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In response to the news that Starbucks has pulled out of the new atrium plan, many congregants phoned the Renewal Project (ext. 1950) hotline to express their dismay. As a result of this outpouring, we decided to take this issue to the people.

We asked eight members of our community the following question: What, in fact, should the congregational Renewal Project do with the food court of the new atrium?

Holy Blossom Temple BulletinMarch 2008 | Adar I/Adar II 5768

This is NOT the

The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Fall Lecture Series

Making the Temple a Place of Comfort

Four Renowned University Chairs Visit Holy Blossom Temple

High ChairWorkshop on the priestly benediction

ReclinerMaintaining

interest during sermons

RockerSeminar on shuckling

WingbackEngaging fringe

members

Pam Hamovich, Principal, Holy Blossom Temple Pre-School: No nuts!

Lev Maidanik, Assistant Facilities Manager: As long as there’s borscht, I’m a happy camper. But more importantly, I think you should post the following sign: “Your mother doesn’t work here — clean up after yourselves.”

Pnina Margolese, Sisterhood Member: Doesn’t matter, as long as I can sell the day-olds at the Judaica Shop. I have a great idea: with every purchase, one free knish!

Terry Nicholson, Temple Security Guard: I’d be delighted to offer Terry’s Turnovers to the bakery. As long, of course, as they are under 24-hour surveillance.

Gary TileCo-Chair, Out of the Cold: It should only be open on Thursday nights. Everyone must be invited from the outside. If we get a core of volunteers to cook, serve and entertain, they’ll be lining up to come. I’m sure of it.

Leonard Levy, Temple Warden:Incidentally, I have a few relics in my basement that could come in handy — how do you feel about the Bond Street tzedakah box for a cash register?

Henrietta Chesnie, Chair, 150th

Anniversary Committee:150 kugels; 150 schnitzels; 150 petit fours; 150 seats.

Eric Petersiel, Principal, the Leo Baeck Day School, Holy Blossom Campus:Let’s just be sure that we call the restaurant by its official title, and not by its first name.

Starbucks pulls out of our atrium planWhat’s next for the central meeting place?

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Holy Blossom Temple BulletinD a I ly S e r v I C e S

First and Third Friday of the Month at 6 p.m. | Tot Shabbat Families with children ages six and younger Philip Smith Congregational Hall

First Friday of the Month at 6 p.m. | Hot Shot ShabbatFamilies with children ages seven through Pre-Bar/Bat MitzvahKabbalat Shabbat Service in the Youth Chapel

Last Friday of the Month at 6 p.m. | Have a Shot on Shabbat Generation (for 20 and 30 somthings)Main Sanctuary, in the round

Shabbat Morning, 10.30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service | Guten Got Shabbat Seniors programmingMain Sanctuary

Worship In This Issue ... I’ll be back (formerly

known as In Perspective) 5 | If you build it,

they will come (Temple Renewal Project) 6 |

Show me the money (Holy Blossom Temple

Foundation) 8 | The force can have a strong

influence on a weak mind (Gerald Schwartz/

Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish

Learning) 10 | Bueller, Bueller, you’re my

hero (Supplementary Schools) 12 | There’s

no place like home (Our Congregational

Family) 13 | Frankly my dear, I don’t give a

damn (The Last Word) 16

From the movies: 1) The Terminator; 2) Field of Dreams; 3)

Jerry Maguire; 4) Star Wars; 5) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; 6) The

Wizard of Oz; 7) Gone with the Wind.

Our new Holy Blossom Temple Music Committee is thrilled to present two very special concerts:

New this year!

Our First Annual Shavuot SéanceBring back your favourite biblical character from the dead. Now you can finally ask those tough questions face to face, like: “Noah, were there really unicorns on the ark?”

Space is limited.

To transmit your ticket requests psychically, please think about Mari Lynn Rusak.

Beny and the ChipmunksBy exclusive engagement

High Holy Day review (it’s never too early … or is it late?)Featuring: • The country sounds of rabbi John Moscowitz from his recent CD, “My achy Breaky Boots” • Cantors’ Kol Nidre Karaoke • Grammar Improv with rabbi edward Goldfarb

To order tickets for either spectacular event, please call Mari Lynn Rusak, at the Temple.

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Holy Blossom Temple BulletinMarch 2008 | Adar I/Adar II 5768

Come out for our great Purim activities — there is something for every age.

Carnival — Sun. Mar. 16, at 12.30 p.m.An extravaganza of games, rides, prizes and more! Bring your kids in costume. Admission (including all games): members $5; non-members $6; free for kids younger than two years old. Free hamantashen (other food available to buy).

Family Megillah reading — Thur. Mar. 20, at 6.30 p.m.Join us for a riotous celebration, geared to families with children younger than 10 years of age. Dress up the family and take part in a costume parade, then help your kids and grandkids drown out the name of Haman during our Megillah-reading Service and Purim singalong.

A SHREKlech Purim! — Thur. Mar. 20, at 8 p.m.It’s our annual Purim extravaganza, and it’s Holy Blossom Temple like you’ve never seen it. Don’t let the kids have all the fun — sing along with us as we send up the Megillah. Prizes will be given for the best costume, so make sure you come dressed up! You bring the ruach; we’ll supply the champagne. For adults and children older than 10 years of age.

Volunteers neededThe Purim Committee needs adult and teenaged volunteers to help with the carnival and Megillah readings. High school students can earn community service credit; students and parents can have fun while helping the Temple. For more details, please call the Purim hotline (ext. 515), at the Temple.

Purim 2008/5768

The real Bulletin starts here

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D a I ly S e r v I C e S

Monday to Friday at 7.30 a.m. | ShacharitMonday to Thursday at 6 p.m. | MinchaSunday at 9 a.m. | Shacharit

On Fri. Mar. 21, 2008, the Shacharit Service will be held at 9 a.m.

S H a B B aT S e r v I C e S

Friday at 6 p.m. | Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceSaturday at 10.30 a.m. | Shabbat Morning, Family Shabbat

Tot Shabbat will be held on Fri. Mar. 7 (Service and dinner), Fri. Mar. 21 (Service) and Fri. Apr. 4, 2008 (Service and dinner). Hot Shot Shabbat will be held on Fri. Mar. 7 and Fri. Apr. 4, 2008. Shabbat Fusion (for 20 and 30 somethings) will be held on Fri. Mar. 28, 2008.

