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Remembering Our Temple Leadership

Remembering Our Temple Leadership

Two Past Presidents were laid to rest last week. Before each funeral service, an Honour Guard of Past Presidents stood on either side of the casket, as is our custom. Holy Blossom Temple was strengthened by their leadership. May their memories continue to be for blessing.

Richard Lorie z”l

From the Temple Archives, thanks to Sheila Smolkin:

Richard served as President of Holy Blossom Temple from 1978 to 1980. In his address to the congregation at the Annual General Meeting, Nov. 4, 1979, Richard quoted from his Installation address: “We must use the experiences and traditions of the past, the lay leadership and professional staff of the present to build a strong congregation of the future.”
In addition to welcoming Cantor Maissner to the congregation, Richard’s first year as President saw Jacques Barruch and Morris Vigoda take over as co-chairmen of the Usher Committee, the creation of a new committee to help Vietnamese Boat People resettle in Canada, and an Interfaith trip to Israel and Egypt led by Rabbi Fields and Rev. Stanford Lucyk of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. Richard also supported Henrietta Chesnie z”l in her role as Chair of the Local Arrangements Committee for the UAHC Biennial held in Toronto that year.
A year later, Richard reported in his address to the Annual General Meeting that he had been pleased to welcome Rabbi Steve Garten as Holy Blossom’s new Director of Education and Rabbi Joan Friedman, as Assistant Rabbi, the first woman to hold a rabbinic position in a Canadian congregation.

A memory about Richard’s leadership from Michael Cole:

When Dick Lorie became president of Holy Blossom, he decided that he should know more about Judaism than he remembered from his days in Holy Blossom’s Religious School. So, he enrolled in a lot of Temple’s adult education classes, including Hebrew, and borrowed a lot of books from the Sisterhood library. By the end of his term as President — and beyond –, Dick had become quite Jewishly knowledgeable.
I was on the Temple Board when Dick was President. I remember him as unfailingly fair, patient, polite, and decent. May his memory be for blessing!

An excerpt from Rabbi Splansky’s eulogy:

I didn’t know until now that Richard was a Levi. It makes perfect sense. The Levites were the ones who carried the Tabernacle on their shoulders and took care of Jerusalem’s Temple. Richard was reliable. You could count on him. If Richard Lorie said he’s going to do something, he’d do it. He’d do it well and he’d do it right. If he said he’s going to be there, he’d be there — right on time, or more likely, a little early. This is more than a good habit. This is at the heart of the character of the man that he was. We learn about this trait in this week’s parasha. Ki Tissa literally means, “When you lift. When you elevate.” Like his Levite ancestors, Richard learned that by dedicating himself to lifting up his family and his community, he would, in turn, be uplifted himself.
Jean recalls: “He was determined to do the right thing.” When I asked her how Richard came into Temple leadership, she said, “Well he couldn’t sit still during services, so he became an Usher. And one thing led to another.”
I like to imagine it began earlier than that. Perhaps on Richard’s Bar Mitzvah day, right here at Holy Blossom Temple in 1942. In the midst of WWII, on this very sanctuary, on this very bima, Richard read from the Torah and got a hint of what it feels like to stand in the midst of the community, to be needed. Heinz Warshauer, his teacher and mentor, and set high standards for him. Camp Arowhon made Richard Head of Sail, the most trustworthy role on camp. He went on to become President of Holy Blossom Temple, President of Oakdale Country Club, President of the Toronto Construction Association, on the Board of the JCC, and President of their condo building for many years. Richard’s long-time friend and fellow congregant, Walter Pape, said of Richard: “When kids are little they dream of being a fireman or an astronaut. Little Dicky Lorie said, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a President.’”

Richard Krelstein z”l

From the Temple Archives, thanks to Sheila Smolkin:

At the conclusion of Richard Krelstein’s term as President (1988-1990), Rabbi Marmur wrote an article for the Bulletin in which he expressed the following hope “that although he and I came from very different corners of the Jewish world, we would walk in the same direction. My hope has been fulfilled. In the process of working together, I have got to know him and to appreciate his many lovable qualities, of least his kindness and his sense of humour.”

During his term as President, the Leo Baeck Day School made a decision to open a southern campus at Holy Blossom and Mel Olsberg retired as Executive Director of the congregation.

When addressing the congregation, Richard said: “I believe that people have an obligation to provide skills to the community in which they live. The reward is in the satisfaction derived at seeing the results of your involvement.”

