Sophie Atkinson  

Al gemilut chasadim: Volunteerism is a component of living a Jewish life. What volunteer commitment have you made during the past year that has meant a lot to you? How is this type of volunteering Jewish? 

This past year has brought up challenges like never before. Many of us have lost our sense of connection and community. As hard as it has been for me, I am grateful for the lessons I have learnt and the resilience I have gained. I have a loving family, amazing friends, a house full of food and clothes and the access to many resources that have helped me through. This isn’t the case for a lot of people. Back in September I did a project on food insecurity in Canada. I was aware of the food insecurity and homelessness crisis but I had not expected to come across the alarmingly high statistics that I did. According to Statistics Canada 1 in 6 children in Canada live in food insecure households.

In November I took part in a UJA Genesis high school initiative. A group of 250 Jewish high school students from around Toronto and the GTA got together to source, fundraise and put together community food care kits. These kits each included essential items such as food and personal hygiene as well as meaningful items for the holidays such as menorahs and gift cards. Over 200 kits were made and sent out to vulnerable families around Toronto just in time for the holidays. Being part of this initiative gave me the opportunity to use my personal connections and resources to benefit others in need as well as expand and strengthen my connections with the Jewish community in Toronto. I plan to continue to take part in initiatives similar to this in the future and continue to use my privilege to the benefit of others.

Shoshana Iny 

Confirmation, called Kabbalat Torah – the receiving of the Torah, is about confirming your Jewish identity for yourself. What are you confirming? What does your Jewish identity mean to you, and how do you live it/plan on continuing to live it? 

I am confirming my connection with the Jewish community and all that it has to offer. I am confirming that I am committed to learning about all that Judaism has to offer, from insightful Torah portions to how we can help combat anti-semitism in the modern day. To me, Jewish identity holds a strong sense of wisdom. Jewish identity means immersing yourself in a community, and appreciating all that life has to offer both inside and outside a classroom. Jewish identity means learning from mistakes, and learning to love all those around you. Jewish identity means questioning the status quo and not being afraid to speak out against injustice.

Al gemilut chasadim: Volunteerism is a component of living a Jewish life. What volunteer commitment have you made during the past year that has meant a lot to you? How is this type of volunteering Jewish? 

I have volunteered at my school to coach middle school and high school students on debate and public speaking. As someone who has reaped the benefits of immersing myself in public speaking, and who has had incredible opportunities to attend national events, it was important to me that I ensure that other young kids got the same incredible experience that I had. Working with youth relates to my religion of Judaism as it is both an opportunity for me to teach, and as well learn. I have had the opportunity to empower youth and offer my wisdom from my past experiences, as well as learn how I can better myself as a speaker, as a mentor, and as a friend.

What does Israel mean to you as a Jew? What does Israel mean to you as a Reform Jew? What might you say to a peer who is considering a trip to Israel but is undecided? 

I have never actually been to Israel, but it is a very special place for my family as my father is from there. I hope to be able to go as soon as possible in the future 🙂

If you could pinpoint one event in your life at Temple, or at a Temple sponsored program, that had the greatest positive effect upon your Jewish identity, what would that be? Please describe the event and its effect upon you. 

Honestly, over the years there have been so many positive events in my life at Temple that have propelled my connection to Jewish identity, it is incredibly challenging to choose just one to speak about. However if I must choose, I remember being in youth group Grade 7 or 8, and I was told that we were going downstairs to meet with individuals of all ages that had come to Holy Blossom from the Imdadul Islamic Centre, that has a connection with our synagogue. I had the opportunity to learn and bond with amazing individuals of all ages, from young babies to elderly men who were regarded extremely highly at the mosque. I bonded closely with one individual in particular, Haroon Sheriff, who was actually the President of the mosque. We discussed traditions of both our religions, as well as Torah readings and readings from the Quran. It was fascinating to both of us to hear that the opposing religion shared so many similarities with our own. Our discussion gave me a strong sense of identity, connection, and hope, for a future in which peace prevails violence always.  Haroon Sheriff cried at the end of our encounter after I presented him with a Torah, something that he had shown great interest in. He gave me his business card, should I ever have any questions about Islam, or if I wanted to “talk to a friend”. To this day his card sits in my wallet, always reminding me that, even when the world might seem frightening, at the end of the day, there are more good people in this world than bad.

Amelia Bertoia-Dixon 

What are you confirming? What does your Jewish identity mean to you, and how do you live it/plan on continuing to live it? 

