winter 2016 - 2017
tevet-Shevat-Adar-Nisan-Iyar 5777
What’s inside
rabbi chaim strauchler........................................ 3
Bar / bat Mitzvah programs.............................. 16
president’s message...............................................6
Calendars – schedule of services....................18
rabbi Elliott diamond...........................................9
Photo gallery........................................................ 23
executive director............................................... 10
teen minyan news..................................................29
what is Sisterhood up to?...................................13
shinshinim.................................................................31
youth Matters........................................................ 14
family news............................................................. 35
Netivot HaTorah Day School
The Jack & Anne Weinbaum
Education Centre
Tel: 905.771.1234 | Fax: 905.771.1807
www.netivot.com
2
North Campus
18 Atkinson Avenue
Thornhill, Ontario
L4J 8C8
winter 2016 - 2017
South Campus
470 Glencairn Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M5N 1V8
Rabbi chaim
strauchler
From the Rabbi’s Desk
Light and Dark
I
recently shared the following reflection on a song by Leonard Cohen
called, “You Want it Darker.” “Glorified and sanctified, blessed be Thy
name.” These are the words that begin the Kaddish (in English). Leonard
Cohen uses them to dramatic effect in his new song, “You Want it Darker,”
a dark musical critique of religion in this modern moment. From its dirgelike sound to its cynical presentation of the believer, the song portrays faith as a
force that brings darkness to the world. In the eyes of many unbelievers, all people of
faith can be grouped together. Whether we are Christian, Muslim, Hindu or Jewish,
we can be painted with one brush. In some respects, all religions share a common
brand in the popular media of our day – a negative one.
A colleague offered a critique of
my reflection: I read your reflections
regarding Leonard Cohen’s haunting
song in “Darkness and Light.” I didn’t
understand his perspective as one of
religion in general being dismissed, as
much as the depressing mystery of the
need for theodicy in order to account for
the terrors that humans have perpetrated
on one another in general and on Jews
in particular together with the belief in a
Benevolent and Protecting God. It seems
to me that Cohen is raising an issue
having to do with faith that believers
have processed in one way, and those like
Cohen have reasoned in another. I think
that Cohen’s invoking the traditional
tropes of Kaddish and Chazanut reflects
how, as he makes his way through the
vagaries and disabilities of old age, he
is torn by his attraction to the structure
of religion and his inability to get past
the major issue of Tzaddik Ve Ra Lo (the
righteous who suffer).
Before I go on, it’s important that
you read the song to understand what
we are arguing about.
If you are the dealer, I’m out of the game
If you are the healer, it means I’m broken
and lame
If thine is the glory then mine must be
the shame
You want it darker
We kill the flame
Magnified, sanctified, be thy holy name
Vilified, crucified, in the human frame
A million candles burning for the help
that never came
You want it darker
Hineni, hineni
I’m ready, my lord
There’s a lover in the story
But the story’s still the same
There’s a lullaby for suffering
And a paradox to blame
But it’s written in the scriptures
And it’s not some idle claim
You want it darker
We kill the flame
They’re lining up the prisoners
And the guards are taking aim
I struggled with some demons
They were middle class and tame
I didn’t know I had permission to murder
and to maim
You want it darker
Hineni, hineni
I’m ready, my lord
Magnified, sanctified, be thy holy name
Vilified, crucified, in the human frame
A million candles burning for the love
that never came
You want it darker
We kill the flame
If you are the dealer, let me out of the game
If you are the healer, I’m broken and lame
If thine is the glory, mine must be the shame
You want it darker
Hineni, hineni
I’m ready, my lord
Hineni, hineni
cont. on page 4
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
3
cont. from page 3
Light and Dark
Leonard Cohen died on November 7, a day before the US
election. His death prompted a review of his literary output,
which has corresponded to popular-shock and media-handwringing over the Trump victory. For many, Cohen’s dark
poetry matches the darkness that they feel at this moment.
After reconsidering Cohen’s work, I have a concession to
make to my colleague. I was wrong to characterize the song
as containing a “cynical presentation of the believer.” Leonard
Cohen was not cynical; if one thing describes his work, it
is his earnest seriousness. He was not creating a character
that could voice the falsehoods of religion – Cohen himself
inhabited this moment of anger and frustration with God
from a believer’s perspective of hineni. In other words, what
this song describes is true to Cohen’s experience as he sees
it. What Cohen saw was a God who wants it darker. Yet, the
question that we must answer as listeners who likewise take
part in the human experience is whether his words describe
our God. Do we see a God who wants it darker?
Some rabbis and commentators have tried to avoid this
question by reinterpreting Cohen’s work. They integrate this
song into their own faith systems. They argue that while
Cohen speaks of darkness, he too sees a light. Judy Collins,
one of Cohen’s artistic collaborators, said about him, “People
think Leonard is dark, but actually his sense of humor and
his edge on the world is extremely light.” The theists among
these re-interpreters attempt to sanitize and sanctify Cohen’s
message. They argue that it is not God who is to blame for
the darkness rather it is man.
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Shortly after Cohen’s passing, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
posted a video to YouTube in which he explained that
love for God rested at the core of “You Want it Darker.” He
summarized what he takes from the work and what he sees in
Cohen’s musical corpus more generally, “Even in the midst of
darkness there’s light, even in the midst of death there’s life,
even in the midst of hate there’s love, even with our dying
breath we can say halleluah.” These are beautiful and faithful
words, but they don’t describe Cohen’s last song.
A million candles burning for the love that never came
You want it darker
We kill the flame
For Cohen, God is ultimately responsible for the
darkness. It is God who gives “permission to murder and to
maim,” not man. While Cohen acknowledges mankind’s part
in “killing the flame,” God is ultimately responsible. “You
want it darker,” he sings; Cohen’s God wants darkness. We
must acknowledge Cohen’s God for what he was, and not
make him into what we want him to have been.
If we try to beatify Leonard Cohen, then we belittle his
music and his person. Cohen would not want us to take him
for a saint. His work is heavy and it is sad; any light that
might be found in his work must be earned – it’s not just
there.
Darkness and light define our celebration of Chanukah.
During the year’s darkest days, we light candles to remind
us of miracles that took place during some of the darkest
moments of our history. In the retelling of the Chanukah
story, we often fail to acknowledge how short and problematic
the Hasmonean Dynasty was. The Jews were saved, but
their salvation was precarious. The Greeks, and later the
Romans, continued to involve themselves in the Hasmonean
Kingdom; the descendants of Matityahu made much use of
the “permission to murder and to maim.” Yet, in explaining
the holiday, Maimonides writes of the significance of this
imperfect salvation, “Sovereignty returned to the Jewish
people for more than two hundred years until the destruction
of the Temple.” The darkness was there; but we choose to see
the light.
The miracle of the Menorah that lasted eight days was
seen by very few people. It produced a relatively small
amount of light. Yet, we see significance in these candles. We
tell the story of light, when it would be just as true to tell
the story of darkness. The holiday teaches us a lesson not
just in the miracle itself, but also in our choice to tell the
miracle’s story. The context of darkness in which we describe
the miracle of light is essential to its telling.
cont. on page 5
4
winter 2016 - 2017
cont. from page 4
Light and Dark
We live in a society filled with light.
Every night as darkness descends, the
lights come on. In certain parts of the
city, the lights are so bright that night
appears like day. In walking past homes
at this time of year, I am often struck
by the difference between Chanukah
and Christmas – especially this year
when the two coincide. To see the array
of Christmas lights decorating a home
is to be inundated with light. They
are spectacular. To see a home with a
simple chanukiah is to see a little light
on a dark night (Chanukah always
takes place when the moon is darkest
beginning at the 25th day of the lunar
month). Our modern society’s effort
to make everything glow bright – to
make every night into day – creates its
own shadows. In over-lighting every
moment – in being so fully bathed in
at-times-false optimism – we fail to
acknowledge the darkness in life.
The always-left-on lights can blind
us – those lights become their own
darkness. Those lights silence questions.
They say that everything is OK; there’s
no real darkness. They drown out the
hard theology of evil in telling us that
life is all love. Those lights pretend that
God is not responsible for evil. Cohen
saw through those false lights. His
awareness of God, his Hineni, allowed
him to persist in asking questions – he
would not turn his head away from the
dark.
In telling the story of the dead, we
perform an artistic act. We very much
want to make them appear good. “Do
not speak ill of the dead.” This is true
culturally and also according to halacha.
In delivering a eulogy, we emphasize a
person’s positive attributes. Yet, there’s
“This Chanukah, amid
darkness, may we
celebrate light. Amid
brokeness, may we
celebrate miracles.”
another side to this. In telling the story
of those who have passed, we are also
telling our own story. We are integrating
their unique past experience into our
present experience. We are using them
to help us understand ourselves. This
process of interpretation is true of the
memories that we choose to recall and
also of the art that we choose to create.
A eulogy is also a piece of art. In its
own way, it too is a song.
What do we try to achieve with art?
