CHANUKAH

AT OUR SHUL

Chanukah is a time of the year when families or a community of families get together to celebrate our shared historical victory over tyranny in our ancient homeland. This year’s Chanukah party had a few surprises which added to the festivities. Many hours of teamwork went into the planning, problem solving, purchasing, setting up and running of the event which offered something for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to the programming committee members for making the party so successful and to the SBS for approving all of the committee’s ideas. There were many things for kids to do as well as Chanukah-themed crafts and games galore, which would not have been possible without our wonderful teen volunteers.

The volunteers gave their undivided attention to the youngsters, showing them how to play the games and ensuring children of all ages had a fun learning experience. There were games tailor-made for pre-schoolers, all the way up to games for children and adults. Children initially played the games to win tickets for prizes, but continued playing the games even after they cashed in their maximum number of prizes. There was a friendly, face-painting clown who is also a magician. We heard oohs and aahs from the children in reaction to the unbelievable magic before their eyes. Our very own music DJ, Willie Lindo, was accompanied by the event DJ Trevor who not only taught adults and children the dance moves but also had amazing fun contests. A special thank you is extended to Margaret and Jeffrey Sherman for donating the DJ’s prizes in memory of their son, Daniel. What Jewish party isn’t complete without a few hora dances? Most unusual at the party, were the two- and three-year-olds who spontaneously joined

SHUL MATTERS

January 2019

Shevat 5779

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us in the circle dancing! There was the candle lighting of the first candle, always so special, with its blessings and centuries’ old songs.

This year’s buffet included pizza, lasagna (even gluten free and dairy free as needed) salads, and traditional latkes with sour cream and apple sauce. There was fresh popped popcorn (thank you Steve Bloom) and yummy sufganiyot (donuts). A special thank you goes out to all the volunteers for orchestrating the serving of so many meals so swiftly. To top off the event, each child received a Chanukah gift. The look on the children’s faces as they saw their loot prize at the end of the party was priceless.

If you missed the 5779 party, convince your family to join us this coming December. If you came to this party, invite your friends to join you at our next for the best Chanukah party on Bathurst Street! Michelle Epstein, Irene Fuller and Helen Risen

Immediately above: The Honourable Mr. Ali Ehsassi, MP for Willowdale (left) helps light the menorah, along with Ritual Director Larry

Spring and then Chair of the shul, Carl Zeliger.

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Synagogue Members and immediate family

Community Pass for 3 movies

Experience the unique taste of movies “Made in Israel”

Sometimes funny, sometimes bitter sweet, sometimes political, sometimes historical,

always through a Jewish lens

1st Sunday monthly, during the fall and winter months

UPCOMING DATES: JANUARY 6

FEBRUARY 3 MARCH 3

e-mail hebrewclass@prideofisraelshul.org or call the office

and ask to be on the email contact list for movie updates, reminders and snow storm cancellations, etc

www.prideofisraelshul.org

59 LISSOM CRESCENT (416) 226-0111 ext 201

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SHABBAT between MINCHA/MAARIV

Weekly Torah Portion Insights

MONDAYS 11:00 a.m.- noon

Learn modern vocabulary and discuss everyday & current events

BEGINNERS Tuesdays 7:15– 8:45 p.m.

BEGINNERS PLUS Tuesdays 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

INTERMEDIATE Tuesdays 7:15 – 8:45 p.m.

ADVANCED Thursdays 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Pre-requisite: read Hebrew - Contact the office to register

10 LESSONS $220 (Members $190) - COST DEPENDS ON ENROLMENT

WEDNESDAYS @ 9:30 a.m. - NEW PARTICIPANTS WELCOME

The major resource is the Commentators’ Bible, first published 500 years ago as the “Rabbinic Bible,”

Now in contemporary English, hear the voices of Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Nachmanides, Rashbam,

and other medieval commentators. For more details, please leave a message in the office for a call back

1st Shabbat monthly

10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

SHALOM YELADIM

for ages 2-8

2nd Shabbat monthly

start date T.B.A.

TEEN LED SERVICE

for ages 3+

3rd Shabbat monthly

4th Shabbat monthly

Lively discussion of topics of the day.

Bring your questions

Following Kiddush

www.prideofisraelshul.org

59 LISSOM CRESCENT

(416) 226-0111 ext 201

New Students

Welcome!

A lively, open discussion

on the weekly parashah

with Rav Jennifer Gorman

All Ages 9:45 a.m.

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SHALOM YELADIM

TU B’SHVAT GAMES, STORIES, SNACKS (nut free)

for ages 2 - 8; 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Parents can accompany their children or attend services in the Sanctuary;

family friendly Kiddush following services.

.

TU B’SHVAT SEDER

FUN FOR ALL AGES

following Kiddush, approximately 12:00 noon (In lieu of admission, an optional donation

to the elevator fund is appreciated)

Call the office or email admin@prideofisraelshul.com

www.prideofisraelshul.org

59 LISSOM CRESCENT (416) 226-0111 ext 201

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LOOKING FORWARD

F R O M T H E N E W P R E S I D E N T O F T H E

S B S

s the President of the SBS for 2019, I want to thank the outgoing SBS Executive and

