Friday, October 14, 2022
Monday, October 10, 2022
There’s a chill in the air.
If you are a long-time Holy Blossom Temple person you know what that means, soon our kitchen would be humming with volunteers and Thursday nights would bring guests from all over the city to “Out of the Cold.” Out of the Cold has historically been one of our key Tikkun Olam programs, hosting and feeding people who are experiencing homelessness during the harsh Toronto winter. In the time that I’ve been here, Out of the Cold is the program that people have asked me about the most. When is it coming back? How can I volunteer? Are we still running it?
And the answer to all those things is complicated. During the pandemic, city and provincial ordinances made it impossible for us to welcome people into the building for a hot meal, let alone host guests overnight. Currently, with the aid of MPPs and members who specialize in assisting those in need, we are navigating the uncertain present- trying to determine what we can do, how we can do it, and who is in greatest need of our assistance. Food insecurity has become a greater and greater threat to our neighbours, and we are planning to offer hot meals to those in need this winter.
On Wednesday, November 2, at 7:30 pm in the Mishkan, the Tikkun Olam department will host a panel, informational session, and meet and greet. We will hear from professionals who are on the front lines, members who have dedicated themselves to this work, and the long-time volunteers who want to see our volunteer work feeding the hungry rekindled. Together we will do what the good people of Holy Blossom Temple have always done; learn about the problem facing our community and mobilize to help those we can reach.
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I also wanted to take this moment to warmly invite you all to join me, my family, and my teacher Rabbi Peter S. Berg for my installation next Shabbat on October 29. Rabbi Berg is one of the leading rabbis in the Reform Movement and is a visionary leader in the realm of Tikkun Olam and Social Justice. During my time as his Assistant Rabbi, he helped shape my understanding of what a truly Jewish response to justice work needs to be. He is also a world-class mensch, an excellent darshan, and a gifted teacher. I have no doubt that those of you who have the chance to interact with him will be inspired by his passion and touched by his gentle wisdom.
There will be a wonderful congregational Shabbat dinner on October 28th, and a full range of opportunities to learn from Rabbi Berg and to celebrate together as a community with numerous musical tefillot. We will also have the chance to honour Charlotte Myers as she is called to the Torah and becomes Bat Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to her and her parents Dr. Jeffrey and Gillian Myers!
I hope that I will have the opportunity to see many of you, match names to faces from emails and zooms, and meet some of you for whom I haven’t had the chance yet. I look forward to celebrating with you and your families multiple times throughout the weekend.
Thank you for this incredible welcome you are giving me, it is such an honour to serve as one of your rabbis.
These High Holy Days were especially uplifting and meaningful because we could all be under one roof again. Our Family Services, Little Blossoms Services, and Young Reader Services were packed. The energy they and many new members brought to the Holydays was palpable. We are glad that so many were able to join through the Livestream links as well. Having the technology to stay connected with our out-of-town members and our older members who may no longer be able to come to The Temple in person is critical. We will continue to invest in the equipment and staff to make it possible for ALL to join together in prayer and song.
Some people have asked for copies of the Rabbis’ sermons. Follow this link. You can also revisit the High Holy Day melodies by following this link. I am most grateful to my colleagues Cantor David Rosen, Rabbi Samuel Kaye, Rabbi Eliza McCarroll, and Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers for bringing their whole selves to every bimah.
Yishar Koach and Kol HaKavod to ALL who helped to make our High Holy Days as uplifting and celebratory as they were. It takes a village.
We gratefully acknowledge…
David Gershon, Dr. Marky Weinstock, Michael Cole, Michael Leese, Suzanne Hersh, Avishai Sol, Sophie Rivers, and HABSTY leadership, who prepared so well to lead our multiple services in partnership with our Rabbis and Cantors.
