Nisan - Sivan 5776 April - June 2016 Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am An Egalitarian Conservative Community Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Shabbat Shalom שבת שלוםTHE WINDOW החלוןTHE WINDOW is published by Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am 55 Yeomans Road, Toronto, ON, M3H 3J7 Telephone: 416.633.5500 Fax: 416.633.1740 Web: www.bethdavid.com See page 9 for Service Times See photos of BETH DAVID’S 2ND ANNUAL MISHLOAH MANOT PROJECT Page 23 The multiplicity of Haggadah options reflects the hold that Passover has upon us. Rabbi Philip S. Scheim Our Golf Tournament Tuesday June 28 th see back page From the Rabbi 3 | From the President 4 From the Executive Director 5 | From the Cantor 6 Ritual Matters 8 - 9 | Service Times 9 | Adult Education 10 - 11 Sisterhood 12 | Brotherhood 13 | Club Chaverut 14 Families 15 | Youth 16 - 17 | Shinshinim 18 | Our Congregation 29 - 32 “
Transcript
Nisan - Sivan 5776 April - June 2016
Beth David B’nai Israel Beth AmAn Egalitarian Conservative Community
Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
T H E W I N D O W i s p u b l i s h e d b y B e t h D a v i d B ’ n a i I s r a e l B e t h A m 5 5 Y e o m a n s R o a d , T o r o n t o , O N , M 3 H 3 J 7
A Cabaret NightBeth David celebrates music of the 60’s
in its 60th year
with Cantor Marshall Loomer
Monday May 30th 7:30 pm
Admission: $18Register at www.bethdavid.com or call the office at (416) 633 5500
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One of my most precious Pesah memories takes me back forty
years to Jerusalem, when I was hosted for Seder by my Hebrew University Midrash Professor, the late Dr. Yonah Fraenkel. Professor Fraenkel’s father-in-law was the eminent scholar of the Haggadah, Professor Daniel Goldschmidt. The Goldschmidt Haggadah, a primary go-to-source for any serious student of the Haggadah, of course was the Haggadah of choice at the Fraenkel Seder table. Throughout the very lengthy Seder, Professor Fraenkel kept asking his young children, all of whom were intently perusing their grandfather’s edition of the Haggadah,
“Ma omer Sabba? – What does Zayde say?”I am amazed, year in and year out, by the number of new Haggadot that enter the Judaic marketplace. Over the years I have collected numerous Haggadot that represent a wide-range of commentary, perspective and style. Some, like the Goldschmidt Haggadah, are scholarly, comparing variant versions of the traditional text. Some offer classical rabbinic commentaries, others choose more contemporary sources. Some are artistic masterpieces, presenting classical or modern artistic renditions of the Seder ritual. Others offer Hassidic interpretation, from the Ba’al Shem Tov, to the Lubavicher Rebbe, to Shlomo Carlebach. Some offer illuminating historical commentary and compelling graphics, such as The Schechter Haggadah, edited by our own Rabbi David Golinkin. Others are themed on the Shoah, or the
emergence of the State of Israel. Some are whimsical, including The Hasty Haggadah (for those in a hurry to complete the Seder) and The Baseball Haggadah (for those more focused on the Blue Jays than the Exodus). Others, such as The New American Haggadah, are edgy, balancing various twenty-first century views of the world. Why so many Haggadot? After all, there are far fewer versions of the Shabbat Siddur, the High Holiday Mahzor available for purchase. Why, in those instances, do we only have a couple of dozen editions from which to choose, while, in the case of the Haggadah, many hundreds of choices lie before us?The multiplicity of Haggadah options reflects the hold that Passover has upon us. As distant as many of our people may be from Jewish tradition, something, in most instances, draws us to the Seder table. Not all Seders will last as long as the one I experienced in Jerusalem 40 years ago – some may even be measured more in minutes than in hours. But something brings our people, in very large percentages, to that table, to connect, or perhaps, to reconnect to that which speaks to the Jewish heart. Maybe it is the focus on children, the bond that brings together the generations in the Seder ritual, that makes the nights of the Seder so special. Maybe it is the collection of unusual symbols that we taste, that bring back so many memories of Seders past, that lead us back to the Pesah table. Maybe it is the matzah, about which we all complain, that we need to revive our Jewish souls. Maybe it
is the wine-stains on the pages of the old Haggadot passed through the generations of our families that strengthen our connection to the past, or even tear stains that reflect the nahas felt by grandparents when their grandchildren chant the MahNishtanah, or those shed by family members missing their loved ones no longer with them at the Seder table.Maybe it is a combination of all these reasons or many more that make the Seder so special, and that seed the motivation to continually reinvent the Haggdah, to insure that it remains an active ingredient in our Jewish journey. Whichever Haggadot make it to our Seder tables, be it the least expensive yellow and red Goldberg edition or the most elaborate illuminated edition, or something in between
– may those Haggadot that once again we will be privileged to hold, remind us of our fortune and our responsibility in inheriting so precious a legacy.
“ The multipl icit y of Haggadah options ref le c ts the hold that Passover has
up on us.
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From the President
Barry LevinePresident
“Please join me in offering Anita and her family a warm welcome to Beth David.
I’m pleased to announce that after a thorough search, we’ve hired a new Executive Director.
Anita Bloom joins us from Ottawa where most recently she was the Executive Director of The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre. Prior to her position at the Forge, she held roles as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Soloway Jewish Community Centre and as Executive Director of Agudath Israel Congregation, among other roles. So Anita comes to us with significant prior experience in the non-profit sector combined with longstanding involvement in the Jewish Community. Please join me in offering Anita and her family a warm welcome to Beth David. We look forward to many years of success and celebration in our community. I mentioned in my last article that the Rabbi, Andy Pascoe and I attended the USCJ Convention in late November. It was interesting to meet lay leaders from other synagogues in North America to hear about our common challenges. Declining interest in Conservative congregations is one of those challenges and there was much discussion on how to address this issue and the resultant impact on revenues. We attended a number of sessions on financial sustainability, transformation, new member growth and millennial engagement, among other topics.
