Tisha B’Av 5786

Thursday, July 23, 7:30 am

Gather with our Rabbis and Cantors for solemn prayer and reflection on this day when we remember the destruction of Jerusalem’s Temple and mourn the exile that lasted for two thousand years.

After our morning tefillah at 7:30 am, which will include readings from Lamentations, join Rabbi Kaye for study. In observance of the fast, we will not have breakfast together. In place of breakfast, donations will be sent to the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ).

At our afternoon tefilla, 6:00 pm, we will include ancient meditations and an additional reading from Lamentations.

Click here to join us in sacred worship

Click here for the service pages

Holy Blossom Temple Security Update

May 8, 2026

Holy Blossom Temple continues to work closely with the Jewish Security Network (JSN), Toronto Police Service, elected officials, and security experts within our congregation to regularly assess and strengthen the safety of our community. This work includes ongoing reviews of both operational procedures and physical infrastructure, as well as pursuing all available funding opportunities through government grants, the JSN, and the generosity of our congregation.

We encourage members to review the previous security updates below, including practical ways each of us can help contribute to the safety and well-being of our community.

 Current Security Enhancements

Several infrastructure enhancements have already been completed, are currently underway, or are scheduled to begin in the near future. Many of these measures are intentionally not highly visible.

Current projects include:

• Window armour security film
• Expanded internal access controls in strategic areas, including the creation of additional spaces that can function as safe rooms
• Increased access controls around entrances and exits
• Building-wide PA system with separate zone capabilities
• Parking arms/gates
• Additional perimeter protection through landscaping barriers, including rocks and/or bollards
• Upgraded CCTV systems and additional security cameras

Funding & Support

These projects are being supported through multiple funding sources. Holy Blossom is applying for federal funding through the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (CCSP), now administered through the JSN as of May 1, as well as funding provided directly by the JSN. We have also applied for municipal funding through the Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Grant and continue to receive annual provincial support through the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant.

While this support is meaningful, additional resources are still needed to help sustain ongoing security operations, staffing, and future enhancements as our needs continue to evolve.

These improvements build upon the extensive security systems and protocols already in place at Holy Blossom Temple, and we will continue to assess and strengthen our measures as needed.

Security Personnel & Police Partnership

At this time, Holy Blossom will continue to utilize Paid Duty Officers for large-scale events, including our 170th Anniversary Celebration, North of Broadway, on Monday evening. While Paid Duty Officers will not be hired at all times, additional security personnel will be hired during regular operating hours, providing additional support at reception areas, patrolling the property, and/or conducting routine security checks.

We remain in regular contact with 13 Division and other specialized police units, including Task Force Guardian, and we are deeply appreciative of TPS’s continued partnership and support.

Additional Information

For those interested in additional context, on May 2, the Jewish Security Network shared an update with many community organizations, including synagogues and day schools, outlining revisions to its Paid Duty Policy, including the following:

As of May 2, our recommendation is to only deploy Paid Duty Police officers and additional security personnel for large, high-attendance or high-risk events, such as major community gatherings, holiday services with significant turnout, conferences, ceremonies, or events with increased public visibility.

Over recent months, JSN has supported institutions with additional security guards and paid duty police costs during this period of heightened concern.

As we move forward, and in line with a more sustainable long-term approach, institutions should begin planning for these measures as part of their own operational security posture and costs.

Where eligible and in line with program requirements, if additional security personnel are required, funding should be pursued through the Canadian Centre for Safer Communities Program (CCSP).

This adjustment reflects a risk-based assessment that balances current threat indicators with the need to use limited security resources responsibly and sustainably over time. Concentrating Paid Duty Police coverage on higher-exposure events allows for continued visible deterrence where it is most impactful.

In routine day-to-day operations and for smaller-scale activities, we recommend relying on alternative security measures, including a combination of your trained security personnel, vetted staff, security volunteers, and clear internal protocols. We also strongly encourage you to contact the police division responsible for your facility’s location to request increased police presence and patrols in the vicinity of your site.

As always, we are grateful for the care, vigilance, and commitment of our members, Rabbis and Cantors, professional staff, volunteers, and security partners. Working together, we continue to strengthen Holy Blossom as a safe, welcoming, and resilient sacred community.

