ROSH HASHANAH 2012
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
WHAT’S INSIDE
BUILDING A LIFE – RABBI STRAUCHLER.................... 2
BUILDING FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
– PRESIDENT BENNY OSHER ...................................4
SHOULD WE BE KEEPING WITH OUR LIVES...
– CHAZZAN SULTAN.................................................6
I WANT MY CHOICES – RABBI ELLIOTT DIAMOND...... 8
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK.................9
MEET THE MANAS FAMILY ........................................ 10
YOUTH COMMITTEE................................................... 16
CALENDAR – SCHEDULE OF SERVICES .....................17
PICTORIAL ................................................................. 22
FAMILY NEWS ............................................................ 32
RABBI CHAIM
STRAUCHLER
From the Rabbi’s Desk
A
Building a Life
well-built building is based on a
concept; the architect begins with
an idea, and from it a plan emerges.
The intricacies of construction
may involve scores of contractors,
hundreds of suppliers, thousands
of workers, millions of nails and screws. There may
be piping enough to stretch for miles, wiring enough
to span a continent, but everything unfolds from the
first concept, and discerning critics will look for the
soul that is sheathed in steel, masonry, and glass.1
On
Rosh
Hashanah,
we
commemorate the world’s creation.
Yet, we do not focus upon nails
and screws or for that matter upon
crustaceans and solar winds. We look
for the soul sheathed in the universe’s
complexity. We ask, “What is all this
for?”
On Rosh Hashanah, the world
came into existence. We say in
our davening, hayom haraat olam
– today, is the birthday of the
world. Interestingly, the words
that immediately follow are hayom
yaamid bamishpat – today, it stands
in judgment. The prayer connects
creation with judgment. Why is this?
I recently came across a story of a
kindergarten teacher who would post
her students’ work on a bulletin board
outside her classroom. The artwork
that she displayed was so good that
other teachers began suspecting that
she was doing the work herself and
signing her students’ names to the
work. In the teachers’ lounge, one
day, a curious colleague broached the
subject with the kindergarten teacher
by carefully complementing the
students’ work. The teacher replied,
“The key to producing quality in
kindergarten artwork is knowing
when to take the paper from the
child.”
Judgment is knowing when to
take the paper from a child’s creative
hand. The creation process is never
finished until the creator is satisfied
with the creation. God looks at us,
His creation, and decides when the
This paragraph is adapted from the introduction to the Stone Chumash.
1
time has come to take the paper from
our hand. Judgment is a crucial part
of creation itself. As long as we have
the paper in our hand, we have more
to create. We have more time to build
a better world.
To answer our question about
the prayer that connects creation
to judgment, we must return to the
metaphor of a building’s soul. The
world exists for a purpose – it has a
soul like a building has a soul. God
seeks the universe’s soul, the purpose
for which He built the Higgs boson
and the roller-skate. The world’s
Creator must examine that soul to
determine the worthiness of His
creation. Judgment is the crucial stage
in which the Builder looks upon His
building and says, “It’s good – but it’s
not yet finished.”
We build and rebuild many
things in our lives. As we build
them, we think about their soul –
the essence for which we have taken
the time to create them. This is true
of our businesses and of our homes
– this is true of relationships and of
our reputations. We use judgment to
guide our decision on how we build
the structures that can contain these
souls.
We, as a community, have been
engaged in a process of building
this past year. On Rosh Chodesh
Elul 5771, a water pipe entering our
synagogue burst pouring thousands
of liters of water into the lower level
of our building. We are in the midst
cont. on page 3
2
FALL 2012
cont. from page 2
of renovating our building to repair
the damage. With all its frustrations,
this long process has also granted us
an opportunity. God has allowed us
to rebuild. Like any builder, we have
sought to use judgment in recreating
our community’s spiritual home.
We know that a synagogue is
not merely steel, masonry, and glass.
Our community has a soul. We are
a caring community devoted to our
tradition and to taking part in the
great narrative of our people. Together
we study Torah, live lives of mitzvoth,
and work together to improve the
world around us. Our building houses
our community’s soul… and we hope
that the struggles of the last year will
allow that building to do so more
effectively.
We are very excited about the
new space that we are creating. We
already have begun using the newly
refurbished Sisterhood Hall which
now contains beautiful stained-glass
windows from our St. Clair building.
We look forward to a new Beit
Midrash combining the functions of
our chapel and library. We anticipate
three new classrooms for our youth
programs on Shabbat that will be used
by Netivot HaTorah during the week
(we will now have six classrooms).
We look forward to well-configured
multi-use space throughout the
building. We are renewing our
physical premises - beautifying our
synagogue. We can look at the place
where we meet God and say proudly
that we have made this space special
and worthy of our Creator.
I want to thank the many
volunteers
from
within
our
community who gave (and continue
to give) their time and energy to this
project. I specifically want to thank
Charlene Arje, Hy Hirshberg, Andy
Kaminker, David Kaminker, Cliff
Korman, Hananel Romer-Segal, Sol
Zeifman, Bev Lyons, Brian Lass and
Benny Osher for their dedication to
our shul. Thank you.
The ability to heal from injury
demonstrates an organism’s basic
fitness. Our building’s ability to heal
from injury displays our community’s
core health. Our community is alive
and well. On Shabbat, strollers line the
outside of our building, and children’s
voices fill the hallways outside our
youth programs. Young families are
joining our shul. The sounds of Torah
learning fill our classrooms on almost
every morning and night of the week
– as both retirees and professionals
set aside time to devote themselves to
the joyous pursuit of Torah wisdom.
“We are a caring
community devoted
to our tradition and to
taking part in the great
narrative of our people.”
In advance of Shavuot, 242
members of our community worked
together to complete all 931 chapters
and 22,098 verses of Tanach (the
written Torah) – we celebrated on
the second day of Shavuot with a
beautiful siyum. We have inaugurated
a tefillah initiative to improve the
quality of our prayers throughout
the year and on the High Holidays.
We now have active and innovative
bar and bat mitzvah programs, as
well as an informal group that meets
regularly to volunteer at local food
banks. In August, our community
dedicated a permanent memorial
for the Holocaust that was created
by noted artist Yuri Dojc. This past
year has seen Shaarei Shomayim
host noted scholars like Rabbi Jacob
J Schacter, Benny Morris, Rabbi Meir
Soloveichik, and Bret Stephens. (In
the past three years, we have hosted
all the major candidates for the
position of Chief Rabbi of the UK
– Rabbis Jonathan Rosenblatt, Meir
Soloveichik, and Michael Broyde).
Shaarei Shomayim is the soul of
Modern Orthodoxy in Toronto.
Just as a healthy institution is able
to recover from physical setbacks, a
healthy soul is able to recover from
failure. Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Kippur are not just a time when God
judges us. The process of teshuva
allows us to anticipate the divine
judgment. We judge ourselves. Just
as we ask on Rosh Hashanah, “What
is the world for,” we also ask, “What
are our lives for?” We have been
granted a gift to grace this world for
120 years. We ask, “Are we making
the most of this gift?” We seek lives of
purpose and meaning. We want our
lives to matter. These questions allow
us to constantly rebuild and remake
our lives. A Jewish life which does
not involve growth is a Jewish life
that has ended – the paper has been
taken from our creative hands. May
the year ahead see our shul become
the beautiful case which holds our
community’s soul. May the year
ahead see us continue to build Jewish
lives that matter.
Avital and I wish you and your
family a ketiva vechatima tova. We
look forward to greeting you in shul
this Rosh Hashanah. We share our
blessing for a year of health, happiness,
and continued building.
Shana Tova to our members, friends and
the entire Jewish community
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
3
President’s Message
BENNY OSHER
Building for Today
and Tomorrow
A
s I sit to write this
message, it has been
two months since
I was installed as
President. Frankly,
with all that’s been
happening, it feels like much longer.
In the last few weeks, the Board of
Governors has met twice, almost all
the committees have been constituted
and have begun their work, a new
Interim Executive Director, Nicole
Toledano, has been hired and the
renovations seem to finally have an
end-date in sight. I hope that the
monthly memos that have been
circulated have helped to keep you
up-to-date on what’s happening at
Shaarei Shomayim.
The Executive and Board are
acutely aware of the responsibility
we have to you, our members – to
honour the past, serve the present
and ensure the future. And I believe
that we all want the same thing; for
Shaarei Shomayim to continue to be a
vibrant and inviting centre of Jewish
life providing religious, educational
and social opportunities – today and
tomorrow. Our greatest challenge
now is getting our financial house in
order. We need to pay off our debt.
We need to ensure we have the funds
for unforeseen maintenance and
improvements. We need the financial
security to ensure our exciting
programs can continue and grow.
While we all want Shaarei Shomayim
here for us now – every day, every
week and every Chag; our common
4
FALL 2012
goal must be for Shaarei Shomayim
to be here for our children and our
children’s children. The decisions
we make now demonstrate our
commitment to the future. When we
put in a new HVAC, we are building
for the future. When we introduce
a reserve levy fund, we are building
for the future. When we partner with
Netivot HaTorah, we are building for
the future.
But we cannot build for the
future without you – without your
involvement, your ideas and your
“But we cannot build for
the future without you –
without your involvement,
your ideas and your
financial support.”
financial support. We must all be
partners in the fundraising initiatives,
and we must give to the maximum of
our potential. To all of you who have
shown your support, thank you. To
those of you who have yet to give, we
need your support. Our new Capital
Campaign is just beginning – watch
for information about donation
opportunities.
Along with our work in developing
a strong fundraising team, our clergy,
staff and volunteers have been
involved in so many other initiatives.
With oversight from Nicole Toledano,
we will undertake a review of our
office and maintenance to ensure
the current structure serves the shul
community effectively, and we will
determine what changes should be
undertaken. Nicole will report to the
Board of Governors in the spring and
any changes will be shared with the
membership.
All the committees have been
busy and while some committees
have fuller reports in this bulletin, I
would like to up-date you on the work
of some of the other ones:
Renovations: Hy Hirshberg,
Charlene Arje, and Cliff Korman are
co-chairing this committee. At the
time of this writing, the renovations
on the lower level are underway. We
are moving quickly to meet our goal
of having them completed by late
Fall. All the memorial and dedication
plaques that were taken down for the
renovation will be replaced in a new
and up-dated design. The collective
creative minds of Jackie Zimmerman,
Hananel Romer Segal and Warren
Grossman are working on options.
Adult
Education:
Lori
Disenhouse and Jeffrey Lipsitz are
co-chairing this committee. They and
their committee, together with Rabbi
Strauchler, are busy working on a
number of initiatives, including our
on-going learning, classes during the
week, Scholars-in-Residence, as well
as creating new programs such as a
Jewish film series, liaising with other
cont. on page 5
cont. from page 4
Synagogues for joint programming
and revitalizing our Women’s Rosh
Chodesh program. We are also excited
that Dr. Elliott Malamet will be
back at Shaarei Shomayim with an
expanded educational program that
includes High Holiday and Shabbat
programming.
Catering
and
Events:
Jackie Zimmerman, Judy Laxer
and Carol Handelman, who
are chairing the Catering and
Events committee, will work with ZB
to strengthen our partnership with
them and create new and exciting
catering options for our members.
Constitution:
Chairs
Joe
Starkman, Donna Shiff and Dov
Begun are revising our constitution to
consolidate all the amendments that
have been approved over the years.
We expect the updated Constitution
to be approved in the fall or early
winter.