Shul Board of Governors for their outstanding work over the last year. Steven Bloom and Carl Zeliger with their respective Boards and Committee Chairs have done an excellent job. We, as an organization, are better off today than we were at this time last year. The new SBS Executive for 2019 is comprised of myself as President, Michele Axelrod (Vice-President), Stewart Bloom (Vice-President), and Martin (Marty) Risen as Finance Chair. We are all long time shul members as well as Board members that have held multiple Committee chairs. In addition to being a past President and Chairman of the POI Synagogue, I have chaired, or currently Chair or sit on various committees including Membership, Finance, Constitution, Food Bank and the Lissom Project. As President for 2019, I commit to you, the members, that we will work tirelessly to keep improving the SBS and we will continue to support the Shul in all ways possible. It is important to remember that we are an all-volunteer organization. If you wish to become more active in any of our committees, please contact the office and leave your name, contact information, and committee interests so that the appropriate Committee Chair or someone from the Executive can reach you. SBS Committees include Membership, Cemetery, Constitution, Finance, Social, Publicity, Wellness, and Ombudsman. I look forward to a successful and productive 2019. Thank you for your support. Hymie Blum President, Sick Benefit Society

CHANGING T IMES

F R O M T H E C H A I R O F T H E S H U L

ith humility and honour I accepted the nomination to the Board and the Board’s

appointment as the next Chair of the Pride of Israel Synagogue. I am looking forward to an exciting and challenging year ahead, with the difficult task of filling the shoes of my predecessor, Carl Zeliger: he has big feet!

Carl Zeliger (left – feet not shown), Steven Bloom.

would like to recognize the hard work and great successes that the previous Board

achieved, with Carl Zeliger, Mara Swartz, Stewart Bloom, Martin Risen and Eric Sunshine as the members of the immediate past Head Table. Yasher Koach to you all. Please join with me in welcoming the new Pride of Israel Head table members for 2019: Michelle Epstein as Vice Chair, Willie Lindo as Vice Chair, Michael Kamien as Treasurer and Eric Sunshine as Ritual Chair. In addition to these, the following people have all been nominated to the Board and their respective Committee Chair responsibilities will be determined at the first meeting in January. We welcome Robert Epstein, Irene Fuller, Jack Gelber, Peter Leighton, Adele Maizels, Morris Nudleman, Helen Risen, Jack Steinmetz and Teena Sunshine to the Board of Governors. Please join me in also welcoming Carol Arshoff to our Board as the Sisterhood representative. The shul is connected to the SBS and their support is ever-present in our daily operations. Some of the responsibilities that fall under the auspices of the SBS are the management and operation of our cemeteries, extended funding for all ritual functions and parties hosted at the shul (Picnic, Chanukah party, Purim Party, etc.). The efforts of

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all individuals associated with these responsi-bilities are greatly appreciated. We have experienced challenging times in our community here at the Pride and in communities at large this past year. The massacre at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh is ever present as a reminder of our fragility, simply because we are Jews. We must hold onto the memories of those who were struck down and honour them by continuing to do exactly what they were doing in that moment, exercising their right to pray and to celebrate their Judaism. We too must continue to do the same, and even more so, to ensure that their tragedy is not in vain. We struggled with funding this past year to continue supporting the community with our Kosher Food Bank. We were faced with the challenge of finding financial support to provide this necessary operation for so many in need in our community. Carl Zeliger and a team of volunteers made tremendous efforts to ask for support. Their efforts were not in vain and they were able to secure the continued operation of the food bank for the near future. We must continue to make a conscious effort to support it with funds, donations of food and raising our voices to its cause among our friends and colleagues in the community. We cannot lose sight of the importance of this endeavor and our integral part in its continued success.

We had a wonderful party to commemorate Chanukah. There were over 130 guests in attendance who were treated to fantastic entertainment with face painting, a magic show, and a DJ who kept the kids and their parents engaged with dancing, games, and activities. There were prizes, loot bags and sufganyiot for all. The food was a delightful treat, with a variety of options to meet all dietary restrictions. Special thanks to Michelle Epstein, Irene Fuller, Helen Risen and all of the volunteers who came together to make this the most successful Chanukah party in many years.

During the month of December, we hosted our annual Installation Dinner and Dance evening. This is one of the ways that we, as an organization, say thank you to you, our members. It is an evening of saying goodbyes to the outgoing Boards and welcoming the incoming Boards. We recognize the special and enduring efforts of our members.

This year we had the added pleasure of being a part of a 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration and we could not have been more thrilled. Our in-house caterer, Joe from Tiara Culinary, in conjunction with our catering Chair Jack Gelber, did a wonderful job on the menu and the food. Everything was delicious and no one left hungry. The entertainment, provided by The Magen Boys, was excellent. An amazing guitarist accompanied us through hors d’oeuvres and the first part of our dinner. A wonderful vocalist worked her magic as we completed our meals and took to the dance floor. During the rest of the evening we were kept entertained through the fine craftsmanship of the DJ. They really set the mood and we were all loving it. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and efforts of all who made this evening such a success and extend special thanks to Larry Spring, our MC

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for the evening, and to all of the participants who took part in planning and orchestrating the evening’s events. We are busy working on plans for the Purim party. Please check this newsletter for upcoming dates and information. Given the success of these last two events, you will not want to miss out on all the fun that the Purim party will surely provide. In my role as Synagogue Chair, I am your voice to our Board. I will make myself available to listen to your concerns and to rectify matters where possible. But … please understand that this is volunteer position – please keep that in mind if I do not return your calls or emails immediately. I will do my best, but please recognize that I am doing this despite a busy personal work schedule. Steven Bloom Chair Pride of Israel Synagogue

Above: Installation Dinner. Immediately above: Leaf added to the Tree of Life in the shul’s lobby.