Some of the highlights of our learning included:
• The prevailing wisdom is that 20% of operating budgets will need to come from endowments by 2025. This means we need to be looking at a balance of funding among dues, annual campaigns and planned giving. Members are at different life stages and have different priorities, so funding opportunities need to reflect this.
• Congregations are experimenting with a wide variety of dues models, including voluntary and transactional based models. The sustaining dues model that we introduced a couple of years ago is one of many variations. Look for us to fine tune the model as we move forward.
• Teen and millennial engagement is high on the priority list for many congregations. Future membership growth is dependent on finding more creative ways to engage these demographics. However, it is recognized that these demographics will not contribute significantly to revenue in the near future. Congregations will need to focus more attention on the baby-boom generation as well as those in their 40s and 50s.
• A number of congregations have implemented alternative Shabbat services as a way to attract a wider demographic of Jewish families. The idea is that people want choices and they want to daven in different ways. The key is to bring all the members together for a good Kiddush or lunch as a single community.
• A few congregations have embarked on bold transformations, including reinventing pre-schools and Hebrew schools as gateways for new membership, or creating co-ops with other congregations and Jewish institutions. In the words of one session leader, “we have to be willing to bet the farm because we are going to lose our institutions anyway.” In other words, it will be necessary to take risks to create a viable future.
Inspired by some of the ideas from the conference, and to help us future-proof our congregation, the Management Committee has started to develop a vision of what our congregation could be in three to five years. We are still in the “dream big” phase of this exercise, but in the coming months we will be formulating specific plans for discussion with the Board, and in due course, with Members.In May, Lisa and I will be attending the inauguration of Rabbi Scheim as International President of the Rabbinical Assembly in New York. Our congregation should be proud to have our Rabbi in such a prestigious role. Please join me in wishing him success in this endeavor.
Last month I moved from Ottawa to Toronto, a new city,
a new home, and into a new job – eager to "seamlessly" adapt to a new life. Each of these life events is significant and each one can be a significant stressor -- never mind all of them at once! I realize too, there is rarely such a thing as "seamless" change.
However, what I quickly discovered since I arrived at Beth David, is that it only takes one warm
“welcome,” one kind “hello!” or one genuine embrace to help ease these stresses, to calm the fears they engender, allowing me to begin to see how the seams of this
“not-so-seamless" transition might actually meet and create a new extraordinary and inviting pattern.
Rather than one “welcome”, “hello” or embrace, the whole Beth David family has welcomed me and has shown me something about belonging.
I already understand and feel how the ruach of this congregation is the core of this Shul.I have already witnessed how the dedication and passion of volunteers weaves itself into every program that is offered at Beth David.
This breath of life is further extended through the personal greeting, handshake or hug that every person receives as they enter the Shul on Shabbat morning, and through the special relationship the clergy has with each member.
I have quickly come to realize the important role of those who selflessly devote their time, expertise and dollars to ensure that the operational and functional needs of our aging physical structure is quietly yet efficiently maintained.I am keenly aware that this Shul is more than just a building; it is not simply a new boiler or a new coat
of paint; it is basically all of us who come together to make this kehilla what it is today. 60 years later it is a place where everyone can and will continue to feel welcome and at home.Thank you for the privilege of welcoming me into your family and inviting me into your home.
“ I a m ke enl y awa re that this Shul is more than just a building; it is not simply a new
boiler or a new coat of paint; it is basically all of us who come together to make this kehilla what it is today.
Philip S. Scheim - Rabbi Marshall Loomer - Cantor | Michael Rubin - Ritual Director
Anita Bloom - Executive DirectorBarry Levine - President
Steven Risenman - Vice President, Finance and AdministrationAndy Pascoe - Vice President, Programming and RitualMadeleine Sarick - Vice President, House and Property
Allan Sheps - SecretaryJerry Paskowitz - Treasurer
David Bienstock - Past PresidentSteven Risenman - Brotherhood President
Lisa Levine - Sisterhood President Greg Tugg - Chairman of the Board
Helene Jacobs, Administrative Assistant Lauren Weinberg, Programme Director
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From the Cantor
It seems that whenever I mention to someone that Pesach is
approaching, the answer is always OY! so much cleaning, so much cooking!We all have different minhagim for Pesach. How much matzah, maror, and wine do you have to consume at a seder? And, after you eat and drink all that, how can you possibly stuff matzah ball soup, chicken, brisket, potatoes and at least two desserts into our tummies at such a late hour.I remember as a child, never wanting to eat the afikoman, because my father said, once you eat it, you can’t eat anymore for the rest of the night. Actually, afikoman is really supposed to be the last thing you taste for the night. How would I be able to eat another pesach jelly candy or coconut marshmallow if I ate the afikoman. So I would hide it away until I went to bed. That of course is wrong, but oh well.I’m sure all of you have your silly heartwarming stories from your sedarim. That your Auntie Libby drank wine from the cup after singing Vehi, Sheamda, even though we all know that you don’t drink then. Or your Uncle Shale who felt the need to polish off the kos Eliyahu at the end of the night for good luck!So, how much wine should you drink for each of the four cups, (arba kosot)?The answer is that the cup must be filled with one reviit. Some follow the practice that if the cup is larger, then you must drink one reviit from it but you must fill the cup all the way. Others follow that you must drink the whole cup even if it’s larger, therefore they use a cup that holds one reviit. What’s a reviit anyway????