New Members: Charlene Arje
and Lance Davis are co-chairing
this committee. Over the summer
several new young couples and
families joined our Shul and several
more applications are currently in the
process of being reviewed.
Mature Members: This is a new
committee. Joyce Eklove will be
holding focus groups with some of
our members to brainstorm on how
the shul can be more responsive to
their needs. I look forward to sharing
more information about this in the
coming weeks.
Minyan:
This
revitalized
committee is co-chaired by Al G.
Brown and Sam Moskowitz. The
committee will help ensure that
the needs of all mourners are met.
They will also support our own Shul
minyan in the winter months, when
attendance has sometimes been low.
High Holidays: Chair Hyim
Bessin and the committee spent
a good portion of their summer
preparing
programming
and
schedules for the High Holidays.
Cemetery: Co-chairs Harvey
Brenman, Sol Zeifman and Brian
Cantor are formulating new policies
regarding our cemetery rules and will
bring this to the board for further
discussion and consideration.
Holocaust Dedication: Etta
Sugarman, Ruth Podeswa and Katy
Korman chair this committee and on
August 26th unveiled the Holocaust
Memorial housed on the balcony level
of the shul. We invite you to view the
memorial.
As you can glean from reading
the brief committee up-dates, this
shul runs on the energy of our
committed volunteers. The number of
people involved, and hours given are
astounding. I thank each and every
one of you. For those of you who
have yet to get involved and wish to
be a part of this amazing team, we are
always looking for new volunteers, so
please contact me or the shul office.
The success of our shul is a
combination of many factors, the most
significant of which is our clergy team:
Rabbi Strauchler, Chazzan Sultan,
Rabbi Diamond, Ralph Levine and
our new Yeshiva Univeristy Avreich
and Rabbinic Assistant, Yair Manas.
As a congregation, we are fortunate to
have the experience, the wisdom and
leadership of such fine people. Their
commitment to us goes beyond the
weekly Shabbat services and includes
lifecycle events, teaching classes,
attending daily minyan, and being
there for us in our time of need. They
help make the shul the great place
that it is.
I would be remiss not to
acknowledge our dedicated office
staff, Aura, Joven, Lejla and Miriam
who have spent the last year working
“temporarily” out of trailers while we
dealt with issues related to the flood.
On behalf of the entire congregation,
I thank you for your commitment,
dedication and loyalty.
Looking ahead over the next
few months, you can expect to see
the marketing campaign go full
force, the capital campaign take
centre stage, renovations come to an
end, innovative and exciting adult
education programs, new youth
initiatives and more.
Along with all our volunteers,
I would like to thank the Senior
Officers, Board of Governors and
Committee chairs for their hard work
and commitment to the shul.
On behalf of my family I’d like to
take this opportunity to wish you and
your family a Shana Tova and Gmar
Chatima Tova.
DO YOU RECEIVE RABBI STRAUCHLER’S
WEEKLY PRE-SHABBAT EMAILS?
If not, please contact the shul office to be included in the email
list. Or click on “join email list” on the Shaarei Shomayim website,
www.shomayim.org.
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
5
From Chazzan Sultan’s Desk
CHAZZAN
AVRAHAM SULTAN
W
Should We be Keeping Up with
Our Lives or Should We be,
“Keeping up with the Kardashians”?
hen my family and I arrived in
Miami for our summer vacation,
we were shocked to hear about
the passing of a dear friend;
Rabbi Yosef Oziel ben Mordechai
Ve’ Estrella z”l. Rabbi Oziel and
I go way back, as we grew up together in Montreal. After
high school we both took the commitment of learning
(only) Torah for a full year in Yeshiva in Montreal. Even
though we both had eight full years of scholarship to
Yeshiva University, we decided to defer our scholarships
for one year. After that year of Torah learning in Yeshiva
Gedolah in Montreal, we both decided to forgo our
scholarships and go to Israel to pursue rabbinical careers.
After spending many years learning Torah in Israel, we
took different paths to different communities. We traveled
the world and acquired extensive experience leading
different communities in North and South America. After
a few years we finally settled down, I in Toronto, and he
in Surfside, Florida, where he built a beautiful, caring and
warm community. He left behind his Eshes Chayil, Michal
and nine beautiful children. Rav Yosef was an only child.
Throughout this whole ordeal, people all over the world
joined together in prayers and mitzvot for the sake of his
refuah. His community decided to take upon themselves
additional mitzvot in his merit. Communities around
the world joined together in finding ways to make things
better for the sake of his healing and for the well-being
of his family. Daily Facebook updates kept us informed
about his health and encouraged us to join in davening
for his refuah. Some of the mitzvot are still performed by
his community such as: baking challah, reading Tehilim,
providing warm meals and assisting in any financial need
that the family may require.
Raquel and I attended funeral services for Rav Yosef
in Miami, and his body was transported for burial in
Israel. At his funeral in Israel, Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi
Shlomo Amar and many other rabbis bestowed persistent
messages: “We will not attempt to find an explanation to
this tragedy and therefore should not focus our attention in
finding answers to our questions, but rather we should focus
on the accomplishments and achievements of Rav Oziel’s
life”.
This year my preparation for the High Holidays will
take a completely different meaning. If we take a moment
to look into our own lives we soon realize that we take lots
of things for granted. We walk around thinking that our
lives are invincible and these things don’t happen to us,
when the truth is that our whole lives can change in a split
second. We often place importance on material things that
we often forget are just things. They become necessities,
and we become slaves to them.
I find the perfect example in the TV show; “Keeping up
with the Kardashians”. For the very few of you who have
never heard of this TV show let me just give you a quick
overview.
“Keeping Up with the Kardashians” is an American
reality television series that focuses on the personal and
professional lives of members of the Kardashian family.
Fancy clothes, jewelry, traveling, exotic vacations, cars,
clubbing, business and relationships are the main topics
on this show.
How amazing it is to me, the amount of time that
people spend in front of the TV watching this show. You’ve
got to wonder what messages it is sending. Perhaps, it is
that happiness can only be attained if we have excessive
amount of money or things. Unfortunately, shows like
this one affect the lives of those who watch them. They
transport us away from reality.
In the physical world we ask, “Who has more than
me?” We never ask ourselves, “Who has less than me?”
We can train ourselves to look at things this way. Rather
than thinking about what other people have that I don’t
have, I think of what other people don’t have that I have,
and thank G-d I have just what I need. This simple change
of thought can improve our outlook on life and bring us a
degree of happiness.
cont. on page 7
6
FALL 2012
cont. from page 6
Let’s look at the blessings that the
Almighty has bestowed upon us this
year and cherish them every moment.
Let’s take this opportunity to ask the
Almighty to give us exactly what we
need in the year to come.
May Hashem bless us this coming
year with health, strength, prosperity
and happiness so that we will be able
to elevate ourselves physically and
spiritually. May we be zoche to the
coming of Moshiah.
Raquel, Yaacov, Gabriel, Yonatan
and Ezrah join me in wishing you
and your families, Shanah Tovah
Umetukah!
Bar Mitzvah Program
W
e are thrilled to offer an exciting
Bar Mitzvah program that has
been growing year after year. This
program is led by our own Chazzan
Avraham Sultan.
Join us for innovative and
motivating workshops led by speakers
from our and other communities.
Rabbi Strauchler, Alan Burger (Chesed
Committee Chair) and Brenda Lass
(Baycrest), Rabbi Haber (Director
of Community Kosher, COR) Rabbi
Fleisher (Scribe) and many more. Our
students enjoy light dinners served
after sessions. Parents are welcome to
attend and join in these sessions.
If you or anyone you know have a
child of Bar Mitzvah age, please don’t
hesitate to join us for our information
night for all upcoming Bar Mitzvahs
for 2012-2013 which will take place
on Monday October 29 at 7:00pm at
Shaarei Shomayim.
Please contact Chazzan Sultan at
chazzansultan@shomayim.org if you
have any questions, or please speak to
Aura in the Shul’s office to register at
416.789.3213, ext. 200 or via email:
aura@shomayim.org.
Bat Mitzvah Program
W
e look forward to welcoming
2013 Bat Mitzvah girls to
the second year of our Bat Mitzvah
program which begins November
3. This year’s program will include a
series of eight classes with a celebratory
evening upon its completion. A unique
opportunity for young women to
begin their bat mitzvah preparations
with inspirational, thought provoking
and engaging classes taught by
accomplished women in our
community. Some highlights that
the girls can look forward to include
a session with Jodi Katzeff, trained
facilitator for Dove Real Beauty
Campaign, who will lead an exciting
workshop on building a strong selfesteem. Also, an “intergenerational”
evening in Brenda Lass’s art studio at
Baycrest, a workshop with Shoresh’s
Kavannah Garden, Krav Mega with
Bella Motzen, and chesed projects.
The girls will have the opportunity to
explore Jewish texts with Ilana Arje
who will lead a a session on “Taking
a Stand and Combating Injustice”.
They will gain a deeper understanding
of influential women in Tanach and
Jewish History with Miriam Bessin
and Avital Strauchler.
For more information, please call Aura
in the office at 416.789.3213 ext. 200.
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
7
RABBI ELLIOTT
DIAMOND
DOWNSTAIRS MINYAN
I Want My Choices
S
tanding in front of the judge, the defense
attorney argued why his teenage client should be
acquitted. “Your Honour, my client is seventeen
years old. His father is in prison and his mother
is a drug addict. Studies have consistently shown
that 95% of youth who come from similar broken homes
and dysfunctional families end up displaying the same type
of anti-social behaviour of which my client is accused. Your
Honour, my client is just one of the 95% of society. The judge
thoughtfully paused for a moment and responded, “He
should have been part of the 5%.”
I have often quoted this story or urban myth. I am not
certain whether it actually happened, but it seems to me
that this interchange could very well have taken place. The
direct message of the centrality of personal responsibility
and choice resonates strongly within me.
However, a book published by neuroscientist and
public intellectual Sam Harris entitled, “Free Will”, recently
excerpted in the National Post, purports to challenge our
core understanding, not only of our brief court scenario,
but also of the entire notion of culpability and personal
responsibility. Having described the documented details
of a gruesome murder, Harris says of the murderer that:
If I had been in [the murderer’s] shoes on July 23,
2007 – that is, if I had his genes and an identical brain
(or soul) in an identical state – I would have acted
exactly as he did. There is simply no intellectually
respectable position from which to deny this. The
role of luck, therefore, appears decisive.
Harris believes that personal choice is entirely
determined by the objective dictates of neuroscience and
other uncontrollable variables for which man cannot justly
be held responsible. All things being equal, had Harris
been in the murderer’s shoes, he would have done exactly
what the actual murderer did.
Free will is an illusion. Our wills are simply not of
our own making. Thoughts and intentions emerge
from background causes of which we are unaware
and over which we exert no conscious control. We
do not have the freedom we think we have.
8
FALL 2012
The notion that man does not have free will is clearly
contrary to a basic tenet of our religious faith. The Torah
unequivocally establishes that man was endowed with the
ability to choose right from wrong, good from evil and,
therefore, is morally responsible for his decisions. Judaism
does allow for the possibility of extenuating circumstances
that, indeed, can have bearing on whether a person must
carry full responsibility for his or her actions. But the
centrality of free choice in our integrated world view
remains unchanged by Harris’ opinions.