For many, art should lead to pleasure.
A colorful painting or a funny movie
cheers us up – they sanitize life’s sadness.
Yet, art also helps us understand what
it means to be human. These two roles
for art live together in conflict. To allow
our art to make us happy, we paperover the lies and cruelty. We filter out
opinions and thoughts that make us
uncomfortable. We pretend that it is all
OK, by not asking certain questions.
Art, theology and a eulogy can
describe the world as it is or the world
as we would like it to be. Leonard
Cohen wrote songs to describe his
world as it was. When we tell his story,
we should tell it as it was. Chanukah
gives us permission to light small lights
amid the darkness. The light of those
small candles provide us with hope that
sometimes makes human darkness feel
all the more tragic. With the light, we
can see that which is dirty and broken
around us. The light sometimes allows
us to appreciate the darkness; it allows
us to acknowledge the sadness and the
set-backs. That light is still light. That
light is still worth celebrating. This
Chanukah, amid darkness, may we
create light. Amid brokenness, may we
celebrate miracles. Wishing you and
yours a Chanukah Sameach.
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
5
brian Cantor
President’s Message
A
t this point in what is proving to be a successful
year on all fronts at our shul, I am honoured
to review some of our accomplishments over
the past few months, and outline some of the
leadership’s key priorities over the balance of
the year. To prepare for this article, I reached out to all the
committees and groups in our shul for updates. Let’s review:
• We had a beautiful, meaningful, and spiritual high
holiday season.
• Very importantly, we’re attracting new members
and our membership is growing. There’s a good mix
of younger and young-at-heart people joining. To
date, we can boast of 32 new members, although 14
families are no longer members due to moves, death,
or resignations. Overall we have a net increase of
approximately 15 member families over last year,
which continues a positive trend.
• On another positive note, the shul has become a goto venue for weddings and smachot. The period prior
to the high holidays saw more event activity than I
can remember.
• We are enjoying a strong, quality caterer, Menchens.
We’ve stepped out of – let’s say – our ‘comfort zone’…
a recent CJN article talked about the vibrancy of modern
orthodoxy overall, and Shaarei Shomayim, specifically:
‘this shul has grown as young families are attracted to the
ideals of community and social activism, while also craving
the familiar’. To that end, we have been enjoying immense
success and outstanding feedback regarding some of our
programming exploring broad societal issues, including:
• Seeking Understanding, building awareness of the dayto-day realities – between the Indigenous peoples and
the Jewish Community. This program was attended
by over 300 from the community at large.
• Exploring depression and suicide in our community.
• A trip to Ethiopia for our university students, to help
broaden their horizons.
• Assistance to victims of terror in Israel.
• Assistance with the recent fires in Israel with a unique
program led by our Shinshinim.
6
winter 2016 - 2017
To top that off, we’ve continued to host a constant stream
of inspirational Scholars-in-Residence, including Zev Eleff,
Raizi Chechik, Shuli Taubes, Arna Poupko, Shlomo Katz,
Dov Lipman, Rosh Yeshiva Jeremy Wieder, Dr. Chaviva
Levin, and the Yeshiva University Beit Midrash, as well as
our MP, Marco Mendicino, who spoke beautifully and from
the heart during Sukkot.
From a humanitarian perspective, our shul sponsored
a Christian refugee family of four from Syria. There is a
great group of volunteers from our shul really doing some
incredible work helping them get settled. We helped register
the elder daughter in school, while a dentist from our shul
has volunteered to help out with some of the family’s dental
needs. The family is adjusting remarkably well, and moved
into their own apartment in early December.
In terms of our surroundings, we finished the renovation
of the Banquet Hall – the last major component in our
building that needed a major facelift. And it is beautiful…
and even came in on budget!
To show our care for the environment, we are in the
process of implementing a recycling program to help divert
much of our paper and plastic waste from landfill, and also reworking how we set the tables for breakfasts, Seuda Shlishit,
and similar shul functions with the aim of significantly
reducing waste.
As a community, we continue to be a strong supporter
of Israel, spiritually and financially. We have again welcomed
into the Shaarei Shomayim family two Shinshinim, and had
the pleasure of hearing from the IDF Chief Chazzan Lt. Col.
Shai Abramson, the head of the Combat & Trauma Medicine
Branch of the IDF Lt. Col Avraham Yizhak MD, and the
Counsel General of Israel, Galit Baram.
We continue to strengthen our relationship with Netivot,
and are now looking to renew our partnership.
Our youth are well taken care of. On Shabbat, I often take
a walk around to see what’s happening, and it’s a pleasure to
see the various activities for youth of all ages. Additionally,
the Youth Leaders have held a movie night, our annual
Sukkah Hop, a Simchat Torah Scavenger Hunt and a Chol
cont. on page 7
cont. from page 6
President’s Message
HaMoed event at E-zone.
This could only happen with the
people who have shaped and nurtured
our shul, who have given it the support
and love that it needs to keep growing
and maturing with the times.
There are so many people who
give of themselves in so many ways.
I want to thank and recognize all
the volunteers in all the different
committees, including the Religious
Committee, the House Committee,
Youth, Budget & Finance, Constitution,
Membership, Cemetery, Culture and
Entertainment, Dues and Collection,
Marketing, Office, Chessed, YP, YYPs,
Inclusion, Medical, High Holidays,
Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Chevra
Kadisha, and all the others who are not
officially part of committees, but who
help out as daveners, layners, gabbaim,
facilitators, complainers, and those who
help in their professional capacities as
lawyers, doctors, accounting or finance
professionals, engineers, managers,
or from the sage advice of our past
presidents. Your dedication is never
ending, and we all benefit from those
efforts. And last, but certainly not least,
our Board and Executive who put in
countless hours... at all hours!
We are so fortunate to have these
individuals who contribute their time,
their expertise, their experience to help
make the shul run smoothly. Thank
you to all the volunteers who help out
in every way they can – it means a lot
to me, and to all of us, to know how
much people care and are willing to
step forward.
I want to express my appreciation
to the incredible team of Rabbi
Strauchler and Avital Strauchler – we
are so fortunate to have them as our
spiritual leaders. We are now starting
discussions with the Rabbi about
renewal of his contract. A big shout
out to Avital specifically, who this year
has taken on extra work to help with
a number of areas that Rabbi Chesses
was involved with last year such as
providing direction – and a shoulder
to cry on when homesick – for our
dedicated ShinShinim. From a staffing
perspective, at the time of writing this,
the Religious Committee is also in
the midst of contract discussions with
Ralph Levine and with Rabbi Diamond,
and I look forward to a successful
conclusion in the next short while.
Our plan is to start looking for an
assistant rabbi soon so that he can be
in place well before the High Holidays
next year.
There are so many others who make
our shul work – starting off with a big
thank you to our Executive Director
Nicole Toledano and her office staff; our
Youth Director, Jacob Posluns and his
staff, and our incredibly hard-working
maintenance team. We welcome back
Joven, who had been away for a few
months for personal reasons.
So, what’s in-store for the next six
months?
Importantly, the Board has
approved, and we are projecting
a balanced budget. However, we
have encountered a few unexpected
expenses, including purchase of a
new computer server in the office,
possible plumbing challenges, greater
than expected maintenance fees,
and potentially extra legal fees. Rest
assured, the Board is working hard to
keep these items under control.
Regarding
our
immediate
surroundings – let me update you on
the re-development being planned next
door. To be very clear - the shul fully
supports and embraces development
in the area. However, for this proposed
development, it is essential that safety
and accessibility for shul attendees is
recognized as paramount. To that end,
we have initiated proceedings to request
from the Ontario courts its opinion as
to the status or existence of easements
on the shul’s property. I consider this to
be one of the most important issues we
are now facing, and I will continue to
report as things progress and develop.
Next, regarding the interior of our
building, and the centre mechitzah in
the Sharp Sanctuary, the Board voted
at the last meeting to put it in place a
minimum 12 times per year. Right now,
we are scheduled for Jan. 21, Feb. 18,
Mar. 25, Apr. 8, May 22, June 10, July
22, and Aug. 19.
We have an active and wonderful
Inclusion Committee. We are looking
at strategies to ensure our shul
community reaches out consistently
and includes people with disabilities.
We are also planning another alwayspopular Shabbat Itanu which takes
place on May 6, 2017.
On December 10, the shul and
the community enjoyed the return of
the ever popular A Capella group, the
Maccabeats, with a beautiful Shabbat
morning davening followed by a lunch
and sing-along; then in the evening they
performed at an incredible concert. As
with the last time they were here, they
were incredibly entertaining – and just
plain fun for all ages.
For those thinking of planning a
trip to Israel – or even if you are not
planning a trip right now – I’d encourage
you to consider the Federation’s 100th
anniversary mega-mission, in October
2017 – we hope to have a Shaarei
Shomayim bus on that trip.
In conclusion, I know there are
committees right now thinking and
planning a few new ways to extend
community, spirituality and connection
to Judaism overall over the next six
months. Please stay tuned…
Carole and I wish you a happy and
healthy Chanukah.
