Vol. LXXX No. 8 • April 2 0 0 6 • Nisan/ Iyar 5 7 6 6 Holy Blossom Temple The 2006 Harry Posen Memorial Lectures National Security Dilemmas of Israel Professor Gabriel Ben-Dor See page 9. Daily/Shabbat Worship 2 | In Perspective 3 | Pesach 5766/2006 4 | Our Israel 5 | Congregational Survey 6 | 150 th Anniversary 7 | The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning 8 | Cantor’s Notes 9 | Education Matters 10 | Events and Announcements 11 | Our Congregational Family 12 | This Month @ Holy Blossom 15 | The Last Word 16 IN THIS ISSUE:
Transcript
V o l . L X X X N o . 8 • April 2 0 0 6 • Nisan/ Iyar 5 7 6 6
Holy Blossom Tem ple
The 2006 Harry Posen Memorial Lectures
National Security Dilemmas of Israel
Professor Gabriel Ben-Dor
See page 9.
Daily/Shabbat Worship 2 | In Perspective 3 | Pesach 5766/2006 4 | Our Israel 5 | Congregational Survey 6 | 150th Anniversary 7 | The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning 8 | Cantor’s Notes 9 | Education Matters 10 | Events and Announcements 11 | Our Congregational Family 12 | This Month @ Holy Blossom 15 | The Last Word 16
* On Fri. Apr. 14, 2006, Shacharit Services will be held at 9 a.m.
Pesach*Wed. Apr. 12 6 p.m. Erev First Day PesachThur. Apr. 13 10 a.m. First Day PesachTue. Apr. 18 6 p.m. Erev Seventh Day PesachWed. Apr. 19 10 a.m. Seventh Day Pesach and Yizkor Service
Yom Ha’Zikaron/Yom Ha’Atzmaut**Tue. May 2 6 p.m. ServiceTue. May 2 6.30 p.m. Celebration
Shabbat Achare Mot-KedoshimFri. May 5 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceFri. May 5 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat and DinnerSat. May 6 10.30 a.m. Shabbat ServiceSat. May 6 10.30 a.m. Family Shabbat Service
* Please see page 4 for details. ** Please see page 7 for details.
Unveiling CeremoniesIs it time for the unveiling ceremony of a loved one? If so, the rabbis would like to offer their support at this time. Please choose from among the following Sundays for family and friends to gather with a rabbi for the dedication of the headstone: May 7, June 4, July 9, Aug. 6, Sept. 10 or Oct. (exact date to be announced). Of course, this ceremony does not require a rab-bi’s presence: some families choose to conduct the unveiling themselves, using our prayer pamphlets. To make arrangements for an unveiling, please call our Life Cycle Co-ordinator, Roseanne Mason (ext. 231), at the Temple.
April 2006 3 Nisan/Iyar 5766
by Rabbi John Moscowitz
Pettiness and purpose
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Watching the re-cent diffi culties of Lawrence Summers, now the resigning President of Harvard University, was fasci-
nating and troubling. Originally a young and brilliant Professor of Economics at Harvard; then an up-and-coming part of President Bill Clinton’s team of Economic Advisors in the early and mid 90s; then the Secretary of the Treasury in Clinton’s last two years; and fi nally, named to the most prestigious post in higher education — Harvard’s presidency — at age 47, Lawrence Summers is near the best that human beings can produce in terms of brilliance and capabilities.
But even the brilliant and capable run into problems: namely other human be-ings. The problems in Cambridge came because, oddly enough in an academic setting, Summers ran into trouble for telling the truth. About how easy high grades were; how easy too many profes-sors had it; about Israel and terrorism; and about the fact that (lo and behold!) men and women are actually different from one another.
Apparently not the way to go if you want to keep your job. The Harvard faculty had a go at him. They hated that
Summers challenged the sacred cows of academia; that Harvard, like most uni-versities, lacks intellectual diversity and is enslaved by an intellectual orthodoxy hostile to views other than its own.
But there was another problem: when his faculty ranted and raved, when radi-cal feminists tore Summers to feathers for saying that men and women are in-herently different (and therefore women do certain things with greater ease than men and vice versa), President Summers gave in.
He apologized all over the place — and then a few times more. Literally and fi guratively, Lawrence Summers — an otherwise strong and smart man, not necessarily given to pleasing the crowd — showed his opponent his throat.
Nothing newAnd so then the faculty went at him again — and now Summers is out, forced from offi ce by the churlish and the childish. My own guess is that the fact that Summers is a Jew, not terribly observant but unbent and proud, who stood up for Israel these past few years didn’t help him.
Unfortunately, fascinating as the Sum-mers saga has been, there’s nothing new here. God made us originally and today
with both purpose and pettiness. One can lead to great things and even great-ness; and the other can tear it all down.
What does tradition tell us about why Cain killed Abel? Simply, that Cain felt his brother Abel to be the favoured one — and so he killed him. Pettiness and purpose, jealousy, rage, greatness and goodness — these are part of the human mix, today as in the beginning.
Religion brings purposeBut how can we get out of such a fi x? How can we live with purpose and contain pettiness? I’m sure there are others who know more than I do, but my experience with human beings and with religion has led me to strongly be-lieve that the more religion, the more training of the mind with religious text, the more community, the more aspirations toward closer attachment with God and with one another — the more purpose and the less pettiness there will be.
Is this simple? Yes, in a sense it is; but so too is purpose and so too is pettiness. Even if God knows we may live from any capability given us, God expects that we should live as much as possible with purpose.
Shabbat FusionRabbi Yael SplanskyFriday nights at 6.30 p.m. Apr. 28, May 26 and June 30, 2006
For more details on this program, please call Cynthia Silverman (ext. 276), at the Temple.
Members and non-members are invited to a unique Kabbalat Shabbat experience of song and prayer. Talented musicians will bring the city's fi nest 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.
Holy Blossom Temple 4
Pesach 5766/2006 Once we were slaves, now we are free
Erev 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.Kabbalat Shabbat and 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.
* Please see page 10 for details about Family Programming's Second Seder.
