Woman of Valour Initiative honours Bambi Katz

Woman of Valour Initiative honours Bambi Katz

We invite you to attend Shacharit services on Monday, January 19, at 7:30 am, as we celebrate a long-time educator, Bambi Katz. All are welcome. Shacharit Breakfast is co-sponsored by Anne Freeman and Dena Perlmutar in honour of Women of Holy Blossom’s Woman of Valour, Bambi Katz.

Shevat is the 11th month on the Jewish calendar, counting from Nissan. The zodiac sign is Aquarius, and its symbol is the “waterbearer”. It alludes to the Biblical verse, “Water will flow from his wells,” because figuratively speaking, we each have the ability ‘to pour’ knowledge and inspire and lead others, just as a Tzadik would, to bring them closer to G/d. Shevat is a special acrostic for “we should hear good news’ it’s a month of good news, Shenishma Besurot Tovot, that we should be blessed to share good tidings.

Both Bambi and Karen Kollins have “poured” knowledge and have taught our children either at Sunday school or at Camp George. Our children have benefited and live enriched lives thanks to their teachings, leadership and guidance. As Karen stated, “Bambi shaped the Jewish education of thousands of students, leaving an indelible mark on generations of families”.

This month, we also celebrate the holiday of Tu B’Shvat on the 15th of Shevat (February 2nd), which is the “New Year for Trees.” In Israel, it is the start of a new growing season, and it is marked by eating fruits, particularly those from the “Seven Kinds” with which Israel is blessed with wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

The letter: Tzade צ  (resembles a tree). Interestingly, the letter of the previous month, Tevet, was ayin (ע), which literally means “an eye,” and when the ayin of Tevet is lifted up to connect with the Tzade of Shevat, the word “tree” (עֵץ) is formed. We reflect on the metaphor, “Man is a tree of the field,” as the Torah is considered a “Tree of Life,” we notice that both, Torah and Mankind, possess the same components: roots, trunk, branches and fruit.

As Shevat is the month of ‘good news’,  we hope our future will be filled with joy, blessings of abundance in our lives, of new life, goodness and kindness improving in each and every one of us. Ken Yehi Ratzon

Women of Valour Initiative: Honouring Bambi Katz

by Anne Dublin

It’s no coincidence that Bambi Katz was born the same year that Disney released its beloved animated film by the same name. Her older sister gave her the nickname “Bambi,” and it stuck!

Raised in a hard-working, secular socialist Yiddishist family, Bambi grew up surrounded by Jewish values of community, caring for others, and Yiddish culture—though synagogue life wasn’t part of her childhood. When she became a mother of three, she joined Holy Blossom Temple, for she was seeking a Jewish home where her children could grow up with a strong sense of community.

After training as a teacher, Bambi taught in public schools in Montreal and Toronto. She stepped away from the classroom to raise her children, then returned to teach general studies at Associated Hebrew Day School. In 1990, she took a leap of faith and became the Principal of Holy Blossom’s Religious School, first working under Bob Tornberg. Over the years, Bambi shaped the Jewish education of thousands of students, leaving an indelible mark on generations of families.

Since retiring in 2005, Bambi has remained deeply involved in Temple life. She’s a regular at Shabbat morning services, chairs the Bichur Cholim committee, ushers at High Holiday family services, bakes for Out of the Cold, meets with school groups visiting Temple, volunteers at Amica, and leads shiva services (along with her daughter Karen).

Beyond Temple, Bambi is a passionate advocate for Yiddish culture as a leader on UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s Committee for Yiddish. By doing so, she helps to preserve and promote the language through classes, events, and educational programs. She loves to travel and is always planning her next adventure. As “Bubie Bambi,” she is a devoted grandmother to four grandchildren and a source of love and support for their families.

Those who know Bambi will tell you she’s a force to be reckoned with—energetic, warm, passionate, and endlessly generous. She’s a loyal friend, a mentor to many, and a shining example of living Jewish values every day.