A memory about Richard’s leadership from Avra Rosen:

Richard first introduced himself to me by email in November 2019 to congratulate me on becoming the President of Holy Blossom Temple. Under our bylaws, our Past Presidents and Wardens are members of the Presidents Council. I was looking for two representatives from The Council to sit on the new Board of Directors. Richard thanked me for the invitation, but advised that as he was living in Los Angeles, he would not “be in a position to accept the honour.” Five months later, deep into lockdown, Richard reached out to ask how he could help.
The pandemic was a gift to Richard in terms of reconnecting with Holy Blossom and working with our lay leadership to ensure congregational success and stability. Richard was suddenly able to actively participate in the Presidents Council Zoom meetings, participate in our services online, and see the breadth of our online programs. Richard was convinced, and I wholly agreed, that our live stream services were one of the best in North America. He was very determined to see how we could further welcome non-member guests from outside of the GTA. He often sent me links to Google analytics and other synagogues. Thanks to his persistence, I invited him to join a taskforce on communications and he was an avid participant, sending us countless suggestions. Even as we began to emerge from COVID, Richard continued to advise me.
I was expecting to be in Los Angeles in November for Rabbi Sharon Sobel’s installation at Temple Beth Sholom. Richard suggested we get together for coffee so we could finally meet in person. Sadly, personal circumstances prevented me from travelling then and we never shared that cup of coffee. I will always be grateful for Richard’s support. It was my privilege to stand as an Honour Guard beside his casket at his funeral in the Main Sanctuary last week.

An excerpt from Rabbi Splansky’s eulogy:

Although Richard was known for running a very disciplined, 59-minute Board Meeting, he was also known for crying at every funeral — even if he didn’t know the person who had died. Sydney says: “If you need a crier, Richard would be there.”

Our Biblical Books of the Prophets contain many references to professional criers. It was considered to be an art form – moirology. And moirologists like Richard Krelstein, were held in high esteem, for they could tap into some truth about the meaning of life and death that others could not. Perhaps Richard acquired this rare wisdom at a young age. He was just 11 when his mother died. Away from home – at boarding school during the year and at camp during the summers — young Richard must have had time to reflect on the themes of life and death in ways that no child should have to. If Richard were sitting today in this sanctuary, which he loved, no doubt he would be crying – over how much he loved his wife and children, over how much he loved his friends, over how much he loved simply being alive, but not one of his tears would be shed like Rabbi Assi’s tears. According to Midrash Tanhuma, Rabbi Assi lamented at the end of his life that he shirked his responsibilities to lead the community. If Richard Krelstein were sitting today in this sanctuary he loved, he would also smile with confidence in knowing that whenever the opportunity to lead, to mentor, to volunteer, to serve and strengthen the community, he rose to the occasion – with a full heart and without hesitation.
When I asked Sydney how Richard, from Memphis, Tennesse, came to be in leadership at Holy Blossom, she explained, “He started on the House Committee, and worked his way up the ladder. They must have seen a spark in him. And… he adored Rabbi Plaut. He loved to study Torah and philosophy with him.” She reflected back and said, “It was a new start for him. His strength came from Holy Blossom Temple.”

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Chodesh Tov! Welcoming the Month of Nissan

Women of Holy Blossom invites you to our Rosh Chodesh Service to welcome the month of Nissan next Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 at 7:30 am. The service continues to be online and the link can be found below.

Please join us for breakfast after the service and stay to reconnect, after a long time of confinement it is actually refreshing to see friends again in person. I personally find it stimulating and rewarding. I hope you can join in.

Here is some information about the month of Nissan:

Zodiac sign: Aries, Attribute of the month: Speech, Letter: ה

The month of Nissan is referred to as Chodesh ha-aviv (month of spring). It is considered the first month of the Jewish calendar, and the spiritual Roshashana, (Tishrei, is considered the first month of the physical world). It is in spring when nature and every living soul wake up from hibernation, a month of renewal and hope. It is the month of double miracles as Nisan has two Nuns ( נ for Nes) and these are the miracles that G/d did to redeem us from slavery in Egypt. The limb of the month is the “right foot” because we have to make a quantum leap with the right foot, to start a transformation for 49 days from Pesach to Shavuot.