A reviit is a kebaytza and a half. What’s a kebaytza????? A kebaytza means the size of an egg. A kebatyza is 55 cc, or according to the Chazon Ish, it’s 100 cc.How much matzah must you eat after you say the Bracha, Al Achilat Matzah at the seder?A kezayit. What is a kezayit???? A kezayit means literally, the size of an olive. But some olives can be quite big! For instance, I bet if I asked you to eat a piece of sponge cake the size of a kezayit, it would be a BIG PIECE!.There are many different customs. However most follow the practice of eating a kezayit of matzah and since the size of an egg hasn’t changed since the time of Chazal, I think that speaks for itself. Many, however feel that you should eat a whole matzah board within three minutes, unless you are elderly, then a half board. And some follow that the baal- seder, (the seder leader) should eat two kezayit, therefore two boards. All I can say to that is, DAYEINU!After the seder meal, how many of you actually read the rest of the Haggadah? I find more and more that people are abandoning the last half of the Haggadah. That’s the best part! Try not to miss out on all the singing in Hallel and all the songs afterwards. I have a proposal for you if you aren’t able to keep the children up past their bed time, sing a few of the songs during the meal so that the seder songs that the children learn in school are part of the seder. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the front door when you open it up to let Eliyahu in. One year a black cat ran into our home from the neighbourhood. It’s funny how he happened to know right where the refrigerator was as he stood their demanding his share of gefilte fish.
The seder is a great opportunity to share stories not only about freedom and our exodus from Egypt, but also about our own personal history. Share stories about your parents and bubbies and zaydies so that the next generation will know about how they also once led the seders and how they would chant the Haggadah and how no one made Pesach lokshen like your great grandmother. All of these stories bridge our generations. They also give us the added mitzvah of Kabed et Avicha Ve'et Imecha, honouring our parents all the days of our lives. Let us remember those who once were not free as we are today, and those who were unable to have a seder during times of affliction and let us rejoice in story and song as we recall that “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt,” If the Holy One blessed be He, had not brought forth our ancestors from Egypt, then we and our children, and our children’s children, would still be enslaved.Chag Kasher V’ Sameach.A kosher and joyous Pesach to all of you and your families.
“ Let us remember those who once were not free as we are today, and those who
were unable to have a seder during t imes of affl ict ion
Marshall’s Brisket Recipe
One single brisketIn a bowl, mix together, 1 pkg onion soup mix, 2 cups Ketchup, 1/3 cup bbq sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 8 oz of ginger ale. Pour over brisket and cook at 325° for 3 hours. Slice when cool.
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Beth David & Beit Halochem CanadaAre looking for Host Families & Co-Host Families
to participate in this year’s
ANNUAL GROUP VISITJune 2-June 16, 2016
Beth David is proud to host theannual Beit Halochem Breakfast and City Tour.
“Adopt” an Israeli veteran for those two weeks andenrich the experience for a wounded hero and your family together.
Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity!Call 905-695-0611 or email [email protected] for more information.
A Community Commemorative Service at Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am
Sunday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Yom Hashoah 10th Annual Public Reading of
Megillat Hashoah: The Shoah Scroll
What befell the people Israel in Nazi Europe...defies description. Untold numbers were forced out of their homes, torn from their families, trampled in the dust, worked to death. ...Countless trains stuffed with human cargo sped to the camps, where from chimneys smoke ascended to God.
Megillat Hashoah 1:8-9,13
...Never will I be able to forget, and never will I have the power to understand....For these do I weep...for those who sanctified God’s name
and the name of the people of Israel, refusing to be subdued, fighting to the death...for boys and girls whose youth was stolen from them. Megillat Hashoah 5:13,15
13th
Thursday, May 5 at 7:30 PM
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Annual Pesach Chanting of Shir HaShirim
As we have done in recent years, we shall once again read the appropriate Megillah during the seasonal Festival,
Shir HaShirim for Pesah. Please join us on Shabbat evening, Hol HaMo’ed Pesah, April 30th at 8:00 PM for this musical
event. We have had more chanting participants in recent years and if you might be interested in taking on
2-3 verses to be offered in the special Festival Megillah trope, please contact Michael Rubin as soon as possible
for your assignment.
Y i s h a r K o ' a c h t o o u r M e g i l l a h C h a n t e r s !
Unbelievably, we succeeded in increasing the number of chanters this year yet again! No fewer than 66 from our community participated in this annual "chantorama"! Many were veteran Megillah readers, but 25 took part for the first time in what we hope will be the beginning
Tanach Reading Opportunity CornerThis corner is for those who would like to read Torah or a Haftarah in general, but also especially for anyone who might like to mark the anniversary of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration or Wedding Aufruf by reading from the same portion chanted on that special occasion. You will find here a list of coming Shabbatot & Festivals when there is no Simcha taking place at our Synagogue, meaning the Haftarah and any Torah reading is open to our members. If you are interested, please contact Michael Rubin directly by email – [email protected] – and confirm your chanting assignment!Also, we would like to update our records of when your Bar/Bat Mitzvah took place. Please email Michael Rubin with details – Gregorian date and Parashah. We look forward to hearing you relive the excitement of that special day, however many years ago!
