The week of September 27, 2024
Support the Jewish Educators and Families Association of Canada (JEFA) and learn about the advocacy that saved Soviet Jewry!
JEFA has been one of the loudest and most effective voices advocating for accountability in the TDSB. In regard to the “Grassy Narrows Field Trip,” which became, in part, an anti-Israel protest, they have several action items open to educators, parents, and members of the community. If you would like to make your voice heard, you can learn more and send a letter to the Ontario College of Teachers demanding that they take action.
The advocacy work we do today is built on the shoulders of giants. On October 28th, Holy Blossom Temple will honour our member, Wendy Eisen, for her incredible efforts to save Soviet Jewry. There will be special appearances from Irwin Cotler, Elaine Harris, and Natan Sharansky. Be inspired and draw strength, so that your own advocacy work can be effective! You can learn more about this incredible evening and register to join us at the link.
By Michael Cole, Holy Blossom Archives Committee
This year will mark fifty years of Shabbat morning Torah Study at Holy Blossom. The very first class took place on October 5, 1974, on Shabbat Sukkot. Oddly enough, it occurred without much fanfare. The occasion was simply announced in the Bulletin of September 30, the class to begin at 9:30, before the Shabbat service at 11:00. (Yes, our Saturday morning services began that late!) At he Board of Trustees meeting of September 19, Rabbi Plaut, at the very end of the meeting, “mentioned his Shabbat Study Group which will be held each Shabbat 9:30 to 10:30 am.” No discussion followed.
Although there was little advance publicity, the first class was well attended, and it has been so ever since. Indeed, word of Torah study at Holy Blossom has gone out beyond the congregation, and many of our regular participants have not been Holy Blossom members, although some of these have gone on to become members. (Newcomers are always welcome!)
Covid, of course, presented a challenge, which we met by meeting virtually. If anything, the number of people attending Torah study increased, as people came online from locales as far away as California and Israel. Our classes today are hybrid. People still attend online, often from cottages and vacation spots, while many of us have returned to the Max Enkin Board Room—and several newcomers have joined us.
At the very first class, Rabbi Plaut told us that we would be using his just-published Commentary on Genesis as our text. We would work our way through the book week by week, for however long it took to complete. In fact, it took a few years before we finished Genesis, as we would often spend an entire class on one or two verses. From the beginning, Torah study classes have been interactive, with members of the class contributing as much to the discussion as the teacher.
By the time we finished Genesis, Rabbi Plaut had retired as Senior Rabbi of Holy Blossom (to become Senior Scholar). He was succeeded by Rabbi Fields. During Rabbi Field’s tenure, the commentaries to the other four books of the Torah were released, and, in 1981, the first edition of the complete, one-volume Torah Commentary was published.
During Rabbi Field’s time, we began an examination of the portion of the week. One year, we looked at the haftarah portion of the week. Under Rabbi Marmur’s tutelage, our class embarked on the Book of Exodus (which I’m not sure we ever completed) and, one year, we explored the Five Megillot. Another time, we began a study of the book of Jeremiah, but abandoned the prophet because the class found him too depressing!
Rabbi Moscowitz engaged us in an intensive study of Genesis and Exodus. We spent a good deal of time on the creation story as interpreted by ‘the rav,’ Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. Rabbi Moscowitz also led us in exploring the nature of good and evil in the Torah and in a study of Torah through the eyes of Hasidic masters.
Rabbi Splansky has returned us to the study of the portion of the week, although sometimes, the season of the year or the cycle of holy days will dictate the text and subject of our study. At other times, the (often unfortunate) events of the week will, at least momentarily, influence the mood, if not the subject, of our study.
Of course, we still refer to the Plaut Commentary. In addition, the development of Safaria, a powerful resource tool, has allowed us to explore and discuss a wide range of texts, from the Bible itself, through the classical rabbis, to contemporary poets. (In 1974, there was no internet, no Google, and no smart phones!)
Over the years, we have welcomed numerous guest teachers, including our associate and assistant rabbis. Many of our guests have come from the United States and Israel. Probably our most frequent guest has been Rabbi Don Splansky, always an inspirational scholar and teacher.
