Rosh Chodesh Iyar: Women of Valour Celebrates Ruthe Schipper
On Monday, April 28, we welcome Rosh Chodesh Iyar, the second month counting from Nissan, it is also called “The Month of Light” (Chodesh Ziv) because the trees are bright with blossoms. The entire month of Iyar is Holy because it is a mitzvah to count the 49 days of the Omer, between Passover and Shavuot.
This month we will honour Ruthe Schipper, a Woman of Valour who has volunteered and executed countless positions, from Sisterhood (now WHB) to Women of Reform Judaism. She always participates in events with her contagious, cheerful, and humble attitude, which leads me to quote so appropriately the permutation of the month.
The permutation for the month of Iyar is: יההו
But only in this should one glory: In his earnest devotion to Me.
For I the LORD act with kindness, Justice, and equity in the world; for in these I delight
—declares the LORD. (Jeremiah, chapter 9, v23)
Please join us on Rosh Chodesh Iyar, Monday, April 28, at 7:30 am, Shacharit Services as we pay tribute to Ruthie Schipper. We invite you to stay after services for Kiddush and celebration. Learn more & join us here: holyblossom.org/event/rosh-chodesh-iyar/
Shacharit breakfast is generously sponsored by The Schipper Family in honour of Ruthe Schipper, Woman of Valour.
All are welcome!
Celebrating Ruthe Schipper
by Sara B. Charney
Ruthe Schipper’s community service can best be described by the word: “friendships.” She has friends from many walks of life—be it work, family, Holy Blossom, and Women of Reform Judaism. Her vast network of friends and relations is astounding, and some days, I truly believe that she is related to half the Jewish population of Toronto!
Ruthe enjoys so many friendships as she is eternally devoted and dedicated to her family, to her professional career, and to her volunteer work.
We routinely learn about the milestones in the lives of her numerous nieces and nephews and very proudly shows her devotion publicly on her license plate: 1GRTANT! There is no doubt that she is a terrific aunt, remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and parties celebrating her family.
Ruthe is devoted to her community at Holy Blossom. She loves feeling part of the Temple community and was greatly inspired when she participated in the Adult Bat Mitzvah class.
She and I met when we both became involved in the women’s group, or Sisterhood, of Holy Blossom, many years ago! She held many positions, including that of Recording Secretary far beyond the constitutionally mandated time period, but she would always laugh it off and revel being “in breach” of that ruling! Ruthe loved being part of the Sisterhood board which culminated in her becoming Sisterhood president—a position she held in high esteem and to this day, is a proud marker in her volunteer life.
Ruthe then continued her involvement beyond the Holy Blossom Sisterhood board by joining the WRJ Northeast District board and held officer positions for many years. While on the Northeast District board, Ruthe organized during the pandemic several events, some in-person and others online. She also served on District committees helping organize major conferences.
If you visit Ruthe at her Pet Valu store in Leaside, you will see our Ruthe—a gregarious woman with a hearty laugh, expertly directing customers as they shop for a particular item for their pet. Our dogs, Sammy and Baci, have both enjoyed very fun visits and I have to say, it is an enjoyable outing for me too!
Just one story—quite recently, I called Ruthe to ask if she had this additive to the water bowl to help clean the dog’s teeth. While she frankly explained to me that nothing like that really cleans the teeth, she did notice that it did reduce the “charming” odour of her own dog’s breath. I said that I’d try one and she very kindly dropped off a bottle—she told me that she had chosen that particular brand as it is made in Canada and she figured that I’d probably appreciate that fact!
Ruthe’s modus operandi is to be devoted to whatever task is at hand; to do an excellent job; to delight in getting to know people; and to thrive. Through knee surgeries and whatever else has been thrown her way, I have never known Ruthe to sit on the sidelines for long. She is too full of life, energy and goodwill to let a day pass without making a positive impact on her surroundings.
Keep on being you, my friend, and may you live to be 120!