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
7
B REAKI N G T H E ST IGMA
Substance abuse and behavioural
addictions in the Jewish Community
TUESDAY, J A NUA R Y 3 1 , 2 0 1 7 • 7 – 9 : 1 5 P. M .
LOCATION:
Beth Tzedec Congregation, 1700 Bathurst Street, Toronto
MODERATOR:
Dr. Molyn Leszcz, Psychiatrist-in-Chief, Mount Sinai Hospital
PANEL:
Dr. Jan Malat, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Mount Sinai Hospital
Dr. Bruce Ballon, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Mount Sinai Hospital
Ori Goldstein, a personal perspective
David Kaufman, Jewish Addiction Community Services
Dr. Jonathan Golden, Jewish Family & Child
SUPPORTING
RABBIS:
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl, Rabbi Chaim Strauchler, Rabbi Adam Cutler
Join us for an important community conversation about mental illness, with experts in
the area of adolescent and adult addiction. We will emphasize both substance (drugs and
alcohol) and behavioural and process addictions (gambling, internet, shopping).
2016052F
The program will be introduced by Rabbis and concluded by a member of Jewish Family
& Child.
PARTNERS:
8
winter 2016 - 2017
rabbi elliott
diamond
downstairs minyan
The Year Before
Chanukah
A
sk a little boy or girl in a kindergarten class
in one of our Jewish schools what’s Chanukah
about and they will be more than happy to
answer or sing one of the popular songs we
teach them. “I want to be a Maccabee – but
I’m only 4 years old.” Global research of Jewish communities
reveals that lighting Chanukah candles may be the single
most observed Jewish ritual amongst Jews throughout the
world. From the very young to even the less religiously
affiliated Jews, Chanukah is entrenched in the deepest part
of our people’s identity.
The deep rootedness of Chanukah only makes us more
curious about our Sages’ opening question. “What’s the
reason for Chanukah?” That’s the question that begins the
Talmud’s discussion and analysis of the holiday. What is
this holiday all about? Instead of starting off with a halachic
explanation of the mitzvot of Chanukah, which is a pattern
we are more familiar with in the Talmud’s exploration of
other holidays, our Rabbis want us to consider what the
holiday is all about. What does Chanukah teach us?
The following is the answer as recorded in the Talmud: For
our Rabbis taught: On the twenty-fifth day of Kislev commence
the days of Chanukah, which are eight, on which lamentation
for the dead and fasting are forbidden. For when the Greeks
entered the Temple, they defiled all the oils therein, and when
the Hasmonean dynasty prevailed against and defeated them,
they searched and found only one cruse of oil with the seal of
the high priest, but which contained sufficient oil for one day’s
lighting only. Yet a miracle was wrought therein and they lit
the lamp with it for eight days. In another year, these days were
appointed a festival with the recital of Hallel and thanksgiving
(Shabbat 21b).
The answer, as recorded, is what we have all been taught.
It’s the well-known [hi]story of Chanukah. But the part of
the answer that we should not ignore is the last sentence.
“In another year, these days were appointed a festival with the
recital of Hallel and thanksgiving.”
Rabbi Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveichik ‫זצ”ל‬, noted an
interesting phrase in this conclusion – “in another year.”
He suggested that at the time, the people did not realize
the significance of the events that they had witnessed.
Sometimes we have difficulty understanding the significance
of events that unfold before our eyes. We need distance in
order to gain historical perspective. Regarding the history
of Chanukah, the Rabbis eventually realized that the events
surrounding Chanukah ought to be celebrated and decided
the appropriate rituals for doing so.
This one line draws back the curtain on some significant
lessons that Chanukah teaches.
1. As Rav Soloveitchik suggests, Chanukah reminds
us that the full implications of the present are not always
evident right away. We need the perspective that only time
can provide in order to fully understand the events around
us today.
2. Accepting the need to wait before we gain full
understanding is also an exercise in humility: “I am not as
wise today as I can be tomorrow.”
3. Learning how to wait is a virtue.
4. The celebrations that endure are those that emerge
well after the cause for immediate joy. Any grandparent will
confirm that, notwithstanding the joy they experienced at
their own child’s wedding, the birth of a grandchild years
later, far surpasses it. Perhaps this also explains the enduring
nature of lighting candles on Chanukah.
5. Even if you don’t get an answer right away, asking
the question is the right thing to do. But living without the
answer right away is also possible.
“What’s the reason for Chanukah?” Maybe the Talmud
started with this question because some answers aren’t
always obvious to us right away. But if you have some time,
we can shed some more light on it.
Chanukah Sameach!
Compliments of
GESMA PRINTING
905-764-6017
[email protected]
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
9
Nicole toledano
V
From the Executive
Director’s Desk
alidation is something we as human beings crave. We want to know
what we are doing is right. Attending the Orthodox Union’s National
Synagogue Executive Directors Conference provides this for me. Not
only validation, but the ability to network, discuss, learn and hear
from others who are doing the same thing I am doing – managing a shul. The OU
holds this conference on an annual basis, which is attended by staff managers
from all over the US and a large contingent from Ontario.
We learned that religious institutions are more complex
than they used to be. Synagogues have to be run as businesses.
There are regulatory requirements that have to be adhered
to from the simple point of providing charitable receipts
to employing personnel. Regulations around employment,
charitable giving, Worker Safety and Insurance, accessibility,
audits, finances and internal controls, and a number of other
regulatory bodies and situations have to be managed by
the Executive Director. In the world today, shuls have to be
concerned about Abuse Prevention – we learned that it is
important to implement a policy for abuse prevention and
then ensure there are procedures in place to manage it. The
policy also needs to be monitored and training needs to be
provided to those that may be put in situations where the
policy is needed. Knowing that Shaarei Shomayim is in the
final stages of developing this policy is encouraging.
Participants are grateful for those who are willing to
share the ups and downs and synagogue life. We learn from
others as they go through their own challenges.
1. How do we plan fundraising activities? We have
to raise the members’ emotional connection to the shul’s
financial well-being. If members accept that they are the
ones who ensure the financial stability of the shul, they are
willing to give to the shul to keep going. The Board (staff) is
there for the members.
2. How do we plan for natural disasters or, really, any
disaster? As Shaarei Shomayim has gone through a flood,
we unfortunately know what to do after the fact. The
question is, what do you do now to ensure that business can
continue on? Can services continue? Can weddings take
10
winter 2016 - 2017
place? Technology has helped in many ways to ensure that
continuity. We have the ability to backup computers in “the
cloud” so that data is not lost. At last year’s conference, we
learned about what is really needed to CONTINUE. Where
are the member records kept? How do you communicate to
members while the business is unable to continue? How do
you keep the records accurate? Who do we contact? Who are
the contractors that are needed? What kind of insurance is in
place for business interruption?
3. What are the painful lessons that can be learned from
Fraud and Financial Crime? Unfortunately, this is something
that has been faced by a few shuls. Now what can be done to
recover from a situation? We learned that the most important
thing is to communicate with the members. Everyone needs
to know what has happened – and most importantly, what is
being put in place to fix the problem.
The conference concluded with a presentation on social
media. There is no doubt that the prevalence of social media
and the connection to people is all pervasive. There are some
very important statistics when looking at the impact of social
media in the community today. As noted by Avital ChizhikGoldschmidt, Director of Media Strategy at OU:
• 90% of millennials use social media
• 1 in 5 couples meet online
• Every minute, 72 hours of video is uploaded to YouTube
• The most active group on social media is mothers
with children under the age of 5
• The fastest growing user base on social media is 65+
cont. on page 11
*****************************************
*****************************************
*****************************************
cont. from page 10
From the Executive Director’s Desk
When looking at these statistics, it’s important that we
use social media effectively in informing, communicating,
marketing and messaging. We have to consider the audience,
and then the method of communication. Our website has
to give full information about the shul. What’s the phone
number? What’s the address? How do you contact the shul?
What does the shul look like – are the pictures recent? Do the
pictures reflect the community (families, children, seniors,
clergy, programs)? How can the shul maintain a constant
presence on Facebook? Compelling visuals can help social
posts generate over 90% more views than good old plain
content.
Messaging is instant and visual storytelling breaks down
complicated topics.
As Avital noted, visual storytelling tells the story of the
community, and the values of the shul. Visuals prove that
your community is a place where people are active, inviting
others to get involved.
This is where validation comes in – Shaarei Shomayim
has an active group of people, as well as clergy, who ensure
that pictures and videos are uploaded and updated on an
ongoing basis. Rabbi Strauchler keeps his blog going and the
shul’s Facebook page is updated on a regular basis. Did you
attend a great program, hear a great speaker, attend a fun
concert – post it on Facebook. Social media was made for
people, not businesses. It is about a human connection.
The conference is a great way to feel good. We learn, we
share and we see that we are not the only ones who experience
life as an executive director / administrator.
