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!

Women of Valour Series honors Clare Denaburg z”l

by Tere Quiroz, Women of Holy Blossom

On Friday, February 28, we welcome the month of Adar. A month associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces, symbolized by the “dagim” (fish), which are a sign of fruitfulness and blessing.  Jacob’s blessing from G/d was “to multiply like the fish on the sea”. During the month of Adar we are commanded to increase joy every day of the month.

And in Adar my joy has increased as it is a privilege to introduce perhaps for the first time a Woman of Valour who showed me the “ropes” when I first joined Holy Blossom Temple 30 years ago, Clare Denaburg z”l. She was hard-working, and dedicated to the Sisterhood’s causes in soul and body, but “The Raffle Project” was Claire’s. She was a force to reckon with when working “The Project.” I learned from the best.

Please join us on Rosh Chodesh Adar, Friday, February 28th, at 7:30 am during Shacharit when we will pay tribute to a Woman of Valour Clare Denaburg z”l and stay after services, we invite you to stay for Kiddush. All are welcome! Click here to learn more & join us!

 

Kiddush is generously co-sponsored by Phyllis & Jeff Denaburg in honour of Clare Denaburg z”l and by Robert Lantos in honour of the yahrzeit of Agnes Lantos z”l

On Rosh Chodesh Tevet, Tuesday, December 31, we will be honouring a “Woman of Valour” Jill Hertzman z”l. And how a propos for this month of Tevet, the 10th month on the Jewish calendar, named after the Hebrew word tov, meaning “good,” which was Jill’s Hebrew name, Tova. All are welcome to join us in prayer at 7:30 am, Shacharit services where her son Ben Hertzman and the rest of the community will recognize this extraordinary woman who made a difference in Holy Blossom Temple for many years of selfless volunteering.

After services, you are invited to stay for a light Kiddush.

If you are attending online please register in advance to receive the appropriate link: https://congregationconnect.tfaforms.net/f/HBTSHACHARIT

A Woman of Valour, Jill Hertzman z”l

by Ben Hertzman

My beloved mother, Jill Hertzman z”l was a woman of quiet strength and profound impact. It brings us great honour that Holy Blossom Temple is recognizing her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish faith by recognizing her as a Woman of Valour. For over 25 years, Jill served as the head Gabbai, the stage manager of the synagogue’s services. She orchestrated the intricate choreography of worship with a calm and steady hand, ensuring everything ran seamlessly.

Being a Gabbai was not just a role for my mother—it was her calling. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes, training and mentoring countless members of the Holy Blossom community. Many of the synagogue’s current leaders began their journeys under her guidance. Jill’s deep connection to the Temple was evident in her every action. She served on the Board, participated in the Bikkur Cholim committee to comfort the sick, and was a valued member of the worship committee.

Her life exemplified Jewish values. She raised my sister Laura, my brother Jacob z”l and me in a home rich with tradition. Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and Jewish education were cornerstones of our upbringing. After the loss of my brother Jacob, Mom found solace and purpose in the Temple, devoting herself fully to its community.

Jill had a presence. Physically slight but spiritually immense, she radiated kindness and inclusivity. Her sharp intellect and remarkable memory were matched only by her genuine love for people. She brought warmth to everyone she met, seeking out those in mourning, distress, or need, and offering comfort.

A vivid memory from Temple captures her essence. Many years ago, I remember being at services with her when she saw Rabbi Plaut, who was in his 90s at that time, looking frail as he sat on the Bimah. She said to me, “Rabbi Plaut doesn’t look so good, I’m going to go sit with him.” And for the rest of the service, she did. That was my mother—a person who instinctively cared for others.

A lifelong learner, Jill’s pursuit of Jewish knowledge was insatiable. In her 50s, she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah, a testament to her commitment to faith and education. We found countless handwritten notes from years of study – a clear view of her dedication to growth and understanding.

Jill’s life was a blessing to all who knew her. She lived up to her Hebrew name, Gittel Tova, meaning “goodness,” embodying its essence every day. Holy Blossom Temple was her refuge, her inspiration, and her sanctuary. As we honour her memory, we celebrate a life devoted to faith, family, and community.

May her Neshama rest in peace and continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

Zichronah Livracha—May her memory be a blessing.

Rosh Chodesh Elul: Pnina Margolese

(10) A woman of valour who can find? For her price is far above rubies.
’Many daughters have done valiantly, but you rise above them all.’ (30) Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 10-31)

Rosh Chodesh is a holiday observed by women. Holy Blossom Temple and Women of Holy Blossom are celebrating Women from our past and present who have made a difference in our temple life.

On this month of Elul we are delighted to present Pnina Margolese z”l, one of our own “Woman of Valour” (Eshet Chayil) who left us a few years ago and we continue to remember her for her strength of character and courage.

We have the privilege to have Sara Charney, past President of WRJ and temple member to honour our Eshet Chayil’s life.

 

Pnina (Patty) Margolese z”l was larger than life—she delighted in everything and everyone. Her curiosity drove her persona; she loved meeting new people and inviting them into her world of theatre, choir, and Holy Blossom Temple.

Born and raised in a loving family in Winnipeg, Pnina was surrounded by nurturing parents, a doting sister, Karen, and her large family in Israel, England and elsewhere, as well as numerous other family members and friends. Her mother instilled in her daughters the values of inclusion and belonging, long before those concepts began to permeate our culture. Pnina would reflect on her mother’s open-door policy—”any friend of my daughters’ is welcome in our home.”

Pnina was the constant face of Sisterhood at Holy Blossom! She managed the Sisterhood Judaica Shop with Hope Maissner for decades; she organized the annual Sisterhood raffle; she was the financial secretary of Sisterhood far beyond the constitutionally mandated term limits.

Pnina was also known to assign herself roles—an action which occasionally ruffled a few feathers. However, in her matter-of-fact way, she would simply say that if she didn’t look after that particular matter, then it would not get done. No doubt, she was correct!

While Pnina was gregarious, she was also very tender-hearted. Allow me to share one specific instance. I’m certain that people who knew her would also have their own stories to share.

The URJ was holding its Biennial conference in Boston in December 2001. It was the first large Reform Movement gathering that I would be attending. Amidst my excitement, I was also unsure about what to expect. In addition, because we were flying to Boston just a few months after 9/11, I was pretty terrified at that prospect. So, Pnina and I took the same flight and she held my hand throughout! At the WRJ conference, which ran parallel to the URJ gathering, there was a siyum taking place—a celebration in honour of the completing of the writing of the WRJ Torah scroll. I recall that moment vividly as this stunning newly written scroll by WRJ women, under the supervision of the scribe, was unwound and held up by women wearing white gloves. I had never seen a Torah scroll unravelled and it was a glorious sight! Pnina and I walked arm-in-arm around the ballroom and gazed at the entire length of the scroll. We located my eldest child’s Torah portion that he would be reading in two years’ time. What an emotional experience!

Over the course of many years, Pnina and I shared hotel rooms at too many meetings and conferences to mention. Primarily, I remember our laughing through those events!

Pnina was a proud Canadian and represented our women’s group so ably as our representative to our Northeast District board. Every year, she would present a Canadian perspective on our programming related to sisterhood, spirituality, or social justice work. She always made us proud.

Pnina was a trusting and loyal friend to those who knew her. She would be so pleased to see our new bold direction, to meet our new members, and to learn about our good works that create a meaningful community.

 

All genders are welcome to join Women of Holy Blossom and pray in solidarity with Israel’s Women of the Wall.

Join Women of Holy Blossom in sacred worship for Rosh Chodesh Elul on Tuesday, September 3, 7:30 am