By Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers
On March 25, the Reform Cantors and Cantorial Soloists of Canada (RCCC) presented a wonderful concert during which I was honoured for 20 years at Holy Blossom Temple, as well as my installation as President of the Guild of Temple Musicians. I was especially touched to be recognized by Cantor Josh Breitzer, President of the American Conference of Cantors, who also shared a moving message from the GTM immediate past president, David Shukiar.
Just two days later, we gathered again for a truly joyous and beautiful celebration of this milestone for the congregation and me. The Kabbalat Shabbat service was especially meaningful, enriched by the presence and participation of cherished colleagues and friends from the cantorial world. I feel profoundly blessed, surrounded by such warmth, generosity, and community. The outpouring of love and appreciation was both humbling and deeply nourishing.
I am sincerely grateful to my HBT colleagues and to everyone whose care and effort made this evening so moving and memorable. And to you, our beloved congregants, thank you for celebrating with me. Your presence, kind words, and heartfelt good wishes mean more than I can express.
I would like to share an excerpt from my remarks during the March 27 celebration.
“It would be easy and accurate to say that time flies, but so much has happened in these twenty years. They have been filled with meaningful services, vibrant events, deep learning, spiritual growth, a good deal of joy, laughter, and a few challenges, just keep things interesting. Through it all, this congregation and its leadership have been a sustaining force for our Temple life and for me personally. You lifted and held my family and me at our most challenging time, reminding me that this Temple is not just a congregation, but a lifelong wellspring of strength and comfort. Our congregants and our staff care about one another. Whether a multi-generational family or newcomer, whatever brings you through our doors, it’s inspiring to watch you inhabit and create fulfilling ways to be in sacred community together.
Our congregants have always been the soul of this community. I am humbled by the dedication, generosity, and heart of our daily service and shiva leaders; our Torah, Haftarah, and Megillah chanters; and the patience and talent of our B’nai Mitzvah tutors. Along with our Brotherhood and Women of Holy Blossom, and dozens of volunteers, Temple is not just growing, it’s blossoming, with seeds planted steadily over many years. The energy is palpable, and the future looks good.
I’ve had the privilege of working with remarkable Rabbis, Cantors, and staff through many transformations, evolutions…and occasionally revolutions: in our team configurations, our building, our outlook, and our reach. It’s an honour to be part of Team HBT, to do what I love, surrounded by brilliant, kind, and dedicated colleagues, and to stand side by side with exceptional partners.
Along the way, I’ve worked, studied, prayed, and led with eleven associate, assistant, or adjunct rabbis, two senior rabbis, three rabbi emeriti, and two senior cantors, each bringing their own gifts while leaving a lasting impression on this Temple and on me. And that’s just the clergy. There have also been four executive directors, nine Temple presidents and more impressive staff and board members than I can count, and I have learned from each one. I feel humbled, honoured and very lucky.
I will always be deeply grateful to Cantor Beny Maissner, Alav HaShalom, who brought me here in 2005, trusted me with his congregation and his bimah, and laid the foundation for me to grow into the Cantorial Soloist I’ve become. The past six years working alongside Cantor David Rosen have allowed me to discover and express new layers of my cantorial identity. It has been deeply meaningful… and I’m happy to say, also a lot of fun.
To my clergy colleagues: Rabbi Splansky, Rabbi Kaye, Rabbi McCarroll, Rabbi Baruchel, and Cantor Rosen, you are not only exceptional in your work, but you are extraordinary people. It is a privilege to be part of this gifted team, and I know we still have much important work ahead of us. Yael, you have been part of my journey from the very beginning. Your support has been constant, generous, and profound. Thank you for everything.”
Thank you for 20 years and counting. May we continue to go from strength to strength, and may it truly be a Shabbat of Shalom.
Tuesday, April 21, 6:00 pm
Join us alongside the World Zionist Organization (WZO) to celebrate the two “Israeli High Holidays”: Yom Ha’Zikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Together we will remember, look forward, learn, dance, and celebrate the miracle of our shared homeland. Our program begins with Tefilla at 6:00 pm (if you are joining us online for sacred worship, please join us on our Livestream page), followed by a moving ceremony produced in Hebrew and English. Israeli Dancing and Dinner to follow.
To close the evening, we will learn about the visionary artwork of Ze’ev Engelmayer, an Israeli humorist and illustrator. Engelmayer, whose colourful and unique art has inspired and comforted Jews across Israel and abroad since October 7th, has been referred to as the ‘man illustrating our moment.” Local educators and experts will guide us through his transformational art and allow us to add our own unique twist.
A breakout space for children, with activities and supervision, is available during the Tekes Ceremony.
In person & online
The Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration with the World Zionist Organization is generously sponsored by Harriette Laing
Monday, April 13, 7:00 pm
Join in music and memory, prayer and poetry. Six congregant-families, descendants of survivors of the Shoah, will light six candles for the Six Million. The centrepiece of our service is when we bear witness to the remarkable story of Saul Shulman’s survival.
Join us in-person or online
Click here for the Service Pages (Service begins on page 359)
Born in 1938 in the small town of Klimontov, Poland, Saul Shulman remembers very little of the peaceful life his family knew before they were transferred to the Tzozmer ghetto. He was just three years old. Miraculously, he survived Auschwitz and eventually came to Canada with his mother in 1948.
All are welcome, and we send a special invitation to our B’nei Mitzvah students, our teens, and their parents. This will be the last generation to hear first-hand testimonials of survivors. This comes with a great responsibility.
As you likely read yesterday, Rabbi Splansky represented the congregation at the City Hall Pesach Celebration on Monday night. We hope that you will take the time to read her remarks, which are presented here, and bring them to your friends and family in the coming days, including at your own seders. Rabbi’s message, that the government is responsible for protecting its Jewish citizens, is vital. As Rabbi wrote to the congregation yesterday, we are all very focused on protection right now. Physical protection, which is a key element of the work that we are doing here as your Advocacy Committee. Spiritual protection, like the important work of prayer and study at the Shul. Emotional protection, like the celebration of our holidays with friends, family and community.
In the coming months, Holy Blossom Temple is redoubling its efforts in all these forms of protection. Our Advocacy work remains an important element of physical protection, one that needs the active involvement of our community and its allies. This will include new opportunities to engage elected officials and in conversation with thoughtful experts speaking to the moment. We appreciate your continued support.
Tonight is Pesach. From our families to yours, we wish you a meaningful and joyful celebration of freedom and redemption.
Learn more about Advocacy here.
1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M5P 3K9
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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.