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
11
12
winter 2016 - 2017
What is
Sisterhood Up To?
Seeking Understanding
Tueseday, September 6
Despite lots of families concentrating on new teachers
and classmates on this first day of school, just under 300
people spent the evening listening to and interacting with
a distinguished panel led by the Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett,
Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern
Development, regarding the grim realities of growing up in
Canada’s Indigenous community. It was abundantly clear
that we as Jews have much more in common regarding our
attachment to land and worry regarding cultural continuity
with our Indigenous neighbours than meets the eye.
katy korman
Lattes in the Hut
Wednesday, October 18
More than 30 board game lovers of all ages enjoyed a
fun evening in in the Shul Sukkah competing in everything
from backgammon to Ticket to Ride to Monopoly. Thanks
to the variety of games – and instruction – provided by
downtown’s Snakes & Lattes, a good time was had by all!
2nd Annual A Taste of Israel Boutique Evening
hold
the
date!
Wednesday, May 17, 2017 • 6:30 - 9:30pm
If you missed last year’s inaugural event, you definitely can’t miss this one too! Sisterhood brings
Israel and all her unique, flavourful wares – edible and not – to 470 Glencairn for an evening of
eating, drinking, schmoozing and the opportunity to buy a variety of wares in support of our own
Shinshinim, with part of the proceeds going to Israel’s Ezer Mizion, providing the world’s largest
Jewish Bone Marrow Donor Registry and specialized programs for children with special needs,
cancer patients, the elderly, and terror victims.
We are currently looking for vendors. If you have any suggestions or
would like to know how you can help out, please email Katy: [email protected].
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE! • Stay tuned for registration details!
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
13
Jacob Posluns
youth director
T
he month of Tishrei / October
brought us together so many
times as we learned and laughed
together at Shaarei Shomayim Youth!
Our Chagim programs were the focus
and highlight this autumn. Over 100
children joined us for Rosh Hashanah,
Yom Kippur and Sukkot programs.
We also joined with Bnei Akiva and
hosted a giant Chol HaMoed special
event with pizza in our impressive
sukkah, followed by fun at E-zone. We
also held a wonderful Sukkah Hop for
our youth with Bnei Akiva, which was
hosted by three families, as well as an
Israel-themed adventurous scavenger
hunt led by our Shinshinim Ori and
Bitya. There was also a lively ‘dancetastic’ Simchat Torah together. So many
days of singing, dancing, sharing and
Youth Matters
laughing helps us ignite our youth’s
love and appreciation of Hashem and
gratitude for all that we have.
Cheshvan / November brought our
annual Shabbat Project youth initiative.
All the participants in the Youth
Program enjoyed Shabbat lunch and
Bircat HaMazon together. Every child
received a personal kiddush cup and
challah roll.
Of course our regular Shabbat
morning programming continues
with Jewnior Games, parsha learning,
playtime and prizes, to name just a
few of our teen-led activities. We are
continuing our special guest entertainer
one Shabbat each month thanks to the
generosity of our parents who donate to
our Birthday Club. Thank you parents
for your support!
We
have
committed
and
enthusiastic high school and university
leaders who come every Shabbat with
smiles on their faces, waiting to play
Jewnior Games, sing, dance and run
around with our Youth. We are so
fortunate to have engaged Shinshinim
eager to share songs and stories about
Israel each week with our participants
as Ori and Bitya rotate through the
youth rooms. I want to express Hakarat
Hatov (gratitude) toward all members
of our youth leadership team!
Did you know… every Shabbat
morning from 9:30-9:50, there are a
group of boys who join me in learning
Torah as we get ready to start our day.
I am always ready to help your children
love coming to shul, and I hope this
will reflect how they will feel about our
shul and our caring community as they
grow into young adults.
A re-cap of our Shabbat program
beginning at 10:00am – the learning
and fun is continuous!
Our grades 3-5 are learning more
tefillot with our new “Anim Zemirot”
initiative. Feel free to sing along as you
hear the beautiful voices of our children
engaged in prayer.
Our grades 1-2 are so excited to join
youth groups every Shabbat morning!
They look forward to the stories and
games that our youth leaders skillfully
deliver.
The adorable nursery has impressed
us with their beautiful rendition of
Adon Olam and their motivation to
participate in Jewnior Games.
cont. on page 15
14
winter 2016 - 2017
cont. from page 14
Youth Matters
Our “Stay and Play” room has been enhanced with
coffee and tea for the parents who watch their toddlers in
a relaxed environment. The youth leaders help engage our
youngest participants in song while giving them a head start
to be inspired in shul!
Our Kislev Kickoff event was a Magical Movie Night.
We enjoyed the Maccabeats weekend (December 10-11) as
the shul once again supports Youth Programming – Shabbat
with the Maccabeats is always our most anticipated weekend
of the year!
On December 17, we celebrated Chanukah at our annual
Chanukah and Chessed event. The best way to celebrate is
to engage in acts of Chessed and show our kids how Chessed
is not only rewarding but fun! This event was enjoyable and
entertaining for kids of all ages while teaching our children
the invaluable lesson of giving to others.
We are planning more exciting programs for the winter
session, including:
• Continuing our Parent Child Learning program – every
Saturday Night after Maariv – free of charge – pizza and
prizes included!
• Shabbat morning entertainers and some special youth
lunches
• Skating
• Pre-Pesach Chocolate Seder
• Chol HaMoed Pesach activities with Bnei Akiva
• Bowling
• And much more!
Not only do we want your children to be excited about,
and looking forward, to our programming, we want the
children to make a connection to Hashem and the Jewish
community.
So far, 5777 has been a success and we are looking
forward to more fun and learning for the rest of the year. I
have personally learned a lot over the past two years directing
youth activities, and I am so excited to partner with youth for
the rest of year.
Feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thank
you so much for being a part of the Shaarei Shomayim
Youth Family!
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
15
T
Bar Mitzvah Program
Rabbi David Ely Grundland
he Bar Mitzvah Program is more than just about
preparing for celebrating a Bar Mitzvah through
reading Torah and having a party. While those are
part of the process for most young men, the Bar Mitzvah
Program aims to teach that being Bar Mitzvah is not a oneday celebration, but a lifetime commitment to Torah, Am
Yisrael, and the world at large.
As a group we explore practical aspects of Jewish living
such as Tefillah, Tzitzit and Tefillin. We also discuss character
building, concepts in sportsmanship and leadership. Finally,
we talk about our responsibility to the world, dealing with
16
winter 2016 - 2017
matters of tzedaka. Part of this latter component is active
participation in acts of Tzedaka, from volunteering on
VeAhavta vans distributing essentials to the homeless of
Toronto, and creating an impact on the students at Camp
Aim.
Fundamentally, the Bar Mitzvah Program aims to bring
up the next generation of Jewish leaders in a positive, growth
oriented, and social environment. It is a great honour to be
part of this program and to see these boys as they grow into
the Jews they can become.
Bat Mitzvah Program
T
welve enthusiastic bat mitzvah girls + 10 inspiring
sessions = 1 excellent Bat Mitzvah Program!
The goal of our Bat Mitzvah program is to engage our
girls in intense text study while participating in enjoyable
activities and performing acts of chessed. The girls have
the opportunity to prepare as a group for their bat mitzvah
experience. They are asked to think about ideas that relate
to becoming a Bat Mitzvah and how to fully engage in the
intellectual and spiritual world around them.
We began with a parent-daughter learning session on
Bereshit and Beginnings, using the story of Creation to learn
about the creative process of developing our minds and
souls.
We studied the story of Miriam Hanevia and her
leadership abilities. A noteworthy piece of Miriam’s
story was when she led the Jewish women in song using
instruments such as drums after the splitting of the sea. To
honour Miriam’s song – we had a drumming circle with a
professional drummer from Mystic Drums. We created
beautiful music together, as we each got to play a different
instrument and to learn a different beat!
Our musical journey continued as we discussed the
importance of music and prayer while learning about a
woman’s obligation in tefillah, followed by some dancing at
the Shaarei Shomayim Shlomo Katz Concert.
We got to know Ronit Holtzman, Vice President, Planned
Giving and Endowments, Jewish Foundation and Ilana ArjeGoldenthal, an accomplished attorney and educator. They
taught about what it means to be engaged in social justice
and tzedaka. We were able to really understand – “Tzedek
Tzedek Tirdof – Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue” with hands
on activities, moving film clips, and of course some popcorn
and discussion.
We look forward to more education and inspiration with
topics such as “Beauty and Self-Esteem”, women in modern
Zionism, painting with residents of Baycrest , Krav Maga, a
joint Camp Aim event, and much more!
looking for vendors for 2nd annual
taste of israel festival
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Email Katy at [email protected]
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
17
Maccabeats Rock
the House
new members welcome
The New Members Committee has been hard at work welcoming 32 new member families
into our Shaarei Shomayim community. Rabbi Chaim and Avital Strauchler hosted a
beautiful Melave Malka in their home. It was nice to meet and greet, enjoy delicious food
and celebrate our growing community.