Talking about my Jewish identity has always been different for me. I come from a multi-faith family with divorced parents and that is a huge contrast to most of my Jewish friends. Growing up I went to Hebrew school, from preschool to becoming a Confirmand in Grade 10. Being Jewish is a huge part of my identity and everyone around me knows that. But I still get questions, “So your dad is Christian does that make you like.. Half-Jewish?”. I know people mean well and usually are just trying to be polite but it stings. I grew up going to synagogue every Friday for years and continual Hebrew school. I participated in every Jewish extra-curricular activity and I know I am fully Jewish, but that does not make it feel any better when people try to question my level and dedication to Judaism. This is why I feel so strongly about raising my kids Jewish, to keep my religion going.

Being confused is a common theme in my life with divorced parents; however, I never felt confused about my Jewish identity until other people started pointing things out. It is so invalidating hearing people act like having a Christian father makes me less Jewish. I celebrate Christmas out of respect for him but I do not go to church, and I do not believe in Jesus. Nonetheless I feel that because I have a multi-faith family it has affected my Jewish identity in a positive way. My step-father is Catholic and my dad and stepmom are Christian so I am constantly being exposed to other ways of practicing religion. Everyday I actively choose and continue to be Jewish, because Judaism resonates with me. Judaism is a comfort to me. The smell of the synagogue when I first walk in, the atmosphere of a party for Chanukah, the food, the singing, the praying it all makes me feel like me. I would not be Amelia if I was not Jewish.

It is not without confusion and continual growth because my Jewish identity is constantly shifting. When I was younger it felt like everyone was Jewish and it was my whole world. I saw nothing wrong with it. As I grew older, realization hit that not many people were Jewish and that we are a minority. Talks came up about when we were traveling in certain places not to mention our religion in case of violence. Cruel facts of the world hit me that Anti-Semitism was very much real and happening. The ignorance of my peers when it came to the holocaust and any Jewish issue became painfully apparent. Suddenly being Jewish did not feel like the best thing in the world anymore, it felt almost scary. Whenever I feel like this, I read the boy in the striped pajamas. I first read it at age eight and it always reminds me to be proud of my religion. I always keep my Magen David on after reading that book.

Lela Schneiderman 

 For those who have been to Israel. What does Israel mean to you as a Jew? What does Israel mean to you as a Reform Jew? What might you say to a peer who is considering a trip to Israel but is undecided? 

Going to Israel for me was an incredible experience. I was able to see the rich culture of Judaism in its homeland and see the traditions for myself. I enjoyed going to landmarks such as the Western Wall and Masada. During these experiences I was truly able to see the wonders of the incredible land of Israel and understand why it is so special. As a Reform Jew, Israel is a country that I can always call home. It is a country I can always feel a deep connection to my Jewish identity, and a country where I can feel connected to my family who resides there. For someone who has never been to Israel, I would tell them to go without any expectations so they can see for themselves the beauty of the country. This way they can experience the richness through their own eyes and discover new things without any bias or input from another person’s point of view

A.J. Shulman 

For those who have been to Israel. What does Israel mean to you as a Jew? What does Israel mean to you as a Reform Jew? What might you say to a peer who is considering a trip to Israel but is undecided? 

Following my Bar Mitzvah, I took a wonderful trip to Israel that not only furthered my knowledge about Judaism as a religion, but it cemented, in my own mind, my place in the greater Jewish community. As a Jew, Israel is an incredibly special place, and that was evident when visiting. Not only is it naturally beautiful, but the vibrant and rich culture of the Jewish homeland is filled with unique traditions that are found nowhere else in the world. While I was born in the United States of America and raised in Canada, a look at the history—and the present state—of both nations, and most others in the world, it becomes clear that antisemitism is often present; Israel, therefore, is the only country where Jews are always welcome and appreciated: it is truly our home. I think that a trip to Israel, if possible, is so important as a member of the Jewish community, because it connects you, on a deeper level, with the country of your community, a country where Jews from all over the diaspora come together to live, work, study, and pray.

Ben Salmons 

For those who have been to Israel. What does Israel mean to you as a Jew? What does Israel mean to you as a Reform Jew? What might you say to a peer who is considering a trip to Israel but is undecided? 

To me, Israel is much more than a country. It is a holy place that I know will always make me feel welcomed. Confirmation, as well as the rest of my time at HBT has further strengthened my bond with Israel. Whether it be talking about its fascinating history or the more religious aspects it always interests me. When I traveled to Israel for my sisters bat mitzvah I felt a deep connection to the country. We traveled all the way from the Golan Heights down to far into the Negev desert and even to Sderot to see just how great the support of organizations like the UJA are. If a peer of mine was considering traveling to Israel I would tell them to try and push their opinions on the politics to the side and tell them instead to go and appreciate the beauty of the country and its people.

