Document

Vol. LXXXI No. 5 • January 2006 • Tevet/Shevat 5766

Holy Blossom Tem ple

inside … Holy Blossom Temple leadership

in this issueDaily/Shabbat Worship … 2, In Perspective … 3, Temple Leadership … 4, The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman

Centre for Jewish Learning … 6, A Look at Democratization ... 8, The W. Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award … 9,

Education Matters … 10, Social Action at Holy Blossom … 11, Family Programming… 11, Generation t … 11,

Seniors' Programming … 12, A Time to Learn … 13, Events and Announcements … 14, Our Congregational

Family … 15, Sisterhood … 18, This Month @ Holy Blossom … 19, The Last Word … 20

Shifting Lines: Can Ariel Sharon Draw the Borders of

Peace and Security?

Isabel Kershner

See page 7.

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Please remember to visit our Web site, at www.holyblossom.org, to read our weekly D’var Torah. (Just click on D’var Torah under the Avodah/Worship menu button.)

Daily Ser vic esMon. to Fri. 7.30 a.m. Shacharit 6 p.m. Ma’arivSun. 9 a.m. Shabbat VayigashFri. Jan. 6 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceFri. Jan. 6 6 p.m. Tot ShabbatSat. Jan. 7 10.30 a.m. Congregation-wide Shabbat Service

Shabbat VayechiFri. Jan. 13 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceSat. Jan. 14 10.30 a.m. Shabbat ServiceSat. Jan. 14 10.30 a.m. Family Service

Shabbat ShemotFri. Jan. 20 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceFri. Jan. 20 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat and DinnerSat. Jan. 21 10.30 a.m. Congregation-wide Shabbat Service

Shabbat Va’eraFri. Jan. 27 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceSat. Jan. 28 10.30 a.m. Congregation-wide Shabbat Service

Shabbat BoFri. Feb. 3 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceFri. Feb. 3 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat and DinnerSat. Feb. 4 10.30 a.m. Shabbat ServiceSat. Feb. 4 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

Shabbat BeshalachFri. Feb. 10 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceSat. Feb. 11 10.30 a.m. Shabbat Service/Shabbat Shira (Please see page 9 for details.)Sat. Feb. 11 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

Shabbat YitroFri. Feb. 17 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceFri. Feb. 17 6 p.m. Gesher ServiceSat. Feb. 18 10.30 a.m. Shabbat ServiceSat. Feb. 18 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

Beginning Fri. Jan. 6, 2006, we will gather at 5.30 p.m. to prepare for Shabbat — with some song, a bit of study and a nosh. Come straight from school and work, and bring the entire family, from kids to grandparents. Then join us for our Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 6 p.m.

Beginning Fri. Jan. 6, 2006, we will gather at 5.30 p.m.

January 2006 3 Tevet/Shevat 5766

In Perspectiveby Rabbi John Moscowitz

“But, Holy Blossom is such a large place …”

… ultimately, there is one under-

lying factor common to all

who walk through these doors

unselfconsciously: a desire to be

a Jew in a community, a wish to

fi nd meaning in a Jewish context …

I’m not so sure.Yes, it’s large when

you know no one (as most places seem over-whelming when almost all faces are strange).

And the synagogue looms large if you enter its doors only infrequently (and others seem to be more at home, know more people, etc). But much of the time, Holy Blossom Temple has the feel of a surprisingly small, occasionally even an intimate, synagogue.

Reasons are variedAm I out of touch — or close to the truth? Consider the experience of those who are here often, those who come to pray and to gather; who come to study and learn; who come to plan and to do, to create and to contribute. Those who are much at home at synagogue — but who once were not at all. Are they different from the rest? I don’t think so. But, for one reason or another, they fi nd themselves here. Why?

The reasons are as varied and idiosyn-cratic as are individual lives.

Sometimes a child’s experiences brings in parents. Sometimes a search for knowledge proves nourishing and never exhaustible or exhausting. Sometimes a time-bound Kaddish for a loved one turns into ongoing prayer with one’s people … and more.

But, ultimately, there is one underlying factor common to all who walk through these doors unselfconsciously: a desire to be a Jew in a community, a wish to fi nd meaning in a Jewish context and to be lifted up by the religious rather than levelled by the secular — and to do all of this with other Jews.

And those who come with regularity — the doers, the learners, the curious, the God-seekers, the children, the new to

Judaism, the ones who have one niche and several — seem to fi nd that an apparently large place is a rather small community; small and sustaining because they have made it so for themselves and their families.

At home in the communityBut community does not end here. The task of the comfortable is to help make the less comfortable at home in this community — to reach out and draw in those who may want in, but aren’t sure how to achieve it.

And the challenge of those not yet com-fortable is not to be shy, but to respond, proper welcome or not, and enter a commu-nity that needs them every bit as much as those already here.

And then the ultimate irony is clear: the more Jews come more often, the richer the experience, the deeper the Judaism, the smaller the place.

Therefore, the invitation below for our new members: not just to join us on Sat. Feb. 4, 2006, but to join this synagogue community in a deeper way.

We need you — we need you as Jews, we need your talents and we need your fresh eyes. We need you to make us better at be-ing the best community we can possibly be.


Holy Blossom Temple Leadership

President's Messageby Alan Garfi nkel

Refl ecting on our synagogue community

The approach of Holy Blossom Temple’s 150th anniversary is the ideal time to pause and refl ect on what this synagogue community has stood

for in the past, and to ensure that it continues its role as an important and infl uential centre of liberal Judaism. This is the fi rst year our Board and Executive Committee have oper-ated under our new by-law, which has allowed us to focus more closely on major policies and strategic directions, and has enabled the senior lay and professional leadership to operate more effectively in overseeing the daily operations of the Temple.

Educational Task ForceOur educational task force, led by Zita Gardner, proposed recommendations on operations and staffi ng of our Religious School, which the Board adopted. A vision for the school was enunciated by the task force and several recommendations were put forward to further that vision, with the help of our Interim Director of Education, Debbie Spiegel. (Copies of the Task Force report are available in the Temple offi ce.)

Leo Baeck Day SchoolLast June, the Board passed a motion reaffi rming the importance of our ongo-ing relationship with the Leo Baeck Day School. To further this relationship, the Board has instructed the Transformation and Redevelopment Committee, chaired by Cary Solomon, to work with Leo Baeck and our architect-of-record, Diamond Schmitt, to determine the needs of the school in its proposed development of its Holy Blossom Temple campus. This work is in the early stages, and the congregation

will be consulted in advance about the plans and fi nancing for any redevelopment.

Annual Contribution CampaignThis was the fi rst year of our new Annual Contribution Campaign. Members of the Board of Directors showed a great com-mitment to this program, by personally maintaining or increasing their previous level of support to the synagogue and by personally contacting hundreds of our congregants. This led to nearly 70 per cent of our members — who had previously contributed above the new basic member-ship level — electing to make additional gifts to the synagogue. Consequently, we maintained our revenues from membership contributions, and now have a real opportu-nity to increase this amount and attract new members. Thank you to Luke Sklar, Lorne Kirshenbaum and Ruth Morayniss, whose gift of time and professional expertise was crucial to the success of this initiative.

I would also like to thank the Dues Relief Committee, chaired by Barry Borden, which dealt with hundreds of requests for fi nancial support, with tact, sensitivity and discretion.

RenovationsThis summer, we renovated the ladies’ washrooms, the Sanctuary, the Youth Chapel and the school offi ce. Under the leadership of the Chair of the Worship De-partment, Randi Garfi nkel, the Sanctuary has been transformed to expose the archi-tectural glory of the original bimah, while a new free-standing bimah brings the Rabbis and Cantor closer to the congregation, for a more intimate worship experience. These renovations were fi nanced by a grant from the Holy Blossom Temple Foundation and, in the case of the Youth Chapel — which was transformed into a house of learning and of worship — by the Leo Baeck Day

School. The construction was overseen by the Chair of the House Committee, Walter Seaton, and our Executive Director Benjamin Applebaum.

