Document

According to Motown According to Motown According to Motown According to Motown According to Motown According to Motown According to Motown According to Motown According to Motown The Megillah

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rhythm and blueswill fi ll the Sanctuary as we

let the good times rollon March 13 with

bulletInthis is not the Holy Blossom Temple

V o l . L X X X I N o . 7 • March 2 0 0 6 • Adar/Nisan 5766

Holy Blossom Temple 2 March 2006 3 Adar/Nisan 5766

Yes, we deliver!According to results from the recent survey sent to members, there is a real hunger in this congregation for worship opportunities that are outside the norm, and that reach people “where they are.” Riding on the coattails of Rabbi Yael Splansky’s successful Rosh Chodesh outreach program, we are happy to an-nounce that we will begin to meet your spiritual needs in locations outside of the Temple. In an eff ort to maintain the sanctity of these Services, we will endeavour to hold them in locations appropriate to the day.

We are proud to announce the following lineup of upcoming Festival and Shabbat observances:

Sukkot Services will be held in the parking lot at Pusateri’s (north location only);

Simchat Torah Services will be held during half-time of a Toronto Argonaut’s game at the Roger’s Centre;

Tu B’Shevat Services will be held on the third fairway at Oakdale Golf and Country Club;

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new in print

Did you notice our new display font on the cover and in titles above? Pussycat Snickers was chosen to appeal to the younger generation in our attempt to reach out to new members under 40 years old. In future issues, our text font will be Mishegaas to keep our more senior members happy.

From Dec. 1 through Feb. 28, each year, Shabbat Services will take place at Forest Hill Arena;

Chanukah Services will be in the Mediterra- nean ballroom of The Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, Florida; and

From June 15 through Aug. 31, each year, Shabbat Services will be held in Muskoka (many thanks to Temple members Esther and Marvin Tile for graciously lending us their cottage).

We look forward to celebrating with you and to continuing to meet your needs.

half-time of a Toronto Argonaut’s game at

the laying on of hands

Always a hands-on rabbi, Yael Splansky hones her construction

skills in anticipation of a possible renovation at Holy Blossom.

Until that time, Rabbi Splansky is available for small projects

such as cottages and basement renovations.


Volunteers neededThe Purim Committee needs adult and

teenage volunteers to help with the car-

nival and Megillah readings. High school

students can earn community service

credit; students and parents can have

fun while helping the Temple. For more

details, please call the Purim hotline

(ext. 515), at the Temple.

Purim Carnival Sun. Mar. 12, at 12.30 p.m.An extravaganza of games, rides, prizes and more! Bring your kids in costume. Admission (including all games): $4 for members; $5 for non-members; free for kids younger than two years old. Free hamantashen for every guest; other food and drink available to buy.

Family Megillah Reading Mon. Mar. 13, at 6.30 p.m.Join us for this riotous celebration, geared especially for families with young children. Dress up the family and be a part of a costume parade. Then help your kids and grandkids drown out the name of Haman during our Megillah-reading Service and Purim sing-along.

Purim 2006/5766

You won’t be able to resist the temptations!Come and enjoy the (Stevie) wonderof

It’s a miracle!

The Megillah According to Motown

It’s our annual Purim extravaganza, and it’s Holy Blossom Temple like you’ve never seen it. Come out for all of our great Purim activities — there’s something for every age, so there’s something for you!

(for adults and teens)

Mon. Mar. 13, at 8 p.m.Don’t let the kids have all the fun. Come and sing along with us as we sendup the Megillah. Prizes will be given for best costume, so make sure that you come dressed up! We’ll supply the champagne; you bring the ruach! We need you — It’s not too late to get involved in the production. Can you sing? Can you dance? We don’t care! Come join us anyway and be a part of the biggest night of fun during the year. E-mail Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, at [email protected], and tell him you want to be in The Megillah According to Motown!


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Daily ServicesMon. to Fri. 7.30 a.m. Shacharit* 6 p.m. Ma’arivSun. 9 a.m.

Shabbat Minyan 10.15 a.m.

* On Fri. Apr. 14, 2006, Shacharit Services will be held at 9 a.m.Mincha Services start on Mon. Apr. 3, 2006, at 6 p.m.

Shabbat TetzavehFri. Mar. 10 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceSat. Mar. 11 10.30 a.m. Congregation-wide Shabbat Service

PurimMon. Mar. 13 6.30 p.m. Family Megillah ReadingMon. Mar. 13 8 p.m. Adult Megillah Reading (Please see page 3 for details.)

Shabbat Ki TissaFri. Mar. 17 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceFri. Mar. 17 6 p.m. Tot ShabbatSat. Mar. 18 10.30 a.m. Shabbat ServiceSat. Mar. 18 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

Shabbat Vayakhel/PekudeFri. Mar. 24 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceSat. Mar. 25 10.30 a.m. Shabbat ServiceSat. Mar. 25 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

Shabbat VayikraFri. Mar. 31 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceSat. Apr. 1 10.30 a.m. Shabbat ServiceSat. Apr. 1 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

Shabbat Tzav/Shabbat HaGadolFri. Apr. 7 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceFri. Apr. 7 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat and DinnerSat. Apr. 8 10.30 a.m. Shabbat ServiceSat. Apr. 8 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

PesachWed. Apr. 12 6 p.m. Erev First Day PesachThur. Apr. 13 10 a.m. First Day Pesach (Please see page 7 for details.)

Shabbat Chol Hamoed PesachFri. Apr. 14 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceSat. Apr. 15 10.30 a.m. Shabbat ServiceSat. Apr. 15 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service

in this issueIn Perspective … 5, Annual Contribution Campaign … 6, Spring Holidays and Days of Commemoration … 7, The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning … 8, Education Matters … 10, Youth Groups … 10, 150th Anniversary … 11, Our Israel … 14, Seniors' Programming … 14, Events and Announcements … 15, Our Congregational Family … 16, This Month @ Holy Blossom … 19, The Last Word … 20


by Rabbi John Moscowitz

Why “Munich” still matters

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Steven Spielberg’s film “Munich” is not simply about the 1972 Olympics mas-sacre and the Israeli response afterward.

Maybe even more importantly, it tells us much about the naiveté of the Jews and the West.

Toward the conclusion of the film, the skyline of lower Manhattan is portrayed as it was in the mid-70s — World Trade Center and all.

The violence of the story is over, there are no more words and Avner — the film’s chief character — is staying in New York rather than returning to Israel.

Spielberg is wrongCultural critic Edward Rothstein sug-gests that in having the camera focus at length on the World Trade Center as it was, Spielberg is warning us that “… militant attempts to destroy terror-ism lead not to peace but to cycles of violence, and that the 9/11 attacks may even be consequences of Israel’s response to the Munich massacre.”

For Rothstein, Spielberg has gotten up on his moral soap box, claiming that a war on terror will only cause more terror; that, more tellingly, each side in that war will grow to resemble the other; and, perhaps most importantly, the mor-al edge of those attacked is worn down in attempting to destroy the terrorist.