Consider, for a moment, the implications of this
theory. If we accept that all choice and action are external
to our control, then not only would criminal activity be
outside the sphere of our influence, but so would the world
of chesed and compassion! The deliberate act of giving
tzedakah, of visiting the sick or comforting the bereaved;
the decision to volunteer for the shul, to lend money to
someone who needs it, to run a marathon to find a cure
for cancer – all of these acts (read “mitzvoth”) of kindness
and caring would be stripped of any element of integrity
or personal character and would only be the result of
neuro-scientific triggers in the brain! The primacy of
‫ – ואהבת לרעך כמוך‬Love your fellow as you love yourself
– is rendered meaningless and is, therefore, no longer a
moral force in our society. While our society may lapse in
its fulfillment of this obligation, society’s future is much
more frightening and bleak if the ethical underpinning is
removed altogether.
I believe that science has a lot to teach us about
ourselves and the world in which we live. But Harris is
wrong. The feelings that stir inside me as the sound of the
shofar fills the shul, my heart and my mind are not the
result of synapses firing haphazardly in my brain. It is the
sound of Hashem calling me to be a better person – to be
a better Jew. That sound is not an illusion. It’s the sound of
free will.
Rochelle and I and our family wish you a Ketivah
VaChatimah Tova. May this year be filled with blessings
for all of us.
NICOLE TOLEDANO
INTERIM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
From the Executive
Director’s Desk
M
y start date at Shaarei Shomayim
seems so long ago, but it was
actually the middle of July.
Taking on a new position, at a
shul, right before High Holidays,
can be a little traumatic and hair raising. I am glad
to say that there has been an incredible learning
curve and things seem to be a little more in order.
Members who have come into the trailers have been
friendly and welcoming.
My work preference has always
been to work for a non-profit
organization, preferably one that
is Jewish. Shuls are extraordinary
communities. They are the premiere
places where Jews are made – where
they are welcomed into the faith as
newborns, taught about their beliefs
as children, welcomed into the adult
ranks at their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs,
challenged to learn about a complex
world as teenagers, college and
university students, sanctified in
marriage as young adults, encouraged
and anchored in their Jewish
spirituality during their long life as
full members of the community,
and mourned when they leave. At
Shaarei Shomayim, Jews connect
with other Jews, stretch their minds,
and strengthen their faith.
As I sit and contemplate what I
would like to go in the High Holidays
Bulletin, I make a list of possible
subjects. Should I write about the
staff who have been working out
of trailers since the flood last year
and still have smiles for our Shul’s
members? Do I write about the
renovations in the lower lever that
have created a beautifully renovated
Sisterhood Hall, brand new multipurpose spaces, more classrooms
for our youth programs and Netivot
HaTorah, open concept offices, and a
Beit Midrash designed in consultation
with the Rabbi? Or, do I write about
the members and friends of Shaarei
Shomayim who attend services daily,
volunteer their time and show their
care and attention?
Behind the scenes, a lot goes into
making such a complex and important
organization
“work”.
Shaarei
Shomayim’s administrative and
maintenance staff are committed to
doing their part to make participating
and belonging to the Shul as
“user-friendly” as possible. From
member services to mailings, from
accounting to purchasing, from space
management to room changeovers,
from weddings to funerals, from
construction to cleaning, the staff
understand that all the detail-work
they do directly serves the greater goal
of making a strong Shaarei Shomayim
community.
The High Holidays give us
the ability to interact with our
membership and provide the context
for a meaningful yom tov experience.
With renovations ongoing, we are
ensuring that all the available space
gets used to its maximum potential.
I urge everyone to help Shaarei
Shomayim to continue to grow by
inviting friends and former members
to make their Jewish lives matter;
encourage them to join us. Help
Shaarei Shomayim thrive as it has
done for many generations past – and
as it will continue to do for our future
and our children’s future, in the true
spirit of Midor L’dor – from generation
to generation.
So what would I like to add to the
bulletin? Maybe just my wishes for a
sweet and healthy new year to each of
you and your families. Shana Tovah
U’Metukah.
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
9
Meet the
Manas Family
Y
air Manas grew up in Teaneck,
NJ. After attending Torah
Academy of Bergen County,
he attended Yeshivat Shaarei
Mevaseret Zion, where he learned
under Rabbi Azarya Berzon, the
previous co-Rosh Beit Midrash of the
Yeshiva University-Torah MiTzion
Beit Midrash Zichron Dov. Yair
graduated from Yeshiva University
with a BA in History in January,
2007. Thereafter, he returned to
Mevaseret, where he worked as a
dorm counselor.
Yair is currently enrolled in the
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological
Seminary of Yeshiva University,
and expects to receive his Rabbinic
Ordination in the upcoming
months. He also graduated from
10
FALL 2012
Brooklyn Law School in June, 2011.
Yair is a member of the NJ bar, has
passed the NY bar, and took the
Florida bar this past summer.
Gillit grew up in Ottawa and
attended local Jewish day schools.
After graduating from Machon
Sarah High School, Gillit studied
at Michlalah in Jerusalem for
one year. Gillit graduated from
Stern College in 2010 with a BS in
accounting, and afterwards spent
time working at one of the Big
Four public accounting firms in
New York City. Currently, Gillit is
studying for the CPA.
Yair, Gillit, and their daughter
Miriam Ayelet are looking forward
to becoming part of the Shaarei
Shomayim community!
Adult Education
Committee
LORI DISENHOUSE AND JEFFREY LIPSITZ
W
e are delighted to be
following in the footsteps
of Malka Lewittes and
Melech Halberstadt, the former cochairs of Adult Education at Shaarei
Shomayim.
We plan to build on their successes,
to make the shul “the” address for your
diverse Adult Education needs and
interests. Throughout the year, we will
be continuing the popular tradition of
visiting Scholars-in-Residence. Malka
and Melech have already arranged for
renowned Professors Ruth Wisse and
Aaron Demsky, respectively, to visit
this coming November.
We have also lined up speakers
who will share their analysis of world
events, including programs related
to Israel that are brought to you in
conjunction with the Israel Action
Committee. Recently the Chair of
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
(CIJA) joined us for a fascinating talk
about the role of CIJA in supporting
Israel and Canadian Jewry. You may
not agree with all the views that are
to be presented – but you definitely
won’t want to miss hearing them!
Our popular and accredited
Medical Halachah series – in
conjunction with the YU Kollel
– continues for another year, for
physicians and non-physicians alike.
We have also organized a year-long
health education series that includes
top medical specialists from our
community – and some from our own
shul – talking plainly about health
promotion and disease prevention.
We will be organizing an
educational event relating to finance
and the economy, combined with a
talk on ethical investing. We will also
be offering new programs of a cultural
nature, including film screenings,
music events, book reviews, book
launches, and more.
We will be having a “Montreal
Shabbat”, to highlight the contribution
of the Montreal Jewish community –
and of former Montrealers among us
– to the life of our own community.
And of course, we continue
to offer all of our regular classes
and opportunities for Torah study
throughout the week, including on
Shabbat and holidays. There will truly
be “something for everyone”.
Please tell us what programs
you’d like to see offered. And please
be sure to join us at all of our
programs, which are intended to
broaden our perspectives and deepen
our understanding of the issues that
matter to us.
SCHOLARSIN-RESIDENCE
Rabbi Michael Hattin October 27
Rabbi Hattin serves as the Director
of the Beit Midrash for the Pardes
Educators Program in Jerusalem,
where he has been teaching
Tanakh for twenty years. His book
PASSAGES: Text and Transformation
in the Parasha was recently
published by Urim Publications.
In addition, his book on Sefer
Yehoshua is forthcoming from Koren
Publishers.
Dr. Ruth R. Wisse November 10
Dr. Wisse is the Martin Peretz
Professor of Yiddish Literature
and Professor of Comparative
Literature at Harvard University. She
is a scholar and public intellectual,
publishing frequently in the Wall
Street Journal, the Jewish Review of
Books, and Commentary. According
to one critic, Wisse’s work has been
characterized “by the sharpness of
her insight, by her unwillingness to
retreat from a skirmish and by the
inability of even those who disagree
with her to deny her brilliance.”
Sponsored by the Shiff Family.
Dr. Aaron Demsky November 24
Dr. Demsky, professor of biblical
history at Bar-Ilan University, is
well known for his research and
publications on literacy in and
historical geography of ancient
Israel. He founded and now directs
the Project for the Study of Jewish
Names at Bar-Ilan University
Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz December 1
Rabbi Steinmetz has been the
spiritual leader of Tifereth Beth
David Jerusalem (The Bailey Shul) in
Montreal, Quebec, since September
1996. He writes a regular and popular
column for the Canadian Jewish
News. Rabbi Steinmetz is the Past
President of the Montreal Board of
Rabbis, He received his ordination
from Yeshiva University, where he
was a fellow of the elite Gruss Kollel
Elyon.
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
11
RAQUEL SULTAN
W
ith the fall season approaching,
the resuming of school and the
excitement of the High Holidays;
it feels like a new year, a fresh
start. That is certainly the case
for the Netivot HaTorah South
Campus. We have begun another wonderful year with
many new starts.
The renovations of last year led to a brand new area
for our school program. We have six rooms in total and
they are all alongside each other. This allows all of our
happy students to exchange smiles and giggles in-between
classes. We are thrilled to offer an environment of new
lighting, floors, ventilation and a decor that has turned the
classrooms into great learning settings.
Just as there were changes to our exterior, there are also
changes to what we do inside the classroom. Throughout
12
FALL 2012
the summer months, the teachers worked diligently to
create and add new units and programs to our curriculum,
broadening the academic experience for all of our students.
Technology continues to be an increasingly useful tool for
our teachers and we have outfitted the classrooms with the
needed tools. Further, the literacy component is always a
priority for Netivot HaTorah. We will be enhancing that
program through the expertise of a literacy coach. We are
thrilled to offer again the Vernissage, our art exhibition.
This is such a beautiful opportunity for your young
students to learn about art by experiencing it.
From technology, to literacy and then through the
world of arts; Netivot HaTorah Day School is pleased to
invite each student into a warm and welcoming setting
where they learn, grow and thrive.
We wish all of you a sweet new year. Shana Tova
Umetuka.
CAROLE FREEMAN AND
WENDY KAUFFMAN
MARKETING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
The Marketing Committee
Wants You Talking!
A
recent survey of synagogues and leaders
in the Jewish community in and around
the Chicago area on the subject of
synagogue marketing indicated that
“word-of-mouth” recommendations is
the most effective technique for gaining
membership and participation in synagogues.
Word-of-mouth is successful, because it is a message
from the most trusted source: someone you know. It is one
of the best, most cost-effective, ways to boost business –
and in our case, this means retention of current members,
as well as attracting new ones.
People inherently enjoy talking about good
experiences. In fact, according to one Toronto-based
marketing organization, the ratio of positive to negative
word of mouth endorsements is 7:1. Simply put, when we
have a positive experience, we are much more likely to tell
our friends. Here are some more interesting statistics:
t NJMMJPO o UIF OVNCFS PG iXPSE PG NPVUIw
recommendations made each day in Canada.
t oUIFQFSDFOUBHFPGQFPQMFXIPBęFSIFBSJOH
a personal, negative comment / feedback, were
influenced away from one particular brand and
therefore bought another.