Strategic planOur Strategic Planning Steering Committee prepared a draft plan, after extensive consulta-tion with the congregation. The Executive Summary of the plan will be included with the February issue of the Bulletin. I would like to thank Committee Chair, Mark S. Anshan, Vice Chair, Michael Diamond, and Steven Tile, who donated his time and expertise to design the congregational survey and compile and analyze the results.

150th anniversary Holy Blossom Temple’s 150th anniversary next September is an important milestone in the life of our congregation. Accordingly, there is no more suitable person to oversee the preparations for the celebrations than former Temple President Henrietta Chesnie, who, along with her Vice Chairs and Com-mittee members are working diligently on opportunities and events to honour and celebrate this most signifi cant year. The highlight of this anniversary is our Torat Chaim (Living Torah) Project, chaired by Janice Babins and led by Sisterhood.

(To keep up-to-date on our 150th anniversary plans, watch the Bulletin and your mail, and visit the our Web site at www.holyblossom.org.)

Finally, I would like to thank all of the Temple’s professional staff who have been our partners in this sacred endeavour, and without whose help the projects undertaken this year could not have come to fruition.

The preceding is an abridged and edited version of the address Alan gave at the Temple’s Annual General Meet-ing last month. For the full text, please visit our Web site at www.holyblossom.org/presidents_message.htm or call the Temple offi ce and we will mail you a copy.


Our 2005/2006 Board of Directors

Holy Blossom Temple Leadership

Offi cers: Alan Garfi nkel, President; Barry Silver, Vice President; Larry Babins, Financial Secretary; Tom Ehrlich, Record-ing Secretary; Lorraine Loeb, Treasurer

Honourary Directors: David Baskin; Barry Borden; Myer Brody; Henrietta Chesnie; Morris Cooper; Arnold Epstein; Diana Goodman; Elliott Jacobson; Richard R. Krelstein; Richard Lorie; Nancy Ruth; Sheila Smolkin; Irving Sussman; Gordon Wolfe; and Frederick Zemans

Wardens: Harold Emsig; Marilyn Farber; David Hart; Leonard Levy; Mary Seldon; and Morris Vigoda

Directors elected for a one-year term: Janice Babins; David Greenberg; Gillian Helfi eld; Erin O’Connor; Fred Saunders; Alison Schwartz; and Cary Solomon

Directors who will be continuing their second year term: Pam Albert; Gail Bocknek; Randy Cass; Richard Charney; Tom Friedland; Judy Malkin; and Rob Steiner

Holy Blossom Temple would not be the vibrant and caring institution it is without the dedication of our many volunteers, includ-ing those who offer their time and advice on our Board of Directors. To follow is a complete list of the 2005/2006 Board.

Department Chairs: Karen Abells, Jewish Living; Larry Babins, Finance; Gail Goodman, Sisterhood President; To be announced, Education; Randi Garfi nkel, Worship; Shane Freedman, HABSTY President; Jeff Levy, Brotherhood President; Linda Neufeld, Membership; and Ken Snider, Administration

Introducing our new Board members

David GreenbergDavid, a general practice physician, is on the Shiva Com-mittee, chants Torah and recites the oc-

casional Haftarah, and is training for Service leadership.

Gillian Helfi eldGillian was a uni-versity professor for 15 years and has 10 years’ experi-ence in the fi lm and

television industry as a production co-

ordinator. She is a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, a member of the Parent Executive of the Holy Blossom Temple Pre-School, an active volunteer for Holy Blossom Temple Tot Shabbat dinners and a volunteer with the Family Program-ming Committee.

Erin O’ConnorErin, a management consultant, is an active volunteer in the Mon-days @ the Temple seniors’ program and

was on the Sisterhood Board. Erin has helped organize the Family Programming Second Seder and is currently taking the Advanced Hebrew course.

Alison SchwartzAlison is an active member of the Strategic Planning Committee and has been a Holy Blossom Temple mem-

ber for more than 14 years. Alison is also an active Religious School parent.

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Standing left to right: Tom Friedland, Karen Abells, David Greenberg, Lorraine Loeb, Tom Ehrlich, Alison Schwartz, Linda Neufeld, Cary Solomon, Randi Garfi nkel, Ken Snider, David Hart, Pam Albert, Larry Babins, Richard Charney, Janice Babins, Jeff Levy, Gail Bocknek, Benjamin Applebaum, Erin O'Connor, Judy Malkin, Gail Goodman, Gordie Wolfe and Fred Saunders. Seated left to right: Rabbi John Moscowitz, Jack Geller, Alan Garfi nkel and Barry Silver. Missing from photo are: David Baskin, Barry Borden, Myer Brody, Randy Cass, Henrietta Chesnie, Morris Cooper, Harold Emsig, Arnold Epstein, Marilyn Farber, Shane Freedman, Diana Goodman, Gillian Helfi eld, Elliott Jacobson, Richard Krelstein, Leonard Levy, Richard Lorie, Judy Nyman, Nancy Ruth, Mary Seldon, Sheila Smolkin, Rob Steiner, Irving Sussman, Morris Vigoda, Frederick Zemans, Rabbi Yael Splansky and Rabbi Jason Rosenberg.

Our Board of Directors


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Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom TempleFor a complete list and details on of all lectures and classes, please refer to the 2005/2006 Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning Calendar, call the school offi ce (ext. 256), at the Temple, or visit our Web site at www.holyblossom.org. For your convenience, our daytime programs during the week are marked with this symbol:

Ongoing Learning

Shabbat Morning Torah Study: Genesis — When the World Was YoungRabbi John MoscowitzSaturdays at 9 a.m.

Learning Liturgy through Singing Jewish Music — Temple Singers Sundays at 10 a.m.For more details, please call Mari Lynn Rusak (ext. 224), at the Temple.

Intermediate HebrewDalia Alalouf, Hebrew SupervisorMondays at 7 p.m.Limited to Temple members. Registration required.

Advanced Hebrew GrammarRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Tuesdays at 11 a.m.Open to members only.

Sisterhood Torah Study: Second Book of KingsRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Wednesdays at 9.30 a.m.

The Yiddish NovelRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Wednesdays at 11 a.m. This course is open to the community; non-members will be charged a fee of $60.

Jewish Parenting

The Blessing of a Skinned Knee and Parenting the Jewish WayRabbi Jason Rosenberg and Marsha Gallinger, Social Worker Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m.Jan. 11 to Feb. 15This course — based on Wendy Mogel’s book, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee — will focus on building strong family relationships the Jewish way and build-ing spirituality and talking to children about God. Couples are urged to come together. Co-sponsored by the Family Programming Committee. Cost: $50 for Temple members; $75 for non-members.

Brotherhood Breakfast Club

Supporting Challenged Children and Their FamiliesHoward Bloom, Co-director, Blooming Acres, and Brenda Rothenberg, Manager, Community Outreach, ReenaSun. Jan. 15, at 9.30 a.m.Join us, following the Shacharit Service, for our famous breakfast at 9.30 a.m. and the presentation at 10 a.m. All Temple members (men and women) are welcome.

Library Lecture

Kafka: A Life in Trial Ralph Wintrob, Teacher and LibrarianTue. Jan. 24, at 7.30 p.m. For more details, please call Anne Dublin (ext. 235), at the Temple. Co-sponsored by Brotherhood.

A Foundation to Jewish Learning

Family Life Education

Thursdays at 10.30 a.m., Feb. 2 to Mar. 9Learn how to create a Jewish home life that reflects Jewish wisdom and richness of the Jewish calendar. This course may be taken as a series or as individual sessions.

Feb. 2 — Rabbi Yael Splansky, How Does the Jewish Library Stack Up

Feb. 9 — Rabbi Yael Splansky, The Family Who Prays Together

Feb. 16 — Debbie Spiegel, Shabbat at Home: More than Chicken Soup

Feb. 23 — Debbie Spiegel, Home for the Holidays

Mar 2 — Rabbi Jason Rosenberg, Kashrut: Is it Significant for a Reform Jew

Mar. 9 — Rabbi Jason Rosenberg, What Happens after We Die

Rabbi Yael Splansky

Debbie Spiegel

Rabbi Jason Rosenberg


Planning your Marriage

Beyond the ChupahDavid and Eileen Berger, and Rabbi Yael Splansky Thursdays at 8.30 p.m., Feb. 2 to Mar. 2With the stress of planning the wedding, sometimes planning the marriage gets lost. All newly married couples and soon-to-be married couples are invited to this fi ve-part series. We will discuss several issues, includ-ing: setting expectations and priorities, extended family dynamics, healthy com-munication, fi nancial planning and creating a Jewish home. To register, please call Cynthia Silverman (ext. 276), at the Temple.