Simchat Torah teaches us that the reading of Torah never ends and that we renew our commitment to its study every year. As we embark on our fifty-first year of Shabbat morning Torah study, we say shechiyanu and give thanks to God for having brought us to this day!
by Bob Charendoff, lifelong congregant and former Chair of Holy Blossom’s Out of the Cold program
We all remember the encampments. Pro-Palestinians setting up on University campuses all over the country, in the United States, and around the world. At the University of Toronto, they held King’s College Circle hostage for 2 months, citing a “peaceful protest” against a perceived “genocide” Israel was waging on innocent Palestinians in Gaza, following the horrific attacks of October 7. It was all very unsettling, with subtle and not-so subtle threats toward Jewish students, the University, and others.
In early July, after an Ontario court granted an injunction to the University to clear the pro-Palestinian encampment on school property, protesters were ordered to take down tents by Wednesday at 6 p.m. Needless to say, this ruling was met with resistance. However, in the end, they seceded and broke camp. But, what was to come of all of the tents and other paraphernalia that had been occupying that space over that time?
I work for Seeds of Hope, an impactful, grass-roots charity for Torontonians living in poverty, suffering from food insecurity, and experiencing homelessness. All those tents were of no further use to the protesters, but they could be life-saving to people living rough outside, on sidewalks, in parks and forests. Fortunately, the organizers of the encampment were receptive to the idea. And, on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 3, by this interesting twist of fate, I found myself in the middle of the infamous U of T Encampment, witnessing first-hand the Pro-Palestinian/Anti-Israel protest. I was there, on behalf of Seeds of Hope, collecting tents and other equipment and supplies for re-distribution to people living rough outside.
I recall my Executive Director asking me if I’d be okay going there – if I’d be triggered by it all. Initially, I didn’t think I would. But I have to say, I’ve never felt like I did that day. The atmosphere was something I’d never experienced. The hate and the anger was palpable. The air was thick, and everything felt blurred and fuzzy. I held my breath, and my tongue, and hid my Jewish identity. Sensing that I was behind enemy lines, I couldn’t wait to get out. I can’t remember ever being so uncomfortable, and I thanked God once I was gone from there.
The silver lining, of course, was that for once, these tents and supplies would be used for good, to shelter good, decent, vulnerable people as they experience homelessness.
At least one good thing came from all this.
By Jodi Bager
When I was asked by Rabbi Splansky at the end of July if I would hand-embroider a new Torah mantle, I was deeply honoured. Rabbi Splansky explained that because October 7, 2023, fell on Simchat Torah, the holiday that celebrates the conclusion—and beginning—of the annual Torah-reading cycle, she feared that it would never again be the joyful celebration it has always been, rather it would forever forward be marked as a day of deep mourning for those both murdered and taken hostage that October day. Rabbi Splansky explained that she wanted to have a new Torah mantle for the upcoming Simchat Torah holiday, one that going forward, would be used on that day and would mark a new tradition, one that memorializes that tragic day as well as allowed for the celebration of the holiday as it has always been.
In the weeks following the attack, the phrase We Will Dance Again emerged as a poignant and powerful message of resilience and hope most specifically from the Nova Music Festival the sight where over 360 young people were murdered and 44 were taken hostage. We Will Dance Again has become a rallying cry for those affected by the tragedy, representing the determination to not let violence and terror destroy the spirit of joy, community, and freedom. It symbolizes the resilience of the Jewish people and the resolve to return to normalcy, to celebrate life, and to honour the memories of those who were murdered by continuing to dance, to live, and to find joy even in the face of immense tragedy. I was asked that the words We Will Dance Again, be included in the new Torah mantle design.
My design for the Torah mantle includes that phrase in both Hebrew and English as well as the words, in Hebrew, from Ecclesiastes—a time to mourn and a time to dance. In this embroidered piece, the words have a sense of motion as they and the branches of cherry blossoms move in waves amongst the stylized dancers stitched across the silk.
This Torah mantle is being dedicated to the memory of Adi Vital-Kaploun, a 33-year-old Canadian Israeli citizen who, while protecting her two young sons, was murdered in her home on Kibbutz Holit that day. Adi was the cousin of Lindi Rivers, our cantorial soloist. The large butterfly is Adi, and the two small butterflies are Adi’s two boys, who survived and were, at the time, four months old and four years old.
This Torah mantle tells a story beyond what is visible on the surface. I was beginning the stitching of the cherry blossoms when the world heard the news in early September of the execution of six hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, in the tunnels under Rafah. It was for me, as it was for all of us, a gut punch. On the day that followed, I went to my stitching and just stared at it. How I thought, could I possibly memorialize each of these beautiful souls in this one piece of stitching? The answer came to me that night, a sleepless night, as I just let the pain of it all wash over me.