Our Torah and Haftarah Readers bring honour to our sacred texts. They practice for months to ensure every letter and every note elevates the occasion. Under the leadership of Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers they are:
Cynthia Good, Ellie Davidson, Lindsay McLean, Corrie Spetter, Taiga Lipson, Brian Lidsky, Helena Fine, Eli Sol, Lucas Warwick, Marc Levy, Jeff Denaburg, Daniel Abramson, Brenda Saunders, Ellen Lupu, Susan Baskin, Jill Kamin, Suzanne Hersh, Mike Morgulis, Mathew Diamond, Mark Goodman, Pavle Levkovic, Jane Herman, Camille Lisser, Isaac Aster, Eric Peterseil, Alberto Quiroz, Adam Sniderman, Joan Garson, Adam Sol, Ted Shafran, David Greenberg, Paula Warren, Ruby Abramson, Rob Steiner, Robyn Blatt, Chloe Fruitman
Our Temple Singers, who lift the words of the Machzor (High Holy Day prayerbook) off the page and transform them into sincere prayer. They are:
Susan Baskin, Ellen Cole, Susan Cohen, Anne Dublin, Helena Fine, Susan Fremes, Denise Gordon, Michael Greenstein, Barbarta Grossman, Ron Hart, Caroline Ingvaldsen, Jill Kamin, Catherine Mayers, Shelley Miller, Sharon Smith-Miller, Lew Molot, Eva Ormut, Dena Perlmutar, Uriel Priwes, Joanne Roher, Beth Roher, Shoshana Sage, David Sandler, Sandi Schafer, Saul Ship, Bella Shupac, Paula Warren, and Sheila Weinstock.
Our devoted, professional choir, who under the direction of Cantor Rosen and our Musician in Residence, Jason Jestadt, fill our sanctuary with the sounds of Jewish memory.
They are: Paul Babiak, Joshua Boutilier, Gordon Brown, Shannon Halliwell, Carrie Loring, Andrea Ludwig, Dion Mazerolle, Jennifer McCallum, Bonnie McKenzie, John Reusser, Gwyneth Sestito, Mark Wood-Salomon, David Yung. And our professional musicians are: Paul Ormandy, Beth Silver, and Laurence Schaufele.
Our Gabbaim, who, like a stage manager, ensure that the bimah rituals are performed inclusively and gracefully. Under the leadership of our Head Gabbai, Jill Hertzman our High Holy Day Gabbaim are:
Joan Garson, Alberto Quiroz, Mark Anshan, Pavle Levkovic, Adam Sniderman, Sam Sapera, David Sadowski, Denes Rothschild, Avra Rosen, Susan Baskin, Brenda Saunders, Phyllis Denaburg, Etienne Kaplan, Jane Herman, Eric Roher, Les Rothschild, Pavle Levkovic
Our Shofar Blowers call us to attention throughout the month of Elul and ring in the new year with kavanah (soulful intension). Under the leadership of Cantor Rosen they are:
Michael Cole, Tal Maissner, Robin Malach, Rachel Malach, Eli Sol, David Gershon, Howard Goodman, Joel Lehman, Steven Dan, Peter Dan, Sam Sapera, Eli Sol
Our Ushers fulfill the essential mitzvah of hospitality, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and safe. Under the leadership of our Head High Holyday Ushers, Gerry Prendergast and Bob Cooper, our High Holy Day Ushers are:
David Tartick, David Hertzman, John Phillips, Jeff Denaburg, Phyllis Denaburg, James Karrel, Diana Goodman, Gary Goodman, Gail Goodman, Michael Ryval, John Phillips, Kathy Morrissey, Merle Kriss, John Morrissey, James Karel, Terry Yanowski, Bambi Katz, Karen Kollins, Arnold Englander, Michael Ryval, Etienne Kaplan, Avra Rosen, Sheila Smolkin, Arlene Roth, Mitchell Toker, Carole Sterling, Andrew Rosner, Andrew Kirsch, and Judy Winberg,
Our Greeters are the first friendly faces you see as you approach Holy Blossom Temple. They answer our questions and point us in the right direction. Under the leadership of Corinne Black, our High Holy Day Greeters are:
Shoshana Sage, Barbara Hodes, Julia Solomon, Karen Mock, Sara Charney, Sharon Neiss, Richard Vrooman, Sheila Smolkin, Neil Berinstein, Judy Winberg, Caroline Ingvaldsen, Shoshana Sage, and Barbara Hodes.
Many medical professionals are on-call and strategically placed throughout our prayer spaces. In addition to the first responders on site, these devoted congregants are here should anyone need medical attention. Under the leadership of Past President, Dr. Barry Borden, they are:
Dr. Jeff Meyers, Dr. David Greenberg, Sue Rebick, Dr. Michelle Naimer, Dr. Melissa Nutik, Dr. Rhonda Wilansky, Dr. Yoel Abells.
Thanks to Andrew Kirsh, Bridge Ramcaran, and Rachel Malach for leading the effort in keeping the synagogue and everyone in it safe and secure. Thanks also to our Security Professionals and to Division 13 of the Toronto Police.
Thanks to our Adult Education Coordinator, Sharoni Sibony, for overseeing our multiple Yom Kippur Study Sessions. This year’s teachers were: Rabbi John Moscowitz, Cynthia Good & Gillian Helfield, Cheryl Sylvester, Evan Solomon, Steven Bookman & Elder Catherine Brooks, and Wendy Melvin. Thanks also to our Librarian, Caroline Ingvaldsen, and to Beth Silver for filling the sanctuary with the voice of her cello.
We thank our Development Team, for providing meaningful sponsorship opportunities for congregants to support many elements of our High Holydays. We thank our Administrative Team, who organize the countless details on which we depend and pay careful attention to every special request. We thank our Membership Team, our Finance Team, and our Communications and Tech Teams, who work tirelessly behind the scenes. We thank our Facilities Team, who work round the clock to ready our building – inside and out.
And finally, thanks to our Temple President Avra Rosen and Gerry Prendergast, Vice President of our Department of Worship, who oversees and supports all of the work of those mentioned above. And thanks to my professional partner, our Executive Director, Rachel Malach, who sees all the pieces of the High Holy Day puzzle to ensure they come together as one seamless whole.
If we have inadvertently missed someone or misspelled a name, first, in the spirit of the High Holydays, please forgive me, and then, please let me know by writing to JoAnne Bieman ([email protected]), so we can correct the error.
Here’s to 5783! May it be a year of fulfillment for our Holy Blossom community. May it be a year of greater health and contentment for all the world.
An update on Holy Blossom Temple’s most recently sponsored refugee family.
Shortly before the High Holidays, we received word that a newly arrived family of refugees from Afghanistan would need our help. Immediately the wonderful volunteers of Holy Blossom Temple sprung into action, donating gently used clothing, furniture, appliances, toys and bedding.
From their sponsor:
Many congregants beyond our Welcome Circle members stepped forward over the last 2 weeks to donate goods and clothing…their can opener, cabinet, set of sheets, used toys, etc. didn’t just fill a practical need. Each item has helped to create a home where parents watch their 3-year-old play safely with his own toys on his own floor in their own home, for the first time since he was an infant.
The new baby will arrive anytime and there are still many hurdles ahead. But, for today, they feel secure and brimming with possibilities. They are thankful on this first Canadian Thanksgiving to all those who have helped them.
Thanks for helping us bridge this family to the broader community.
We are so proud of our Holy Blossom Temple community for fulfilling the words and essence of our Torah- to care for the stranger, for once we were the strangers. While the initial need to set up an apartment has passed, donations of specific clothing items and assistance in finding gainful employment are still appreciated.
Please be in touch with Jacque Friedland ([email protected]) and Rabbi Kaye ([email protected]) to learn how you can continue our ongoing involvement in supporting refugee families.
Additionally, come into Holy Blossom Temple and see the Jewish Immigrant Aid Societies exhibit in our Garson/Baskin Gallery, located on the second floor of the atrium. This year Holy Blossom Temple is celebrating 100 years of partnership with JIAS, sponsoring and resettling newcomers to Canada.
“Canadians are born all over the world, it just sometimes takes them a bit of time to get here.” Wayne Potoroka, Mayor of Dawson City, Yukon.
Holy Blossom Temple Archives Committee
Ceremonial key, Bond St. Synagogue, 1897
On permanent display, Atrium
Welcome to our new Archives space in Life @ Holy Blossom. The Archives Committee looks forward to sharing discoveries and answering your questions about Holy Blossom’s storied history.
Founded in 1856, we are Toronto’s first synagogue. Archivists before us – Dr. David Eisen, Judith Bohnen and David Hart – developed the framework of the collection, going back to the actual board minutes of that eventful first meeting in September.
Our committee meets regularly in the second-floor Archives room. There we organize the collection, plan exhibits, answer queries and consider how best to move archives forward to the digital era. Our current members are Susan Cohen, Michael Cole, Ruth Ellen Greenwood, Howard Roger, Sheila Smolkin and Judy Winberg.