Dimensions of Violence:

Judaism on Self-Defence, War and TerrorismRabbi Jonathan CranePh.D. Candidate in the Study of Religion, Specializing in Jewish Ethics, University of TorontoWednesdays at 7.30 p.m.Feb. 15 to Mar. 22This course examines complex and practi-cal issues related to contemporary warfare. We will follow the textual arguments to learn how halachah and ethical sensibilities infl uence each other.

The Library Book Club

The Singing Fire by Lilian NattelKen Skolnik

Mon. Mar. 6, at 10 a.m. For details, please call Anne Dublin (ext. 235), at the Temple.

Pesach Workshops

Are You B’Seder?Debbie Spiegel Interim Director of EducationThursdays at 7.30 p.m., Mar. 9, 23 and 30Give a little seder (order) to your seder. Join us for a practical guide to preparing for the Passover holiday and make this Pesach stress-free. These creative and informative sessions

will teach you how to make your holiday enjoyable for the whole family.

Jewish Music History

From Antiquity to Modernity: the Wide Horizons of Jewish Music Cantor Benjamin Z. MaissnerTuesdays at 7.30 p.m., Mar. 14, 21 and 28We will discuss: Historical Background to Jewish Music — the Backbones of Syna-gogue Music; and Jewish Music through the Ages: a Musical Journey of 12th-Cen-tury Music to Modern Times. On Mar. 28, there will be a Musical Recital: Jewish Identity through a Musical Lens.

Kabbalah

The Heritage of Jewish Mysticism: What Can it Teach Us?Rabbi Michael StrohRabbi Emeritus, Temple Har Zion

Tuesdays at 10.30 a.m. Mar. 16 to Apr. 6This course will examine the following questions: what is Kabbalah; what is the difference between pop Kabbalah and real Kabbalah; does Jewish mysti-cism have important things to say to Reform Jews; and should we strive for mystical union with God? Registration required. Cost: $40.

SHIFT LINES:INGCan ArielSharon Draw theBordersof Peace and Security?Isabel KershnerAssociate Editor, The Jerusalem Report and author of Barrier: The Seam of the Israeli-Palestinian Confl ict

Isabel Kershner specializes in writing about Palestinian affairs, including political and social developments in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. She was one of the fi rst Israeli journalists to interview Yasser Arafat, and has written in depth on such issues as the Arab minority in Israel and the Jewish settlement movement in the West Bank. Her new book, Barrier: The Seam of the Israeli-Palestinian Confl ict, was released in December.

Co-sponsored by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and the Canada-Israel Committee.

WED. JAN. 25, AT 8 P.M.

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A look at democratization: is it for real?The 2005 Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Fall Lecture Series at Holy Blossom Temple followed in the tradition of this lecture series, bringing out thousands of people — our members and friends from the community — for evenings with pre-eminent fi gures on a topic of importance.

Democratization: Is it for Real? featured Yossi Klein Halevi refl ecting on the crucial role democratization will have to play to achieve peace between Israel and her neighbours. Christopher Hitchens presented one view of the American endeavour to bring democracy to Iraq, while Samantha Power presented another view. And, fi nally, Azar Nafi si shared with us her personal story of courage and freedom living under the undemocratic regime in Iran.

Holy Blossom is grateful to Gerry Schwartz and Heather Reisman for their belief in the importance of the kind of events that bring together large and enthusiastic crowds, and the leading fi gures of the day. We are also grateful to the many who support this lecture series with their presence and interest.

The View from Israel, with Yossi Klein Halevi (Nov. 8)

Cautionary Tales, with Samantha Power (Nov. 21)

The Power of Democracy in (Secret)Action, with Azar Nafi si (Dec. 6)

Left to right: (sitting) Rabbi John Moscowitz, Yossi Klein Halevi and Allan Gotlieb; and (standing) Rabbi Yael Splansky, Judy Nyman, Alan Garfi nkel and Rabbi Jason Rosenberg

Left to right: (sitting) ChristopherHitchens and David Frum; and (standing) Alan Garfi nkel and Rabbi John Moscowitz

Left to right: Rabbi John Moscowitz, Samantha Power and Margaret MacMillan

Left to right: (sitting) Azar Nafi si and Heather Reisman; and (standing) Nelofer Pazira and Rabbi YaeSplansky

Different Views from Washington, with Christopher Hitchens (Nov. 16)

* All photographs by Charlene MacEachern


“Through all your tri-als and sorrows, you have come to exemplify the greatest ideals to which we can aspire. You move us to come

together and express our common humanity … you have made us all more human, more feeling, more emotionally attached to people and situations half a world away,” Governor General, Adrianne Clarkson said in present-ing General Roméo Dallaire with the Order of Canada.

And those words echoed true to the more than 400 people who fi lled the Sanctuary of Holy Blossom Temple on Nov. 7, 2005, to listen to this true Canadian hero. Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire, who served for 35 years with the Cana-dian Armed Forces, was awarded the

W. Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award for his outstanding contribution to the community and to human rights.

Lieutenant-General Dallaire spoke with passion about his frustration at being given responsibility without authority as the Force Commander of the United Nations Mission to Rwanda in 1994, where his dedication to world peace, his self-sacrifi ce and his courage saved the lives of thousands of Rwandans.

So gripping was his recount-ing of the failures by humanity to stop one of the worst geno-cides of the 20th century, that the Sanctuary was virtually silent, save for his voice. Beyond the utter horror, Lieutenant-General Dallaire focused our attention on the ethics and morality surrounding the geno-cide, posing the question: are all humans human, or are some more human than others?

Lieutenant-General Dallaire adds the Plaut Award to his dis-

tinguished list of honours, which includes the Order of Canada, the Governor Gener-al’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction (for his book Shake Hands With the Devil — The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda) and the United Nations Association in Canada’s Pearson Peace Medal. This past March, Lieutenant-General Dallaire became a sitting member to the Canadian Senate.

by Judy Nyman, Acting Chair, Holy Blossom Temple Foundation

Left to right are: (sitting) Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, Judith Plaut and Roméo Dallaire; and (standing) Cantor Lindi Rivers, Rose Wolfe, John Fraser, Temple President Alan Garfi nkel and Rabbi John Moscowitz.

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Come and pray with us and discover, through words and music, why Naomi is known as “the fi rst lady of Israeli song.”

Cantor Lindi Rivers, Temple Singers, the Holy Blossom Temple Junior Choir and other talented musicians will bring this musical legacy to life.

During the Shabbat Morning Service, join us for a tribute to

Naomi Shemer

the beloved Israeli poet/songwriter who composed

Yerushalayim shel Zahav (Jerusalem of Gold).

The W. Gunther Plaut Humanitarian Award

Rwanda: lessons learned

with Cantor Lindi Rivers


Education Mattersby Deborah K. Spiegel, Interim Director of Education

School leadership at its best

In this second in our series on some of the wonderful staff members who have an impact in Holy Blossom Temple

schools, I’d like to talk about Dalia Alalouf, a Supervisor in our Hebrew Department. Dalia is our vatika, our veteran, who has been with us ‘forever.’

Becoming a teacherDalia has been working at Holy Blossom Temple for 35 years. She came to Canada from Israel 38 years ago, arriving immediately after the Six-Day War in Israel she completed her teacher training at the Toronto Board of Jewish Education’s Midrasha. Dalia says she always knew that she would be a teacher and, after becoming one, her excitement grew as she thought about the next lesson plan to prepare and the next group of children with whom she would be able to share

information. “What a joy it was to enter a classroom!” is the way Dalia has ap-proached each day as a teacher.