Under six flowers in the centre branch of cherry blossoms the names Eden, Carmel, Alexander, Ori, Almog, and Hersh have been inked then stitched and then the flowers stitched on top of their names. I have done the same with a seventh blossom for Captain Yiftah Yavetz, a 23-year-old staff commander in the Maglan Special Forces Unit who fell in battle on October 7 outside Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Yiftah was the love of a dear young friend of mine. And so represented in this Torah mantle are the mothers and the fathers and the children. The sisters, brothers, soldiers, and friends. Through the ones named I have tried to represent all of them, all of us. The stitches here have quite literally covered the tears that fell as I embroidered this piece. And I have sewn my prayers into every blossom, stem, butterfly, and dancer.
At this point, I fear this Torah mantle contains more sorrow than joy. But it is my heartfelt wish that the words stitched within this Torah mantle honour our kinship with the victims and their families and a commitment to healing and rebuilding after the trauma of October 7th—for it encapsulates a message of defiance against terrorism and stands for the values of life and peace, hope and yes, joy.
The week of September 18, 2024
Upcoming voting at the United Nations, and honouring the advocacy work of the Soviet Jewry Movement.
CIJA requests that you add your voice to theirs, as they lobby the Prime Minister to direct Canada’s vote in the United Nations to support Israel. The International Court of Justice advisory opinion will soon come before the UN general assembly. CIJA argues that this advisory is an explicit endorsement of BDS, utilizes ‘apartheid state’ language, and bypasses direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. You can click here to support CIJA’s work and tell the Prime Minister to support Israel at the United Nations.
The advocacy work we do today is built on the shoulders of giants. On October 28th, Holy Blossom Temple will honour our member, Wendy Eisen, for her incredible efforts to save Soviet Jewry. There will be special appearances from Irwin Cotler, Elaine Harris, and Natan Sharansky. Be inspired and draw strength, so that your own advocacy work can make a difference! You can learn more about this incredible evening and register to join us at the link.
Wake up!
This week at our Monday night senior school I had the great pleasure to help Cantor Rosen and Robin Malach teach our students how to blow the Shofar. Long before I gave them an instrument though, I asked them to answer a question for me. “Why do we blow the Shofar?” And, almost universally, they responded “Because it’s Rosh Hashanah!”
And that’s a good answer… but I needed more! Yes, we observe traditions at their times and seasons because that is what makes a tradition a tradition! Is that enough? Shouldn’t we also want ritual to have meaning that speaks to this moment in our life!?
I reminded our students that the Shofar is an alarm clock, but not for the mind or the body. It is a clarion call for the heart and for the soul! “You can do it,” says the Shofar, “you can make this year a good one.”
From the lesson, we went into the practical. Teenagers are, as I’m sure you remember, a group that historically gets nervous about standing out. They especially don’t like to make mistakes or do things they may not be good at in front of their peers. And yet, in great number and with great enthusiasm, they enthusiastically volunteered to try to make a call bellow forth from one of humanity’s most ancient instruments.
The Shofar is not an easy thing to master, several of them walked away a little dejected. At the same time, a cheer group also broke out amongst them whenever one of their friends would do well. When I offered to let the kids try out my own Shofar, which is an ibex horn that I purchased in Jerusalem, teens who had tried without success on the smaller rams horns lined up all over again! (And if you are among the parents who are thinking, that’s a lot of germs! Don’t worry, we sterilized them between uses.)
I cannot tell you how inspiring it is to see our children enthused about this great and sacred mitzvah. It brought me back to my own childhood enthusiasm for the Shofar. My father served as a chaplain for many years. On Rosh Hashanah, after our morning at synagogue, he would take me with him to the hospital. There we would go from room to room, visiting the Jewish patients who couldn’t be at synagogue, and offering to let them hear the call of the shofar. In those days, before streaming services was a possibility, this gave hospitalized Jews a chance to feel as if they had not missed the holiday.
I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the first step in my road towards Jewish leadership. Who knows, perhaps for some of the young folks this last week, their journey toward a sacred calling has just begun!
If you want to hear the call of the Shofar, and you can’t wait for Rosh Hashanah, come to morning Minyan for the remainder of the month of Elul.
May it serve as the sacred awakening we all need this time of year.
Shana Tovah U’metukah!