Rothstein has Spielberg right — but it’s actually worse than he is willing to say. For here is someone with significant moral credibility (“Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan” are two of the great moral films of our time) who is wasting his well-earned respect in assert-ing, more or less, a moral equivalency between the Palestinian terrorists at Munich and the Israeli team of com-

mandos who sought to avenge their deaths. I know Steven Spielberg says otherwise, but at the heart of his re-sponse is the belief that in attempting to eradicate evil — and yes, to kill the evil doers — you lose your own moral credibility. Spielberg has fallen for the trite notion that violence always begets violence, and the violence that it begets is worse because it destroys the avenger’s soul and moral stuff.

Hence in “Munich,” Avner weakens under the weight of his lost moral cred-ibility, as he and his team take out the terrorists; so much so that ultimately, defeated and despondent, Avner opts for exile in New York.

For Spielberg, Avner’s only other choice was to mirror the image of the Palestinian terrorists — which the film suggests he has come achingly close to doing anyway.

Spielberg’s notion that in confront-ing evil you become like evil, while at times obviously possible, is, in this case, patently untrue. I wish Spielberg would have portrayed Avner as the hero he was, rather than the soul-wracked moral equivalent of the terrorist he portrays in the movie.

What our tradition teachesOur Torah has something to say about such matters. It understands that one does not necessarily lose moral authority in confronting evil. Only consider what Moses does at the very beginning of Exo-dus: “And Moses turned this way and that way, but he saw there was no man [no one willing to confront the evil task mas-ter] so he struck down the Egyptians …” (Exodus 2:12).

In other words, there are times when there is no choice but to take vengeance upon evildoers — otherwise evil will rule. Because he smote the Egyptian, Moses

earned the moral credibility of the Prophet — and therefore is one in whom God can invest. Moses earned this position by standing up against evil and on behalf of the vulnerable. Moses’ actions ultimately make for less violence, not more.

What is morally requiredWe are often confronted with matters of wielding power, especially in physical or military ways. As I watched “Munich,” I reflected on the fact that while these events were occuring in August 1972, I was a young anti-war activist in Los Angeles. In my apartment, I had hung a poster of the Vietnamese negotiator Madam Binh, alongside a poster of the Israeli city of Tiberius.

For me, these posters symbolized that vulnerability and power could rest comfortably together.

I wasn’t willing to see the world as divided between the vulnerable and the powerless on the one hand, and the strong and the powerful on the other.

Both Madam Binh and Israel possessed power and moral cred-ibility — and both were required to use them in the best interests of their people, specifically for survival.

I understood that sometimes for survival, you must compromise your values. But because survival and life are the highest values in our tradition, compromise is not only necessary but sometimes morally required.

Spielberg got this wrong. Maybe he can afford to do so in a film. But Israel, the Jewish People and the West, besieged by fascist Islamic ex-pansionism, cannot afford to make Spielberg’s mistake.


As we prepare to launch our second Annual Contribu-tion Campaign, I want to again thank our members who

so generously contributed to last year’s effort. (More than 400 of you responded to our appeal for support beyond the new applicable family rate.) Your dedica-tion to Holy Blossom Temple enabled us to keep our doors open to several hundred families who would not other-wise have been able to be a part of our Temple community.

Volunteer commitmentThank you also to the many volunteers who worked so diligently to solicit more than $600,000 in gifts, beyond our applicable family rate. Without your hard work and dedication, our fi rst campaign would not have met with the success it did. The commitment of our congregation to this campaign,

and the positive feedback to our long-overdue revised applicable family rate

structure, have enabled and will continue to enable any Jew who wants to become a member of Holy Blossom to do so,

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by Alan Garfi nkel

A stronger community:Annual Contribution Campaign

2005–2006 Donor Wall

thereby making us a stronger community now and for the future.

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of our congregation this year, we are reminded of the ideals of our founders: to create an open, inclu-sive community for the Jews of Toronto to celebrate — personally and commu-nally — the events that mark our life’s journey, as well as the sacred markers of our Jewish calendar. Their aim was to create a community where every Jew — adult or child — who so desires, can receive a Jewish education, regardless of fi nancial means.

Ongoing act of tzedakahYour ongoing support continues to make this synagogue a vibrant and exciting one, supported by a diversity of mem-bers who contribute to the important role we play in our community, locally and beyond.

It is therefore, with pride in this Tem-ple and its membership, that I ask you to support our Annual Contribution Campaign again this year. Your generos-ity in this ongoing act of tzedakah will ensure the future of our sacred enterprise.

You will soon receive a letter and pledge card. I urge you to consider main-taining or increasing your gift to this year’s Annual Contribution Campaign.

Annual givingOur beautifully designed donor wall, in the foyer of our Sanctuary, will be updated annually to refl ect the names of donors who contribute $500 or more. All donations will be acknowledged in the Bulletin.

I hope I will have the pleasure of see-ing the names of current donors and many more proudly displayed on the wall this year.

Levels of Giving

Supporter: annual contribution of

$500 or more

Sponsor: annual contribution of $1,800

or more

Patron: annual contribution of $3,600

or more

Benefactor: annual contribution greater

than $7,200

The names of those contributing $500

or more will be gratefully acknowledged

on our 2006–2007 Donor Wall. All

contributions are tax deductible.


Spring 2006 holidays and days of commemoration

Pesach 5766: Once we were slaves, now we are freeErev Pesach ServicesWed. Apr. 12, at 6 p.m.

First Day PesachThur. Apr. 13, at 10 a.m.Congregation-wide Services will come alive with songs of Hallel as Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, the Holy Blossom Temple Singers, the Holy Blossom Temple Simcha Band and the Leo Baeck Children’s Choir lead us in song. Join us for a festive kiddush lunch after the Services. Creative children’s study programs and child care will be available.

Erev Seventh Day Pesach ServicesTue. Apr. 18, at 6 p.m.Erev Yom Tov Services

Seventh Day PesachWed. Apr. 19, at 10 a.m.We will observe the last day of Pesach with Yom Tov and Yizkor Services, followed by a kiddush lunch. Child care will be provided.

Commemorate then celebrateYom Ha’Shoah Service — In Remembrance of the Six Million Tue. Apr. 25, at 7 p.m. Please join us for a Service of song and poetry, remembrance and reflection. Jeanette Nestel, author of There is an Apple in My Freezer, will share her harrowing story of survival.

Yom Ha’Zikaron/Yom Ha’AtzmautTue. May 26 p.m. — Yom Ha’Zikaron ServicePlease join us for a special Service in remembrance of Israel’s fallen soldiers.

6.30 p.m. — Yom Ha’Atzmaut Family FairCelebrate Israel’s birthday with your family, friends and neighbours — all are welcome to our Street Fair. Kids will enjoy crafts, games and special events in the playground. Everyone will enjoy the food (including popcorn and birthday cake), live entertainment, wine and cheese, strolling musicians and Hebrew calligraphy in honour of our Sefer Torah project.