Holy Blossom Temple Security Update

April 10, 2026

During Passover, you may have noticed or seen photos/videos of increased Police presence in and around Holy Blossom Temple and other neighbourhoods as a result of the launch of the Toronto Police Services’ “Task Force Guardian” and new Counter Terrorism Unit, including significant police presence on the evening of the first seder, when TPS made their media announcement about these programs outside of Holy Blossom. In the coming weeks, we will seek to better understand how these new ongoing resources provided by TPS will support the Jewish Community and Holy Blossom Temple, including coordination to decrease the need for constant paid duty officers. At this time, the Jewish Security Network (JSN) recommends continuing paid duty officers through April 19 for organizations of our size/activity and has offered funding to help offset a portion of expenses while continuing to advocate for extended federal funding that was offered through April 11.

At present, Holy Blossom Temple will continue hiring paid duty officers at least through April 26 as we further assess the situation and take direction from authorities. We continue to assess and maintain increased security and infrastructure improvements – both visible and not visible, by design.

It bears repeating: We are counting on all congregants and guests to be vigilant. Especially when entering and exiting Temple – please do not allow those you don’t know to follow you into the building, and please be sure to check that exterior doors close behind you when you leave. As always, if you see something, say something. Please be sure to review the earlier security updates below.

Holy Blossom Temple Security Update

March 31, 2026

We look forward to being together over Pesach here at Holy Blossom Temple. Increased security, including paid duty officers, will continue at the recommendation of authorities and experts at least through all Passover offerings at Temple. Please be sure to review the security update from March 13, 2026 (and earlier updates) below.

We continue to encourage all Temple members and guests to remain vigilant. For those who are looking to get involved, the Jewish Security Network (JSN) provides the structure, training and support to make this possible through programs like Situational Awareness Training, Community Watch and the more advanced Protector course. These programs range from a 1.5 hour course to ten 3 hour sessions that equip volunteers with practical skills in awareness, access control, identifying suspicious behaviour and responding appropriately within clear, lawful boundaries. You can also go to jsntor.ca to find out more. Please read the full message from the Jewish Security Network (JSN) HERE.

Chag Pesach Sameach.

Holy Blossom Temple Security Update

March 13, 2026

These difficult times remind us how precious, and how necessary, our sacred spaces are. Holy Blossom Temple remains a place of prayer, of gathering, of learning, and of resilience.

For words of comfort, click here to watch Rabbi Splansky’s Rabbinic Reflection

The increased security measures, protocol, and personnel, including paid duty officers will continue at the recommendation of the Toronto Police Services (TPS), Jewish Security Network (JSN), the UJA, our Security Committee Leadership, and other authorities. Holy Blossom is in direct daily contact with TPS and JSN for clear up-to-date recommendations and support, both physically and by way of funding. We are counting on all congregants and guests to be vigilant. Especially when entering and exiting Temple – please do not allow those you don’t know to follow you into the building, and please be sure to check that exterior doors close behind you when you leave. As always, if you see something, say something.

Please see additional recent security updates below, as well as in the email sent on March 11, 2026.
We also encourage you to review our Active Shooter Safety Guide here.

We will be here at Temple to warmly welcome you. May we continue to come together with strength, care for one another, and a shared commitment to safety and our community.

Shabbat Shalom to all.

Holy Blossom Temple Security Update

March 7, 2026

This Shabbat was full and joyous.

Some came, davka (specifically), because Israelis couldn’t go to their synagogues or had to turn their shelters into make-shift synagogues. Some came, davka, because of the recent gunfire at local synagogues. They wanted to show the haters and themselves that they would not cower or hide. And some came, davka, because they longed for the spiritual uplift that comes from our prayers, for being anchored by the ancient wisdom of Torah, for the stability that comes from simply being together with fellow Jews, for instilling in their children and grandchildren the love of Shabbat.

Gratitude

We wish to thank Toronto Police and Division 13 for their swift and constant attention. They are making their presence very well-known in the neighbourhood. When you see them in our parking lots and around town, please make a point of thanking them. We pray for the day when we won’t need them, but until then, we are grateful for their service.