KOL Y I SRAEL

F R O M T H E R A B B I

The first mishnah in Rosh Hashanah teaches us that there are four new years. The fourth is the new year of the trees. It falls on the 15th of the month of Shevat (Tu bi'Shevat), according to the house of Hillel. In ancient times, the Jewish community main-tained a system of korbanot (sacrifices). Part of the annual tithing requirement was from the fruit of our orchards. Setting a date of the Tu bi'Shevat marked the starting date for each year's requirement. Thankfully, we are no longer living in a sacrificial system. The Jewish mind has taken this date and given it a new and wonderful meaning. There is a seder that many will observe, similar to Pesach. This seder is observed with the fruits of the Land of Israel. And so, many moderns have taken the meaning beyond its sacrificial origins to a way of connecting with the Land of Israel. We can get good dates from anywhere but we can make it a point to eat dates from the Land of Israel at Tu bi'Shevat. We can get figs anywhere. But the figs of California, as tasty as they might be, are not part of our spiritual connection, our spiritual heritage, that is found in the Land of Israel. And so, ladies and gentlemen, come Tu bi'Shevat, I invite you to join us for our annual seder. Go a step beyond though and purchase grapes, olives, dates, figs, and pomegranates from the Land of Israel. Enjoy them, and remember our homeland. If I may add in one more point, I love the dates from the Land of Israel. For some reason though, they taste better when I get them at Mahane Yehuda. I leave you all with that subtle hint. Rav Sean Gorman

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THE PRIDE OF ISRAEL SISTERHOODWE GIVE EACH OTHER THE POWER TO DO MORE

Sisterhood membership dues of $25for 2019 are now payable.

Make your cheque payable toPride of Israel Sisterhood

Deliver OR Mail your cheque to the synagogue office59 Lissom Crescent, Toronto, ON M2R 2P2

Please provide your emailaddress and phone number along with your cheque.

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WE SHABBAT! 1st Shabbat

monthly

SHALOM YELADIM for ages 2-8

See Separate Flyer

Join Rachel Dubins in the Ganz Room

10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

2nd Shabbat monthly

TEEN LED SERVICE for ages 3+

start date T.B.A.

in the Cayne Chapel 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

3rd Shabbat

monthly

A lively, open discussion on the weekly parashah

with Rav Jennifer Gorman in the Fuller Library All Ages 9:45 a.m.

4th Shabbat monthly

Lively discussion of topics of the day.

Bring your questions with Rav Sean Gorman

Following Kiddush

WEEKLY WORDS of WISDOM BETWEEN MINCHA/MAARIV

with Rav Sean Gorman

MORE JEWISH LEARNING SUNDAYS

once MONTHLY 2:30 p.m.

See Separate Flyer

ISRAELI MOVIES - ENGLISH SUBTITLES email: hebrewclass@prideofisraelshul.org to be on the update-reminder contact list

MONDAYS 11 a.m. - noon

MORE THAN RASHI Join us for coffee, tea and Torah wisdom

as Rav Sean Gorman discusses the weekly Parasha. Very insightful with round table discussion.

TUESDAYS THURSDAYS

CONVERSATIONAL

ULPAN HEBREW made fun & easy

New students welcome anytime See Separate Flyer

BEGINNERS - BEGINNERS PLUS

INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED

Leave a message at the office for a call back Learn modern vocabulary;

discuss everyday and current events WEDNESDAYS

9:30 a.m. BOOK OF EXODUS

Commentators’ Bible is the major resource

See Separate Flyer

WORD by WORD STUDY GROUP Participants can choose to explore a commentator’s

understanding IN ENGLISH with a study partner and present the information to the group,

or can choose to learn from the presenters.

www.prideofisraelshul.org 416 226 0111 ext 201

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The Torah is the Word of God, so let’s study the Torah word by word

The Torah speaks to each person in every generation, so let it speak to you.

This is a unique learning opportunity to join a study group under the assistance of Rav Sean Gorman

You’ll explore many different commentators’ understandings of the passages in the Torah. You’ll become familiar with the commentators and the times during which they lived. Participants can choose to explore a commentator’s understanding with a study partner

and present the information to the group, or participants can choose to learn from the presenters.

WEDNESDAYS 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. For more information, leave a message in the office for a call back.

We’ve started with the Book of Exodus. One of the resource texts we are using is The Commentators’ Bible

The Commentators’ Bible, first published 500 years ago as the “Rabbinic Bible,” the biblical commentaries known as the Miqra’ot Gedolot have inspired and educated generations of Hebrew readers. With this edition, the voices of Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Nachmanides, Rashbam, and other medieval commentators come alive once more, speaking in a contemporary English translation annotated and explicated for lay readers. Each page contains several Hebrew verses from the book of Exodus, surrounded by both the 1917 and 1985 JPS translations and new English translations of the major commentators.

www.prideofisraelshul.org 416 226 0111 ext 201

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BUILDING A BETTER SHUL

R E F L E C T I O N S F R O M

O U R P A S T C H A I R

lthough I am proud to have completed two years as Chair of the Pride of Israel

Synagogue, I am also pleased that this part of my life is (finally) over. It has been exhausting, both physically and psychologically. I have estimated that in my two years as Chair, I have, as a matter of synagogue business or concerns, attended over 100 meetings of one kind or another, engaged in over 400 shul related telephone calls, and either sent or received over 1800 emails. Yes, I am ready for, and, in my opinion, have earned a rest from this level of involvement in shul matters. I will most definitely not miss the complaints and criticisms levelled at me personally and directly in my capacity as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Pride of Israel Synagogue, or indirectly as brought against the Synagogue or Board in my capacity as its Chair. Many believe that the ‘buck’ stops with me so I am required to answer all problems and concerns of the shul. During these last two years I have been critiqued, assessed, reassessed, evaluated and devalued. I have been unfairly compared with past Chairs, lectured on what I have failed to do, been subjected to bullying tactics, and told by others that it is only they that know what is in the best interest of the Synagogue. I have been misunderstood, mis-quoted, and taken advantage of.

