By Jacque Friedland, Chair of Holy Blossom Temple’s Refugee Relief Initiative
Holy Blossom will continue to work in partnership with JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Society) to support newcomers to Canada – this time, those arriving from Ukraine. JIAS anticipates that they will need volunteers and donors to help in a number of ways, including:
Document Support– This is a top priority right now. JIAS is seeking paralegals, lawyers, immigration consultants, and articling students who can help newcomers with filling out applications for entry into Canada as well as additional applications for newcomers once they have entered Canada.
Welcome Circles – JIAS is seeking teams of 5-8 volunteers who will be matched with an individual or family unit of newcomers for a 6-month to 1-year commitment. The goal of Welcome Circles is to provide coordinated, wrap-around support for newcomers by JIAS, volunteers, and the community. Welcome Circles may involve welcoming the family at the airport, securing temporary housing, helping to find long-term housing, English language supports, registering children for school and programs, social support/friendship as well as communication with the family’s JIAS Toronto settlement worker.
We are hoping to organize several Welcome Circles of Holy Blossom members. If you are interested – either individually (to join with other individuals) or as a group, please contact Jacque Friedland at [email protected] or Renee Leventhal at [email protected].
Language Support –JIAS needs additional volunteers for English Conversation Circles, English Reading Clubs, and Conversation Companions. To help newcomers acquire the language skills they will need to be successful in Canada all you need is patience and compassion. If, however, you or someone you know is fluent in both English and Ukrainian or Russian, please let JIAS know, as they need interpreters.
Monetary Donations – Newcomers arriving in Canada today – both those Holy Blossom has already committed to in the recent past, but have not yet arrived in Toronto, as well as those arriving as a result of the Ukrainian crisis are expected to have a significant need for financial support as they resettle in Canada. Thus, financial contributions for refugee relief are needed. You can send your donation to Holy Blossom and designate it for Refugee Relief.
Stay Informed — You can keep up to date with JIAS’s efforts to support the Ukraine crisis by visiting: Ukraine Update – JIAS Toronto – Jewish Immigrant Aid Services. You can subscribe to receive JIAS’s weekly e-newsletter for up-to-date developments.
Friday, April 1 is Matzah Mitzvah Shabbat
At the ECC instilling the values of mitzvot, tzedakah and tikun olam are integral to our program. We do what we can to engage the children in hands-on learning experiences to help teach them these concepts. For example, our Chanukah toy and our weekly tzedakah box coin collecting.
The ECC has always participated in The Passover Food Drive, which is now in its 39th year of helping those in need to celebrate Passover with dignity.
Our tzedakah on Friday, April 1 will be allocated specifically to Matzah Mitzvah.
By: Shira Lester, Director of Development and Donor Engagement
I am embarking upon my third month at Holy Blossom Temple and I’m starting to feel at home. Our cautious reopening continues and the administrative offices, while not quite bustling, are certainly humming with activity. I took on this role at Holy Blossom because, in addition to fulfilling my professional goals, I felt that Holy Blossom was a place I would love to come to every day and that has proven to be the case. The recurring theme in my daily interactions with colleagues and congregants, as we tentatively move past COVID, is that we’re back!
Way back in 2016, Rabbi Splansky had an idea about a social enterprise café at Holy Blossom Temple. Through discussion with Les Rothschild, Vice President, Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community), and others, the idea took shape – the creation of a social enterprise that would operate from the Café on the first floor. The enterprise would train and employ members of the neurodiverse community and would be called Holy Grounds. Les began his inquiries and was introduced to Naomi Azrieli with whom he began the initial conversations. Naomi was inspired by her brother Rafi to support such a social enterprise. She was looking for just the right space. Meetings took place, discussions ensued and Naomi agreed that Holy Grounds could be the perfect launchpad for her vision of several social enterprises in different locations, all training and employing members of the neurodiverse population. Naomi envisioned steaming cups of coffee accompanied by aromatic, warm-from-the-oven baked goods, all being prepared fresh and sold by Holy Grounds at the Café. Holy Blossom has a kitchen off the Mishkan on the second floor, but no oven. Naomi saw the kitchen, saw the potential of Holy Grounds, and became interested in bringing the project to fruition. Fast forward through a two-year pandemic, continued conversations, and thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Azrieli-Blanc family, the second-floor kitchen will have a new oven and stovetop units, and Holy Grounds is coming soon! We are grateful to the Azrieli-Blanc family for this inspirational sponsorship and for partnering with Holy Blossom Temple on this meaningful enterprise.
