September 2019 – Holy Blossom Temple

How We Prepare

The Prime Minister’s apologies made international headlines. Meanwhile, as the High Holy Days approach we must ask ourselves: What forgiveness do I seek?

Millions of students in 150 countries strike for change in global climate controls. Meanwhile, deep into the month of Ellul, we must ask ourselves: What hurtful or harmful behaviours in my own life can I change? What acts of teshuvah – turning and returning – can set things right? What changes – small or large – must I make today to set a path to the future I seek?

The U.S. President’s actions are being judged and called to account. The trial each of us faces over Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur is a private one. We gather in great numbers to do a very private thing: to judge ourselves in the presence of God. How will we prosecute and defend our actions and inactions?

Critical elections here and in Israel are now taking shape. Meanwhile, over the coming Holy Days we ask: Which acts of service and responsibility must I now carry? What coalitions and relationships must I nurture?

I’m not suggesting we turn off the newsfeed, but I am calling attention to the equally urgent work at hand: Cheshbon HaNefesh, the accounting of the soul. It’s the quiet, internal work that only we can do. It’s the private tally that only we can take.

Here are five questions you might ask yourself in preparation for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.

Am I living the life I want? What changes or shifts might open a path to the life of meaning and purpose I seek?
Do I express gratitude? Do I thank the people who enrich my life? Do I even acknowledge their contributions? Do I thank God for the many blessings that are mine?
Whom shall I forgive? While seeking forgiveness from others, we are also called upon to grant forgiveness. Are there people – living or dead – whom I should forgive? What anger or resentment might soften for me if I do? What disappointments would lighten?
Am I taking good care of myself? Am I pushing too hard? What price do I pay for it?
Where is God in my life? What is my personal theology? What questions can I ask in pursuit of spiritual insight and growth?

If you found these questions to be helpful prompts, check out 10Q. I’ve never tried it myself, but some people make it part of their High Holy Day ritual, a tool to prepare for the new year. 10Q offers ten questions just before Rosh HaShanah and then stored in a vault. Your private answers “magically” appear in your inbox about a year later, so you can be reminded of your intentions and self-assess your Cheshbon HaNefesh, your personal accounting of the soul. You can sign up here, http://doyou10q.com/users/sign_in

This is the work of the hour. This is the news of the day. What headlines and fine print do you read in your Book of Life?

May these days of self-examination be rewarding.

And may we each be blessed with another year of this good life.

L’ShanahTovah!

September 27, 2019/0 Comments/by Holy Blossom

finearts, stories

Last Folio: Exhibit & Special Event at Holy Blossom

To inaugurate our new gallery space in honour of Rosh Hashanah 5780, Holy Blossom Temple is proud to present selections from The Last Folio by renowned Slovak-Canadian photographer Yuri Dojc.

On a return trip to his homeland in 2006, Yuri embarked on a pilgrimage to rediscover and document Jewish life in Slovakia. His first encounter was an abandoned Yeshiva whose doors had not been opened since the day the entire Jewish community of that town was deported to Auschwitz in 1942. Inside he discovered the relics of this community frozen in time: siddurim, chumashim, books of Talmud and history, student notebooks, ceremonial Judaica; each one a fragile monument, a sacred treasure.

Yuri was compelled to scale the country on multiple return visits – together with filmmaker Katia Krausova – document the last remaining sites and survivors of this once vibrant and now nearly destroyed community. The culmination of their pilgrimage is a film and collection of photographs called The Last Folio, which has also been published in two books.

Amidst his remarkable and poignant journey, Yuri came upon a collection of siddurim that intrigued him. He gently opened one to find his own grandfather’s name inscribed: Jakob Deutsch. A fragile monument and a sacred treasure indeed.