Worship In This Issue ... Daily/Shabbat Worship 4 |

In Perspective 5 | Spring 2008 Celebrations and

Commemorations 6 | Temple Leadership 7 |

Foundation 8 | Cantor’s Notes 9 | The Gerald

Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish

Learning 10 | Supplementary Schools 12 | Our

Congregational Family 13 | The Last Word 16

The Bulletin is published 10 times a year by Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K9. Telephone: (416) 789-3291; Fax: (416) 789-9697; e-mail: templemail@holyblossom.org; Web site: www.holyblossom.org. Honorary President: John A. Geller; President: Barry Silver; Rabbis: John Moscowitz; Yael Splansky; Karen Thomashow; Edward Goldfarb; Cantor: Benjamin Z. Maissner; Cantorial Soloist: Lindi Rivers; Director of Education: Deborah K. Spiegel; Rabbi Emeritus: Dow Marmur; Senior Scholar: W. Gunther Plaut; Executive Director: Benjamin Applebaum; Holy Blossom Temple Foundation Chair: Marvin Tile; Director of Development: Cheryl Zeldin; Capital Campaign Director: Patricia Tolkin Eppel; Bulletin Editor: Judy Nyman; Design and Production: Holy Blossom Temple was founded in 1856 and is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism.

Is it time for the unveiling ceremony

of a loved one? The rabbis would

like to offer their support at this

time. Please choose from among

the following Sundays for family

and friends to gather with a rabbi

for the dedication of the headstone:

May 4, May 25, June 22, July 13,

Aug. 24 and Sept. 14, 2008. Of course,

the unveiling ceremony does not

require a rabbi’s presence and some

families choose to conduct the

unveiling themselves, using our

prayer pamphlets.

To make arrangements for an

unveiling, please call Hayley Nuttall

(ext. 246), at the Temple or e-mail

hnuttall@holyblossom.org.

Join us at 9.30 a.m. following Shacharit Services for a hot breakfast and an interesting program. On Sun. Mar. �7, �008, Rabbi Karen Thomashow will address us, and on Sun. apr. 6, �008, Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers will lead us in song in a pre-Pesach program.

Tue. Mar. �5, �008, at 7.�0 p.m.Now in our fifth year, we welcome you to join our group of novices and experts.

Unveiling ceremonies

SHaBBaT ServICeS fOr yOUNG faMIlIeSOur Shabbat Services offer something for everyone, from our smallest congregants to young adults to our more senior members.

fa M I ly S e r v I C e SGeared towards families with children who are pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah age, this participatory Service is co-led by our youngest congregants. Following the reading of the Torah and Haftarah, the children engage in creative activity, while the adults take part in an interactive Torah study. The Service is followed by a kiddush lunch.

T O T S H a B B aTChildren aged five years and younger — and their parents and grandparents — are invited to this special Kabbalat Shabbat Service, where our youngest worshippers welcome Shabbat with prayer, song, stories, and arts and crafts. On the first Friday of each month, families stay for dinner and have the opportunity to schmooze with other Temple families.

Brotherhood Breakfast Club

Brotherhood Photography Group

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H O N O U R I N G T R AV E L L E R S TO I S R A E LSat. May 3, 2008, at 10.30 a.m.

Our future: part � | In Perspective

How our vision influences our physical space by rabbi John Moscowitz

for the past several issues of the Bulletin, I’ve reflected on our future. I am grateful for the feedback of a number of people and I

always welcome your e-mail.In this issue, I want to share with

you something I wrote about eight years ago: reflections on how our vision (adopted by our Board of Directors in March 2000) ought to influence how we think about our physical space. It is laid out below with no changes made since then (although in redoing it today, there are a few things I would change). I would be very curious as to your thoughts and reactions.1. Holy Blossom Temple has always

taken responsible steps forward to remain relevant in the present and to ensure a vibrant future, all the while remaining cognizant of our past and our enduring values. The congregation ensured its future in 1938 when, with 250 families, we built this Bathurst Street building with an eye toward the future — envisioning that Holy Blossom Temple might one day have as many as 600 families. Now is the

moment to take our next step forward.2. Our vision possesses the conviction

that liberal Jews require community more than ever. We see community as the act of bringing people together to learn, to pray, to do deeds of mutual social responsibility; community is what happens when meeting brings meaning because Jews are working together for God’s purposes.

3. The synagogue alone is poised to realize this sense of community. Our synagogue, in particular, is uniquely poised to realize a vibrant liberal synagogue religious community.

4. Therefore, we must create a sacred space that is also a human place — a place of meeting, a place of depth, a place of celebration in which our endeavours of Torah, Avodah and Gemillut Chasadim are stronger than ever, bringing Jews into our building to serve the Other along with others.

5. To realize this kind of community — our sacred space that is a human place — we must have a long look at rearranging our physical set of buildings to create community as a religious haven in a rapidly changing and distracted world.

6. This sacred space and human place must be a House of Many Doors — welcoming in Jews who wish to be a part of this vibrant and substantive synagogue of learning, of worship and of deeds of mutual social responsibility.

7. This vision cannot be fully realized without creating a building that serves our internal communal needs helping us to become better at all of our essential endeavours — indeed, a building whose exterior also com-municates who we are and what we are about. This building, like our congregation, should be meaningful for a long period of time.

I welcome your thoughts.In the next issue, which will be my

last column in this series, I will reflect on the ironic and profound Jewish notion that renewal comes from moving backward and forward at exactly the same time; that there is no ensuring a future without being claimed by the past.

Rabbi Moscowitz invites your comments, by e-mail, at jmoscowitz@holyblossom.org.

Unveiling ceremonies

If you have travelled to Israel this past year, the Temple would like to honour you for your devotion to Israel. On the Shabbat before Israel’s 60th birthday, we would like to call

you, along with your fellow travellers, to come up to the bimah for an aliyah. The Israeli Consul General will be with us; let us show him how we stand with

Israel. If you would like to express your solidarity in this way, please call Roseanne Mason (ext. 276), at the Temple.

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Israeli Wine TastingTue. Apr. 8, at 6 p.m.Led by a wine expert, participants will:

taste wines; learn about the wineries,

vineyards and wine regions of Israel

and how wineries create the character-

istics of each wine; discover suggested

food pairings; and more. Cost: $25.

Maximum of 30 participants.

PesachErev Pesach ServicesSat. Apr. 19, at 6 p.m.

First-Day Pesach Sun. Apr. 20, at 10 a.m.The congregation-wide Service cel-

ebrates the festival as Cantor Benjamin

Z. Maissner, the Holy Blossom Temple

Singers and our Simcha Band lead us in

Songs of Freedom and Songs of Hallel.

A festive kiddush lunch will follow the

Service. Creative study programs for

children and child care are available

throughout the morning.

Erev Seventh-Day Pesach Services Fri. Apr. 25, at 6 p.m.

Shabbat and Seventh-Day Pesach ServicesSat. Apr. 26, at 10 a.m.This congregation-wide Service will

celebrate Shabbat and the last day of

Pesach; the Service will include Yizkor.

Services will be followed by a special

kiddush lunch. Children’s programming

and child care are available throughout

the morning.

Spring 2008 celebrations and commemorationsYom Ha’Shoah Service In Remembrance of the Six MillionThur. May 1, at 7 p.m.Please join us for a Service of song and

poetry, remembrance and reflection.

Bernard Braun, father of Temple member

Marcia Cohen, will tell his remarkable story

of survival.

Contemporary IsraelIsraeli Consul General Amir R. Gissin

Sat. May 3, at 12.30 p.m.The Consul General will speak to the

congregation after the Shabbat Service,

just days before Israel’s 60th birthday.

