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From the HBT Archives Committee

Supreme Court Justices “Meet” at Holy Blossom

By Howard Roger

Our Archives Committee recently received a question from a librarian at the Bora Laskin Law Library at the University of Toronto. She had been contacted by an archivist in the US (from the NAACP) inquiring about Thurgood Marshall’s speech for the Holy Blossom Temple Brotherhood Forum on February 28, 1955. Did we have any information? We did indeed, and our search uncovered a fascinating coincidence.

Thurgood Marshall was a distinguished civil rights lawyer and legal counsel for the NAACP. In 1967 he became an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, the first Black to be appointed to that position. But he was, in 1955, already well-known for his successful argument before the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education. That case established the rule that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. It was a watershed moment in American legal history, overturning the separate-but-equal doctrine previously upheld by the Supreme Court in 1896.

Thurgood Marshall spoke at Holy Blossom Temple on the evening of Monday, February 28, 1955. The title of his speech was “Civil Rights and World Peace.” A page from the Holy Blossom Temple Bulletin of February 23, 1955 (see photo) describes not only his upcoming appearance at Holy Blossom, but also other events which he would be attending while in Toronto, including an appearance Sunday night on CBC television, a Civic Reception Monday morning with the Mayor (Nathan Phillips, a member of Holy Blossom) and the City Council, an address in the afternoon to the students of the University of Toronto Law School, and a reception at Hart House hosted by Holy Blossom Temple Brotherhood and the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews.

The article about Thurgood Marshall appears on the right-hand side of the Bulletin page. If you look at the bottom left-hand side of the same page you will see the name of Bora Laskin, who was, in 1955, a professor at the U of T law school and a member of the Board of Holy Blossom Temple. Bora Laskin had, in 1950, assisted the Canadian Jewish Congress in the case of Noble et al v. Wolf, a case before the Supreme Court of Canada which ruled that a restrictive covenant, prohibiting the ownership or occupancy of land “by any person of the Jewish, Hebrew, Semitic, Negro or coloured race or blood,” was void and unenforceable. In 1970 Bora Laskin was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, the first Jew to be appointed to that court, and he became Chief Justice in 1973.

We could not find any information on whether Bora Laskin was involved in making any of the arrangements for Thurgood Marshall’s visit to Toronto or attended any of the events. Still, our research has shown how two future Supreme Court justices came together (at least on paper), and reminded us how the history of Holy Blossom and the history of civil rights in Canada and the United States intersect.

You may wish to visit the Archives Committee displays at the far end of our atrium as well as the Living Museum display by the elevator.

If you have any items of archival interest to contribute to the Holy Blossom archives, we would love to hear from you. Please e-mail us at [email protected].

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Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Samuel Kaye

Voice, Vote, Veto 

 

As Toronto has gone to the polls this week, I thought I would share something that is both election adjacent and completely apolitical.   

Ask yourself this question, “In my life does Judaism have a voice, a vote, or a veto?” But before you answer, allow me to define those terms in this context.  

A voice. A voice is one among many. Sometimes it is a feeling, an emotion, or an idea. Something which is shared regularly but here has little authority. There are voices in our lives all day long telling us how to think and feel. There are certainly voices in our lives that WANT to be louder, and more important than they are, but at the end of the day, they are just voices. We listen if we want to. A sign that says “SALE!”, when it’s something we want to buy, can be a very convincing voice. We might be subtly influenced, especially if the voice is telling us something we already believe. And a voice may speak to us at one point in our lives but be completely missing at another stage.  

A vote. A vote has weight. A vote can make binding decisions for you. It is in competition and collaboration with other major values. A vote changes the way that you live and builds up long-lasting decisions. It can be outweighed, it can certainly lose out to other values, but it will always return the next time a major decision needs to be made. A vote is part of the living core of who you are.  

And then there is the veto. The veto stands absolute. If the veto says no to an idea, an option, or an opportunity…that thing will simply never happen in your life. It is a constant check to each action. 

The earliest Reform Jews argued that when it came to moral decisions, Judaism and Jewish tradition would retain a veto in their lives. The Torah says, “Do not steal! Do not kill! Do not lie!” and these sorts of things are not – and never would be – up for debate. But other elements of Jewish law, like Kashrut, personal dress, Shabbat observance, and more- these things were ritual laws. Regarding ritual laws, the earlier Reformers argued that it would be up to each individual person to determine whether they would obey them as law (veto), be influenced by them in conversation with other values (vote), or simply be one option among many others when making decisions. Naturally, other branches of Judaism drew their limits in other ways and other places, which has led to the varied levels of Jewish observance we observe today in modernity.  