Photographer, artist and witness, Yuri Dojc’s expansive practice encompasses many kinds of looking. Since the late 1990s, he has been documenting Slovakia’s last living Holocaust survivors and the country’s abandoned synagogues, schools, and cemeteries for Last Folio. An international success, this show travels extensively, with major exhibitions at prominent museums and synagogues worldwide. Holy Blossom Temple is the first synagogue in Canada to exhibit Last Folio.

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Join us on Monday, November 18, 2019, 7:30 pm for a special Lecutre by Yuri Dojc and screening of the Documentary, “The Last Folio,” a feature-length documentary by Katya Krausova. Dessert Reception in The Gallery to follow.

September 27, 2019/0 Comments/by Holy Blossom

stories

Featured Ceramicist Loren Kaplan for Project Betzalel

Featured Ceramicist Loren Kaplan for Project Betzalel:

Longing for South Africa, Mid-town Toronto Artist Loren Kaplan Creates Objects of Splendor & Reverential Beauty

When Loren Kaplan isn’t making beautiful ceramic objets d’art in her downtown studio, she can be found walking the neighbourhoods of Toronto with Fred, her adorable black lab-poodle mix. They are a dynamic duo, and I was able to meet them both to discuss how the lifeblood of South Africa informs all aspects of Ms. Kaplan’s impressive body of work.

Loren welcomed me into her mid-town apartment on a sunny late summer’s day. Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the beauty of the art that thoughtfully adorns the walls and shelves throughout. Loren informs me that the collection is the work of South African artists, Loren’s included, and that she surrounds herself with the soul-art of her friends to keep the connection to her former life in Jo-burg fresh and alive; there is memory, remembrance and reverence for the life she had once inhabited 6 years back before immigrating to Toronto to join her parents, Holy Blossom congregants Etienne and Aubrey Kaplan, and her brother.

By her own admission, Loren is “deeply attached to South Africa…its people, the intense living conditions, the kindness, and generosity” of those she considers her friends and family. Living through Apartheid and her quest for social justice only strengthens Loren’s attachment to her homeland and its people. This is the place where Loren’s interest in art was ignited. This is the place where Loren went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in photography. Like many art students, Loren set off to travel the world, totally immersing and eventually saturating the photographic medium. At 23 years of age, a friend recommended that Loren take a pottery class. Thus sparked her love affair with clay, and as they say, the rest is history.

By Loren’s own admission, pottery offers an “antidote to overthinking.” Loren adores the “physicality of the medium” and how she can explore and “surrender” to its tactility. Nevertheless, her connection to South Africa continues to permeate her psyche and is ultimately transposed into her work. The patterns, shapes, colours, and even some of the clay that she utilizes is a direct homage to her love of nature and her love of ancient African vessels.

Loren purposefully creates ceramic objects to “hold something.” For Loren, the vessel can be multi-purpose and is meant to start a conversation between the object and the viewer. It might hold light, or sound, or even a metaphor like hope, or perhaps human potential and opportunity; perhaps the vessel can function to hold something like a flower. These sculptural ceramic vessels are notably a beautiful nexus between contemporary and traditional styles, between the ancient and the modern, between exquisite form and functionality.

In addition to creating beautiful ceramic objects, Loren Kaplan shares her expertise by instructing students individually and in small groups at her downtown studio. To her, the creation and sharing of art enables her to bridge her transplanted South African roots onto Canadian soil, extending her love of her craft to grateful viewers, would-be artists, and collectors alike.

Loren Kaplan’s work was recently premiered on September 16th at the opening of the Judaica Shop at Holy Blossom and Project Betzalel launch, showcasing in-house artists affiliated with the Temple community. All are welcome to feast on the splendour of Loren Kaplan’s eternal objects of contemplation, beauty, and soulfulness. Visit our Facebook page to see photos from the fantastic evening!

For additional information about Loren Kaplan, visit Holy Blossom’s Sisterhood Gift Shop or contact Loren via her website at www.lorenkaplan.com or through Instagram @lorenkaplan.