Shabbat / Festival Parashah Haftarah TorahShabbat April 23 Pesach I Available AvailableSunday April 24 Pesach II Available AvailableFriday April 29 Pesach VII Available AvailableShabbat May 7 Acharei Mot Available AvailableShabbat May 21 Emor Available AvailableShabbat June 4 BeHukkotai Available AvailableShabbat June 11 BeMidbar Available AvailableSunday June 12 Shavuot I Available AvailableMonday June 13 Shavuot II Available AvailableShabbat June 18 Nasso Available AvailableShabbat June 25 BeHa’alotecha Available AvailableShabbat July 2 Shelach Lecha Available AvailableShabbat July 9 Korach Available AvailableShabbat July 16 Hukkat Available AvailableShabbat July 23 Balak Available AvailableShabbat July 30 Pinchas Available AvailableShabbat August 6 Mattot-Mas’ei Available AvailableShabbat August 13 Devarim – Hazon Available AvailableSunday August 14 Tish’ah b’Av – Morning Available AvailableSunday August 14 Tish’ah b’Av – Evening Available AvailableShabbat August 20 VaEtchanan – Nachamu Available AvailableShabbat August 27 Eikev Available AvailableShabbat September 3 Re’eh – Rosh Hodesh Available AvailableShabbat September 17 Ki Teitzei Available AvailableShabbat October 1 Nitzavim Available Available
Re
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CandleLighting
Friday Evening
Saturday Evening
Sunday to Thursday
Ritual matters SYNAGOGUE SERVICE TIMES April – June 2016
April 8 – 14 7:35 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:45 PM
April 15 – 21 7:43 PM 6:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:45 PM
April 22 – 30 SEE PASSOVER SCHEDULE in Rabbi’s Insert
May 1 – 5 7:00 PM
May 6 – 12 8:08 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 7:00 PM
May 13 – 19 8:16 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 7:00 PM
May 20 – 26 8:23 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 7:00 PM
May 27 – June 2 8:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 7:00 PM
June 3 – 9 8:36 PM 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 7:00 PM
MORNINGS: Sundays 8:30 AM | Shabbat 9 AM | Monday – Friday 7 & 8 AMSPECIAL MORNINGS:Friday, April 22 Siyyum Bechorim 7:00 AM ONLYMonday, April 25 – Thursday, April 28 Hol HaMo’ed Pesach 7:30 AM ONLYMonday, May 23 Victoria Day 8:30 AM ONLY
The sound system for the Torah reading table has been enhanced by a generous donation in memory of Jerry Goldberg by his loving family.
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Adult Education
ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE SPRING PROGRAMS
• Participate • Learn • GrowAll programs require registration. For updates, please check the weekly Shabbat Shalom,
the Beth David website at www.bethdavid.com or refer to the electronic board in the shul lobby.
SATURDAY 2 After services Shabbat Sidra Luncheon SUNDAY 10 7:30 PM Alex Gropper 'Reminiscing on 40 years in the field'
TUESDAY 10 7:30 PM A Sephardi Journey - a book review with Sarah Carlen THURSDAY 19 7:30 PM Canadian Institute for Jewish Research - speaker Prof Jim Diamond SATURDAY 21 After services Shabbat Sidra Luncheon MONDAY 30 7:30 PM Beth David celebrates music of the 60's - a cabaret night with Cantor Marshall Loomer
Classes
Shabbat Sidra Luncheons
Led by members of the congregation following morning services.
Each session will include both lunch and a discussion of the Torah and Haftarah portions of the day.
DATE PARASHAT PRESENTERSApril 2, 2016 Shemini Brian Hochman May 21, 2016 Emor Amit Bitnun June 18, 2016 Nasso Michael Rubin
Yiddish Literature and LanguageSelf-Study Program
MONDAYS: 10:00 - 11:00 AMBeginners are welcome.
Cost: $12 Weekly studies
with Norman ShelsonMONDAYS: Parashah of the week in summary
(beginners welcome)
TUESDAYS: Current events with emphasis on IsraelFrom 9:10 - 10:00 AM following morning services
AT A GLANCE
APRIL
MAY
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Adult Education
Lectures
Maimonidean Messianianism:
A Rational Blueprint for Zionism
speaker Professor Jim Diamond Canadian Institute for Jewish Research (CIJR)
Beth David celebrates music of the 60’s in its 60th year
a cabaret night with Cantor Marshall Loomer
Monday, May 30, 2016 7:30 PM
Cost $18
Please refer to the inside cover for more information.
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This is the last Window article I will be writing as Sisterhood President. My mandate was originally for two
years, but a third was added, as finding the right person to step up to the presidential position was not easy. This last year we weathered some differences in our programming schedule, including the postponements of our annual Fashion Show and wine tasting. My congratulations to Ruth Shapiro for accepting the position of Sisterhood President. Ruth has been an active Sisterhood member since before I joined, and is a very active synagogue member. My thanks to Jean Bernholtz for working on the 2016-2018 board slate, and putting together the installation program. I would also like to thank my board members for the past three years, and all Sisterhood members for providing me with the guidance and experience I required. Keep coming to Sisterhood programs, and as always we welcome your input.Every year at this time my Window article has given you a taste of our family’s Passover food delight. I started with apple cake, added lasagna last year, and will finish up with the favourite side dish of the Seder, Cranberry-Pineapple Kugel.Here it is!
Hag Pesach Sameach, Lisa Levine Beth David Sisterhood President
Sisterhood
Lisa LevinePres ident“ My congratulations to Ruth Shapiro for accepting the
position of Sisterhood President.
Project Linus
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about our Beth David Sisterhood Craft Group. We have contributed almost 2600 blankets and quilts to Project Linus. We have not counted the hats, scarves and mitts donated to Ve’ahavta and other organizations that distribute them to people living in less than minimum situations.In early December 2015, I took the opportunity to nominate the two women who oversee Project Linus for a CBC Toronto volunteer award. Although my friends, Rona Kleiman and Diana Delic, did not get the final award, there was a wonderful result from this nomination. One of the listeners explained Project Linus to her 8-year old daughter and contacted Rona to ask if her daughter and her grandmother could contribute a blanket. Of course, Rona accepted the offer and a few days later, Rona (and Project Linus) received a fleece blanket with an appliqued seasonal theme to be taken to the Hospital for Sick Children. What a wonderful result from one phone call, several years of work and the spirit of Tikun Olam!
Respectfully submitted, Noreen Kasman
Sisterhood’s upcoming programs for April, May and June are as follows:
Richard Rabkin, Managing Director at COR
Andrea Shugar, Board Certified Genetic Counsellor, Hospital for Sick Children
Installation of the 2016-2018 Sisterhood Board featuring Joanna Reynolds and Rob Thailer Jazz Duo
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May 10
Jun14
Cranberry-Pineapple Kugel!Bottom layer: Top Layer:4 cups Matzah Farfel 4 large eggs1/3 cup sugar ½ cup sugar1 tsp cinnamon ½ cup oil1 can cranberry sauce ¼ cup potato starch2/3 cup oil 20 ounce can pineapple (crushed) and drainedSpray a 10 inch springform pan well. Mix bottom ingredients and press into pan.Whisk eggs and sugar. Add oil, potato starch and pineapple. Pour over base.Bake 350 degrees for 50 minutes (put the springform pan on a cookie sheet as it will leak)!