The spiritual birthday of the world is in Nissan, Head of the Months, [ניסן]/Nissan in the Gematria equals two times [פה]/mouth [(50+10+60+50)=170 = Nissan; 80+5=  [פה] Peh ([פה] x 2 = 85×2 =170)

The connection to the letter is to “speech”, as we are to re-tell the story of the exodus from Egypt through the Haggadah. We celebrate the eight-day holiday from the 15 to the 22nd of Nissan (April 5-13) and following the rituals we experience true spiritual freedom when after 210 years of being slaves G/d took us out of Egypt and we became superhuman and appreciated the power of nature reaching the zenith in the spring.

It is through Pesach that we became a nation of priests (Am-Kohanim) and we became subjects of our King, G/d. Yehuda is the tribe of the month of Nissan as he is the King of the 12 tribes. The permutation of this month is the four letters of G/d in the proper position יהוה  because it is the first month of the year and this permutation can be found in the book Psalms 96:11 “יִשְׂמְחוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם, וְתָגֵל הָאָרֶץ,” “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice.”

This verse reveals the energy of the month that brings joy and happiness in heaven and on earth. In the interest of Rosh Chodesh, each month is a new beginning, each month brings new energy and we are revitalized. Chodesh in Gematria equals 312 and the word G/d יהוה equals (10+5+6+5) 26 if we multiply 26 by 12 months of the year it equals 312.

During the month of Nissan, we must rejoice together, Heaven and Earth, the spiritual from G/d and the physical from Man and it reflects it in our wishes for each other “chag Pesach kasher vesame’ach” Kosher for the sake of heaven, and sameach for our sake.

We must step into this month with the ‘Right’ foot, some believe, we should be positive and act with Chessed during the first 12 days of the month and beyond as we then ‘plant’ positive roots for the entire year and renewal of
our lives. Ken Yehi Ratzon!

I wish you all a Chag Pesach Kasher V’Sameach.

Teresa Quiroz, on behalf of Women of Holy Blossom

Weekday Morning Shacharit Service:
https://zoom.us/j/93902401402?pwd=dGlOR2dEcGs1RVc0OVFwdkFtOVo5UT09
Password: 667580

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Help Newcomers Make a Home in Canada

Please join Holy Blossom’s ongoing efforts in the important mitzvah of welcoming the stranger as newcomers arrive in Canada every day. At this time, we are seeking support for four specific families as well as for the critical work of JIAS.

For an Afghan family who arrived this past fall, we are seeking:

Winter and Spring/Summer clothes for the children

Girl – sizes 6/9 months (winter) or 9/12 months (summer)

Boy – 4T or 5T

Support completing taxes and planning for the future

The family needs some support completing their taxes. They also have questions about how to plan for their future. If someone is interested in helping them with their current tax return and spend a bit of time working through questions related to future housing, education, and retirement planning that would be very appreciated.

Connections to help with family sponsorship

The wife’s family had fled Afghanistan in recent months, to Türkiye. With the recent events in Türkiye, they would like to apply to sponsor her parents to be able to come to Canada. If anyone is willing/able to help them know what the best way to do this is, that would be great.

For an Iranian woman who arrived in January 2022, we are seeking a bike (she is not very tall) and a two-seat sofa.

For an Iranian woman and her almost three-year-old daughter (and dog) who arrived last month, we are seeking help in finding housing. They are observant Jews and looking for a home where they can readily live a rich Jewish life (with easy walking access to stores with Kosher food, synagogues, daycare, etc.). Once they find housing, we will need furniture and household goods. An umbrella stroller would also be valuable.

For a Ukrainian woman who arrived in the fall of 2022, we are seeking volunteers to help her learn English. She is working full time and taking care of her grandchild after school and thus unable to enroll in typical ESL programs. We are looking for volunteers who can assist (which can be by zoom) on weekends or evenings.

Finally, we are sharing news from an email that we just received from JIAS. In the coming months, JIAS will be responsible for the support of dozens of refugee families. JIAS volunteers are essential in supporting these vulnerable newcomers and they urgently need help. They have issued time-sensitive volunteer support in two areas:

  1. Welcome Circles – JIAS Welcome Circles are teams of volunteers that are matched with an individual or family of newcomers. Volunteers provide social and day-to-day support. The commitment is on average 3-6 months.
  2. Constituent Groups – Constituent Groups provide hands-on settlement support to a refugee over the course of their first year in Canada and are formally listed as the refugee’s private sponsors. Sponsorship funding is already in place.