September 27, 2019/0 Comments/by Holy Blossom

Uncategorized

HBTeens Volunteer Opportunities

We are always looking for creative and dedicated high school students who are interested in gaining new skills, learning about different aspects of congregational education, working as role models to younger students, and increasing students’ knowledge of and connection to Judaism.

Volunteer Opportunities

Mitzvah Bakers
Once a month on Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Join us in the kitchen and bake for Out of the Cold and the Ve’ahavta street help van. A great way to get community service hours, in a fun social environment. Some months we meet up before baking and have dinner together.

Mitzvah Baker dates for 2019-2020:
September 25
October 30
November 27
December 18
January 29
February 26
March 25
April 29
May 27

Madrichim
do you love working with kids? Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer and/or paid position? Our Madrichim act as student teachers in YEC classrooms on Sunday mornings and some Monday nights. Being a madrich is a great way to develop leadership, teaching and classroom management skills, and help our younger students grow and develop. Elana Paice Lidsky, our Madrichim coordinator runs monthly training sessions to help develop skills, and teach some lesson planning. Madrichim in grades 8-10 earn volunteer hours and then have the option of being paid in grades 11&12.

If you would like to find out more about how you can be a positive Jewish role model through our Madrichim program, contact Lisa Isen Baumal: [email protected]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”” h4=”Contact us!”]If you have any questions or would like more information about volunteering at Holy Blossom, please contact the Office at (416) 789-3291 ext. 242 or email Lisa Isen Baumal at [email protected].[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]

September 25, 2019/0 Comments/by Holy Blossom

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HBTeens: Get Involved!

Our Teen Programs are focused on empowering our students to become passionate and creative leaders and role models. Our programs create lasting memories and prepare Tour teens for the future.

Moving Traditions: Rosh Hodesh and Shevet groups

Once a month on Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm
led by Lisa Isen Baumal, and Daniel Abramson

Making your way through middle school and high school can be an exciting, but challenging time. There are things you’re asking yourself, wanting to explore or questioning every day. It’s when you most need friends, but don’t want them to judge you. When you most need mentors but don’t want lectures.

Moving Traditions’ programs were created for you—they’re a unique Jewish teen experience. Through Rosh Hodesh and Shevet, monthly groups for girls and guys, you get a safe space to talk openly about issues that matter most to you—like relationships, school, sexuality, and stress.

It’s where all Jewish teens can share a common experience—one in which you can freely speak your mind, listen to different perspectives, and ask big questions—all while having a good time, eating, and making good friends. Visit movingtraditions.org for more information!

Moving Tradition dates for 2019-2020:
September 18
October 23
November 20
December 18
January 22
February 19
March 25
April 29
May 27

Duke of Edinburgh Award Program

for students in grades 9-12
Holy Blossom is an award granting centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which encourages teens to build skills and become well-rounded citizens by creating a personal award program which encompasses volunteerism, physical activity, skill development, and adventure experience.

There are many ways to fulfil the award requirements here at Holy Blossom.
Visit the Duke of Ed’s website https://www.dukeofed.org/ to learn more about the award, and contact Lisa Isen Baumal [email protected] to learn how to work toward your award at HBT.

NFTY-NEL (North American Federation of Temple Youth – Northeast Lakes Region)
NFTY, the youth branch of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is a movement that builds strong, welcoming, inspired communities through teen-powered engagement. Together, we pursue tikkun olam, personal growth, youth empowerment, and deep connections, all rooted in Reform Judaism. NFTY’s Northeast Lakes Region (NEL) includes Ontario Canada; northern New York; Cleveland, OH, and its suburbs; and Erie, PA.

NFTY-NEL hosts several regional events throughout the year, attended by HABSTY and members of all other youth groups from Reform congregations within the region.

Visit https://northeastlakes.nfty.org/ to learn more about NFTY, the NEL region, and upcoming events for this year.

