Holy Blossom Temple Judaica & Art Shop
Operated by Women of Holy Blossom
You have probably passed by the Judaica & Art Shop, in the heart of the Schwartz/Reisman Atrium, countless times. But did you know that The Shop offers an array of carefully curated Judaica to enhance your Shabbat, holiday, and life cycle celebrations, as well as unique art and gift items, sourced from Israeli and North American designers and Holy Blossom’s Project Betzalel artists?
You should definitely come by for a visit.
Here’s how: Drop in on Sundays between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM, during the school season, from September to May. You can also email [email protected] or leave a message at 416-789-3291 to book an appointment at your convenience. We are open for most special programs and events at Holy Blossom, as well.
Keep an eye on this webpage for events and updates.
The Shop is operated by Women of Holy Blossom and all purchases support and enrich our Holy Blossom community.
Support Israeli Small Business Owners
The Judaica & Art Shop is now offering products from ESEK. Founded in 2024, ESEK’s mission is to bring the world closer to Israel with the artistic creations and stories of Israeli artists. Learn more about ESEK, at these links, and support the artists and Israeli economy with your purchases.
Meet 3 artists whose work can be purchased at the Shop. See their ESEK profile pages for more.
Yonat Mordoch of Yonat Midbar
Yonat lives in the Negev, where she creates natural soaps and personal care products inspired by the desert’s unique environment and her dedication to sustainable and healthy living.
At the Shop: Israel Negev Handmade Lavender Soap
Mika Kolman of Mique Jewelry
Mika studies jewelry design, including 2nd and 3rd century techniques, at Shenkar College in Haifa. She hopes that each piece will resonate with the dreams and desires of those who wear it.
At the Shop: Pomegranate Handmade Silver Necklace
Sapir Dahan of Sapir’s Place
Sapir was born in Jerusalem and now lives in Haifa. Her gold and silver jewelry features Jerusalem stone’s iconic texture and is a testament to her enduring connection to that city and the land.
At the Shop: Silver Jerusalem Stone Hamsa Necklace
Rabbi Zagman is an accredited Sofer Stam, a scribe dedicated to the meticulous creation of sacred Jewish texts. He lives and works in Modiin, Israel.
At the Shop: Kosher Mezuzah Klaf (Scroll)
From a company founded by a member of the Breslov Chassidic community, these candles are traditionally handcrafted in Tzfat, Israel, using beeswax and paraffin.
At the Shop: Dripless Chanukah and Shabbat candles
Tallitot Promotion
The Judaica & Art Shop would like to help you celebrate becoming B’nei Mitzvah. Purchase your tallit from us and receive a $25 discount. Our hours of operation and contact are above.
Zentangle Cards
A few years ago, Holy Blossom member, Lesley Miller, introduced our congregation to a new art form called Zentangle. Shortly after, Holy Blossom’s Bikur Cholim Committee created Zentangle cards with Jewish themes, including Rosh Hashanah, Chanukkah and Pesach, to send to congregants who are unwell, bereaved, in retirement and care facilities, or simply in need of a cheerful message.
These cards are now available for purchase at The Shop. All proceeds support the Bikur Cholim Committee, in fulfilling its mission “to connect congregants in need with those who want to extend their support and kindness.”
$10 for a package of 4.
Project Betzalel
Image attribution abqjew.net
יהוה spoke to Moses: See, I have singled out by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have endowed him with a divine spirit of skill, ability, and knowledge in every kind of craft; to make designs for work in gold, silver, and copper, to cut stones for setting and to carve wood—to work in every kind of craft (Exodus 31:1-6).
Betzalel was hand-picked by God to be the chief artisan of the Tabernacle in our people’s exodus from Egypt. A master craftsman from an early age, he supervised the design, construction, and decoration of the Ark of the Covenant, sacred furniture and utensils, and the priests’ garments.
Project Betzalel is organized by the Judaica & Art Shop and sponsored by WHB. It evokes the essence of Betzalel’s vision and talents, by showcasing the exceptional creations of Holy Blossom artists. If you would like to participate or make a purchase, please reach out to [email protected]. Follow Women of Holy Blossom on social media to be informed of upcoming events.
Meet our Holy Blossom Artists
Temma Gentles z”l was an active participant in Project Betzalel and one of its featured artists. Her unique Judaica textiles can be found in Jewish institutions throughout North America, including Holy Blossom Temple. We deeply miss her participation and partnership in Project Betzalel.
Devra Cohen is drawn to glass, particularly its ability to reflect and receive light. Her art pieces, glass-fusing, casting and sculpture, have been featured at the Petroff Gallery and the Leslie Grove Gallery, among other places around Toronto. Find her on Instagram @dev_co_n.
Bob Hodes is a retired hobbyist, who is fascinated by the infinite possibilities of shaping wood.
Kayla Miller is a paper-cutting artist. Her work is inspired by Jewish names, stories, patterns in nature, Torah, and hiddur mitzvah. She creates intricate and modern designs that showcase the beauty of her faith and her people. Kayla’s work can be found on Instagram @shaharpaperart.
Loren Kaplan is an internationally renowned ceramics artist. Her work is sold through galleries in Canada, South Africa, and the United States. See Loren’s collections on her website and on Instagram @lorenkaplan
Wendy Mandelbaum’s creations, whether embellishing a space or worn as clothing, are often inspired by nature. Her work was featured in the Miso Miami Symphony Orchestra and Einstein Foundation Tapestry Exhibit. Visit Wendy’s website.
Dena Perlmutar is a member of Woodlawn Pottery Studio. She has dabbled in metals, stone and wood, but prefers to work with clay, either sculpting or making pottery. See Dena’s Woodlawn profile and her work on Instagram @dpermutar.
Marnie Pettle creates unique items in live-edge woodworking that showcase the natural beauty of the wood. These range from tables, desks and shelving units to centrepieces, wall art and serving boards. Her designs can be found here and on Instagram @tovastable
Warren Snider has loved designing, building, and finding creative solutions with wood since the age of 16, when he built a shelving unit for his family’s music store. His work can be found on Instagram @hardwooddesignhouse and his website.
Wanda Haber-Kucharsky was introduced to jewellery-making by a friend who had Powderglass beads crafted by village artisans in Ghana. Designing beaded Kippot allowed Wanda to integrate her love of Judaism with her creativity. Wanda has showcased and sold her work at juried shows all over Ontario.
Sophie Rivers is a multidisciplinary artist. Her work often incorporates themes of nature, landscape, and identity. She is a painter, actor, and educator. Visit Sophie’s website and follow her on instagram @madebyrivers.
Jerry Friedman is a driftwood sculptor with Muskoka North Studio Tour. His evocative mezuzot are created from driftwood shards he collects in the shallows of Bella Lake, near Algonquin Park. Learn more about Jerry and his work here.
Women of Holy Blossom represents and advances the interests of Jews who are comfortable in women’s spaces, seek women’s experiences, and wish to raise up women’s voices, at Holy Blossom Temple and in local and global communities.