WHY IS THIS NIGHT DIFFERENT FROM
all other nights?
ecause we teach our past to our F U T U R E.Instead of the usual wine or fl owers to thank your Seder hosts, why not make a donation in their honour to the Holy Blossom Temple Foundation? Set an example for your children and show them that each generation looks after the next, during this Season of our Freedom, and always.BFor more information, please call the Foundation offi ce (ext. 270), at the Temple.
April 2006 5 Nisan/Iyar 5766
Extremes of sadness and joy: Yom Ha’Zikaron/Yom Ha’Atzmautby Jeff Denaburg, Co-Chair, Israel Committee
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Every spring, Israeli society undergoes a drastic change of mood. It observes one of the saddest days in the modern
calendar, Yom Ha’Zikaron, the Memorial Day for fallen soldiers; and then, imme-diately following, comes the euphoria of modern Israel’s greatest celebration, Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Independence Day.
A siren in eerie silenceAt nightfall on the evening before Yom Ha’Zikaron, a siren sounds for one min-ute of silence and the offi cial ceremonies of mourning begin. The next day, the siren ushers in another minute of silence. The experience of standing in silence during the siren is quite striking. All ac-tivity stops: people stand in the streets, cars come to a halt and the air is fi lled with an eerie mixture of the piercing shriek of the siren and a palpable silence. Thoughts are focused on those who died,
and on what their deaths must mean to those who survive.
After the sirens, the national ceremony is held at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl. There are also many local cer-emonies, such as those in schools where students set up memorials to their friends and family who have died in defence of their country.
From sorrow to celebrationOn the afternoon of Yom Ha’Zikaron, the country begins its transition to the national celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Israeli soci-ety makes this emotional shift thoughtfully, meaningfully and with sensitivity.
The afternoon of Yom Ha’Zikaron becomes a quiet time, as arenas, audito-riums and theatres prepare for the next day’s festivities.
The night of Yom Ha’Atzmaut comes with much joy and celebration. At the national inauguration ceremony, torches — representing the 12 tribes of Israel — are lit. Synagogues are illuminated as on a festival.
The streets are full of song and thanks for the gift of independence after nearly 2,000 years of exile. Public arenas are fi lled with celebrants, enjoying concerts, fi reworks and all kinds of entertainment.
The presentation of Israel prizes for distinction takes place on this day. There is a wide variety of sports, cul-tural and entertainment events. Israelis commonly visit military exhibitions, public parks and nature preserves. Barbecues, called mangalim, a very popular form of celebration, are set up all over the country.
You can be part of this experience and get a taste of both the solemnity and the excitement of these holidays at Holy Blossom Temple. Each year, we hold a Yom Ha’Zikaron Memorial Service, fol-lowed by a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration.
This year’s celebration will be es-pecially fun and entertaining. We are holding an outdoor street fair with live entertainment, food, games and much more. I hope to see you all there.
Shavuot — Z’man Matan TorateinuThe Time of Giving of the TorahThur. June 1, 20067 p.m. Service and Confi rmation
Ceremony
9.30 p.m. Tikun Leil Shavuot — a round-
table discussion with our
rabbis and cantor. "Who
believes what? When rabbis
disagree about God."
Fri. June 2, 200610 a.m. Congregation-wide Shavuot
Morning Service
Families welcome!
YOM HA’ZIKARON SERVICE Tue. May 2, 2006, at 6 p.m.YOM HA’ATZMAUT FAIR Tue. May 2, 2006, at 6.30 p.m.This year, we’ll celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut
bigger than ever as we move outside for
our fi rst-ever Yom Ha’Atzmaut Street Fair.
Bring the whole family for an evening of
great fun. There will be games, crafts, Israeli
arts, food, wine and cheese, music and more
— something for everyone.
In Remembrance of the Six Million Tue. Apr. 25, 2006, at 7 p.m. Please join us for a Service of song and
poetry, remembrance and refl ection.
Jeanette Nestel, author of There Is an
Apple in My Freezer, will be sharing her
harrowing story of survival.
Commemoratete a and nd cecelelebrbrateateCommemorate and celebrate
Holy Blossom Temple 6
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Rabbi John Moscowitz by phone at (416) 789-3291, ext. 248, or by e-mail [email protected]
Alan Garfi nkel by phone at (416) 789-3291, ext. 222, or by e-mail [email protected]
Mark S. Anshanby phone at (416) 488-7991, or by e-mail [email protected]
(Temple member Stephen Tile, President of Northstar Research Partners, was instru-mental in helping to create and analyze our congregational survey last year. We are most grateful for the time and expertise he devoted to this project.)
We would like to share with you some of the results of last year’s survey of the congregation, to which we received about 1,000 replies — an excellent re-sponse rate, by any measurement.
JudaismWhile Judaism — ritual behaviours and worship — is a very or somewhat important part of our respective lives (94 per cent), levels of ritual practices and behaviour vary greatly.
At one end of the spectrum, 96 per cent attend a Seder every year; 91 per cent attend High Holy Day Services each year; 76 per cent light yahrzeit candles for loved ones; and 52 per cent attempt to attend or host Shabbat din-ner every Friday.
At the other end, far fewer claim to keep a kosher home (16 per cent); only 14 per cent say they attend Shabbat Morning Services regularly; and 7 per cent say they attend Friday Evening Services regularly.
MembershipBeing a member of Holy Blossom is important — very (44 per cent) or somewhat (42 per cent) for a total of 86 per cent — to us. Why that is the case varies, in order of importance, because Holy Blossom: a) expresses the values and approach
to Judaism with which we are most comfortable;
b) has a style of worship service we like (notwithstanding how often we go);
c) allows us to celebrate life-cycle events in a meaningful way;
d) gives us access to clergy in times of need; and
e) provides us with a sense of commu-nity when and if we need it.
LearningOur members value initiatives and pro-grams aimed at all age groups. We also appreciate the myriad opportunities for life-long learning through special courses and lectures. Members are proud of this aspect of Holy Blossom Temple. It provides a public face to the Temple and positions it as a leader. Perhaps not surprisingly, members like Holy Blos-som Temple to be seen as a leader in the Toronto community and in the Reform Movement in general.
