Temple Auxiliaries
Brotherhood
We sponsor educational and study programs. We organize good works within the synagogue, make tzedakah donations, and actively support URJ Camp George through physical improvements or through Holy Blossom Temple URJ camper scholarships. All bar and bat mitzvah students of the congregation receive a gift of the Plaut Torah Commentary from Brotherhood. To date, we have gifted more than 1000 Plaut Torah Commentaries.
Brotherhood provides a direct contribution to the leadership of the synagogue with the provision of a dedicated member of the Holy Blossom Temple Board of Directors who attends monthly Board meetings and special meetings.
You may contact us by email at [email protected], or come out to any Brotherhood event and introduce yourself.
Women of Holy Blossom
We are the Women of Holy Blossom (formerly Sisterhood).
Women of Holy Blossom represents and advances the interests of Jews, who identify as female, are comfortable in female spaces, or seek female experiences, at Holy Blossom Temple and in local and global communities. We are an affiliate of Women of Reform Judaism.
To learn about our events and programs, follow us on social media or email us at [email protected].
We hope you will join us and look forward to welcoming you.
Mission
In fulfilling our purpose and advancing pillars of leadership, social advocacy, community and learning, Women of Holy Blossom:
- Advocates for women’s interests, ideas, passions, and concerns at Holy Blossom Temple;
- Creates community at Holy Blossom Temple for those who identify as female;
- Initiates, plans, organizes, and raises funds for programs, events and activities that are of interest to women and nurture their identity, spirituality, learning, growth, and development as Reform Jews;
- Sponsors, supports, and provides funding for programs, events and activities at Holy Blossom Temple that enrich the lives of its members;
- Develops and operates the Holy Blossom Temple Judaica & Art Shop;
- Organizes, promotes, and engages with a variety of initiatives related to social justice and social action;
- Cultivates the next generation of female leaders at Holy Blossom Temple and in the broader Jewish community;
- Represents Holy Blossom Temple in the global network of Reform Jewish women, including participating in and providing leadership to Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) and the Northeast District of WRJ.
Women’s Advocacy Group
Women’s Advocacy Group (WAG) is a standing committee of Women of Holy Blossom that turns progressive ideals into action and advances our social advocacy pillar.
Inspired by the Jewish value of tikun olam, WAG promotes social justice and social action by presenting educational programs, which focus on safeguarding our individual rights and freedoms, and by harnessing our collective responsibility to improve the quality of life for women, non-binary individuals, children, families, and the Jewish community.
WHB 2021 Constitution
Social Justice
Social Action has been a priority at Holy Blossom Temple since the mid-1800s. Projects in our Temple over the years have included women’s rights, civil rights, interfaith activity, support of migrant farm workers, Vietnamese boat people, Toronto homeless people, people afflicted with AIDS, and much more. Our work has involved advocacy, direct services to those in need, education, raising the awareness of our own community about the needs of vulnerable people all over the world. The guiding principles behind our actions are tzedek, tikkun olam, and g’milut Hasidim–to pursue justice and to repair the world through acts of loving kindness.
Holy Blossom Temple Interfaith Committee
Our mission is to promote mutual understanding and respect among people of various faiths. By building bridges of cooperation, communication and appreciation, the committee aims to enrich the lives of congregants. The committee is the Temple’s hub for a range of interfaith activities that include offering public programming and educational opportunities, addressing social justice challenges and celebrating the culture and festivals of different faiths.
Out of the Cold
Over the past two decades, Holy Blossom Temple has generously opened its doors to the Out of the Cold Program (OOTC) during five winter months while providing nutritious meals and shelter to thousands of adults who are homeless, isolated, have mental illness, or are in need.
Holy Blossom is one of 16 faith-based sites who is supported by Dixon Hall. This organization is contracted by the City of Toronto to ensure that shelter standards are met.
More Info..
OOTC is a non-profit volunteer based program that relies on hundreds of adults and youth each week to set up, cook, serve and clean up for 120 dinner guests and 45 overnight guests.