Tower of Babel (Peter Bruegel the Elder, c. 1563, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna)

ell, I am no longer Chair and the shackles have been removed. I am going to turn the

tables and critique you, the membership of the synagogue. There are approximately 350 family units that comprise our membership. You are all different but, for the most part, fall into one of the following categories: 1. There is a group of you that understands the importance of giving back and the need to preserve what is Jewish in the diaspora by your involvement in your Synagogue. You have warm hearts and unselfishly and beautifully give that most precious of gifts, your time. You help with the Food Bank,

Breakfast Committee, High Holy Day preparations, and numerous other activities and events in our shul. You may not only sit on Committees to render advice but also roll up your sleeves to do the work that needs

to be done for the welfare of our Synagogue. You are active members of our Synagogue Board or of the Society’s Executive Committee. You have inspired and continue to inspire me to take on tasks for the shul and you are one of the reasons I accepted and completed two years as your shul’s Chairperson. You come from one of about 75 family units or approximately 20% of the family units of the Synagogue in which at least one family member finds at least 10 hours in the course of a year to give back to your Synagogue. This may seem like a lot of time but it is certainly not. It works out to less than 1 hour a month and less than 15 minutes a week. This should be the bare minimum that all able bodied members give back to our shul. In reality, many of you in this group contribute far more of your time and effort and you have my respect and heartfelt thanks. You are the stars of our membership. Unfortunately, there are simply not enough of you. 2. Perhaps the largest group of members would like to see more programs and activities but are not prepared to give of their time to achieve this. They do not realize that, as our dues are so low, we cannot retain the services of an Executive Director or Program Director. Virtually every activity at our shul involves work and effort by volunteers. This group will complain, suggest ideas for improvements and propose further programs and activities. They will, however, avoid any personal work to implement their suggestions. They also have no problem finding more work for our existing volunteers. When asked to assist the shul, they

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claim they have no time. I find this infuriating. No one these days has time on their hands. Everyone has family obligations, work or financial concerns, involvement with friends, and the need for leisure time. In most cases, the only difference between the volunteer and a member of this group is that the volunteer finds time in his or her busy schedule to assist our shul, and the non-volunteer can’t be bothered. This group should have greater respect for shul volunteers and that includes the well-intended Board members. What is needed from this group is less talk and more action. 3. We have a rich history and there are several members that, in the past, gave much of their time to the service of their Synagogue and some even occupied head table and executive positions of responsibility. I am not referring to those that are unfortunately limited by health concerns but others in this group who have simply chosen not to continue their active involvement. They believe that they have already done their time and there is no basic continuing obligation to give back. I disagree with them. Although they are to be thanked for their past assistance, they do not fully realize that their knowledge and expertise are an unused asset of the shul. Although no one should reasonably expect them to return to the level of involvement they reached in the past, the 10 hours per year suggested minimum requirement should not pose any problem to them and would greatly assist our Synagogue. 4. Some of our members are very old or infirm. They are house-ridden and many cannot even attend High Holy Day services. Their support is now understandably limited to the dues they pay, and this is to ensure the continuation of their membership for the availability of clergy and plots when unfortunately, this will be needed for them and/or their spouses. I wish we had more volunteers to establish a Chesed Committee that could look in on these members. I believe we just do not have enough volunteers to take on this additional role. 5. There is a group of members that largely, except for the availability of prayer services, and possibly their attendance at a breakfast or dinner included in membership, see no reason for our shul to have programs or activities. One of their main concerns now is to ensure that the Synagogue survives long enough for them to receive their plots and the availability of clergy to officiate when that unfortunate circumstance befalls them and/or

their spouses. Programs, activities, and projects are generally unnecessary as they have the potential to increase membership dues. Our membership dues are the lowest of any shul in the GTA that offers its members a Rabbi, Cantor, Ritual Director and daily prayer services. Nevertheless, this group generally believes our dues are excessive and should be reduced. Although some have modest fixed incomes, most do

not, and, therefore, their position is troubling. They are, in my view, short sighted. The only way to ensure the survival of the shul into the future as the average age of our

membership increases is to attract new members, and one important way to attract new members is to have vibrant programs and activities in our Synagogue. The members of this group may complain and sometimes render advice but will rarely roll up their sleeves and contribute to assisting with the work of the Synagogue. 6. There are a few members who have worked, admiringly in some cases, on Committees and/or on the Board of Governors of the Synagogue but have become disillusioned and chosen to withdraw from such Committees and/or the Board. I have found that, in most cases, their departure is because of personal friction with one or more members, incorrectly viewing a difference of opinion as a personal slighting, difficulty in accepting the decision of the majority, difficulties encountered in dealing with people, and/or an inability to properly consider compromise. The work of our volunteers in committees and on the Board may not be perfect and mistakes can be made but no one should doubt that these hard-working volunteers have the best interests of the Synagogue in mind. The problems arise when these departing Committee and/or Board members do not leave graciously but, unfairly or with a lack of objectivity, sling arrows from afar at well-intended committee and/or Board member volunteers, or criticize our Synagogue, committees and/or Board and its volunteers to other members of our shul or to the public. In doing so they cannot be acting in the best interest of the Synagogue and have their own agenda.