Shaarei Shomayim’s marketing committee has a
wonderful opportunity over the next two years. We look
forward to promoting:
t " MBSHF NFNCFSTIJQ XJUI B CVJMUJO OFUXPSL PG
friends;
t "EZOBNJDDMFSHZ
t " WJCSBOU DPNNVOJUZ QBDLFE XJUI QSPHSBNT PG
interest for all ages; and
t .FNCFSTIJQHSPXUIXJUIOFXZPVOHGBNJMJFT
An important objective of the marketing committee
is to mobilize people for word of mouth promotion of our
Shul. Here is how you can help:
t 4UJDL UP XIBU JT NFBOJOHGVM UP ZPV " QSPHSBN
lecture, service or a new friendship is all you need
to talk about.
t (FU UIF DPOWFSTBUJPO HPJOH 8IFO ZPV MJLF
something, tell someone. Even within our own
internal Shul community, word of mouth has
an important function. Most likely, others will
repeat what you have said. You can also forward
pertinent emails from the Shul to those who you
think would benefit from our programs, helping
spread the word beyond our membership.
t #F B TPVSDF PG JOGPSNBUJPO 8IFSF QPTTJCMF
answer questions and suggest where others can get
more information about our Shul. When doing so,
remember that beyond our services, who we are is
a family of families for support and friendship.
t 6TF 4IBCCBU ,JEEVTI BOE NFBMT BT QPXFSGVM
vehicles to get to know new people: Building new
relationships each week with new members or
visitors is so important. Invite people into your
homes and expand your relationships within our
growing community. This gets people talking
about our best Shul asset – YOU.
Our new marketing committee is very excited to
continue and expand the work of the past two years. Thank
you Hananel Romer Segal, Sari Disenhouse, Yehezkel
Lipinsky, Brain Cantor, Rachel Libman, Jason Pivovitsch
and Rebecca Nadler for all your hard work.
Compliments of
GESMA PRINTING
905-764-6017
gg.print.gg@rogers.com
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
13
Holocaust Memorial
I
t finally happened, after many months of anticipation, our Holocaust Memorial was installed on August 26,
2012. Yuri Dojc, in collaboration with designer Ido Bruno produced a timeless work of art that we are all very
proud to have in our Shul. This permanent installation is available for viewing on the balcony level of the front
foyer. An extension of this project will be the education tech centre which members, schools and groups can
access and will be ready later this fall. We will have the ability for our members’ stories and testimonials to be
accessed and used as a learning experience.
We would like to thank our many sponsors and supporters for their donations to enable this project
to come to fruition. Without their help and the help of our volunteers this could not have been
accomplished. Our sincere thanks to you.
George and Charlene Arje
Abe and Simmie Beker
Hyim Bessin
Brotherhood of Shaarei Shomayim
Al G. Brown
David and Helen Brown
14
FALL 2012
Karlz”l and Katy Burgerz”l
Max Candel
Samuel and Beverly Cohen
Mike Colle, MPP
Lance Davis
David and Lisa Eisen
cont. on page 15
cont. from page 14
Serge and Estelle Eisenberg
The Family of Josephz”l and Anita Feldmanz”l
Eugene and Edith Feiger
Saya Victor and Feliciaz”l Feinman
Frank and Vera Fenyves
Bronia Fialkov
Sandy and Roberta Finkelstein
David and Naomi Freudmann
Joseph and Lina Fried
Arnold and Draisa Frischman
In Loving Memory of Chajaz”l and Mayerz”l Garten
by their Children, Grandchildren and
Great-Grandchildren
Jerry and Sandra Genesove
Sheldon and Fern Goldhar
Joe and Glory Goldman
Michael and Francine Goldrich
Bernard and Helene Green
Jean Greenstein
Carol Handelman
Agnes Herczeg
Harry and Shainey Himal
Haim and Mardi Hirshberg
David and Sandra Kaminker
Aria Szmuel and Ana Karas
Toby Kasner
Mel and Caroline Kay
Henry Kirsh
Bernie and Anna Kleinberg
Cliff and Katy Korman
Harry Krakowsky and Golda Brown
Brian and Brenda Lass
Elliott and Beverly Lyons
David and Naomi Mansell
Michael and Lisa Mills
Genia Minzz”l
Joel and Rochelle Monson
Sam and Shelly Moskowitz
Benny and Elaine Osher
Ruth and Yidelz”l Podeswa
Stan and Miriam Price
Andrew and Magdaz”l Raab
Harry and Elaine Rakowski
Henry and Genia Rakowski
The Children of Lesliez”l and Claraz”l Reitman
Aaron and Joyce Rifkind
Dov and Sari Rosenblum
Gita Rotenberg
Zion and Joyce Sasson
Elad Travis and Tova Sasson
Philip and Annette Schenker
Brian and Robbie Schwartz
Randy Shiff and Donna Starkman Shiff
Bonny Silver
Miguel and Beth Singer
Ernest and Helen Singer
Elaine Spring
The Family of Samuelz”l and Pearlz”l Sugarman
David and Naomi Tal
Louis and Erika Tannenbaum
Mendel and Milla Tennenbaum
Philip and Nanci Turk
Andrew Tylman and Jennifer Swimmer
Ies and Ruth Van Messel
Alma Waldman
Edie Weisbrod
Barry and Nelly Zagdanski
Henry Zagdanskiz”l
Sam and Lonnie Zeifman
Anonymous
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
15
YAEL DISENHOUSE
AND SARA GURZA
YOUTH DIRECTORS
Youth Committee
M
y name is Yael Disenhouse, and I am thrilled
to be one half of the new Youth Director
team at Shaarei Shomayim. I grew up in
this Shul and I am really looking forward
to running the youth program. I am 22 years old, and I
recently graduated from York University with an Honours
BA in History. This year, I will be attending University of
Toronto Teacher College, OISE.
My name is Sara Gurza and I’m 22 years old. This
past year I graduated with an Honours Bachelor degree
in Jewish Studies and Psychology from the University of
Western Ontario. This fall, I will be starting my Bachelor
of Education degree at University of Toronto’s OISE.
Beyond our schooling, we have both worked with
children of all ages in both classroom and informal
settings. Together, we hope to create an educational
environment in the Shul that makes our participants feel
comfortable, eager and excited to come join our program
each week. We firmly believe that the youth program
should serve as an informal environment for Jewish
learning. To this end, our programming will be developed
with the goal of being fun, creative and focused on Torah
and Mitzvot.
Please make sure your children join us each week, we
have a great year planned.
Youth Committee
Shana Aronson
Lance Davis
Tali Golembek
Emily Hershtal
Joey Holtzman
Naomi Mansell
Raquel Milgrom
Tammy Parker
Daniella Silver
Avital Strauchler
Raquel Sultan
Chantal Ulmer
Zachary Zarnett-Klein
Shana Tova
FREE
iPad
WITH A
REFERRAL
RESULTING IN
THE LISTING OR
PURCHASE OF A
REAL ESTATE
PROPERTY
16
FALL 2012
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
16
1 Tishrei
17
2 Tishrei
6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit
7:50 am Slichot & Shacharit
18
(5:55 pm* )
6:40 pm Kol Nidrei
(5:50 pm* )
6:50 pm
6:55 pm Mincha
6:44 pm
Erev Sukkot
8:30 am Shacharit
6:50 pm Mincha
30
6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit
7:45 am Slichot & Shacharit
3:00 pm Mincha
6:20 pm Later Mincha
14 Tishrei
Erev Yom Kippur
9 Tishrei
8:00 am Slichot & Shacharit
24
8:15 am Slichot & Shacharit 6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit
8 Tishrei
7:10 pm Mincha
8:00 pm Yomtov concludes
6:55 pm Mincha
7 Tishrei
23
7:10 pm Mincha
8:02 pm earliest
(6:09 pm* )
7:00 pm Mincha
7:06 pm
5 19 Elul
7:35 pm
6 20 Elul
(6:33 pm* )
7
SEPT
Shabbat
21 Elul
(6:23 pm* )
14
8:20 pm Shabbat ends
28 Elul
19
7:46 pm Fast concludes
6:20 pm Neilah
8:30 am Shacharit
11:30 am approx. Yizkor
4:50 pm Mincha
Yom Kippur
25 10 Tishrei
20
6 Tishrei
8:06 pm Shabbat ends
5 Tishrei
21
7:10 pm
(6:12 pm* )
6:55 pm Mincha
7:00 pm Mincha
6:55 pm Mincha
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
26 11 Tishrei
28
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
13 Tishrei
vnyzah
29
6:30 pm Mincha
6:44 pm
(5:50 pm* )
6:50 pm Mincha
7:40 pm Shabbat ends
* Earliest time when candles may be lit
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
27 12 Tishrei
6:57 pm
(6:01 pm* )
7:00 pm Mincha
22
,ybjn
15
;lyv
Sedrah
5:30 pm Rabbi's Drasha
6:45 pm Mincha
7:53 pm Shabbat ends
6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit 6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit Shabbat Shuva
8:00 am Slichot & Shacharit 8:00 am Slichot & Shacharit 9:00 am Shacharit
4 Tishrei
6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit
8:00 am Slichot & Shacharit
7:00 pm Mincha
6:45 pm Mincha
7:49 pm Fast concludes
Fast of Gedalyah
5:58 pm Fast begins
3 Tishrei
8
avbt yk
10:45 pm Early Slichot
6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit 6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit 6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit 9:00 am Shacharit
7:50 am Slichot & Shacharit 7:50 am Slichot & Shacharit 7:50 am Slichot & Shacharit Sedrah
13 27 Elul
7:23 pm
7:00 pm Mincha
7:10 pm Mincha
7:50 am Slichot & Shacharit 7:50 am Slichot & Shacharit 7:50 am Slichot & Shacharit Sedrah
12 26 Elul
1
7:20 pm Mincha
8:33 pm Shabbat ends
14 Elul
7:00 pm Mincha
31
9:00 am Shacharit
ajt yk
Sedrah
AUGUST
Friday
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
13 Elul
Elul 5772 / Tishrei 5773
6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit 6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit 6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit 9:00 am Shacharit
4 18 Elul
11 25 Elul
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah 1st day Rosh Hashanah 2nd day
7:30 am Slichot & Shacharit 8:00 am Shacharit
8:00 am Shacharit
29 Elul
7:50 am Slichot & Shacharit
6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit
3 17 Elul
10 24 Elul
6:45 am Slichot & Shacharit
7:50 am Slichot & Shacharit
9 23 Elul
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 7:15 pm
1:10 am Later Slichot
8:30 am Shacharit
22 Elul
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 7:30 pm
Labour Day
8:30 am Slichot & Shacharit
8:30 am Shacharit
2 16 Elul
1:10 am Later Slichot
15 Elul
Once again we are planning two Slichot services on Motzei Shabbat September 8th. The first service will begin at 10:45 pm, and will be
followed by refreshments and a programme of learning, leading up to the second service at 1:10 am. Please see separate flyer, available
soon, for further details.
