We have two new food pantries here at Holy Blossom Temple, and we need your help to replenish them! The Torah commands us to take special care for those who live near us, and here on Bathurst Street, we are striving to protect and provide for the food insecure in our neighbourhood. Our food pantries, located on the corner of Bathurst and Dewborne, are just one way we are living this mitzvah.
How can you help?
Bring in canned, dry, and shelf-stable food so that we can keep the Janis Rotman Tzedakah Centre well stocked. From there, amazing Holy Blossom Temple volunteers are bringing our donations out to the food pantries! Pasta, canned fish or chicken, beans, tomatoes, vegetables, cereal and more* are all wonderful things to bring in. With your help, we can keep the food pantries stocked throughout the summer and into the fall.
Want to volunteer?
Reach out to Rabbi Samuel Kaye ([email protected]) and let him know. We are looking for volunteers of all ages and stages to help us fulfill this mitzvah and care for our neighbours.
*but skip last year’s Matzah and gefilte fish.
Growing up, and still to this day, my family has the tradition of celebrating Shabbat dinner together at my grandparent’s home, every Friday night.
Like many of your families, we too have our Shabbat routines; this person lights the candles, that person says kiddush, we have these special foods on the table, and so on.
One such part of this routine was how my siblings and I were always taught that before anything else – before playing with our cousins, before pouring a glass of water, before petting the dog – we were to first greet our grandparents.
I could not help but think about my grandparents as I came across a midrash (Bamidbar Rabba 15:17) that outlines the behaviour we as Jews are expected to model towards someone of the Wisdom Generation. We are, for example, meant to rise in their presence, to not sit in their place, inquire after their welfare, and to not interrupt or contradict their words. The Midrash likens this respect to rising in God’s presence, thus Lewis Warshauer of the Jewish Theological Seminary concludes that honouring our elders is akin to honouring God[1].
As we at Holy Blossom seek to reinvigorate our Dorot program, aimed at providing our Wisdom Generation with opportunities for connection within our community, we are so thrilled to be starting with the Summer (Re)Gathering this Shabbat, 16 July. Services begin at 10.30 am, and delicious lunch and a spectacular musical program will follow.
We hope to see you there as we honour our Wisdom Generation – registration can be found here!
The Dorot Summer re-gathering is generously sponsored by a gift of Elen Steinberg in memory of her father Vladimir Steinberg z”l.
Shalom, Holy Blossom! Greetings from the Holy City of Jerusalem!
Arrived safely at Ben Gurion Airport
I am so fortunate to be able to continue my studies with the Shalom Hartman Institute. From early morning to late at night, I am on-campus learning with dear friends and colleagues from leading teachers and thinkers from Israel and North America.
We can all be proud of Karen Kollins, our congregant, longtime Holy Blossom teacher, and former Camp George Associate Director. Karen has completed one year in a new position, Director of Canada for the Shalom Hartman Institute. She has already elevated the profile of Hartman in Canada. Ten Canadian Rabbis from across the country and across the denominational streams are studying together this week in Jerusalem. Rabbi Kaye, Rabbi McCarroll, and I look forward to sharing some “Hartman Torah” with you throughout the year ahead as we draw from the faculty’s excellent curriculum, “Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism.”
Two extraordinary Holy Blossom-ites left for Israel this week – Racquel Mansoor and Hayden Taylor. They will be representing Canada in the Maccabia Games, the “Jewish Olympics.” Israel is hosting ten thousand athletes from more than thirty countries to compete in more than one hundred events. Racquel will be competing in figure skating and Hayden in baseball. I believe there are as many skating rinks in Israel as there are baseball diamonds – two of each. I will be cheering for Racquel and Hayden at the opening ceremonies of The Maccabia Games. We are already proud of them, of their commitment to their sport, of their commitment to Israel and to the spirit of global Jewry meeting in Jerusalem as one. Go Team Canada!