We must attract new members with vibrant programs to ensure our shul’s survival

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7. The Hagadah refers to the four sons. The fourth son is the one who does not know enough to ask. I sometimes feel that there are members of our Synagogue who do not appear to fully understand

the workings of our Synagogue and Society, or how to get things considered and done, or whom to even talk to about a concern. Although I wish they would come forward to become more educated and hopefully thereafter become more involved in shul matters, I also feel disappointed that we have not been able to do a better job

to identify, approach, and dialog with these members. Well my friends, I hope you can objectively decide where you fit in as a member of our shul. Once you have done so, I have a question for you. What kind of a member do you want to be? Let me once again thank my fellow Board members, and the Executive Committee of the Society, and all other volunteers for all of your work these last two years and for your support. It was very much appreciated. With thanks, Carl Zeliger Immediate Past Chair, Pride of Israel Synagogue

MAZEL TOV !

To Lisa & Jonathan Miller on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Ely Miller. Proud grandparents are Cantor Charles Weinberg & the late Lynda Weinberg & David Miller.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, January 6, 2:30 p.m., Israeli Movie.

Saturday, January 19, Twilight Bar Mitzvah for Ely Miller.

Sunday, February 3, 2:30 p.m., Israeli Movie.

BOOKINGS Simcha coming up? Bookings for the year 2021 are now being accepted.

Please call Susan at 416-226-0111, ext. 203 for all inquiries.

We want to make this newsletter interesting and useful. We welcome articles, pictures, and anything else that you think our members may find interesting. Please send suggestions and submissions to shul@jdsherman.com. Your submissions will be edited for space and clarity. Photos welcome as well. Copy editing by Jeffrey Sherman, Michele Axelrod and Steve Goldwasser. Flyers by Helen Risen. Additional proofreading by Marty Risen, Jeff Rosen, Carl Zeliger and Susan Akler. Thank you to everyone who contributed inclu-ding those not acknowledged here. Jeffrey D. Sherman Editor Contents of this newsletter ©2019 Pride of Israel Synagogue

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CONDOLENCES

To Stan Urovitz on the loss of his wife, Phyllis Urovitz

To Marguerite Feder on the loss of her husband, Norman Feder.

To Sandra Goldstein on the loss of her husband, Marvin Goldstein.

To the Family of the late Ruth Kravitz.

To Barbara Mortfield on this loss of her husband, Jerry Mortfield.

To Ami & Shari Freiberg on the loss of his mother, Esther Freiberg.

To Robert & Frankie Chesney on the loss of his sister, Sandra Seymour. As well, Aunt to Stephen & Janice Chesney.

To Murray & Shirlee Silver on the loss of their son, Jeffery Silver.

To Jack Steinmetz on the loss of his wife, Rose Steinmetz.

DONATIONS

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations from October 24 to December 24, 2018

General Donations Judy Abraham Mark Albert

Sharon Anisman Phillip & Judith Antecol

Gerry & Jan Babins Jerry & Georgi Bagelman

Barry Barnes Stan Beder

Bernice Biranbaum Ellen Kruger Bloom & Robert Bloom

Helen Brooker

Robert & Frances Chesney Arthur & Janet Chippin

Simone Collier David Feig

Shelley Feldman Howard & Lorraine Gang

Murray Goldkind Morris & Marsha Goldstein

Steve & Phyllis Goldwasser Irving & Sherryl Haberman

Gail Israel Brian & Amy Kalish

Michael & Shawna Kamien Gerald Levine

Judith Levita Karen Lipman

Jana & David Lucatch

Howie Mandel Rosalie Sandler & Morris Nudelman

Enna Pearlston Dr. Robin & Sharon Pellow

Allan & Toby Perlmutar Stanley & Gail Rapkin

Martin & Helen Risen Nancie Evans & Alan Risen

Martin Rudnick Carey & Susan Salem

Mark Schlein Barry & Dina Segal

Brian & Jennifer Sherman Jeffrey & Margaret Sherman

Jack & Rose Steinmetz Jeffrey & Mara Beth Swartz

Marshall Turgell Cary & Laurie Wasser

Charles Weinberg Michael & Randi Weiser

Franceen Handelsman Wiseberg & Harvey Wiseberg No Frills, 1962930 Ontario

Pushka, Pride of Israel Synagogue Steeles Memorial Chapel

Elevator Fund Judy Abraham Larry & Carol Arshoff Harry Banikin Barry Barnes Fred & Sheila Berg Michele Axelrod & Steven Bloom Hymie & Carol Blum Leonard & Linda Borer Hersh & Cynthia Buckstein Dave & Noreen Burton Saul & Harriet Carr Albert & Rhonda Chaiet Robert & Michelle Epstein Jerry & Frances Freud Jacob & Livia Friedberg Jack & Trudy Gelber Bernard & Lily Gilbert Steve & Phyllis Goldwasser Rabbis Sean & Jennifer Gorman Howard & Flora Green Sharon Green Irving & Sherryl Haberman Gail Israel Norm & Gloria Jacobs Michael & Shawna Kamien Peter Leighton Marvin & Ilse Litvack Jana & David Lucatch Adele Maisels Alan & Cindy Marks