So let me return to that initial question… while at the same time sharpening it just a bit. Instead of asking an absolute “Which one do you fit into?”, I’d like to ask where. Where does Judaism have a veto in your life? And where does it have a vote? And where is it a voice? 

And if the answer to any of that surprised you… what would make it change?  

Having a complex modern identity, where we are not ‘only one thing’ but in fact, composed of many competing values, is not a strange or foreign idea to us. We balance our national identities, our political beliefs, our family roles, and our personal values all the time.  

This is just a gentle reminder that our Jewish identity is also one that needs to be included in that ongoing calculus!  

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Our Community: The Essential Role of a Gabbai

The Essential Role of a Gabbai: Orchestrating Beautiful and Seamless Worship at Holy Blossom

By Alberto Quiroz

My family and I have been proud members of Holy Blossom Temple for over 25 years, where we have found spiritual nourishment and solace within its sacred space. During this time, my dear friend Jill Hertzman ז’ל extended a heartfelt invitation to me to become a Gabbai. This role greatly strengthened my connection to our Temple community. In fulfilling a rewarding Mitzvah, I not only forged wonderful friendships with fellow volunteers but also deepened my understanding of our prayer services. Being a Gabbai has also been a humbling experience, allowing me to contribute to the growth and well-being of our cherished congregation. 

But what is a Gabbai, you might ask? 

A Gabbai (גבאי) is an individual who assists in organizing and managing various “behind the scenes” details of the prayer service. While the specific responsibilities may vary from synagogue to synagogue, the Gabbai serves as a link between the congregation and the clergy, ensuring that the service flows with grace and precision. In recruiting volunteers for honours, the Gabbai fosters a sense of belonging while also helping to beautify the worship experience.  

At Holy Blossom Temple the primary duties of a Gabbai are to locate or assign the honorees for: opening and closing the Ark, the Aliyot for the Torah reading, Hagbah (lifting of the Torah after being read), and the undressing and dressing of the Torah. This involves coordinating with our clergy team prior to the services, finding potential participants, assigning the honours, and ensuring that each honoree is prepared for and aware of their responsibilities.  

From my personal experience, I believe that the role of the Gabbai is important because of the following: 

Facilitates Order and Structure: A well-organized prayer service provides a sense of structure and enables congregants to engage fully in their spiritual journey. The Gabbai’s ability to ensure the seamless progression of prayers, transitions, and rituals allows the congregation to worship with kavod, a sense of reverence. 

Enhances Community Participation: The Gabbai’s role extends beyond logistical coordination. By actively involving volunteers in honours, leading specific prayers, or assisting in other capacities, the Gabbai fosters a sense of belonging and ownership within the community. 

Preserves Tradition and Rituals: Prayer services often involve rituals that have been passed down through generations. The Gabbai plays a key role in upholding these customs, ensuring that they are performed correctly while preserving the sacred heritage of the community. 

Ensures Inclusivity and Accessibility: Every member of a congregation should feel welcome and able to participate in prayer services. A skilled Gabbai recognizes the diverse needs of their community and makes accommodations to ensure that all individuals can fully engage in the worship experience. This might include providing a large print Siddur, offering assistance to those with mobility challenges, and so on. 

Would you be interested in taking on this meaningful mitzvah?  

We are looking to expand our team of Gabbaim! In taking on the Mitzvah of serving as a Gabbai, you will both enhance your knowledge and understanding of our liturgy and rituals and enrich your own spiritual journey. We will also provide all the training you need. 

If you are interested, please contact JoAnne Bieman at our office, [email protected].  

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Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Eliza McCarroll

Being currently in the biblical Book of Numbers, Bamidbar, I was recently reflecting on a well-known Midrashic adage inspired by its tales: shiv’im panim baTorah, “there are seventy faces to expound on Torah” (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15).

In other words, the ways that Torah, in the broadest sense – wisdom, learning, teaching, relationships, worship, and so on – is manifested in a community, is multi-faceted, because it can unfold in so many different, wonderful ways.

We can extend this to our outlook on Jewish life, as well, as we revel in its joys, it’s complexities, and it’s diversity, at all ages and stages.

If we look within our own sacred community, there is such a variety of ways coming up, even as the summer descends upon us, that we can glean Torah from one another.