In addition to dinner, breakfast, bagged lunches, and overnight accommodations, our program provides weekly live musical entertainment, assistance from a Dixon Hall client intervention worker, nursing care, bingo, art, and clothing distribution.
Although the City of Toronto Food Allowance and various organizations including Mazon Canada have supported us throughout our history, we could not have provided the quality of food and programming without the ongoing generous donations from our congregation and members of the surrounding community.
Out of the Cold has become a staple in the City’s emergency response to homelessness.
Unfortunately, what began as a temporary support for Toronto’s homeless population has become a permanent fixture with the occupancy rate in the emergency system at 98% capacity.
For more information about Out of The Cold at Holy Blossom, email us at [email protected], and we’ll do our best to get you involved.
The Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative
Luke Sklar was a much-loved member of our Holy Blossom community, whose openness with his depression, and determination to bring greater awareness, has inspired The Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative. Our goal is to provide education, support, and resources related to the challenges of mental health.
Click here to watch the recordings of past Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative events
Get Involved..
The success of this initiative depends on volunteers in our community to help with events, share knowledge and experience in mental health support, and offer financial support toward the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative Fund.
Contact Rabbi Eliza McCarroll by email or call 416-789-3291 ext. 231
Or support the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative by making a donation today.
About the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative
The Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative at Holy Blossom Temple
How do you describe the uniqueness … the specialness … the Luke Sklar-ness of Luke Sklar? He was a man who radiated – absolutely radiated – passion, intelligence, creativity, humour, heart and generosity of spirit. A loving family man and a true leader in business and the community, Luke listened deeply, advised selflessly and sparked so many essential conversations. Luke’s care and strategic guidance helped to build a better Holy Blossom Temple and enriched our congregation immeasurably. He was an absolute mensch.
After a 3-year battle with severe depression, Luke died by suicide in May 2018. As his illness progressed, he and his family opened up about his struggle and were overwhelmed by the positive response from those who had dealt with mental illness but had never felt comfortable talking about it. Following his tragic death, his family felt it important to keep the talk going.
In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences mental illness. This can interfere with some to all aspects of everyday life and have an impact on families, friends and co-workers.
In 2018, and endorsed by the Holy Blossom Temple Board, a group of temple members, Rabbis and professional staff met to establish the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative as a tribute to this much-loved member of our community. Its mission is to provide education, support and resources related to the challenges of living with or supporting someone with, a mental illness. We believe that by talking about and supporting mental health, this initiative will work toward ending the stigma around mental illness and encourage others to seek help.
Our vision for this initiative is to offer talks by mental health professionals, create small support groups, and provide a listing of resources for those in crisis. To date, we have held talks by both experts and those with lived experience, about depression, anxiety, addiction, dementia, and resilience. And more are planned. We are privileged to partner with JF&CS (Jewish Family and Child Services) to provide education and workshops on mental health awareness and support, as well as crisis training for key laypeople and clergy. We are also fortunate to draw upon the professional expertise of some Temple members for mental health programs. A partnership is also in development with JACS Toronto, Jewish Addictions Community Services.
In addition to this, our congregants have long found meaning and spiritual care through our Daily and Shabbat worship services, as well as through many opportunities for community involvement – central to our Holy Blossom Department of Kehillah Kedoshah, where congregants help congregants.
The success of this initiative depends on volunteers in our community to help with events, share knowledge and experience in mental health support, and offer financial support toward the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative Fund.
It is our hope that this important initiative in the memory of Luke only adds further strength to our promise that “Life can blossom here.”
About Luke Sklar
Luke Sklar was a much-loved member of our Holy Blossom community who served in a number of capacities, including board member. He was a devoted husband to Lise and a wonderful father to Rebecca, Naomi and Kira.
Luke started his career in marketing and advertising but he was an entrepreneur at heart. In 1986 he founded what would become Sklar Wilton & Associates, a highly respected market research company. In fact, Luke’s contributions to the marketing community were recognized in 2015 when he was inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Marketing Hall of Legends.