The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple

Upcoming Study

STUDY WITH OUR RABBIS

What’s the Deal with Reform Judaism?Rabbi Jason RosenbergSun. Mar. 5, at 10.30 a.m.

The Brilliance of the Rabbinic RevolutionRabbi John MoscowitzTuesdays at 7.30 p.m.Apr. 25 to June 6Ours is not the Judaism of the Bible, but that of the Rabbis, who rescued Judaism from ruin and irrelevance, fashioning a new Judaism based on study rather than on sacrifice.

Abraham Joshua Heschel — A Philosophy of JudaismRabbi Jason Rosenberg Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m.Mar. 15, 22 and 29We will learn about Heschel’s remarkable life. On Mar. 15, join Brotherhood for a dinner at 6.30 p.m. RSVP for the dinner to the Brotherhood hotline (ext. 530), at the Temple.

Responsa LiteratureRabbi Yael Splansky

Thursdays at 10 a.m. May 4 to May 25We will look at some surprising Jewish questions and answers. For example, can a shul accept a donation from a crook? Is transgender surgery allowed? Can a woman become a rabbi?

OTHER STUDY

Library Book ClubKen Skolnik

Mondays at 10 a.m.Mar. 6 The Singing Fire by Lilian NattelApr. 3 A Changed Man by Francine ProseFor more details, please call Anne Dublin (ext. 235), at the Temple.

A Foundation to Jewish Learning:Family Life EducationRabbi Jason Rosenberg

Thur. Mar. 9, at 10.30 a.m.The final session is entitled “What Happens after We Die.”

From Antiquity to Modernity —The Wide Horizons of Jewish Music Cantor Benjamin Z. MaissnerTuesdays at 7.30 p.m.Mar. 14, 21 and 28

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

Thursdays at 10.30 a.m. Mar. 16 to Apr. 6Registration required. Cost: $40.

The Place of Jewish Values in the World of PublishingCynthia Good, Malcolm Lester and Margie WolfeModerated by Adam SolTue. Mar. 21, at 7.30 p.m.This panel discussion is co-sponsored by Brotherhood, Sisterhood and the Library Committee.

Ongoing Learning

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

Learning Liturgy Through Singing Jewish Music — Holy Blossom Temple SingersCantor Benjamin Z. MaissnerSundays at 10 a.m.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 11.30 a.m.Limited to Temple members.

Sisterhood Torah StudyRabbi 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.

Our Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning provides opportunities to come together for major public lectures, to study Torah and other literature, and to obtain the skills needed to lead a deeper Jewish life. For more details on all our winter/spring 2006 lectures and programs, please call the School office (ext. 256), at the Temple, or visit our Web site at www.holyblossom.org. Our daytime programs during the week are marked with this symbol:

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Are You B’Seder?

Debbie Spiegel, Director of Education

Thursdays at 7.30 p.m., Mar. 9, 23 and 30

Give a little seder (order) to your Seder. Join us for these practical and creative information sessions and learn how to make your holiday enjoyable for the whole family.

Mar. 9 — Preparing for the holidayTake time for some physical and spiritual cleaning! Learn about some of the resources available to prepare for your Seder.

Mar. 23 — Everyone can participateHow can we engage children at the Seder table? We’ll look at ways of making the Seder more child-friendly.

Mar. 30 — Make it yoursWe’ll do some investigation into nuances for your celebration (eg., Miriam’s Cup).

Pesach WorkshopsThe 2006 Harry Posen Memorial Lectures

National Security Dilemmas of Israel

Prof. Gabriel Ben-DorDean of the School of Political Sciences, University of Haifa and Director of the National Securities Study Center

Mon. May 8: Israeli National Security after the Disengagement

Wed. May 10: Long-term Trends and Prospects for Israeli National Security

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Sometimes we take for granted that worship is at the core of synagogue life. It served as a raison d’être for the

founding of this congregation (Toron-to’s fi rst) 150 years ago, and it is no less signifi cant today.

The vast majority of our members participate in Worship — whether it is at High Holy Day, Festival or Shabbat Services, or as the necessary context through which signifi cant life-cycle events are celebrated, with family,

The strength of our worshipby Alan Garfi nkel

friends and community. The variety and multiplicity of the worship ex-perience that Holy Blossom Temple offers our members — daily, weekly, on Festivals and High Holy Days — is signifi cant not just in quantity, but in quality.

My informed survey of what other synagogues — Reform and beyond — offer by way of worship, leads me to believe that what we do deserves special notice and recognition.

I hope we will remain mindful, as we implement our Strategic Plan, that we are fi rst and foremost a faith com-

munity, and accordingly, everything we do must be informed by that.

In that light, I thank our Rabbis and Cantor, devoted lay Service lead-ers, the Holy Blossom Temple Singers and all our volunteers in the Worship Department who strive to enhance the worship experience of our mem-bers and the community.

They have helped put worship at the core of synagogue life and have helped to attract a devoted regular wor-shipping community to our synagogue.

May they continue to go from strength to strength.


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by Deborah K. Spiegel, Director of Education

And you shall teach it to your children

I would like to introduce you to Steven Kastner, our new Junior Youth Group (JYG) Advisor, for kids in

Grades 7 and 8. Steven, who’s currently employed with the York Region Dis-trict School Board of Education, is an outgoing, creative, energetic individual who looks forward to taking on the challenge of making JYG the most successful it has ever been. He can use his experiences from Camp Northland, Richmond Hill Country Club Day Camp, Hillel and USY to help fi nd dif-ferent ways of engaging your children; whether it be by going bowling or lead-ing group discussions, there will be lots to do.

Steven is really looking forward to meeting and getting to know not only the kids who are involved, but the parents as well. There will be programs

by Alana Vertlieb, Youth Director

Welcome Steven Kastner

once a month from now until the end of the year. You can expect to see bowling, mini golf and maybe even a movie night. Let us know what you want to see and we will try our best to make it a reality.

If you have children who are interested in joining JYG, please contact Steven, by phone at (905) 326-3753, or by e-mail at [email protected].

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Steven Kastner

“How is it that my children do not hold their learning here at Religious School with the same value that I do?”

I had a parent walk into my offi ce last week and share this dilemma with me. He believes strongly that Jewish education is the most beautiful gift we can give our children. The dilemma is how to make Jewish education as much a priority for his children as it is for him and his wife. He tells me his children started off the year excited and eager, but as each week passes, they have become more and more passive about

their experience. “The teachers are great, the kids like them a lot, but my children’s peers do not view the experience with the same energy and excitement. What is a parent to do?”

I want to respond to this parent and I have a feeling most parents fi nd them-selves with a similar dilemma.