We wish to thank the Jewish Security Network, which provides timely and helpful communications, like this Community Security Update from UJA, so we can do our part in putting our own security protocols into place.

We thank our own Holy Blossom team of professionals and volunteer leadership for showing up again and again to do what is needed to keep our congregants and guests safe. At UJA’s community briefing, it was encouraged for anyone interested in community safety and security to consider signing up for the JSN’s Community Watch Synagogue training session. New dates are coming soon. Please visit: https://www.jewishtoronto.com/jsn for more details.

Security Updates

This past Wednesday, in our “On the Horizon” e-newsletter, a Security Update was shared. On top of the additional measures put in place, we have received confirmation from the Toronto Police that a paid duty officer will be at Temple tomorrow (Sunday, March 8). We have requested Paid Duty officers for the next two weeks. We will continually assess the situation. We are in direct communications with Inspector Benoit of Division 13, with the Jewish Security Network, with our own Security Committee of experts at Temple, and more.

We will continue to advocate on behalf of Holy Blossom and the entire Jewish community. Rabbi Splansky is reaching out to our representatives at all levels of government to demand more, to demand better. This week, our city and our country have crossed a threshold, where we have to question if our basic religious freedoms, as enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, are being upheld and protected. Please read today’s Statement from Prime Minister Carney. Make your own voices heard. Consider the Action Items from CIJA and from our own Holy Blossom Temple Advocacy Committee, as noted in their most recent article.

Tonight’s Havdalah service included the words from the Megillah:

“For the Jews (of Mordechai and Esther’s time) there was light and happiness, joy and delight.” 

לַיְּהוּדִים הָיְתָה אוֹרָה וְשִׂמְחָה וְשָׂשֹׂן וִיקָר

And we respond in one loud and clear voice: “So may it be for us!” !כן תהיה לנו

Shavuah Tov.

May it be a good and peaceful week for us, for the Jewish People everywhere, and for all the world.

Security Update

March 5, 2026

UJA Community Briefing: Security Update with Toronto Police

In the wake of the shooting at Temple Emanu-El this week on Purim, join UJA Federation of Greater Toronto online Friday, March 6 at 11:00 am for an important briefing on community security with Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo and Chief Superintendent Katherine Stephenson.

During the briefing, you will have the opportunity to submit questions.

This webinar will be moderated by Sara Lefton, Chief Development Officer, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, and feature a security update from Jevon Greenblatt, Executive Director of the Jewish Security Network (JSN).

Learn more and register here

Holy Blossom Temple Security Update

March 4, 2026

At this time, our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Israel, in Iran, and at Temple Emanu-El.  Toronto police reported that shortly after community members had left the synagogue’s Purim party late Monday night, Temple Emanu-El in North York was struck by gunfire. While no injuries were reported, the building sustained damage.

You will notice that this week there has been additional security here at Holy Blossom Temple – some is visible, some not visible (by design), and increased Toronto Police Patrols in the Holy Blossom Temple neighbourhood. Please note that we are in direct touch with and have significant support from both our Police Division (13), including the Inspector and Staff Sergeant, and Police across the city, including intelligence, the Jewish Security Network (JSN), and other local and national authorities, including elected officials. We are blessed to have a knowledgeable Security Committee Chair, Andrew Kirsch, and as well a very supportive Security Committee.

In addition to our usual security measures, you may encounter more uniformed security representatives, who may check bags (including purses and tallit bags) for specific events. Unless you have small children with you, please avoid bringing larger bags to Temple.

Security will continue to be assessed and invested in, constantly. Holy Blossom Temple continues to apply for funding opportunities from all levels of government as related to security. Please cooperate fully with our security and facilities teams, be patient, and leave extra time for entering the building. We are all partners in ensuring our Temple is safe and secure. Please be vigilant, especially when entering and exiting Temple. Do not allow those you don’t know to follow you into Temple and please be sure to check that exterior doors close behind you when you leave. As always, if you see something, say something.

As Vibrant and proud Jewish life continues to flourish at Holy Blossom every day of the week, the safety of our congregants, students, and those who work here is our first priority.