I have a picture in my mind of morning drop-off at the Early Childhood Centre or Religious School on Sundays. Mummys, Daddys, and Caregivers deposit the kids and pop over to Holy Grounds in the Café. They pick up a delicious latte and a muffin and linger to chat. If it’s Friday, there will be freshly baked challah to purchase. While this vision is still a little while off, Holy Grounds is opening soon! Please come back to Holy Blossom Temple on Sunday, April 24 between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, and join me and Holy Grounds for a cup of coffee.
The Café is dedicated by Harley Mintz, Judy Nyman, and Family.
By Cantor David Rosen
We are all aware of the power that Music can have within our lives. Whether it’s the harmonious and glorious sounds of voices singing together in harmony or the cry of a violin telling a story from random notes on a page, each one of us has been touched by music at some point in our lives.
And perhaps we take for granted that music surrounds us at every turn. From a television commercial to being able to access thousands of tunes at the push of a button, music continuously feeds our souls and helps to nourish our well-being. In many ways, music is a tool for healing as good as any prescription drug.
But, have you ever thought for a moment about the effect that music can have on those who do not have regular access to music? How can music help those who are troubled by their past or present behaviours?
On March 28th please join us for a very special “Monday in the Mishkan program”, entitled “Reclamation.” This event will include a wonderful panel of Guests as they reflect on the Documentary “Reclamation.” “Reclamation “ highlights the work of the organization Looking at the Stars, whose mission is to restore dignity and create hope in the hearts and minds of the incarcerated through live performances of classical music.
The panel will include parolees, James Rushton and John Breen, founder and CEO of Looking at the Stars, Dmitri Kanovich, violinist, Barry Schiffman, and Cinematographer Henry Less.
The panel will be moderated by Film professor, Dr. Gillian Helfield and Senior Cantor and Music Director of Holy Blossom Temple, David Rosen.
Please join us for this heart-touching evening of how the power of music has the ability to restore, rehabilitate and provide optimism for a bright and prosperous future.
by Sharoni Sibony
Now that Purim is over, I can tell you a secret: Pesach is my favourite holiday. When I was small, Pesach felt like a staycation. We lined the car with bedsheets and shopped the Midnight Madness sales at Honest Ed’s. We turned an old door into a table and hosted the creative chaos of 35 loving relatives around that extended table. We took the first and last days off school and my grandmother moved in with us for the week. It seemed like everyone we’d ever known came by for post-shul gefilte fish and visits, while my uncle rifled through our Pesach drawers for Bazooka gum and chocolate-covered almonds. And the house was sparkly fresh.
My mom used to pull out the film projector and we’d spend the middle days of Pesach watching ephemeral scenes of our family elders dance across our living room wall. If Pesach is the holiday that commemorates our collective becoming as a spiritually, politically autonomous Jewish nation, for me as a child, it was also the occasion on which my family reinforced its own narrative of being and becoming through storytelling.
I’m really excited because this is a theme that Rabbi Goodman will be exploring in his Shalom-Hartman course, launching on Tuesday, on “Becoming a Collective.” What’s the interplay between family or common aspirations/ideology as a basis for group solidarity? In this course, we’ll get to unpack the Judaism of Being – the idea that lineage defines Jewish identity – and the Judaism of Becoming – the notion that it’s our common commitments that shape our identity – through the lenses of Biblical narratives and contemporary Jewish thinkers. The curriculum cuts right to the heart of what it means to belong to a group, how to navigate that shifting sense of belonging when conflict over values and goals inevitably arises, and how to juggle our universal and communal ethical responsibilities. It’ll also give us a chance to discuss together the values and activities that we make the bedrock of our collective community at this moment in Holy Blossom’s history.
To enrich your Seder experience, on March 31st, I’m delighted to be co-teaching with my mom, Suellen Sibony, the woman who taught me how to make a fabulous Seder. After decades of adapting our own Haggadot and Seder services to reflect the changing needs of the people around our table, we’re sharing our insights in a How-to-Haggadah workshop. With tips and tricks for engaging kids, teenagers, and adults, we’ll be offering a variety of fresh resources and global customs that we’ve picked up along the way – plus, we’ll give you a chance to share your best strategies with each other.
As the city opens up, we’re also exploring the question of belonging to a collective in the context of COVID, first “Through the Eyes of Your Rabbis” this Sunday with the Toronto Board of Rabbis’ Study Kallah reflecting on two years of the pandemic, and then with the support of the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative’s webinar on coping with Passover plans in light of the new rules for COVID. We’ve all seen the possibilities provided by being connected trans-geographically to the broader Jewish community across Zoom. But how do we also manage to reconnect in person, celebrating the value of the local community in a global world? An amazing line-up of rabbis will be sharing their stories from the frontlines and their expertise in processing the pandemic, and discussing what the future of Judaism looks like as the rules relax.