Yom Ha’ZikaronWed. May 7, at 5.45 p.m.This year’s Yom Ha’Zikaron Service will be

held at Beth Tzedec Synagogue. After the

Service, we will march from Beth Tzedec

to Holy Blossom Temple, where our joint

Yom Ha’Atzma’ut celebration will begin at

around 6.30 p.m.

Yom Ha’Atzma’ut (Israel Independence Day) Wed. May 7, at 6.30 p.m.Celebrate Israel’s 60th birthday with a

neighbourhood march and street party,

including entertainment, food, wine, Israeli

products for sale and activities for the kids.

We will join with Beth Tzedec for our most

spectacular Yom Ha’Atzma’ut party yet.

All Things IsraelThe Our Israel Committee has many

wonderful programs in the works.

Below are some of our upcoming

events. Watch the Bulletin for more

details and dates.

Israel Through the Eyes of a SabraCantor Benjamin Z. MaissnerJune 2008 (exact date to be announced) Cantor Maissner will reflect on his

May 2008 congregational trip to Israel,

describe his own experiences and

show photos. Visit Israel through the

eyes of a passionate native. (For details

on the trip, please see page 9.)

Israeli Film NightsTue. Apr. 15 and Thur. Apr. 17, at 7.30 p.m. Israeli filmmaker Igal Hecht will join us

on Tue. Apr. 15 for a survey of films on

Israel that provide a broad picture of

Israeli society. The second evening is for

the Temple’s Generation (20 and 30

somethings) and will include a

provocative Israeli film.

The Israel SeminarFall 2008 The Israel Seminar returns this year

with a series of interactive lectures by

prominent speakers who will provide

insight into this most fascinating of

countries.

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Temple leadershipby elliott Jacobson, Chair Nominating Committee

The directors and of-ficers of Holy Blossom are committed to and passionate about the future of the Temple.

The job of the Nominating Committee is to find and endorse members who can best serve the Temple — on the board and as officers. We seek members with vision, commitment and involvement in Temple life.

Supporting the Temple... above and beyond | President’s Message by Barry Silver, President of the Congregation

In last month’s In Perspective column, Rabbi John Moscowitz asked us to consider the following: “Shall we regard our syna-

gogue as a worthy destination for our philanthropic dollars …” He was, of course, referring to one of our most important fundraising initiatives — our Annual Contribution Campaign. And the answer is: Yes, Holy Blossom will continue to be a great synagogue, but only if members support the Temple beyond their basic membership dues.

As we get ready to launch this year’s campaign, I would like to start by thanking those who have generously given in the past, and recognize that the future of our Temple depends on the success of this campaign. I would also like to thank last year’s campaign Chair, Fred Saunders.

I am pleased to introduce this year’s Chair, Alison Schwartz. Alison is a member of Holy Blossom Temple’s Board of Directors, and is Chair of the Department of Jewish Living. “I am pleased so many members of the Temple understand that their continued and increasing support of our Annual Campaign is vital to our future, both as a congregation and a community,” says Alison.

I urge each of you to remember that just as each of us has a role and respon-sibility within our own family, we have

Candidates for any officer or board position may be nominated by any member of the Temple. Proposed nominations must be submitted, in writing, to the administrative office.

Submissions should be sent in as soon as possible for consideration of the Nominating Committee. For copies of the nomination form, please call Shelly Berenbaum (ext. 233), at the Temple or download a copy from our Web site at www.holyblossom.org/documents.

an individual and shared responsibility for our Holy Blossom Temple family.

Your generous support of this year’s campaign will ensure that we can continue to welcome all who wish to be part of our Temple family, regardless of their economic circumstances, and to maintain the high standard of programs that we have come to expect from Holy Blossom Temple.

In the coming weeks, as you receive requests from your fellow congregants to support this crucial campaign, I ask you to please give generously. Each and every gift to the 2008 Annual Contribution Campaign is essential to the life of the Holy Blossom Temple family. And of course you will receive a tax receipt for your contribution.

To make a pledge to the 2008–2009 Annual Contribution Campaign, please call Shannon Tramer (ext. 227), at the Temple.

Sending Passover greetingsHoly Blossom Temple Foundation has striking Chag Sameach cards, which wish a good week, health and happiness to friends and family. Sending these wishes allows you to not only let people know how much you care, but to participate in the mitzvah of tzedakah.

Cost: $20 each;$15 for 6 or more

To order cards, please call Janice Feuer (ext. 265), at the Temple or online at www.holyblossom.org > Temple Foundation > Tribute cards.

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Opening our doors with warmth | Foundation by Gary Tile and Brooke Saks, Co-Chairs, Out of the Cold

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 12 years since Holy

guests a warm and safe environment, a substantial meal, music, art and social programs, medical assistance, clothing and supplies and, for many, a place to sleep with a hot breakfast in the morning.

There is a hub of round-the-clock activity at the Temple every Thursday, starting early in the day and ending when our last guest leaves the following morning. Our volunteers are touched by the impact they can have by providing the basic necessities of life that most of us take for granted. Many of our volunteers have been working with the program since its inception.

Kathy Green has played a variety of roles over the past 12 years, including co-chairing dinner preparation. She and her husband, Maurice, have also been regular financial contributors, sup-porting the program in all ways. Kathy

continues to be inspired to action by the fact that “there is no more fundamental thing than providing shelter and food for people.” Kathy also supports educa-tional, worship and programming funds to help ensure excellence in all Temple offerings.

Sadly, the need continues to be great, and the program requires significant financial support for it to continue. We serve more than 2,500 meals a year and provide overnight shelter to more than 750 guests. Funding for the program comes from a combination of grants from various foundations and charities, but primarily from the generosity of Temple members. We encourage you to support the program.

Donations to Out of the Cold can be made by calling Janice Feuer (ext. 265), at the Foundation office.

Family Programming 2008

The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: A Jewish Parenting ClassRabbi Yael Splansky and Beth Goldstein, Psychotherapist Wednesdays at 9.15 a.m. Mar. 19 and 26Jewish resources and practical suggestions for today’s families.

Family Mitzvah DaySun. Apr. 6, at 12.45 p.m. Paint, plant, feed, give, honour — parents and children of all ages can perform hands-

on mitzvot for the Temple community and beyond. Co-sponsored by the Social Action Committee and the Leo Baeck Parent Association. Registration required.

Pesach Cooking ClassThe Academy of Artisans590 Eglinton Ave. WestSun. Apr. 13, at 1.30 p.m.Prepare Passover delicacies for gifts or for your own table. (All ingredients are kosher for Passover, but the kitchen is not.) Cost: $22 per child.

Second SederSun. Apr. 20, at 5 p.m.All are welcome for this family-friendly, inter-active, semi-potluck seder. Please let us know what dish you would like to bring.

HBT Family Camp WeekendCamp George, Parry SoundRabbi Yael Splansky Fri. May 23 to Sun. May 25Make a memory of Shabbat by the lake. Take part in a ropes course, canoeing, Maccabia games, a slumber party for older kids, a scavenger hunt for younger kids and s’mores for everyone. It’s time to register.

