I grew up in Montreal in a typical Montreal conservadox family. In late 1985 I moved to Toronto for a career opportunity. My first entry point in Toronto synagogue wise was with the First Nareyver congregation, where I was introduced to an Egalitarian congregation, a concept I really valued. Upon marrying and having children, my first introduction to HBT was through the preschool. The HBT preschool was an amazing experience for our whole family, and we still have many close friends from those early years.

As a result of the great preschool experience and our commitment to a reform Jewish day school experience for our children at Leo Baeck, we joined HBT some 20 years ago. From early beginnings of attending Tot Shabbat, family camp and family services I have expanded my involvement to the Bnei Mitzvah committee, Renewal Oversight Committee, Finance Committee and now to VP Finance on the Board since 2020. This has been a family endeavour as my wife Gillian Helfield has also filled numerous volunteer roles including board member, member of strategic planning committee, chair of adult education and lay leader for Shinshinim.

We have made numerous friends and feel strongly about the example that was set for our children of the importance of temple life as part of their Jewish identity. Amongst our most memorable experiences as temple members were the two times we hosted Shinshinim.

Professionally I started my career as a Chartered Accountant and over the years have migrated to business valuation, investment banking, corporate finance and strategy. This background has led me to roll up my sleeves and dig deeply into the financial management of HBT. My wife Gillian is a professor of Film at York University, and you may have attended one of her many excellent programs at Temple. I have two children who were regulars at family services – Will (23) a graduate of Queens and Adrienne (21) currently in 4^th year at McMaster. In my spare time I can often be found in an arena or walking my dog (a cavalier named Maggie) or on a trip abroad.

Holy Blossom has been a really great and important part of my family’s life. I look forward to hearing from you and your Holy Blossom experience.