Finally, we’ve been gifted a beautiful opportunity to invite you to hear from the “Indiana Jones” of contemporary collecting, Dr. Yoel Finkelman, on March 27th. Dr. Finkelman is the head curator of the National Library of Israel’s Judaica collection, and he’s got great stories of the hunt for rare manuscripts and commentaries and how they’ve landed up in his care.
CHAG PURIM SAMEACH!
The ECC welcomed Cantor Rosen to our classrooms singing songs about Purim.
Children and teachers came to school for our Purim celebrations in the classroom, which were joyous and exciting; Purim stories, songs, role-playing, crafts, hamentashen, mishloach manot, fulfilling mitzvoth, carnival games and much more. The children created many beautiful items to share with families at home. Thank you to our amazing staff for working so hard to provide this experience for your children.
We did a Mitzvah!
Thank you for your Purim donation. We collected 39 boxes to help feed those in need.
by: Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers
“Mamma Mia”, what an evening! We gathered together in more numbers than we have seen in many months, the energy high, excitement in the air. Just over two years ago Purim marked the last congregational celebration before the first Pandemic lockdown. We had little idea what was to come and how long it would be before we would feel it possible to return to a full Temple life.
It seems that the time has come. Not that Covid will disappear, but as a society, we have learned how to manage it in our lives, and manage it we will. Why? Because we need to be together.
And so we were! Our Rabbis, Cantors and Principal of Youth Education and Family Engagement reminded us that “We Are Back” in an updated reprise of our previous mega-hit (this time our re-opening will stick!). We sang some Purim songs, our Megillah readers were awesome, then came a production to remember, “Mamma Mia Megillah”, an ABBA shpiel parody written by Jamie Marx, The Spiel Guy LLC, and liberally edited by the cast and our director. Our rocking musicians were ready. It was lights, camera, music, action and ”Honey, Honey”, the stage was set!
How did this all happen?
The idea was floated to raise the quality, appeal and production of our Purim celebrations this year. As the Purim evening coordinator and shpiel producer, I immediately thought of Vinnie Sestito, the director for Alexander Showcase Theatre, an acclaimed local theatre company. I knew Vinnie would pull out the best and funniest from our actors. I wanted this to be an “off-book”, tight and well-executed production. That meant not only a greater time commitment from our participants, in terms of rehearsals and memorizing scenes, music and staging, but also adopting a more ‘professional’ approach. This was no easy challenge since another wave of the pandemic pushed our in-person rehearsals back a month. With determination, we rehearsed online as well as we could and were very grateful when our Covid Cabinet agreed to allow us to begin rehearsing in person, masks adorned (it was for 1222Purim after all, so…getting in character?) Our actors rose to the occasion and allowed themselves to be guided, taught, stretched and challenged by Vinnie. Their willingness, commitment and growth were inspiring, and in the process, we learned to play on stage and had a lot of fun together. My fellow shpielers were “stepping up like they’ve never seen” (from “Shushan Queen”). Oh yeah!
And the people came! They came to celebrate, with the promise of something more, something that made it worth stepping out of their Covid comfort zone. I was moved by the energy and excitement in our sanctuary. It’s truly been too long.
We were able to mount the kind of production we hoped for with the generous sponsorship of Carole and Jay Sterling. Saul and Viviane Shipp sponsored part of the livestream and HBT Brotherhood sponsored hamantaschen and hot chocolate. It’s heartwarming to see how our members step up to make our community stronger. It makes a difference. You make a difference.
Thank you for coming together, both in-person and online. Did you miss it? No need for an “SOS”! You can still be a “Shushan Queen” Esther or King Achashverosh, and makes some noise “When Haman Takes It All” and watch our shpiel here!
Go ahead, have a laugh on us. We can all use it.
PURIM 2022 CHANTERS AND PLAYERS
“We Are Back” reprise: Rabbi Yael Splansky, Cantor David Rosen, Rabbi Zachary Goodman, Rabbi Bill Tepper, Lisa Isen Baumal, Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers
MEGILLAT ESTHER CHANTERS
Rachel Malach, Jeff Denaburg, Gerry Prendergast, Brian Lidsky, Helena Fine, Lisa Isen Baumal, Suzanne Hersh
CAST AND CREW
Esther: Carina Newton
Mordechai: Jordan Silverman
King Achashverosh: Alan Heavenrich
Haman: Seth Mukamal
Vashti: Sharon Smith
Zeresh: Helena Fine
Minister: Beth Roher
Maiden 1: Susie Helfand
Maiden 2: Eva Ormut-Fleishman
Maiden 3: Lindi Rivers
Peasant: Avishai Sol
DIRECTOR: Vinnie Sestito
STAGE MANAGER: Marla Minshall
PRODUCER: Lindi Rivers
SOUND/LIGHTING: In-house: James Kean of Audio Operations
Livestream: SAVI (James Groff and Eric Jones)
SET DESIGN AND PAINTING: Beth Roher (with thanks to Alexander Showcase Theatre)
COSTUMES: Susie Helfand, Eva Ormut-Fleishman (with thanks to Gwyneth Sestito and AST)
Makeup: Laura Moshenberg
BAND: Igor Kurtzman (keyboard); Shelley Miller (bass)
Original shpiel by Jamie Marx, The Spiel Guy, LLC, with liberal additions by Vinnie and the cast.