Dow and Fredzia Marmur sixty-six years ago
I visited with Rabbi Dow and Fredzia Marmur my second night here. For many weeks you have heard Fredzia’s name included in our prayers for healing. I am pleased to say that she is recovering well from her stroke. However, I am heavy-hearted to share with you that since my visit with them just days ago, Rabbi Marmur had a fall that required brain surgery. He is now receiving the finest care in Shaare Zedek Hospital’s ICU. Please keep Rabbi Marmur in your prayers. When we were together, he delighted in hearing about you and how the Holy Blossom Temple community rose to meet the many challenges of the pandemic. Despite the years since his retirement and the geographical distance, he is our rabbi and we are his congregation. To send a message to the Marmur Family in Jerusalem and England, please write in the Comments Section below.
The pomegranate tree in my neighbourhood.
The broad theme of this week’s study is: “Why Israel?” The question is being addressed through the many lenses of history and politics, sociology and psychology, theology and human rights, sacred and contemporary texts. Stepping back from the details and debates, I believe the question we are really pursuing, is not “Why Israel?” but “How Israel?” Part of the answer is found in young people like Hayden and Racquel, who feel a magnetic pull to this land they are just now beginning to discover. Part of the answer is found in Rabbi and Fredzia Marmur, who have lived in many countries over the remarkable course of their lives and found a true home here in Jerusalem, in the Land of the Living. Part of the answer is found in the prayers offered up from Holy Blossom this and every Shabbat: “Avinu Shebashamayim, God in heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first flowering of our redemption.” It is that striving, that hope, that potential for fulfillment, that makes this place like no other.
From the eternal city, I wish you a Shabbat Shalom.
A few days ago, I had the pleasure of spending a little bit of time with one of my friends whom all of you know, Rabbi Zachary Goodman. We were in the backyard, his little Abe was running around with my daughter Selah, while we watched over newborn Ira. The toy car could only hold one toddler and while Selah was ‘driving’, Abe ran over to his dad and leapt into his arms. Then, reaching out with great love, he grabbed his father’s beard and pulled hard.
There are moments when Torah, in all its multitudes and voices, comes alive before our eyes. And this moment, it may surprise you, was one such example. Rather than getting upset at the irritation of having his face yanked, or embarrassed that he was now a little ruffled, Rabbi Goodman just laughed and kissed his little boy.
There is a story I read many years ago which describes the people of Israel’s relationship to God in the same way. The Hassidic master described the bond akin to one a child has with a loving parent or grandparent. God is a figure of wisdom, power and dignity deserving our respect and admiration. And yet, when we reach out and tug at the metaphorical ‘beard’ it doesn’t infuriate or embarrass God. Rather God delights in the desire that B’nai Israel wants to be close and is pleased at the reminder of our intimacy. God is delighted when we reach out, even if our actions, words, or prayers are not ‘perfect’ because it is a reminder that we, the creation/the child, are just as in love with the creator/the parent as the other way around.
This summer, thanks to the bevy of programs and opportunities here at Holy Blossom, we have the chance to continue to reach out, not only to God but also to each other. Personally, I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet many of you for the first time. I am always happy to take a walk, grab a cup of coffee, and share some stories. I’ll also have the chance, in July, to teach Talmud to our community! I hope that you’ll sign up and I promise that it will have something for everyone, from beginners to sages. Finally, in August I’ll have the chance to visit Camp George and be part of the place that has created so many wonderful memories and relationships!
Reaching out and ruffling a ‘beard’ is a sign of love. Whether we are extending our hearts to God, or reaching out physically to our community, there is never a moment when this is not desired. I hope that you’ll join all of us here at Holy Blossom this summer in building that feeling of closeness and connection!
With the terrifying news coming today from the U.S. Supreme Court, we all need to find a model of spiritual courage.
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of joining in a panel discussion about one of my Jewish heroes and one of my grandfather’s favourite teachers, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. This year’s Toronto Jewish Film Festival https://tjff.com spotlights a new documentary by Martin Doblmier. Doblmier has directed a series of documentaries on leading religious figures of the last century. He has generously given permission for me to share a link to “Spiritual Audacity: The Abraham Joshua Heschel Story” with you after this weekend when the festival wraps up. Until then, thanks to the TJFF Program Director, Stuart Hands, son of Holy Blossom’s own Dr. Brian and Cynthia Hands, you may enjoy the recording of the panel discussion with Doblmier, Rabbi Frydman-Kohl, and me. The conversation is moderated by Dr. Greg Beiles, Head of the Toronto Heschel School. https://vimeo.com/493404963/1898f871f9
Here is my favourite image from the documentary.