Check out the objects that tell our 166-year history. Look at the 14 items on permanent display at the north end of the Atrium by Holy Grounds café, and as you enter the sanctuary, focus on the congregation’s first yad (Torah pointer).
We are also responsible for rotating exhibitions in the cases on the west side of the Atrium. Currently one honours Rabbi Dow Marmur z”l, another follows Women of Holy Blossom’s 100th anniversary by highlighting Pioneering Women Leadership, and the third considers Rosh Hashanah observance over the decades using information from our Bulletins which date back to 1925.
We always appreciate your feedback, questions or your suggestions for future displays. Send your comments to [email protected] and put Archives in the subject
October 2022
When asked to write a short article about following in my father’s footsteps (literally) as an usher at Holy Blossom, I immediately and gladly, agreed to pen something. However, having agreed to share some reflections, I wasn’t sure exactly what I’d write about. Let’s start at the beginning.
My father, Jack Leonard Toker, was a lifelong member of Holy Blossom Temple (HBT); and his parents, Moses (Moe) and Veronica (Vici), became HBT members shortly after they were married in 1926. My dad started ushering in his early twenties and continued well into his seventies, before “retiring” his lapel flower. For over 40 of these years, he was a fixture on the northern balcony at High Holiday services before his (downward) promotion in his sixties, to the main floor of the sanctuary.
At the time, I recall being a bit disappointed by his move to the main floor. Because our dad was stationed on the balcony, my sister (Ann) and brother (Richard) and I had perfect excuses to sit up there. As I recall, the balcony was a preferred spot for kids because it was somewhat distanced from most of the adults (except the latecomers) and provided both a perch from which to view people coming into the sanctuary (my sister’s favourite pastime) while also being concealed from many in the sanctuary, allowing my brother and me to perhaps pay less attention to the service than we ought to have.
While his children may have had mixed feelings, my father’s move to the main floor was a G-dsend for our mother, Pauline, who, to this day, sits more or less in the same seats and row located on the northern side about two-thirds back from the Bimah.
Shortly after my father’s passing in 2019 and my rejoining Holy Blossom, a call went out from Gerry Prendergast looking for members willing to serve as ushers throughout the year. As quickly as I agreed to write this little piece, I threw my name forward and shortly thereafter became an usher.
Why did I volunteer to be an usher? Was it from a sense of duty to my father, or tradition, legacy, or service? I’m sure all of these factored in some way, but more than anything else, it just felt like the right thing to do at the time.
I had just under a year of experience and was beginning to get the hang of ushering before the pandemic struck in 2020. Thankfully, this year, for those who choose to, we have returned to in-person (and online) services. I was thrilled to have been able to usher in the (apologies) new year at Rosh Hashanah and most recently, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur day services. Under Gerry’s tutelage, and recalling my father’s facility as an usher, I think I’m getting my sea legs.
With that background, I would like to share a few usher’s reflections.
I’m not exactly what you’d call an extravert, but as an usher, one can’t help but meet people. Here are a few examples.
I arrived really early for Kol Nidre services. When I entered the sanctuary, there were only two other congregants seated. A short “Shana Tova” and “boy, you are here early,” later, we realized that our sons were best friends. We knew and had met each other’s sons and had been in touch through email but had never met in person. Thanks to this encounter and to my son’s (Luca) chagrin, I may be joining him, his buddies and their parents at their next concert together.
On Yom Kippur morning, I was able to catch up with my son’s former principal, who was extremely supportive through our son’s middle school years. He also happens to be the younger brother of a good friend of mine while growing up and the son of close friends of my parents. It was great to catch up with him and it wouldn’t have happened if not for my ushering.
I met the woman, who unbeknownst to me, had been proposed to by a distant relative and had turned him down. How’s that for a little ancient family intrigue?
I also chatted with the daughter of my father’s lifelong best friend. She actually said to me, “I see you are extending your father’s legacy”! And, because she had an Aliyah, (and therefore a reserved seat), I actually showed her to her seats. You see, being an usher is not just chitchatting and socializing. There’s work involved!
And, when I wasn’t busy escorting families to their seats, juggling reserved seats, consulting with the Gabbai (e.g., “Has so-and-so arrived yet? They have an early Aliyah and I need to know they’re here yet and where they’re seated”.), I did catch myself looking up to the balcony and thinking about my dad with fondness and love.
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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.