For more details on Family Programming, please call our hotline (ext. 518), at the Temple. To register for any program or Family Camp, please e-mail familyprogramming@holyblossom.org.

Blossom first opened its doors to the Out of the Cold program. Out of the Cold has become part of the fabric of the Temple, with hundreds of volun-teers working hard to ease the plight of the homeless and the socially isolated in our community.

Our Holy Blossom community should be proud of its involvement with this important program. The first Jewish congregation in the coalition, our program provides congregants with a community framework for tikkun olam, and sets an example for other congrega-tions across the city. Every week from November through March, we offer our

M a r c h 2 0 0 8 | A d a r I / A d a r I I 5 7 6 8 �

Jerusalem lyric Trio | Cantor’s Notes by Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner

as part of the Musical Heritage Concert Series, the Jerusalem Lyric Trio — with Amalia Ishak, soprano; Wendy Eisler-Kashy, flute; and

Allan Sternfield, piano — will join us on Wed. Mar. 26, 2008, at 8 p.m.

The program features both solo and group performances. Each concert is tailored to the specific audience, and the repertoire ranges from familiar classical selections to compositions based on the religious and cultural heritage of the Jewish People. The trio performs songs in Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino (Judeo-Spanish). Performing regularly each year in the U.S., Canada and Europe, they combine music by composers who per-ished in the Holocaust with the music of contemporary Jewish composers, and have a wonderful sensitivity towards the mixing of liturgy and history.

Among their commissioned works, they performed the world premiere of “Pictures from the Private Collection

of God,” written especially for them by the well-known and celebrated Israeli composer Aharon Harlap. This perfor-mance was met with great success, and the music was said to evoke a unique feeling of peace in the listener.

Please join us on Mar. 26 for this unique musical event.

I S r a e l a N D T H e a r T S From Mon. Apr. 27 to Fri. May 9, 2008, experience Israel through the eyes of a Sabra, as part of an art-oriented tour I am leading in celebration of Israel’s 60th birthday (Yom Ha’Atzma’ut.)

This trip is designed for people who have already travelled to Israel and are interested in unique opportunities, including experiencing Israeli archeol-ogy, arts and music. An extension to Eilat and Jordan is an option (continu-ing to May 12).

Being in Israel on Yom Ha’Atzma’ut is an experience of a lifetime. For more details, please call Mari Lynn Rusak (ext. 224), at the Temple.

V

A Passover CelebrationThur. apr. ��, �008, at 8 p.m.Featuring “Uprising” performed by Ballet Espressivo and Srul Irving Glick’s “Music of the Haggadah” The ballet “Uprising” is based on the true story of a band of freedom fighters who refused to succumb to the Nazi regime. It will be followed by “Music of the Hagga-dah” for choir and string quartet, performed by the Festival Quartet.

Do not forget to mark your calendars for An All-Out Israeli Evening on Sun. May 25, 2008, at 7 p.m.

a little acting, a little playing and a little drinking — all as we are commanded to do! Our day starts at 10 a.m., and includes the program, exercise and lunch — all for only $2 per person. Our other March programs are:

M o n d ays @ the Temple

Purim is not just for kids! Join us on Mar. 17 for some fun with Temple friends, including

Mar. 24 Naturopathic Medicine: Making Informed Choices for Better Health | Dr. Ruth Anne Baron, Naturopathic Doctor and Past Chair, Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors

Mar. 31 A Visit to Prague Beverley Borins, Traveller

For more details or to offer to drive participants, please call the Seniors’ hotline (ext. 517), at the Temple.

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Book TalkBook Talks provide an opportunity to meet authors of new books and to hear them discuss their work.

The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple

Ongoing learning and specialized classes

Shabbat Morning Torah Study:From Sinai to Soloveitchik — Why Ideas MatterRabbi John MoscowitzSaturdays at 9 a.m.

Adult B’nei Mitzvah Mondays at 7.30 p.m.For pre-registered participants only.

Advanced Hebrew Grammar Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

Tuesdays at 11 a.m.Open to Temple members only.

Sisterhood Torah Study: Studies in GenesisRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Wednesdays at 9.30 a.m.

The Yiddish NovelRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

Hebrew Language Instruction: Beginner’s HebrewDalia Alalouf, Hebrew SupervisorWednesdays at 7.30 p.m. Registration required.

Library Book ClubKen Skolnik, Retired English Teacher and Bibliophile

Tuesdays at 9.30 a.m.Apr. 8 | David Golder by Irène Némirovsky For more details, please e-mail Anne Dublin, at adublin@holyblossom.org. Non-members welcome.

Song of Songs: The Story of Our Spiritual Redemption from EgyptRabbi Karen ThomashowWednesdays at 7.30 p.m.Apr. 2 to 16In this course, in addition to gaining a foundational knowledge of the devel-opment of the Song of Songs, we will familiarize ourselves with the book’s characters and motifs through the lens of multiple commentaries.

Sunshine on Spadina: An Illustrated TalkTue. Apr. 22, at 7.30 p.m.Bill Gladstone, Journalist and GenealogistEnjoy an illustrated lecture about old Toronto. For more details, please e-mail Anne Dublin, at adublin@holyblossom.org. Co-sponsored by the Library Committee and Brotherhood.

Two renowned authorities on Emil L. Fackenheim will help us learn more about the life of the rabbi/professor and former Holy Blossom Temple teacher.

Our Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning strives to engage our community to join together for stimu-lating lectures, to study Torah and to obtain the skills needed to lead a meaningful Jewish life. For more details on all lectures and programs, please call the School office (ext. 256), at the Temple, or visit our Web site at www.holyblossom.org. All programs and lectures are open to the community, unless otherwise stated. For your convenience, our weekday daytime programs are marked with the following symbol:

an Evening to Honour the Memory of Emil L. FackenheimProfessor James a. diamond and Professor Michael L. MorganTue. apr. 8, 2008, at 7.30 p.m.

James A. Diamond was one of the editors of Emil L. Fackenheim: Philosopher, Theologian, Jew, a scholarly tribute to Fackenheim’s memory, which inspired a lifetime of philosophical inquiry.

James A. Diamond is the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Chair of Jewish Studies, University of Waterloo.

Professor Michael Morgan wrote the foreword to Fackenheim’s memoir, An Epitaph for German Judaism, From Halle to Jerusalem, which looks back on his life, at the circumstances that shaped him as a philosopher and a committed Jewish thinker.

Michael L. Morgan is a Professor of Philosophy and Jewish Studies, Indiana University.

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The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple

The Bible as a Source for Modern Jewish SpiritualityRabbi Michael Stroh, Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Har Zion

Thursdays at 10.30 a.m.Apr. 24 to May 8Traditionally the Tanach (Bible) is read through something else: Jews read it through the Talmud and Midrash; Christians read it through the New Testament. Suppose we read the Bible directly. What does it have to say to us in its own voice and does it have a unique message for the 21st century?

