25 Years of Devotion: Celebrating Rabbi Splansky

By Martha Cass

After a quarter century of dedicated service and with a bright future ahead, it is our privilege to recognize and celebrate Rabbi Yael Splansky. 

On Sunday, May 7 our congregation is cordially invited to a complimentary celebration that is open to all. The theme is A Celebration in Old Jerusalem, which will transport us to the sights, sounds and flavours of our Rabbi’s beloved city.

The festivities will commence with the tantalizing tastes of Israeli cuisine, and the irresistible sounds of a live Klezmer band stirring up the crowd in our beautiful main atrium. As the event unfolds, Israeli dancing will bring us all together in celebration, and tributes will be offered to Rabbi Splansky in the form of speeches and special musical performances.

On the second floor of Temple, we will recreate the vibrant atmosphere of the Jerusalem Market by hosting our own Shuk, complete with a Rabbi Splansky photo opportunity, Judaica for purchase and other fun activities. To ensure our event is family-friendly a Kids Zone with crafts and special snacks will also be available on the second level. 

The celebration will culminate in a congregational tribute and hora, and the presentation of a hand-crafted artifact to commemorate our Rabbi’s 25 years of devoted service.

The artifact will be a surprise but will draw from the symbolism of the pomegranate (rimon).

Jewish legend sees the rimon as a symbol of virtue because it holds 613 seeds, corresponding to the number of mitzvot of the Torah. It is no wonder rimonim (pomegranates) have endured as a deeply meaningful symbol in our Jewish heritage; they are both beautiful and resilient. As anyone who has ever tried to extract the succulent seeds from a pomegranate knows, its vibrant exterior is remarkably durable, making it the perfect vessel to hold its many seeds securely yet tenderly.

We can think of no better symbol for our esteemed Rabbi, who has nurtured us all with her kind yet resolute care through good times and bad, and guided Holy Blossom to become not only a place of meaningful belonging for all of us but a place that will endure as our community’s sacred place for generations to come. 

We are thrilled to gather in May to celebrate Rabbi Splansky’s extraordinary 25 years and to honour her exceptional leadership, commitment and passion for our congregation. Click here to learn more & join us!