A few days ago, I had the pleasure of spending a little bit of time with one of my friends whom all of you know, Rabbi Zachary Goodman. We were in the backyard, his little Abe was running around with my daughter Selah, while we watched over newborn Ira. The toy car could only hold one toddler and while Selah was ‘driving’, Abe ran over to his dad and leapt into his arms. Then, reaching out with great love, he grabbed his father’s beard and pulled hard.
There are moments when Torah, in all its multitudes and voices, comes alive before our eyes. And this moment, it may surprise you, was one such example. Rather than getting upset at the irritation of having his face yanked, or embarrassed that he was now a little ruffled, Rabbi Goodman just laughed and kissed his little boy.
There is a story I read many years ago which describes the people of Israel’s relationship to God in the same way. The Hassidic master described the bond akin to one a child has with a loving parent or grandparent. God is a figure of wisdom, power and dignity deserving our respect and admiration. And yet, when we reach out and tug at the metaphorical ‘beard’ it doesn’t infuriate or embarrass God. Rather God delights in the desire that B’nai Israel wants to be close and is pleased at the reminder of our intimacy. God is delighted when we reach out, even if our actions, words, or prayers are not ‘perfect’ because it is a reminder that we, the creation/the child, are just as in love with the creator/the parent as the other way around.
This summer, thanks to the bevy of programs and opportunities here at Holy Blossom, we have the chance to continue to reach out, not only to God but also to each other. Personally, I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet many of you for the first time. I am always happy to take a walk, grab a cup of coffee, and share some stories. I’ll also have the chance, in July, to teach Talmud to our community! I hope that you’ll sign up and I promise that it will have something for everyone, from beginners to sages. Finally, in August I’ll have the chance to visit Camp George and be part of the place that has created so many wonderful memories and relationships!
Reaching out and ruffling a ‘beard’ is a sign of love. Whether we are extending our hearts to God, or reaching out physically to our community, there is never a moment when this is not desired. I hope that you’ll join all of us here at Holy Blossom this summer in building that feeling of closeness and connection!
Thanks to Arieh Waldman’s woodworking skills, we now have two food pantries standing at the corner of Bathurst Street and Dewbourne. It’s close to the sidewalk and the bus stop for passersby to see. We have ordered the accompanying signs, which will read: “Dear Neighbours, Take what you need. Give what you can.” and ”Love your neighbour as yourself. (Leviticus 19)” In our immediate neighbourhood there are a number of low-income housing units. Some of our hard-working neighbours will benefit from these simple food pantries. You are welcome to drop off non-perishable food items at any time. As you can see I made the first installment today.
This plaque celebrates Holy Blossom Temple as the first synagogue of Toronto. Our Statement of Identity says this to describe where we come from and how we continue to reform. “Founded in 1856 as an Orthodox congregation in downtown Toronto, Holy Blossom Temple joined the Reform movement in the 1920s and soon became known the world over as a flagship congregation of Reform Judaism. In the 1970’s we began to embrace more traditional practices and today our prayer language and ritual draw from the best of the Reform tradition as well as from Klal Yisrael (the totality of the Jewish People). Within our congregation, there is a respectful range of Jewish observance and beliefs. Our commitment is to create a Jewish life, which is meaningful and challenging, authentic and joyful, responsible and relevant.”
Our new entrance includes the words we use to serenade the angels each Shabbat: “Shalom Aleichem. Peace be upon you. Come in peace. Bless us with peace. Go in peace.” To the right of the doors, you see an accessibility button to open the doors automatically and the intercom to speak with our security staff. Once inside, we have the health station for a COVID-safe environment. While pre-registration is no longer required, we are still committed to creating a healthy setting for all.
Throughout the month of June, the pride flag stands right next to our mezuzah at the main entrance, welcoming our LGBTQ+ congregants and guests. The flag and the mezuzah are both symbols of identity and protection. Happy pride month!
When you’ve traveled the world and visited far-off synagogues, you may have noticed the custom to place a tzedakah box at the entrance to the synagogue. This one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, built to resemble the architecture of the Temple itself, is our Tzedakah Centre. Thanks to the generosity of Janis Rotman and the leadership of our incoming Associate Rabbi, Samuel Kaye, each compartment of the Tzedakah Centre will be curated by a congregant or circle of congregants for one mitzvah project or another. Beginning this fall, keep an eye out for collection updates in regular editions Life@HBT. If you’d like to curate a bin for a worthy cause, drop Rabbi Kaye a line at 
Open for three more Sundays from 9:30-12:30, stop by for a delicious cup of coffee and the most delightful service. Thanks to the generosity of Judy and Harley Mintz, thanks to the leadership of Rafiken Social Enterprises, and the talents of our neuro-diverse baristas and bakers, Holy Grounds Café has been successfully launched. We look forward to its expanded return in the fall. Please note: Freshly baked bread is a new addition this Sunday. And Sunday, June 26th is designated as a special opportunity to meet and greet our new rabbis over a cup of joe.
This weekend I will officiate at three ufrufs and three weddings! When meeting with couples, I help them prepare for a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony, and also to prepare for a marriage that reflects their values. When they take their places under the chuppah, they strike a covenant between them and commit to building a life of shared purpose.