Blanche and Harry Posen Memorial LecturesJoel M. Hoffman, PH.D., Teacher,

sisterhood Kallah: Thinking with Leo Baeck Rabbi John MoscowitzThur. May 1, at 9.30 a.m.

The late Rabbi Leo Baeck was a penetrating thinker into the essence of religion, par-ticularly Judaism and Christianity. This day’s study will delve into Rabbi Baeck’s reflections on Judaism’s unique combination of faith in God and the concretization of that faith as revealed in daily life. Cost: $36. For more details or to register, please call Elana Fehler (ext. 532), at the Temple.

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York Mon. May 12 and Wed. May 14, at 8 p.m. May 12 — The Dead Sea Scrolls Since their discovery a half-century ago, the Dead Sea Scrolls have captured the popular imagination, and created more controversy and intrigue than any other ancient find. May 14 — Four Exiles and Four Spiritual Revolutions: From the Ancient Prophets to Modernity Judaism has seen four spiritual revolu-tions, each in the wake of a major exile. This is an engaging and uplifting look at North American Judaism — the last spiritual revolution — as seen in the context of the last 3,000 years.

The 60s: Social Action Then and NowMulti-generational Shabbat Service and DinnerFri. May 2, 2008, at 6 p.m. After Kabbalat Shabbat and Tot Shabbat

Services, families will enjoy a semi-potluck

dinner, storytelling, singing and art, and

will learn to create a lasting legacy of

making a difference.

Social Action SymposiumTom Hayden, Social and Political Activist

Sun. May 4, 2008, at 9.30 a.m. A symposium of inspirational speakers

and workshops will bring the energy of

the 60s to the issues of today. After 40

years of activism, Tom Hayden, our

keynote speaker, remains a leading

voice for reforming politics through

greater citizen participation.

To help plan this event, please call

Gord Arbess, at (416) 932-2831 or

Sandy Wise, at (416) 322-0377.

Other Social Action ActivitiesFamily Mitzvah Day, co-sponsored

by Family Programming and the Leo

Baeck Day School, will be held on

Sun. Apr. 6, 2008 (see page 8 for

details). And Generation (20 and 30

somethings) will participate in a house

build with Habitat for Humanity on

Sun. May 4, 2008 (see page 12 for

details).

�� w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g

The challenges of Jewish education

There seems to be a buzz around our Senior School these days. I want to let you in on a secret — the word on the street is students

actually like it! Let me share with you some of our

latest innovations, which I think are helping. All students, including both day and secular school students cel-ebrating B’nei Mitzvah at Holy Blossom Temple, must attend our program. We want all students here for the social and the educational program. And it seems to be working. Elective classes, which speak to the students, are also a part of the program.

This year, we have instituted a pilot program — Grade 7 Shabbat class — for students wishing an alternative to the regular Monday night class. We have had many positive comments and I believe we will continue to offer it in the future.

Unfortunately, the excitement of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year is short-lived. The small number of students who continue post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah is shocking. If

| Supplementary Schools by Deborah K. Spiegel, Director of Education

your children came to you and told you they have had enough of their regular school program at the age of 13, would you allow them to drop out? Should it be any different for their Jewish educa-tion? We see our Senior School program as only the beginning of our Jewish education.

Our Temple needs to be a place where students meet their Holy Blossom friends. And they do, often forming friendships that last into adult-hood. Our JYG (Grades 7 and 8) and HABSTY (Grades 9 to 12) youth groups are also part of the package. Together, we all work to make the “whole Jewish student.”

With support from the Dow and Fredzia Marmur Program for Educational Excellence, we have a new program for 2008/2009: the DA”SH program, for students in our Jewish day school system. We understand that these students are involved in Jewish education daily, but many do not have a connection to our shul, hence Day School/Shul = DA”SH. This program’s goal is to keep day school students

involved through Confirmation — and committed not only to their day school Jewish education, but to Holy Blossom Temple, their synagogue.

I look forward to sharing more about these and other new programs in the future. For more details on any program, please e-mail me at dspiegel@holyblossom.org.

BaGel BOXeS It is almost time for HABSTY’s annual fundraiser. We will be putting together and delivering boxes, on May 11, 2008, loaded with delicious breakfast items. Watch the next Bulletin for our Bagel Box flyer. And if you have a high-school-aged child who would like to help out with the program and receive community service credit, please e-mail zpaul@holyblossom.org.

G E N E R A T I O N (for 20 and 30 somethings)

For more details, please call Roseanne Mason (ext. 276), at the Temple.

shabbat FusionFridays at 6.30 p.m., Mar. 28, Apr. 25, May 30 and June 27, 2008Once a month, we gather to experience a Shabbat evening of prayer, song and study like no other. Following the Service,

Join us for Habitat for Humanity’s Chal-lenge Build. Volunteers can help by building, registering participants or serving lunch. For more details, please visit www.holyblossom.org.

a kiddush of Israeli wine and sushi invites people to linger for hours. Habitat for Humanity House BuildSun. May 4, 2008, at 9 a.m. (registration at 8.15 a.m.)

M a r c h 2 0 0 8 | A d a r I / A d a r I I 5 7 6 8 ��

B ’ N e I M I T Z v a H

8 Adar 11 5768/Mar. 15, 2008Margot Grubert, daughter of Carol & Nolan Grubert

Welcome to Our Temple Family

We would like to welcome the following people to the

Holy Blossom Temple family:

Doreen Bandel & Paul Buksner

Joshua Geist, and Samantha and Chloe

Shoshana Jamieson, and Andrew and Ryan

Summer Nudel

B I r T H S

Kari Abrams & Charles Corlett, on the birth of their

daughter, Rebecca Eva Corlett, sister to Leah.

Proud grandparents are Elaine & Joel Abrams,

Cathleen Hunter and Alan Deale. Proud great-

grandmothers are Bess Abrams, Hilda Hunter and

Betty Palter.

Marcia & Sam Schaffran, on the birth of their grand-

daughter, Joelle Emma Eisen, daughter of Dr.

Robin Schaffran & Ronnie Eisen of Los Angeles.

Other proud grandparents are Dr. Issie Eisen and

the late Batya Eisen.

Robyn Blatt & Jeffrey Freedman, on the birth of their

daughter, Mila Clare Freedman. Proud grandpar-

ents are Myrna Freedman and Ralph & Linda Blatt.

Ilyse Lustig & Dr. Ted Margel, on the birth of their son,

Charles Parker Margel. Proud grandparents are Jill

& Ben Lustig and Harvey & Ruth Margel.

Jillian & Jonathan Ruby, on the birth of their daughter,

Summer Beth Ruby, sister to Ben. Proud grand-

parents are Susan & Roger Stronell and Vivian &

Stephen Ruby. Proud great-grandmothers are Tillie

Paulin and Audrey Rockman.

