Advocacy @ HBT: The week of April 1, 2026
Advocacy @ HBT: Rabbi Splansky’s Remarks at the Mayor’s Pesach Celebration
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.
Dear Rabbi Splansky,
Thank you so very much for sharing with us your speech which you gave at Mayor Chow’s Pesach celebration. I was especially moved by your mention of Max Enkin; how he valiantly tried to save European Jews from the Holocaust; how he eventually led a group of five men to go to the DP camps and find Holocaust survivors–tailors and dressmakers–to come to Canada as part of the Garment Workers’ Scheme/ Tailor Project. As you know, my family was among those lucky enough to come to Canada in 1948. My father always said, “Canada is the best country in the world.” In recent years, that faith in Canada and its government has been shaken. However, I continue to feel grateful for the blessings this good country has given me and my family. I hope that Jews and other embattled people will once again feel safe and secure to practice our faith in a safe and joyful place. Thank you for the knowledge, compassion, and insight you share with your congregation and other communities in Canada. You are truly a treasure to us all.