JIAS is hosting an online information session on Thursday, March 23 at 7:30 PM. To register, click here.

For more information about any of these opportunities, please contact Jacqueline Friedland at [email protected].

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From the Archives 

Edmund Scheuer, Father of Canadian Reform Judaism

By: Sheila Smolkin

Who is this distinguished gentleman now looking at us from the wall in the Bloomberg Jewish Leadership Centre, just outside the Max Enkin Board Room? He is Edmund Scheuer (1847-1943) generally regarded as the father of Canadian Reform Judaism. 

Scheuer moved to Hamilton, Ontario from Paris, France in 1871 where he became very involved in Anshe Sholom Congregation. Under his influence, Anshe Sholom became the first Reform Congregation in Canada in 1882. He had a dream in this new land; Jew and Christian, Synagogue and Church would work shoulder to shoulder for the ideals which both religions held in common, “The fatherhood of God who has created us all, and the brotherhood of all men.” 

Scheuer moved to Toronto in 1886 where he established his business as a jeweller. He immediately joined Holy Blossom and was elected to the Board. He saw Jewish education as a privilege.  He took charge of the synagogue’s school where he served as superintendent for several years, he wrote a number of young people’s textbooks, organized and taught a Confirmation class for girls, aged 13, which culminated in 1899, and he organized and financed the Zionist Free School for Girls run by 16 volunteer teachers from Holy Blossom. 

Scheuer was dedicated to the Jewish community in many other ways as well. He founded the first Jewish Benevolent Society in Toronto and was the first president of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies.  

During the 57 years that he was a member of Holy Blossom, Edmund served in almost every capacity in the synagogue. For his lifelong service, he was appointed Honourary President in 1934.  

In 1920, influenced by the thinking of Scheuer, Holy Blossom took the first step to affiliate with the North American Reform Movement when it hired Barnett Brickner, ordained at the Reform theological school, Hebrew Union College, as its rabbi. 

 In 1943, at the age of 95, Edmund Scheuer was killed when hit by a streetcar on Yonge Street. As the historian, Michael Brown has written, Edmund Scheuer remained to the end of his life both an advocate of modernization and acculturation in Jewish life and a dedicated and proud Jew. 

You may wish to visit the Archives Committee displays at the far end of the 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

Yihi l’ratzon milfanecha…  

The Tefillat Ha’Derech, the prayer of the road, is an ancient ritual that Jewish travellers have recited for generations upon leaving their homes. It invokes God to protect us and guard us as we leave the normal world of our every day and step into the unknown. Travel, to our ancestors, was one of the most dangerous and challenging things that one could do. To venture onto the sea, to depart civilization and head out into the wild places of the world, was to take your life into your own hands. It was an act of faith that you would return to those you loved, to those who loved you. It was not only a moment worthy of blessing but a time that required the intervention of the divine.   

Today, travel is exciting and joyous! It is an opportunity to expand your horizons and experience God’s creation. To behold the natural wonders of the world and the exciting diversity of humankind. To quote the author, chef, and famed world traveller Anthony Bourdain z’l, “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life- and travel- leaves marks on you.”  

In just a few days Lisa Isen Baumal and I will be stepping onto an airplane with some of our most amazing Holy Blossom teenagers and travelling to Israel! And for me, for the first time in a very long time, I feel that classic sense of nervousness, as if I were departing for a new place. This will be a new style of trip for me. I’m used to shepherding young couples who are unengaged, helping them ‘reattach themselves’ to Judaism. The teens who are coming with me are some of the most engaged Jews, of any age, I know! 

I am nervous about this trip. Good nerves, excited nerves, shpielkes nerves. I can’t wait to show our confirmands the wonders of our spiritual homeland, the joy and the challenge of the Jewish state. I know that the peace work and conversations we will engage in will be meaningful and complicated for them. I am holding my breath, hopeful that the ancient sites and stones that our people have walked down will echo with history and potential for our next generation, filling their hearts and souls with Jewish pride. And I pray that they will fall in love like I did the first time I travelled to Israel independent of my family. That they will see themselves in the state of Israel and know that it can be their home. Whether it is their home for a moment, for a few years or for a lifetime.  

And so, these words of the Tefillat Ha’Derech come pouring out of my lips.  

May it be your will oh God, that you should lead us in peace, direct our steps in peace, guide us in peace, support us in peace, and that when we reach our destination it will be for life, joy and peace! Amen!  

You can learn more about your own chance to travel to Israel, and beyond, with Holy Blossom HERE! 

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Remembering Rabbi Bernard Baskin z”l

Remembering Rabbi Bernard Baskin z”l

 The Hamilton Community and the Canadian Reform Movement mourn for Rabbi Bernard Baskin, who lived well into his 103rd year of life.  He was the Rabbi of Anshe Sholom from 1949 to 1989—and then Rabbi Emeritus until 2017.  He became a part of the Holy Blossom community when he moved to Toronto to be closer to his children, Susan and David.  His last “congregation” was made up of his friends and neighbours at the Russell Hill Retirement Residence where he continued to teach and counsel.

With the conclusion of Shloshim, we share these excerpts from the eulogies given by his three children and by Rabbi Splansky.  Holy Blossom Temple honours Rabbi Baskin’s lifelong service and his leadership. May his memory be for a blessing.

 

From Judith Baskin, Professor of Jewish Studies:

The rabbinic tractate, Pirke Avot, The Sayings of the Fathers, records that the sage Ben Zoma asked: “Who is wise?” and answered his own question, as follows, “The wise person is someone who learns from every human being.” Ben Zoma then inquired, “Who is mighty?” And he responded: “The one who is slow to anger is more powerful than the mighty.” Ben Zoma next queried: “Who is rich?” and he rejoined, “A person who rejoices in her or his place in life – to that person, the Psalmist says: “You shall enjoy the fruit of your labors, you shall be happy and you shall prosper” (Psalms 128:2) And finally, Ben Zoma wanted to know: “Who is honored?” And his answer was: “The individual who honors his fellow human beings, that person is honored” (4:1).

It is these four qualities: receptiveness to learning from every source; an irenic and peacemaking disposition; satisfaction with his life choices and their outcomes; and respect for others, that characterized our beloved departed father and grandfather, teacher and friend. Pirke Avot is often referred to as the Ethics of the Fathers, an apt description of its contents and concerns. Certainly, for Rabbi Bernard Baskin, the ethical was all. What, he might have asked, can we really know about God, or about what came before the creation of our world or about what comes after our life on earth? His reply to all of these universal questions would have been, not much. All that we can know and all that we can control during our lifetimes is how we choose to behave to others.

When construction on the new Temple Anshe Sholom building here on Cline Avenue North was being completed in 1952, Dad was tasked with choosing a dedication. He turned to the book of the prophet Micah and to those words that still remain on the building’s façade seventy years later: “God has told you, O human beings, what is good,/ And what God requires of you:/ Only to do justice/And to love mercy,/ And to walk humbly with your God.” It is how we act, ultimately, that matters; Dad was a just, good, and modest man.

 

From David Baskin, Past President of Holy Blossom Temple:

Why was the universe created? What is the nature of God? What is the purpose of human life? These are the big questions of theology. Philosophers and religions of all kinds have grappled with these issues for as long as we have written history. My father did not spend a lot of time worrying about them. His Judaism and his theology were not concerned with “Why?” It was focused on “How?” How can we live a meaningful life; how can we make the world a better place; how can we serve our fellow human beings?

In philosophical terms, Dad would be described as a humanist. He was in this sense very much a product of his times, because the mid-20th century saw the central issues of humanism leap from the religious sphere to the secular world. The civil rights movement, the rise of feminism, the fight for acceptance of what we now describe as the LGBTQ community – all these came to the forefront during his time in the pulpit. Dad did not duck these issues; he embraced them. The various awards he received in his life from organizations concerned with these matters are a testimony to the fact that he lived his beliefs; in the popular argot, he not only talked the talk, he walked the walk, and more importantly, he urged others to do the same.

And the last point, the thing that made Rabbi Baskin Hamilton’s Rabbi, was that he conveyed that message to the wider community with energy and urgency over a period of sixty years or more. Dad estimated that he gave at least 500 speeches outside the walls of his sanctuary. He was equally comfortable in churches and cathedrals, banquet halls and meeting rooms. He believed in the importance of what he had to say. He said it well, and often. He has been an inspiration to me, and I do my best to follow his example.

From Susan Baskin, beloved Teacher and Musician at Holy Blossom Temple:

On his final Shabbat, Dad was able to enjoy the company of his family and his dear friend Ailine Hess. He discussed the Torah portion of the week with my husband Jack and was able to recall passages in Hebrew. Dad summoned up his speaking skills one last time, to give my daughter Rachel a loving blessing, laced with wisdom and his usual wit. As was their practice, they snuggled up to take a ‘selfie’ and we are all so glad to have that final memory of Grandpa.