Temple lifeEvery survey points to areas that need to be improved and this survey is no excep-tion. Results show that we must do a better job of satisfying Temple members in several areas.
In particular, too few appear to be satisfi ed with some of the key elements of Temple life, including the overall environment, access to clergy in times of need and the celebration of life-cycle events. Furthermore, many are concerned with what they regard as rigid policies and bureaucracy built up inside the Tem-ple, and many fi nd the whole atmosphere somewhat cold and uninviting.
FacilitiesThe building itself came in for consider-able critique. Many are concerned with the general state of repair and cleanliness. Those who have celebrated life-cycle events in the building recently are par-ticularly critical of the facilities available for these celebrations.
SchoolThe School is also seen as needing some new thinking. There is a strong feeling that the supplemental education system is not working, although it is interesting that
better marks for the School came from parents with children now in the School.
Our futureAll in all, this process of discovery was fascinating and vital for the congregation at this point in our history. Our members value Holy Blossom on many levels, in-cluding its intangible connection to Judaism, to our culture, to our roots.
Your participation in the survey provided the collective voice of the membership that helped guide the for-mulation of our new Strategic Plan and, in particular, the focus on the seven Stra-tegic Imperatives (distributed to every member of the congregation with the February issue of the Bulletin). These imperatives will be the focus of Temple leadership as we move forward in imple-menting our plan.
The Temple will continue to keep you informed of our progress in this regard. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. For more information, or to provide feedback, please contact any of the people listed in the box below.
— Stephen Tile
April 2006 7 Nisan/Iyar 5766
Celebrating 150 years
Holy Blossom Temple Confi rmation class of 1946
Confi rmation reunion
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Were you confi rmed at Holy Blossom Temple before 1980?
As part of the Temple’s 150th an-niversary celebrations, we are planning a Confi rmation reunion to be held on Sat. May 5, 2007. Please e-mail your name, e-mail address, telephone
number and year of confi rmation to confi rmationreunion@holy blossom.org, or call and leave this information on the Confi rmation reunion hotline (ext. 506), at the Temple, so we can ensure you re-ceive an invitation.
If you know other past Confi rmands
(particularly women who have changed their names), please ask them to register with us, so we do not miss anyone from our invitation list. When you call or e-mail, also let us know if you would like to work on this exciting project.
Hold the dateThe Toronto Symphony Orchestra celebrates Holy Blossom Temple’s 150th anniversary at a special Gala and Concert Sun. June 17, 2007
For more information, or to leave a message, please call the Seniors’ hotline (ext. 517), at the Temple.
M O N D AYS @ the TempleLet’s celebrate Israel’s birthday together. We invite all seniors to our Yom Ha’Atzmaut party on Mon. May 1, 2006. On this day only, the program will begin at 12.30 p.m., with a festive lunch followed by Israel through Music and Word, a musical presentation by Linda Segal, former cantor of the Beaches Hebrew Institute.
Please join us at 10 a.m. for our upcoming programs.
Apr. 10A Discussion of Our Current Art DisplayJoel Zelikovitz, Artist and TeacherJoin us for a talk on Joel’s work, which is currently on display at the Temple.Note: We will not meet on Apr. 17 during Pesach.
Apr. 24 Making Life GreatDr. Alan Weitz, Chiropractor This program is sponsored by Sisterhood.
LUNCH and LEARN in RetirementWed. Apr. 26, at 12 p.m.A Family Tale of EnterpriseRobert BickCost: $1
Mon. May 8, at 1.30 p.m.Contemporary Classical MusicThis program will be held at Beth Tzedec Synagogue. Cost: $2. RSVP to Shelly Berenbaum (ext. 233), at the Temple.
Holy Blossom Temple 8
The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple Our Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning provides opportunities to come together to study, to learn and to obtain the skills needed to lead a deeper Jewish life. For more details on all lectures and programs, please call the Temple (ext. 256), or visit www.holyblossom.org. All programs and lectures are open to the community, unless otherwise stated. Our day-time programs during the week are marked with this symbol:
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STUDY WITH OUR RABBIS
Responsa LiteratureRabbi Yael Splansky
Thursdays at 10 a.m. May 4, 11, 18 and 25Every good question has always deserved a good answer. Responsa liter-ature is the largest collection of Jewish text. We will look at some surprising Jewish questions and the rabbinic an-swers that followed.
Siblings in GenesisRabbi Dow MarmurWednesdays at 7.30 p.m. May 31 to June 28A fi ve-session course detailing the re-lationships of siblings in the Book of Genesis: Cain and Abel; Noah’s sons; Isaac and Ishmael; Jacob and Esau; and Joseph and his brothers. Join us for an investigative look at these power-ful brothers and how they lived and worked together.
Fall 2006 Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah ProgramComing Monday evenings this fall, we will begin another Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. This two-year pro-gram promises to be an enriching experience for all those who did not have the opportunity as youngsters to learn and explore Judaism. The course will include Hebrew language instruction, including learning to read Torah, text
study, and so much more. For more de-tails, please call Debbie Spiegel (ext. 239), at the Temple.
OTHER STUDY
The Library Book Club Ken Skolnik
Mon. May 8, at 10 a.m.We will look at The Final Solution: A Story of Detection by Michael Chabon. For more details, please call Anne Dublin (ext. 235), at the Temple.
The Roots of Toronto’s Jewish Community (1900–1914)Bill Gladstone, Journalist and Historian Tue. May 9, at 7.30 p.m.This slide presentation is co-sponsored by the Library Committee and Brother-hood. For more details, please call Anne Dublin (ext. 235), at the Temple.
Lessons in Fear (documentary fi lm)Igal Hecht, Filmmaker, and James Cullingham, DirectorWed. May 10, at 7.30 p.m.Does the solution to the confl ict between Israelis and Palestinians rest in the class-room rather than in the angry, fearful streets of the region? The documentary Lessons in Fear explores Israeli and Pal-estinian education from the ground up. In a media world obsessed with confl ict, Lessons in Fear takes a humanized, be-hind-the-scenes look at how ordinary kids are educated in one of the world’s trouble spots. Last year, Igal Hecht joined us for a screening of his fi lm The Chosen People. This year, he joins James Culling-
ham, for a screening and discussion of their new fi lm Lessons in Fear.