Before that, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our spectacular Pride Shabbat this past Friday evening. The phenomenal community spirit of inclusion was deeply meaningful, and a sight to behold. We thank all who made it happen, particularly co-chairs Andrew Cohen and Daniel Penciner, our Director of Development Shira Lester, and Director of Membership and Community Engagement Abigail Nemzer. Check out all the fun postings on our Facebook page

On the horizon, we will be honouring our Shinshinit Ella Payorski, who has taught us so much about Israel and developed close bonds, particularly with our YEC children, over her time with us this past year in Canada. We are celebrating with her a Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat, a symbol of her own Jewish growth and learning, at our Family Service, and look forward to her being with us in the Main Sanctuary on June 24, before she heads to Camp George for part of the summer and returns to Israel to begin her army service in an elite intelligence unit. Truly remarkable.

Speaking of Camp George … we are looking forward to holding a fun Pop-Up Shabbat for our Holy Blossom Camp George families on June 23 before sending them off to Maple Lake.

Finally – our last major Dorot program for the 2022-2023 year, is taking place on June 20 and is a special collaboration with Gillian Helfield’s “What I’m Watching” film group. We’re so excited to explore the multiple iterations of the movie “A Star Is Born”, and to focus on its intergenerational appeal and unique Jewish flavour.

At Holy Blossom, Torah is always being taught, and always being learned, whether it’s from our youngest to our oldest, whether it’s through our relationships with each other and the values we espouse, or through the myriad of creative and dynamic opportunities on offer.

To seventy more faces, and to a wonderful summer!

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Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Yael Splansky

Recharging Reform Judaism

Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Yael Splansky
Baskin-Garson Senior Rabbinic Chair

 

Last week I attended a two-day conference, entitled Re-charging Reform Judaism.  One of the leaders of the conference was our own Past President, Mark Anshan. He has devoted two years to spearhead this conference which grew to more than 300 participants – rabbis, cantors, educators, and lay leaders from across N. America and Israel.  It was a grassroots conversation among Reform Jews about Reform Judaism.

“Reform” is a verb, of course.  A present tense verb.  We were not “reformed” once and frozen in time.  We are constantly “reforming” our finest expression of modern Jewish life.  And we are part of a global Reform “movement.”  We move.  We shift.  We expand.  We recalibrate, reorient, and realign ourselves to meet the call of the day.

The thrust of the conference was that the Reform Movement as a whole ought to amplify its commitment to Jewish Peoplehood and to Israel.  I must admit that it was validating for me to hear this call because Holy Blossom is already there.  Yes, we are committed to universal aims and to acts of Tikun Olam which serve humanity and the world, but we get there through a particularly Jewish lens.

The opening two paragraphs of Holy Blossom’s Statement of Identity assert:

Holy Blossom Temple, Toronto’s first synagogue, is a leading Canadian Reform Jewish congregation with a rich history of responding to both tradition and modernity in our religious and spiritual expression. We pursue meaningful opportunities for personal growth and family fulfillment at every stage of life through belonging, learning, prayer and ritual, and acts of service for our congregation and community, our city and country, the Reform Movement, Israel, and all the world.

Founded in 1856 as an Orthodox congregation in downtown Toronto, Holy Blossom Temple joined the Reform movement in the 1920s and soon became known the world over as a flagship congregation of Reform Judaism. In the 1970’s we began to embrace more traditional practices and today our prayer language and ritual draw from the best of the Reform tradition as well as from Klal Yisrael (the totality of the Jewish People). Within our congregation, there is a respectful range of Jewish observance and beliefs. Our commitment is to create a Jewish life, which is meaningful and challenging, authentic and joyful, responsible and relevant.

I was honoured to be invited to address the conference on the themes of Reform Jewish Theology, Belief and Practice.  Here is the link to the brief thoughts I was able to share and to the panel discussion which followed.  https://swfs.org/re-charging-reform-judaism/watch/  (I come in at the 10-minute mark.)

And here is the link to the many keynote speakers.  https://swfs.org/re-charging-reform-judaism/watch/  Have a listen and share your thoughts with me.

Yishar Koach, once again to Mark Anshan. You can hear his remarks which, like bookends, opened and closed the conference to set the frame for our deliberations and considerations.  Mark continues to devote himself to the Reform Movement of North America and Israel.  This conference, which gave rise to many new insights and influences, would simply not have come to fruition without his dedication.

Shabbat Shalom, everyone.

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Machane Lev means Camp Heart

Machane Lev means Camp Heart

By Sarah Zelcer

I am a parent of three children and a product of Jewish day school and Jewish summer camps. Growing up, my observant family was very involved in synagogue life through our membership and active participation in a conservative shul in North York.

My early career was rooted in the Jewish community as well, through my initial few years as a young professional with Jewish Campus Service (now Hillel Toronto) and the subsequent 13 years working with Ve’ahavta. I now work with the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Ontario.