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Sisterhood
I am sure we have all been enjoying this unusually mild winter,
especially compared to last year's frigid temperatures. While your Brotherhood has always stressed warmth that is provided to all when participating in our events and programs, it would be premature to take credit for affecting the weather patterns. In light of this, I want all male members of our synagogue to know that joining your Brotherhood helps to strengthen our efforts to become a vital piece in ensuring our stature not only within our local community but on a national scale as well. Our extremely capable and innovative Programming committee has produced some very successful and entertaining programs that continue to show steady and increased attendance and participation. I want to thank them for their tireless efforts in presenting interesting and provocative programs that challenge our minds and entertain our souls. On December 6, 2015 we presented a special Hanukkah musical brunch with the Thaller Family featuring Joanna Reynolds. Not only was the food delicious but the overflow crowd thoroughly enjoyed themselves and danced the afternoon away. The Thaller Family’s unique blend of traditional Klezmer mixed with Gershwin and Bruno Mars proved to be a tremendous and entertaining success for all who attended. Our program on January 10, 2016, featured Jory Vernon, a Senior Educator at CHAT, speaking about “Arab Initiatives to conquer Jerusalem”. One can tell how successful an educational program has been by the number of questions from the audience and the number of people who stay after the presentation to converse with the speaker. In this case almost everyone who attended remained to speak with Jory after his presentation as they did for our World Wide Wrap speaker in February. Our annual World Wide Wrap program, held on February 7, 2016 and organized by our extremely capable World Wide Wrap Chairman – Steven Baker – was very well received by
a large group of attendees. Rachel Urowitz enlightened a large crowd, with a description of Israel’s Hidden Treasures - Exciting and Interesting Places You May Not Have Seen or Known About. While many at the presentation had visited Israel over the years, there were several places that Rachel discussed that will provide an incentive to revisit Israel to see these places. Due to efforts of our past two World Wide Wrap Chairmen – Aaron Daniels and Steven Baker – attendance at the annual event has increased not only for the presentation but for the prayer services preceding. Our annual Shoah Candle program has begun and will continue until Yom Hashoah which begins on the evening of Wednesday May 4, 2016. Shoah candles are now available to everyone and can be obtained from the table in the synagogue lobby, from Motzei Shabbat to Erev Shabbat each week. Please join us by picking up a Yom Hashoah package and participating in this very distinctive program, which encourages our present and future generations to honour and remember the millions of lives that were tragically destroyed during the Shoah. A portion of Shoah candle proceeds is given to support Magen David Adom in Israel, which provides emergency medical services and saves lives in Israel every day.We have also had two very successful programs over the past few weeks. Our annual Brotherhood Shabbat was held on March 26, 2016, with this year's theme being “Shoah candles”. A large number of your Brotherhood members participated by leading services and chanting Torah and Haftarah portions. We had a speaker on Shabbat morning who spoke about the history of the Shoah Candle and how your Brotherhood has been instrumental, not only in its initiation but in growing its stature to the annual event it has become today. The morning services were followed with a special enhanced Kiddush that was enjoyed by an overflow crowd of participants. The following Sunday March 27, 2016, a large crowd filled with young children, seniors and many
in between enjoyed “Fish the Magish”. He has presented at our synagogue before and was back by tremendous demand. Fish the Magish delighted the wide-eyed youngsters and the young at heart with his family comedy magic show and entire families from grandparents to parents and grandchildren were thoroughly entertained by Fish’s unique brand of magic.As Spring approaches, we have several upcoming and exciting programs to entertain our audiences. In May, we will be having a special presentation discussing estate planning. On Sunday August 14, 2016, we will have our annual visit to the Rogers Center to cheer on our Blue Jays, who, after last year's dramatic playoff run, are a realistic contender for the World Series. Our past four annual visits produced four Blue Jay victories, including last year's spectacular comeback win, so please join us this year for win number five. Tickets for this event are very popular and we have sold out in the past so please contact Peter Reynolds, Richard Long or myself for tickets as early as possible. Details for these events will follow so please watch your weekly Shabbat Shalom for additional information. I want to extend a thank you to Faye Major, Helene Jacobs, Thanuja Perera, Robyn Zajac-Cooper, Jeev Logan and Anita Bloom, for all their assistance in ensuring all our Brotherhood programs have been, are and will continue to be successful.If you have any suggestions for programs, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am pleased to have all of you as members and look forward to seeing you at upcoming Brotherhood events.On behalf of the Risenman family, I want to wish everyone a Happy and Kosher Pesach.
Steven RisenmanPres ident“ As Spring approaches, we have several
upcoming and exciting programs to enter tain our audiences.
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"A CHORUS LINE" - Stratford Festival Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Members $95.00 Non-Members $100.00
"CRAZY FOR YOU" - Capitol Theatre, Port Hope Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Members $60.00 Non-Members $65.00
"MAMMA MIA" - Capitol Theatre, Port Hope Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Members $60.00 Non-Members $65.00
Phone: Leona Eligberg, 905-881-6343 or Ruth Shapiro, 905-771-1893 (All prices include Bus Transportation)
Members: $7.00 Non–members: $10.00
RSVP to Rose Haspel at 905 764 8141 by April 4, 2016
Sunday April 10, 2016 2:30 PM
Beth David Synagogue, Ganz Family Social Hall“An AFTERNOON of GILBERT and SULLIVAN”
Club Chaverut presents The Gilbert and Sullivan Concert Group
in an afternoon of beautiful melodies and witty lyrics.