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Rosalie Sandler & Morris Nudelman Martin & Helen Risen Moe & Pauline Rotman Marvin & Suzanne Rubinstein Francey Sager Jeffrey & Gillian Sarfin Stephen & Miriam Segal Barry & Judith Sidlofsky Harold & Hana Sommers Jack & Rose Steinmetz Eric & Teena Sunshine Jeffrey & Mara Beth Swartz Allan & Roberta Wilson Gabriel & Dianne Winterstein Franceen Handelsman Wiseberg & Harvey Wiseberg Carl & Debra Zeliger Kosher Food Bank Ethel Abramowitz Patrick Abtan Susan & Nathan Akler Marillyn Friendly & Michael Alexander Gerry & Jan Babins Selwyn Banikin Jack Bick Nava Blankenstein Lisa Braverman Ava Brodsky Saul & Harriet Carr Robert & Frances Chesney Jerry & Lana Edelist Deborah Feinstadt George & Judith Fono George & Judy Frankfort Alice Friedman Jacob Galper Gitta Ganz Jack & Trudy Gelber Rita Ginsberg Isaac & Ruth Glowinsky Leonard & Celia Goldberg Sharon Grunberg Howard Harris Jillian Joffe Noreen Kasman Arin Klug Harold & Molly Krakower Michael Laurentius Peter Leighton Marvin & Ilse Litvack Jana & David Lucatch Dan & Cindy Meghory Harvey & Lorraine Mellon Joy Newton Enna Pearlston Allan & Toby Perlmutar Susan Rabovsky Irving & Sandra Raskin Joyce Rebello Martin & Helen Risen Paul Risen Allan Sheps Annette Sherman Susan Shiffman Anita Shore Ruth Simon Joel & Blossom Snitman Harvey Stork Ed & Beverlee Switzer Barry Torch Howard & Marilyn Weingarten Michael & Merle Weinstein Gabriel & Dianne Winterstein Dr. Wayne & Sheryl Wolfstadt Elyse Sunshine & Mark Zarenda

Carl & Debra Zeliger Beth Tikvah Synagogue B'nai Brith Canada, Don Mills Lodge Congregation Beth Haminyan Equitable Bank Jewish Foundation Kehillat Chaverim Rabbinical Assembly of Ontario Temple Har Zion Temple Sinai Congregation Building Fund Irving & Sherryl Haberman Jonathan & Debra Lewis Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Simone Collier Charles & Bernice Korman Jonathan & Debra Lewis Jana & David Lucatch William Nightingale Francey Sager Prayer Book Fund Bernard & Lynda Citron Norm & Gloria Jacobs

PUSHKE BOX CAMPAIGN

On behalf of our Shul, I would like to thank everyone who donated to the Pushka Box Program for 2018. At the time of writing, I did not have all of the names to thank each of you individually, but I will do so in a future article. Some of you have donated more than once, but ALL donations are very much appreciated to help us reach our goal for the Drive to Revive initiative.

Once again, thank you.

And if you haven’t participated in the past … Have you considered donating through our pushka box program? It is a simple, convenient way of contributing that benefits our Drive to Revive Program.

Boxes are available for pickup at the Shul from the office or at the

coat check counter. Once the box is filled, simply return it to the Shul office.

All donations will receive tax receipts.

Sharon Goldstein Pushka Box Committee

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FACES

P I T T S B U R G H , O C T O B E R 2 7 , 2 0 1 8

e were shaken and saddened by the events that occurred in Pittsburgh at the Eitz

Chaim (Tree of Life) Synagogue on October 27, 2018. There was almost universal condemnation for the loss of 11 innocent victims who were brutally murdered in a house of worship while praying. It especially struck home to Jews as this violence occurred in a Synagogue, on Shabbat, to Jews who had assembled there to daven. There were many varied responses to this horrific event by individuals and groups. The first responders were heroic in their attempts to save further lives and to subdue the attacker. The Pittsburgh community and communities throughout North America joined in sending heart-felt condolences. A moment of silence for the victims was repeated at concerts, events, and activities in both the United States and Canada. The Pittsburgh Penguins altered the logo on their helmets to form a Magen David, and other athletes made changes to their sports gear in a demonstration of support. The Pride sent a letter of condolence and a donation in the amount of eleven times Chai to the rabbi of the Tree of Life Synagogue. We also designated a leaf on our Tree of Life donation board in our foyer on behalf of the eleven martyrs and sent a Certificate to that effect to their rabbi. I did not know how to properly reflect on this most significant and murderous anti-Semitic attack in North American history. I followed the news, received my updates from CIJA and the UJA, and read articles from the Jewish and Israeli web sites that I regularly monitor but there was something missing for me. Shortly after that weekend ended, I came across a poster on the internet that had been put together by a synagogue in Canada. It was made up of not only the names of the victims in Pittsburgh but also contained their colour photographs. I stared at the faces of the 11 victims. It was both consuming and uneasy for me. I downloaded the poster and put it on an easel for display in our Synagogue lobby just outside the entrance to our sanctuary. I had decided that, for the Shab-bat service on November 3, 2018, just one week after the event, this poster should be available to be viewed by everyone praying with us.

In the days leading up to November 3, 2018, I found myself standing in front of the poster again searching the faces of the victims. I was unsure why. My preoccupation with this poster finally became clear to me. The faces of the victims actually looked familiar. There was one victim who reminded me of a member who was attending our weekday services to say Kaddish, another whose face was similar to that of a congregant who periodically attends our services on Shabbat morning, and another that reminded me of a member of our Board of Governors. It was haunting.

uring the Shabbat services one week after the events in Pittsburgh, I noticed that

those attending services that Shabbat would stop at the poster to ponder and show their respects before entering our sanctuary. I was also moved by the Kel Maleh Rachamim prayer so touchingly sung by our Cantor, and the relevant speech that the Rabbi had prepared for his sermon as movingly delivered by our Ritual Director. Before the service ended, I became teary eyed. Heaven forbid, but those faces on the poster could have been the faces of our shul goers. I could not imagine how traumatic such an event occurring in our synagogue would have been. To experience the loss of so many would have been devastating. From my place on the bima I looked up at the faces of those that had assembled that morning for Shabbat services. We typically have about 60 to 70 daveners on Shabbat during the Fall and Winter months but there were approx-imately 120 present to pray with us that Shabbat morning. There were our regulars of course, but in addition I recognized the faces of some who attend almost exclusively on the High Holidays, and others only for Kaddish prayers for yahrzeit. Further, there were still more in attendance who were strangers to me. In my mind, the faces of the departed victims had been replaced by the faces of those that had made the effort to be with us that Shabbat morning. They came to remember, to memorialize, to obtain some manner of comfort, and to demonstrate their support for the victims and their families. They also came in a bold act of defiance, a statement that our right to pray should never be compromised. I was inspired, and it was comforting to me. Carl Zeliger Immediate Past Chair, Pride of Israel Synagogue