It took years before Dalia agreed to take on the position of Hebrew Supervi-sor. “I needed someone to really validate my work in the classroom and I guess after being asked three times, they really wanted me to take it on.” She realized that if she could excite the students in her classroom year after year, she might

be able to motivate a crew of Hebrew teachers and adult learners. That was 14 years ago!

Former students often stop Dalia and remind her that she was once their teacher and what a wonderful experience they had. We are fortunate at Holy Blossom Temple to have Dalia as one of our long-time employees. She also continues to work as Hebrew Supervisor at Temple Emanu-El, where she has also been since her arrival to Canada. We are thrilled that she keeps Holy Blossom Temple central to her heart! Kol ha’kavod Dalia.

School newslettersSchool newsletters are available on the Temple Web site, at www.holyblossom.org, or by send-ing me an e-mail to: [email protected]. Find out what is happening in school each week.

2006 school openings Second term begins as follows:Mon. Jan. 9 Senior schoolWed. Jan. 11 Hebrew schoolSun. Jan. 15 Religious school

Dalia Alalouf

It has been a wondrous few months in the Pre-School. More than130 children have settled in beautifully and have been fully immersed in awe-tumn, its holidays and its splendour. From apples and honey, tashlich, Torahs and the story of Creation, there has been much learning and excitement. Rabbi John Moscowitz spent some time with our Junior Kindergarten children discussing the joys of Shabbat. Rabbi Jason Rosenberg joined us in the Temple sukkah and in the classrooms, blowing the shofar, getting to know the children and introducing the traditions around Sukkot and Shabbat. His shofar-blowing was ‘awe’some. Rabbi Jason Rosenberg with some of our Pre-School students.

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Awe-tumn in the Pre-SchoolAwe-tumn in the Pre-School

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by Sandy Wise, Chair, Social Action Committee

Meaningful help

The Social Action Com-mittee has identifi ed three groups/areas where we believe Holy Blossom can make a signifi cant contribution:

• Black youth in Toronto;• Disadvantaged and homeless people in

Toronto; and• AIDS in Africa (working with the Stephen

Lewis Foundation).We are in the early stages of gathering

information and inviting representatives to our meetings, to help us determine which proj-ects to pursue and what activities, events and resources are needed to participate in mean-ingful ways. We invite you to attend our next meeting on Wed. Jan. 18, 2006, at 7.30 p.m. RSVP to Cynthia Silverman (ext. 276), at the Temple, or to me at (416) 322-0377.

Family Programming 2005

kids, so they will have fun while you enjoy a lovely meal and good conversa-tion. It is the perfect (and easiest) way to enjoy Shabbat dinner with your family and friends. Cost: adults $25; children $10 (non-eaters for free). RSVP to the Family Programming hotline (ext. 518), at the Temple.

Tot ShabbatIf you have not been to a Tot Shabbat with your children yet, then you are missing the best Shabbat around for your kids! Tot Shabbat is our semi-monthly Service especially for our kids up to fi ve years old (and their older siblings, parents, bubbies and zadies). We welcome Shabbat with music,

prayer, stories, crafts and more. Once a month, we also have a semi-potluck dinner, so you can shmooze with other parents, while the kids have a great time with each other. It is the perfect Shabbat for the whole family. For more details or to register for a dinner, please call Olivia D’Souza (ext. 260), at the Temple. Mark these upcoming dates in your calendars: Jan. 6 and 20 (dinner); Feb. 3 (dinner) and 17 (Gesher*); Mar. 3 (dinner) and 17; Apr. 7 (dinner) and 21; May 5 (dinner) and 19 (Gesher*); June 9 (dinner) and 23.

*The Gesher Service is a kid-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat Service.

PJ/Movie NightSat. Jan. 14, 2006, at 7.30 p.m.You bring the pyjamas and the bla-kets; we will bring the movies and the snacks. What better way to pass a win-try evening than with good friends and a good time at the Temple? RSVP to the Family Programming hotline (ext. 518), at the Temple.

Annual Family Shabbat DinnerFri. Jan. 27, 2006, after the ServiceAfter our 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service, everyone is invited to enjoy wonderful food, great company, singing and Israeli dancing. Even better — we will have lots of entertainment for the

G E N E R A T I O N t (for 20 and 30 somethings)

Shabbes Tish 2006

Rabbi Yael Splansky and Aviva Chernick

Fridays at 9.30 p.m.Jan. 27, Feb. 24, Mar. 31, Apr. 28 and May 26, 2006

We will meet once a month to celebrate Shabbat with wine and dessert, singing and study.

Yoga with a Jewish twist

Rabbi Yael Splansky and Michelle Katz

Tuesdays at 7.30 p.m. Jan. 10 to Feb. 28, 2006Michelle Katz is a certifi ed Iyengar yoga instructor who also teaches Jewish medita-tion and mindfulness. Rabbi Yael Splansky will bring complementing Jewish texts to consider the interplay between body, mind and soul. Registration required. Cost: $90 for Temple members; $100 for non-members.

For more details on either program, please call Cynthia Silverman (ext. 276), at the Temple.


On Nov. 10, 2005, a symposium was held in Toronto to celebrate the 40th an-niversary of the issuing of the Decree of Second Vatican Council, Nostra Aetate (Oct. 28, 1965) and to recognize the im-portance of this document for Christians and Jews in fostering mutual understand-ing and respect. During the symposium, Temple member David Hart was recog-nized for his tireless work in this regard by being awarded the Christian-Jewish Dialogue Award. We, as his congrega-tion, are proud of him and the work he is so committed to. We wish him our sincere congratulations.

— Rabbi John Moscowitz

David Hart: fostering Christian-Jewish relations

David Hart receives the award from His Eminence Edward Idris Cardinal Cassidy.

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art

This year, we are putting on The Megillah According to Motown, and we need you for this Purim schpiel. Do you sing? Even a little? If so, then call Shelly Miller, at (416) 484-1044, or e-mail [email protected] to sign up. One of our best events of the year will not be as good without you, so call now.

The Megillah The Megillah According According to Motownto Motown

Mon. Mar. 13, 2006,

at 8.45 p.m.

Seniors’ PROGRAMMING at H O L Y B L O S S O M

For more details on any of these programs, please call the seniors’ hotline (ext. 517), at the Temple.

M O N D AYS @ the TempleMondays @ the Temple resumes its weekly programming on Jan. 9, 2006. We invite all seniors to join us each Monday morning at 10 a.m. for a chance to socialize with Temple friends, hear interesting programs, take part in gentle exercise and enjoy lunch. The cost for the day is $2. Mark your calendars for these up-coming programs.

Jan. 9Jews of the Silk RoadRochelle Carrady Renowned Traveller

Jan. 16Is Civil Divorce Enough?Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

Jan. 23The Dead Sea ScrollsReverend Dr. John B. Howarth Pastor, Bloomington Gospel Church, Stouffville

Jan. 30 Christianity and its Judaic TraditionsReverend Walter Kelly Chaplain, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Feb. 6Creativity and SportsJohn Eisenberg, Retired Professor, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto


A time to learn

What Every Jew Should Know about Islam, with Atif Khalil (Nov. 23)

Book Talk: Searching for Justice, with The Honourable Fred Kaufman (Dec. 1)

Book Talk, with Rabbi Bernard Baskin (Nov. 3)

Rabbi Bernard Baskin at the second of his Book Talks.

All photographs by Paul Hellen unless otherwise indicated.

Generation t : My Story, with Alexandre Trudeau (Nov. 9)

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Alexandre Trudeau (right) joins Temple member Michael Levine and other guests to watch the screening of Trudeau's documentary, “The Fence.”

The Honourable Fred Kaufman displays his new book.

Late fall was a time of learning

from inspirational teachers. We

welcomed interesting lectures, in-

cluding a provocative Holocaust

Education talk from Professor

Michael Marrus, a multi-faith talk

from Atif Kahlil and a talk on his

life from The Honourable Fred

Kaufman. Temple members also

had a unique opportunity to see a

screening of Alexandre Trudeau’s

documentary “The Fence,” and

to study some literary works with

Rabbi Bernard Baskin.