Sunday
Elul
Tishrei
September 2012
11:30 am Kol HaN'Arim
Yizkor Memorial Service
21
22
7 Cheshvan
29 14 Cheshvan
6:55(T) & 7:45 am Shacharit 7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
28 13 Cheshvan
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 5:50 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
12 Cheshvan
Thursday
6:30 pm Mincha
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
10 25 Tishrei
6:40 pm Mincha
Chol HaMoed Sukkot
6:45 & 8:00 am Shacharit
3 18 Tishrei
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
8 Cheshvan
5 20 Tishrei
Shabbat
12 27 Tishrei
6:20 pm Mincha
7:27 pm Shabbat ends
(5:30 pm* )
6:19 pm
6:25 pm Mincha
31
24
25 10 Cheshvan
26 11 Cheshvan
(5:12 pm* )
5:57 pm
6:05 pm Mincha
6:55 pm Shabbat ends
5:45 pm Mincha
Sedrah
27
xn
20
;l ;l
5:55 pm Mincha
7:05 pm Shabbat ends
6:55(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit 7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit 9:00 am Shacharit
9 Cheshvan
(5:20 pm* )
6:08 pm
6:15 pm Mincha
Sedrah
13
6
tywarb
6:05 pm Mincha
7:15 pm Shabbat ends
Sedrah
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit Shabbat Mevorchim
9:00 am Shacharit
11 26 Tishrei
(5:40 pm* )
6:31 pm
6:40 pm Mincha
Megillat Kohelet
Chol HaMoed Sukkot
Shabbat Chol HaMoed
6:45 & 8:00 am Shacharit 8:45 am Shacharit
4 19 Tishrei
Friday
* Earliest time for this activity
(B) indicates that for the early minyan, Tallit and Tefilin are not worn until Boruch She'Omar
(T) indicates that for the early minyan, Tallit and Tefilin are not worn until before Chatzei Kaddish preceding Bor'chu
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
30 15 Cheshvan
23
6:45(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit 6:45(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit
6:55(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit 7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
6 Cheshvan
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 6:05 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
5 Cheshvan
6:30 pm Mincha
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
9 24 Tishrei
6:40 pm Mincha
Chol HaMoed Sukkot
6:45 & 8:00 am Shacharit
2 17 Tishrei
Wednesday
Tishrei / Cheshvan 5773
15 30 Tishrei
16 1 Cheshvan
17 2 Cheshvan
18 3 Cheshvan
19 4 Cheshvan
I Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan
II Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit 9:00 am Shacharit
7:24 pm earliest
14 29 Tishrei
7:22 pm Yomtov ends
followed by Maariv and Hakafot 6:30 pm Mincha
Tefilat Geshem
6:35 pm Mincha
Simchat Torah
8:30 am Shacharit
Shmini Atzeret
8:45 am Shacharit
8 23 Tishrei
6:45 pm Mincha
7:34 pm Yomtov ends
6:45 pm Mincha
7:36 pm earliest
7 22 Tishrei
Sukkot 2nd day
8:45 am Shacharit
1 16 Tishrei
Tuesday
Schedule of Services
Shaarei Shomayim Congregation
Sukkot 1st day
8:45 am Shacharit
15 Tishrei
Monday
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 6:15 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
28 Tishrei
(5:37 pm* )
6:28 pm
6:35 pm Mincha
Hoshanah Rabba
7:30 am Shacharit
21 Tishrei
Sunday
October 2012
Tishrei
Cheshvan
4 20 Cheshvan
Monday
18
20
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
21
5:50 pm Mincha
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
8 Kislev
Rosh Chodesh Kislev
6:45 & 7:45 am Shacharit
1 Kislev
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
5:35 pm Mincha
6:46 pm Shabbat ends
4:26 pm
4:35 pm Mincha
4:22 pm
4:30 pm Mincha
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
30
17
5:28 pm Shabbat ends
4:15 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
24
ajyv
4:20 pm Mincha
5:33 pm Shabbat ends
9:00 am Shacharit
tvdlvt
Sedrah
23 10 Kislev
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
9 Kislev
4:32 pm
4:40 pm Mincha
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
3 Cheshvan
5:39 pm Shabbat ends
16
4:45 pm Mincha
2 Kislev
10
hrs yyx
4:25 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
Shabbat Mevorchim
9 25 Cheshvan
3
aryv
4:39 pm
29 16 Kislev
22
15
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
8 24 Cheshvan
5:47 pm
(5:04 pm* )
5:55 pm Mincha
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
2 18 Cheshvan
Shabbat
* Earliest time for this activity
(T) indicates that for the early minyan, Tallit and Tefilin are not worn until before Chatzei Kaddish preceding Bor'chu
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
28 15 Kislev
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
7 Kislev
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
27 14 Kislev
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
6 Kislev
26 13 Kislev
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
25 12 Kislev
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 4:25 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
11 Kislev
19
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
5 Kislev
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 4:30 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
4 Kislev
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
1 17 Cheshvan
Friday
Cheshvan / Kislev 5773
6:55(T) & 7:45 am Shacharit 7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
16 Cheshvan
Thursday
7 23 Cheshvan
14
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
6 22 Cheshvan
Wednesday
13 29 Cheshvan
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
5 21 Cheshvan
Tuesday
12 28 Cheshvan
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
11 27 Cheshvan
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 4:35 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
26 Cheshvan
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 4:45 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
Set clocks back at 2:00 am 6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
19 Cheshvan
Sunday
November 2012
Cheshvan
Kislev
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
2 19 Kislev
Monday
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
8:30 am Shacharit
16
10 Tevet
4 candles after dark
5 Tevet
24 12 Tevet
6:55(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit Civil Holiday
23 11 Tevet
4:35 pm Mincha
4:35 pm Mincha
31
6:55(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit
30 18 Tevet
8:30 am Shacharit
17 Tevet
6:39 am Fast begins
8:30 am Shacharit
8:30 am Shacharit & Slichot
Mon - Thurs Mincha this week is at 4:30 pm
4:10 pm Mincha
5:19 pm Fast ends
Fast of 10 Tevet
17
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
3rd day of Chanukah
10 27 Tevet
at Maariv
Wednesday
19
8:30 am Shacharit
Civil Holiday
20
13
8 Tevet
4:22 pm
4:30 pm Mincha
7 candles before Shabbat
8
9:00 am Shacharit
Shabbat Chanukah
2 Tevet
15
yxyv
4:20 pm Mincha
5:33 pm Shabbat ends
Sedrah
9:00 am Shacharit
28 16 Tevet
29
wgyv
4:15 pm Mincha
5:29 pm Shabbat ends
9:00 am Shacharit
Sedrah
8 candles after Havdalah
9 Tevet
22
4:10 pm Mincha
5:26 pm Shabbat ends
/qm
1 candle after Havdalah
(B) indicates that for the early minyan, Tallit and Tefilin are not worn until Boruch She'Omar
4:29 pm
4:35 pm Mincha
6:55(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit 7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
27 15 Tevet
4:24 pm
4:30 pm Mincha
21
1
Shabbat Mevorchim
9:00 am Shacharit
bwyv
Sedrah
4:10 pm Mincha
5:25 pm Shabbat ends
First night of Chanukah
7 24 Tevet
14
DEC
9:00 am Shacharit
xlwyv
Sedrah
4:10 pm Mincha
5:26 pm Shabbat ends
30 17 Kislev
Shabbat
Kislev / Tevet 5773
6:45(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit Sedrah
Rosh Chodesh Tevet
6th day of Chanukah
1 Tevet
4:21 pm
4:30 pm Mincha
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
6 23 Tevet
4:22 pm
4:30 pm Mincha
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
NOV
Friday
16 Kislev
6:55(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit 7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
6 candles after dark
7 Tevet
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
5th day of Chanukah
26 14 Tevet
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
5 candles after dark
6 Tevet
25 13 Tevet
18
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
5 22 Tevet
Thursday
12 29 Tevet
6:55 & 7:45 am Shacharit
4th day of Chanukah
11 28 Tevet
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
4 21 Tevet
Begin reciting V'tein tal u'matar
7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
3 20 Kislev
Tuesday
6:55(B) & 7:45 am Shacharit 7:00 & 7:45 am Shacharit
3 candles after dark
4 Tevet
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 4:25 pm
8th day of Chanukah
8:30 am Shacharit
2 candles after dark
3 Tevet
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 4:30 pm
2nd day of Chanukah
9 26 Tevet
1st day of Chanukah
25 Tevet
Sun - Thurs Mincha this week is at 4:25 pm
8:30 am Shacharit
18 Kislev
Sunday
December 2012
Kislev
Tevet
Honourable Menschen
S
$2,750,000
Fall in love with this beautiful
six bedroom, seven bath
residence owned by a Canadian
design Icon on Strathallan Wood.
Features include:
large gourmet kitchen
great room
breakfast area
limestone, granite
10 - 20‘ high ceilings
landscaped garden
mahogany panelled library
handsome gallery on 2nd level with
20’ high ceilings / skylights
sitting room, dressing area,
and six-piece bath.
Double car garage, mud room.
Phyllis McCrae, B.Sc, B.Ed
Sales Representative
Forest Hill Real Estate Inc.,
Brokerage
416-488-2875
E-mail: pmccrae@trebnet.com
haarei Shomayim is proud
to announce that our longtime member, Fred Waks, will be
this year’s honuoree at the JNF
dinner on Sunday November 18
at the Metro Toronto Convention
Centre. This is a fitting honour for
a man who has engaged in many
philanthropic and leadership
activities in our community.
Fred is the President and Chief
Operating Officer of RioCan
Real Estate Investment Trust,
Canada’s largest REIT, owning
and managing the country’s most extensive portfolio of shopping
centres. Mr. Waks joined RioCan in 1995 as Senior Vice President, was
promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2000, and in 2012 moved into
his current role as President.
Fred is an active community member and is involved with a number
of local and national charities. He serves on the board of governors at
Shaarei Shomayim in addition to his work on the boards of Yad Vashem
and the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation. Fred’s family has made
significant contributions to the University of Western Ontario, Hebrew
University, and to UJA Federation of Toronto’s Koffler Centre in memory
of Fred’s parents Henry and Sylvia Waks. He has served as co-chair for
the Forest Hill Jewish Centre, Capital Campaign and as co-chair for the
Israel Emergency Campaign during the second Lebanon war.
Fred shares a deep love for Israel and for the Jewish community. Fred
explained the reason that he volunteers for and generously supports
Jewish causes in two words, “Jewish continuity.” Fred calls upon the
Talmud when he asserts that Israel and education are at the core of
our people’s continued existence. These values were learned from his
parents Henry and Sylvia Waks and through growing up in the Shaarei
Shomayim community.
We extend a yashar koach to Fred and Linda Waks and their four
daughters, Jessica, Marlie, Whitney, and Ariel and son-in-law David
Goodman.
Fred is the fifth member of Shaarei Shomayim to receive this significant
honour. Previous honourees include Allan Silber (1998), Max and Issy
Sharp (1989) and Meyer Gasner (1958). Our members’ engagement in
communal activities and philanthropy is a tribute to the values of our
synagogue and its membership. We say kol hakavod to Fred – may you
go from strength to strength.
Fred Waks
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
21
2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY WELCOME BLOCK PARTY
22
FALL 2012
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL INSTALLATION
2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY WELCOME BLOCK PARTY
BRET STEPHENS
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
23
Minyan Committee
A
l G. Brown, Sam Moscowitz, and Rabbi Strauchler
have begun work on reinvigorating our Minyan
Committee. This committee works to make sure that we
have a prayer quorum at all shiva houses and at our regular
daily minyanim throughout the year – morning and
evening. Our synagogue’s ability to care for our members’
needs in saying kaddish at a shiva, on a Yahrzeit, or during
the year of mourning is dependant upon our willingness
to be there for them when they need our help.
If you would like to join this committee, please contact Al
G. Brown, through the synagogue office. We ask that when
called upon that you please make every effort to assist the
committee. Thank you.
LET’S MAKE OUR SHUL
WARM AND HOSPITABLE
We are looking for members who can
host young singles, new members, or
visitors for Shabbat and Yom Tov meals.
We would like to make sure that every
person who comes to our shul has a
place to go.
If you are interested, please e-mail or
call the shul office.