Luke was extremely smart and passionate about everything he believed in. He was an honest guy who had so much charisma, love, and enthusiasm, that when he walked into a room, he lit it up. But it was important for him to help others shine and he was a trusted mentor, coach and friend to so many. He was also engaging, warm and very very funny.
We miss him!
Resource Guide
If you are in an emergency or crisis go to your local emergency department or dial 911
If you are in crisis or suicidal call Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 toll-free anytime or text: 45645
(between 4:00 pm-midnight)
Toronto Distress Centre
Toronto Distress Centre is for those in distress or needing emotional support: dial 408-HELP (416-408-4357)
Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto (CMHA)
www.toronto.cmha.ca
Jewish Addiction Community Services (JACS)
www.jacstoronto.org
Jewish Family & Child Services – Toronto (JF&CS)
www.www.jfandcs.com
#SickNotWeak | Mental Health Community – End the Stigma Canada
www.sicknotweak.com
The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO)
Mooddisorders.ca
Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide loss
download toolkit
Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide attempt
download toolkit
Suicide Prevention Tools and Resources
https://www.camh.ca/en/suicide-prevention/resources
Holy Blossom Temple Clergy
Call 416-789-3291 to make an appointment to speak with one of our Rabbis who are here to support our community
Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative Fund
Support the long-term success of the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative by making a donation today.
Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim translates from Hebrew to visiting the sick and our mission is to connect congregants in need with those who want to extend their kindness.
The act of Bikur Cholim is a mitzvah and by fulfilling it, we enrich each other’s lives. Bikur Cholim is so much more than visiting the sick, it is a sacred way of strenghtening our Kehillah Kedoshah, our holy community. Here is some of what our volunteers do:
- We support Temple members and their families during times of illness, loss and isolation by providing visits, phone calls, soup or meals.
- We bring Temple members together through outreach programs that build community connections and support fellow members through activities such as Soup Night.
- We help Temple members know they are important to our community and can be supported during times of need.
Get Involved..
Phone Callers to check in with members who may be isolated and in need of outreach.
Visitors who are able to meet fellow members in their residence. The aim is to be a smiling face to those in need of company.
Meal Providers who can prepare a meal for a Temple family dealing with illness or loss.
If you or someone is ill..
If you know someone who is ill, or if you are ill yourself, please email us at Bikur Cholim.
Among the acts of caring that are obligatory and meritorious in Jewish law and ethics, visiting the sick is especially significant. Its importance is underscored by its appearance in our daily prayer book’s top three texts for the Torah study blessing, “These are the things”, that familiar Mishnaic list of the good deeds that yield dividends to the doer in this world, while the capital is stored for the world to come. A classic midrash portrays God as modeling this mitzvah when God appears to Abraham in Genesis 18, a narrative that comes just after the story of Abraham’s circumcision: God is visiting the recovering patient.
(source: myjewishlearning.com)
Refugee Relief
Holy Blossom Temple continues to actively support the resettlement of Syrian and Yazidi refugees, working collaboratively with JIAS. At this time, we are awaiting the arrival of a Yazidi family of three, a Syrian family of two, and have funds set aside to support another Yazidi family whose paperwork will be submitted in 2019.
Our original Syrian families who arrived in 2016 are all thriving as is the young Yazidi woman who arrived this past summer.
HBTogether Groups
HBTogether Groups, also sometimes called Chavurot, are Holy Blossom Temple members who come together within the larger congregational family over shared interests and identities. HBTogether Groups are one of the best ways to add even more meaning to your Temple life and to stay connected during this time. Try out a group and see if you want to join! Find the Zoom link to the groups you’re interested in on the Holy Blossom calendar.
Co-Chaired by Jill Kamin and Karen Kollins. Interested in starting a new group or have questions? Email [email protected]
Conversational Hebrew Speakers
Led by Sylvia Papernick and Bella Shupac, meets on Mondays at 7:30pm
Are you interested in joining a conversational Hebrew group? We are starting one and anyone with a basic level of conversational Hebrew is invited. The goal is for improvement in fluency, and to work on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and to look at Israeli culture and history too.