Living History: Back to our RootsRabbi Chaim Weiner, Director of the Euro-pean Masorti (Conservative) Bet Din (Court)Mon. June 5, at 8 p.m.Did you know that Jews in Tuscany buried a matzah bakery, a mikvah and a kosher slaughterhouse in caves hundreds of feet beneath their synagogue? Did you know that Crypto Jews in Portugal used the Inquisition to learn how to practice Judaism? This session will bring our history to life through visits to off-the-beaten-track locations. Join us for an evening of pictures, music and texts.
The Brilliance of the Rabbinic RevolutionRabbi John MoscowitzTuesdays at 7.30 p.m., May 9 to June 13
and courageously rescued Juda-ism from ruin and irrelevance, fashioning a new Judaism out of the old, one based on study rather than on sacrifi ce.
April 2006 9 Nisan/Iyar 5766
On Shabbat Shira, we enjoyed a Morning Service and tribute to Israeli songwriter, Naomi Shemer. The Holy Blossom
Temple Singers, the Junior Choir, and in-strumentalists Nadia Adler, Susan Baskin, Shelley Miller, Mike Morgulis and Tal Maissner contributed wholeheartedly to this beautiful event. My gratitude goes out to all of them.
The Junior Choir did our Temple proud at the UJA Federation Zimriyah held at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. They were small in number but mighty in sound. Mazal tov to each member of the choir. If you have a child in Grade 3 to 6 who loves to sing, why not encour-age him or her to join the choir? It is an energizing and fulfi lling way to enjoy
by Lindi Rivers, Cantorial Soloist
Expressing Judaism through music
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Jewish music, and teaches many wonder-ful life lessons. Please call me (ext. 252), at the Temple, if you would like more information. The choir will perform next at the Temple’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebra-tion on Tue. May 2, 2006. (See page 5 for details.)
As I write this article, I am antici-pating the return of our globetrotting cantor, back from his sabbatical. By the time you read this, Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner will have graced our bimah again for more than a month, inspiring us with his presence and his devotion to prayer. I look forward to continuing my studies with Cantor Maissner and gain-ing from his vast knowledge and deep understanding of Judaism and its expres-sion through music.
Having had the opportunity to stand in Cantor Maissner’s shoes during these
past four months has been a remark-able experience. In addition to the great joy of leading Worship Services alongside four exceptional rabbis, I had the pleasure of meeting a congregation of terrifi c people. I also had the honour of offi ciating at many of your lifecycle events, and participating in some of the programs at the Temple. I am grateful to Cantor Maissner and Rabbi John Moscowitz for entrusting me with these sacred tasks, and for the support of-fered to me by Rabbis Yael Splansky, Jason Rosenberg and Edward Goldfarb. Indeed, from the senior staff team to the administration, maintenance and security teams, I experienced a kindness and helpfulness that made each day memorable and enjoyable.
Thank you for welcoming me into your Temple home and your hearts.
The 2006 Harry Posen Memorial LecturesNational Security Dilemmas of Israel
Professor Gabriel Ben-DorDean of the School of Political Sciences, University of Haifa and Director of the National Securities Study Center
Mon. May 8, at 8 p.m. Israeli National Security after the Disengagement
Wed. May 10, at 8 p.m. Long-term Trends and Prospects for Israeli National Security
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.
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by Deborah K. Spiegel, Director of Education
Excellence in Education
Annual Second SederThur. Apr. 13, at 6 p.m.Need a place to celebrate the second night of Pesach? We have got a fun, participatory, casual pot-luck Seder — and we have seats for your family. Great food, and more than enough activities to keep your kids happy! For more details, please call Ann Rosenfi eld, at (416) 536-5222.
Family Programming 2006
Do you know what is happening at Holy Blossom Temple schools? The education community of
Holy Blossom covers a great deal of territory, from the very young to the not so young. Here is a glimpse of some of the many amazing activities that have been going on lately.
Pre-School — Under the director-ship of Pam Hamovitch, Pre-School has welcomed many parents, guests, students and visitors. On every oc-casion, the sentiments seem to be the same — one is taken by the en-ergy, the excitement, the plethora of activities and our commitment to excellence in Jewish early child-hood education. Watching children involved in a wide variety of meaning-ful experiences — tzedakah projects, celebrations, social interactions and hands-on learning — is inspirational.
Our visits outside of the school are also stirring; we visit Bay-crest or other facilities to share our songs and fl owers.
Religious School —Religious School is a bustling place, with many in-house pro-grams for every grade, visitors and parent/student programs. Our newly instituted twice-a-year chugim (electives) offer the students opportunities to learn and ex-plore in ways they haven’t before.
Hebrew School — The teachers share their love of Hebrew language and prayer with our students in an effort to give our young people the skills to join their synagogue community at any time. The loveliest service of the week is the Wednesday evening Ma’ariv Service, when students in the Hebrew School join
together for prayer and song. I welcome all to join us for this sacred time.
Senior School — We recently held a special Tzedakah Fair for the Grade 7 students and their parents, which enabled them to investigate different tzedakah opportunities in our community. This hands-on program brought represen-tatives from 10 organizations in our community, including Out of the Cold, MAZON, One Family and Zareinu, which showed the students and their parents what their time and money can accomplish.
And not only do we offer your chil-dren a wonderful experience, but our Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Cen-tre for Jewish Learning offers a plethora of adult learning opportunities, from lectures, to courses led by our rabbis, to general learning. We look forward to see-ing you and your children at the Temple.
Pre-School Registration for 2007/2008If your child will be three years old by Dec. 31, 2007, our Pre-School is for you. Temple member priority registra-tion begins on Mon. Apr. 3, 2006. Call Pam Hamovitch (ext. 240), to arrange a visit or to pick up an application in the school offi ce.
Don’t forget to go to http://www.holyblossom.org/publications_email_alerts.htm to sign up for our regular Family Programming e-mail.