As my family was growing, we found ourselves engaging with and testing different Jewish communities and perhaps expanding our sense of finding Jewish spaces which felt aligned with our Jewish values (including Tikun Olam), our strong sense of tradition, our deep connections to Israel, and our desire for diverse and inclusive Jewish environments. We are thankful that over the years we have found homes in different synagogues, Jewish learning and Jewish summer camp environments which have fostered these values.

Among these are our family’s involvement with both URJ Camp George, where our eldest and youngest have thrived, as well as with Machane Lev. Machane Lev is a one-week summer camp established in 2017 by Canadian Young Judaea as a place for young LGBTQ+ Jews to be their most authentic selves.

As a graduate of Canadian Young Judaea summer camp system (and subsequent six summers spent as a counsellor!) I was thrilled to learn of the existence of Machane Lev as a space for my children to safely thrive, build community with their LGBTQIAA+ peers and allies, as well as maintain their deep connection to Jewish values and to Israel. This upcoming summer will be the second summer we have sent two of our children to Machane Lev and we remain grateful for this inclusive, diverse, and important space for Canadian Jewish LGBTQIAA+ youth to grow and thrive and be their vibrant and amazing selves.

We remain grateful to have found an inclusive, dynamic, family-friendly and engaging environment at Holy Blossom Temple where all three of our children are engaged and building community.

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Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Samuel Kaye

ואהבת לרעך כמוך אני יי 

“Love your fellow as yourself. I am God.”  

Leviticus 19:18 

Years ago, one of my closest friends came out to me over the phone as queer. A call that to them must have felt like it went across an impossible distance. I didn’t understand the exact words that they were telling me then, the language to describe the identity that they had bravely realized. I was confused and I didn’t want to demonstrate my ignorance by asking questions about something that was clearly so very important. I was afraid I would offend them, use the wrong bit of language; misgender, misidentify, mistake. I love them, and would never want to hurt them…and even with all those intentions I still could have done better. In the years since that moment, I have told them this many times with both my deeds and my words.  

Allyship is a messy, imperfect, and ongoing process.  

And it is so vitally needed. Intolerance, hatred, and backlash against our LGBTQIA2S+ siblings are not limited to other nations or faiths. It can be found close at home, here in Ontario, and close to our hearts, amongst the Jewish people. Reform Judaism has been at the forefront of the religious call for inclusion for decades now, but our work is not done. Indeed, one of the most vital lessons that our Mishnah teaches us, regarding grand projects of social change and justice, is that we may not be there to finish the work. We may not be capable of changing the world. Yet that doesn’t free us from our obligation to try.  

Next week on June 9th, here at Holy Blossom Temple, we will celebrate Pride Shabbat. It is my sincere hope that you will join us for a festive and beautiful evening, celebrating our members, our family, and our friends. There will be joyous music, delicious food, and incredible performances demonstrating the many beautiful faces, identities and souls of those who call this sacred place their own.  

Rabbi Denise Eger, Senior Rabbi of Temple Kol Ami in California, past president of the CCAR, and editor of Mishkan Ga’Avah, writes “You have loved your People Israel with a never-ending love. You have given us Your Torah, laws, and statutes, to guide us so that our lives may be filled with holiness and happiness. We know that we must find ways to strengthen our faith and hope in you. Your Torah acts as our inspiration. Help us, O God, to find ways to renew our commitments as Jews. Teach us to feel proud of all our identities. For you, Eternal One, made us as we are. We say: Praised are You, Source of all, who is the lover of the People Israel.”  

And we say: Amen.  

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Women of Holy Blossom: Rosh Chodesh Tammuz

About the Month of Tammuz – Zodiac sign: Cancer

Tammuz (Tamuz) is the fourth of the 12 months of the Jewish calendar, counting from Nisan. It means “heat” like a glowing furnace, very appropriate as the sun is more radiant and at its height. It also signifies “Transformation”.

The Mishna Taanit 4:3 (Oral Law) lists five tragic events of Jewish history that happened: #1. Moses smashed the first tablets on the 17 of Tammuz, on seeing the golden calf. #2. During the period of the first Temple, the besieged population of Jerusalem could not obtain an animal for daily sacrifice. #3. The walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans during the second Temple period.  #4. Apustamus, a Roman officer, burnt a Torah scroll. #5 An idol was placed in the holy Temple.

The limb of the month: The Right Hand, which has a practical application used to, celebrate Shabbat and, to help us love G/d by following the 248 positive commandments.