During the pandemic, out of concern that congregants and the wider community be included in both worship and programming, Dad made a generous donation to Temple Anshe Sholom, so that equipment could be purchased to enable live streaming. Dad held a deep affection for his flock in Hamilton, in Barrie, and at the Russell Hill. He created and maintained relationships and was an important figure in so many people’s lives. Our father was an outstanding role model, who led by example and taught us to value Torah, meaningful work, and acts of loving-kindness. His last formal talk—on the subject of Jewish Humour—was delivered to a packed house this past November at the Russell Hill.

…. As he slipped away I sang to him.  The last words I heard from his voice were: “Oseh Shalom Bimramov, Hu ya’ashe shalom, aleinu v’al kol Yisrael, vi’mru: Amen.” May the one who makes peace in the heavens, make peace for us and for all of Israel and let us say: AMEN.

From Rabbi Splansky:

“As loving as a father is towards his children, so does the Eternal One love those who show reverence.”  (from Psalm 103)

Rabbi Baskin was a public figure.  His impact reached far and wide across the Canadian landscape and beyond.  Now I wish to narrow the scope, to name the personal, and call attention to the family Rabbi Baskin adored.  Judith, David, Susan – while your father – and your mother, Marjorie, whose memory is so much a part of this day – loved Anshe Sholom and led this community with attention and care — you have been the recipients of a distinct kind of love.  For all the years of your upbringing and well into adulthood, you shared your parents with this sacred congregation.  As a Rabbi’s kid myself, I know how that goes.

 

We call him “Moreinu HaRav,” “Our Teacher, The Rabbi.”  Only you – his children – will have the distinct honour on every Yizkor day, in the quiet moments of private remembering to call him: “Avi uMori,” “My father, my teacher.”  For us, he was first and always a teacher.  For you, he was first and foremost, a father.  You belonged to him uniquely and he belonged to you uniquely.  In the decades since his retirement – while he continued to teach and write and lead – he became more yours.  His speeches at family gatherings were not the same as the speeches he gave for others.  The eloquence was the same, to be sure, but the softness on his face was altogether different.  He loved his people without end, but he reserved a special love just for you, his family, his descendants, his favourites.  May God watch over you now, as your father watched over you throughout his lifetime.

“God’s loving care is everlasting.  God’s loyalty to children and children’s children will endure – age after age, unchanging.” (from Psalm 103)

 

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Join us for Family Shabbat on Saturdays!

Consider this an open invitation, and we hope to see you there!

My name is Melanie. My family and I are new members of the Holy Blossom. I have two children, ages 9 and 12 that have been attending the Hebrew School at Holy Blossom and loving it! We recently had the pleasure of attending Family Services at Holy Blossom for the first time back in December. It was such a lovely experience to attend the Family Service. Rabbi Eliza McCarroll is so warm and welcoming and leads a terrific service. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming to children of all ages. The musical accompaniment with David Gershon (and occasionally Avishai Sol) made the service fun for all. My kids enjoyed going into a breakout room with our shinishinit, Ella. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we all enjoyed a delicious lunch after the service complete with bagels (with all the fixings), fruit and lots of treats.

I also had the chance to reflect on how important it is for children to attend Shabbat services to complement what they are learning in Hebrew School (whether it be day school or otherwise). The way I think of it, attending Shabbat services is an integral part of the Hebrew School experience. The Family Service in particular is a fun and interactive way for children to see what they have been learning at Hebrew school put into action and allows the Hebrew school experience to extend beyond the classroom. The children can proudly chant prayers they have been learning and sing along with the congregation. Attending Shabbat services in conjunction with Hebrew School has also helped our children feel part of the Holy Blossom community and has helped to further foster the love they have for Judaism.

In addition, going to Shabbat services as a family creates lasting Jewish memories for children! No matter what age you are, you will learn something from attending a Family Service at Holy Blossom. At the Family Service that we most recently attended in January, my eldest daughter was proud to have been called up to the Bimah with a new friend that she met at Hebrew School to read a special poem.
I can’t wait to meet more of our wonderful community at the next Family Service.

Family Services for the remainder of 2023 are March 11, April 15, May 13, and June 11.

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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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