Members: $7.00 Non–members: $10.00
RSVP to Rose Haspel at 905 764 8141 by May 9, 2016
Sunday May 15, 2016 1:30 PM
Beth David Synagogue, Ganz Family Social Hall “The ARK of the COVENANT”
Club Chaverut presents an illustrated lecture by
Dr. David Lipovitch, noted archeologist and lecturer.
Members: $7.00 Non–members: $10.00
RSVP to Annette Ross at 416 635 8910 by June 8, 2016
Sunday June 26, 2016 1:30 PM
Beth David Synagogue, Ganz Family Social Hall “The FOUR SKULLCAPS”
Club Chaverut presents The Four Skullcaps in a blend of traditional Hebrew,
Yiddish and English melodies.
Theatre Trips - Summer 2016
Club Chaverut
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Club Chaverut
Friday, May 27th, 2016
Spring is in the air! Passover is here and the committee
members with the help of our fabulous Program director, Lauren Weinberg, are working diligently to bring you more amazing programs. I hope that everyone has been enjoying our events. The Hanukkah party this past December, where people young and old danced and filled their faces with sufganiot, and Shabbat Unplugged where families enjoyed board games, stimulating speakers, schmoozing, and of course lots of food, are two highlights.Our Yedidim, Kadima, and USY kids were busy with many fun activities including snow tubing, a laser tag overnight here at the shul, a special shabbaton to Detroit, International Convention in Baltimore, old school game days and sundaes, decorating school bags for Save a Child’s Heart, rock climbing, and volunteering in various projects around the shul. For our tots and toddlers, we hosted a twilight Teddy Bear Havdallah with lots of yummy treats, sing-a-longs and interactive story time. Cantor Loomer was voted best dressed in his P.J.s! Our annual Purim Carnival was celebrated with massive inflatable activities (the jousting was a hit!), carnival games, a delicious BBQ, hamentaschen, the best loot bags in the city and a fabulous megillah reading as always. We also featured a brand new pre-megillah concert program by Oozakazoo for young families. As always, thank you to Lauren for planning the event and the volunteers for their support. Purim was fantastic and we were so delighted to see so many of you there!
Every week at Beth David we have amazing programs for our elementary to high school aged kids. Our Pre B’nai Mitzvah kids at Shabbat’s Cool have a great time with games, stories and snacks lead by Sharon and Hailey. Teens post B’nai Mitzvah continue to be engaged at Teen Talks with leaders Alana Bernick and Aaron Swartz, where topics pertaining to Judaism and the Jewish community are explored. Once a month they invite inspiring guest speakers to present and lead discussions. Some upcoming speakers include the Jewish Genealogical Society of Toronto, and the Executive Director of Ve’ahavta!Please keep an eye out for many more upcoming programs that the committee is working on, especially for toddlers and young families. Also, look out for flyers for our upcoming programs including Yom Hazikaron, Yom Hashoah and Yom
Haatzmaut with our Shinshinim Noa and Itay. Save the date for our annual Shabbat dinner Friday, May 27th featuring a very special guest speaker!The Families Committee is always welcoming new Mommies, Daddies, Bubbies and Zadies to come out and bring fresh ideas to our dynamic shul programming, as well as participating in bringing programs to life. You can email me at [email protected] with suggestions and ideas and as always let me know if you are interested in taking on a role within the committee!On behalf of the Committee members thank you for attending our programs and don’t be shy! We are one big Beth David family.
Carla Affe-BienstockChair of Youth and Families Committee
Carla Affe Chair of Youth and Families Committee
Families
“ Please keep an eye out for many more upcoming programs that the committee is working on, especially
It's been almost 6 months since I left Toronto, and 3 and a half months since I joined the IDF. It's hard to explain how my life has changed in those months, but I want to share with you some of my experiences. My last Shabbat at Beth David was such a meaningful time. I remember thinking that there couldn't be a more peaceful and wonderful place to spend my Saturday morning. I remember thinking to myself how different the following Shabbat would be, where I'd be home in Israel, probably jet-lagged, with my friends and family whom I hadn't seen in so long. It was hard to leave Toronto, and still to this day there isn't a day
that passes without me thinking about my second home across the world. But still, I knew that I had to move on to the next chapter in my Israeli life, and join the IDF. I was drafted on November 18th, and started a 3 week long basic training in Uvda base, located near Eilat. If you haven't seen the beautiful colours of sunrise and sunset in the wintery Negev, I suggest you book the next flight to Israel and do it. It is one of the most beautiful scenes I've seen and every morning as I woke up it would remind me of how beautiful my country is. After basic training, I started a 6 week long course in Hatzerim base located near Beer Sheva, & began to study the basics of the flight world. I was introduced to a whole new world- how do planes fly? Why is it important to train on a simulator? I was surprised by how fast I became so invested in my studies. That's where my journey as a flight simulator instructor started. I finished the course with distinction & was sent to complete my training in Hatzor base, located near Ashdod. I have been here for a month, & though it's been hard, I am very excited to keep going & become an instructor within the next 8 months. The qualities and experiences that I have today are a result of the meaningful year I spent in Toronto- I have learned so much from all of you and hopefully I will be back & maybe learn some more. I'm sending my regards and my love to all of you, and wish you all a big Shabbat Shalom.
Yours, Gal, Shinshinit 2014-2015
“We warmly welcome tax deductible donations to offset the cost to Beth David of sponsoring our wonderful Shinshinim”. Please contact Karen Bernstein, [email protected] or the synagogue office to make a donation.
ShinshinimDear Friends:
I am writing to introduce 2 new initiatives that Beth David is undertaking with a view to maintaining and deepening our connection with our former Shinshinim. Firstly, I have written to all of our former Shinshinim and requested that they send me an update on their lives, including their experiences in the army, their studies, travels, jobs or whatever else they wish to share with our community. We plan to periodically feature an update on a different former Shinshin in the Shabbat Shalom as well as the Window.
Secondly, I would like to invite anyone travelling to Israel, individually, as a family, or in groups such as The March of the Living and Birthright, or for any other reason, to let me know. If you are interested, I would be happy to set up a meeting during your visit in Israel with one or more of our former Shinshinim. If you have other ideas as to how we can expand Beth David’s Israel Engagement initiatives, please be in touch at [email protected]. Best regards,Karen Bernstein, Lay Leader, Shinshinim Program
Our first update from a former Shinshin comes to us from Gal Fuchs, who was with us last year. Please enjoy and feel free to come to me with any questions or comments. I can be reached at [email protected].
ADVERTISE IN THE WINDOWCall Faye at Beth David Synagogue
for information and to place your ad.Full back page (colour) $750Full colour page $650 (Anywhere in book)Full Page black & white $400½ page $225¼ page $125
THE WINDOW החלוןB E T H D A V I D B ’ N A I I S R A E L B E T H A M
The Window Notice!!!The Window is published four times per year, in time for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Pesah and Shavuot, and distributed to all Beth David Members via mail and e-mail. In view of the increasing cost of printing and recent hikes once again in Canada Post rates, we will deliver the Rosh Hashanah Window and Pesach Window via mail and e-mail, while the Hanukkah and Shavuot Window will be delivered only via e-mail. Copies of the Hanukkah and Shavuot Window will also be available in the Beth David lobby and at the office. Thank you for your understanding and support.
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Gift Giving Opportunities
Beth David Synagogue plans to offer Sign Language Services for the
high holy days in order to make our synagogue more welcoming to the hearing impaired community.
Sponsorship would be greatly appreciated.
Inscribe a BookHigh Holy Day Mahzor Lev Shalem $65.00 Minyan of Comfort $45.00 Weeday Siddur Sim Shalom $60.00
Sefer HaHaftarot Scroll Scribal Dedications
High Holy Days Haftarot $1800.00
Festival & Special Occasion Haftarot $1200.00
Dedication of Weekly Haftarot $900.00
Illumination of a Haftarah $613.00
Special Verse $360.00
Word $72.00
For additional Sefer HaHaftarot dedication opportunities, please contact Michael Rubin at
Cards To send a Get Well, Condolence, or Special Occasion card,
visit www.bethdavid.com or call the Beth David office, 416 633 5500 Ext. 28
Dedicate a Seat $720.00
What better way to honour a loved one or commemorate a special occasion
than by dedicating a pew in our sanctuary. The name you choose, be it your own,
that of a loved one, a parent, or a child will receive recognition
by way of an engraved name plate on one of the seats in the Sanctuary.
Support Beth David through any of these donation opportunities.A receipt for Income Tax purposes will be issued annually for all contributions of $18.00 and over.
Torah Sash $360.00
Charitable Registration No. 11880 4616 RR001Tree of Life $250.00A wonderful
way to honour someone special or to commemorate a special occasion is to purchase a “leaf” on
our beautiful “Tree of Life”
adorning the wall opposite the
coat check-room. There are many more
leaves available for your personal
inscriptions.
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Daughter of Laura Fisch &
Howard Simkevitz,Sister of Eden,
Granddaughter of Elaine & Frank
Simkevitz, Helen & Paul Fisch.
Son of Anne & Mike Cuttler,Brother of David Cuttler,
Grandson of Rae & Allan Goodman, Vera & Jerry Cuttler.
Jacob Cuttler
B’nai Mitzvah
Son of Shael and Julia Beckenstein,
Brother of Jonah and Justin,
Grandson of Hy & Myrna Beckenstein and
Eleanor Beckenstein z”l, Brian Goldstein and
Francine Schlessinger. Jacob Seth Beckenstein
Son of Avital Stopnicki & Essien Udokang
Brother of Eilat Assif-Stopnicki and
Ytai Stopnicki.
Daughter of Ron and Tamar Mechaly,
Sister of Liam and Danielle,Granddaughter of
Uri and Neria Mayer, Marc and Liora Mechaly.
Zoe Simkevitz
Eyal Udokang
Noa Mechaly Michael Stren
Son of Scott and Felicia Stren,Brother of Benjamin,
Jacqueline and Elizabeth,
Grandson of Rachel Snidman-Hersh,
Cynthia Stren and Stephen Stren z”l.
Daughter of Rachel & David Lane, Sister of Heather,
Granddaughter of Ruth & Mark Lane, and Bina Blumenfeld and
Leo Blumenfeld z"l.
Maya Lane
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Booking a simcha for 2017 - 2019!Do you have a son born in 2004 or a
daughter born in 2005?It's not too soon or too late to book your Bar/Bat
Mitzvah celebration. If you are looking for 2017 to 2019 bookings,
you can book your simcha now!Please contact Robyn Zajac-Cooper
Albert (Butch) and Joyce Binstock are happy to announce the birth of their Great Granddaughter,
an adorable girl, Janna Liv, second daughter to Tamara (Zur) and Will Hamilton,
big sister, Zoey Kate. Bubby and PopPop are Briana & Dan Zur.
Albert (Butch) and Joyce Binstock are also happy to announce the birth of their fifth Great Grandchild,
Ari Joseph. His parents are Elana (Zur) and Navin Chand. His Bubby & Zaydy are Briana and Dan Zur.
Sheldon and Cheryl Rudolph are pleased to announce the engagement
of their daughter, Carrie, to Dr. Michael Herman, son of Morrie Herman and
Eileen Bourret. Proud bubby is Ruth Rudolph.
A big thank you to all the
people who participated—members who
purchased baskets, as well
as those who volunteered their time to
assemble &
deliver!
A huge success and together
we raised over $9500 for our shul!
Make sure you are
a part of this Beth David community
project next year!
BETH DAVID’S 2ND ANNUAL MISHLOAH MANOT
PROJECT
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Milestone Birthdays
April 2016Lawford & Frances Harris Apr 8 65Jack & Roma Buchman Apr 13 61Evelyn & Coleman Bernstein Apr 15 63Bernard Ugar & Gloria Title Apr 17 35
May 2016Steven Hacker & Jennifer Lazar May 5 25David & Molly Bloom May 8 50Arlene & Lawrence Shessel May 11 30Ester & Isaac Ratz May 12 64Morris & Sonia Goldlust May 17 68Mark & Annette Mincer May 17 15Morrie & Eileen Herman May 18 30Jerry & Anita Sherman May 21 60Dara & Lorne Indig May 22 5Harold & Beverly Zacks May 24 55Sol & Bernice Layton May 25 64Erwin & Sylvia Epstein May 26 63Brian Goldenberg & Alisse Lee-Goldenberg May 28 10
June 2016Chaim & Jean Bernholtz Jun 1 61Irving & Doris Gruneir Jun 1 69Irving & Florence Koven Jun 1 62Elliott & Cheryl Ellison Jun 2 10Neil & Janna Press Jun 3 15Felicia Snidman-Stren & Scott Stren Jun 3 15Joseph & Rosalind Greenfield Jun 4 63Harry & Shirley Weiss Jun 5 61Ray & Shelley Shugar Jun 6 40Joe & Ida Nourani Jun 10 40Simon & Basha Kerbel Jun 11 66Robert & Faye Zeidman Jun 11 55Alan & Sherri Bell Jun 13 40Rosalyne & Alan Federman Jun 14 63Lawrie & Carol Manilla Jun 15 40Sharon & David Papernick Jun 15 10Libby & Harry Kraft Jun 16 63Albert & Joyce Binstock Jun 16 70Harry & Sara Gorman Jun 20 69Allan & Rae Goodman Jun 20 60Jack & Charlotte Muskat Jun 22 64Paul & Ann Dennis Jun 23 35Mark & Susan Kafka Jun 23 25Sidney & Leah Finkelstein Jun 26 61Ronald & Clarice Rosen Jun 27 62Barry & Teresa Applebaum Jun 27 45Ronald & Robin Perlmutter Jun 29 30Martin & Gloria Bernholtz Jun 30 35Jay & Janet Harris Jun 30 35Barry & Paula Sonshine Jun 30 45
Hebrew Culture of Canada Kronitz Memorial ScholarshipFor Post-Secondary Study in Israel
under the auspices of the Canadian Zionist Federation
The Canadian Zionist Federation and the Hebrew Culture of Canada are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Kronitz Memorial Scholarship for Study in Israel.
This scholarship program was created to assist young Canadian Jews to study in Israel, and to return to serve their local Jewish community. The scholarship is for the benefit of students who are accepted to study in Israel for at least one year in a post- secondary education program. Scholarships are awarded based on recommendations from current school officials and financial need. Deadline for applications is May 31, 2016To receive an application or for more information please email [email protected]
*Where From? Where To?
The jelly in our confinedbone structure tells us
that among creatures on theearth, we are the plus.
But if we think eonsand billion years
we can’t ever forget the cellfrom which we came.
That biochemical little balland we are still the same.
We wonder, fret about ourjourney’s direction.
How, why, where, when willmostly grab our attention,Belief and upbringing will
play a great role.We all will cry alone
at the end as we must.We know we’ll head not to
Heaven or Hell but to Mother Dust.
*
Micky’s CornerBy Miklos Emhecht
*
Aging
The years are flying by usSo terribly fast.
The moments of our dear present become the past.
No, we cannot hold back the fleeting seconds
that are racing into the bygone in a blur.
The older we get, the betterwe realize we were.
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“We mourn the loss of the following members of our congregational family and extend our sympathy and prayers
for comfort and consolation.”
In Memoriam
Esther Zeppieri, wife of Enio Zeppieri, mother of Jennel Zeppieri & Charles Korn, Justin Zeppieri, Jared Zeppieri and Jordan Zeppieri, sister of Mira & Robert Igel and Varda & Sam TuszynskiHoward Hacker, husband of Lisa Feld, father of Leslie, Oren and Sidney Hacker, brother of Steven Hacker & Jennifer LazarEsther Spring, wife of Louis Spring z”l, mother of Karen & Stephen TeppermanPaul Levin, husband of Bernice Levin, father of Ann & Paul DennisMildred Savlov, wife of Louis Savlov z”lMurray Sherr, husband of Betty SherrRenee Joseph, wife of Sam JosephShirley Zuckerbrot, wife of David Zuckerbrot z”l, mother of Julian Zuckerbrot & Sara Wolch-ZuckerbrotMervyn Stone, husband of Lynn StoneAnn Bernick, wife of Allen Bernick z”l, mother of Mark & Laurie BernickMarvin Gloven, husband of Karen Gloven, father of Jennifer, Meagan and StuartWilliam Shelson, husband of Charlotte Shelson z”l, father of Ken & Rosie Shelson, Lorne & Annette Shelson and brother of Norman Shelson and Jeanette Shelson z”l
Phillip Shron, brother of Van & Sonia ShronSteven Terrance Adler, brother of Bob Adler & Cheryl Shour-AdlerMeyer Ben Ben-Tzion, father of Brian HochmanMolly Daneman, sister of Belle YapheGertrude Grunhut, mother of Tom & Paula GrunhutThomas Barnett Levene, son of Lorraine Levene and Stanley Levene z”l, brother of Harley LeveneCantor Martin Rosenblum, father of Melanie Rosenblum & Howard AbrahamSarah Cohen, mother of Gary Cohen & Judy Hain-CohenAllan Zinman, father of Bram Zinman & Sharon SwartzFreda Urbas, sister of Ettie & Morris WosnickMyrtle Wise, sister of Dave & Ruth Solomon, sister-in-law of Mylene SolomonPhil Chasin, father of Diane & Howard ZweigMinnie Obuchowski, sister of Lou Meirovich and Sally Meirovich z”lStephen Cohen, brother of Gary Cohen & Judy Hain-Cohen