24
FALL 2012
TORAH Joseph and Dara Birnboim / Ariella Korman / Maya and Gabriella Treitel / Sara
Golombek / Ali and Zack Isakow / Liora and Naomi Benmergui / Greg, Jeff, and Sarena Kay
/Jacob Posluns / Yael Disenhouse / Maya, Ariella, and Yakira Aaronson / Zack Mansel / Sara and
Blimi Alice / Orly Lipsitz / Zoey Nadler / Ashley Offenheim / Ariel Strub / Sabrina Craig / Carly
and Ethan Factor / Maya Albin / Michael Saskin / Hillary Weisleder / Elisha Krauss / Yona
Traubici / Sofia Freudenstein / Harry and Judy Schachter / Adam and Betty Charnaw / Daniel
Neufeld / Hyim Bessin / Rabbi Jeff Turtel / Rabbi Elliott Diamond / Benny Osher / Frank Ander /
Hartley Perlmutter / Eliyahu and David Freudenstein / Andrew Neuman / Yitzchok and Roberta
Strauchler / Sophia and Zev Spiro / Aaron Herman / Charlene and George Arje / Alex Neuman /
Naomi Roskies / Alan and Etta Sugarman / Barry Zagdansky /Caleb Mansell / Effi Frohwein /
Cliff Korman / Alan Burger / Myer Boldes / Michael Mills / Hymie and Shirley Schildkraut /
Raquel, Irving, and Audrey Benmergui / Meyer Mechanic / Ted Shoub / Roy Masters/ Larry and
Sam Zimmerman / Joe, Melissa, Rebecca, Danielle, and Nathan Starkman / Ronit Holtzman /
Sheldon Disenhouse / Leah Lerner / Al G Brown / Zion Sasson / Andrew Raab NEVIIM
Brondell Shapiro / Alan Cohen / Hart Goldhar / Michael Buckstein / Ken Gruber / Brian Lass /
Rachel Libman / Gerald Lazar / Daniella Silver / Chantal Ulmer / Emily Hershtal / Jeffrey Silver
/Bernie
Kleinberg
/
Sofia
Freudenstein / Joel Monson / Eugene
Feiger / Avital and Tehilla Strauchler
/ Rena Levy / Brian Cantor / Carole
Cantor / Jeff and Judy Lipsitz / Avi
Lipsitz / Yonatan Lipsitz / Michal Lipsitz
/ Orly Lipsitz / Naomi Mansel / David
Mansel / Gina Lapowich / Stuart
Lapowich / Joshua Eisenstat / Linda
and Randall Craig / Ted and Edith
Croitoro / Michael, Shimon, and
Yaakov Goldrich / Brian Schwartz / Alan
Burger / Elli Schochet / Andrew
Bloom and Family / Mitchel Perlmutter /
Sharon Zimmerman / Harriet Morris / Roza Berkowitz / Raphi Zaionz / Rebecca Nadler / Bev
Lyons / Ron and Benjy Wald / Arielle Strub / Al G Brown / Jeffrey Zeifman /Jeff and Gayle
Roberts / Steven Balsam / Henry Zieleniec / Leora Eisenstat / David and Naomi Tal / Benjamin
Zev and Rabbi Yechiel Goldreich / David and Rachel Fryman / Larry and Sarah Krauss / Ruth
Talesnick / Noam Goodman / Dov Begun / Michelle and Zvi Shavim / Jonathan and Rena Parker
/ Daniel Gofine / Malka Lewittes / Sam Moskowitz / Jason Goldberg / Koby and Randy Spiegel /
Brad Strauss / Mark Weisleder / Ilana Arje Goldenthal / Daniel and Yael Bierstone / Mara
Finkelstein / Dovid Zirkind / David and Helen Brown / Russel Levy / Immanuel Burton / Ralph
Levine / Malka Lewittes and Noam Pratzer / Alan and Flora Polard / Gita Rotenberg / Jonathan
and Rena Parker KETUVIM Chazan Avraham Sultan / Raquel and Jason Goldberg / Sarah
Brown and Ariella Zirkind / Andrew Kaminker / Amanda Salem and David Eisenstat / Eli
Woznica / Prof. David Novak / Brenda Bessin / Aura Woznica / Joyce Eklove / Jeff Fialkov /
Hyim Bessin / Adina Ander / Howard Katz / Shayna Kravetz / Joel Markin / Ralph and Kitty
Wintrob / Bill Klein and Zachary Zarnett Klein / Anna Urowitz Freudenstein / Sofia Freudenstein
/ Tom Moos / Miriam Bessin / Ron and Joshua Beasley / Deborah Mechanic and Cynthia Gasner /
Treitel Family / Sol Zeifman / Michael Bloom / Les Train / Melech Halberstadt / Chaim
Strauchler / Elise Herzig / Ron Cuperfain / Marilyn Maierovitz / Mendy Maierovitz / Eric and
Adina Golombek and Family / David Kaminker / Rena Neufeld / Farokh and Dalya Hakimi / Gary
Litwack / Shoshana Elharar / Berl Nadler / Adam and Naomi Garten / David Freudenstein
24 BOOKS OF TANACH 931 CHAPTERS
242 PARTICIPANTS 22,098 VERSES 1 SHUL
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
25
Jewish Free Loan Toronto
A LEGACY OF LENDING, A HISTORY OF HOPE
O
ur organization has been providing interest-free
funding to needy members of Toronto’s Jewish
community since 1924.
We are a beneficiary agency of UJA Federation and
United Way Toronto, and we offer three distinct lending
programs to Jewish applicants in financial need:
t #VTJOFTTMPBOToBWBJMBCMFVQUPBNBYJNVNBNPVOU
of $15,000 – to be repaid at $312.50 per month.
t &EVDBUJPOBM MPBOT o BWBJMBCMF VQ UP B NBYJNVN
amount of $7,500 – to be repaid at $50 per month
while the recipient remains a full-time student, and
$125 monthly thereafter.
t 1FSTPOBMMPBOToBWBJMBCMFVQUPBNBYJNVNBNPVOU
of $5,000 – to be repaid at $125 per month.
If a client is unable to maintain his / her original
repayment schedule, their monthly payments will be
reduced to a mutually agreeable repayment amount and
will be subject to regular reviews.
At this time, 42 JFLT loans are being repaid through
a Reduced Payments format with another 500 JFLT loans
being repaid in accordance with their original repayment
schedules. These loans represent over $3,000,000 in total
loan disbursements. Monthly payments on these loans are
servicing the $1.4M of debt that remains outstanding.
All JFLT loans are secured with the participation of
guarantors: this support helps us maintain a default rate
PGMFTTUIBO
Dedicated volunteers give their time and talents
to enrich our mission and increase our profile in the
community. Should you wish to join our organization and
participate as an active member in JFLT client interviews
or committee work, a minimum annual donation of $154
is required but more is welcomed.
For more information, please contact 416-635-1217
or info@jewishfreeloan.ca.
LET’S SHAKE IT UP!
After the Sukkah goes up, be sure you’re equipped with the tools of the trade!
Tom Moos will again be offering for sale top-of-the line:
Lulavim and Etrogim Sets (Arba Minim) along with Hoshanot for Hoshanah Rabba
FULL LULAV AND ETROG SETS
Shaarei Shomayim
Entry through North Doors off of the parking lot
Lower Level Sisterhood Hall under Shaarei Shomayim
Thursday September 27
4:00pm - 10:00pm
HOSHANOT
Shaarei Shomayim
Main Floor Foyer, just outside Main Sanctuary
Sunday October 7
7:00am - 7:30am
Please pre-order. No sales or pick-up of Hoshanot after 7:30am.
Avoid disappointment! Place your orders in advance.
Contact Tom Moos: phone 416-789-3865 or email tfmmoos@yahoo.ca.
PLEASE TRY TO BRING EXACT CHANGE. PAYMENT MAY BE MADE EITHER BY CASH OR CHEQUE.
26
FALL 2012
An Interest-Free Loan?
I’m interested.
@[m_i^
Jehedje
Djgdcan^ciZgZhi^h^cndj
We offer three categories
of interest-free loans:
PERSONAL LOANS
— up to $5,000
STUDENT LOANS
— up to $7,500
BUSINESS LOANS
— up to $15,000
Jewish residents of the
Greater Toronto Area who
are Canadian citizens or
Permanent Residents of
Canada are eligible to
apply.
www.jewishfreeloan.ca
416-635-1217
info@jewishfreeloan.ca
JFLT-03-12
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
27
28
FALL 2012
© BK Design 647 835 5977
HIGH HOLIDAYS RECIPE FROM
Baked Apples – Parve
INGREDIENTS
10 cooking apples (washed, cored and cut in half)
1 cup red wine
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup melted margarine
1 cup chopped walnuts
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange prepared apples on a greased baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl mix together wine, brown sugar,
cinnamon and walnuts. Spoon equal amounts of
mixture over the apples.
4.Top with melted margarine and bake in preheated
oven for one hour.
Sue’s Flowers
Fresh Exotic Arrangements
& Flower Design
For Your Special Occasions
3673 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M6A 2E6
Tel: 416-781-2734
Fax: 416-781-7632
Mobile: 416-580-0928
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
29





 















 





30
FALL 2012

 










TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
31
Family News
BIRTHS
RON BEASLEY AND SUZANNE LANDAU on
the birth of a granddaughter, Ariell. Thrilled
parents are David Reichert and Jennifer
Beasley. Proud great grandmother is Cela
Landau. Excited big sister is Noa.
ARNOLD BUXBAUM on the birth of a great
grandson. Thrilled parents are Rafi and Tamar
Greenbaum, of New York. Proud grandparents
are Danny and Bruria Francis and Joey and
Cheryl Greenbaum, of Hamilton. Proud great
grandmother is Chava Greenbaum. Excited
big brother is Natanel.
GEORGE AND ELFRIEDA VALE on the birth of
a great grandson. Thrilled parents are Reuven
and Batya Menzelefsky. Proud grandparents
are Rabbi Asher and Devorah Vale and
Duvie and Debbie Menzelefsky. Proud great
grandparents are Daniel and Edith Monson
and Herschel Perl and Ila Menzelefsky
32
FALL 2012
ROSH HASHANAH 2012
We wish Mazal Tov to the following:
RABBI CHAIM AND AVITAL STRAUCHLER on
the birth of twin nieces. Thrilled parents are
Daniel and Yael Strauchler of Riverdale, New
York.
RON AND RACHEL WALD on the birth
of Joshua Meir and Tamar Esther. Proud
grandparents are Lillian Dayan and Hadassa
and Ted Wald, of Montreal. Proud great
grandmother is Ida Rice. Excited big brothers
are Benjamin and Zachary.
JEFFREY AND ELAINE HERTZ on the birth
of their granddaughter, Eliana Sara, daughter
of Joshua and Stacey Hertz. Also thrilled
are grandmother Norma Inch and great
grandparents, Dr. Harry and Ruth Hotz of
Hamilton. Proud great uncle and aunt are
Brian and Robbie Schwartz. Excited big
brother is Gavi.
JOE AND IDA BERGER on the birth of a
granddaughter, Reva Gila Held. Thrilled
parents are Daniel Held and Arielle Berger.
Proud grandparents are Steven and Barbara
Held.