You can see then Assistant Professor, A.J. Heschel (far right), on the steps of Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati Ohio. Among his students are my grandfather, Ernst Lorge z”l (far left) and Holy Blossom’s own, W. Gunter Plaut z”l (back row, third from the right). I look at these faces, think of all they had already endured in the early 1940s when the photograph was taken, and I take courage.
I hope to see you this Shabbat over wine and cheese, as we thank Rabbi Tepper for his time as our Adjunct Rabbi or over a cup of coffee at Holy Grounds Café, as we welcome our new Associate Rabbi, Samuel Kaye, and our new Assistant Rabbi, Eliza McCarroll.
I will soon be on my way for three and a half weeks of study at the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. I’ll be sending updates from there from time to time. I am grateful to the congregational leadership, supporters, and colleagues, who are enabling me to make this trip. In Israel, I will be on the lookout for today’s leading Jewish thinkers and models of spiritual courage. I will bring back whatever I can to share with you over the months ahead.
Shabbat Shalom. I wish you and those you love a joyful and healthy summer.
Dear Holy Blossom Temple family,
For those of you who I have not had the pleasure to meet yet, I am Rabbi Eliza McCarroll, your new Assistant Rabbi, and I thought I would tell you a little about my role in our community.
My first main area of focus is strengthening our Kehilah Kedosha, our Sacred Community. This includes our Bikkur Cholim and Dorot programs, which both aim to ensure that our congregation is supported in all stages and circumstances of life. It also includes our YAD group, which provides our young adults with an outlet for their Jewish connections and lives.
The second area of concentration is working with our ECC and YEC. I look forward to meeting our youngest friends and their families and empowering our next generation to love their Judaism just as much as we do.
Plus, there are all the other, regular parts of what your clergy team does, from Shabbat and festival worship to life cycle events, to teaching, and much more!
With so much to learn and do, I keep in mind the quote from Pirkei Avot that teaches: “Who is wise? One who learns from every person” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). As such, I am so fortunate and grateful to partner with some truly incredible people – both professional and lay leaders – as we embark on this sacred work, and we are excited for all the good we can accomplish together.
There is never a dull moment at Holy Blossom Temple, and if there is ever any part of Temple life you would like to be involved in, we’d love to hear from you to make it happen!
Let’s start with coffee; both Rabbi Kaye and I will be at Holy Grounds Café from 9.30 am to 12:30 pm on Sunday, June 26. See you there!
I took a stroll around our grounds this morning, delighting in all the ways we walk the talk of Jewish values.
Food Pantries
Thanks to Arieh Waldman’s woodworking skills, we now have two food pantries standing at the corner of Bathurst Street and Dewbourne. It’s close to the sidewalk and the bus stop for passersby to see. We have ordered the accompanying signs, which will read: “Dear Neighbours, Take what you need. Give what you can.” and ”Love your neighbour as yourself. (Leviticus 19)” In our immediate neighbourhood there are a number of low-income housing units. Some of our hard-working neighbours will benefit from these simple food pantries. You are welcome to drop off non-perishable food items at any time. As you can see I made the first installment today.
We are looking for two or three more volunteers to be the curators of the pantries throughout the summer. Please drop Rabbi Kaye a line ([email protected]) if you are able to stop by once a week to make sure they are well stocked.
Honouring our Past
This plaque celebrates Holy Blossom Temple as the first synagogue of Toronto. Our Statement of Identity says this to describe where we come from and how we continue to reform. “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.”
Accessibility, Security, and Good Health
Our new entrance includes the words we use to serenade the angels each Shabbat: “Shalom Aleichem. Peace be upon you. Come in peace. Bless us with peace. Go in peace.” To the right of the doors, you see an accessibility button to open the doors automatically and the intercom to speak with our security staff. Once inside, we have the health station for a COVID-safe environment. While pre-registration is no longer required, we are still committed to creating a healthy setting for all.