I understand there is some trepidation as we approach the Ten Days of Repentance, which include not only Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur and all the emotion that comes with these Holy Days, but also the first anniversary of the October 7th massacre.
I want to reassure everyone that we are all feeling it to one degree or another. So we will bring our heavy hearts and many questions and we will do what Jews have also done. We will try to make sense of this moment in our lives, against the backdrop of Jewish history, and informed by Jewish wisdom of sacred texts. And we will do so, together.
Many are asking for the link to the sermon I gave last Kol Nidre. No one – including me — could have foreseen how our world would change just a few days later, but looking back now, we can see that the vulnerability was already evident. Here is the link, if you wish to revisit where we were a year ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFFOOiftML4
In addition, I’d like to call your attention to the many meaningful ways we will be commemorating the first anniversary of October 7. Some are of these opportunities are online, some in person, some hybrid. Some are geared for children, others for teens and adults. Some are just for our congregation, others for our city or for the global Reform Movement. Click here for our October 7th Commemorations
Let us do our utmost to lift one another’s spirits and chart our way forward – together.
Shabbat Shalom.
By Eric M. Roher
Due to current global events, Ontario school boards are experiencing an influx of families arriving in Canada from all over the world, including Israel. Community organizations, such as the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto (UJA) and the Jewish Immigrant Aid Service (JIAS), play an invaluable role in advocating and supporting these families. More than ever, it takes a village to assist these new families to Canada to integrate into our community.
In a recent example, at least 40 Israeli families who recently arrived in Canada, were applying for their children to attend schools with the York Region District School Board. These families arrived in Canada under temporary immigration measures introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Immigration Canada (IRCC). As part of the temporary residency measures introduced by IRCC, the families are permitted to apply for an open work permit upon arrival in Canada. These families were anxiously seeking to settle in York Region and register their children in local schools. In many cases, they are living with friends, staying at an Airbnb or renting an apartment.
Initially, the school board took the view that one of the parents needed to have an approved work permit before allowing their children to attend York Region schools. This rule was based in an internal interpretation of the Education Act by school board administrators. Based on this interpretation, the children of these 40 families would likely not be able to attend York Region schools this fall.
Then, the UJA and JIAS went to work. This internal school board interpretation of the Education Act seemed unreasonable in the circumstances.
The UJA sought a legal opinion on this issue on an urgent basis. The UJA has organized a number of Toronto lawyers to provide legal advice on a pro bono basis when these urgent circumstances arise. In reviewing the language of the Education Act, it was clear that a parent would qualify if they had a work permit or was “awaiting determination of an application for a work permit under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.” In other words, under the law, the parents needed to demonstrate that either they had an approved work permit or that they had applied for a work permit in order to qualify to have their children attend York Region schools without being charged a fee.
The UJA and JIAS organized an urgent meeting with York Region school administrators. UJA and JIAS strongly advocated for these families and confirmed the legal opinion. The school board then consulted with the Ministry of Education for their advice and guidance on the interpretation and application of these Education Act provisions.
After a careful review of the matter, the Ministry of Education concluded that UJA’s interpretation of the legislation was correct. The Ministry confirmed that if these families could demonstrate either that one parent had a work permit or could provide evidence that they had applied for a work permit, their children could attend York Region schools at the beginning of this school year without payment of a fee.
On August 30, 2024, the Friday before school was scheduled to start, the school board sent a directive to its school administrators, school support staff, superintendents and Reception Centre staff confirming that “Upon presentation of a duly accepted work permit application by IRCC, the students may be registered for schools as Pupils of the Board – Dependent of a Work Permit Holder for Ministry of Education funding purposes.”
The families are required to go to the Reception Centre in York Region prior to being registered at their local school. They are still required to demonstrate proof of residency of the student living with their parent(s)/guardian(s).
It should be recognized that children have a right to an education in Ontario, regardless of their immigration status. Despite laws that have been passed to prevent discrimination, undocumented students continue to face barriers in accessing public education. Undocumented children and families are disproportionately impacted by policy requirements for families to provide documentation. It is also clear that there are inconsistent practices among school boards across Ontario.
This is one good news story in larger picture of global upheaval and change, where the diligence, compassion and persistence of UJA and JIAS staff assisted the children of these Israeli families to attend York Region schools for the beginning of this school year. These community organizations play an invaluable role in advocating and supporting new refugees coming to Canada in seeking a better life.
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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.