Walking Group
Led by Wendy Melvin, meets every Tuesday and Friday 8:15-9:15am
It’s time to come together and enjoy the outdoors. Calling all walkers to join us rain or shine as we depart the Holy Blossom parking lot for a 50-minute walk at your own pace. Five minutes will be allocated at the beginning and end of the walk for a good stretch. We will always have a guide at the front of the group to assess the right walking pace and a shepherd at the back of the group to ensure that we are all connected to each other.
Caregivers of People with Dementia
Led by Sandy Atlin, meets every other Wednesday 1:30-3pm
This is a support group for family members who are caregivers for loved ones living with dementia and memory loss. If you identify with this you are most welcome to be a part of this group for discussion and peer support led by someone who has been a caregiver.
Jewish Music Small Group
Led by Cantor Marty Steinhouse, meets Mondays 10-11am
Each week we have a guest appearance or interesting program to inspire us, inform and stimulate us. We focus on Jewish music and have cantors from around the world join us.
LGBT Havurah
Meeting times vary
This is an affinity group of LGBTQIA+ folks at Holy Blossom. We meet for hang out and schmoozing time to make friends and build community. We meet both in person and on zoom depending on the Covid situation.
L’Chaim
Led by Jack Kugelmass, meets Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5:15 – 5:55 pm
Raise a glass or teacup with fellow congregants over Zoom and join a conversation about coping with the pandemic. Jack Kugelmass, MSW, will introduce the chat with insight about how to diminish anxiety during these trying times. Open and supportive discussion will follow until all are invited to join the Mincha service.
Suicide Loss Survivors
Led by Lise Sklar and Abigail Nemzer, meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:30pm
This group is for anyone who has lost someone to suicide. It is a safe place to share memories, stories and experiences with others who have been there.
HBTogether Book Club
Led by Caroline Ingvaldsen, meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 11am
This small group meets monthly to discuss books chosen by our members. New members always welcome!
Writing and Poetry Group
Led by Harriet Wolman, meets third Thursdays at 4pm
Staying home can be a real drag. But it is an opportunity for us to have time to be more creative than usual. Let’s share an original poem or article that you wrote or someone else’s that inspires you and helps you cope in these trying times.
Living with Chronic/Episodic Illness/Disability
This is a private group for people who are living with chronic illness to come together and share our experiences. If you identify as having a chronic illness you are most welcome to be a part of this group.
Travel Stories
Led by Arieh and Val Waldman, meets Wednesday evenings
Join Val and Arieh Waldman to share travel stories, both theirs and yours. Val and Arieh have travelled together around the world twice; each time for one year. Both times were with backpacks and minimal itineraries. The first trip was 1982 (in their 30s) and the second was 2006 (guess their ages). In between they also did shorter trips with their children. Learn about the differences in travelling over the years and how children change (and enhance) the experience of travel.
Anti-Racism Reading and Discussion Group
Led by Ruby Knafo, meets on Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Our goal is to contribute to the elimination of racism in Canada by enhancing our capacity to know ourselves, the roles we might unwittingly have played in maintaining an inequitable society, and the role we might play as anti-racists in focused actions to achieve an inclusive society. Everyone is welcome to join this reading group. Please read what you can and join even if you haven’t had a chance to finish the book.
Arts and Culture
Led by Barbara Glaser, meeting times vary
A likeminded group within the Holy Blossom Temple community, that comes together now virtually, in these unprecedented times of the pandemic. Continue to foster these relationships, connect over all things Art and Culture related and were various connections, friendships have bloomed. This is your place to connect, write, post anything art and culture related to continue to connect and grow together.
Led by Susan Baskin, meets Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons
The HBT Ukulele Group welcomes everyone—but given that we have been together for several years, people do need to have experience playing the ukulele to keep up.
A sampling of other groups that have previously met:
Mussar Yoga
Daytime Moms
Israeli Dance
Grandparents Gathering