Left to right: Cole Perelmuter, Abby Shore, Jonah Aaron, Michelle Ehrlich, Noah Wilder and Nate Feldman enjoy Pre-School’s Tu B’Shevat celebration.
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Father/Son DaySun. June 4, 10 a.m.Join us for our annual fi eld day at Centre Island — just for the guys. We will enjoy a fun-fi lled day of games, sports, drama, food and more! For more details, watch the Bulletin or call Rabbi Jason Rosenberg (ext. 277), at the Temple.
April 2006 11 Nisan/Iyar 5766
Events and Announcements
Fine Arts Committee:Joel Zelikovitz Exhibit ReceptionThur. Apr. 6, 2006, at 7 p.m. Exhibition runs to May 10, 2006 Please join us for this powerful and disorienting view of depth, movement and perception.
150th Anniversary ExhibitionLast call for Holy Blossom Temple artists to enter our 150th anniversary members-only exhibition. Works should be dropped off at the Temple by Sun. Apr. 23, 2006, between 10.30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Holy Blossom Temple Stagecraft Company: None is Too Many, by Jason ShermanSat. May 6, 2006, at 7.30 p.m. andSun. May 7, 2006, at 2.30 p.m.Based on the book by Irving Abella and Harold Troper, this hard-hitting drama focuses on the Mackenzie King govern-ment’s immigration policies during and after World War II. (This is a staged reading.) Tickets: $12. For more details or to order tickets, please call the Stage-craft hotline (ext. 511), at the Temple.
Breakfast Club: Jewish Meditation Albert Frank Sun. Apr. 9, 2006, at 9.30 a.m.Albert will explain this tradition and lead a real-time experience. Join us following Shacharit Services for breakfast at 9.30 a.m. and our presentation at 10 a.m. Men and women welcome.
Open MeetingWed. Apr. 26, 2006, at 7.30 p.m.All Holy Blossom men are invited to this brainstorming meeting to plan new pro-grams for 5767.
Bereavement Support GroupHelen Gia Levin, Grief TherapistWednesdays at 7 p.m.May 24, 31, June 7 and 14, 2006 If you have lost a loved one, come to the Temple to fi nd strength and comfort. Among other mourners, you will fi nd that you are not alone. To register (no cost), please call Cynthia Silverman (ext. 276), at the Temple.
Bikur CholimYour Temple is here to support you in times of trouble, but we often do not hear when our members face illness. Please help us in helping you. If you are in need, or if you know of someone in the congrega-tion who is ill, or would benefi t from the support of our clergy or the Bikur Cholim Committee, please call the Bikur Cholim hotline (ext. 521), at the Temple.
Understanding MenopauseDr. Randy Shaul, Family Physician, Michelle Katz, Certifi ed Yoga and Medi-tation Instructor, and Ruth Anne Baron, Doctor of Naturopathic MedicineWed. May 10, 2006, at 7.15 p.m. Come join us for an informative panel discussion, followed by a question and answer period.
Project 2005 Thank YouWith deep gratitude, we thank our many sponsors who made Project 2005 a great success. The many donors include Harry Rosen, Harry Glicksman, Gary Kaplan, Salon VG & Spa, Women’s Fitness Clubs, Carmel Spa, Spinmaster, Irwin Durbach, Tikvah Tableware, Multyindustries, David Hairstylist, Yitz’s and Starbucks. Many Sisterhood board members also donated great prizes. Your generosity helps support many important programs in our Temple.
Judaica ShopVisit the Sisterhood Judaica Shop for all your Passover needs, including Seder plates, matzah covers, kiddush cups, Hag-gadahs, washing cups and towels. New from Israel, the Shop carries an array of Bar/Bat Mitzvah gifts, engagement and wedding gifts, tallit, mezzuzot, Shabbat items, CDs and books. Shop hours are Monday to Friday, from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. If you are unable to shop dur-ing these hours, please call the Judaica Shop (ext. 234), at the Temple and we would be happy to make an appointment. All proceeds from the Shop support the many activities in our Temple.
Sunday Morning Coff eeSisterhood members serve coffee on Sun-days from 11 a.m. to 12.15 p.m., while your kids are in Religious School. Enjoy a hot cuppa and fi nd out more about us.
Holy Blossom Temple 12
Our Congregational Family
We would like to welcome the following people to our Holy Blossom Temple family:
Melissa & Joel Feldberg, and ReeseIlana Zylberman & David Gore, and Hannah and RachelRisa & Peter Katz, and Joshua and ZoeLily & Reuben KatzMichele Mandel, and Ethan, Noah and ZacharyDavid Prashker, and Naomi
BirthsHannah & Jonathan Graff on the birth of their daughter Sophie
Elliott Slan Graff, sister to Lily. Proud grandparents are Judy & Gerald Slan, Lee & Cecil Graff and Elyse & Bob McKitrick. Proud great-grandparents are Rose Slan and Bess & Marmie Gelberg.
Danielle Himel-Kates & Allan Kates on the birth of their son Jonah Ryan Kates. Proud grandparents are Susan & Paul Geyer, Pamela & Mel Himel and Sharon & Irving Kates.
Brian Lidsky & Elana Paice Lidsky on the birth of their son Matthew Isaac Lidsky. Proud grandparents are Phil & Fauna Lidsky and David & Shoshana Paice.
Sandy & Lenny Wise on the birth of their granddaughter Talia Samantha Wise, daughter of Cheryl & Stephen Wise, sister to Jacob. Other proud grandparents are Paulette & Amnon Kestelman. Proud great-grandmothers are Fanny Berholz and Sala Ickowicz.