Holocaust Education Week, with Michael Marrus (Nov. 2)

Professor Michael Marrus with Temple member Rose Wolfe.


Events and AnnouncementsArts and Literature

A CALL TO TEMPLE ARTISTS

To help us celebrate Holy Blossom Temple’s 150th Anniversary, we invite you to participate in a special exhibit to take place on May 7, 2006, to showcase the works of members of our Temple.

Artists may submit two original works: painting, collage, prints, photography, small sculptures, ceramics or glass-works. Please pick up an entry form in the Temple offi ce or on our Web site, www.holyblossom.org/fi ne_arts and return as soon as possible.

LIBRARY HOURS

Winter break 2006 hours continue in the Library as follows:Tue. Jan. 3 to Wed. Jan. 4 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 to 6 p.m.Sun. Jan. 8 Closed Mon. Jan. 9 ClosedTue. Jan. 10 1 to 6 p.m. Wed. Jan. 11 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2 to 6 p.m.

BOOK DRIVE

Holy Blossom Temple is once again conducting a children’s book drive. We accept any books, toys or games

that are in excellent condition. Dona-tions can be placed in the blue bin in the school foyer. These items will be distributed by The Furniture Bank to the children of families who have just secured permanent housing. The book and toy drive will continue throughout the year.

Gemilut Chasadim

OUT OF THE COLD

We would appreciate donations of the following:• Clean large-sized coats, sweatshirts

and sweat pants; and• Hotel-size toiletries: shampoo,

soap, hand cream, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Thank you for your support.

Greater Community

COMBATING MEDIA BIAS AGAINST ISRAEL

Sun. Jan. 8, 2006, at 10.45 a.m.Congregation Beth Habonim5 Glen Park Ave. Learn how to read between the lines of newspapers, write effective letters and keep the media honest. Includes breakfast at 10 a.m. Tickets: $6 at the door. Sponsored by Honest Reporting Canada. For details, please call (416) 915-9157.

HOME OF THE BRAVE (FILM)Tue. Jan. 10 to Sun. Jan. 15, 2006Leah Posluns Theatre4588 Bathurst StreetThis fi lm deals with anti-Semitism in the United States army during World War II. Sponsored by Teatron. For details, includ-ing show times, call (416) 855-6651.

Ha’Atzmaut Ha’Atzmau

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Contest Post

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Post

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The Art and Torah Committee, in conjuction with the Torat Chaim Project, the Israel Committee and the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Committee, is holding a poster contest. Please submit your designs for a poster representing our theme: “Hebrew script” and “Torah emanates from Israel.” Your poster should celebrate the Torah and Israel for Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Bring original art work or a CD to the office, directed to Jackie Markowitz, by Wed. Mar.1, 2006. All submissions become the property of Holy Blossom Temple and will not be returned. Winner will be notified and recognized. Poster will be used for all advertising and display purposes for our celebration. For more details, please call Jackie Markowitz at (416) 484-0029.

As part of the Temple’s 150th Anniversary celebrations, we are planning a celebration for those who were confirmed at Holy Blossom Temple. Please send your name and e-mail address to [email protected], or call ext. 506, at the Temple with your information, so we can ensure you receive an invitation. If you know any past Confirmands, please ask them to register with us.

ConfirmationCelebratingCelebrating ReunionRPast Confirmands


Our Congregational Family

Memorial Plaques

Lights will be kindled in the Sanctuary, for seven days, starting the Saturday evening before the anniversary date, to mark the yahrzeit of the following:

Name DateSamuel Bregman Jan. 8Dr. Joshua Chesnie 8Lionel Fogler 8Leah Goldman Krugel 8Helen Mandel 8Irving Saunders 8Minnie Feinsod 9Charles Fremes 9Sylvia Greenberg 9Jessie Mannis 9Leslie Cherniak 10Jeanette Enkin 10Harry Geller 10Beatrice Rosenberg 10

Name DateJoseph Manuel Rothschild Jan. 10Ephraim F. Singer 10Etta King 11Walter Landauer 11Gertrude Brodey 12Max Garfi nkel 12Toba Meltz Hausman 12Samuel Philip Smith 12Jack Tizel 12David Devlin 13Gerald M. Kirsh 14Bertha Kofman 14M. David Lipson 14Morris Rother 14Robert Beil 15Morris Goldstein 15Harry Harbour 15Samuel Stulberg 15Amelia Hershman 16Sarah Shulman 16David Brody 17Ruth Turner Godfrey 17

Welcome to Our Temple Family

We would like to welcome the following people to our Holy Blossom Temple family:

Sara & Michael Angel, and CharlesYanna BaizerErin Belman & Brian Lusthaus, and Michael, Adrienne and JilianJenny Solursh & Mark Rivkin, and WadeStan SavitskyEmily Rayson & Michael Sherman, and Alec, Samuel and Jonathan

Mazal Tov

Sara Charney, Past President of Sisterhood, on her election to the Board of Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ).

David Hart, Past Chair of the Holy Blossom Interfaith Committee, on receiving the Christian Dialogue of Toronto Award.

BirthsLeslie & Elliot Salmons on the birth of their son Benjamin Matthew

Salmons. Proud grandparents are Sharon & Bernie Herman and Louie Salmons. Proud great-grandmother is Anna Flancman.

B’nei Mitzvah

14 Tevet 5766/Jan. 14, 2006 Ryan Daniel Bernard Slomen Lamers,

son of Wendy Slomen-Lamers & Wolfgang Lamers

14 Tevet 5766/Jan. 14, 2006Clayton Shiffman, son of Lisa & Len Shiffman

6 Shevat 5766/Feb. 4, 2006 Maxwell Gordon, son of Sandy & Kenny

Gordon

Engagement/MarriageTicia Heibein, daughter of Melodie & Ronald Heibein, and Jacob Leibel,

son of Gloria & Tony Leibel, who will be married in July 2006.

Elliot Shiffman, son of Dee-Dee & Gary Shiffman, and Emmy Dotan,

daughter of Ruti & Ary Dotan.

In Memoriam

The congregation sympathizes with the recently bereaved families of:Elkie & Abbie Adler, step-mother and father of Marc Adler, Mitch

Adler and Holli Irvine, daughter of Manny Kimel, sister of Ron Kimel and Warren Kimel

Min Collins, mother of Sandy Rubenstein and Phyllis Snider, sister of Beth Sky

Marika (Chava) Favor, mother of Judi Miller and Michael RyvalFrances Golden, mother of Leni Bobrowsky and Ruth Smith, sister of

Arnold Rumm, Leon Rumm and Somer RummLicel Margolis, mother of Jacqueline Margolis, John Margolis and

Tom Margolis, sister of Ruth CohlerLillian Messinger, mother of Fran Messinger, Jack Messinger and

Stephen Messinger, sister of Dorothy KohenAndrew Schwartz, father of Vivian Leith and Gerald SchwartzGreta Sonshine, mother of Enid Orvitz and Jay Sonshine, sister of

Ethel Solomon and Shirley TrainCyril Summerfi eld, husband of Paula Summerfi eld, father of Melissa

Fogle, Lloyd Summerfi eld and Marvyn Summerfi eld, brother of Dinkie Summerfi eld and Lionel Summerfi eld

Robert Trope, husband of Adele Trope, father of Pamela Sack, Graham Trope and Shelley Trope