Laura & Brian Wise on the birth of their son, Ethan

Jacob Wise. Proud grandparents are Jill Hertzman,

Marilyn Shesko and David Hertzman, and Martha

& Stan Wise. Proud great-grandparents are

Florence & Harold Hertzman, Millie Kohn and

Anne Moranis.

Our Congregational Family

e N G a G e M e N T

Denise Zarn & James Shenkman on the en-gagement of their son, Danny Shenkman, to Michelle Ruttenberg, daughter of Susan & Joel Ruttenberg. Proud grandparents are Donna & Stanley Shenkman.

In Memoriam

The congregation sympathizes with the recently bereaved families of:

Glika Beer Blum, mother of Linda Neufeld and Jacob Blum

Leila Conn, mother of Garson Conn and Melanie Conn Potegal, sister of Paul Skup

David Goldberg, husband of Karla Goldberg, father of Marty Goldberg, Gary Goldberg and Robby Goldberg

Helen Goldstein, mother of Michael Goldstein and Norman Goldstein

Harold Horovitz, brother of Herschel Howard

Harry Keystone, father of Jay Keystone, Ed Keystone, Sue Keystone, Pam Keystone, Marianne Keystone and Carolyn Keystone

Joseph Sklar, husband of Bertha Sklar, father of David Sklar, Luke Sklar and Mark Sklar, brother of Harry Sklar and Lou Sklar

Ann Smith, mother of Marsha Sattin, Arnold Smith and Gary Smith

Percy Weinstein, husband of Myrna Weinstein, father of Deedee Weinstein and Karen Weinstein, brother of Seymour Weinstein

We thank our generous donors

� 5 0 T H a N N I v e r S a r y f U N D

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Cheryl Rosen

Ernest Gross, In Memory: Henrietta Chesnie

Zigmond Neufeld, In Memory: Henrietta Chesnie

a C C e S S I B I l I T y f U N D

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Etta Ginsberg McEwan

Zigmond Neufeld, In Memory: Etta Ginsberg

McEwan

a I D f O r S U r v I v O r S O f T e r r O r I S M f U N D

David Goldberg, In Memory: Helena & David Fine

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Viviane & Saul Ship

Zigmond Neufeld, In Memory: Helena & David Fine;

Viviane & Saul Ship

W I l l I a M a N S H a N yO U T H a W a r D S f U N D

Louis Consky, In Memory: Jean Anshan

Arthur Krangle, In Memory: Jean Anshan

J e a N f I N e S e N I O r S f U N D

Leila Conn, In Memory: Ellen & Murray Blankstein;

Eleanor & Michael Davis Marilyn Farber; Gail

& Gary Goodman; Daisy & Syd Jacobs; Janice

& Bruce Long; Rosalie & Raymond Moscoe;

Sylvia & Harry Naftolin; Dawn Sidney & Gordon

Schwartz; Judy & Fred Sidney; Skup Family; Sheila

& Bob Smolkin; Virginia & Carl Solomon; Louise

Starkman; Esther & Marvin Tile; Phyllis & Alan

Wintraub; Susan & Perce Young

| Supplementary Schools 15 Adar 11 5768/Mar. 22, 2008 Benjamin Heavenrich, son of Joan & Alan Heavenrich

22 Adar 11 5768/Mar. 29, 2008 Dustin Kwinter, son of Debra & Joel Kwinter

22 Adar 11 5768/Mar. 29, 2008 Jill Meilach, daughter of Carol Crystal & Jeff Meilach

29 Adar 11 5768/Apr. 5, 2008Kai Melamed-Turkish, son of Dr. Miriam Melamed-Turkish & Larry Turkish

29 Adar 11 5768/Apr. 5, 2008Alexa Stein, daughter of Hildi & Gary Stein

29 Adar 11 5768/Apr. 5, 2008Matthew Hacker Teper, son of Karen Hacker & Irv Teper

�� w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g

f lO r a l f U N D

Margot Grubert, Bat Mitzvah: Carol & Nolan Grubert

Matthew Hacker Teper, Bar Mitzvah: Karen Hacker

& Irv Teper

Benjamin Heavenrich, Bar Mitzvah: Joan & Alan

Heavenrich

Dustin Kwinter, Bar Mitzvah: Debra & Joel Kwinter

Jill Meilach, Bat Mitzvah: Carol Crystal & Jeff Meilach

Kai Melamed-Turkish, Bar Mitzvah: Dr. Miriam

Melamed-Turkish & Larry Turkish

Alexa Stein, Bat Mitzvah: Hildi & Gary Stein

r a B B I e D W a r D & fa G I G O l D fa r B f U N D f O r

J e W I S H l I T e r a C y

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, Happy Birthday: Aufgang

Family; Naomi Bell; Bernie Berger; Belinda

Bongard; Sara & Rick Charney; Shoshana Cole;

Clare & Monte Denaburg; Sybil & Jack Geller; Mira

Goldfarb & Adam Berkowitz and Family; Pearl

& Aaron Hermant; Daisy & Sydney Jacobs; Edith

Kirzner; Mimi & Malcolm Kronby; Helen Lyon;

Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson; Karen & Shelly

Mandell; Zelda & Len Melamed; Ann & Gary

Posen; Marlene & Dr. Robert Ruderman; Sharyn

Salsberg Ezrin & Hershell Ezrin; Myrna Sandler;

Brenda & Dr. Fred Saunders; Ruth & Lawrence

Sax; Schein Family; Mary & Henry Seldon; Sharzer

Family; Dr. Sandy Shiner; Wendy & Rabbi Paul

Sidlofsky and Family; Thelma Siegel; Sheila & Bob

Smolkin; Esther & Dr. Marvin Tile; Alice Waldman

Lewis; Elizabeth Wolfe

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Appreciation:

Cynthia Good

Michael Larkin, In Appreciation: Fagi & Rabbi

Edward Goldfarb

Sharon & Shelley Miller, In Appreciation:

Fagi & Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Mira

Goldfarb & Adam Berkowitz and Family

Judy Nyman & Harley Mintz, In Appreciation:

Fagi & Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

Brenda & Dr. Fred Saunders, In Appreciation:

Fagi & Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

Marilyn & Eddie Weisz, Mazal Tov: Fagi & Rabbi

Edward Goldfarb

H O ly B lO S S O M T e M P l e f O U N D aT I O N

Glika Beer Blum, In Memory: Sybil & Jack Geller;

Bea Sidlofsky

Dr. Barry Borden, In Appreciation: Nathan O’Neill

Leila Conn, In Memory: Esther & Dr. Marvin Tile

Robyn & Jeff Freedman, Mazal Tov: Esther &

Cyril Hersh

David Goldberg, In Memory: Sheila & Bob Smolkin

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Vicki Levinter; Sylvia Miller

Edith Levin, In Memory: Friends at Branksome Hall

Zigmond Neufeld, In Memory: Susan & Dr. Barry

Borden; Randi & Alan Garfinkel; Sybil & Jack

Geller; Barbara Organ; Mary & Henry Seldon;

