20 Years of Sacred Service
Friday, March 27, 6:00 pm
Holy Blossom will host a special Kabbalat Shabbat service and celebratory dinner in honour of C.S Lindi Rivers’ 20 years of devoted service. All are warmly invited to attend the service, and we encourage you to register for the dinner by clicking the link below.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service: 6:00 pm
Shabbat Dinner: 7:00 pm
$54/person, $36/child (12 Years and under)
Click here to register (Registration closes March 22nd)
During her 20 years at Holy Blossom, many of you have come to know Lindi, along with her wonderful daughters, Sophie and Talia. Whether she has stood beside you as you laid a loved one to rest or lifted the sanctuary with Siman Tov u’Mazal Tov at your child’s Bar/Bat/Perach Mitzvah, Lindi has become a sacred and trusted member of our clergy team. In recent years, she has also expanded her leadership within the wider Reform Jewish community, serving as President of the Guild of Temple Musicians.
As part of this celebratory weekend, we will also welcome Cantor Josh Breitzer, President of the American Conference of Cantors, who will serve as our scholar-in-residence.
A message from Cantor Rosen:
As I find myself in the midst of my sixth year at Holy Blossom, I am often reminded of whose shoulders I stand upon as Senior Cantor. For those who have wandered past the photographs of past and present clergy lining the third-floor hallway, these images evoke powerful stories and memories—many of which you have generously shared with me over the years.
Just outside my office hangs a display of black-and-white photographs of the cantors who have served our Holy Blossom community since the late 1800s. Among these esteemed figures are Jacob Barkan, Norman Summers, Stan Stolnitz, and the great Sheldon Merel. Further along the timeline, one encounters a handsome young Benjamin Maissner z”l, who began his tenure at Holy Blossom at the age of 35 and graced our bimah for an extraordinary 41 years. Beside his photograph is that of a young woman who, in 2005, joined Holy Blossom as the synagogue’s first female cantorial presence, our beloved Cantorial Soloist, Lindi Rivers. We look forward to honouring Lindi’s remarkable contributions and celebrating the sacred music that continues to shape our community.
If you are attending the dinner, you will be given an opportunity to honour Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers with a donation to Music@HBT during the registration process.
Those unable to attend, but are still interested in making a donation to honour her 20 years of service, are invited to click here to donate to Music@HBT. Donations may also be made by calling Joe Freedberg at 416-789-3291 ext. 260 for assistance.
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.
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.
March 5, 2026
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).
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.
We mourn for the Israeli lives lost and the many injured in this next wave of war. We pray for our Israeli siblings whose lives are continually interrupted by the wail of sirens. We see the images of joyous weddings and defiant Purim parties in shelters and underground parking lots, and we rejoice with them. We are in awe of the courage of the IDF soldiers standing guard at every border, of the pilots who take to the skies, of the sailors at sea, and of those whose acts of bravery we will never know. May a lasting peace come swiftly for the State of Israel and all her inhabitants.
We stand in solidarity with the innocent Iranians, who are courageously rising up against the tyranny which has ruled them with fear and violence for far too long. May peace and freedom come swiftly to the proud and ancient Persian civilization.
We also pray for our Persian neighbours in Toronto who are gripped by the fear of the unknown. They have stood with the Jewish community since October 7th, and now we stand with them, descendants of King Cyrus the Great. May peace and dignity be restored swiftly.
We pray for our sister-congregation, Temple Emanu-El, which was targeted under the darkness of Purim night. May the confident joy they experienced together just hours earlier swiftly return. May their sanctuary always be a true sanctuary.
We pray for our own congregation, which is strong, but that doesn’t mean we don’t also feel vulnerable. May we come confidently to this spiritual home and leave each time renewed by it.
We pray for police officers and security guards, who put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect us and our neighbours. We pray for lawmakers, judges, and elected leaders. May God’s wisdom guide them in this hour that demands discernment. We pray for our city, which longs to be a bright light among the cities of the world, a celebration of diversity and mutual respect. We pray for our country, which is struggling to find its way in a world which can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Each weekday morning, we pray:
Grant us peace, Your most precious gift, O Eternal Source of Peace, and give us the will to proclaim its message to all the peoples of the earth. Bless our country, that it may ever be a stronghold of peace, and its advocate among the nations. May contentment reign within its borders, health and happiness within its homes. Strengthen the bonds of friendship among the inhabitants of all lands, and may the love of Your name hallow every home and every heart.
עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו, הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל כָּל־יוֹשְׁבֵי תֵבֵל וְאִמְרוּ: אָמֵן
May the One Who Makes Peace in the heights of heaven, cause a measure of that peace to descend on us, on all the People Israel, and upon all the inhabitants of the earth. And let us say: Amen.
