From Rabbi Yael Splansky and Temple President, Avra Rosen
One of the impacts of the pandemic, across all industries, is employment transitions. It is true in Jewish communal work and it is true for Holy Blossom Temple. In the past two years, we have seen many changes among our team of professionals, across departments.
In the past, Rabbis and Cantors would often sacrifice living in the same city as extended family for the sake of their congregational commitments. Across North America, many are now relocating for the sake of family. So it is for us. Cantor Rosen came to Toronto to be with family. Rabbi Helfman moved to London, England to be with family. Rabbi Kaye is coming to Toronto to be with family (https://holyblossom.org/announcing-rabbi-samuel-kaye/) And soon Rabbi Goodman will be leaving for Cincinnati, Ohio to be with family.
This opportunity came up unexpectedly for Rabbi Goodman. A special position opened and, with our blessing, less than two weeks later the match was made. We will miss Rabbi Goodman and the many talents he has brought and continues to bring to strengthen the Holy Blossom community. At the same time, we are happy for Rabbi Goodman, Katie, Abe, and their little one on the way. They will be reunited with family and friends after nearly two years without much opportunity for safe travel.
The very capable Rabbinic Search Committee, which made a successful match with Rabbi Kaye last week, is now back to work. They have interviews lined up for this Sunday and are hopeful that in the coming weeks, we can make another good shidduch in time for a summer start.
Thank you for your ongoing support and please join us now in wishing Rabbi Goodman a Mazel Tov.
From Rabbi Zachary Goodman
It is with bitter-sweet emotion that I share with you my family’s plans to return to Cincinnati this summer. I have recently accepted a position as the Associate Rabbi at Isaac M. Wise Temple; the congregation where Katie and I were married and in close proximity to family. This process moved incredibly quickly and so I apologize to my friends and community members that I was unable to reach before this announcement reaches your inboxes. There is so much work to be done before we say goodbye and please know that I am eager to continue this sacred work with you.
Over the past few years, I have considered myself incredibly lucky to call Holy Blossom my community and Toronto my home. It has been a true honour to learn from Rabbi Splansky and to begin my rabbinate with her leadership and mentorship. I have learned deeply, fostered meaningful relationships, and have felt the warm embrace of this community – even through a pandemic. Thank you all for embracing me and my family and for teaching me so much during our time together.
You have likely been having important and difficult conversations at home in the wake of the terrible events of last shabbat at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. Below are some resources to help guide these discussions. As parents, you are your children’s primary teachers, and we are your partners in raising them with Jewish values and knowledge. Please reach out if you would like further guidance from a member of our clergy or Education team.
For children of all ages:
For Teens:
For younger children:
Hello everyone!
It’s so nice being here again 🙂 This week me and my fellow komunah came back to Toronto after our winter break in Israel straight to our quarantine Airbnb.
I cannot describe how great it is to come back and start working, in these days that is not taken for granted to be able to do the things you love to do and get the opportunity to work, even though it’s all virtual from our Airbnb right now, we are all thrilled.
The vacation in Israel was great! Seeing all your friends and family again and spending time with everyone is amazing and sharing all of your experiences here is even more amazing.
Unfortunately, while I was in Israel, an awful accident happened in an army base, two officers, Itamar Elharar and Ofek Aharon were killed as a result of a misidentification that led to a two-way shooting.
The incident was shocking and was even more shocking to find out how Israel is actually small because all of a sudden you know so many people that knew those two officers,and it is very sad.
After I came back to Toronto, I saw an article about the family of one of the soldiers, saying they totally forget the soldier that accidentally shot their son, saying they know that that’s what their son would have done if he was in their place, and I was so amazed by their nobility, saying you forget after such a tragedy is one of the most difficult things to do.
Forgiveness is hard to admit but in one little word the family helped to save the wounded soul of the shooting soldier, who will carry his guilt through the rest of his life, and that is something I find very amazing to do.
I find it very Israeli to rise up after awful tragedies and help each other, and
being so far away from Israel and only being updated about what’s happening there through the news, I got to realize how many tragedies are happening every single day, and how being there for each other can actually help.
At first when I heard of this story, immediately I was full of anger towards the shooting soldier, saying how can he have something like that, such a “stupid” mistake, but seeing the family forgive, the family itself, you realize the anger has no actual purpose in their lives right now, mistakes happen and saving the living soul of that soldier is actually so important, and sometimes when something bad happens to you, you are just looking for someone to blame, even though the feeling of hate will just make it harder for you to move on in your life.
I am full of hope that the families, and the soldier, will find peace in their lives after this tragic incident, as much as they actually can, and for those kinds of mistakes to not repeat themselves anymore.
Thanks for listening, have a wonderful Shabbat, Aviv.
ReJEWvenate
As we reflect on last week’s attack against Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas and as we look forward to hearing the Ten Commandments chanted this Shabbat, here are TEN RESPONSES to the rise in antisemitism.
(With thanks to Shaarey Zedek of Michigan for the inspiration.)
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Founded in 1856, Holy Blossom Temple is Toronto’s first synagogue with a rich history of tradition and modernity in our religious and spiritual expression.