Hayden Taylor 

Confirmation, called Kabbalat Torah – the receiving of the Torah, is about confirming your Jewish identity for yourself. What are you confirming? What does your Jewish identity mean to you, and how do you live it/plan on continuing to live it? 

Being able to spend these past months engaged in thought-provoking conversation about a variety of topics has just scratched the surface of what it is like to be Jewish and the importance of carrying out tradition from generation to generation. For me, Confirmation is being “passed the torch” from older generations. Being surrounded by rabbis and teachers willing to pass down the knowledge they’ve acquired from years and years of study has shown me just how important it is for me to do the same. I see the importance of learning as much as I can, and when I think I can’t learn any more to pass my knowledge down to the next generation in hopes that their curiosity leads them to points of view I may have overlooked. I am not only confirming my commitment to Judaism by learning tradition, stories, and prayer but also confirming my commitment to pass these traditions, stories, and prayers down to younger generations.

As a kid who’s gone through Sunday school from a young age, I often wonder what keeps me coming back year after year. In the end, I’ve realized although learning ancient text is a crucial part of Judaism I’ve found the application into my own life even more interesting. Being able to openly ask questions to the Rabbi’s that often stopped by on our Monday night zoom calls always sparked curiosity. Many times, I’ve found myself doubting my faith however, in the end, it is my obligation to celebrate my “Jewishness” when there are still many that cannot.

I will always remember the strong connections I have made with my classmates and teachers here at Holy Blossom. I am still young and know that I often try to come up with very short-term solutions. That is why, as far as the future of my Jewish identity goes I will always consider myself a part of the Jewish community and am willing to take the time to learn patience and dedication in hopes of understanding what being Jewish means to me.

Lior Morgulis

If you could pinpoint one event in your life at Temple, or at a Temple sponsored program, that had the greatest positive effect upon your Jewish identity, what would that be? Please describe the event and its effect upon you.

My Jewish identity has been shaped through multiple experiences that all impacted me positively and seemingly equally, starting with celebrating Shabbat and the holidays at home. One experience wasn’t more impactful than another but they all helped me create opportunities in each respective scene. At URJ Camp George, which I’ve been attending since I was 8, I was able to relate to all the other kids my age through what I learned from countless Shabbat morning Family Services at Holy Blossom with my family. Although camp was my first time away from my family for a long period of time, I didn’t find it a difficult transition; the friends I made through Family Services helped and supported me when I needed it. Looking back at it, being in the environment of the morning services was a positive opportunity to learn more about my identity and I wish I saw it like that when I was younger, instead of viewing it as a form of punishment. I was granted increasing opportunities to participate in the services that helped me towards becoming bar-mitzvah, and I know it will help me in the future. My camp experiences went by in a flash and I wish that I was more aware of the Jewish experiences as a camper and young congregant. I cherish the time I’ve had to date with all my friends and look forward to more adult Jewish experiences in the future.

For those who have been to Israel. What does Israel mean to you as a Jew? What does Israel mean to you as a Reform Jew?  What might you say to a peer who is considering a trip to Israel but is undecided?

Traveling to Israel is an amazing experience, especially when looked through the Jewish lens rather than the tourist lens; it changes your life. I’ve visited Israel twice and enjoyed it both times, once when I was 6 and again 2 years ago. I was able to submerse myself in the culture of everyday life in Israel, starting with the immense heat and busy streets and markets. As a Reform Jew, I could see the differences and similarities when comparing the Kabbalat shabbat at Kol Haneshama to those back home at Holy Blossom. The prayers were mostly the same but the aura of being in Israel was a new feeling, the music a bit more upbeat, and the congregation was more involved; I could feel the presence of everyone who was in the service. We were invited to one of my brother’s friends’ homes for Shabbat dinner afterwards and had a very rich experience. 2 years ago we were invited to Israel to attend Bar Shani’s wedding, she was a former shinshin at Holy Blossom. The trip’s purpose was to perform the mitzvah of rejoicing with the bride and groom, which we most certainly did. It was a phenomenal experience starting with the meaningful chuppah ceremony which was quickly followed by great food and lots of music. On both trips I felt secure, and although we saw soldiers everywhere (including our friends in uniform), they’re mostly all Jewish soldiers, and so I never felt worried or concerned. We’ve stayed at hotels, on a Reform kibbutz, and have traveled from the south to the north without issue. Traveling to Israel as a tourist will provide the average person with some good memories, but when traveling as a Reform Jew one will find many connections with the land and the people that will last a lifetime. If I could, I’d go back in a heartbeat.