The tribe associated with Tammuz is Reuven, the oldest son of Jacob, whose name means ‘see a son’, Genesis 29-32: and is derived from the sense of sight. Which leads to the attribute of the month: Vision. A sense of vision to bring peace into the world which can be transformed from mourning and sadness into joy and redemption.

 

וַתַּ֤הַר לֵאָה֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ רְאוּבֵ֑ן כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֗ה כִּֽי־רָאָ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ בְּעׇנְיִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה יֶאֱהָבַ֥נִי אִישִֽׁי׃

 

Leah conceived and bore a son, and named him Reuben;*Reuben Understood as “See a son.” for she declared, “It means: ‘יהוה has seen*has seen Heb. ra’ah, connected with the first part of “Reuben.” my affliction’; it also means: ‘Now my husband will love me.’”*

The permutation of the month: HVHY (hey-vav-hey-yud), from the final letters of the passage in Esther (5:13)

 

וְכׇל־זֶ֕ה אֵינֶ֥נּוּ שֹׁוֶ֖ה לִ֑י בְּכׇל־עֵ֗ת אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנִ֤י רֹאֶה֙ אֶת־מׇרְדֳּכַ֣י הַיְּהוּדִ֔י יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּשַׁ֥עַר הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

 

 

zeH enenU shaveH leY, spoken by Haman. The order is the direct reverse of the Name’s regular form, YHVH.

Tammuz means Transformation and Redemption. Why? Understanding that the previous month Sivan which was considered the ‘Giver’ of the Torah when G/d gives the commandments to the Jewish people and Tammuz is the month considered the ‘Receiver’. It is when we truly apply the Torah. Moses went up the mountain on the 4th month representing the “Receiver”.

Coming back to the Zodiac sign, Cancer (Crab) has a shell that hosts a body that grows and when it does the shell breaks metaphorically speaking ‘breaking the mould’. Meaning we too can change and transform. We too have ‘growth spurs’ not only of the body but spiritually. As we grow older we become smarter and (hopefully) wiser. Our bodies too during this month are experiencing the freedom of shedding “the outer shell” i.e. leaving our coats behind from the winter, freedom of our sins, from our animal soul, narcissism, heartbreak, hardship etc.

I wish you all radiant and warm summer months.

Ken Yehi Ratzon!

Teresa Quiroz – On behalf of Women of Holy Blossom

Shacharit Service: Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 7:30 am ET
in-person or via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93902401402?pwd=dGlOR2dEcGs1RVc0OVFwdkFtOVo5UT09
Password: 667580

For more dates and the connection to women see https://holyblossom.org/rosh-chodesh/

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Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Eliza McCarroll

L’chol z’man va’eit, l’chol chefetz tachat hashamayim …

“To everything there is a season, a time for every matter under the sun …”

 

These words from Kohelet have been on my mind in a different way lately, as the sun shines through and spring slowly but surely settles itself upon us, and this coming week leaves me filled with anticipation and emotion in thinking about the passage of time and all that comes with it.

It’s admittedly hitting me quite powerfully, for this Sunday, May 21, is the one-year anniversary of my rabbinic ordination. It is a day that will be forever cherished, in part because of the ceremony but mostly because of how I felt that morning: an overwhelming sense of joy and relief at finally reaching that milestone and at having my family there to celebrate.

Just a few days later, on June 4, I moved to Canada, which was Erev Shavuot. This festival always had a fond place in my heart because of the connection to Torah and learning, but even more so now that Shavuot was the first chag that Rabbi Kaye and I were lucky enough to join our sacred congregation as rabbis of Holy Blossom.

In other words, this festival of revelation is revealing to me the level and depth of change that has occurred since this time last year, when I went up to the bimah at Plum Street Temple as one person and came down the other side, then moved north of the border, as another.

Put differently, it is a season of renewal and reflection, and we have much to celebrate as a congregation, as look ahead to Shavuot next week, and shortly thereafter turn our minds to the summer, and to the next happy year.

We can reflect on all we’ve achieved. We can reflect on all we’ve learned. We can reflect on all we’ve become. We can reflect, in Rabbi Splansky’s words, to all we are becoming.

One of these elements is the ordination of another rabbi of Holy Blossom, Rabbi Taylor Baruchel, who just this past weekend was ordained in LA, and who we are so lucky to welcome to our professional staff as our new Director of Outreach and Next Generation Engagement. Mazal tov to her, and to all of us, and we know you will treat her kindly.

The second is to join our community for all of our wonderful Shavuot offerings, from Confirmation to a congregational dinner to Yom Tov services, which will include children’s breakout activities. Details can be found here.

May we always have milestones to celebrate together, and an early Chag Shavuot Sameach!

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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.

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