Esther & Dr. Marvin Tile

Abe Sassen, Yahrzeit: Etienne & Aubrey Kaplan

Jean Silver, Happy Birthday: Esther Tile

Joseph Sklar, In Memory: Randi & Alan Garfinkel;

Christine & Stephen Tile; Sheila & Bob Smolkin

Dr. Marvin Tile, Happy Birthday: Wendy & Elliott

Eisen; Sybil & Jack Geller; Terrye & Jack Kuper;

Ellen & Alan Levine and Family; Esta & Harry

Palter; Nancy Ruth; Brenda & Dr. Fred Saunders;

Cheryl Zeldin

Lionel Waldman, Speedy Recovery: Ros & Stan

Witkin

Percy Weinstein, In Memory: Debra & Barry

Campbell; Esther & Cyril Hersh

Dorothy Zoltek, Happy Birthday: Jill Medvedow &

Richard Kazis and Family

H O ly B lO S S O M T e M P l e r e N e W a l

P r O J e C T f U N D

Oscar Crawford-Ritchie, Mazal Tov: Judy Malkin

& Elliott Jacobson

Zigmond Neufeld, In Memory: Sarita Dotan

Howard Sokolowski, Happy Birthday:

Honey & Jeff Rubenstein

I S r a e l S T U D y f U N D

David Goldberg, In Memory: Terrye & Jack Kuper

J a C O B ’ S T O W e r f U N D

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Florence &

Harold Hertzman

David Goldberg, In Memory: Florence & Harold

Hertzman

Jill Hertzman, Mazal Tov: Judy Malkin & Elliott

Jacobson; Annalee & Brian Schnurr

Charles Katz, In Memory: Florence &

Harold Hertzman

Percy Weinstein, In Memory: Florence & Harold

Hertzman

J O a N K e r B e l l e a D e r S H I P D e v e lO P M e N T f U N D

Jeanne Kamarner, In Memory: Marie Knaul

and Family

Arthur Krangle, In Memory: Paula Strasberg &

Herbert Hess

Zigmond Neufeld, In Memory: Donna & Dennis Colt;

Gail & Gary Goodman

Judith Wiley, In Honour: Michael Wiley

K I D D U S H f U N D

General: Sara & Rick Charney; Joan Garson & David

Baskin; Sybil & Jack Geller; Judy Nyman &

Harley Mintz

l I B r a r y B O O K f U N D

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Virginia & Carl Solomon

Cynthia Good & Dan Aronchick, Mazal Tov: Miriam

& Marvin Dryer

Pearl Hermant, Mazal Tov: Miriam & Marvin Dryer

Zachary Wintraub, In Honour: Cara & Paul Resnick

D O W & f r e D Z I a M a r M U r P r O G r a M f O r

e D U C aT I O N a l e X C e l l e N C e

Wilfred List, In Memory: Dr. Sandy Shiner

Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Appreciation: Cynthia Good

& Dan Aronchick

Rabbi Dow Marmur, Mazal Tov: Kathy &

Maurice Green

Zigmond Neufeld, In Memory: Ellen Karabanow

Freda Sauder, In Memory: Lorraine Denneboom

and Family

Donald Sterling, In Memory: Dr. Sandy Shiner

M U S I C a l H e r I Ta G e C O N C e r T S e r I e S f U N D

Max Glicksman, In Memory: Ilsa & Jeff Blidner

Jonathan Gordon-Chow, Mazal Tov: Holy Blossom

Temple Singers; Barbara Organ; Rae Roebuck

& David MacCoy

Wilfred List, In Memory: Joyce Epstein; Rae Roebuck

& David MacCoy

Molka Lyons, In Memory: Phyllis Wintraub

Ted Shafran, In Honour: Rae Roebuck & David MacCoy

Florence Skelly, Happy Birthday: Ron Miller

General: Wendy & Elliott Eisen; Donna & Richard

Holbrook; Anne Mirvish; Mary & Henry Seldon

M U S I C a l l e G a C y f U N D

Sam Gotfrid, In Memory: Marilyn & David Gotfrid

and Family

Alice & George Koralek, Happy Anniversary: Mary

& Henry Seldon

O U T O f T H e C O l D

Jean Beder, In Memory: Annalee & Brian Schnurr

Glika Beer Blum, In Memory: Bonnie Croll & Robert

Henry and Family

Sophia & John Chisholm, Mazal Tov: Elaine Strosberg

& Howard Barr

Leila Conn, In Memory: Sue & Lou Devor

Phyllis Denaburg, In Appreciation: Barbara Organ

M a r c h 2 0 0 8 | A d a r I / A d a r I I 5 7 6 8 �5

Holy Blossom Temple foundation

The Holy Blossom Temple Foundation raises funds to

support Temple activities, programs and projects.

To make a donation to any of our existing funds,

please call Janice Feuer at (416) 789-3291, ext.265.

To establish a new fund or learn more about

philanthropic opportunities, please call Cheryl Zeldin,

Director of Development (ext.260), at the Temple.

We appreciate your support

Holy Blossom Temple appreciates all donations to

our funds; however, due to rising costs, cards will

only be sent for donations of $20 or more. We will

continue to recognize all donations in the Bulletin.

Nine per cent of all donations and investment income

is generally set aside to help with administration

costs and special initiatives.

We apologize but due to space constraints, not all

donations will appear in the Bulletin issue closest to

the date on which the contribution was made. Dona-

tions in this issue were received by Feb. 20, 2008.

Meyer Fehler, Yahrzeit: Elana Fehler and Family;

Ron Fehler; Carol Poplak

Harry Keystone, In Memory: Gail & Zel Bocknek

Arthur Krangle, In Memory: Debra Muchnik & Neil

Kredentser; Annalee & Brian Schnurr

Doreen & Joe Kronick, In Appreciation: Elaine &

Ted Cole

Edith Mark, In Memory: Holy Blossom Temple

Brotherhood

Ike Morgulis, In Appreciation: Holy Blossom Temple

Sisterhood

Zigmond Neufeld, In Memory: Janice & Larry

Babins; Shelly Berenbaum & Chuck Litman; Greta

Glicksman; Holy Blossom Temple Brotherhood;

Holy Blossom Temple Sisterhood; Janet & Michael

Ryval; Brenda & Dr. Fred Saunders; Sheila & Bob

Smolkin

Ann & Gary Posen, Mazal Tov: Barbara Organ

Anne Smith, In Memory: Marsha & Harry Glicksman

Dr. Marvin Tile, Happy Birthday: Tina Urman &

Carey Diamond and Family

General: Brenda & Dr. Fred Saunders; Ruth &

Douglas Wilansky

P l a U T M a N O r

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Plaut Family

Harold E. Leslie, Yahrzeit: Tillie Leslie and Family

Margaret Nightingale, Happy Birthday: Plaut Family

P r ay e r B O O K f U N D

Leonard Bellinson, In Memory: Ruth Green and

Rosalin Rose

Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin, In Appreciation: Janice &

Bruce Long

P r O J e C T T I K v a H

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, Happy Birthday: Jill Hertzman