HBTravel

L’Taken, Washington DC, February 21-14, 2020
grades 10+

Get ready to change the world!
Run by the Religious Action Center, affiliated with the Reform Movement, L’Taken brings 300 teens from across the USA and Canada to Washington DC for a 4 day program focusing on current social issues, the Jewish values surrounding them, and learning skills to become an advocate. Students will have the unique opportunity to meet with Embassy officials at the Canadian Embassy, in addition to touring and visiting museums and sights in the city.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”” h4=”Contact us!”]If you have any questions or would like more information about Youth Engagement at Holy Blossom, please contact the Office at (416) 789-3291 ext. 242 or email Lisa Isen Baumal at [email protected].[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]

September 25, 2019/0 Comments/by Holy Blossom

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Letter from the Early Childhood Centre Director

The Early Childhood Centre at Holy Blossom Temple is a wonderful choice for your child’s first school experience. I am happy to receive you not only as part of the ECC family but as part of our Temple family as well. Together with our teachers and Temple community, we begin our partnership with you and your children.

Designing learning environments that are engaging and meaningful for children is my passion. I am committed to creating a strong Jewish-based educational program where sound foundational skills and play with a purpose are always the focus. I am especially attuned to the needs of parents and strongly advocate for parental engagement in our children’s educational process. I believe that each child should feel valued and each parent’s voice heard.

My role as Director is a very hands-on approach. I will always be available to you and really enjoy the time I spend in the classroom with the children. I value our parents as partners in education and welcome your participation. I want you to be engaged in meaningful ways and hope that you will join us in the classroom as a parent volunteer in whatever capacity you feel most comfortable.

I have an open-door policy and I will always be available to you.

When we say the learning happens through play and that play is a child’s work, it is important to understand that the best play is purposeful and engages children’s’ minds, bodies and emotions.

All learning is integrated-learning is never isolated. Concepts are woven into various play/work centres and are presented in ways that will engage the tactile, auditory, visual or kinesthetic learning. Our wonderful staff are engaged in both child-initiated and teacher-guided learning experiences. Careful observations allow us to present materials and activities to stimulate interests or build on acquired skills.

Although our days seem short, they are action-packed! Your children will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities that will challenge and further their development of key skill domains, fine and gross motor, creative, cognitive, numeracy and early literacy. They will build self-confidence, self-awareness and self-help skills. Our teachers plan curriculum bases on an emergent philosophy set out by the Ministry of Education.

Through all of this, our teachers also strive to impart a Jewish identity to all the children. Hebrew songs and blessings, learning about Jewish holidays, visits to the Sukkah, hearing the blowing of the Shofar, Preparing for Shabbat every Friday, Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday nights with the Temple community all contribute experiencing Jewishness in a Reformed Jewish Context.

I am so honoured to serve as the Director of the Early Childhood Centre at Holy Blossom Temple and build on its remarkable reputation for over 50 years.

L’Shalom,

Wendy Steinberg Himmel
[email protected]

September 25, 2019/0 Comments/by Holy Blossom

Featured at HBT, Rabbi Helfman: Thoughts

Are you paying attention to the election?

Last night at a wonderful interfaith event with many partners, including the Imadadul Islamic Centre, the Interfaith Dialogue Institute, I was asked: “Are you paying attention to the election?”

The person asking was referring to the Canadian Election, and in the context of this interfaith event, was focusing on the political oppression of Muslims and Jews who wear religious symbols publicly in Quebec… but I, of course, thought I were referring to the Israeli elections, which concluded yesterday with an ‘up in the air’ result.

Before the election, my Israeli friends mentioned that they felt exhausted by the advertising and buzz, as this is the second election this year.

Following the election they are: 1) excited by the possibility of what various coalitions could look like, 2) tired of the sitting Prime Minister’s electioneering practices, and 3) excited to see what happens with an Arab list that shows much more involvement with the State of Israel. It is this last point, the hope and dreams expressed through the Arab vote, and not the specifics of the Jewish vote, which I hope we will see the most analysis of and support for in the coming days.

Our Shinshiniyot are here during the election season. Here is a preview of the reflection Lior Cohen will share in family service this Shabbat, which deserves our rapt attention and thanks for her service starting here in Canada:

I want to share my voting experience with you.

I’ll first say that I think that it’s so important to be politically involved, but for me, it was so hard. It was hard for me to be able to use both my right and responsibility to vote in this election. After all, voting is serious. I was so excited to use this privilege, as a woman, as an adult, as an Israeli. I was finally old enough to vote, to be able to have an effect on and possibly make change for my country.

Why was it so hard for you Lior, you may ask? It was so hard for me to decide who I want to vote for because the whole process felt like child’s play. Instead of feeling like I am voting for the government elections, to vote in the future leader of Israel, I felt like I was voting for the student council of my high school.

The entire focus of this election seemed like a catty exchange between a group of teenagers, not adult. The candidates focused on bring each other down and shaming their opponents instead of talking about themselves and the changes they would make to the country and her people.

These election campaigns were terrible to watch, like a day-time soap opera, very little substance and a whole lot of drama. The conversations between candidates were negative and the focus was not in the right place. This is so unbelievable.

For the first time in my life, I was listening to politics, mostly because I could finally vote. I don’t need you, dear candidates, to tell me why the other candidates are not good, I need you to tell me why YOU are good, why should I vote for you. Do you think is that too much to ask for? I don’t think so. Daily life in Israel has so much beauty and potential, yet it is not a perfect country, like any country. We need leaders who will be positive and help create a dream for us all to build together to make a reality.

As a grown person, I’m expected and want to understand the political map, to form strong opinions, to form new opinions, and to know who will lead us to build a better life for all the citizens. I am hopeful that our elected government will be able to make right from the wrongs of their election campaign style.

I voted this week in my first election. Let’s hope that there will be many more but that our future leaders will begin to focus on the things that matter to the people, and not just to win a fight.

I hope we stay involved in all of the important elections that will inform our future here in Canada, in Israel and around the world.

September 18, 2019/0 Comments/by Holy Blossom

stories

Announcing the Launch of our Tzedakah Centre!

אמר רב אסי שקולה צדקה כנגד כל המצות

Rabbi Assi says: Tzedakah (righteous giving) is as important as all the other mitzvot put together. (Babylonian Talmud, Baba Batra 9a)

Announcing the Launch of our Tzedakah Centre!

With the change in weather, nature turns inwards and plants invest in their roots. As we also follow this mandate of nature to better survive, I ask that we mark our path inwards with outwards acts as well.

One of the quiet ideas in our renewed building is our Tzedakah Centre, which is being made increasingly visible and ready to receive donations.

Here is a current list of individuals and groups seeking donations:

Jesse Sol (son of Dr. Adam Sol and Rabbi Yael Splansky) is seeking donations of children’s books (used is great) for The Children’s Book Bank. For more information click here.

The Toronto Board of Rabbis is seeking non-perishable food items for food banks across the GTA in honour of this High Holy Day season, as Isaiah asks, “Is this the fast that you have chosen?”

Out of the Cold is seeking new socks for its guests.

Our Teens (HABSTY) are seeking Tzedakah funds to direct to good causes based on their own learning experiences under the supervision of Lisa Isen Baumal.

A big Thank You to Phyllis Cincinatus, who has agreed to help curate our Tzedakah Centre:

The Fine Art of Tzedakah

From Maimonides we have learned a hierarchy of giving; eight levels of tzedakah, an increasing progression of honourable giving. The act of tzedakah is not charity; it is an act of righteousness. Simply put, we give because it is the right thing to do. And while we may be moved by an event or a story to perform an act of tzedakah, often our good intentions miss the mark.