Let’s make our shul warm and hospitable
We are looking for members who can host young singles, new members or visitors for Shabbat and
Yom Tov meals. We would like to make sure that every person who comes to our shul has a place to go.
If you are interested, please email or call the shul office.
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
23
Sukkot with the Israel Kibbutz
Shaarei Shomayim has created an ongoing relationship
with families from Israel who are doing medical
fellowships in Toronto (locally known as “the Kibbutz”).
Some become regular Shabbat attendees, and many
join for special holiday programming hosted in our shul.
On Sukkot, over fifty families participated in a special
Chol HaMoed celebration which included virtual sukkah
decorating (it was raining outside), pizza, games, and an
explanation of the lulav and etrog by Rabbi Strauchler.
meeting with
members of knesset
In early September, Rabbi Strauchler
joined local rabbis in a discussion with
a visiting parliamentary delegation
from the Knesset to discuss the
relationship between Jews in Israel
and Jews in Canada. In the front row:
Rebecca Caspi (Jewish Agency) and
Michael Diamond (UJA) Back row:
Rabbi Shekel, Rabbi Landsberg,
Rabbi Strauchler, Dr. Nachman Shai, (MK), Yifat
Shasha-Biton (MK) David Brown (Chicago Federation) Robert Ilatov (MK) Merav Ben-Ari
(MK) Mickey Levi (MK) Rabbi Frydman-Kohl, Shoel Silver (UJA) Rabbi Cutler and Josh
Schwarcz (Jewish Agency).
24
winter 2016 - 2017
bbq
On a beautiful summer day, Shaarei Shomayim hosted
a record breaking Grill-N-Chill Welcome Back-Barbeque
on our shul’s front lawn. We enjoyed great food, arts
and crafts, bouncy castles, organized games for the
kids, draft beer for the adults, and fun-for-everyone.
At the BBQ, we introduced our ShinShinim Ori and
Bitya, and also ran a bone-marrow swab drive.
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
25
save a child’s heart foundation fundraiser
Shaarei Shomayim YYP hosted a fundraising event
for Save a Child’s Heart Foundation. “Fun” raising
and Fundraising - a great night out at the beginning
of the school year. Thank you to Serena Kay for
coordinating and chairing this event.
parent child learning
Parent Child Learning makes winter
Saturday Nights fun at Shaarei
Shomayim. In partnership with
Yeshiva University, young families
gather (30 minutes after Shabbat
goes out) to learn together, parents
and children. There’s great activities,
pizza and prizes. Our Yeshiva
University avreich, Rabbi Yaron Perez
runs this learning program and has
added lots of fun to our learning.
26
winter 2016 - 2017
the shabbat project
Shlomo Katz led a spirited weekend as part of Shaarei Shomayim’s participation in The Shabbat Project. Highlights
included hundreds of people dancing for Kabbalat Shabbat, a Friday night dinner and inspiring tisch, and a packed
Saturday night concert. Thank you to the Rakowski family for sponsoring Shlomo’s visit in memory of their wife
and mother, Genia Rakowskiz”l. Our Young Professionals and Chessed Committee also launched a new hospitality
project as part of the celebration.
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
27
Youth Leadership Appreciation and Safety Awareness Evening
We thanked our Youth Leaders for their great work. Rabbi Strauchler, Avital Strauchler, and Rachel Jakubovic
trained our staff on teaching methods for behavioural issues. Noa Goldberg RN, presented a Power Point and
hands-on presentation on emergency procedures for choking incidents. She gave guidelines on preventative
measures and a tutorial on what to do in case of an emergency. The youth leaders were also instructed in
evacuations procedures.
28
winter 2016 - 2017
Teen Minyan News
Serena Kay, Koby Spiegel, Noa Bordan and Eli Minkowitz
W
hat a great year for the Teen Minyan!
With programming for middle school and high
school, boys and girls of all ages have found their
place in teen minyan!
The well attended minyan every Shabbat morning gives
our teens an opportunity to learn and participate in tefilla
and Torah learning. Koby and Eli encourage and teach
participation in davening and laying, and have seen great
growth of skills and leadership blossoming from the teens.
The minyan continues to expand, so join in every week at
10:00 AM in the Weinbaum Beit Midrash!
Thanks to Serena Kay, our high school girls are excited to
join teen minyan and engage in discussions on contemporary
Halacha. Each week they meet together to learn and have
a great time. Join Serena at teen minyan at 10:00 AM and
her discussion in the bridal room at 10:30 AM followed by
Mussaf back in the Beit Midrash!
Noa Bordan initiated a new program for middle school
girls, and it has been a huge success! Each week, a committed
group of girls come to shul to enjoy each other’s company,
have a discussion, and then join the teen minyan for davening
and kiddush. We have spoken about a very wide range of
topics, from politics to parsha, and solving puzzles in our
daily lives. Meet us all the way upstairs on the third floor at
10:30 AM where the middle school girls get to hang out and
learn with Noa!
In October, our high school teens enjoyed a beautiful
Shabbat meal at shul! Over 30 high school teens came together
to sing, socialize and enjoy. We have also had two amazing
middle school tisches: one with Rabbi Mazer from Yeshiva
Or Chaim and another with CHAT representatives, Rabbis
Mandel and Gemara, and Dr. Anna Urowitz-Freudenstein.
All the events were filled with incredible ruach and Torah,
and have inspired us as youth leaders to see the strong,
continued commitment to Judaism in our middle school and
high school students.
Thanks to all the enthusiastic teens for making teen
minyan a huge success. Join us every Shabbat in the
Weinbaum Beit Midrash at 10:00 AM. Koby Spiegel, Eli
Minkowitz, Serena Kay and Noa Bordan are looking forward
to greeting you!
We can’t wait for more programming and fun as the year
continues!
Chanukah Sameach to our members,
friends and the entire Jewish community.
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
29
From “We Are Associated” | Fall 2016
30
winter 2016 - 2017
Shinshinim
Bitya Chemla and Ori Laslo
I
t’s been over three months since we first arrived here.
In that time, we have experienced so many new things.
There were some difficult ones, like getting used to cold
weather, or remembering to take off our shoes when entering
a house. Some experiences were amazing, like having so many
people come to the events we held, or just feeling “at home”
when we came back to Toronto after attending a seminar in
Washington D.C.
We learn from every activity or assembly that we hold
here and we’d like to share some “numbers” about our work
with you:
• 29: The number of new posts to our Facebook page since
we arrived in Toronto (Go check it out!).
• 10+: The number of times we have been introduced to the
different Toronto Jewish communities.
• 9: The number of our weekly Dvar Israel posts so far.
• 6: The number of weekly Bnei Akiva sessions we’ve held so
far.
• 4: The number of beautiful new kippot added to Ori’s
collection.
• 3: The number of months that have quickly passed since
we’ve arrived.
• 2: The number of episodes of the Hebrew tv show “Shtisel”
we’ve viewed and discussed (and there are more to come…)
• 1: Amazing High Holiday experience.
• 1: Warm and loving community!!!
There is so much more that the numbers don’t tell:
the amount of fun we’ve had attending the Youth Shabbat
Program every week. Your kids are fantastic, and their Youth
Leaders are the best; or how inspiring it is to go with the
teens to teen minyan. Your kids are so fun to work with, and
they have big hearts and a true desire to learn from everyone
around them.
We experienced the hospitality of this community when
we organized the “Sukkah Hop” during Sukkot. Many people
came and it turned out to be one of the most successful
activities of the year! We also led the Simchat Torah Scavenger
Hunt, with clues centred around the topic of “places in Israel.”
We learned how much you care about us and Israel!
After the devastating fires started in Israel, we received a
huge number of text messages asking if our families are ok.
A lot of people came to our information session about the
fires in Israel, and that meant so much to us!
We are so fortunate to have been given the incredible
opportunity of working with the Toronto community for
eight more months (provided we survive the winter)!
We really wanted to say thank you so much for welcoming
us into your community and your homes. We could not ask
for a more loving and warm community.
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
31
Entertainment and
Cultural Committee
jerry Genesove
T
o borrow from Tennyson’s Ulysses, “We are not now
that strength which in old days moved earth and
heaven, that which we are, we are.” Over 26 years ago,
we started running programs at Shaarei Shomayim – even
in dreadful weather we had great turn-out. Currently we
concentrate on summer programs.
Last year we started with Dr. Mark Nusbaum’s “Tale of
Survival”, where an overflow crowd forced us to commandeer
chairs from other rooms. Ralph Wintrob delivered an
engrossing talk on “The Magic and Mystery of Shai Agnon”,
Rabbi Michael Skobac lectured on “Witchcraft, Superstition
and the Occult: A Jewish Perspective”, and our popular annual
history and biography series on notable Jewish people by
Gerald Ziedenberg. We look forward to another exciting
series with these wonderful lecturers, as well as some new
faces.