B’nei Mitzvah
24 Nisan 5766/Apr. 22, 2006Lauren Carroll, daughter of Lisa Ritchie & David Carroll
24 Nisan 5766/Apr. 22, 2006Lisa Schwartz, daughter of Drs. Joanne Grossman & Michael Schwartz
1 Iyar 5766/Apr. 29, 2006Alexa Kady, daughter of Wendy & Ian Kady
1 Iyar 5766/Apr. 29, 2006Ryan Kady, son of Wendy & Ian Kady
1 Iyar 5766/Apr. 29, 2006Jamie Yanowski, son of Terry & Robert Yanowski
Mary Alex, wife of Lawrence Alex, mother of Ian Alex and Linda Davis, sister of Irving Zeldin and Leon Zeldin
Anna Axler, mother of Max Axler and Phyllis Nefsky, sister of Ida Centner and Meyer Bucovetsky
Daniel Bohnen, father of Elizabeth Bohnen and Linda BohnenRose Desser, mother of Gail Schacter and Leslie SpringmanDr. Albert Goldhar, husband of Ella (Bootie) Goldhar, father
of Robin Cooper, Linda Goldhar, Debbie Munnings, Tracey Ostermann and Sharry Wilson, brother of Arnold Goldhar, Harry Goldhar, Ida Goldhar, Morty Goldhar and Sally Goldhar
Alfred (Alfi e) Magerman, husband of Barbara Magerman, father of Charles Magerman, Ken Magerman, Susan Magerman and Deborah Wolfe-Hartnett
Arthur Marcovitch, father of Bonnie Holtzman and Jamie Marcovitch, brother of Edith Herson and Sylvia Shacter
Dr. Marvin Miller, husband of Kaylee Miller, father of Barbara Miller, Carolyn Berger and Jaynie Miller, brother of Dr. Abraham Miller
Florence Robinson, mother of Elazer Robinson and John RobinsonMolly Shapiro, mother of Paul Shapiro, sister of Charlotte BakerJoseph Sonshine, husband of Mildred Sonshine, father of Sandi
Kirschner, Marlene Mandel, Ellen Pike and Barry Sonshine, brother of Selma Walfi sh
Charlotte Wilson, sister of Ida Albright, Scarlat Albright and Anne Chalk
Katherine (Kaye) Zeldin, mother of Karen Fejer, Donna Raxlen and Peter Raxlen, sister of Lou Cherney
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:
Isadore Brodey Apr. 1
Vera Lillian Eisen 1
Philip Feldberg 1
Bluma Glazier 1
Harold Kaplan 1
Morris Rubin 1
Isabel Leibel 2
Name Date
April 2006 13 Nisan/Iyar 5766
Name DateEthel Pearlman Apr. 2
Jack Lederman 3
Mollie Ordon 3
Abraham Kasman 4
Lazar Pless 4
Reuben Reiken 4
Esther Berk 5
Louis Blackstein 5
Wilfred R. Davis 5
Corinne Egier 5
Isaac Kaufman 5
Abraham Wolfe 5
Sara Harris 6
Louis Rose 6
Harlan David Rosenthal 6
Paul Berdock 7
Dr. Charles Hollenberg 7
Lou Isaacs 7
David Shafron 7
Minnie Eisen 8
Harold Lorie 8
Miriam Neveren 8
Lillian Silbert 8
David Sussman 8
Larry Green 9
Gertrude Siegel 9
Max Klamer 10
James Rotto 10
Charles Sutton 10
Minnie Wintrope 10
Roy Frederick Cook 11
Edward Dworkin 11
Max Esmig 11
Lillian Finkelstein 11
Rhea Grove 11
Pepi Kane 11
Minnie Sidlofsky 11
Eva Applebaum 12
Ruth Davis 12
Leonard Dexter 12
Pearl Brill 13
Jean Haberman 13
William Krangle 13
Adelaide Perlmutar 13
Elizabeth Bess Pickard 13
Esther Pollock 13
Jacob Cole 14
Bertha Cotton 14
Harold Haberman Apr. 14
Dr. Arnold Iscove 14
Gerald George Newton 14
Benjamin Sarner 14
Albert Wolff 14
Marjorie Baskin 15
Rachel Ben-Ron 15
Fanny Cowan 15
Harold Joseph Hutner 15
Muriel Leitman 15
Gertrude Levine 15
Fay Stone 15
Jack Winberg 15
Sam Bucovetsky 16
Bessie Miriam Cole 16
Samuel Gans 16
Lizica Goldstein 16
Dr. Arnold Iscove 16
Moses Nowack 16
Judge Carl Waisberg 16
Jacob Borinsky 17
Max Fichman 17
Maurice Lubell 17
Abraham Alan Track 17
Philip Fingold 18
Jerry Fisher 18
Bessie Fox 18
Sophie Metter 18
Goldie Yudin 18
Alan Leslie Borden 19
Jerry Joseph Friedman 19
Earl Gardner 19
Florence Pasternak 19
Samuel Roher 19
Eva Sanders 19
Pepi Kane 20
Sarah Kaufman 20
Gittel Marlow 20
Jennie Pasternak 20
Molly Simmons 20
Milton Blackstone 21
Rabbi Jacob Eisen 21
Morris Friedman 21
Sarah Winberg 21
Louis Freedman 22
Arthur Harris 22
Fay Liberman 22
Arthur Paulin 22
Dorothy Stossel Apr. 22
Rose Coffl er 23
Hattie Steinhart 23
Rachel Leah Kunen 24
William Pascoe 24
Sidney Schipper 24
Samuel Eli Sigal 24
Philp Smith 24
Max Steinberg 24
Bertha Krivel 25
Bruce Lokash 25
Sarah Weinstein 25
Thelma Sylvia Young Apr. 25
Norman Agar 26
Belle Siegel 26
Shirley Taube 26
Ben Russak 27
Manning Starkman 28
Melvin Mostov 29
Sarah Weiser 29
Bella Berrin 30
Frances Gilmore 30
Dr. Henry Sager 30
Maxwell Scholl 30
Aid for Survivors of TerrorismAlbert Reingold, In Memory: Terrye & Jack KuperNachemia Wurman, In Memory: Susan Unger & Edward Hussman
William Anshan Youth AwardsEvelyn Cohen, In Honour: Jean Anshan
Ruth Borden Memorial Youth Award FundSusan & Barry Borden, In Appreciation: Joanna Sugar & Michael Wunder and Family
Jeanette & Tom Brown Memorial FundTom Brown, In Memory: Marilyn Brown
Earl & Marilyn Danson Farber Camp Scholarship FundMarilyn Farber, In Honour: Helen Glazer; Helen & Philip MosoffHelen Tizel, Special Birthday: Helen & Philip Mosoff
Danson Family FundBert Cohen, In Memory: Dot & Bert DansonMarilyn Farber, Speedy Recovery: Dot & Bert Danson
Jean Fine Seniors FundGlynnis Jerusalem, In Honour: Sally & Ben Jacobson
Floral FundLauren Carroll, Bat Mitzvah: Lisa Ritchie & David CarrollAlexa Kady, Bat Mitzvah: Wendy & Ian Kady Ryan Kady, Bar Mitzvah: Wendy & Ian Kady Lisa Schwartz, Bat Mitzvah: Drs. Joanne Grossman & Michael Schwartz Jamie Yanowski, Bar Mitzvah: Terry & Robert Yanowski