Zigmond Neufeld, In Memory: Gail & Barry Silver

Edward Silver, In Memory: Gail & Barry Silver

r a B B I S ’ D I S C r e T I O N a r y f U N D S

Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Corin &

Mark Greenberg

Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Debbie

Chesnie Cooper and Family; Gillian Gillison and

Jan Simonsky; Carole Paul

Rabbi Karen Thomashow, Hanna Eyal, Speedy

Recovery: Deborah & Irwin Thomashow

Rabbi Karen Thomashow, In Appreciation: Rose Wolfe

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Appreciation:

Debbie Chesnie Cooper and Family; Cynthia Good

& Dan Aronchick; Corin & Mark Greenberg

S H a C H a r I T f U N D

Bella Altman Leikin, Yahrzeit: Helen Hochberg

Shirley Ashley, Yahrzeit: Ruth & Hank Rosen

Glika Beer Blum, In Memory: Susan & Dr. Barry

Borden

Nancy Sara Bigio, Yahrzeit: Matilda Bigio

Daniel Bohnen, Yahrzeit: Linda Bohnen &

Robert Cardish

Judith Bohnen, Yahrzeit: Linda Bohnen & Robert

Cardish

Tom Brown, Yahrzeit: Marilyn Brown

Annette Cohen, Yahrzeit: Elise & Richard Cohen

Arnold Cohen, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles Cohen

Maxwell Cohen, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles Cohen

Saul Cohen, Yahrzeit: Sue Devor

Leslie Donne, Yahrzeit: Silverman Family

Charles Fishbein, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul Fishbein

Joan Freedman, Yahrzeit: Whitney & Michael Gnat

and Family; Else Landauer

Esther & Phillip Gorlicky, Yahrzeit: Frances &

Murray Ellis

Issie Guberman, Yahrzeit: Judith Wilansky

Howard Grossman, Yahrzeit: Allan Grossman

May & Morris Kronby, Yahrzeit: Mimi &

Malcolm Kronby

Sam Mandel, Yahrzeit: Leslie & Howard Mandel

and Family

Toby Mandel, Yahrzeit: Leslie & Howard Mandel

and Family

Audrey Markle, Yahrzeit: Julie Markle & Joel

Mickelson and Family

Sarah Marshall, Yahrzeit: Marie Knaul and Family

Abraham Nashman, Yahrzeit: Rina & Saul Fishbein

Zigmond Neufeld, Yahrzeit: Paula Moshonas

Sonia Nitikman, Yahrzeit: Janet Hershfield and Family

Larry Oiffer, Yahrzeit: Gaye & Andy Stein

Shirley Patchen Cohen, Yahrzeit: Risa Drimmer;

Marilyn Hahn

Rachel (Rae) Rotman, Yahrzeit: Geri & Norman

Durbin and Family

Rae & Harry Rotman, In Memory: Ruth Durbin

Ira Ruderman, Yahrzeit: Marlene & Dr. Robert

Ruderman

Stanley Singer, Yahrzeit: Alexis Singer & Brian

Nichols; Mary Singer

Morey Ira Speigel, Yahrzeit: Sara Speigel

Nathan Stein, Yahrzeit: Stein Family

Dr. Sidney Steinberg, Yahrzeit: Ellen & Alan Levine

and Family

Anne Weinstein, Yahrzeit: Fran & Bernie Goldman

Sophie Windish, Yahrzeit: Marie Knaul and Family

Betty & Barney Wolfe, Yahrzeit: Carol Abugov

Sam Zane, Yahrzeit: Sheila Zane and Family

General: Debra Campbell; Daisy & Sydney Jacobs

l e O N a r D W O l f e M e M O r I a l

e D U C aT I O N a l f U N D

Arnold Cane, In Memory: Carol Dale and Honey Wolfe

Margie Rothstein, Speedy Recovery: Carol Dale and

Honey Wolfe

George Zuckerman, In Memory: Honey Wolfe

yO U T H a W a r D S f U N D

Raquel Binder, In Appreciation: Holy Blossom

Temple Senior School Staff

Deena and Elana Cincinatus, Mazal Tov: Marilyn &

David Gotfrid and Family

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Shelly Berenbaum; Fran

& Bernie Goldman; Anne Lesarge

Oscar Crawford-Ritchie, Mazal Tov: Marilyn & David

Gotfrid

Denise Gordon & Dennis Chow, Mazal Tov: Sybil &

Jack Geller

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Marilyn Ziedenberg &

Jack Newman

Jonathan Gordon-Chow, Mazal Tov: Margaret &

David Hart; Judy Malkin & Elliott Jacobson

Jack Greenberg, In Memory: Debbie & Randy

Spiegel and Family

Pearl Hermant, Mazal Tov: Anne Lesarge

Wilfred List, In Memory: Rina & Saul Fishbein

�6 w w w. h o l y b l o s s o m . o r g

Canada PostPublications Mail

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1950 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON M5P 3K9

To reveal that which is hidden | The Last Wordby rabbi Karen Thomashow

a literal translation of our Hebrew term for the Book of Esther, Megillat Esther, is to reveal that which is hidden.

This translation fits quite nicely within the scheme of the many themes and subthemes of this scroll, which we read on Purim.

For example, Esther initially conceals her Judaism, only for it to be ultimately revealed. Haman initially cloaks his anti-Semitism, only to be unmasked. The name of God is not explicitly men-tioned in the Book, but both reverence for God and suggestion of the Divine is evident throughout.

How ironic it is, then, that we put on masks during this holiday — after all, a mask is used to conceal identity. However, putting a mask over our faces arguably allows us to reveal our inner personalities with less inhibition. In

other words, Purim teaches us to penetrate the veil of this world.

THe TOraH: a WOMeN’S COMMeNTaryPenetrating the veil of this world, or revealing that which is hidden, does not just apply to people. I cannot think of a greater example of this type of unveiling than the recent launch of the watershed publication, The Torah: A Women’s Commentary.

In the past decade and a half, a number of books have been published that address women in the Bible and offer women’s perspectives. However, no volume has covered individual Torah portions in their entirety.

This undertaking was possible for two reasons: first, there is finally a critical mass of Jewish female biblical scholars to draw from. Second, a call was embraced — namely, to encourage and facilitate the largely hidden voices, faces and roles of women in the Bible toward the fore.

As co-editor Tamara Cohn-Ezkenazi puts it, “We want to bring the women of the Torah from the shadows into the limelight, from their silences into speech, from the margins to which they have often been relegated to the center of the page.”

As non-contributor Lori Letkovitz explained, “They twist the lens of the material so that we notice different things, we see other emphases, we re-cover lost traditions and we hear voices that have been quieter.” This comment reminds us that The Torah: A Women’s Commentary is not intended to replace existing commentaries. Rather, it is an additional resource for Torah study, to be used alongside Rabbi W. Gunter Plaut’s classical Plaut Commentary.

The new, complementary volume is excellent. It is a serious and sensi-tive work. It goes a long way toward revealing that which is hidden — just as Purim adjures us to do.