Pride
Throughout the month of June, the pride flag stands right next to our mezuzah at the main entrance, welcoming our LGBTQ+ congregants and guests. The flag and the mezuzah are both symbols of identity and protection. Happy pride month!
Tzedakah Centre
When you’ve traveled the world and visited far-off synagogues, you may have noticed the custom to place a tzedakah box at the entrance to the synagogue. This one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, built to resemble the architecture of the Temple itself, is our Tzedakah Centre. Thanks to the generosity of Janis Rotman and the leadership of our incoming Associate Rabbi, Samuel Kaye, each compartment of the Tzedakah Centre will be curated by a congregant or circle of congregants for one mitzvah project or another. Beginning this fall, keep an eye out for collection updates in regular editions Life@HBT. If you’d like to curate a bin for a worthy cause, drop Rabbi Kaye a line at [email protected].
Holy Grounds Café
Open for three more Sundays from 9:30-12:30, stop by for a delicious cup of coffee and the most delightful service. Thanks to the generosity of Judy and Harley Mintz, thanks to the leadership of Rafiken Social Enterprises, and the talents of our neuro-diverse baristas and bakers, Holy Grounds Café has been successfully launched. We look forward to its expanded return in the fall. Please note: Freshly baked bread is a new addition this Sunday. And Sunday, June 26th is designated as a special opportunity to meet and greet our new rabbis over a cup of joe.
A Covenant of Belonging
This weekend I will officiate at three ufrufs and three weddings! When meeting with couples, I help them prepare for a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony, and also to prepare for a marriage that reflects their values. When they take their places under the chuppah, they strike a covenant between them and commit to building a life of shared purpose.
We do the same here every day at Holy Blossom Temple. We call it a Covenant of Belonging. We make a commitment to one another and to our common causes. This was evident throughout my morning stroll around the grounds. Wherever my eyes landed, there was another example of our congregational values in motion. Come see for yourself!
It’s Membership Season. This week our Administrative Team prepared your Membership Packages in record time, and they could be arriving at your doorstep soon. Please invite a friend or relative to join you at Holy Blossom for what promises to be a meaningful year of reclaiming the power of being in community.
Shabbat Shalom!
I often view my theatre-directing days as an era of my past, with their many memorable rehearsal periods, productions and individual performances. But in the past, all the same. Imagine then my excitement and instantaneous ‘Yes!’ when invited by the Women of Holy Blossom to direct a dramatic re-creation of a defining moment in the history of our Temple.
On an October evening in 1921, at the Holy Blossom synagogue on Bond Street in Toronto, Rebecca Brickner – spouse of new spiritual leader Rabbi Barnet Brickner – arranged the first meeting of the congregation’s Sisterhood. A new page in the history of our Temple was about to be written. Since that initial gathering, the Holy Blossom Sisterhood has assumed a place of enormous pride and esteem. Few areas of congregational life – over a period of more than one hundred years – have not been affected – and in the most positive of ways – by Sisterhood.
On Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm, our Holy Blossom sanctuary will become the time and place of that fabled October meeting on Bond Street for a few precious moments. Rebecca Brickner and those who joined her in establishing our Temple Sisterhood will return to life. Our dramatic rendering is part of a larger program celebrating Sisterhood’s one-hundredth anniversary.
In re-imagining our first Sisterhood gathering, I am privileged to be collaborating with an excellent company of actors drawn from our Temple community, the outstanding talent of the Temple ukulele players, the gifted skills of our Temple staff, and the generous support of the Women of Holy Blossom leadership.
In 1956, as part of Holy Blossom’s centennial celebration, Sisterhood President Rae Newman wrote:
Sisterhood plays an important role in Temple family life participating fully with the congregation in its religious, educational and cultural programs. It has accepted the responsibility for weaving closely the bonds between home and synagogue, so that our religion becomes a vibrant, living force for us and our children – a dynamic Judaism.
[Holy Blossom Temple: 1856-1956, p. 57].
May the vibrant, living force of Rebecca Brickner and her founding partners of the Holy Blossom Sisterhood – and their enduring passion for Jewish living – continue to make a difference in the life of our congregation, and for persons beyond the walls of our Temple building, everywhere.
1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M5P 3K9
(416) 789-3291
[email protected]
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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.