W

D

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UNDER OUR ROOF

C A R E A N D M A I N T E N A N C E

O F T H E S H U L

Some of you may have had the unfortunate experience of needing your umbrella during our High Holy Day services in the Torno Hall; this will no longer be an issue. We have sealed all of the windows and have been assured that there will be no future water leaks from them. In addition, the extra layer of clothing some of you may have needed this past fall in the Torno Hall should also no longer be required. One of our HVAC units on the roof in the Torno Hall was no longer operational and had to be replaced. All of our HVAC units are now working. The lighting automation is complete, thanks to a generous donation from the Wasser Family. All lights can now be remotely controlled, providing the shul with substantial energy savings. The Torno Hall lighting has been replaced with energy efficient LED lights. All of the damaged walls have been repaired with great thanks and appreciation to our Cantor Charles Weinberg for underwriting these repairs. The lower level is the only area of our shul that has not had an upgrade to energy efficient lighting. Should you wish to be a donor for this, please contact me directly. The plans have been finalized for the Lissom Street project. We have submitted our plans to the Zoning Department at the City. Once approved, we will commence tendering the project, with an expected ground-breaking date of Spring 2019. Although we are committed to this project and we are moving forward, we still need your financial support for this endeavor. Please contribute to The Lissom Street Project / The Elevator Fund. Those wishing to make a substantial endowment to this project please contact me directly so we can discuss opportunities and recognitions that are available. Please stay tuned as I will continue to provide updates as advancements are made. Steven Bloom Synagogue Chair House Chair

WORD BY WORD

Every Wednesday morning, an intrepid group gathers with Rav Sean to study the Book of Exodus. The main source we are using has the translation of the text as well as several commentaries translated into English. The seminar is called “Word by Word”, and that is a true description of what takes place. Each person presents the views of one of the commentators. Words are important in providing meaning. However, the commentators often disagree on the meaning of a word, and thus the meaning of the verse. It is this disagreement that leads us into so much

discussion and learning. The Pharaoh of the Exodus: did he not know Joseph because a long time had passed, or did he not want to know what Joseph had done for Egypt? Were the Egypt-ians afraid of the Jews because there were so many of them? Then why not

encourage them to leave? Did the Egyptians really fear the Israelites, or were they just concerned and worried about how the two groups were interacting and living together? These are a few of the topics that came up during our discussions. We expected that we would study ten or twelve verses each week, and finish the entire book by the spring, ready for the next book of the Torah. That would have required a far less interested and involved group of people. Nothing is too small or apparently insignificant to catch our attention and the attention of the commentators. Rav Sean is our anchor and guides us through the various meanings, brings in other commentators not in our book, and uses other books from his library to help clarify points. This detailed study of the Torah text gives one a new insight into the Torah and what it is saying. Peter Leighton

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RECIPE BOX

P U R P L E C A B B A G E S A L A D This is a wonderful recipe, originally from Susie Fishbein’s Passover by Design Cookbook, which can be adapted and used throughout the year. The colors and textures are beautiful. If you do not want to use the purple cabbage, this works just as well with green cabbage or in a pinch, the pre-cut bagged cabbage salad (without the dressing).

For the salad: 16 ounces cabbage (purple, shredded) (or green cabbage or pre-cut bagged coleslaw salad) 1/3 cup scallions (chopped) 1/3 cup pine nuts 3 carrots (julienned, or 1 8-ounce bag shredded carrots) (if using bagged cabbage salad, there are carrots already in it, feel free to adjust accordingly) 1 11 ounce can mandarin oranges (unsweetened) (reserving the liquid) 1 to 2 handfuls dried cranberries (can be sweetened or unsweetened) For the dressing: 4 tablespoons brown sugar ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground) ¼ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt) 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon juice – reserved from the mandarin orange liquid ½ cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon chicken consommé powder – parve ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Make it: 1. Place the cabbage, scallions, pine nuts,

carrots, oranges and cranberries in a large bowl.

2. Make the dressing: add the brown sugar, pepper, salt, vinegar, reserved marinade, oil, consommé powder and garlic powder in a jar or cruet. Close the lid and shake until thoroughly mixed.

3. Pour over salad. Begin with using only part of the dressing. You can always add more later. The cabbage soaks it up and gets soft and you do not want your salad too wet.

4. Refrigerate to let the flavors mix for at least 1 hour before serving.

5. This can be prepared early in the day to enhance the flavors.

Enjoy this with anything and everything throughout the year. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does. Michele Axelrod Vice President, Sick Benefit Society

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Shabbat to Remember Saturday May 11th 2019

Join us for our Annual Shabbat To Remember Service where we honour our Holocaust Survivors and the

Children of Holocaust Survivors.

Contact the Shul office if you are a Survivor or the Child of a Survivor and you wish to receive an Aliya.