Chanukah is coming and we are reminded of the struggle
of Jews to stay Jewish, even when tempted by the outside
world. Today, missionaries still attempt to seduce Jewish
souls (unfortunately, with some success). Shaarei Shomayim,
more than any other synagogue in Ontario, has led the fight
to support Jews for Judaism in its battle for Jewish souls.
Today we are calling for Shofar blowers from all parts of the
Jewish spectrum to join us in our program on March 19 for
a special celebration of the Jewish spirit. If you would like to
join us, please send an email to [email protected].
GARY HYDE
Sales Manager
Office#
416-742-2777 ext. 215
Mobile# 416-275-8936
106 Vulcan Street, Toronto, ON M9W 1L2
PAPER PRODUCTS
FOOD SERVICE
CHEMICALS
SAFETY SUPPIES
www.royturk.com
32
winter 2016 - 2017
Netivot HaTorah
Day School
rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman
D
ear Shaarei Shomayim Community,
It has been a wonderful first few months at Netivot
HaTorah Day School. We strive to instill our students
with a passion for Torah, love for Israel and to develop a deep
commitment to Derech Eretz. Our South Campus, housed
at Shaarei Shomayim, is an integral part of our institution.
As one of the few Jewish schools in the GTA with increased
student enrollment this year, our South Campus has played
a key role in this growth. With our pre-nursery and nursery
classes full to capacity, we are excited and optimistic about
the future longevity of our South Campus. This year, I have
set four main goals for our school:
1. Reggio Emilia Philosophy
Gan Netivot will continue its work on becoming Reggio
inspired. The Reggio philosophy sees the image of the child
as ‘rich in potential, strong, powerful and competent.’ The
child is recognised as having his or her own values, who
wants to be respected and valued for him / herself as well as
holding respect for others and who embodies a curiosity and
open-mindedness to all that is possible.
2. Classroom Kehilla
We are excited to share with you information about our
new Social, Emotional, and Mindful Learning initiative in
our Elementary School classrooms. This initiative places
increased focus on the school’s main pillar of Derech Eretz,
through daily classroom meetings, which will be called
“Classroom Kehilla”. This new initiative has already, and will
continue to create, a school environment where our students
are safe and feel safe.
3. Judaic Studies Curriculum Initiatives
Our Judaic Studies staff will work to strengthen Hebrew
literacy skills in Grades 1-3 in areas of standards, assessments
and intervention strategies.
We have expanded our Chumash program with the
integration of the Lehavin Ulehaskil program into Grade 4
for the first time. We have partnered with the Consortium of
Orthodox Jewish Day Schools (COJDS), the developers of
this program, to provide ongoing professional development
for our Chumash teachers in Grades 2-4 in order to maximize
student learning in these classes.
iTalam: This year Our Talam Hebrew Language Program
has moved to a new digital platform program for Grade 2
students.
Gemara Berura: Originating in Israel, this forwardlooking program utilizes technology to meaningfully teach
Mishna and Gemara skills to students in Grades 5-8.
4. Digital Citizenship Curriculum for Grades 3-5
Students in Grades 3-5 now have the opportunity to
engage in learning opportunities which focus on a variety of
themes under the auspices of digital citizenship. The themes
we will highlight: rights and responsibilities, safety, privacy
and security, communication, etiquette, literacy, law, and
digital footprint and reputations. Each month, we will focus
on one core component of digital citizenship.
It is an exciting time to be part of Netivot HaTorah!
Beginning December 1, we will be accepting new student
applications. I invite you to come visit our school and
consider allowing us to educate and care for your children. I
would love to meet with you personally to help you decide if
Netivot is the right match for your family. Please feel free to
reach out to me at any time at [email protected].
All the best,
Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman
Head of School, Netivot HaTorah Day School
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
33
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reinforcement to help kids develop good habits in the area of physical activity and healthy living. Experts agree that children
that are Physically Literate and fit will absorb and retain information more effectively than children that are out of shape,
therefore they will study and concentrate better. Children leave Monkeynastix feeling happy, confident and energized!
Monkeynastix is excited to announce that we are making our birthday party packages available to our friends at
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Todah Me’rosh – ‫תודה מראש‬
34
winter 2016 - 2017
Family News
from august 6, 2016 to
We wish Mazal Tov to the following:
november 26, 2016
Births
EWA KORDA on the birth of a greatgrandson, Mordechai, born to Dr. Ryan and
Lital Korda.
PAUL HERBERT, on the birth of a
granddaughter, Maya Aliza, daughter of
Andy and Adina Hauser and sister of Dalia
Tzipporah.
ARNOLD (Anshel) BUXBAUM, Elaine Rosner
and Phyllis Novetsky on the birth of a great
grandson, born to Ariel and Sarah Walsh.
Excited grandparents are MURRAY and RELY
WALSH and Jay and Paula Novetsky. Thrilled
big brother Jack.
JACOB RIFKIND and RACHALE COHEN on
the birth of a son, Noah Samuel. Excited big
sister is Ayla. Proud grandparents are JOYCE
and AARON RIFKIND and WARREN COHEN
and ANN SILBER-COHEN.
NOAL and JACLYN KORMAN on the birth of a
son, Dylan James. Excited grandparents are
CLIFFORD and KATY KORMAN, Irma Weiss
and Sam Skurecki, and Ami Weisz. Thrilled
brothers and sister-in-law are Aaron Korman
and Lara Torvi, and Andrew and Tara Crane.
STEPHEN and HESHY ALTBAUM and
George and Vita Schmidt on the birth of a
granddaughter, Esther Bayla, born to Peter
and Kat Altbaum. Excited big brother is
Shlomo.
EREZ and GOLDIE RUBINSTEIN on the birth
of a son. Excited grandparents, Eli and Renee
Rubinstein and Jam and Debby Schlaff and
great grandmother, Magda Reichner.
ARTHUR and JOYCE EKLOVE, SAUL and
MIRA KOSCHITZKY, and Joey and Anette
Colton on the birth of a great grandson,
Gidon Shmuel, born to Amitai and Shira
Koschitzky of Israel. Excited sister is Aliya
Riva. Proud grandparents are Harley and
Susan Eklove and Joel and Rivaz”l Koschitzky.
PAUL BROWN on the birth of a grandson,
Yosef Dov, born to Rabbi Reuven and Dr.
Rivky Brown of Miami Beach. Excited siblings
are Dena and Dovid. Proud grandparents are
Carol Brown of Toronto and Rabbi Avrohom
and Frada Stone of West Orange, NJ.
MIRIAM ROSENTHAL on the birth of a great
grandson.
MARLA ORBACH on the birth of a first
granddaughter, Adina Joelle (Yehudit), born
to Eden and Christine Orbach. Proud aunts
are Dara and Rebecca Orbach. Overjoyed
great grandparents are Miriam Orbach,
Grace Schelew and Don Schelew.
CYNTHIA GASNER, Ruth Resnick of Netanya,
and Shirley Rapps of New York on the birth
of a great granddaughter, Hodaya Tiferet,
born to Kayla and Eitan Rapps of Givat
Shmuel, Israel. Proud grandparents are Julea
and Robert Gasner of Jerusalem and Debbie
and Dov Rapps of Efrat.
CYNTHIA GASNER, Ruth Resnick, and Victa
Rosen of Kfar Yehoshua on the birth of a
great grandson, born to Orly and Nathaniel
Gibson of Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel.
Excited siblings are Aryeh Refael and Maya
Temimah. Proud grandparents are Julea and
Robert Gasner, Stephen Gibson and Nava
Rosen. Thrilled great grandfather is Fred
Gibson.
MENDY and MARILYN MAIEROVITZ on
the birth and brit of their grandson,
Barak Mazal, born to Shoshana Israel and
Dov Maierovitz. Excited big brothers are
Macabee and Ozi. Proud grandparents are
Ahava and Zel Spillman and Peter Israel and
Sonja Falkenberg and very proud greatgrandmother is Dorothy Newman.
JOEY and LINDA FRIED on the birth of a
grandson, Yehuda, born to Yitzi and Meira
Fried. Excited siblings are Baila, Yehoshua
Asher, and Rachel.
JOHN and HELEN PETO and Dov and Leora
Weitzner on the birth of a grandson, Yosef
Shalom (Jamie), born to Katriya and Yonatan
Weitzner.
ADAM and ELLIE SLAVENS on the birth of
a son, Charles Jay. Mazal Tov to big brother
Ryan. Proud grandparents are JAMES and
LINDA SLAVENS and Howie and Barbara
Alter. Thrilled great grandparents are Marvin
and Sybil Rothschild.
Lorne Burger and Ashley Faust on the birth
of a daughter, a sister for proud brother
Shael. Delighted grandparents are ALAN
and Suzannez”l BURGER and Ronnie and Gail
Faust. Excited aunts and uncles are MARC
and JILL BURGER, NAOMI BURGER and
Jared and Jessica Faust. Ecstatic cousins
are Ari, Lia, Zoe, Shael, and Noa Burger and
Ryan and Hannah Faust.
DODO COHEN and SUSAN GOLDSTEIN on
the birth of a great granddaughter, born to
Miki and Ruby Goldstein. Excited big sister
is Sari. Proud grandparents are Zev and
Shaindy Goldstein.
JEFFERY and DANIELLA SILVER on the birth
of a son, Abie Jacob. Proud grandparents are
BONNY SILVER, Resa and Alan Litwack and
Arieh Glustein. Excited siblings are Emily,
Alisha, and Sorelle. Thrilled aunts and uncles
ARE JEREMY and TALYA SILVER, HANANEL
and SHERRI SEGAL, ZVI and NAOMI
GLUSTEIN, and Gadi and Atara Yunger.
AARON and EMILY HERSHTAL on the birth
of a son, Levi. Excited siblings are Ariel,
Maytal and Ilan. Thrilled grandparents are
ZEV and SYBIL HERSHTAL and Ricky and
Pam Turetsky.
BERNIE
GOLDHAR
and
MARLENE
OILGISSER and Dr. Michael and Marilyn
Shupak on the birth of a grandson. Proud
parents are Richard and Jennifer Goldhar.
Excited brother is Jack.
BRIAN and BRYNA BLOOM and Mrs. Rona
Light on the birth of a grandson. Gavriel,
Noam. Proud parents are Robert and Rachel
Bloom of Israel. Excited siblings are Izzie,
Akiva, Moshe, and Zahava.
bar / bat mitzvah
NATAN TREITEL and WENDY KAUFMAN
on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter,
Gabriella. Excited sister is Maya. Proud
grandparents are David and Donna-Lee
Kauffman and Irving and Tova Treitel. Zahavah Zarnett-Klein on her Bat
Mitzvah. Proud parents and siblings are
Shelley Zarnett-Klein, Bill Klein,
Zachary and Sarah.
STAN and MIRIAM PRICE on the Bar Mitzvah
of their grandson, Jonah Tafler, son of Brian
and Melissa Tafler.
SOL and QUEENIE NAYMAN on the Bar
Mitzvah of their grandson, Benjamin Aaron,
son of Stuart Nayman and Hilary Cooper in
New York. Thrilled sister is Rachel Ava.
DAVID
FREUDENSTEIN
and
ANNA
UROWITZ-FREUDENSTEIN on the Bar
Mitzvah of their son, ELIYAHU. Excited sisters
are Sofia and Zohara. Proud grandparents
are Murray and Judi Urowitz.
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
35
IAN and PAM ROSMARIN and Milton and
Evelyn Houpt on the Bar Mitzvah of their
grandson, Yehuda Avraham Rosmarin, son of
David and Miri Rosmarin. Excited siblings are
Bina, Shlomo, Akiva, Moshe, and Emunah.
SOL and TAUBE ZEIFMAN and Lynn Glickman
and Martin Lapidus on the Bat Mitzvah of
their granddaughter, Sophie Lillian Glickman,
daughter of Rob and Jennifer Glickman.
Excited brother is Ethan.
engagements
TOM and SHOSHANAH MOOS on the
engagement of Shoshanah’s daughter,
Sarah to James Bowe of London, England.
RANDALL and LINDA CRAIG on the
engagement of their daughter JACQUELINE
to BRANDON LIEBMAN, son of Jeffery and
Rhonda Liebman. Excited siblings are Shale
and Sabrina Craig and Amanda Liebman.
Delighted grandparents are John and Evvie
Craig and Lil Wener and Jean Liebman.
DR. MARK and JANINE NUSBAUM on the
engagement of their granddaughter, Rifka
(Esther) Pomper, daughter of Dr. Mark and
Suzy Pomper of Miami, to Yair Warner, son
of Dr. Leibe and Leah Warner of Toronto.
Delighted grandparents are Howard and
Barbara Pomper, and Julie Sapir. Enthusiastic
siblings are Avi and Ariela Pomper, Yoni
and Chani Pomper, Daniel and Bracha
Pomper, Elisheva, Ezra, Kobi, Penina, Ari and
Shoshana Belzberg, Alan and Kimmy Warner
and Deena Warner.
DR. JOSEPH and LEE MINKOWITZ on the
engagement of their daughter, ADINA to
RICKY SILBERMAN, son of Dr. Joe and
Renee Silberman. Thrilled siblings are
Sheera, Avi, Lea, Eli, and Dvir Minkowitz
and Donny, Jason, and Matthew Silberman.
Excited grandparents are Max and Sabina
Rosenbloom and Chaim Mayer and Feige
Minkowitz.
ORI GOLDSTEIN on his engagement to
REBECCA SHAPIRA. Thrilled parents are Zev
and Shaindy Goldstein and Genady and Sara
Shapira. Excited grandparents are DODO
COHEN and SUSAN GOLDSTEIN. Mazal Tov
to siblings Rena and Josh Zelig, Dani and
Ariella Goldstein, Miki and Ruby Goldstein,
Yoni, Netanel, and Geula Shapira.
STEVE GOTTESMAN and LIDDY BECK on the
engagement of their daughter, ELIZABETH
to JEFF PELCHOVITZ, son of Saimi and
Mark Pelchovitz. Excited siblings are Sophie,
Jonathan, and Madeleine Gottesman and
Michael and Daniel Pelchovitz. Thrilled
grandmothers are Mary Beck and Gloria
Pelchovitz.
NAOMI ROSKIES and ALEX NEUMAN on the
engagement of their daughter, ELIANNE, to
YAAKOV SCHIFF, son of Debbie and David
Schiff. Delighted grandparents are Clara
Neuman, Arthur and Josie Roskies, Dr. Ethel
Roskies, Dr. Seymour and Judy Schiff, and
Charles and Ellen Winetsky. Excited sisters
are Ilana, Talia, and Avigail Schiff.
ARTHUR and JOYCE EKLOVE on the
engagement of their granddaughter, Keshet,
daughter of Harley and Susan Eklove, to
Chanan, son of Aharon and Tova Naiman of
Efrat.
RANDY and DONNA SHIFF on the
engagement of their daughter, ILANA to
JEREMY ROSH, son of Joel and Susan Rosh
of New Rochelle, NY. Proud grandparents
are DOROTHY SHIFF, Meyer and Betty Rosh,
and David Stadmauer. Lovingly remembered
at this time are Sidney and Elva Starkmanz”l,
J. Richard Shiffz”l, and Paula Stadmauerz”l.
RICHARD and IRINA KAY on the engagement
of their daughter SERENA to ARI, son of
Roger and Debra Rubin. Thrilled siblings
are Gregory and Deena Kay, Jeffrey Kay,
and Eliana Rubin. Excited grandparents are
Judith Kay, Milcah Milman, Pierre Milman,
Andrew and Leila Braude, and Stanley Rubin.
Remembered are dear grandparents Harry
Kayz”l and Muriel Rubinz”l.
marriages
BARRY and GILDA WALTMAN on the
marriage of their son BRIAN to KIM
LICHTMAN, daughter of Howard and Riki
Lichtman. Proud grandparents are Toby
Waltman and Chana Kwinta. Excited siblings
are Jeremy and Shauna Bornstein, Ari and
Laura Levin, Jordan Waltman and Dayna
Simon, and Kyle Lichtman and Marley
Gurvey.
MICHAEL and FRANCINE GOLDRICH on the
marriage of their son YAAKOV to TAMARA
ELITUV, daughter of Randi and Nadav Elituv.
Thrilled grandparents are PEARL GOLDRICH,
David Alloul, Norman and Maureen Feder,
and Esther Goldberg. Mazel Tov to siblings
Yechiel and Lana Bobrowsky, Kayla and Josh
Bernick, Shimon Goldrich, Meira and Nick
Plante, Uriel and Hayley Elituv, and Noam
Elituv. Excited niece and nephews are Naomi,
Ari, and Max Bobrowsky.
DAVID SOCKEN and GALE BORISONSOCKEN on the occasion of the marriage
of their son ALLAN to MICHELLE, daughter
of Howard Stone and Shelley ZimmermanStone. Proud siblings are HEATHER and
GERSHON HURWEN, Daniel Socken, Elliott
and Samantha Stone and Tanya Stone.
Excited nephews are Noah and Jake Hurwen
and Josh Stone.
SHANE ALTBAUM and SHELBY SPIGELMAN
on their marriage. Proud parents are
STEPHEN and HESHY ALTBAUM and Michael
and Debbie Spigelman. Excited siblings
are Peter and Katherine Altbaum, Robert
Altbaum, and Jill and John Ritter. Thrilled
grandmother is Rose Spigelman.
YOSEF KRINSKY on the marriage of his
daughter, Hadassa Brocha to Shaked Carmel
at Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi. Excited siblings are
Avrohom, Moishe, Shiffra, Devora, Avigail,
Gittle, Yehudis, and Shlomo Krinsky.
36
winter 2016 - 2017
HAROLD and GILI ROSEN on the marriage of
their daughter, NAVA, to YAKIR RAZON, son
of Amos and Nava Razon. Excited siblings
are Tali and Jacob Rosen, and Anat, Michal,
and Tal Razon. Proud grandparents are Carl
and Brona Rosen and Amram Meir.
SHELDON and LORI DISENHOUSE on the
marriage of their son, JOSHUA to TALI
SILBERMAN, daughter of Iris and Henry
Silberman. Thrilled siblings are Sari, Yael
and Michael, Eitan and Yael, and Tamir
and Emma. Proud grandparents are Malka
Nachumovitch and Richard and Dora
Silberman. Super excited nieces are Emily
and Maeva.
RICKY and DIANNA ZAUDERER on the
marriage of their son, ARIEL to BOSSMAT
GAL, daughter of Stella and Levy Gal. Excited
siblings are Tanya and Leora Zauderer and
Pazeet Gal. Thrilled grandparents are Andor
and Ilona Roberts. Excited aunts and uncle
are JEFFREY and GAYLE ROBERTS, and
Linda Roberts, and Johnny and Helene
Zauderer.
RISA and LOUIS VANDERSLUIS on the
marriage of their son, DANIEL, to STACEY
BRENER, daughter of David and Judy
Brener. Excited siblings are Jonathan, Avi
and Maddie, YONA and ADAM, and Eli
Vandersluis, and Eric and Shiran, and Debbie
Brener. Thrilled grandmothers are Helen
Parker and Esther Vandersluis.
anniversaries and birthdays
SOL and QUEENIE NAYMAN on their 55th
Wedding Anniversary.
special announcements
Mazal Tov to TOM and SHOSHANAH MOOS, on
Shoshana’s son Chase obtaining his Doctorate
in Cinema.
Mazal Tov to SARAH ZARNETT-KLEIN on
receiving the Founders Academic Merit
Scholarship from The University of GuelphHumber and the Guelph-Humber Academic
Merit Scholarship. Proud parents and siblings
are SHELLEY ZARNETT-KLEIN, BILL KLEIN,
Zachary and Zahavah.
Tzeitchem l’shalom to all those who are leaving
to study in Israel and a special yashar koach to
those entering the IDF.
Mazal Tov to REBECCA DREEZER, daughter of
STEPHEN and BLIMA DREEZER, on receiving
the University of Toronto’s Arbor Award for
outstanding personal service to the University.
condolences to
Pnina Teitelbaum, Jonathan Bordan, NOA
Bordan and Maya Bordan on the loss of their
mother, mother-in-law and grandmother,
ESTHER TEITELBAUMz”l.
Sari and PJ Naworynski on the passing of
their mother and mother-in-law, LILLIAN
GINSBERGz”l.
GARY (KAREN) LITWACK, Alan (Resa)
Litwack and Debbie Litwack (Jerry Solomon)
on the passing of their father and father-inlaw, Moses (Moe) Litwackz”l.
Gary Samuel and Paula Zivot and Liz and Zvi
Gellison on the passing of their father and
father-in-law, LESLIE SAMUELz”l.
Mazal Tov to DANIEL DAVID, son of CRIS
DAVID and SUSAN OSHER, on being selected
as one of the 20 Toronto Diller Teen Fellows
for the 2016-2017 cohort. Proud grandparents
are ROBBIE and AVIS OSHER and Bob and
Lorraine David in South Africa.
TSIONA and JONATHAN OSTRO and Shalom
Taspay on the passing of their mother,
mother-in-law and wife, Seula Taspayz”l.
Mazal Tov to MINDY GREEN on the occasion of
her grandson, Rabbi Yudi Green of Melbourne,
Australia, obtaining his Masters Degree in
Education with Honours.
PAULINA and AVISHAY PERL and Aaron
and Svetlana Rosenberg on the passing
of their mother and mother-in-law, NINA
ROSENBERGz”l.
Mazal Tov to the PARTICIPANTS of the
CHUMASH RASHI SHIUR, led by MELECH
HALBERSTADT. They completed the learning
of the entire Rashi of Bereishit.
Chazzan Shloime and Yael Sufrin and family
on the passing of Chazzan Sufrin’s father,
Rabbi Mordechai Zvi Sufrinz”l.
Mazal Tov to KITTY WINTROB on the release
of the third edition of her book, I’m Not Going
Back. This edition is a lavishly illustrated family
edition.
Mazal Tov to DANIELLA SILVER and Norene
Gilletz on the release of their second cookbook,
The Silver Platter: Simple Elegance.
Susan and Lenny Melvin on the passing of
their mother and mother-in-law, Roszi
Wittmanz”l.
MIRIAM KATZIN and family on the passing of
her husband, HAROLD KATZINz”l.
MICHELE BIELER and her family on the
passing of Michele’s mother, Irene Tuckerz”l.
Mazal Tov to DR. MICKY OSTRO for being
honoured by Hatzolah Toronto as one of
Hatzolah’s first medical directors as well as DR.
JOSEPH MINKOWITZ at the Hatzolah Dinner.
Mazal Tov to JORDAN LASS on receiving his
PhD from McMaster University.
HONOUR THE MEMORY OF YOUR
LOVED ONES BY DEDICATING
A MEMORIAL PLAQUE OR A
LEAF ON OUR TREE OF LIFE
FOR DETAILS, PLEASE EMAIL
NICOLE AT [email protected]
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
37
professionally we serve
specializing in pre-arrangements
905-881-6003 | www.steeles.org
professionally we care
38
winter 2016 - 2017
Menchens Catering
CULINARY ENGINEERS
Innovative. Eclectic. Extraordinary
Exclusivity at Terrace Banquet Centre
Embassy Grand
Shaarei Shomayim Congregation
Various banquet halls in Toronto
Customized creative menu planning with our artistic team of chefs
Phone: 416.638.8381
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.menchens.ca
COR
Tevet-shevat-adar-nisan-iyar 5777
39
Dates to Remember
470 Glencairn Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5N 1V8
Telephone (416) 789-3213 • Fax (416) 789-1728
www.shomayim.org • E-mail [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday..............................................8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday......................................................................... 8:30am - 2:00pm
Shabbat, Sunday.........................................................................Closed
WHO’S WHO
Rabbi...........................................................................Chaim Strauchler
Shamash / Baal Koreh..................................................Ralph Levine
Cantor.................................................................................. Zvi Katzman
Rabbi, Downstairs Minyan..................................... Elliott Diamond
President............................................................................ Brian Cantor
Executive Director................................................... Nicole Toledano
Youth Director...............................................................Jacob Posluns
Bulletin Contributor...............................................Lawrence Savlov
jan 1
8th Day of Chanukah
jan 21
Netivot Shabbaton
jan 28
Scholar-In-Residence Rabbi Noam Pratzer
feb 10-11
Yachad Shabbaton with Shelly Christensen
feb 10
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Program Closing Program
feb 11
Tu B’Shevat
feb 13
Medical Ethics – Logotherapy in Judaism
mar 9
Taanit Esther (Fast of Esther)
mar 12Purim
mar 13Shushan Purim
mar 18Scholar-In-Residence Rabbanit Chanah Henkin
mar 19Cavalcade of Stars
mar 24-25Scholar-In-Residence Shuli Taubes
DONATIONS
Capital Fund.........................................................................$18 and up
Philip Zucker Torah Fund.................................................$18 and up
Phillip Wintrob Youth Fund............................................$18 and up
Rabbi’s Charity Fund.........................................................$18 and up
Volunteer Appreciation Fund........................................$18 and up
Beit Medrash Book Fund................................................$36 and up
Chessed Fund......................................................................$36 and up
Memorial Plaques..........................................................................$400
Tree of Life: Leaf.......................................................................... $1,800
Tree of Life: Stone...................................................................... $5,400
apr 10Erev Pesach
SPONSORSHIPS
Regular Shabbat Kiddush.........................................................$780*
Shabbat Mevorchim Kiddush.................................................$1,100*
Downstairs Minyan Kiddush.......................................................$275
Hashkama Minyan Kiddush.......................................................$200
Seudah Shlishit...............................................................................$200
Teen Minyan Kiddush...................................................................$200
Chessed Fund Sponsor a Meal.................................................... $72
Flowers for the Sanctuary.............................call for more details
Youth Kiddush....................................................................................$54
Weekday Breakfast: per day........................................................ $72
Weekday Breakfast: per week.................................................. $250
*Partial sponsorships available........................... starting at $195
may 14Lag B’Omer
To make a donation or arrange for a sponsorship, please call
the shul office or go to www.shomayim.org. Tax receipts will
be issued.
ENDOWMENTS
Endowment funds can be set up to suit your individual
requirements. For further information, please contact the
shul office.
apr 11-12
Pesach I and II
apr 13-16Chol HaMoed Pesach
apr 17-18
Pesach VII and VIII
apr 24Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day
may 1Yom HaZikaron
may 2Yom Ha’Atzmaut
may 6Scholar-In-Residence Judy Klitsner
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from our website, anytime you want!
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