Holy Blossom Temple FoundationStanley Bernstein, In Memory: Jill Kamin & Murray HartSandra Chapnik, Special Birthday: Judith & Uriel PriwesRick Charney, Happy Birthday: Ruth GelberSara Clodman & Joe Jonatan, In Honour: Judy Nyman & Harley MintzMorris Cooper, In Honour: Judy Nyman & Harley MintzWendy & Elliott Eisen, Mazal Tov: Judy Nyman & Harley MintzMarilyn Farber, Speedy Recovery: Tania BlumenthalLorraine & Donald Loeb, In Honour: Judy Nyman & Harley MintzRabbi Dow Marmur, In Appreciation: Judy NymanAnn & Gary Posen, Mazal Tov: Judy Nyman & Harley MintzHeather Reisman, In Appreciation: Chris RamsaySam Ruth, In Memory: Jane & Robert Herman; Lorraine & Donald LoebGerald Schwartz, In Honour: Lorraine & Donald LoebMarvin Tile, In Appreciation: Judy Nyman
Name Date Name Date Name Date
Holy Blossom Temple 14
Henrietta Vine, Happy Birthday: Dorothy Zoltek and Rose ZoltekGeneral: David Epstein
Israel Study FundMrs. Fagi & Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Honour: Tania Blumenthal
Jacobs Tower FundJill Hertzman, In Honour: Beth Goldstein & Barry Rosen
Joan Kerbel Leadership Development FundEsther & Arthur Gelber, Yahrzeit: Sara & Rick CharneyStanley Bernstein, In Memory: Gail & Gary GoodmanMarilyn Farber, Speedy Recovery: Gail & Gary Goodman
Library Book FundDaniel Bohnen, In Memory: Anne DublinBert Cohen, In Memory: Jean & Dick LorieFagi Goldfarb, Speedy Recovery: Wendy & Rabbi Paul SidlofskyCyril Hersh, In Honour: Rene & Simon SaksDiana Morgulis, In Memory: Alison Marshall and Family
Beverley Colman Lokash Scholarship FundDeborah Colman, In Honour: Beverley Colman LokashSybil & Jack Geller, Mazal Tov: Beverley Colman Lokash
Dow and Fredzia Marmur Program for Educational ExcellenceEdward Karabanow, Yahrzeit: Ellen KarabanowSheldon Weinstein, In Memory: Karen & Dean Fisher
Musical Legacy FundStanley Bernstein, In Memory: Phyllis & Alan Wintraub
Olsberg-Rutsztz FundEve Salinas, In Memory: Elke & Melville Olsberg, and Daniel
Out of the ColdSandy & Gordon Atlin, In Appreciation: Mickey Cohen and FamilyStan Bernstein, In Memory: Marsha SlivkaClara Engel, Speedy Recovery: Trudy DvorkinJane Fitzgerald, In Appreciation: Robin Hunter and Barbara OrganStanley Gold, Happy Birthday: Rose Goldstein-GoldKathy & Maurice Green, In Appreciation: William Edwards and James ForsterCecile Metrick, Speedy Recovery: Gitte & Les KrangleSusan Mogil, Special Birthday: Susan FremesFreda Ariella & Arthur Muscovitch, Mazal Tov: Susan ChernowEarl Parker, In Memory: The Out of the Cold VolunteersSam Ruth, In Memory: Marsha SlivkaSean Spiwak, In Memory: Reba & Kassy ClodmanHenrietta Vine, Special Birthday: Ruth CaitGeneral: Melamed Chanukah Party; Philip Smith Family Foundation
Plaut 50th Anniversary FundSam Ruth, In Memory: Stephen Roizen
Rabbis’ Discretionary fundRabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: The Leo Baeck Day School Parents’ AssociationRabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Appreciation: The Bohnen FamilyFagi Goldfarb, Best Wishes: Janice & Larry Babins; Judi & Herb Cooper; Carmen &
Andrei Horvath, and EmilLindi Rivers, In Appreciation: The Bohnen Family; Randi Garfi nkel
Nancy Ruth Educational FundSam Ruth, In Memory: Simone Alter; Jean Anshan; Sandy & Gordon Atlin; Janice
& Larry Babins; Ina & Steve Bauman; Frances Blugerman; Susan & Barry Borden; Sara & Rick Charney and Family; Shoshana Cole; Barbara & Richard Conway and Family; Esther Zeller Cooper & Morris Cooper; Clare & Monte Denaburg; Don Denaburg; Sarita Dotan; Susanne & Stuart Egier; Marilyn Farber; Barbara & Jeff Farber; Penny Fine & Hugh Furneaux; Myrna Freedman; Jeffrey Freedman; Bambi Katz Freireich & Al Freireich; Zita Gardner and Family; Randi & Alan Garfi nkel; Reva Gerstein; Etta Ginsberg McEwan; Gail & Gary Goodman; Mindy & Howard Goodman; Sybil & Dave Gordon; Kathy & Maurice Green; Constance & Milton Greenfi eld; Arlene & Cyril Gryfe; Jill Kamin & Murray Hart; Ellen Karabanow; Sydney & Richard Krelstein; Doreen & Joseph Kronick; Helene & Jack Kugelmass; Estelle Latchman; Lily Lee; Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson; Victor Marcus; Maxine & Harold Minden; Faye & Al Mintz; Gert & Bill Nyman; Judy Nyman & Harley Mintz; Lesley & Allan Offman; The Olsbergs; Sara Pachter; Ann & Gary Posen; Myrna & Stan Ross; Marlene & Robert Ruderman; Annalee & Brian Schnurr; Dee-Dee & Gary Shiffman; Sandy Shiner; Lesley Shore; Bea & Saul Sidlofsky; Gail & Barry Silver; Cynthia Silverman; Sheila & Bob Smolkin; Brenda Spiegler & Mark Anshan; Phyllis & Manny Spivak; Celia & Michael Stroh; Dora and Susan Track; Andrea Walker & Lawrence Crawford; Deborah Wolfe; Linda & Gordon Wolfe; Liz Wolfe & Paul Schnier; Rose Wolfson; Deborah Zemans & Daryl Gelgoot, and Eden and Erin
Shacharit FundAnna Berger, Yahrzeit: Paula Strasberg & Herbert HessBernard Berger, Yahrzeit: Paula Strasberg & Herbert HessMorton Ciglen, Yahrzeit: Toby & Gordon CiglenAnnette Cohen, Yahrzeit: Elise & Richard CohenMax Cohen, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles CohenRuth & David Cohen, Yahrzeit: Miriam & Malcolm KronbySaul Cohen, Yahrzeit: Sue & Lou DevorHenia Dermer, Yahrzeit: Clara EngleSydney Doctors, Yahrzeit: Sarita DotanKaty Geller, Yahrzeit: Sybil & Jack GellerEsther & Phillip Gorlicky, Yahrzeit: Fran & Murray EllisEthel Hebscher, Yahrzeit: Melodie Hebscher & Tom MarkowitzNorman Lerner, Yahrzeit: Julie & Larry Schwartz, and Joel and JonathanMortimer Louis Levy, Yahrzeit: Sybil & David GordonLarry Marder, Yahrtzeit: Toby & Gordon CiglenLillian & Israel Marder, Yahrtzeit: Toby & Gordon CiglenAudrey Markle, Yahrzeit: Julie Markle & Joel Mickelson, and Max and Jonah;
10 a.m. Mondays @ the Temple7 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew
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; Director of Education: Deborah K. Spiegel; Rabbi Emeritus: Dow Marmur; Senior Schol ar: 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 affi 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 call the Temple to access our up-to-date This Week @ Holy Blossom recording.
For Worship Services, please see page 2.
Tue. Apr. 25 27 Nisan
11.30 a.m. Advanced Hebrew
Wed. Apr. 26 28 Nisan
9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study12 p.m. Lunch and Learn in Retirement11 a.m. Yiddish Novel7.30 p.m. Brotherhood Open Meeting
Thur. Apr. 27 29 Nisan
9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Kallah7.30 p.m. Israeli Film Night8 p.m. Rosh Chodesh Celebration and Study (Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre)
9.30 a.m. Sisterhood Torah Study11 a.m. Yiddish Novel7 p.m. Bereavement Support Group
Thur. May 4 6 Iyar
10 a.m. Responsa Literature
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.
Contacts for Donations
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 Feb. 20, 2006.
Holy Blossom Temple 16
1950 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON M5P 3K9
Canada PostPublications Mail
Sales Agreement No. 40063407
by Rabbi Yael Splansky
Mixed blessings
LAST
WO
RD
On Feb. 12, 2006, the front page of the Sunday New York Times boasted an article entitled “Reform Jews hope
to unmix mixed marriages.” Once I got past the offensive headline, I was inter-ested to read about a shift in approach within the Reform Movement.
Intermarried couples have always been welcome into Reform synagogues, and we are most grateful to non-Jewish parents who are helping to raise Jew-ish children, so some were surprised to hear Rabbi Eric Yoffi e, the President of the Union for Reform Judaism, call for Reform synagogues to openly encour-age non-Jewish partners to convert to Judaism.
At the Reform Movement’s Confer-ence in November, Rabbi Yoffi e said that by welcoming gentile spouses, Re-form congregations have “perhaps sent the message that we do not care if they convert. But that is not our message.” This announcement may be alarming
to some because it sounds like non-Jew-ish spouses will no longer be respected for their choices, and worrisome to others because it sounds like Judaism is becom-ing a proselytizing religion, but I applaud Rabbi Yoffi e’s challenge.
He calls for an open and honest dia-logue. Some interfaith couples avoid the hard conversations for as long as possible, or spend years of heartache at holiday seasons, life-cycle events and family oc-casions. Moreover, out of respect for privacy, many rabbis are timid about initiating a conversation about how they might be a useful resource to interfaith couples. And so we dance around the is-sues in a way that is not helpful. Worst of all, in the absence of real dialogue, syna-gogues may even send a hurtful message that interfaith couples should pretend to be something they are not.
Three years ago I offered a discussion-based class, “Mixed Blessings.” No two participating couples have taken the same road since then, but each one felt better equipped to make some decisions. For four Monday evenings this June,
all interfaith couples are invited to join me to consider what Judaism could mean for them as individuals and as couples, as well as what it could mean for their families. We will look at different models of success and provide a spring-board for the private conversations that will surely follow.
Throughout history, Jewish life has been sustained by two foci — the home and the synagogue — in partnership. Let’s replace the guilt or tentativeness, fear or shame with the honesty and sen-sitivity that are necessary for navigating any complex road.
Of course, if you would like to meet individually with a rabbi, our doors are always open to you.
In May 2003, I wrote a Last Word article about the Temple’s approach to interfaith couples, membership and life-cycle events. To read, please go to www.holyblossom.org, and click on “Publications/Archives.” Un-der “Bulletins,” click on “May 2003” and go to the last page. Or call Cynthia Silver-man (ext. 276), at the Temple for a copy.
Rabbi Yael SplanskyMondays at 8 p.m., June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2006Articulating your expectations and beliefs, managing the extended families, fostering a clear religious identity in your children — these are some of the complexities we will think through together. For more details or to register, please call Cynthia Silverman (ext. 276), at the Temple or e-mail [email protected].
Mixed Blessings:Mixed Blessings: a mini-course for interfaith couples