Celebrating 100 years of Reform Jewish Music in Canada
Wednesday, March 25, 7:30 pm
Holy Blossom in partnership with the Reform Cantors and Cantorial Soloists of Canada will present this special concert. The evening will feature cantors, cantorial soloists, and synagogue choirs from across the country, offering a vibrant tapestry of musical traditions that reflect our shared history and evolving spirit.
Featuring
Cantorial Soloist Tara Abrams, City Shul
Cantorial Soloist Tracey Atin, Congregation Beth El
Cantor Judy Adelman Gershon, Temple Sinai
Cantor Paula Baruch, Temple Anshe Sholom
Cantor Shani Cohen, Temple Sholom
Cantorial Soloist Aron Katz, Temple Kol Ami
Cantor Meara Lebovitz, Temple Sinai
Cantor Rachael Littman, Temple Har Zion
Cantor Charles Osborne, Temple Sinai
Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, Holy Blossom Temple
Cantor David Rosen, Holy Blossom Temple
Cantor Martin Steinhouse
Cantor Jeff Webber, Temple Emanu-El
Cantor Cheryl Wunch, Congregation Shir Libeynu
Cantor Steve Zeidenberg, Beth Torah
Choirs
City Shul * Holy Blossom Temple * Temple Emanu-El * Temple Har Zion * Temple Kol Ami * Temple Sinai
We are honoured to welcome two distinguished guests for this milestone event:
In honour of Sara B. Charney for her dedication to and presidency of Women of Reform Judaism, a gift has been made by her sister, Patty Rubin, to Music at Holy Blossom Temple in support of the 2026 Reform Cantors and Reform Cantorial Soloists of Canada Concert.
Background information:
As we celebrate 170 years of Holy Blossom Temple, we honour a remarkable journey from its beginnings as a small Orthodox congregation to its emergence as a leading force in Toronto’s Reform Jewish community. Holy Blossom played a pivotal role in launching many of the city’s prominent Reform congregations, and as these communities flourished, they developed their own musical identities. Together, they have shaped the rich and diverse soundscape of Canadian Reform Jewish music.
In its early Reform years, services reflected the ideals of Classical Reform Judaism, conducted largely in English, with liturgical music drawn from the beloved Union Hymnal. Choral music accompanied by organ was central to worship, and the cantorial voice was first heard from a choir loft high above the bimah.
Following the Second World War, a Golden Age of synagogue music began to flourish. Holy Blossom’s sanctuary became a platform for innovation and musical excellence, hosting the premieres of major liturgical works and attracting Jewish music enthusiasts from around the world.
Parashat Tetzaveh and Shabbat Zachor
February 27-28, 2026
10-11 Adar, 5786
Join us in welcoming the CEO of Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, as she brings her wisdom, experience, insight, and energy to teach on three different occasions on this special Shabbat, as we celebrate our Women of Holy Blossom and anticipate Purim.
“Just For This” Live Podcast Recording
with Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch and Naomi Azrieli, O.C., DPhil
Thursday, February 26, 7:00 pm
Join us for a live podcast recording of “Just For This,” a show that inspires women in leadership to talk about women and leadership.
Learn more here
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, February 27, 6:00 pm
Women on the Bima: the Revolutionary Feminism of Sisterhood Shabbat
Shabbat Morning Torah Study
Saturday, February 28, 9:00 am
Ner Tamid – Eternal Light
Shabbat Morning Sermon
Saturday, February 28, 10:30 am
Remember, Do Not Forget!
Please note that following the service, Rabbi Hirsch has graciously agreed to host a Table Talk for all who want to come and learn more about the important work of WRJ
Kiddush is generously sponsored in part by the Women of Holy Blossom in honour of Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch.
Join us in sacred worship & study
ABOUT RABBI LIZ P.G. HIRSCH
Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch (she/her) is the CEO of Women of Reform Judaism, a role she has held since July 2023.
Previously, Hirsch was the rabbi of Temple Anshe Amunim in Pittsfield, MA. She was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. In recognition of her academic and leadership achievements, she was honoured as a Wexner Graduate Fellow, a Tisch Fellow, and a WRJ Scholar during her rabbinic studies. She completed her undergraduate education at Brown University with a degree in Environmental Studies.
February 6 & 7, 2026
Once again, Cantor Rosen brings HBT’s warmth, spirit and community all the way from Toronto to the Sunshine State
Kabbalat Shabbat – Friday, February 6, 2026 SOLD OUT!
Naples, Florida
Havdallah Service – Saturday, February 7, 2026
Boca Raton, Florida
To register and for further information about either Naples or Boca Raton, please email Shira Lester, Director of Development & Donor Engagement
1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M5P 3K9
(416) 789-3291
[email protected]
Emergency Funeral Contact
Cell: 416-565-7561
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.