After natural disasters, The Red Cross finds their warehouses filled with donations of useless items like prom dresses. The time and money it takes to sort through the donations delays the aid from getting to those who are in need. Foodbanks publish lists of items most needed, and yet a look in some donation bins and you may find some rather unusual ingredients, signs that some use a food drive as an opportunity to purge their pantry. And the newest phenomenon – Go-Fund-Me sites online have sadly made headlines of misuse and scandals.

So how can we best support those who are in need or those who are involved in honourable projects that aid others?

As part of the renewal project here at Holy Blossom, our community has established a Tzedakah Centre, an on-going, ever-changing, curated donation hub located just inside the main entry doors in our new atrium. With a design based on the footprint of our new space, the Tzedakah Centre is a series of 5 drawers and bins of varying sizes, designed to accommodate multiple tzedakah projects at the same time. And at the centre of the configuration is a pushke (for cash donations) in the form of Jacob’s Tower.

On a revolving basis, the collection spaces will be allocated for different tzedakah projects proposed and steered by you, the congregation. Whether is it a b’nai mitzvah project or our Out of the Cold program or a collection of eyeglasses for poor communities, if you are involved with a project that is collecting very specific items, we want to work with you. All drawer allocation will be for a finite time to encourage timely turnaround for each project. We will keep the congregation up-to-date as to what is being collected, getting the word out to support your project.

We are pleased to launch our Tzedakah Centre. In the coming weeks, please look for it when you find yourself at Temple. If you have a tzedakah project that would benefit from a collection space in the centre, please contact Phyllis Cincinatus via the Temple Office for further information.

September 18, 2019/2 Comments/by Holy Blossom

stories

Jesse Sol Invites the Holy Blossom Community to participate in sharing our love of books!

What?

Donate your gently used children’s books to The Children’s Book Bank.

The Children’s Book Bank provides free books and literacy support to children living in low-income neighborhoods across Toronto. Since 2008, the Book Bank has operated a beautiful storefront space located in the Regent Park neighborhood. Children are welcome to browse the collection and choose one book each day to take home to keep. In 2018, The Children’s Book Bank gave away 127,000 donated books!

When?

The month of September.

Why?

Early reading establishes an essential bond between babies and their caregivers and leads to healthy development and healthy relationships.
When children read for fun, they are more likely to stay in school.
Increased literacy rates are linked to poverty reduction.
Reading books can even improve mental health.
The current Ontario government is cutting back funding for our public libraries. The literacy programs run by The Book Bank will be even more necessary in the coming years.
It’s better for the environment to reuse books before recycling them.

Did you know?

Every month The Children’s Book Bank also distributes over 5,000 books to support literacy programs across the city, including the Native Women’s Resource Centre.
In 2018, the Book Bank hosted 540 field trips from schools, day camps, and community centres.
The Book Bank also provides new dictionaries to help new Canadians learn English.

How?

It’s easy! Holy Blossom’s new Tzedakah Centre is located in the entrance of the Schwartz/Reisman Atrium. Throughout the month of September, drop off your unwanted, gently used children’s books. No donation is too big or too small!
Each week, Jesse will empty the bins and deliver your contributions to The Children’s Book Bank.

Suitable Books

Children’s books for kids aged birth to 12 years old
In new or gently used condition — meaning no missing or torn pages, and no pages with colouring/writing on them
Printed within the last ten years, if possible.

Unsuitable Books

Adult or Young Adult books
Text books or encyclopedias
Books printed more than ten years ago
Magazines
Damaged books

Especially Appreciated Books

Board books and concept books (ABC’s, counting, colours, shapes, etc.)
Books with diverse characters – reflecting the diverse families of Canada, including our First Nations Peoples
The latest titles and graphic novels. Some favourites are: Caillou, Lego, Dork Diaries, Big Nate, DC & Marvel Superheroes, Geronimo & Thea Stilton, Captain Underpants, Minecraft, Pokemon, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Amulet, Manga and books by Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Sisters, Drama, Babysitters Club, Ghosts).