MENDY AND MARILYN MAIEROVITZ on the
birth of a grandson, son of Dov Maierovitz
and Shoshana Israel. Proud grandparents are
Ahava and Zel Spillman and Peter Israel and
Sonja Falkenberg. Proud great-grandmothers
are Dorothy Newman and Magda Israel.
BRIAN AND ROBBIE SCHWARTZ on the birth
of their granddaughter, Kayla Malka. Proud
parents are Ryan and Naomi Spodek. Excited
big brothers are Chaim Zev and Ari.
MELECH AND DOROTHY HALBERSTADT
on the birth of a grandson. Thrilled parents
are Jeffrey and Daliah Halberstadt. Proud
grandparents are Manny and Barbara
BenDayan, and delighted great grandmother
is Batya BenDayan. Excited siblings are
Noam, Benjamin, Dana Tai and Jayden.
DAVID AND CHANTAL ULMER on the birth of a
baby girl, Emanuelle Eva. Proud grandparents
are John and Lori Ulmer and Tobie and Meira
Tugendhaft. Excited big brothers are Adley
and Jaren.
LINDA LEVENSTEIN on the birth of a greatgrandson born to Merav and Yair Hershkovitz
of Jerusalem. Excited brother is Yehuda
Mevaser. Proud grandparents are Michael
and Leora Levenstein and Meir and Yehudit
Hershkovitz. Proud great-grandparents are
Chuck and Connie Solomon.
LES AND RUTH VAN MESSEL on the birth of
a granddaughter, Daniella Rachel, born to
Yehuda Ordower and Golda Van Messel. Proud
grandmother is Ayala Ordower of K’far Ro’eh,
Israel. Excited big brother is Ben Ordower.
MENDY AND MARILYN MAIEROVITZ on
the birth of a grandson born to Yona and
Meir Chaim Dan of Beit Zayit, Israel. Proud
grandparents are Debbie and Herby Dan of
Beit El.
PAUL BROWN AND CAROL BROWN on
the birth of a granddaughter, Tova Dena,
born to Reuven and Rivky Brown of Passaic,
New Jersey. Proud grandparents are Rabbi
Avraham and Frada Stone of West Orange,
New Jersey.
SIMHA AND NELLY MENDELSOHN on the
birth of their first grandson born to Sam
and Jennifer Mendelsohn. Proud greatgrandparents are Dinette Mendelsohn, Perl
Jinich, and Harvey and Belle Rudnick.
BRIT MILAH
RABBI MOSHE AND BAILA SHULMAN on the
brit milah of their grandson, Avraham Yosef,
son of Motti and Zippi Klein.
BAR / BAT MITZVAH
DAVID NADLER AND TARA DUBROW on the
Bar Mitzvah of their son, EZRA HARRY. Proud
grandparents are Doris Nadler and Paula and
Arnie Dubrow. Excited siblings are Zoe, Gaby
and Lee.
LORRAINE HANSER on the recent Bat
Mitzvah of her granddaughter, Samantha,
daughter of Jon and Sari Hanser. Proud
brothers are Jordan and Adam.
STEPHEN AND LINDA OFFENHEIM on the
Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, RACHEL. Proud
grandparents are Rose factor and Sandy and
Harold Offenheim. Proud great grandmother
is Clara Tobias. Thrilled siblings are Ashley and
Jake.
SOL AND QUEENIE NAYMAN on the recent
Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, MAURICE, son
of Gary and Nicole Nayman. Proud siblings
are Candace and Lauren.
AARON AMBROSE on the celebration of his
Bar Mitzvah. Proud parents are Adam and
Debbie Moscovitch and Richard Ambrose.
Proud grandparents are Moshe and Esther
Elfassy and Herb and Roslyn Lebane. Excited
sisters are Estee, Bayla and Shira Moscovitch
ARNIE AND PAULA DUBROW on the Bat
Mitzvah of their granddaughter ATERET
GEULA RICHLER in Efrat, Israel. Proud parents
are Lainie and Shmariyah Richler. Excited
siblings are Daniel and Ellie, Yair, Rachel and
Elisha.
JAY COHEN AND JULIA FOGEL on the
Bar Mitzvah of their son SPENCER. Proud
grandmother is Elaine Cohen. Excited siblings
are Beth and Elliot.
ENGAGEMENTS
LORNE BURGER, son of Alan and Suzannez”l
Burger on his engagement to ASHLEY
FAUST, daughter of Ronnie and Gail Faust.
Proud grandmothers are Mary Nelson and
Adele Faust. Thrilled siblings are Marc and
Jill Burger, Naomi Burger, and Jared and Jess
Faust. Excited nieces and nephews are Ari,
Lia, and Zoe Burger, and Ryan Faust.
GEORGE AND ELLEN FANTUS on the
engagement of their son, DANIEL, to
LINDSAY SCHWARTZ, daughter of Iris Gourdji
and Dr. Murray Katz and Gordon Schwartz of
Montreal. Proud siblings are Claire and Sophia
Fantus and Ryan Schwartz.
AARON AND JOYCE RIFKIND on the
engagement of their son JACOB, to
RACHALE, daughter of ANN SILBER COHEN
AND WARREN COHEN. Delighted siblings are
Joshua and Tobi Rifkind, Naomi and David
Mansell, Yigal and Ben Rifkind, and Rebecca
and Zachary Cohen.
ELLIOTT AND BEVERLY LYONS on the
engagement of their son, ALON of Jerusalem
to MAZAL HADAD, daughter of Jacquline
and Asher Hadad of Beer Sheva. Proud
grandmothers are Ruth Javasky of Toronto
and Rivka and Yoseph Hadad of Beer Sheva
Excited siblings are Daniel Lyons, and Avital,
Yossi, Nati, Nir, and Yovel Hadad.
BRIAN AND CAROLE CANTOR on the
engagement of their daughter SARIT
to BENJAMIN HACKMAN, son of Morris
and Cindy Hackman of Toronto. Proud
grandparents are Lee and Edith Cantor, Bill
Parker, and Sally Friedman. Excited siblings
are Isaac and Oren Cantor, and Havah, Gabriel,
and Miriam Hackman.
CLIFFORD AND KATY KORMAN on the
engagement of their son, AARON to LARA
TORVI, daughter of Gerry and Lee Torvi.
RABBI YECHIEL GOLDREICH on
engagement to SHEVY HOROWITZ.
his
STEPHEN AND TERRI WEINTRAUB on the
engagement of their daughter ROBYN to
MARK MASTERS, son of Randolph and Risa
Masters. Proud grandparents are Sondi
Goldblatt and Robert and Sheila Masters.
Excited siblings are Aaron Weintraub and
Avishag Regev, Debra Weintraub, and Michelle,
Lily and Jackie Masters.
HONOUR THE MEMORY OF YOUR LOVED ONES BY DEDICATING
A MEMORIAL PLAQUE OR A LEAF ON OUR TREE OF LIFE.
MIRIAM ROSENTHAL on the Bar Mitzvah in
Israel of her great grandson, CHAIM ELIYAHU
PENNER.
DAVID EISENSTAT AND AMANDA SALEM on
the Bar Mitzvah of their son JOSHUA AARON.
Proud grandparents are Chaim and Esther
Eisenstat, Joseph and Muguette Salem, and
Ketty Salem. Thrilled siblings are Ariella and
Leora.
FOR DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT AURA
IN THE SHUL OFFICE OR E-MAIL aura@shomayim.org.
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
33
LORNE AND YAFFA FACTOR on the
engagement of their daughter MELISSA to
EVAN COHEN of Los Angeles, California.
Proud parents are Hart and Debbie Cohen.
Excited siblings are Carly and Ethan Factor,
and Samantha, Sabrina, Ryan, and Sean
Cohen. Elated grandparents are Rose Factor,
Johanna Klein, David Cohen and Gloria and
Pesach Halberstadt.
DR. MARK AND EDITH NUSBAUM on the
marriage of their grandson, AVI POMPER,
son of Dr. Mark and Suzy Pomper of Miami
Beach, to ARIELA ZUKER, daughter of Dr. Eli
and Brendy Zuker, of New York. Avi’s thrilled
siblings are Yoni, Daniel, Rifka, Elisheva, Ezra,
and Kobi and Penina; Ariela’s equally thrilled
siblings are Rebecca, Aliza, I-ella and Dina.
ANNIVERSARIES AND BIRTHDAYS
MARRIAGES
IRWIN WOODROM on his wedding and on his
marriage to ROZ KATZ.
NAVA LIGHTSTONE on her marriage to
JONATHAN HOFFMAN. Proud parents are
Leonard and Aviva Lightstone of Ottawa,
and Martin and Brenda Hoffman. Delighted
siblings are Noam Lightstone and Robyn and
Brooke Hoffman.
GEORGE AND CHARLENE ARJE on the
marriage of their daughter TAMAR to ELI
LECHTMAN, son of Marilyn and Ben Lechtman.
Proud grandparents are Eva Arje, Shoshana
Samuels, and Toni and Efraim Lechtman.
Mazal tov to siblings Ilana Arje-Goldenthal
and Evan Goldenthal, and Danielle Arje.
BEN COPELOVICI on the celebration of his
90th Birthday!
LARRY AND ALA GAMULKA on the celebration
of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
ELLIOTT DALE on the celebration of his
birthday!
QUEENIE NAYMAN on the celebration of her
75th birthday.
JERRY AND SANDY GENESOVE on
the celebration of their 38th Wedding
Anniversary!
PHILIP TURK on the celebration of his
birthday.
Mazal Tov and Yasher Koach to BENNY OSHER,
who was elected as President of Shaarei
Shomayim. Yasher Kochachem to the other
officers – Brian Cantor, Wendy Kauffman, Joel
Monson, Joyce Eklove, Hymie Schildkraut and
Irving Benmergui – as well as the entire newly
elected Board of Directors. May you all go
from strength to strength. The Congregation
also extends appreciation to all the outgoing
Officers and Board members.
Mazal Tov to REBECCA GRUBER, on becoming
one of the first four people to be certified in
Canada as a Clinical Specialist in Neurology,
by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association;
and for being honoured as the 2012 Recipient
of the Award for Research Advancing
Quality Care, from the Ontario College of
Physiotherapists.
Mazal Tov to ZACK AND ALI ISAKOW who
were honoured from the Bimah for their
dedication and commitment to the youth
programming at Shaarei Shomayim. They
were presented with a gift from the parents
of the children who attended and enjoyed the
weekly Shabbat youth program, as well as the
youth programs for the Chaggim, over the
past year. We wish them well as they move
to Montreal.
MEYER ZEIFMAN on the marriage of his
grandson OMRI ZEIFMAN, son of Joseph
and Yocheved Zeifman, to NOMI BELZBERG,
daughter of Shirley and Brian Belzberg.
RABBI ELLIOTT AND ROCHELLE DIAMOND
on the celebration of their 35th Wedding
Anniversary.
Mazal Tov to GEORGE AND ELLEN FANTUS on
their son DANIEL passing his Internal Medicine
Board of Examinations of the Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
BERNARD AND LILLIAN COOPER on the
marriage of their grandson AARON DAVID
CHERNIAK to Sali Rachel Blum, of Houston,
Texas. Proud parents are Robert and Sharon
Cherniak and Henry and Vivian Blum, of
Texas. Excited sisters are Rebecca Cherniak
and Anna Blum.
SPECIAL AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
A warm Shaarei Shomayim welcome to our
new Interim Executive Director NICOLE
TOLEDANO.