By: Lisa Isen Baumal
Last Sunday, the cold and snow did not keep families away – Holy Blossom’s first-ever outdoor Purim carnival was a huge success!
The carnival, complete with games, a large bouncy house, a Magen Boys dance party, hamentashen and hot chocolate, and prizes for all, helped our community get into the Purim spirit. Everyone who attended had a great time, as did all our wonderful teen volunteers who entertained and played games with all the children, and the Purim carnival committee, who worked tirelessly to pull off such a successful event!
Our incredible team included: Karen Abells, chair, Josh Tizel, Lisa Isen Baumal and Rabbi Goodman, Hayley Waugh Aviv Haras, and of course, our terrific Facilities Staff! Thank you to all who supported this fantastic Purim celebration!
We are grateful to the many families who brought food and clothing items for donation fulfilling the mitzvah of matanot l’eyvonim – giving gifts to those in need.
A huge thanks once again to our event sponsors Carole and Jay Sterling, who enabled us to provide a carnival free of charge to all who attended. Thanks to Ganz, Michael Leese and Spin Master Ltd. who provided the wonderful prizes, so that each child was able to leave with a memento of the day.
What a truly happy occasion to see so many people come and celebrate Purim in person, in a safe and joyful way. Exactly the way Purim should be celebrated!
We are excited to share more opportunities for you and your family to reconnect with the Holy Blossom community:
Friday night Tot Shabbat – this Friday, March 18, 5:30 pm
Join Rabbi Goodman, Rebecca Joffe and other families on zoom to welcome in Shabbat in song
register here to get the zoom link: Family and Tot Shabbat! – Holy Blossom Temple
Family Service returns to Shabbat Morning!
Join us on Saturday, March 26th, 11:00 am in the Youth Chapel for the first Family Shabbat Service in over 2 years!
David Gershon and Rabbi Tepper will lead an interactive and energetic service with sing-along melodies that will be fun for all ages – complete with breakout groups for children and a light kiddush with bagels after!
Family Service – Holy Blossom Temple
Little Blossoms: Friday morning music classes for our youngest members
There are still some spaces available in our virtual Little Blossoms class, Fridays at 10:30 am.
Little Blossoms is back! – Holy Blossom Temple
Youth Education Centre
Children in Kindergarten – grade 5 are welcome to join our classes for the spring term. Contact Lisa Isen Baumal to learn about the Youth Education Centre’s in person and virtual learning options, and what you and your child can expect from the YEC: [email protected]
By: Miriam and Rowan
“Okay, so this year I’ll bake a few more than usual,” I thought to myself after scrolling past a fundraising initiative I saw on Instagram called Hamantashen for Ukraine, a show of bakery solidarity for the people of Ukraine started by a bakery in Berlin. Profits and sales of hamantashen were to be donated directly by bakers to the Polish Humanitarian Action to help them assist Ukrainian refugees at the Polish border escaping the violence, and anyone could sign on to bake and sell. I set a goal of $360, which I figured I could achieve if twenty people purchased a dozen hamantashen at $18 per dozen. I used to work as a baker; I could scale up to 240 hamantashen, right? Within just two days of posting on social media, I had orders for over 400. And even after I took the post down, panicking slightly at the incredible response, orders continued to come in! I watched the numbers climb and climb, overwhelmed by the number of people reaching out to give Matanot L’evyonim in this way. People really wanted to help.
I enlisted the help of some wonderful new friends from our Introduction to Jewish Life course (hi Candice, Marlie, and Sam!), and together we rolled, filled, and folded, rolled, filled, and folded. The numbers were staggering. 15 dozen raspberry, 13 dozen apricot, 12 dozen poppy, and 9 dozen prune. 8 kilos of flour, 3 kilos of butter, 2 kilos of sugar, 25 eggs, and some vanilla later, we had baked over 600 hamantashen and far surpassed my initial goal of $360, raising over $1,000 to send overseas. This Purim, we are immensely grateful to those who contributed to the cause, humbled by the generosity of our community, and inspired by the fight of the Ukrainian people.
Miriam and Rowan Van Blerk (IJL 2021-2022)
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.