Edward Wigdor, father of Ruth Housman and Nancy Wigdor


Name Date

Lillian Lavine Jan. 17

Beverley Alice Mayles 17

Samuel Persiko 17

Morris Harold Baker 18

Esther Lewis 19

Sadie Rother 19

Max Wall 19

Jacob Siegel 20

Paul Swartz 20

Minnie Biback 21

Peter Krakauer 21

Esther Landau 21

Celia Lula Saunders 21

Estelle Esmig 22

Esther Landau 22

Abraham Cohen 23

Darrell Draper 24

Phyllis Fromkin 24

William Rosenberg 24

Harry Solmon 24

Anne Weinstein 24

Philip Dover 25

Freda Gotfrid 25

Bernard Grove 25

William Loebel 25

Deborah Marks 25

Ida Wecksler 25

Susan Ely 26

Samuel Feldstein 26

Linda Leibel 26

Florence Lokash 26

Harry Ralph Rose 26

Morris Stern 26

Albert Aarons 27

Jessie Scolnick 27

Sadie Zener 28

Diana Appleby 29

Joan Finsten 29

Coleman Herman 29

Mildred Marks 29

Abraham Polakoff 29

Frank Gerstein 30

Harry Fields 31

Herman Hutner 31

Samuel Nankin 31

Norton Penturn 31

David Shulman 31

Benjamin Ulster 31

Name DateMiriam Wexler Jan. 31Harry Bain Feb. 1Charles Fishbein 1Maximillian Fremes 1 Harry Grossman 1Aaron Kendall 1Abraham Singer 1Myers L. Stitt 1Gertrude Agar 2Ruth Brown 2Samya Chris 2Joan Freedman 2Albert Ginsberg 2Max Keyfi tz 2Isaac Pollock 2Hannah Aaron 3Anchel Davis 3Elsie Kolm 3Florence Lederman 3Nathan Nowack 3Gerald Pencer 3Luis Alberto Quiroz 3Lilian Steinberg 3Carl Lewis Young 3Sam Zane 3Noah Bacher 4Livia Barto 4Louis Pritzker 4Emma Goldberger Liban 5Rudolph Liban 5 Sara Pape 5Celia Caplan Steinberg 5Harold Leslie 6Rose Pulver 6Sam Strauch 6Sidney Eisen 7Edward Gold 7Rose Manning Goldstein 7Morley Binstock 8David Lewis 8Hyman Malowane 8David Kaufman 9Herbert Nussbaum 9Ellen Zener 9S. Joseph Birnbaum 10Samuel David Borins 10Sarah Krymalowsky 10Herbert C. Rothschild 10Gertrude Rotstein 10Helen Blanche Sherman 10

We thank our generous donors

Accessibility FundMichael Larkin, In Appreciation: Irwin Title

Aid for Survivors of TerrorismMurray Abron, In Memory: Sandy & Gordon AtlinDaisy & Syd Jacobs, Special Birthday: Rose & Victor Rubinoff

William Anshan Youth AwardShirley & Hughie Kline, Special Birthdays: Jean Anshan

Ruth Borden Memorial Youth AwardBarry Borden, In Appreciation: Judi & Mel Goldberg; Irwin Title

Beverley Colman Lokash ScholarshipShirley Firestone, In Honour: Beverley Colman LokashDorothy Garfi nkel, Speedy Recovery: Beverley Colman LokashPhyllis Spivak, Special Birthday: Beverley Colman Lokash

The Danson Family FundSadie Wolfe Danson, Yahrzeit: Marilyn Farber

Earl & Marilyn Danson Farber Camp ScholarshipSadie Danson, Yahrzeit: Theodora & Bert Danson

Jean Fine Seniors FundSandy Bloomberg Nudelman, In Memory: Sally & Ben Jacobson; Paula MoshonasPeter Freed, In Memory: Sally & Ben JacobsonDaisy & Syd Jacobs, Special Birthdays: Dorothy & Albert GellmanCantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Appreciation: Penny Fine & Hugh FurneauxRabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Penny Fine & Hugh Furneaux

Floral FundRyan Daniel Bernard Slomen Lamers, Bar Mitzvah: Wendy Slomen-Lamers &

Wolfgang LamersClayton Shiffman, Bar Mitzvah: Lisa & Len ShiffmanMaxwell Gordon, Bar Mitzvah: Sandy & Kenny Gordon

Gardner Family FundHope & Benjamin Maissner, Birth of Granddaughter: Zita Gardner and Family

Holy Blossom Temple FoundationBrenda Spiegler & Mark Anshan, In Honour of Adam’s Bar Mitzvah: Judy Nyman &

Harley MintzIrwin Borins, In Memory: Karen & Yoel Abells; Randi & Alan Garfi nkelMax Blum, In Memory: Doreen NeissJeff Denaburg, In Appreciation: Judy NymanJerry Diamond, Special Birthday: Randi & Alan Garfi nkelAlan Garfi nkel, In Appreciation: Judy NymanRandi Garfi nkel, In Appreciation: Judy NymanSusan Harris & David Kassie, In Honour of Emily’s Bat Mitzvah: Judy Nyman &

Harley MintzJill Hertzman, Mazal Tov: Randi & Alan Garfi nkelDaisy & Syd Jacobs, Special Birthday: Jeanne KamarnerBonnie Jackson, In Appreciation: Judy NymanNorman Klein, Special Birthday: Deborah Zemans & Daryl GelgootHope & Benjamin Maissner, Birth of Granddaughter: Susan & Barry Borden; Judy

Nyman & Harley MintzLinda Neufeld, In Appreciation: Doreen NeissFreda Offman, In Memory: Sally & Ben JacobsonRivanne Sandler, In Appreciation: Judy Nyman


Walter Seaton, In Appreciation: Judy NymanTheodore Schipper, In Honour of Receiving Award: Michelle & Bob SchipperElana Waldman, Speedy Recovery: Judy Nyman & Harley MintzGordie Wolfe, Speedy Recovery: Judy Nyman & Harley Mintz

Isenberg Endowment FundJoseph Ederman, In Memory: Sandra & Chris Grivas

Jacobs Tower FundJill Hertzman and David Hertzman, In Honour of Laura’s Marriage: Glenda

Mindlin and Alison Mindlin; Judy Nyman & Harley Mintz

Library Book FundJerry Diamond, 90th Birthday: Carol & Bert Abugov

Dow and Fredzia Marmur Program for Educational ExcellenceEli Cass, In Memory: Vikki & Michael Lyons; Bonnie Lawrence Shear & Mel ShearDaisy & Syd Jacobs, Special Birthdays: Ira JacobsPhyllis Spivak, Special Birthday: Sybil & Jack Geller

Musical Legacy FundJake Fine, On Becoming Bar Mitzvah: Adalyn SaperaHope & Benjmain Maissner, Birth of Granddaughter: Karen & Yoel Abells, and

Alana, Dara, Lyla and Samara; Sarita Dotan; Miriam & Marvin Dryer; Randi & Alan Garfi nkel; Sybil & Jack Geller; Margaret & David Hart; Ellen Karabanow; Marlene & Robert Ruderman; Marlene & Stan Stein and Family; Sheila & Bob Smolkin

Mari Lynn Rusak, Birth of Granddaughter: Karen & Yoel Abells, and Alana, Dara, Lyla and Samara

Out of the ColdMax Blume, In Memory: Alexis Rothschild & Shawn GoldSandy Bloomberg, In Memory: Saundra & Henry ShermanHalina & Sidney Bregman, In Honour: Beverley Colman LokashMadelin Brodey, In Memory: Sybil & David Gordon; Leonard LevyDillon Landau, Happy Birthday: Becky WasserCatherine Larkin, In Memory: Shelly Berenbaum & Chuck Litman; Mimi Kronby;

Abe Neufeld and Larry BabinsLinda Moss, Mazal Tov: Phyllis & Jeff Denaburg, Beth and RobbieBarbara Organ, In Appreciation: Irwin TitleAndrew Pack, In Memory: Annie & Michael Appleby; Shelly Berenbaum & Chuck

Litman; Michelle Katz & Larry Blumenthal, and Jesse and Mira; Lynn & Richard Burton; Sue & Lou Devor; Fran & Murray Ellis; Randi & Stuart Feiner; Raquel & Alan Feldberg; Ethel & Harold Freeman; Judy & Marty Friedland; Allan Gardner; Kathy & Maurice Green; Doreen & Joe Kronick; Yvonne & Herbert Lowe; Lesley & Ron Miller; Glenda Mindlin; Barbara Organ; Ann & Gary Posen; Alexis Rothschild & Shawn Gold; Janet Ryval; Marsha Slivka; Sheila & Bob Smolkin; Eleanor & Hartley Steinberg; The Zeilig Family

Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, Special Birthday: Annalee & Brian Schnurr; Sheila & Bob Smolkin

Nancy & Lloyd Pollack, Mazal Tov: The Gotfrid FamilyAnn & Gary Posen, Marriage of Daughter: Sheila & Bob SmolkinAlicia Ross, In Memory: Doreen NeissLen Sober, In Memory: The Simonsky FamilyGary Tile, Special Birthday: Tina Urman & Carey Diamond, and Shayna, Sunny and

RoryBill Weinstein, Get Well Soon: Gitte & Les CrangleWise Family, Happy New Year: Beverley LokashMichael Wunder, Happy Birthday: Lori & Lawrie Wilder

Harry & Cecile Pearl Youth AwardWendy & Stephen Firestone, Mazal Tov: Rochelle GreenStephen Pearl, 60th Birthday: Rochelle GreenAnita Robins, Happy Birthday: Deborah Zemans & Daryl Gelgoot, and Erin and

Eden

Rabbi Jason Rosenberg, In Appreciation: Deborah Zemans & Daryl Gelgoot, and Erin and Eden

Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Deborah Zemans & Daryl Gelgoot, and Erin and Eden

Suzy Ungar, Happy Birthday: Deborah Zemans, Daryl Gelgoot, Erin and EdenHildi Weiman-Stein, Happy Birthday: Deborah Zemans & Daryl Gelgoot, and Erin

and EdenMadeline Zemans, Happy Birthday: Deborah Zemans & Daryl Gelgoot, and Erin

and Eden

Elizabeth Plaut Memorial FundRabbi W. Gunther Plaut, Special Birthday: Marilyn Farber

Prayer Book FundElie Cass, In Memory: Jean & Richard LorieRuth Ross, In Memory: Marilyn Hahn

Project TikvahIrwin Borins, In Memory: Gail & Barry SilverHope & Benjamin Maissner, Birth of Granddaughter: Gail and Barry SilverAnn & Gary Posen, Marriage of Daughter: Gail & Barry Silver Nancy Ruth Educational FundJerry Diamond, Special Birthday: Nancy & Sam RuthDonna Robins, Mazal Tov: Nancy & Sam Ruth

Robert and Rene Salsberg ScholarshipDr. & Mrs. Hughie Klein, Special Birthday: Robert Salsberg

Shacharit FundJacob Bendayan, Yahrzeit: Reina Bendayan & Don Borrett, and Michael and SarahHenry Bigio, Yahrzeit: Matilda BigioHenry Clavir, Yahrzeit: Isabel SchwartzLouis Craig, Yahrzeit: The Craig FamilyEvelyn Davis, Yahrzeit: Julia & Michael SaxStanley Davis, Yahrzeit: Julia & Michael SaxToby Denaburg, In Memory: Clare & Monty DenaburgPinkas Dermer, Yahrzeit: Clara EngelJerry Diamond, 90th Birthday: Sarita Dotan; Sybil & Jack Geller; Jeanne Kamarner;

Mary & Henry Seldon; Linda & Gordon Wolfe

Helen Schwartz Feldt, Yahrzeit: Myrna Silver

Jay Paul Fingold, In Memory: Alicia Fingold

Saul Fischler, Yahrzeit: The Fischler Family

Rose Freedman, Yahrzeit: Bea & Saul SidlofskyKaren Goldblatt, Yahrzeit: Barry Goldblatt

Harold Gotfrid, Yahrzeit: Marilyn & David Gotfrid

Sylvia Guberman, Yahrzeit: Judith Wilansky

Eric Helfi eld, Yahrzeit: Gillian Helfi eld

Alice Herman, Yahrzeit: Wendy EisenMax Hoffman, Yahrzeit: Bernice & Yitz PencinerBen Hochman, Yahrzeit: Hochman FamilyJack Kamarner, Yahrzeit: Jeanne KamarnerEva Kuperman, Yahrzeit: The Kuperman FamilyBessie Magder, In Memory: Clare & Monty DenaburgLouis Mandel, In Memory: Julie BanikMichael Mandel, Yahrzeit: Vera & Alex MandelVera Margolis, Yahrzeit: Rachel & Harvin PitchAnne Nashman, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul FishbeinGerald George Nashman, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul Fishbein; Selig Patchen, Yahrzeit: Marilyn HahnHarry Penciner, Yahrzeit: Bernice & Yitz PencinerBill Pitch, Yahrzeit: Harvin Pitch

Amelia Pless, Yahrzeit: Dora TrackSam Pockrass, In Memory: Susan & Roger Stronell


To make a donation to any of our existing funds, please call the Foundation Offi ce, at (416) 789-3291, ext. 265.

To learn more about how you can support the Holy Blos som Tem ple Foundation, or to establish a new fund, please call Deborah Tameanko, at (416) 789-3291, ext. 265.

To make a donation to MAZON Canada, please call (416) 783-7554.

To make a donation to the Toronto Community Forest Fund, please call Sybil Gor don at (416) 489-5709.

We appreciate your supportHoly Blossom Temple appreciates all donations to our funds, how ev er due to rising costs, cards will only be sent for donations of $18 or more. We will con tin ue to rec og nize donations of $18 or more in the Bulletin.

We apologize but due to space constraints, not all do na tions will ap pear in the Bulletin issue closest to the date on which the con tri bu tion was made. Donations in this issue were received by Nov. 18, 2005.

Contacts for Donations

To RSVP or for more details on any of our wonderful Sisterhood programs, please call our hotline (ext. 514), at the Temple.

Cooking demonstration with Rose ReismanWed. Apr. 5, 2006, at 7.15 p.m. Guest Chef Rose Reisman will host our annual cooking demonstration.

Mark your calendars for this informative

and entertaining evening and

watch the Bulletin for more details.

Sisterhood Judaica ShopThe Judaica Shop has a wide assortment of tallit, mezzuzot, challah covers and knives, books, and Bar and Bat Mitzvah gifts. Our hours are:

Monday to Friday 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.Sundays 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. (during the winter months only) If you are unable to shop during the scheduled hours, please call the Shop (ext. 234), at the Temple, and we would be happy to make an appointment.

Tu B’Shevat SederTue. Feb. 14, 2006, at 7.30 p.m. Please join us for a short open board meeting at 7 p.m., and then join Sisterhood and HABSTY at 7.30 p.m. for a festive one-of-a-kind seder. This modern, uplifting Service celebrates the coming of spring. We will read from a special Tu B’Shevat Haggadah and enjoy some delicious snacks. RSVP by Thur. Feb. 9, 2005.

Annual Women’s RetreatRabbi Yael Splansky and Anne Dublin Fri. Apr. 7 to Sun. Apr. 9, 2006Join us for our annual Women’s Retreat at Horseshoe Valley Resort, near Barrie, and treat yourself to a weekend of study, worship, rest and good company.

Nominating CommitteeSisterhood’s Nominating Committee needs your input. Please call the Sisterhood hotline with your nomination suggestions.

Sisterhood

Rose Reiss, Yahrzeit: Sheila Zane and Family

Henry Rogosin, In Memory: Joyce & Barry Spiegel

Samuel Tile, Yahrzeit: Esther & Marvin Tile

Anne Wardinger, Yahrzeit: Roberta Wardinger

Sam Wasserman, Yahrzeit: Maxine & Mel Wasserman

Freda Zipursky, In Memory: Dara Abells

Bella Zweig, Yahrzeit: Esther & Marvin Tile

Toronto Community Forest (Jewish National Fund) Adam Albright, In Memory: Clara Suter and Family

Ana Casinha, In Memory: Sandy & Simon Mawas

Dennis Dishart, In Memory: Muriel & Al Tinianov

Esther Epstein, In Memory: Barbara Gordon

Etherl Katz, Happy 85th Birthday: Muriel & Al Tinianov

Sara Shefsky, Happy 95th Birthday: Sybil & Jack Geller

Al & Dora Track ScholarshipDaisy & Syd Jacobs, Special Birthdays: Dora Track

Al Track, Yahrzeit: Dora Track

Leonard Wolfe Educational FundArnold Arbus, Speedy Recovery: Honey Wolfe

Susan & David Cohen, Special Birthdays: Carole Dale

Ben Daniels, In Memory: Honey Wolfe

Ruth Dexter, Speedy Recovery: Carole Dale

Ralph Goldman, Speedy Recovery: Honey Wolfe

Patrice Patton, In Honour: Honey Wolfe

Jon Robins, Special Birthday: Carole & Myron Dale; Honey Wolfe

Ada Segal, In Memory: Honey Wolfe

Youth AwardsGreg Mahon, In Appreciation: Janis Karlinsky & Jon EnnisNancy & Lloyd Pollack, Birth of Grandson: Franci & Ken SnidermanPenny & Martin Offman, Mazal Tov: Rosalyn & Stan WitkinAviva Rubin & Jonathan Schneider, In Honour: Ellen KarabanowLen Sober, In Memory: Susan Baskin & Jack Micay and Family; Razelle Roebuck &

David MacCoyLionel Waldman, Mazal Tov: Rosalyn & Stan Witkin


This month @ Holy Blossom January/February 2006Tevet/Shevat 5766

The Bulletin is published 11 times a year, between September and June, by Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K9. Telephone: (416) 789-3291; Fax: (416) 789-9697; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.holyblossom.org. Honorary Pres i dent: John A. Geller; President: Alan Garfi nkel; Senior Rabbi: John Moscowitz; Associate Rabbi: Yael Splansky; Associate Rabbi: Jason Rosenberg; Rabbi: Edward Goldfarb; Cantor: Benjamin Z. Maissner; Interim Director of Education: Deborah Spiegel; Rabbi Emeritus: Dow Marmur; Senior Schol ar: Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut; Executive Director: Benjamin Applebaum; Holy Blossom Temple Foundation Chair: Judy Nyman; Bulletin Committee Chair: Richard Rotman; Bulletin Editor: Judy Nyman.

Design and Production: Holy Blossom Temple was found ed in 1856 and is af fi l i at ed with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism.

As dates and times may change without notice, please confi rm all information by calling the Temple – at any time – to access This Week @ Holy Blossom recording.

For Worship Services, please see page 2.

Tue. Jan. 3 3 Tevet11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew

Wed. Jan. 4 4 Tevet9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel

Sat. Jan. 7 7 Tevet9 a.m. Torah Study

Mon. Jan. 9 9 Tevet10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Rochelle Carrady7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew

Tue. Jan. 10 10 Tevet11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew7.30 p.m. Generation t’s Yoga with a Twist

Wed. Jan. 11 11 Tevet9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel7.30 p.m. Blessing of a Skinned Knee

Fri. Jan. 13 13 Tevet6 p.m. Tot Shabbat Service and Dinner

Sat. Jan. 14 14 Tevet9 a.m. Torah Study7.30 p.m. Family Programming’s Movie Night

Sun. Jan. 15 15 Tevet9.30 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast Club, with Howard Bloom

Mon. Jan. 16 16 Tevet10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Rabbi Edward Goldfarb7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew

Tue. Jan. 17 17 Tevet11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew7.30 p.m. Generation t’s Yoga with a Twist

Wed. Jan. 18 18 Tevet9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel7.30 p.m. Blessing of a Skinned Knee


Mon. Jan. 23 23 Tevet10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Reverend Dr. John B. Howarth6.30 pm. Grade 7 Parent/Student Program7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew

Tue. Jan. 24 24 Tevet11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew7.30 p.m. Kafka: A Life in Trial, with Ralph Wintrob7.30 p.m. Generation t’s Yoga with a Twist

Wed. Jan. 25 25 Tevet9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel7.30 p.m. Blessing of a Skinned Knee8 p.m. Can Ariel Sharon Draw the Borders of Peace and Security, with Isabel Kershner

Fri. Jan. 27 27 Tevet6 p.m. Family Programming’s Kabbalat Shabbat and Annual Shabbat Dinner9.30 p.m. Generation t’s Shabbes Tish


Mon. Jan. 30 1 Shevat10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Reverend Walter Kelly7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew

Tue. Jan. 31 2 Shevat11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew7.30 p.m. Generation t’s Yoga with a Twist

Wed. Feb. 1 3 Shevat9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel7.30 p.m. Blessing of a Skinned Knee

Thur. Feb. 2 4 Shevat10.30 a.m. Family Life Education8 p.m. Beyond the Chuppah

Fri. Feb. 3 5 Shevat6 p.m. Tot Shabbat Service and Dinner

Sat. Feb. 4 6 Shevat9 a.m. Torah Study10.30 a.m. New Members’ Welcome and Kiddush Lunch

Mon. Feb. 6 8 Shevat10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with John Isenberg7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew

Tue. Feb. 7 9 Shevat11 a.m. Advanced Hebrew7.30 p.m. Generation t’s Yoga with a Twist

Wed. Feb. 8 10 Shevat9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel7.30 p.m. Blessing of a Skinned Knee

Thur. Feb. 9 11 Shevat10.30 a.m. Family Life Education8 p.m. Beyond the Chuppah

Sat. Feb. 10 12 Shevat


1950 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON M5P 3K9

Canada PostPublications Mail

Sales Agreement No. 40063407

Last Wordby Rabbi Jason Rosenberg

Genocide in Darfur

As you read these words, a genocide is continuing in Darfur.

Since February 2003, the Sudanese government has made

an open secret of supporting and organiz-ing independent militias, called Janjaweed, to go into villages in the Darfur region of Sudan and commit unspeakable atrocities: indiscriminate killing, countless rapes, beatings, razing of entire villages and more. The numbers are hard to know for sure, but conservative estimates tell us that 400,000 have died, and well over two mil-lion have been displaced from their homes, and are still at risk.

Stopping the violenceMore than three million innocents are dead or suffering, and precious little has

been done to help them. Western govern-ments continue to treat this primarily as a humanitarian crisis — trying to help the af-fl icted, rather than stop the violence. United Nations representatives are so hampered by their pathetic numbers and restrictive orders that they can literally do little more than watch as the Janjaweed enter another village and leave behind nothing but smouldering ruins and broken lives.

How can it be that another Holocaust is happening right under our noses, and we hear almost nothing about it. The New York Times ran a total of six articles with the word “Darfur” in the headline last month, and it’s a true rarity that televi-sion news fi nds the time to even mention the genocide. Our People barely made it through our own genocide, and then watched in silent horror as it unfolded again and again. After Rwanda, I heard so many promises to never stand silent again. Now is the time to speak out.

Visit the “Save Darfur Coalition” at www.savedarfur.org, and learn more about

the history and current reality of this aw-ful suffering. And then speak out — call your Member of Parliament, write to your paper, e-mail your favourite televi-sion news show. Demand that they make a constant, ongoing, serious commitment to broadcasting what is happening, and to stopping the horror. As long as we are indifferent, our elected offi cials will be unlikely to act. We have to show them that we expect them to stop the killing.

Never againRecently, some who have been watching the situation closely, have realized that the genocide might indeed end soon — not because the militias will stop, but because they will have run out of people to kill. After our own brush with extinc-tion, we cried out “Never Again!” We must decide if that applies to all peoples, or just to us.

(To get a weekly Save Darfur action item, send an e-mail to [email protected] with the message “subscribe.”)

We would like to thank the following donors who have made an ad-ditional gift beyond the basic membership con-tribution level, since the last list was published in the Bulletin.

Promoting a culture of giving

SupporterIn Memory of Sidney & Laura Schipper

OtherJo Ann & Stanley Gold • Molly Kates • Myra & Daniel Krangle Sally Libman • Sara Pachter

In Bulletin 3, Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson should have been listed under Patron.

We apologize for the incor-rect spelling of the following in Bulletin 3: Susan & George Cohon; and Florence Pape.

To fi nd out more about making a gift beyond the basic membership contribu-tion, please call Shannon Tra-mer (ext. 227), at the Temple. And do not forget to take a moment to view our Annual Contribution Campaign donor wall in the foyer outside the main Sanctuary.

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