JAMES AND LINDA SLAVENS on the wedding
of their son, STEVEN, to LAURA, daughter of
David and Alicia Wexler. We extend blessings
of joy and happiness to Steven and Laura as
they build a bayit ne’eman b’yisrael.
SHELDON AND LORI DISENHOUSE on the
marriage of their daughter, YAEL to MICHAEL
LIPSON, son of Brian and Shelley Lipson.
Proud siblings are Sari and Josh Disenhouse
and Ofra, Eli, Alexandra, and Atara Lipson.
Elated grandparents are Martin and Eleanor
Lipson and Menashe and Ryfka Laiman.
MARK AND EDITH NUSBAUM on the wedding
of their granddaughter ADINA RIFKA WEIL to
MICHAEL LITWACK. Proud parents are Dan
and Shari Weil, Alan and Resa Litwack and
Judy and Marty Garson.
34
FALL 2012
Mazal tov to DAVID FREUDMANN on his
appointment to the Board of Directors of
ILC – Improve the Lives of Children. David
has been recognized for his commitment and
dedication in fundraising and bringing to the
medical forefront the devastating effects of
Ehlers-Danlos disease.
Mazal tov to DANIELE LERNER, daughter of
MITCHELL AND LEAH LERNER, a graduate
student of Anthropology with a specialty
in pre-med at Barnard College in New York,
for being chosen as the academic speaker
representing graduating students in her year.
Daniele shared the podium with US President
Barack Obama.
Mazal tov to JACQUELINE CRAIG for winning
the Weizmann ISSI Fellowship for 2012.
A hearty Mazal Tov to her proud parents,
RANDALL AND LINDA CRAIG.
Tzeitchem LeShalom to MICHAEL SASKIN
as he leaves to join Tzahal. We thank you for
your commitment to defend our people and
we pray for your success and safety. Along
with your parents, Ted and Lori, your shul
takes pride in the young man that you have
become.
Mazal Tov to ERIC AND ADINA GOLOMBEK
AND FAMILY on their Aliyah to Israel. We wish
them well and hope they come back to visit us
soon. Tzeitchem L’Shalom!
CONDOLENCES TO
JUDY AND ARNY DONSKY AND WENDY
SHUGAR on the loss of their father, Saul
Shugarz”l.
AVISHAG REGEV AND AARON WEINTRAUB,
EVI REGEV AND RONNIE REGEV, on the
loss of their father and father-in-law, Gabriel
Regevz”l.
PEARL AND ALAN GREENSPAN, ALLAN
AND JANA BRENMAN, OF RHODE ISLAND,
ANNETTE AND HAROLD GRAFTSTEIN,
ARTHUR POLLACK, MARILYN AND HARTLEY
NATHAN, AND HARVEY AND YETTA
BRENMAN, on the loss of their mother and
mother-in-law, and sister and sister-in-law,
Yetti Lightstonez”l.
EWA KORDA, ANDY AND SUSAN KORDA,
AND JEFF AND MARSHA KORDA, on the loss
of their husband, father and father-in-law,
Martin Kordaz”l.
MIRIAM ERLICHMAN AND ELI KLEIN, AND DI
ERLICHMAN, on the loss of their mother and
mother-in-law Ruth Erlichmanz”l, in Australia.
BARRY AND JANE CHAPNICK, AND PAUL
AND JOYCE CHAPNICK, on the loss of their
father and father-in-law, Fred Chapnickz”l.
RUTH PODESWA, HOWARD PODESWA,
JOY WALKER, DEBBIE SELIGMAN, JAMIE
SELIGMAN, JEREMY PODESWA, AND PETER
RITCHIE on the loss of their husband, father,
and father-in-law, Yidel (Julius) Podeswaz”l.
DR. SAYA VICTOR FEINMAN, JOYCE AND
ZION SASSON, AND RENA FEINMAN AND
DAVID SIEGEL, on the loss of their wife,
mother and mother-in-law, Felicia Feinmanz”l.
ALAN BURGER, MARC AND JILL BURGER,
LORNE BURGER AND NAOMI BURGER, on the
loss of their wife, mother and mother-in-law,
Suzanne Burgerz”l.
HARRY AND FRANCES FORMAN on the loss
of their brother and brother in law, Sidney
Formanz”l.
KENNY AND DENISE GOTTLIEB, NORMAN
AND SHARON GOTTLIEB, JOEL AND ANNA
GOTTLIEB, GARY AND RUTH GOTTLIEB,
AND STEVEN AND LISA GOTTLIEB; MAX
RUBENSTEIN, TOBY BURAK, AND SALLY
GALLINGER, on the loss of their mother,
mother-in-law and sister, Rose Gottliebz”l.
NIGEL BLUMENTHAL AND DONNA CASSELS,
HOWARD BLUMENTHAL AND WILLIAM
BLUMENTHAL on the loss of their mother
and mother-in-law, Janie Blumenthalz”l, in
Birmingham, England.
IMRE JACK SMITH, CATHIE AND STEVEN
FRIEDMAN, MARK FRIEDMAN AND KEVIN
FRIEDMAN on the loss of their wife, mother,
mother-in-law, and grandmother, Magdolna
Smithz”l.
BARRY AND NELLY ZAGDANSKI, IAN AND
SARA ZAGDANSKI, FELICIA AND DAVID
POSLUNS AND DEBBIE AND HART COHEN
on the loss of their father and father-in-law,
Henry Zagdanskiz”l.
CAROLE AND BRIAN CANTOR, MITCHELL
AND CHERYL PARKER, AND BRIAN PARKER
AND LAINE DALBY on the passing of their
mother and mother-in-law, Minnie Parkerz”l.
MICHELE BIELER on the passing of her
husband, Richard Bielerz”l.
MARCELLE ESSES on the loss of her brother,
Albert Shalomz”l.
CLIFFORD AND KATY KORMAN, AND SHELBY
AND SUSAN KORMAN on the loss of their
father, Mike Kormanz”l.
TOM AND SHOSHANAH MOOS AND CINDY
AND JULIAN DAVEY on the loss of their
mother, Vera Moosz”l.
THE FAMILY of the late Rose Abromsz”l.
THE FAMILY of the late Ida Kausfaterz”l.
ETHEL LAMSTER of the loss of her brother,
Arnold Baderz”l.
RABBI ELLIOTT AND ROCHELLE DIAMOND,
AND NANCY AND DR. ARNOLD RUBENSTEIN,
on the loss of their mother and mother-in-law,
Jean Diamondz”l.
THE FAMILY of the late Genia Minzz”l.
professionally we serve
professionally we care
TISHREI-CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5773
35
DATES TO REMEMBER
SEPT. 8
Association for Israel’s Soldiers
470 Glencairn Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5N 1V8
!(!,$+*!ƫĨąāćĩƫĈĉĊġăĂāăƫđƫ4ƫĨąāćĩƫĈĉĊġāĈĂĉ
333ċ/$+)5%)ċ+.#ƫđƫġ)%(ƫ%*"+Į/$+)5%)ċ+.#
SEPT. 9
Selichot: “The Ultimate Sacrifice?
A text-based analysis of Akeidat Yitzchak”
with Rabbi Dov Linzer, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah
and Dr. Elliott Malamet Torah in Motion
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday .............................................8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday........................................................................ 8:30am - 2:00pm
Shabbat, Sunday .........................................................................closed
SEPT. 17-18
WHO’S WHO
Rabbi..........................................................................Chaim Strauchler
Chazzan ...................................................................... Avraham Sultan
Shamash / Baal Kriyah ................................................Ralph Levine
Baal Kriyah ...................................................................... Philip Zucker
Rabbi, Downstairs Minyan .................................... Elliott Diamond
President ...........................................................................Benny Osher
Interim Executive Director .................................. Nicole Toledano
Youth Directors ....................... Yael Disenhouse and Sara Gurza
Bulletin Contributor ..............................................Lawrence Savlov
DONATIONS
Capital Fund.........................................................................$18 and up
Library Fund ........................................................................$18 and up
Philip Zucker Torah Fund ................................................$18 and up
Phillip Wintrob Youth Fund ...........................................$18 and up
Rabbi’s Charity Fund ........................................................$18 and up
Volunteer Appreciation Fund .......................................$18 and up
Beit Medrash Book Fund ...............................................$36 and up
Chessed Fund.....................................................................$36 and up
Memorial Plaques .........................................................................$400
Tree of Life: Leaf ......................................................................... $1,800
Tree of Life: Stone ..................................................................... $5,400
Rosh Hashanah
SEPT. 22
Shabbat Shuva: Teshuva and Habit Formation
SEPT. 23
Memorial Plaque Dedication
SEPT. 23
Orthodox Union Kinus Teshuva Program
with Rabbi Daniel Korobkin
SEPT. 25
Kol Nidre
SEPT. 26
Yom Kippur
OCT. 1-2
Succot Day 1 and 2
OCT. 3
Movie Night in the Succah
OCT. 8
Shmini Atzeret
OCT. 9
Simchat Torah
OCT. 16
Shoshana Zolty’s Class begins Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00am
OCT. 20
Elliott Malamet – Shabbat Unplugged
OCT. 22
Rabbi Strauchler Kings Class begins Mondays at 9:30am
Tuesdays at 7:30pm
OCT. 24
Three-Part Series on the Kuzari
with Rabbi Daniel Korobkin at 8:00pm
OCT. 27
Scholar-in-Residence – Rabbi Michael Hattin
OCT. 29
Medical Halacha Series with Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner
OCT. 30
Public Health Series with Dr. Brad Straus
OCT. 31
Rabbi Korobkin Kuzari
NOV. 3
Shabbat Eretz Yisrael – Mizrachi
SPONSORSHIPS
Regular Shabbat Kiddush ........................................................$720*
Shabbat Mevorchim Kiddush .................................................$900*
Downstairs Minyan Kiddush ..................................................... $250
Hashkama Minyan Kiddush........................................................ $180
Seudah Shlishit ............................................................................... $180
Teen Minyan Kiddush ..................................................................$200
Chessed Fund Sponsor a Meal ................................................... $72
Flowers for the Sanctuary ............................call for more details
Youth Kiddush...................................................................................$54
Weekday Breakfast: per day ....................................................... $72
Weekday Breakfast: per week ................................................. $250
*Partial sponsorships available........................... starting at $180
To make a donation or arrange for a sponsorship, please call
the shul office. Tax receipts will be issued.
NOV. 5
Holocaust Education Week – Yuri Dojc
NOV. 7
Rabbi Korobkin Kuzari
NOV. 9
KinderMinyan begins
DEC. 1
Montreal-Themed Shabbat
with Scholar-in-Residence – Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz
ENDOWMENTS
Endowment funds can be set up to suit your individual
requirements. For further information, please contact the
shul office.
DEC. 5
Public Health Series with Dr. Aronson
DEC. 8
Elliott Malamet – Shabbat Unplugged
NOV. 10
Scholar-in-Residence – Professor Ruth Wisse
NOV. 14
YU Beit Midrash at Shaarei Shomayim, 8:00-10:00pm
NOV. 15
Public Health Series with Dr. Mark Silverberg
“Crohn’s and Colitis: Living Jewish with IBD”
NOV. 17
Elliott Malamet – Shabbat Unplugged
NOV. 21
YU Beit Midrash at Shaarei Shomayim, 8:00-10:00pm
NOV. 24
Scholar-in-Residence – Professor Aaron Demsky
DEC. 12
Chanukat Beit HaMidrash – Chanukah Celebration
DEC. 15
Shabbat Chanukah
DEC. 17
Medical Halacha Series with Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner