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Holy Blossom Temple BulletinFebruary 2010| Shevat/Adar 5770
Worship: Ties to our living historyAmong the reasons why I choose to worship on a regular basis is my personal choice to fulfill the obliga-tion to do so, as well as my desire to thank and praise God. There are others.
We live in a frenetic world beset with difficult realities and within which all manner of things must (ostensibly) be dealt with immedi-ately. Attending Services gives me an opportunity to put things into perspective and to reflect.
Moreover, it provides — however briefly — a temporary escape from the external furor and allows me to forget an outside world that is all too often consumed by trivialities.
G e n e r AT i o n S o F j e W SA few years ago, I attended part of a Shabbat Service at Prague’s 750-year-
old Altneushul. In this syna-
gogue, the women’s
section is small and
confining. It would not be my syna-gogue of choice if I lived in Prague, but for those few moments, I found it very moving and somehow sensed the presence of countless generations of Jews who had prayed there and with whom we are inexorably linked.
What I experienced is an example of the bond I am aware of when worshipping; a bond to those who have gone before and to those yet unborn. Each of us stands in the long line of our people — a line that began with Abraham and Sarah and that will continue, God willing — for all eternity.
l i v i n G h i S T o r ySuch thoughts inevitably lead me to feelings of responsibility. When my grandmother left Poland for England in 1920, among the things she took with her was a machzor. Each year, before the High Holy Days, I take a moment to look at it. It is a reminder that we do not live in generational isolation, but are part of a living history and tradition we should be very proud of and have a responsi-bility to uphold and pass on.
n e W S i d d u rLater this year, our new prayer book — Siddur Pirchei Kodesh — will be published, and over the coming months you will hear more from our rabbis about this historic event in the life of Holy Blossom Temple.
My personal hope is that this siddur will help each of us strengthen our connection to the rich tradition of our people and, together with worship and ritual, be a vehicle through which we can pass that tradition on to our children and grandchildren.
— Sarita DotanChair, Department of Worship
Siddur Pirchei Kodesh
Holy Blossom’s newprayer book to be launched in the fall
2 w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
For more details about Holy Blossom Temple programming or events, or to confirm information, call (416) 789-3291 or
and
The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple generously supports many of these programs.
Life at Holy Blossom
M o n d Ay S
Mondays @ the Temple 10 a.m. | Rabbi Michael Stroh Feb. 22 | Annual Purim Party Mar. 1 | Dan Aronchick Mar. 8 |
Paula Warren and Ellen Karabanow Mar. 15 | Dr. Lauren Zelig Mar. 22
T u e S d Ay S
Brotherhood Photography Group 7.30 p.m. Feb. 16 and Mar. 23
W e d n e S d Ay S
Sisterhood Torah Study 9.30 a.m. | Rabbi Edward Goldfarb
The Yiddish Novel 11 a.m. | Rabbi Edward Goldfarb
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah 2009-2011 7.15 p.m.
Brotherhood Study Group: Pirkei Avot 7.30 pm. | Rabbi Michael Stroh, Mar. 3 to Apr. 7
Holocaust Responsa Literature 7.30 p.m. | Rabbi Karen Thomashow, Mar. 24
Bereavement Support Group 7 p.m. Apr. 14 to May 5, to register call ext. 246
T h u r S d Ay S
Beyond the Chuppah 7.30 p.m. | David & Eileen Berger, and Rabbi Yael Splansky Feb. 4 to Mar. 4, for details call ext. 246
Mussar — What Makes Life Jewish? 7.30 p.m. | Rabbi Chaim Strauchler Feb. 18 | Rachael Turkienicz Mar. 4
F r i d Ay S
Little Blossoms 9.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. Apr. 9 to June 25, for details call ext. 227
S AT u r d Ay S
Shabbat Torah Study 9 a.m. | Rabbi John Moscowitz
Jewish Spiritual Direction after kiddush | Michelle Katz Feb. 20 and Mar. 20, registration required
Havdallah Sports Night 6 p.m. Feb. 20
S u n d Ay S
Learning Liturgy through Singing Jewish Music 10 a.m. | Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner
Brotherhood Breakfast Club 9.30 a.m. | Sam Pikelin Feb. 14
YEAH: Pottery Painting for Passover 12.15 p.m. Mar. 7
Brotherhood Breakfast Club 9.30 a.m | Irene Borins Ash Mar. 14
Sunday Book Club 10.30 a.m. | Sharon Singer Mar. 21,Temple members only
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 | S h e v a t / A d a r 5 7 7 0 3
Purim and its meaning | In Perspective
by rabbi john [email protected]
The Bulletin is published throughout the year by Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K9. Telephone: (416) 789-3291; Fax: (416) 789-9697; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.holyblossom.org. Honorary President: John A. Geller; President: Larry Babins; Rabbis: John Moscowitz; Yael Splansky; Karen Thomashow; Edward Goldfarb; Cantor: Benjamin Z. Maissner; Cantorial Soloist: Lindi Rivers; Director of Education: Deborah K. Spiegel; Rabbi Emeritus: Dow Marmur; Senior Scholar: W. Gunther Plaut; Executive Director: Benjamin Applebaum; Holy Blossom Temple Foundation Chair: Elliott Jacobson; Director of Development: Adele Sacks; Bulletin Editor: Judy Nyman; Design and Production: nymanink.concepts that click
Holy Blossom Temple was founded in 1856 and is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism.
Worship
d A i ly S e r v i c e SMonday to Friday at 7.30 a.m. Shacharit | Monday to Thursday at 6 p.m. Ma’ariv | Sunday at 9 a.m. ShacharitOn Mon. Feb. 15, the Shacharit Service will be held at 9 a.m.
S h A b b AT S e r v i c e SFriday at 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat | Saturday at 10.30 a.m. Shabbat Morning and Family ShabbatTot Shabbat will be held on Fridays, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., Feb.19 at 5.30 p.m., Mar. 5 at 6 p.m. and Mar. 19 at 5.30 p.m. Shabbat Fusion will be held on Fridays, Feb. 26 and Mar. 26 at 6.30 p.m.
The best chroniclers and interpreters of Jewish history are those who accom-modate themselves to this peculiarity: Judaism — specifically, Sacred Scripture — possesses a primal obsession with history, while expressing minimal interest in the recording of specific events.
Very little interest in such things! Because history is not for the purpose of chronicling what happens, but rather to remember God’s salvific acts.
History, as Sacred Scripture views it, and as classical Judaism affirms, is about what God does — what Gods does to help Jews prevail, to learn, to know how to serve God. Sacred history, then, is more about what God does — than what Jews do.
One example intimately bound up with Purim: Once the Israelites depart Egypt, and make their way through the parted sea and toward the Land — just then they are taken by surprise, attacked from behind by the Amalikites.
Amalek, the arch-enemy, said to be the ancestor of Haman, strikes in cold fury — yet, to no avail. Led by
Moses, Joshua and Hur, the Israelites prevail against their attackers. What is less familiar is what happens next. The text reads: “And then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this (that is, this episode with Amalek) in a sefer (book) as a Zicharon (reminder); and (afterwards) read it aloud to Joshua. I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under Heaven’” (Exodus 17:14).
What is remarkable here is that this is the first time the Bible makes mention of recording, of writing something in a document. So why this, and why here?
The answer is clear: What happened with the Amalikites will happen again and, unfortunately, again. The memory of Amalek may be blotted out, but his deeds are to be recorded and remem-bered because they will happen again.
Still, there is more here than the recording of these events. Moses is also told to express God’s fury over Amalek to Joshua — to say it out loud to make certain Joshua hears and absorbs it.
Would not the recording of the Book have proven sufficient? No. There is an emotional dimension, a charge to the verbal that the written cannot capture.
It is the emotional, the verbal, the personal element of religion — trans-mitted from teacher to student, parent to child, one generation to the next
— which best conveys Scripture’s approach to history: Remember what God has done because God is a redeeming God.
The Rabbis, in turn, will then ever so slightly change this to: Remember what God has done — because God will continue to do the same — if you study, worship and observe.
In short, the Rabbis taught that history (in the religious sense of the word) was to be relived, and God’s salvific power made real again, through Torah, through prayer, ritual and good deeds.
This is the Rabbis at their best, and Judaism at its most essen-tial: We really do learn Torah and observe and pray and serve others to recognize (when it’s unfortu-nately necessary) the power and the reality of an Amalek. And, we do these things no less — in fact, much more — to know and acknowledge the power of God.
So at the end of this month, come let us celebrate Purim together — in frivolity and in fun, but also in serious recognition of God’s saving power and the reality of human nature.
4 w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
Social Action in actiondid you know that the Lawrence Heights community, which lies just northwest of Holy Blossom Temple, has a high school drop-out rate of 43 percent? Students in this area are plagued by numerous socio-economic challenges that make success in school a difficult task.
In 2007, Pathways to Education, a charitable organization that provides tutoring and mentoring to these at-risk students, arrived at Lawrence Heights to great success. Holy Blossom Temple members later began volunteering as tutors.
As a weekly tutor for this program, I work once a week, tutoring students in Grades 9 through 12 in English and various Social Sciences.
In my first week, I spent an hour helping a young woman named Yoddit study for a geography test. While I’ve long forgotten the content (the farming, fishing and forestry industries of Canada) since my own years in high school, my studying techniques came in handy. The next week, Yoddit informed me that she received 92 percent on her test. How rewarding for us both.
The Pathways to Education program is an excellent way for Temple members to contribute to the community in which we live and a great exercise in interfaith relations, as many of the students are Muslim.
For more information on volunteering as a tutor with the Pathways to Education program, please email me.
In addition to increasing member involvement in the Pathways to Education program, the Social Action Committee has a number of goals for 2010, including: supporting Free The Children’s initia-tive to build the first girls’ high school in Kenya; advocating to end the genocide in Darfur; and supporting asylum seekers from Africa in Israel.
If you would like to get involved with our Social Action Committee, please email our Committee Co-Chairs: Gordon Arbess at [email protected] or Gerri Richman at [email protected].
— Rachel Sommers,Member, Social Action Committee
Holy Blossom Temple goes to KenyaSun. June 27 to Thur. July 8, 2010
In today’s global village, we can fulfill the mitzvah to “love your neighbour as yourself” by doing our part to care for and strengthen our neighbours in Africa.
Led by Rabbi Yael Splansky and the Temple’s Director of Education, Debbie Spiegel, our upcoming trip to Africa will offer a teen track and a simultaneous adult/family track trip. Together we will help build a high school for girls and come to know the natural beauty of Africa and the dignity of her people. Carry the energy of the Kielburger brothers and our recent Social Action Marketplace on Africa into the good work ahead of us!
Trip highlights:
• Build a high school for girls — the first of its kind in Kenya
• Learn about education, clean water, health and alternative income initiatives in a hands-on way
• Spend time with the mamas who run their villages • Learn the ways of the Maasai warriors and the tribal
leaders • Take part in Shabbat on the Savannah and learning
sessions to put humanitarianism in a Jewish context • Enjoy a two-and-a-half-day safari
For more details about our trip, please email Temple member Mary Elliott at [email protected].
Photograph courtesy of Free the Children
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 | S h e v a t / A d a r 5 7 7 0 5
Congregational Purim Celebrations
Sat. Feb. 27, 20106.30 p.m. Teen Purim — Eisendrath AuditoriumMegillah Reading followed by a teen carnival. Dinner and prizes, jousting and the like. Admission: One canned good.
7.30 p.m. Havdallah, Adult Megillah Reading and a Schpiel Short — Main SanctuaryAdmission: Open to entire adult congregation. No charge. 8.30 p.m. An Evening in Shushan: A Gala Purim Party — Philip Smith Congregational Hall One very special evening featuring the After Midnight Band, the magic of Scott Hammell, Belly Beautiful belly dancers, tapas, drinks, a silent auction and more. Gala admission: $118.
Sun. Feb. 28, 2010
11 a.m. Family Megillah Reading — Main Sanctuary For those families with children aged 12 and younger. Come in costume and ready to participate.
12 p.m. Family Purim Carnival — Philip Smith Congregational HallCarnival games, prizes, food for sale.Admission: members $5; non-member guests $8.To volunteer to help with the Carnival, please call the main office.
Erev PesachMon. Mar. 29, at 6 p.m.
First Day PesachTue. Mar. 30, at 10 a.m.With songs of Hallel, we will celebrate our freedom. There will be creative-learning programs for children younger than age 13 and a festive kiddush for all.
Holy Chag! PesachTue. Mar. 30, at 10 a.m. Students from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6 are invited to join us for a day of yom tov programming. This exciting day will include tefillah, lunch, learning, games, music, art, festival food and a goody bag to take home! Cost: $18 for members; $36 for non-member guests. Subsidies are available. For more details and to register, please call Lisa Isen-Baumal (ext. 242), at the Temple. We are also looking for students in Grades 7 to 12 to be counsellors.
Erev Seventh Day PesachSun. Apr. 4, at 6 p.m.
Seventh Day Pesach/YizkorMon. Apr. 5, at 10 a.m.We will conclude the holiday together while remembering loved ones whose absence is felt at the seder table and every day. Following the Service, join us for a festive kiddush.
Pesach 2010/5770
6 w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
We’re keeping the PST | Our Schools
you may have heard that our govern-ment in Ontario is doing away with the Provincial Sales Tax. We at Holy Blossom Religious School say no way and are keeping the PST.
Each week at Religious School, we actually begin our day with the PST: Parasha, Shabbat and Tzedakah. Each class, at every level, discusses these three things: the upcoming Torah portion of the week (parasha), what happened over Shabbat at home and why we give and donate a little to our tzedakah funds. It is a wonderful way of bringing these three basic elements of Jewish life to our students.
How can we again bring a bit of what we do in school home and make it real? How can you get involved? Each week,
through my newsletter, I send a short summary of the Torah portion for you to discuss at home. This is something that is easily accessible to you and your chil-dren. I recommend that you bring this to your Shabbat table, or try to find one family dinnertime during the week where you can have this discussion. There is always something in the parasha that is relevant to you and your children, and it does not matter what time of the week it is discussed. Try to bring this home.
Shabbat is a very special day. It is the one day of the week where you, as a parent, can make a huge difference within your family. We always say that making Shabbat at home is not difficult; just do it in baby steps, one small change at a time, and each change will make a difference.
Each Shabbat experience at home is a celebration in Religious School. Some suggestions include: doing something as a family — have dinner, go to shul, turn
Grade 2 Religious School students display mezzuzot that they made at a Family Education program.
(left to right) Charlie Rosenberg, Jonathan Micay, Tony Rosenberg and Ethan Faulk enjoy their Grade 7 retreat last fall.
Grades 3 to 6 students present their donation toward the restoration of Holy Blossom Temple’s Rose Window.
off the computer or television — and there are so many other ideas. Let your child share one of your ideas with his or her class next session.
Tzedakah is our third weekly initia-tive. This year, as a school, we have embarked on many important tzedakah projects. In Senior School, Free The Children is one of our pet projects. In Lower School, in addition to each class choosing an individual project, we are also collecting funds for school scholar-ships. Our end-of-the-year art show is our major contributor to that project. No child will ever be turned away at Holy Blossom because of financial difficulty.
We encourage our students to contribute from their own money to our weekly tzedakah initiative. To date, including our fantastic showing for the Rose Window project, we have collected more than $700 this year. Kol ha’kovod to our students, and we look forward to their continued successes.
by debbie SpiegelDirector of Education
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 | S h e v a t / A d a r 5 7 7 0 7
holy blossom is the place for young families
Family Mitzvah Day, May 2009
Purim Carnival, April 2008 Shabbat in the Hood, August 2009
There’s a buzz in the community about all the great things we have to offer young children and their parents. From our creative and interactive Family Services, to our Schools, to our family-centred events and programs, our halls are filled with youngsters, their parents and their grandparents. So why not let your shul shopping friends and family see what they’re missing by inviting them to join you for one or all of our kid-friendly Services and programs at the Temple. You can even tear out this article and pass it along.
Interactive Shabbat Worship — On the first and third Friday of each month, we offer Tot Shabbat Services for children aged five years and younger and their families. We welcome Shabbat with prayer, song, stories and crafts. The children love reciting blessings with the rabbi, and the parents love the monthly potluck dinner. Those who graduate from Tot Shabbat are encouraged to join us for Hot Shot Shabbat, a child-friendly version of the congregational
Shabbat Service. And every Saturday at 10.30 a.m., during the school year, we have our very popular Family Services, followed by a kiddush lunch where young families can eat and schmooze.
Little Blossoms — Our newest Shabbat program, for infants and toddlers (and their parents or grand-parents), is a great introduction to all Holy Blossom has to offer. On Friday mornings, adults and kiddies prepare for Shabbat with music, movement, stories and just plain fun. The class is a perfect lead-in to our Pre-School.
Festivals — Young families always have a special place at festival times. Whether it’s decorating the Sukkah, dancing with the flag at Simchat Torah, lighting Chanukah candles at our annual celebration or trying their luck at our Purim carnival, Holy Blossom is the place to be. On the High Holy Days, we have a special Worship Service for chil-dren five years and younger (in addition to our Family Services).
And much, much more — Throughout the year, young families are invited to join us for programs ranging from skating to holiday cooking to theatre and more. Our spring Family Mitzvah Day, co-sponsored by the Leo Baeck Day School, is a wonderful opportunity for your family to perform mitzvot together. Family Camp helps you create memories, while enjoying outdoor activities. And Shabbat in the Hood last year drew more than 100 families who enjoyed bouncy castles, crafts, and a visit from Dora and Diego. Don’t forget to hold Sun. May 2, 2010 for our first-ever “Lag Ba’Omer Picnic in the Park(ing lot)” where we’ll enjoy food, arts and crafts, and games for kids of all ages, as well as hear about what our Religious School and Pre-School have to offer.
If you would like more information on any of our family programs, please email me.
— Shannon Tramer, Director of Membership
8 w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
intergenerational chanukah celebration 2009
Tamara and Tristan Hunter
Amanda Dixon (top left) and her family and friends
Ezra Strauss (left) and Yaniv Cohen
Getting ready for Chanukah
The Himel and Lissaman Family
Dr. Laurence Coleman and his granddaughter
(left to right) Rabbi Yael Splanksy, Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers and Rabbi Karen Thomashow
Mitchell Goldenthal and his mother Cheryl-Anne Cait
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 | S h e v a t / A d a r 5 7 7 0 9
Our Congregational Family
Mazal Tov
Bernard S. Goldman, cm, on his appoint-ment as a Member of the Order of Canada, for his contributions to the field of cardiac surgery, as well as to the advancement of cardiac care in Ontario.
Dr. Brian Hands, on the publication of his first book, Finding Your Voice.
Elizabeth Wolfe, on her recent election as Senior Vice Chair of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.
b i r T h S
Michelle Lynn & Stive Sachs, on the birth of a daughter, Hazel.
Charlotte & Samuel Schwartz, on the birth of a grandson, Saul Meyer Biro, son of Dina Schwartz & Elliot Biro. Other proud grandparents are Sharon & John Biro. Proud great-grandmothers are Eva Halasz and Rose Lieberman.
Ilyse Lustig & Ted Margel, on the birth of a daughter, Daisy Leigh Margel, sister to Charlie. Proud grandparents are Jill & Ben Lustig and Ruth & Harvey Margel.
Susan & Michael Sole, on the birth of twin grandsons, Tobias Simon Sole Pliamm and Max Baltasar Sole Pliamm, sons of Lesley Sole & Lew Pliamm. Other proud grandparents are Sara & Joseph Pliamm. Proud great-grandmothers are Sheina Gillman, Billie Samuels and Lillian Sole.
Mari Lynn Rusak, on the birth of a grand-daughter, Julia Fay Rusak, daughter of Debra Lovinsky & Howard Rusak. Other proud grandparents are Kolman and Marlene Lovinsky.
Alana & Ady Steen, on the birth of a son, Ethan Jacob Steen. Proud grandparents are Karen & Yoel Abells and Sylvie & Willie Steen. Great-grandparents are Dafna & David Abells, Mary & Henry Seldon, Hannah Blobstein and Eti Kramer.
Courtney & Steven Weiner, on the birth of a son, Brady Davis Weiner, brother to Paige and Aubrey. Proud grandparents are Judith & Uriel Priwes, Miriam Weiner and Gerry Weiner.
22 Shevat 5770/Feb. 6, 2010Jonathan Lieberman, son of Lori & David Lieberman
29 Shevat 5770/Feb. 13, 2010David Cash, son of Ofra Harnoy & Robert Cash
6 Adar 5770/Feb. 20, 2010Sydney Greenberg, daughter of Margot & David Greenberg
11 Adar 5770/Feb. 25, 2010Zachary Blonder, son of Bonnie & Neil Blonder
13 Adar 5770/Feb. 27, 2010Ben Basian, son of Marta & Jay Basian
20 Adar 5770/Mar. 6, 2010Sonya Ben-Ishai, daughter of Rhonda Wilansky & Israel Ben-Ishai
20 Adar 5770/Mar. 6, 2010Aden Solway, son of Gayle Ackler & Stuart Solway
27 Adar 5770/Mar. 13, 2010Lana Rosenberg, daughter of Ellen & Marvin Rosenberg
27 Adar 5770/Mar. 13, 2010Lauren Wintraub, daughter of Brenda Cowan & Jay Wintraub
b ’ n e i M i T z v A h
e n G A G e M e n T S
Shelly Berenbaum & Chuck Litman, on the engagement of their daughter, Marni Berenbaum to Ran Shoham, son of Franklina & Gideon Shoham.
Jane & Robert Herman, on the engagement of their daughter, Meredith Herman to Dr. Joshua Landy, son of Janice and Keith Landy.
In Memoriam
The congregation sympathizes with the recently bereaved families of:
Michelle Bender, daughter of Miriam Rubin, sister of Heidi Ort, Adam Bender, Perri Blachowitz and Emma Aiken-Klar
Edward Bien, father of Elissa Fingold and Joshua Bien, brother of Yolanda Bien
Stanley Blonder, husband of Cynthia Blonder, father of Neil Blonder, Laurie Cohen and Marcie Gurr
Lynne Burnstein, daughter of Frances Goodman, sister of Mel Goodman and Elaine Goodman, mother of Michelle Zaltman, Penny Bernstein and Tracy Black
Beverley Colman-Lokash, mother of Laurence Colman, Deborah Colman and Caryn Colman, sister of Phyllis Spivak and Sheldon Biback
Goldie Yarmouth Cooper, mother of Dorothy Aaron and Linda Yarmouth,
sister of Miriam RothsteinRifca Dembo, mother of Ron Dembo and
Sharon Dembo
3 Nisan 5770/Mar. 18, 2010Austin Fisher, son of Karen & Dean Fisher
5 Nisan 5770/Mar. 20, 2010Bessie Cassidy, daughter of Suzanne Hersh & Mark Cassidy
intergenerational chanukah celebration 2009
10 w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
Arnold Epstein, husband of Madeleine Epstein, father of Merryl Epstein and Susan Epstein
Louis Fishbayn, husband of Dorothy Fishbayn, father of Randy Fishbayn, Steven Fishbayn and Lisa Joffee, brother of Saul Fishbein and Harold Fishbein
Toby Frankel, mother of Harriett Blackstein, Heather Shapero and David Frankel, sister of Tillie Margolis
Claire Hunter, mother of John Hunter, Cameron Hunter, Glen Hunter and Geoff Hunter, sister of Marilyn Barry and Lawrence Barry
Philip Mosoff, husband of Helen Mosoff, father of Merna Glowinski and Fern Mosoff
Esther (Buddy) Rotenberg, mother of Donna Levine
Rabbi Richard (Dick) Sobel, husband of Elaine Sobel, father of Rabbi Sharon Sobel, Isaac Sobel, David Sobel, Michael Sobel, Ari Sobel and Naomi Marks, brother of Judy Sobel and Peter Sobel
Gisela Sigler, wife of Gerry Sigler, mother of Janet Ryval and Nikki Sigler, sister of Marianne Rosthal
Beth Sky, mother of Florence Pape and Linda Grossman
Louis Swartz, husband of Florence Swartz, father of Judi Swartz, Rona Armel and Lynda White
Margery Winkler, wife of Vladimir Winkler, mother of Alexandra, Michael and Jaclyn, daughter of Doris Weinberg, sister of Susan Witonsky
We thank our generous donors
W i l l i A M A n S h A n yo u T h A W A r d e n d o W M e n T
F u n d
Heather Crawford & Lawrence Ritchie, Mazal Tov:
Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan
Jordanna & Earl Lipson, Mazal Tov: Brenda Spiegler
& Mark S. Anshan
Harold Nashman, In Honour: Jean Anshan
Frances Ross, In Memory: Jean Anshan
K A r l b A l d yo u T h A W A r d e n d o W M e n T F u n d
Diane Bald, In Honour: Jody & Jerry Golden
b A r r y & S u S A n b o r d e n F u n d
Lynne Burnstein, In Memory: Susan & Barry Borden
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Susan & Barry Borden
r u T h b o r d e n M e M o r i A l F u n d
Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Harvey
Borden and Family
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Harvey Borden
b r o T h e r h o o d M i T z v A h F u n d
Joseph Brott, In Memory: Joy Rosen & Larry
Freedman
b e v e r l e y c o l M A n - lo K A S h S c h o l A r S h i P
F u n d
Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Pam Albert
and Family; Sandy & Gordon Atlin; Glenda
& Harold Bocknek; Marilyn Brown; Diana &
Marvin Goodman; Gail & Gary Goodman; Edith
Kirzner; Ruth Levine; Helen Lyon; Nancy Ruth;
Sandra Shiner & Bernard Berger; Annalee & Brian
Schnurr; Gert Wise; Henrietta Chesnie
d A n S o n FA M i ly c A M P S c h o l A r S h i P F u n d
Bert Danson, In Memory: Mark Miller
Theodora Danson, In Honour: Marilyn Farber;
Helen Glazer; Estelle & Irv Liss; Marjorie & Sydney
Rosenfield; Helen Tizel; Janie & Frank Tizel
e A r l A n d M A r i ly n d A n S o n FA r b e r
e n d o W M e n T F u n d
Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Marilyn
Farber
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Marilyn Farber
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Speedy Recovery:
Marilyn Farber
j e A n F i n e S e n i o r S F u n d
Nicole Kozloff & Aaron Drucker, In Honour: Shirley
& Marvin Latchman
Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Sheila & Robert Smolkin
F lo r A l F u n d
Max Kopstein, Bar Mitzvah: Simone Chambers &
Jeffrey Kopstein
Jordana Lyons, Bat Mitzvah: Lyons Family
Noah Mandel, Bar Mitzvah: Michele Mandel
David Cash, Bar Mitzvah: Ofra Harnoy & Robert
Cash
Jonathan Lieberman, Bar Mitzvah: Lori & David
Lieberman
Jonah Wengle, Bar Mitzvah: Sharonah Masson
Wengle & Danny Wengle
Lana Rosenberg, Bat Mitzvah: Ellen & Marvin
Rosenberg
G A r d n e r FA M i ly F u n d
Zita Gardner, Happy Chanukah: Gillian & David
Rosenberg and Family
Rose Hertzman, In Memory: Zita Gardner
G A r F i n K e l FA M i ly F u n d
Abells and Seldon Families, Mazal Tov: Randi & Alan
Garfinkel
Bernice Palef, In Memory: Randi & Alan Garfinkel
Brenda & Fred Saunders, In Honour: Randi & Alan
Garfinkel
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Randi & Alan
Garfinkel
G e n e r AT i o n א F u n d
Donna Habsha & Mark Weinstock, In Appreciation:
Lisa Rosen
Bianca Israeli, In Memory: Cheryl Rosen & Daniel
Drucker
r A b b i e d W A r d & FA G i G o l d FA r b F u n d F o r
j e W i S h l i T e r A c y
Eric Klein, In Honour: Mira Goldfarb & Adam
Berkowitz and Family
Philip Klotz, In Memory: Isaac Morgulis
Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, Happy Birthday: Ruth
Gelber
Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Appreciation: Charlotte
Haber
Fagi & Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Honour: Michael
Goldfarb
h o ly b lo S S o M T e M P l e F o u n d AT i o n
Barnet Berris, In Memory: Barbara & Floyd Stern
Dr. Barry Borden, In Honour: Sybil & Jack Geller
Stephen Borins, In Memory: Nancy-Gay & Max
Rotstein
Ruth & Sidney Borshay: Rose Fine-Meyer
Al Cass, In Memory: Janice & Larry Babins
Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Esther &
Marvin Tile; Rosalind & Stanley Witkin
Michael Cooper, In Memory: Myrna Freedman
Heather Crawford & Lawrence Ritchie, In Honour:
Janice & Larry Babins
Sharon Enkin, In Memory: Wendy & Elliott Eisen
Marsha Gold Goldberg, In Memory: Wendy & Elliott
Eisen
Robert Grimson, In Honour: Barbara & Floyd Stern
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Carol & Ron
Abugov; Laurie & Mark Bernick and Family; Sherri
Brown; Patti Cader; Henrietta Chesnie; Beverley
& Sam Cohen; Shoshana Cole; Wendy & Elliott
Eisen; Sybil & Jack Geller; Dr. Reva Gerstein; Susan
& Marty Goldberg; Diana & Marvin Goodman;
Ruby Herman Green; Pearl Harnick; Jane & Robert
Herman and Family; Sharon & Bernie Herman;
Beverley & Harold Hutner; Janice Jackson;
Francie & Dr. Stuart Klein; Queenie Leibel; Helen
Lester; Sally Libman; Lesley & Ron Miller; Sheila
Newman; Yetta Orfus; Barbara Eisen Organ; Freda
& Irving Perlin; Joyce & Milton Shier; Judy & Paul
Siskind; Sara Speigel; Brenda Spiegler & Mark S.
Anshan; Dorothy & Dan Stone; Francie & Martin
Storm; Norma & Murray Sussman; Toby & Joey
Tanenbaum; Pauline & Jack Toker; Kurt Weinberg;
Carole & Bernie Zucker
Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Shanitha
Kachan; Gerald Sheff
Barbara Leibow, In Memory: Ellen & Alan
Rosenbluth
Jordanna & Earl Lipson, Mazal Tov: Janice & Larry
Babins; Elinore Persiko & Family
Philip Mosoff, In Memory: Janice & Larry Babins
Erin O’Connor, Mazal Tov: Janice & Larry Babins
Sandra Papsin, In Memory: Esther & Marvin Tile
Lillian Salsberg, In Memory: Esther & Marvin Tile
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Esther & Marvin
Tile
Brenda & Fred Saunders, In Honour: Judith Eisen
Dr. Marvin Tile, In Honour: Roz & Moishe Davidson;
Nancy Ruth; Brenda Spiegler & Mark S. Anshan
Joyce Zemans, In Honour: Nancy Ruth
General: Ruth Gillson
h o ly b lo S S o M T e M P l e r e n e W A l P r o j e c T
Charles Cohen, Happy Birthday: Nancy & Peter
Theimer
Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Jean Anshan
Sam Consky, In Memory: Jean Anshan
Marion Dack, Happy Birthday: Nancy & Joseph Dack
and Family
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Jean Anshan
Louis Fishbayn, In Memory: Jean Anshan
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Speedy Recovery:
Judy Nyman & Harley Mintz
Dr. Sandra Sandler, In Honour: Davis Family; Griff
Family; Sandler Family
Brenda & Fred Saunders, In Honour: Wendy & Elliott
Eisen; Frances & Paul Hellen
General: Holy Blossom Temple Fine Arts Committee
i S e n b e r G FA M i ly e n d o W M e n T F u n d
Michael Griesdorf, In Memory: Annette Fogel
General: Perry Isenberg
i S r A e l S T u d y F u n d
Florence Golden, In Memory: Rose & Lou Stone and
Family
Sidney Kinderman, Yahrzeit: Helene & Sidney
Diament
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Speedy Recovery:
Michelle Katz & Larry Blumenthal
Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Glenda Mindlin
Abram Skrobacky, In Memory: Alison & Alan
Schwartz and Family
j A c o b ’ S T o W e r F u n d
Sandy Beallor, In Memory: Marilyn Shesko & David
Hertzman
Molly Harris, Mazal Tov: Jill and Benjamin Hertzman
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Jill and Benjamin
Hertzman
j o A n K e r b e l l e A d e r S h i P d e v e lo P M e n T F u n d
Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Holy Blossom
Temple Sisterhood
Linda & Abe Neufeld, Mazal Tov: Holy Blossom
Temple Sisterhood
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Holy Blossom
Temple Sisterhood
General: Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson
l i b r A r y b o o K F u n d
Dahlia Alalouf, In Appreciation: Louise & Jan
Blumenstein
Emily Burnett & Jon Bloomberg, In Honour: Sandra
& Victor Silverstein
Bikkur Cholim Committee, In Appreciation: Sandi
Lublin
Susanne & Dr. Stuart Egier, Mazal Tov: Bertha &
William Savlov
Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Grace &
Harvey Brooker
Ethel & Dr. Ron Kellen, In Honour: Merle Kriss;
Rosalind & Stan Witkin
David Sax, In Honour: Bernice & Yitz Penciner
d o W & F r e d z i A M A r M u r P r o G r A M F o r
e d u c AT i o n A l e x c e l l e n c e
Fredzia & Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Honour: Shoshana
Cole
Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Appreciation: Thelma Berris;
Holy Blossom Temple Chavurah
Dr. Marvin Tile, In Honour: Sandy & Gordon Atlin
M u S i c A l h e r i TA G e F u n d
Michelle Bender, In Memory: Nancy & Lloyd Pollack
and Family
Ernie Bloch, Speedy Recovery: Mary & Henry Seldon
Edward Brill, Speedy Recovery: Mary & Henry Seldon
Ethel & Dr. Ron Kellen, In Honour: Francie & Martin
Storm
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Honour: Clare &
Monte Denaburg; Lily & Reuben Katz; Gay & Gerry
Lokash; Pnina Margolese
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Speedy Recovery:
Tami Moscoe & Eric Petersiel and Family; Nancy &
Lloyd Pollack and Family; Myrna Sandler; Bonnie
& Mel Shear; Helen & Edward Sheffman
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Matilda Bigio;
Mary & Henry Seldon
William Spiegel, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles Cohen
Anna Pearl Torgov, In Honour: Esther & Cyril Hersh
M u S i c A l l e G A c y F u n d
Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Cheryl & Joe
Piha
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Speedy Recovery:
Sandy & Gordon Atlin; Etta Ginsberg McEwan
Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Honour: Etta
Ginsberg McEwan
Mary & Henry Seldon, In Honour: Mari Lynn Rusak
and Family
o l S b e r G r u T S AT z F u n d
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Olsberg Family
o u T o F T h e c o l d
Danielle & Heath Applebaum, Happy Chanukah:
Janet & Michael Ryval
Myer Brody, In Honour: Muriel Cohen and Family
Jason Cash, In Memory: Rina & Zev Fleischmann
Clients and Business Associates, In Appreciation:
Ronald Miller
Bert M. Cohen, In Memory: Muriel Cohen and
Family
Charles Cohen, Happy Birthday: Sandy & Gordon
Atlin
Gretta Cohen, In Memory: Esther & Cyril Hersh
Saul Cohen, Yahrzeit: Sue & Louis Devor
Claudia Colas, Happy Birthday: Kathy Green
Carolyn Collins, In Honour: Ruth & Neville Sischy
and Family
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Debbie & Marvin
Gans
Harold Gladstone, In Memory: Terrye & Jack Kuper
Frank Godfrey, Yahrzeit: Ricki & Gil Gallen; Jean
Godfrey
Harold Heft, In Honour: Emily Robb
Randen James Humphreys, In Memory: Marilyn
Hahn
Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Luba Bilchik;
Aura & Hilton Greenberg; Glenda Mindlin; Gerry
Prendergast; Cole Family
Barb Konyi, In Honour: Audrey Bennett
Neil Kozloff, In Honour: Drucker Family; Risa Mintz
& Gary Himel and Family
Alexander Lutsky, In Memory: Susan Berman
Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson, Mazal Tov: Sybil &
Jack Geller
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 | S h e v a t / A d a r 5 7 7 0 11
12 w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g
Sheila & Bob Masters, Happy Chanukah: Brenda
Baskind
Phillip Mosoff, In Memory: Debbie & Marvin Gans
Linda & Abe Neufeld, In Honour: Jill Kamin &
Murray Hart
Our Clients, In Appreciation: Green & Chercover
Sam Pack, In Memory: Gail & Zel Bocknek; Kathy &
Maurice Green; Esther Levin; Ann & Gary Posen;
Selma Sherkin
Fred Perry, In Memory: Debby & Morris Vigoda
Ken Petersen, In Honour: Audrey Bennett
Lynne Peterson, In Honour: Audrey Bennett
Wilma Rebick & Lloyd Duckman, In Honour: Judith
& Michael Aiken and Family
Sylvia Rosenbaum (Smith), In Memory: Marilyn
Hahn
Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Donna Colt; Susanne &
Dr. Stuart Egier; Nora & John Freund; Gail &
Gary Goodman; Kathy & Maurice Green; Bambi
Katz and Family; Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson;
Bernice & Yitz Penciner; Judy & Uri Priwes; The
Ryval Family; Julia Sax; The Sigler Family; Debby &
Morris Vigoda
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Donna Colt; Phyllis
& Jeff Denaburg; Gail & Gary Goodman; Sylvia
Miller; Bernice & Yitz Penciner; Shilly & Lazarus
Rosen; Eva Woolf
Martin Spiar, In Memory: Susanne & Dr. Stuart Egier
Louis Swartz, In Memory: Axler Family
Irv Teper, In Honour: Marsha & Harry Glicksman
Betty & Barney Wolfe, Yahrzeit: Carol Abugov
General: Moe Cooper; Judith & Marshall Cohen;
Dutton Brock llp; Susan Fleisher; Forest Hill Lions
Club; Mindy & Michael Handler; Rhonda Hoffman
& Richard Halpern; Julie & Dr. Larry Keshen;
Karine Krieger & Daniel Daviau; Lorraine &
Donald Loeb; Anne MacPherson & Earl Bederman;
MAZON Canada; McLeish Orlando llp; Melamed
Family Chanukah Party; Niman Zemans Gelgoot
llp; Oatley Vigmund; Seyglor Consultants Inc;
Harry Sherman; Philip Smith Foundation; Stone
Tile International Inc.; Temple Har Zion; The
Toronto Sun News Research Centre; Adam Wagman
h A r r y & c e c i l e P e A r l yo u T h A W A r d
e n d o W M e n T F u n d
Celia Baltzan, In Memory: Joyce & Fred Zemans
Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Joyce & Fred
Zemans
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Joyce & Fred
Zemans
Michael Griesdorf, In Memory: Joyce & Fred Zemans
P l A u T M A n o r F u n d
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Speedy Recovery:
Judith Plaut; Rabbi W.G. Plaut
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Carol & Rabbi
Jonathan Plaut; Judith Plaut; Rabbi W.G. Plaut
h A r r y A n d b l A n c h e P o S e n M e M o r i A l
l e c T u r e F u n d
Charles Cohen, Happy Birthday: Nancy & Lloyd
Pollack and Family
P r Ay e r b o o K F u n d
Lillian Salsberg, In Memory: Brenda & Fred Saunders
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Susanne &
Dr.Stuart Egier
Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Val & Arieh
Waldman
Rosie Uster, Happy Birthday: Milly & Harvey Kirsh
P r o j e c T T i K v A h F u n d
Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Gail & Barry
Silver
Murray Walman, In Memory: Gail & Barry Silver
r A b b i S ’ d i S c r e T i o n A r y F u n d S
Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Diane &
Christopher Hassell; Janice & Michael Kestenberg;
Zoe Klein & Andrew Zimet; Julie & Larry Schwartz
and Family
Rabbi John Moscowitz: Philip Mosoff, In Memory:
Lyle Stanway
Rabbi John Moscowitz: Samuel Drake Stanway, In
Memory: Lyle Stanway
Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Nina Baltzan;
Joy & Charles Cohen, Owen Duckman; Diane &
Christopher Hassell; Gail Schloss; Jackie & Michael
Shulman
Rabbi Yael Splansky: Zelda Fink, In Memory:
Marilynne & Joe Cass
Rabbi Yael Splansky: Terry Geist, In Memory:
Marilynne & Joe Cass
Rabbi Yael Splansky: Claire Hunter, In Memory: Pam
Albert and Family
Rabbi Yael Splansky: Barbara Killam, In Memory:
Marilynne & Joe Cass
Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Appreciation: Susan
Guttman & John Harris; Diane & Christopher
Hassell; Zoe Klein & Andrew Zimet; Lisa Rosen &
Kivi Shapiro
Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Appreciation: Ron
Charach; Merna Glowinski; Fern & Paul Magder;
Helen Mosoff
Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Appreciation: Jenny Klotz
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Honour: Phyllis &
Alan Wintraub and Family
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Speedy Recovery:
Helene Brodziak & Jack Kugelmass; Josephine &
Michael Cole; Carol & Robert Collin and Family;
Debbie & Marvin Gans; Joan Garson & David
Baskin; Beth Goldstein & Barry Rosen and Family;
Diana & Marvin Goodman; Frances & Paul Hellen;
Esther & Cyril Hersh; Ellen Karabanow; Julie &
Eric Kirsh and Family; Harriette Laing; Eleanor &
Lou London; Zelda & Leonard Melamed; Cheryl
Rosen & Daniel Drucker and Family; Julie & Larry
Schwartz and Family; Viviane & Saul Ship; Virginia
& Carl Solomon; Eleanor & Hartley Steinberg;
Rosalie Sussman; Gloria & Seymour Temkin; Joyce
& Fred Zemans; Carole & Bernard Zucker and
Family
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner: Cantor David Rosen,
In Appreciation: Nina Baltzan; Gail Schloss; Jackie
& Michael Shulman
Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Appreciation:
Madeleine Epstein; Helena & David Fine and
Family; Merna Glowinski; Susan Guttman & John
Harris; Fern & Paul Magder; Helen Mosoff
Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Honour: Judy
Nyman & Harley Mintz
Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers: Henry Cassel, In
Memory: Andrew Cassel
r o S e W i n d o W r e S T o r AT i o n
Grete Adler, Yahrzeit: Ellen Karabanow
Celia Baltzan, In Memory: Ellen Sue & David Mesbur
The Hon. Reuben Bromstein, Happy Birthday: Susan
Karol, Judith Kennedy & Thomas Naylor; Cathy
Starkman & Dave Hurst
The Hon. Reuben Bromstein, In Honour: Anne
& Sy Browne; Min Givens; Rosemarie & Sam
Goldenberg; Sharron Skidmore & Dan Cooper
Charles Cohen, In Honour: Ruth & Larry Sax; Judy &
Ralph Shiff
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Lois & George Fine;
Penny & Martin Offman
Michael Griesdorf, In Memory: Andrea Most & Alan
Ackerman; Nancy-Gay & Max Rotstein
Molly Harris, In Memory: Elizabeth Johnson & Leslie
Rose
Holy Blossom Temple School Staff, Happy
Chanukah: Lily Lee
Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan, In Honour: Debbi &
Robert Moses; Linda & Abe Neufeld; Rosalie
Sussman
Zoe Klein & Andrew Zimet, In Honour: Judy & Jack
Winberg
Linda & Abe Neufeld, In Honour: Ellen Karabanow
Eli Offman, Happy Chanukah: Adrienne Offman
Lila Offman, Happy Chanukah: Adrienne Offman
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 | S h e v a t / A d a r 5 7 7 0 13
holy blossom Temple Foundation
The Holy Blossom Temple Foundation raises funds to
support Temple activities, programs and projects.
To make a donation to any of our existing funds,
please call Janice Feuer at (416) 789-3291, ext. 265.
To establish a new fund or learn more about
philanthropic opportunities, please call Adele Sacks,
Director of Development (ext. 260), at the Temple.
We appreciate your support
Holy Blossom Temple appreciates all donations to
our funds; however, due to rising costs, cards will
only be sent for donations of $20 or more. We will
continue to recognize all donations in the Bulletin.
Nine percent of all donations and investment income
is generally set aside to help with administration
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the date on which the contribution was made.
Noa Offman, Happy Chanukah: Adrienne Offman
Poppy Richler, Happy Chanukah: Adrienne Offman
Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Ellen Karabanow
Dr. Adam Sol, Happy Birthday: Ellen Karabanow
Linda Wolfe, Happy Birthday: Rosalind & Stan
Witkin
Joyce Zemans, In Honour: Joan Garson & David
Baskin
General: Ingrid Johnson
lo r r A i n e S A n d l e r T r i b u T e e n d o W M e n T
F u n d
Barbara Cohen, Happy Chanukah: Roni Freedman
and Family
Terry Nicholson, In Honour: Barry Goldblatt; Jeff
Levy
Debbi Snider, Happy Chanukah: Roni Freedman and
Family
lu l A & i r v i n G S A u n d e r S F u n d
Zita Gardner, In Honour: Brenda & Fred Saunders
Philip Klotz, In Memory: Brenda & Fred Saunders
Brenda & Fred Saunders, In Honour: Jan & Mel
Charendoff; Zita Gardner; Sybil & Jack Geller;
Linda Groll; Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson; Sandy
& Steven Moranis and Family; Mary Robinson;
Sheila & Robert Smolkin
S h A c h A r i T F u n d
Edith Abramson, In Memory: Susan & Brian Fishman
Min Biback, Yahrzeit: Phyllis Spivak
Jason Cash, In Memory: Stan & Lillian Cash
Solomon Charach, Yahrzeit: Alice & Ron Charach
Maxwell B. Cohen, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles Cohen
Shirley Patchen Cohen, Yahrzeit: Marilyn Hahn
Beverley Colman-Lokash, In Memory: Colman
Family; Phyllis Spivak
Amalia & Henry Dan, Yahrzeit: Susan & Dr. Peter
Dan
Philip Eisenberg, Yahrzeit: Dr. Mildred Eisenberg
Hyman Erdell, Yahrzeit: Carol & Robert Collin and
Family
Marcia Ezrin, Yahrzeit: Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin &
Hershell Ezrin
Charles Fishbein, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul Fishbein
Joan Freedman, Yahrzeit: Whitney & Michael Gnat
Arthur Gelgoot, Yahrzeit: Deborah Zemans & Daryl
Gelgoot
Katy Geller, Yahrzeit: Sybil & Jack Geller
Frank Godfrey, Yahrzeit: Nonni & Saul Akler
Samuel Gotfrid, obe, Yahrzeit: Dr. Sheila Pollock
Harry Grobstein, Yahrzeit: Debra Grobstein
Campbell & Barry Campbell
Mildred Grobstein, Yahrzeit: Debra Grobstein
Campbell & Barry Campbell
Clara Heller, Yahrzeit: Frances & Phil Shapiro
Louis Himes, Yahrzeit: Linda & Peter Rubenovitch
Fayga Hochberg, Yahrzeit: Helen & Joe Hochberg
Mollie Hoffman, Yahrzeit: Bernice & Yitz Penciner
Peter Krakauer, Yahrzeit: Joan Kirsh and Helen
Krakauer
Marcia Kwinter, Yahrzeit: Fern & Lorne Kirshenbaum
Bella Altman Laikin, Yahrzeit: Helen & Joe
Hochberg
Jack Margolese, Yahrzeit: Pnina Margolese
Sharon Marshall, Yahrzeit: Marie Knaul
Arthur Miller, Yahrzeit: Mark Miller and Brenda
Richter
Saleh Mukamal, Yahrzeit: Bernice Mukamal
Abraham Nashman, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul Fishbein
Larry Oiffer, Yahrzeit: Gaye & Andrew Stein
Dobra Penciner, Yahrzeit: Bernice & Yitz Penciner
Dr. Maurice Pollock, Yahrzeit: Dr. Sheila Pollock
Minnie Prosser, Yahrzeit: Lily & Reuben Katz
Bernard Rudman, Yahrzeit: Matilda Bigio
Oscar Salem, Yahrzeit: Jocelyn & Dr. Shia Salem
Harry Schwartz, Yahrzeit: Isabel Schwartz
Jack Shapero, Yahrzeit: Gail & Gary Goodman
Harry Smith, Yahrzeit: Ronna Rubin & Philip Smith
Rosalind Smith, Yahrzeit: Nonnie & Howard Smith
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Linda & Abe
Neufeld
Dr. Sidney Steinberg, Yahrzeit: Ellen & Alan Levine
and Family
Anne Tile, Yahrzeit: Esther & Marvin Tile
Sophie Windish, Yahrzeit: Marie Knaul
Frank Wolff, Yahrzeit: Alison & Gary Polan and Family
General: Susan & Ray Stancer
S i S T e r h o o d G o l d e n b o o K F u n d
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Merrijo Hershoran
S o c i A l A c T i o n F u n d
Dr.Gordon Arbess, Happy Birthday: Mira Goldfarb
& Adam Berkowitz and Family
Wilma Rebick & Lloyd Duckman, In Honour: Judy &
Laurie Zeilig
Jessica Senders, Mazal Tov: Wise Family
h e i n z W A r S c h A u e r F u n d
Billie Mess, In Memory: Janice & Allen Borsuk; Janice
& Rob Danson; Esther & Elliott Goldman; Ana
Pedro and Family
G o r d o n A n d l i n d A W o l F e FA M i ly yo u T h
A W A r d e n d o W M e n T F u n d
Lillian Salsberg, In Memory: Linda Wolfe
l e o n A r d W o l F e M e M o r i A l e d u c AT i o n A l
F u n d
Barnet Berris, In Memory: Honey Wolfe
General: Carole Dale; Honey Wolfe; Myron Wolfe;
Richard Wolfe
yo u T h A W A r d S
Issie Antflick, In Memory: Millie Goldstein
Livia Barto, Yahrzeit: Helene Barto
Barnet Berris, In Memory: Virginia & Carl Solomon
Dr. Arnold Epstein, In Memory: Estelle Latchman
and Family; Marsha & Eric Slavens; Hannah &
David Wasserman; Lena Winesanker
Nathalie Lalonde & Brad Goldhar, Mazal Tov: Sybil
& Jack Geller
Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Speedy Recovery:
Edith Kirzner
Joel Schwartz, In Memory: Natasha Kuperman
Gisela Sigler, In Memory: Edith Kirzner
Rabbi Richard Sobel, In Memory: Joy & Herb
Wolfson
Dr. Marvin Tile, In Honour: Shoshana Cole
Jennifer Wilson, Mazal Tov: Linda Somers
General: Joanne & Ronald Schwarz
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A Serious response | The Last Word
i am certainly not a film critic, but I thought it would be a great exercise to critique and respond to the recent Coen Brothers film entitled A Serious Man. For those of you who may not have had the opportunity to see it, professor of physics Larry Gopnick is the father of two teenaged children (one two weeks short of his Bar Mitzvah), the husband of a wife who seeks a divorce, and the brother of a brilliant mathematician who is physically and emotionally unwell and is currently living with their family.
In addition to the pressures of his personal life, Prof. Gopnick is simul-taneously being bribed by one student and defamed anonymously to the university tenure committee. He is
troubled by all on his plate, when he is given advice to consult “the rabbi.” In turn, he consults two rabbis and attempts to consult a third.
A M e A n i n G F u l S e A r c hWhat Prof. Gopnick seeks to address is the randomness, or lack thereof, of life’s incidents. When one rabbi responds by telling him that he is not giving his faith the benefit of the doubt and another rabbi suggests that he simply give up his fixation on this topic, we know that their advice is either absurd or lacking. Judaism, our texts in particular, doesn’t value negating one’s struggle with faith, or suggest that one give up one’s search for meaning. On the contrary, our tradi-tion is built upon constructive struggle and meaningful search.
And when the rabbis respond with questions to the professor’s own ques-tions, regardless of the absurdity of their final responses, they are perhaps
doing something that our tradition encourages us to do in the face of such questions.
The Talmud imagines Moses asking God, “Why is it that some people prosper, while others suffer?” God doesn’t answer the question, but rather, addresses another topic. From this, Rabbi Meir infers that some questions are unanswerable.
A.J. Heschel believed that “we are closer to God when we are asking ques-tions than when we think we have the answers.” I recognize that this may be unsettling. However, it is not that our tradition provides no answers. Rather, it is that no answer is final. That is, until the next question is asked.
We may not know why bad things happen to some over others, or at all, but we are invited to continue to struggle with this. That is our own serious response.