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SOME THOUGHTS F O R

T H E “P E O P L E O F T H E B O O K” Whoever said, “The more things change, the more they remain the same,” obviously had no idea what life would be like in the first quarter of the 21st century. I remember a time when every mall, had its own bookstore. A visit to Yorkdale was not complete without a stop at Coles or W.H. Smith & Sons. More often than not, I would emerge with a new book, which allowed me to explore “strange new worlds” without leaving the comfort of my childhood home. When Yorkdale underwent its first expansion, one of the first casualties was Coles, as the bookstore became the entrance of the mall’s new wing. It was then that I decided that not all progress was good. In the mid-1990s, Chapters was born, buying out and merging with Coles and W.H. Smith (by then Smithbooks). Abandoning the small store concept, Chapters changed formats, setting up larger box stores with a greater product selection, a place to sit, relax and enjoy a coffee while perusing a paperback. The new concept was fantastic. In 1997, Chapters was joined by Indigo. This was even better as it meant even greater choice in price and products. However, by early 2001, Indigo had bought out Chapters, which meant that everyone was selling the same product. The former did leave some stores to operate as Chapters, but others were eventually closed or rebranded as Indigo. As for the original companies, they are still alive and well, operating in smaller markets. Hardly a year goes by when I do not find a new book at the Coles outlet in Stratford, Ontario.

Although I never did like the reduced competition, I reluctantly adjusted to the new reality. However, the last few years have not been kind as Indigo has reduced its literary content in favour of fluffy pillows, socks, and other assorted paraphernalia. I blame the growth of e-readers for this change. Now I realize that a lot of people prefer to download books rather than to buy the real thing. However, it’s just is not the same thing. With a real book, you do not have to worry about damaging it if you leave it lying around the pool at some beach resort. A real book also allows you to bend the spine, without worrying about damaging any circuits.

The situation became even worse this past year as the company closed and relocated the outlets closest to my home, thereby making it harder to drop in for a quick purchase. It does not make life easier to have to trek to the new Indigo outlet at Hillcrest Mall (instead of Yonge-High Tech Road) or to drive to Fairview Mall instead of Bayview Village. My daughter, Jordana, likes to say, “Daddy does not do well with change.” There is no disputing the fact. I also realize that as time goes by I understand my parents and grandparents even better when they used to “complain” about how fast life was changing around them. I’m not asking for much though, just the ability to walk into a nearby bookstore and purchase the latest Stephen King or Clive Cussler classic. It shouldn’t be that complex. (As for the quote, it is credited to Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, (1808-1890) and is from the French, “Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.”) Jeff Rosen

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Pride of Israel’s annual

Thursday MARCH 21

at 5:45 p.m.

We are in the planning stages

of an awesome event!

We’ll keep you posted.

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PLEASE TAKE YOUR DONATIONS TO

THE PRIDE OF ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 59 LISSOM CRESCENT, Toronto, M2R 2P2

416 226 0111 EXT 201

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Shopping List COR or similar KOSHER certification REQUIRED - No STALE-DATED items

�

Salmon, Tuna, Sardines, Herring

�

Kashi, Nature’s Path, General Mills, Quaker

� Vegetable, Lentil, Bean, Minestrone by Kedem, Manischewitz, Streit’s, NuPak, President’s Choice

� Lentils, Chickpeas, Six bean blend, Heinz Vegetarian baked beans

� Peanut butter, Almond butter

�

Wheat Pasta, Brown Rice Pasta

�

Brown Rice, Couscous, Farfel

�

�

PLEASE TAKE YOUR DONATIONS TO

THE PRIDE OF ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 59 LISSOM CRESCENT, Toronto, M2R 2P2

416 226 0111 EXT 201

2525

Learn modern vocabulary; discuss everyday and current events

BEGINNERS Tuesday 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. BEGINNERS PLUS Tuesday 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. INTERMEDIATE Tuesday 7:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. ADVANCED Thursday 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Pre-requisite: Must Read Hebrew

COST DEPENDS ON ENROLMENT (MEMBERS $190)

For more information please call the office or email hebrewclass@prideofisraelshul.org

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS For over 25 years, Israeli born Yael Lev has taught the Hebrew language to adults and children. After graduating Tel Aviv University with a BA in Hebrew language and English linguistics she went on to acquire a certificate in teaching and mastered the Ulpan method of teaching Hebrew. Her passion for communicating the logic of Hebrew helps students grasp the basics for learning root words and grammatical tenses. Through biblical and historical references, Yael makes learning easy, fun and more meaningful.

Sefi Chassid is Israeli born and educated, and has more than 25 years of teaching experience. After teaching in the IDF, she got her BA in education and became a middle school teacher. Since moving to Canada, she has been

teaching in the Jewish day school system for the past 18 years. In addition to teaching Ivrit (Hebrew language), she is also experienced in teaching Bible studies, Jewish holidays, and Tefillah (prayers) in various classroom settings.

www.prideofisraelshul.org

59 LISSOM CRESCENT (416) 226-0111 ext 201

NEW STUDENTS

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59 Lissom Crescent, North York, ON M2R 2P2, (416) 226-0111 fax (416) 226-0128

Office hours Monday to Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-1. Closed Jewish and statutory holidays.

website: www.prideofisraelshul.org

DIRECTORY

ext. email

Accountant 202 accounts@ prideofisraelshul.org Booking events 203 bookings@ prideofisraelshul.org Cantor Charles Weinberg 201 cantor@prideofisraelshul.org Chairman of synagogue Steven Bloom 209 chairman@prideofisraelshul.org Donations 201 admin@ prideofisraelshul.org President SBS Hymie Blum 208 sbs.president@prideofisraelshul.org Rabbi Sean Gorman 205 rabbi@ prideofisraelshul.org Reception and general queries 201 admin@ prideofisraelshul.org Ritual director Larry Spring 204 ritualdirector@ prideofisraelshul.org Service times 207 (please see website) