the perspective of Conservative
Judaism. Topics will cover Bible, ethics, gender, interfaith, symbols, conversion,
kashrut, lifecycle, holy day cycle, women’s issues, theology, and more.
Rabbi Lipson’s Weekly Topic: Studying the Book of Shmuel (Samuel) and
the Book of Kings — Politics & Power in Biblical Israel.
WEDNESDAY
TALMUD CLASS WITH DR. AARON NUSSBAUM | 9:15 am. Chapel.
MAH JONGG AND RUMMIKUB HOSTED BY SISTERHOOD. Games begin at
12:30 to 3:30 pm. Donation of a Toonie. Refreshments served. Mah Jongg
Games and Rummikub games needed. If you have one to donate, contact
the office.
SISTERHOOD PRESENTS ISRAELI FOLK DANCING WITH SHOSHANA FRANK.
"EGINNERSPMs)NTERMEDIATE!DVANCEDPMPERCLASS)NFO
Call Shoshana Frank at 905.889.9419.
THURSDAY
NASH & DRASH 2014 - Nov 27, Tuesday December 16 (Chazzan’s Chanukah
Musical Special) January 22, February 19, March 26 (Pre-pesach Nash & Drash
WITHTHE#ANTOR!PRILAND-AYPP
THE MARTY KESHEN CHESED COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU!
If you would like to volunteer with home and hospital visits, Shiva
calls, etc. please call the office and leave a message for Rochelle Kerzner
Committee Chair or email chesed@beby.org
SISTERHOOD KNIT/CROCHET AND CHAT GROUP. We invite you
to join our knitting and crochet group. Learn to crochet a kippah, or knit a
baby blanket. Knit a hat for the Soldiers! We provide the yarn, pattern and
coffee! Join us weekly, Mondays at 10 am. Speak to Miriam if you would
like to participate. We extend a BIG thank you to the Minyanairres - both
morning minyans for their very generous donations to the Chesed Knitters.
Please pick up a flyer or check our web site /facebook page for more information on our upcoming events.
SHABBAT
TISH & TORAH - Rabbi Lipson leads learning sessions for the Parashat
Hashavuah at 10:00 am in the Boardroom.
COMING
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Brunch/Lecture with Dr. Carol Greenwood
Sunday November 23rd
Reel & Spiel - Crossing Delancey
Wednesday November 26th
Girls Night Out
Games Night: Scrabble, Cards etc.
Show and Tell Pottery Workshop
Registration deadline: Monday, November 24th
Thursday November 27th
Grey Cup Party
Sunday November 30th
SAVE THE DATES!
Speakers Series: Women’s Lives - Part III
Wednesday December 10th
Yehuda Rosenberg Tribute Dinner
Friday December 12th
The Miracle of Chanukah - Energy Savings
Monday December 15th
Pre-Chanukah Nash & Drash
Tuesday, December 16th
Annual Chanukah Party
Tuesday, December 16th
Shabbat Shira Concert
Thursday, January 29th
CHAZZAN’S CORNER
Davening Class - Chazzan Edwards offers an informal,
hands on practical class - Monday evenings following Mincha services.
Pre-Chanukah Nash & Drash with Chazzan Edwards & Tara
Abrams, Cantorial Soloist. Tuesday, December 16th at 12 noon.
Shabbat Shira Concert with Chazzans Edwards & Alex Stein of
Adath Israel, Thursday January 29th at 7:30 pm
FYI: Please be aware that in the event of a medical emergency, our Security Personnel are
EVENTS
YOUTH & YOUNG FAMILIES
(Formerly Na’are Emet)
Junior Congregation
Shakin’ Up Shabbat!
THE BETH EMETH GREENING COMMITTEE
s
s
s
s
s
Green Tips from the Zero-Waste Lifestyle by Amy Korst:
Reuse empty prescription bottles to store small items such as
jewelry, buttons, screws, nails, spare change and earplugs
The wad of cotton inside is compostable
If the bottle has a preservative powder, it can be used inside
camera bags to keep the environment drier
Don’t flush or throw out old medications or sharps
Return them to participating pharmacies through the Ontario
Medication Return Program or the Ontario Sharps Collection
Program
every Shabbat at 10 am with a fun activity
led by Elie Morrison and Samara Gottesman
or by our ShinShinim Omer Itzhak & Yotam Meizeles.
New program with lots of fun activities and games!
See you there!
Sam Kotzer Shabbat & Festival Gan Program
OPEN YEAR ROUND FOR NURSERY SERVICES.
10 am - 12 noon | BEBY Babies Room (lower level)
Structured weekly Shabbat programming
for children ages 1 through JK,
including Tefillot, songs, games, and healthy snacks.
Hilda Swirsky, RN, BScN, MEd, Chair,
hswirsky@hotmail.com or Fay Rakoff, rakoff@gmail.com
Café Shinshinim:
Contact youth@beby.org or call 416
633.3838 for MORE INFO or to RSVP to
any program.
Tuesday December 9th at 7 pm
Join Omer and Yotam for their lively
bi-weekly programs covering a range of
current topics. All about Chanukah!
YOUTH EVENTS
PROGRAM INFO:
Nutrition, Vitality & Your Brain
with Dr. Carol Greenwood
Professor, Author and Senior Scientist with the Baycrest Foundation
Join us for a delicious brunch and a talk on the merits of good nutrition
and brain health. Dr. Greenwood’s work focuses on the relationship
between diet and brain function. $10 per person.
Generously sponsored by Laura & Harvey Schwartz.
Reel & Spiel presents Crossing Delancey (1988)
Wednesday November 26th at 7:30 pm
A Manhattan single meets a man through her Jewish grandmother’s
matchmaker. Director: Joan Micklin Silver. Starring Amy Irving, Peter
Riegert, Reizl Bozyk and Jeroen Krabbe. Introductory remarks by Bruria
Cooperman. Join us for popcorn, refreshments & dessert. Tessler
Lounge.$5 per person.
Grey Cup Party!
Sunday November 30th at 5:30 pm presented by Men’s
Club. Tessler Lounge. Watch the game on our 80” screen complete
with our new sound system! Tons of delicious game food! All welcome.
Members & family guests $30. NM $50. Join the Men’s Club! Only $18.
Includes membership in the FJMC and SAVE on all of our events.
RSVP by November 17th. Men & Women welcome!
Chanukah Nash & Drash
Tuesday, December 16th at 12 noon presented by
Temple Har Zion and Beth Emeth with Chazzan David Edwards &
Cantorial Soloist Tara Abrams, & accompanist Eleanor Ackerman Rice.
$15 per person. Join us for a delicious lunch and a musical tribute to
Chanukah! Event payment in advance ONLY by Friday, December 12th
to the BEBY office. This program is generously sponsored
by Kensington Place Retirement Residence.
To book a Youth Kiddush please send an email to youth@beby.org.
Sunday November 23rd at 11:30 am
PJ PLUS is a parent (or grandparent!) and tot program
for 1.5 -3 years old. This 9 week program runs Sunday
mornings right here at Beth Emeth! Your first class is FREE!
9:30 - 10:45 am in the BEBY Babies Room.
GRADES 1-5: GLAZE CRAZE!
Sunday, November 23rd, 1-3 pm. Inwentash Centre.
Join Beth Emeth Youth as we have a fun afternoon painting
ceramics! $5 members / $8 non-members.
BEBY’S ANNUAL CHANUKAH PARTY
Tuesday, December 16th at 6 pm
Entertainment! Great DJ and dancing with prizes! ******
Featuring****** * BOUNCE ENTERTAINMENT
* Delicious catered dinner! * Chanukah treats * Activities and
more! SPECIAL EVENT PRICING - IN ADVANCE BY DEC. 12TH:
Members: Kids 12 & under -$8 | Adults - $10
Non-Members: Kids 12 & under - $10 | Adults - $12
(Prices go up at the door - don’t delay - buy today)!
Shabbat Guest Speaker!
On December 6th, Rabbi Jennifer Gorman, Executive Director of
Mercaz-Canada will address the congregation about the importance
of Conservative/Masorti Judaism in Israel and the significance of
Mercaz, the Conservative/Masorti Zionist organization.
CPR trained. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to seek out their services.
TOLEDOT
Taken from the Jewish Theological Seminary JTS - www.jtsa.edu
LARGE PRINT
SIDDURIM
available.
Ask an usher.
In Parashat Toledot, the saga of our somewhat dysfunctional ancestral family conpain of being the “chosen son.” He is “respontinues, and included within is one of the family’s saddest and most poignant
sible” for his big brother being sent off to
episodes. Yitzhak, scion of the family and heir to his father’s covenant with
ROSEN JUDAICA
the wilderness, perhaps to die, and he
Marty Keshen
God, has just married at the age of 40. He and his wife, Rivkah, rewas the one bound on the altar on
Chesed Committee
GIFT SHOP
main childless for 20 years, when, in response to his entreaties to
top of the mountain. It may have
presents the 10th Annual
God, she conceives. Unlike her late mother-in-law’s easy pregnancy
been a relief to him that his beCall Sonia Hendler
at an advanced age, Rivkah’s pregnancy is complicated. We are
loved Esav was not to inherit
at 416 633.3838 x 224
told right away that “the children, the ‘sons’ in fact, were strugdedicated in memory of
the covenantal mantle.
Barbara Frances Grimson l”z &
gling within her womb” (Vayitrotzetzu habanim bekirbah; Gen
What
Norton Lorne Grimson l”z
25:22). However, she does not know the reason for her discomabout Rivkah? Is she the
Certificates and
fort and distress.
conniving wife and moth“Drive For Dreidels”.
Gift
& Bridal Registry
According to midrash, she asks around and discover? Or is she the original
Please drop off all
ers that no one has ever had a pregnancy experience like this.
Available too.
NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY DONATIONS
Tiger Mom? Does she reIn desperation, she cries out, “Why me?” (Lamah zeh anokhi?;
to the Synagogue
ally love only Ya’akov? If so,
(bin located by the
Ibid.). She consults an oracle and is told, rather elliptically, that
when she hears that Esav
Wednesday mornings
Wilmington Street entrance)
two nations are in her womb, and even more enigmatically, “And
plans to kill him once Yit10 am - 12:30 pm
Gift
Deadline
is
the greater the younger will serve.” (verav ya’avod tza’ir; Gen.
zhak dies, why does she ask,
Friday, December 12th.
or by appointment.
22:23). The Hebrew is unclear: who is the subject and who is the
“Why should I lose you both
Think of the joy you can bring
object in the sentence? She gives birth to twin boys who could not
in a single day?” Isn’t it as likely
to a less fortunate child at
be more different from each other. The elder, a hairy redhead, is an
that when she made the decision
Chanukah!
outdoorsman, a hunter. The younger, smooth-skinned, is a homebody.
to follow Eliezer back to Canaan (and it was her decision—one of the
Their father, Yitzhak, we are told, loves the elder, while Rivkah, their mothfew times a woman in the Bible is given decisional capacity), she demoner, loves the younger, and we realize that we are being set up for an internecine
strated that she was part of the family and that she had unreservedly bought
conflict that will recapitulate that between the two half-brothers, Yitzhak and Ishmael.
into the family enterprise, and this was
Although we do not know it yet, we might
her “test.” She knows that the mantle
guess that Rivkah will play a significant role in
of the covenant can fall to only one of
this conflict, just as Sarah did in the earlier one.
her twins and she knows which one is
After the sojourn in Gerar, we are told Yitzhak
more capable of advancing the cause.
is old and blind. The midrash speculates that
The difficulty during her pregnancy
his blindness was the result of the incense ofwas a harbinger of the difficult decision
fering of Esav’s pagan Hittite wives. As the story
she would face later and which would
unfolds, Yitzhak sends Esav out to hunt some
ultimately explain the esoteric response
game and bring him a meal so that Yitzhak
from the oracle.
might give him his blessing. Rivkah, overhearThere is no happy ending
ing the request, orders Ya’akov to impersonate
to this story. Rivkah loses her beloved
Esav, covering him with goatskins and giving
Ya’akov, Yitzhak disinherits his beloved
him food to bring to his father so that he might
Esav, Ya’akov heads off alone to face a
trick Yitzhak into giving him the blessing infuture of wrestling with his demons,
stead of his brother.
and Esav remains in anguish, the paIf Yitzhak is dissembling and knew
thos in his plea, “Have you no blessall along whom he was blessing, it raises the
ing left for me?” heartrending. What
question of why he did it, since we learned earis most disturbing, however, is not the
ly on that he loved Esav. The midrashim try to
sadness of the story, it is rather that
explain it away by saying that he only loved Esav
most of the commentaries on it are little
when he brought him game but he loved Ya’akov all the time, transactional as opposed to
more than apologetics for the actions of Ya’akov and Rivkah, and vilification of Esav.
unconditional love. I believe the answer is simpler. Yitzhak knows better than anyone the
They go on at length about Esav’s evil nature from the moment of conception, his idolatry, his violence—he is not only a hunter but a brigand, a rapist, and a serial adulterer
who got what he deserved—all in order to justify an act of deceit and fraud. Therein lies
the meaning we can draw from this story and the apologists. Denigrating the victim is
Hashkama Minyan Sponsorships
not a strategy for reconciliation and harmony. By the time the brothers meet again some
In honor of the anniversary of
21 years later, nothing is forgotten and perhaps nothing forgiven; but there is a reconciliation and it comes from a place of self-awareness and mutual respect.
Mulky’s Bat Mitzvah haftarah parsha – Toldot.
Chanukah Toy Drive
Continuing to celebrate this special time in her life.
Freddy, Mindy, Meyer, Devorah and Avi Jacobs.
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Thank you so much!
Morris Rosenthal in observance of Yahrzeit for his mother,
Chava Rosenthal l”z
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