We, as a whole community, have an opportunity to share the wonder of being Jewish with our children daily. We have the opportunity to open their eyes to a new story, a new ritual and a new part of our history. Let us not make this the job solely of the Religious School. How often do we seize the moment and do something spontaneous with our children

that is Jewish? How often do we look at everyday activities and fi nd the Jewish part in them?

The Torah tells us: v’shenantam l’vanecha, v’debarta bam — you shall teach it to your children, and tell them. Take the time to work with your chil-dren, teach them to love their Judaism and appreciate the gift that you are giving them; they will appreciate the effort and the energy they have expe-rienced as they share this gift with the next generation.

March BreakReligious School will be closed from Sun. Mar. 12 to Fri. Mar. 24, 2006.

A Web of informationDid you know you can download many Temple publications and other documents from our Web site? Go to www.holyblossom.org/publications.htm to download the following:

• Weekly D’var Torah• Transcripts of past High Holy Days

sermons• Israel newsletter• Schwartz/Reisman Centre calendar• Bar/Bat Mitzvah booklet• Holy Blossom Temple’s Strategic

Plan• Monthly Bulletin

You can download the Religious School calendar and newsletters at www.holyblossom.org/religious_school.htm.

You can also view our calendar for upcoming events, Services and learning opportunities.


Have you ever dreamed of being a tour leader? Well now we can offer you a chance.

As part of our 150th anniversary celebration, Holy Blossom is taking part in this year’s Doors Open weekend, an annual event sponsored by Heritage Toronto. On Sun. May 28, 2006, Holy Blossom Temple, along with many other sites of architectural interest in the city, will open its doors to members of the public. We will have an opportunity to

share with others the beauty and architec-tural significance of our building and the importance of our religious artifacts. We will need several volunteers to act as hosts and hostesses and as tour leaders. Annalee Schnurr is heading this initiative and will gladly answer any questions you may have. Just leave your name and phone number on the Doors Open hotline (ext. 531), at the Temple, and Annalee will get back to you.

In addition, the 150th Anniversary Committee is also arranging a series of three tours designed for Holy Blossom members, which will take place in

by Sheila Smolkin, 150th Anniversary Committee

Doors Open

Please join us every Friday at 5.30 p.m. to prepare for Shabbat with some song 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.

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October 2006. Michael Cole is heading this committee and is also looking for volunteers. Again leave your name and phone number on the Doors Open hotline and Michael will get back to you.

These initiatives will give you, as volunteers, an opportunity to learn about many aspects of our beautiful synagogue building that you may never have observed, as well as the history of the synagogue and its place in the Toronto Jewish community, both past and present. And you will have a lot of fun volunteering.

Cooking with Kids for PesachSun. Apr. 9, at 2.30 p.m.Our Upstairs at Loblaws cooking classes for the whole family have been a huge hit, so join us as we get ready for Pesach. Space is limited, so RSVP now to the Family Programming hotline. Cost: $18 per child.

PJ/Movie NightSat. Mar. 25, at 7.30 p.m.You bring the pajamas and the blankets; we will bring the mov-ies and the snacks. What better way to pass an evening than with good friends and a good time at the Temple? RSVP to the Family Programming hotline (ext. 518), at the Temple.

Second Night SederThur. Apr. 13, at 6 p.m.Need a place to celebrate the second night of Pesach? Join us for a fun, participatory, casual pot-luckSeder — we have seats for your family. Call Ann Rosenfield, at (416) 536-5222, for details.

Terrific Upcoming Events

Shabbat FusionRabbi Yael SplanskyFriday nights at 6.30 p.m., Mar. 31, Apr. 28, May 26 and June 30

Members and non-members are invited to a unique Kabbalat Shabbat

experience of song and prayer. Aviva Chernick, Aaron Lightstone and others will bring the city's finest fusion of jazz, funk, Ashkenaz and Sepharad. Our Sanctuary won't know what hit it! A Shabbes Tish of sushi and wine will follow. Spread the word and bring a friend.


December and January brought us snowstorms, rain, mild sunny days and bitter cold. And along with this wide variety of weather, Holy Blossom offered a plethora of events, from family cooking and a meaningful Chanukah celebration, to cultural and learning opportunities. This winter brought something for everyone.

A little something for everyone

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Joel Hoff man (left) is joined by Rabbi Edward Gold-farb during the Scholar-in-Residence weekend.

Susanne Egier (left, as Chana Sheinhoff ) and Glenda Mindlin (as Frume Kashman) in a scene from the recent Stagecraft play.

Black Fire on White FireJoel Hoff man (Dec. 11)

Cooking with Kids for Chanukah (Dec. 11)

Women’s Minyan, by Naomi Ragen (Dec. 15)

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Left to right: Theodore, Ann and Maggie Rosenfi eld enjoy some Chanukah cooking Upstairs at Loblaws, as part of Family Programming.

Ralph Wintrob reads about Kafka to audience members.

Kafka: A Life in Trial Ralph Wintrob (Jan. 24)

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Congregational Chanukah Celebration (Dec. 30)

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Rabbi Jason Rosenberg and some of our Temple members help light the Chanukah shamash.

The Holy Blossom Temple Junior Choir Debut (Dec. 30)

Led by Lindi Rivers, Cantorial Soloist, our Children’s Choir performs at our congregational Chanukah celebration.

Shifting LinesIsabel Kershner (Jan. 25)

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Dr. Robert Ruderman speaks with Isabel Kershner dur-ing the signing of her new book Barrier: The Seam of the Israeli-Palestinian Confl ict.


For more information, or to leave a message, please call the Seniors’ hotline (ext. 517), at the Temple.

There is something special about a week in Jerusalem in the summer.

On a typical study trip, your morn-ings are spent with brilliant teachers, expanding your mind through in-vigorating discussions. Afternoons are spent sightseeing, shopping, strolling or relaxing by the pool, while evenings usually involve a social gathering. By the end of the week, you will have ex-perienced the excitement of exploring

new ground, while at the same time feel-ing a sense of familiarity and belonging.

Here are two programs that our mem-bers have enjoyed in the past:

The Hartman InstituteThe Shalom Hartman Institute offers a week of adult education every summer. Led by founder David Hartman and his son Donniel, the Institute’s educators always raise and explore provocative questions about Judaism, Israel and life in general. This year’s session will run from Thur. June 29 to Thur. July 6, 2006. For more information, contact Tania Blumenthal (ext. 246), at the Temple, or visit www.hartmaninstitute.com.

Study opportunities in Jerusalem this summerby Jeff Denaburg and Rivanne Sandler,

Israel Committee Chairs

ARZA Canada study weekThe Hebrew Union College (HUC), sit-uated in the heart of Jerusalem, is the site of the annual ARZA Canada study week. The theme of this year’s study is “Out of the Shadows: The Others in our Midst,” a study of Israel’s minorities, through both texts and face-to-face dialogue. Top professors will lead the learning, both at HUC and around Jerusalem. This trip will run from Fri. July 7 to Fri. July 14, 2006. For more information, contact Rabbi Sharon Sobel ([email protected]), or Cheryl Englander ([email protected]), at the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism. You may also reach them by phone, at (416) 630-0375.

OU

R IS

RA

EL

M O N D AYS @ the Temple

Purim is not only for the young. Our seniors know how to have fun, especially as Purim rolls around.

Our annual Purim party will take place on Mar. 13, 2006. We will put on our own Purim shpiel and laugh with each other as we make fun of our traditions. Some of us may wear costumes; all of us will enjoy being together no matter who we are trying to be.

Mark your calendars for the following programs:

Mar. 20The Kaddish: everything you ever wanted to know Rabbi Jason Rosenberg

Mar. 27Navigating the health systemAndrea Nathanson, RN, Executive Director, Qualicare

Apr. 3What we do and where we have beenBrotherhood Photo ClubSee image manipulation, members’ work and a slide show from an Arctic trip.


Arts and Literature

Fine Arts Committee: Joel Zelikovitz ExhibitWed. Apr. 5 to Wed. May 10, 2006 Reception: Thur. Apr. 6, 2006, at 7 p.m. Join us for this powerful and disorienting view of depth, movement and percep-tion. Joel Zelikovitz takes full joy in creating powerful works that alter the reality of the viewer.

Last call to Temple artistsWe invite you to participate in a special exhibit to take place on Sun. May 21, 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 office or on our Web site, at www.holyblossom.org/fine_arts.

Holy Blossom Temple Stagecraft Company: None Is Too Many, by Jason ShermanSat. May 6, 2006, at 7.30 p.m. and Sun. May 7, 2006, at 2.30 p.m.Based on the book by Irving Abella and Harold Troper, this drama focuses on the Mackenzie King government’s im-migration policies during World War II. Cost: $15; $10 for seniors and students. For more details, or to order tickets, please call the Stagecraft hotline (ext. 511), at the Temple. Note: this is a staged reading.

Brotherhood

Breakfast Club:Special Photography ProgramSun. Mar. 19, 2006, at 9.30 a.m.Members of the Brotherhood Photogra-phy Group will display their pictures and give tips, and we will see a slide presenta-tion by Walter Seaton.

Events and AnnouncementsBreakfast Club: Jewish MeditationAlbert FrankSun. Apr. 9, 2006, at 9.30 a.m.Albert Frank will explain this tradition and lead a real-time experience.

Before our Breakfast Club, please join us for Shacharit Services. All Temple mem-bers — men and women — are welcome.

All Members MeetingWed. Apr. 5, 2006, at 7.30 p.m.All men are invited to this meeting to plan next year’s Brotherhood programs. This is your chance to show your initiative and creativity. For more details, please call the Brotherhood hot-line (ext. 530), at the Temple, or e-mail [email protected].

Gemilut Chasadim

Bereavement Support GroupHelen Gia Levin, Grief TherapistWednesdays at 7 p.m. Apr. 26 to May 31, 2006 If you have lost a loved one, come to the Temple to find strength and comfort. Among other mourners, you will find you are not alone. While the cost is gen-erously subsidized by the congregation, we invite each participant to contribute $50. To register, please call Cynthia Sil-verman (ext. 276), at the Temple.

Sisterhood

Annual Cooking Demonstration Rose ReismanWed. Apr. 5, 2006, at 7.15 p.m. Do not miss this exciting evening of cooking, tasting and lots of door prizes. Cost: $36 at the door; advance tickets $36 or two for $60 from the Temple office, the Judaica Shop or by calling the Sisterhood hotline.

Retreat — The Mikvah: Myths, Truths and Possibilities of Original Water TherapyRabbi Yael SplanskyFri. Apr. 7 to Sun. Apr. 9, 2006Treat yourself to a weekend of study, worship, rest, good company, sharing with other women and celebrating Shabbat. Cost: $285 for members; $330 for non-members.

Kallah — The Wonders of DeathRabbi John Moscowitz and Dr. Yoel AbellsThur. Apr. 27, 2006, at 9.30 a.m.Have you ever wondered why is it that people, as they are dying, are often claimed equally by death and by life? Do you want to learn more about the experience of moving from life to life-hereafter, from a religious and medical perspective? Do you marvel at the extraor-dinary power of death, along with the equally powerful claim that life has on us? Spend a day discussing the wonders and the miracles of death. Cost: $32.

Judaica ShopVisit the Judaica Shop for all your Pass-over needs, including Seder plates, matzah covers, haggadahs and much more. The Shop carries an array of B'nei Mitzvah gifts, tallit, Shabbat items and more. Shop hours are Monday to Friday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., or call the Judaica Shop (ext. 234), at the Temple to make an appointment. All proceeds support Sister-hood’s many activities in our Temple.

Sunday Morning CoffeeSisterhood members will be serving coffee on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12.15 p.m., in the Ava Road foyer. Enjoy a hot cuppa and find out more about us.

For more details on any Sisterhood program, please call the Sisterhood hotline (ext. 514), at the Temple.


Our Congregational FamilyWelcome to Our Temple Family

We would like to welcome the following people to our Holy Blossom Temple family:Deena Cooper, and HopeSylvia & Steven FranklinLucinda & Ron Kogan, and Hannah and SophiaRosalie (Ookie) Sussman

Mazal Tov

Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin, on the publication of her new book, Living Through Transitions.

Gerald Schwartz, on receiving the Order of Canada for lifetime achievement in industry/commerce/business.

BirthsStephanie & Paul Freeman on the birth of their daughter Jennifer

Lynn Freeman. Proud grandparents are Ethel & Harold Freeman and Chris Russak.

Hannah & Jonathan Graff on the birth of their daughter Sophie Elliott Slan Graff, sister to Lily. Proud grandparents are Lee & Cecil Graff, Judy & Gerald Graff and Elyse & Bob McKitrick. Proud great-grandparents are Bess & Marmie Gelberg and Rose Slan.

Ann & Irving Shendroff on the birth of their grandson Reuben Samuel Gedalia Levine, son of Lisa Shendroff Levine & Andrew Levine. Other proud grandparents are Betty & Gordon Levine.

Phyllis & Alan Wintraub on the birth of their grandson Benjamin Jack Wintraub, son of Dr. Lori Heller & Keith Wintraub of Seattle, Wash. Other proud grandparent is Sibyl Heller. Proud great-grandfather is Mickey Firestone.

Joanna Sugar & Michael Wunder on the birth of their son Teddy Abel Wunder, brother to Isabel. Proud grandparents are Andrea & Aubrey Sugar and Gloria Wunder. Proud great-grandparents are Harvey Borden, Edie & Norman Goodis and Annette Wunder.

B’nei Mitzvah

5 Tevet 5766/Jan. 5, 2006Jaime Barron, daughter of Susan & Larry Barron, who celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in Israel

18 Adar 5766/Mar. 18, 2006Noah Sniderman, son of Jodi Shuster & Jeffrey Sniderman

25 Adar 5766/Mar. 25, 2006Devan Diamond, son of Susan & Mark Nobleman

3 Nisan 5766/Apr. 1, 2006Misha Herschorn, son of Lisa & Sender Herschorn

10 Nisan 5766/Apr. 8, 2006Marc Feldman, son of Angela & David Feldman

10 Nisan 5766/Apr. 8, 2006Tyler Smith, son of Nonnie & Howard Smith

EngagementInna Koldorf, daughter of Sophia & Simon Koldorf, and Daniel

Kalechstein, son of Clara & Arnold Kalechstein, who will be married in July 2006.

In Memoriam

The congregation sympathizes with the recently bereaved families of:

Ruby Fidler, mother of Jamie Jessel, Michael Jessel and Steven Jessel

Ann Gross, mother of Howard Gross, Barbara Norwich and Judith

Priwes, sister of Max Feldman and Rose Norwich

Honey Krugel, mother of Lisa Baum, Michael Baum and Cheryl

Fergusen, sister of Barbara Kurtzman, Daniel Himmelson and

Warren Stadler

Earl Parker, husband of Sylvia Parker, father of Elyse Parker, Stephen

Parker and Andrea Simhon, brother of Beatrice Bishansky, Lillian

Chasin, Sylvia Diament and Helen Kleiner

Sam Ruth, husband of Nancy Ruth, father of Alan Ruth, Daniel

Ruth and John Ruth

Eva Salinas, wife of Armando Salinas, mother of Jacqueline Cohen

and Liliana Morais

Nathan Stein, husband of Clara Stein, father of Joanne Foster and

Stanley Stein, brother of Judith Fox and Ruth Stein

Avraham (Anthony) Wolman, son of Harriet & Frank Wolman,

husband of Malka Wolman


Name Date

Joseph Gutmann Mar. 23

Vivian Pullan 23

Ethel Roher 23

Myron Tarshis 23

Elsie Yaffe 23

Adam Albright 24

Michael Fischer 24

Manuel Gans 24

Kalman Geller 24

David Gold 24

Jack Goldstein 24

Irwin Isenberg 24

Hyman Mayer Jacques 24

Paula Pape Lipson 24

Minna Marcus 24

Rose Pezim 24

Esther Biback 25

Louis Cooper 25

Bertha Pritzker 25

Molly Shoichet 25

Betty Sniderman 25

Harry Uster 25

Jennie Adelson 26

Anne Banks 26

Bora Laskin 26

Rose Lubelsky 26

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 Date

Max Berinstein Mar. 5

Beatrice Davidson 5

Sophie Kriss 5

Louis Lazonick 5

Audrey Bunny Sandler 5

Louis Arnold 6

Esther Bederman 6

Christopher Goodman 6

Ida Schleicher 6

Sarah Meryl Simonoff 6

Sheldon Weinstein 6

Lilian Winton 6

Frances Cooper 7

Louis Kane 7

Harry Kohen 7

Molly Lichtenberg 7

Rose Strauch 7

Sam Coffler 8

Gertrude Fogler 8

Edmund Winkler 8

Ida Birdie Berk 9

Nathan Farb 9

James Seymour Hausman 9

Edna Itkoff 9

Alfred King 9

Terry Marshall Wunder 9

Jennie Levy Feldstein 10

Benjamin Leitman 10

Bernard Sutin 10

Rachel Bolnick 11

Fanny Bucovetsky 11

Rebecca Charendoff 11

Samuel Joseph Granatstein 11

Edna Frankel Jacobs 11

Samuel Marlow 11

Jack Sky 11

Irving Oscar Zaid 11

Moshe Leib Glazier 12

Harry Bernard Horowitz 12

Name Date

Joel Lewis Mar. 12

Leo Maurice Frankel 13

Abraham Freeman 13

Jordanna Lokash 13

Ruth Rothschild 13

Rose Sommers 13

Nancy Sara Bigio 14

Hattie D. Bloom 14

Gertrude Hands 14

Josef Lax 14

Ethel Rachlin 14

Rachel G. Ruskin 14

Joseph Tarshis 14

Lilyan Watkins 14

Paul Albright 15

Anna Golden 15

Esther Muchnick 15

Sarah Copp Wolfson 15

Lillian Wolman 15

Milton Goldstein 16

Elly Marks 18

Barry Edward Perlman 18

Sam Sarner 18

Sol Schleicher 18

Beatrice Wintrob 18

Ethel Gotfrid 19

Barnett Ludwig 19

Sam Pollock 19

Maurice Young 19

Louis Berk 20

Harry Davidson 20

C. David Kofman 20

Annette Pearl 20

Bernard Pickard 20

Jennie Brodey 21

Morris Cooper 21

Regina Gutman 21

Morris Hands 21

Esther Nathan 21

Joseph Resnick 21

John Bacher 22

Marilyn Blumenthal 22

Mae Hansher 22

Joseph Horwitz 22

Abraham Kanoff 22

Dr. Myron Tarshis 22

Sidney Banks 23

Rose N. Cohen 23

Name Date

Poldi Rittner Mar. 26

Fred Robinson 26

David Lloyd Rose 26

Joseph Stutz 26

Louis J. Cole 27

Louis Fogle 27

Janice Carmichael 28

Lillian Ennis 28

Noel Gans 28

Sarah Kaufman 28

Rose Kopman 28

Joseph Lokash 28

Irving Scheinert 28

Henry Berger 29

Anne Gans 29

Millie King 29

Dora Levin 29

Bernard Mosoff 29

Ira Justus Pollock 29

Gerda Rutsatz 29

Betty Belick 30

Isaac Silver 30

L. William Spiegel 30

Jennie Daniels 31

Norma Epstein 31

Louis Sweiden 31

We thank our generous donors

Accessibility FundLicel Margolis, In Memory: Carla & Alain Baudot

Aid for Survivors of TerrorismSheldon Weinstein, In Memory: Daisy & Syd Jacobs

William Anshan Youth AwardsDavid Greenspan, In Memory: Jean Anshan

Cantor’s Music FundLaura Hertzman & Brian Wise, Mazal Tov: Jill Hertzman

Floral FundDevan Diamond, Bar Mitzvah: Susan & Mark NobelmanMarc Feldman, Bar Mitzvah: Angela & David FeldmanMisha Herschorn, Bar Mitzvah: Lisa & Sender HerschornNoah Sniderman, Bar Mitzvah: Jodi Shuster & Jeff Sniderman

Holy Blossom Temple FoundationBert Cohen, In Memory: Sybil & David GordonMadeleine & Arnold Epstein, Birth of Great-Granddaughter: Lesley & Ron MillerJordana Loeb & Leonard Drimmer, Mazal Tov: Debra & Barry CampbellLorraine & Donald Loeb, Mazal Tov: Julia & Michael Sax, and David and DanielSheldon Weinstein, In Memory: Gitta Wallen


Contacts for Donations

Isenberg Endowment FundRuth Brand, In Memory: Tami & Perry Isenberg; Carol & Steve PilonMary Cohen, In Memory: Sheryl & Michael Ederman, Tami & Perry Isenberg;

Carol & Steve PilonMaureen Silverman and Family, Condolences: Sheryl & Michael Ederman; Carol &

Steve Pilon

Elliott Jacobson/Judy Malkin Concert FundElliott Jacobson, Happy Birthday: Janice & Larry Babins; Sara & Rick Charney; Barb

& Jeff Dermer; Carolyn & John Farrell; Cynthia Good; Kathy & Maurice Green; Florence & Stan Guttman; Karen & Lorne Kutner; Barbara & Philip Lev; Pnina Margolese; Sarah & Ronan McGrath; Lesley & Ron Miller; Marilyn Eddy & Mike Reynolds; Cecilia & Andrei Rossos; Carole & Jay Sterling; Linda & Gordon Wolfe; Mintz & Partners and Brettler Charitable Foundation

Joan Kerbel Leadership Development FundShoshana Cole, Get Well Soon: Holy Blossom Temple SisterhoodCelia Goldman, In Memory: Pnina Margolese

Library Book FundEva Carol, In Memory: Virginia & Carl SolomonBert Cohen, In Memory: Sandy & Gordon Atlin; Judith Jordan-AustinSheldon Weinstein, In Memory: Marlene & Robert Ruderman; Joy & Allen Rudolph

Lesley & Ron Miller Seniors’ Program FundLesley & Ron Miller, Happy Chanukah: Janna & Ryan Hopper; Eryn & Andrew Miller

Harold & Eleanor Miller Endowment FundEleanor Miller, Happy Chanukah: Janna & Ryan Hopper; Eryn & Andrew Miller

Musical Legacy FundKaren Abells, Happy Birthday: Mari Lynn RusakRalph Berger, In Memory: Razelle Roebuck & David MacCoyBert Cohen, In Memory: Edith KnopfHope & Benjamin Z. Maissner, Mazal Tov: Debbi Charendoff Moses & Robert MosesHope and Benjamin Z. Maissner, Birth of Granddaughter: Frances & Paul Hellen;

Razelle Roebuck & David MacCoyDavid Ship, In Memory: Razelle Roebuck & David MacCoyBruce Smith, In Memory: Robin & Jon Eckler and Family

Out of the ColdSandy & Gordon Atlin, Happy Birthday: Charlotte NowackCorrine Bereskin, Yahrzeit: Janet HershfieldBert Cohen, In Memory: Eve Atlin; Bonnie Croll & Robert Henry;

Clare & Monte Denaburg; Miriam & Cyril Rosenberg; Harriet & Frank WolmanPeter Dan, Special Birthday: Julia & Michael SaxSheila & David Freedman, Happy Anniversary: Harriet & Frank WolmanAlbert Geller, Speedy Recovery: Gitte & Les CrangleLorna Greenbaum, Speedy Recovery: Gitte & Les CrangleSonia Nitikman, Yahrzeit: Janet HershfieldAlan Ockrant, In Memory: Seymour HerschAnn & Gary Posen, Daughter’s Wedding: Caryl & Bert BarruchEthel Sherwin, In Memory: Janet HershfieldBetty Smigel, Special Birthday: Harriet & Frank WolmanBruce Smith, In Memory: Smith Family Chanukah PartyVivienne & Arthur Stephens, Happy Anniversary: Kathy & Maurice Green; Lydia

SchaverienBill Weinstein, In Memory: Gitte & Les CrangleAnthony Wolman, In Memory: Sandy & Gordon Atlin, Sheila & David Freeman;

Seymour Hersch; Betty & Howard Smigel

Rabbis’ Discretionary FundRabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan; Laurie

& Michael Davis and Family; Allison MindlinRabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan; Laurie &

Michael Davis and Family

Rabbi Jason Rosenberg, In Appreciation: Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan; Ann & Irving Shendroff; Ruth Smith

Lindi Rivers, Cantorial Soloist, In Appreciation: Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan

Shacharit FundLivia Barto, Yahrzeit: Helen BartoCorrine Bereskin, Yahrzeit: Ruth Ellen & Sheldon GreenwoodLeon Chodorcove, Yahrzeit: Sally ChodorcoveSamya Chris, Yahrzeit: Sandy & Stephen Moranis, and Jessica, Corey and RachelMarcia Ezrin, Yahrzeit: Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin & Herschell EzrinJ. Paul Fingold, Yahrzeit: Elissa, David, Max and Joey FingoldCharles Fishbein, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul FishbeinLeola Frankel, Yahrzeit: Nancy & Peter TheimerJoan Freedmans, Yahrzeit: Joan Freedman’s FamilyPaul Galfund, Yahrzeit: Lillian ShermanFreda Gladstone, Yahrzeit: Max GladstoneRosalie Hellen, Yahrzeit: Frances & Paul HellenColeman Herman, Yahrzeit: Min HermanJacob Hertzman, Yahrzeit: Hertzman FamilyRose Kozsloff, Yahrzeit: Susan Himel & Neil KozloffHarold Leslie, Yahrzeit: Tillie Leslie and FamilyEsther & David Lewis, Yahrzeit: Rhoda Lewis and FamilyJoel Lewis, Yahrzeit: Rhoda Lewis and FamilyJoan Mann, Yahrzeit: Edith BarruchHattie Margolese, Yahrzeit: Pnina MargoleseSarah Marshall, Yahrzeit: Marie KnaulAnne Richardson, Yahrzeit: Clara RosenIra Ruderman, In Memory: Marlene & Robert RudermanHarry Saiger, Yahrzeit: Clara RosenAnna Schafer, Yahrzeit: Mary & Henry SeldonAnna Schleissner, Yahrzeit: Mary & Henry SeldonRosalynd Smith, Yahrzeit: Nonnie & Howard SmithSidney Stein, Yahrzeit: Ellen & Alan Levine and FamilyRobert Trope, In Memory: Marilyn & David GotfridAnne Weinstein, Yahrzeit: Fran GoldmanShelly Weinstein, In Memory: Phyllis RoseJoseph Windish, Yahrzeit: Marie KnaulSophie Windish, Yahrzeit: Marie KnaulIrving Zucker, Yahrzeit: Carole & Bernard Zucker

Al & Dora Track Scholarship FundDora Track, Birthday Wishes: Frances & Philip Shapiro

Martin Vine Memorial FundHenrietta Vine, Special Birthday: Annette & Sidney Lipsey

Youth AwardsAbbie & Elkie Adler, In Memory: Robin & Jon Eckler and Family

To make a donation to any of our existing funds, to establish a new fund or to learn more about how you can support the Holy Blossom Temple Foundation, 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 Gordon at (416) 489-5709.

We appreciate your supportHoly Blossom Temple appreciates all donations to our funds; however due to rising costs, cards will only be sent for donations of $18 or more. We will continue to recognize donations of $18 or more in the Bulletin. We apologize but due to space constraints, not all donations will appear in the Bulletin issue closest to the date on which the contribution was made. Donations in this issue were received by Jan. 17, 2006.


This month @ Holy Blossom March/April 2006Adar/Nisan 5766

Mon. Mar. 6 6 Adar

10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Anna Morgan10 a.m. Library Book Club, with Ken Skolnik7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew

Tue. Mar. 7 7 Adar

11.30 a.m. Advanced Hebrew

Wed. Mar. 8 8 Adar

9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel7.30 p.m. Dimensions of Violence, with Rabbi Jonathan Crane

Thur. Mar. 9 9 Adar

10.30 a.m. Family Life Education7.30 p.m. Are You B’Seder, with Debbie Spiegel

Sat. Mar. 11 11 Adar

9 a.m. Torah Study

Sun. Mar. 12 12 Adar

12.30 p.m. Purim Carnival

Mon. Mar. 13 13 Adar

10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple Purim Party6.30 p.m. Family Megillah Reading7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew8 p.m. The Megillah According to Motown (for adults and teens)

Tue. Mar. 14 14 Adar

11.30 a.m. Advanced Hebrew7.30 p.m. The Wide Horizons of Jewish Music, with Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner

Wed. Mar. 15 15 Adar

9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel6.30 p.m. Brotherhood Dinner7.30 p.m. Dimensions of Violence, with Rabbi Jonathan Crane7.30 p.m. Abraham Joshua Heschel, wtih Rabbi Jason Rosenberg

Thur. Mar. 16 16 Adar

10.30 a.m. The Heritage of Jewish Mysticism, with Rabbi Michael Stroh


9.30 a.m. Torah Study

Sun. Mar. 19 19 Adar

9.30 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast Club, with Walter Seaton


10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Rabbi Jason Rosenberg7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew


11.30 a.m. Advanced Hebrew7.30 p.m. The Place of Jewish Values in the World of Publishing, with Adam Sol7.30 p.m. The Wide Horizons of Jewish Music, with Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner

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 President: John A. Geller; President: Alan Garfinkel; Senior Rabbi: John Moscowitz; Associate Rabbi: Yael Splansky; Associate Rabbi: Jason Rosenberg; Rabbi: Edward Goldfarb; Cantor: Benjamin Z. Maissner; Director of Education: Deborah K. Spiegel; Rabbi Emeritus: Dow Marmur; Senior Scholar: 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 founded in 1856 and is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism.

As dates and times may change without notice, please call the Temple to access our up-to-date This Week @ Holy Blossom recording.

For Worship Services, please see page 4.


9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel7.30 p.m. Dimensions of Violence, with Rabbi Jonathan Crane7.30 p.m. Abraham Joshua Heschel, with Rabbi Jason Rosenberg

Thur. Mar. 23 23 Adar

10.30 a.m. The Heritage of Jewish Mysticism, with Rabbi Michael Stroh7.30 p.m. Are You B’Seder, with Debbie Spiegel


9 a.m. Torah Study


10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Andrea Nathanson7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew


11.30 a.m. Advanced Hebrew7.30 p.m. The Wide Horizons of Jewish Music, with Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner


9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel7.30 p.m. Abraham Joshua Heschel, with Rabbi Jason Rosenberg

Thur. Mar. 30 1 Nisan

10.30 a.m. The Heritage of Jewish Mysticism, with Rabbi Michael Stroh7.30 p.m. Are You B’Seder, with Debbie Spiegel7.30 p.m. Broken Wings (Israel Movie Night)

Fri. Mar. 31 2 Nisan

9.30 p.m. Generation t’s Shabbes Tish

Sat. Apr. 1 3 Nisan

9 a.m. Torah Study

Mon. Apr. 3 5 Nisan

10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple, with Brotherhood Photo Club10 a.m. Library Book Club, with Ken Skolnik7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew

Tue. Apr. 4 6 Nisan

11.30 a.m. Advanced Hebrew

Wed. Apr. 5 7 Nisan

9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. The Yiddish Novel7.15 p.m. Sisterhood’s Cooking Demonstration, with Rose Reisman7.30 p.m. Brotherhood’s All Members Meeting

Thur. Apr. 6 8 Nisan

10.30 a.m. The Heritage of Jewish Mysticism, with Rabbi Michael Stroh7.30 p.m. Fine Arts Reception

Fri. Apr. 7 9 Nisan

6 p.m. Tot Shabbat Service and Dinner

Holy Blossom Temple 20

1950 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON M5P 3K9

Canada PostPublications Mail

Sales Agreement No. 40063407

by Rabbi Jason Rosenberg

Darfur, redux

The last time I wrote the Last Word column, for the De-cember Bulletin, I took the opportunity to bring up the issue

of the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. At the risk of being heavy-handed, I hope you won’t mind if I do so again.

It’s not that there is that much new to say — the atrocities continue, and there hasn’t been a substantial change. If you want to get an overview of what’s going on, you can still visit www.savedarfur.org and read all about it. On that site, you can also get some ideas about what it is that you can do to help.

That’s the reason I’m raising this sub-ject again — to ask, plead and cajole for

your involvement. Tragically, there is little that any one of us can do to make a signif-icant impact on the situation. But, we can each make a small difference. I’ve learned that politicians really do respond to the advocacy letters that they get — not based on how well written they are, but rather on how many they get. A flood of letters and e-mails demanding action in Darfur can drive a Member of Parliament to speak out and, hopefully, to act. Even better, if you have the ear of someone with some influence, speak to them. If you know someone in the media, insist he or she cover this crisis. Whoever you are, there is something you can do.

What’s happening ‘over there’ is easily one of the greatest catastrophes of our time. Thousands upon thousands are dying; mil-lions are being beaten, raped, forced to live

in atrocious refugee camps, starved and more. Their government supports this, and our governments in the West mostly ignore it. It’s an outrage on every level. We must not be a part of the silence.

Like many of us, I grew up in a generation where “Never Again” was a rallying cry, almost a mantra. It may be chutzpadick, but I’d like to suggest that anyone who doesn’t do something, at least the tiniest little thing, to try to stem the tide of killing in Darfur has lost the right to say “Never Again.” At best, we can then use “Never Again – to us.” It’s time to decide — are we against genocide aimed at us, or are we against genocide, period. If it’s the latter, please go, today, to www.savedarfur.org. Do something to help those who are almost beyond help.

Never Again.

LAST

WO

RD

HOW MANY SHALACH MANOS BASKETS SHOULD YOU

send for Purim?

ou should send at least T W O.Jewish tradition is to send shalach manos baskets to friends and family in celebration of Purim. This year, rather than sending baskets to those on your list, why not consider a donation to the Holy Blossom Temple Foundation in their honour instead? Your contribution not only shows how much you value those close to you, but how much the Temple means to you and your loved ones during holiday times.

YFor more information, please call the Foundation office (ext. 228), at the Temple.

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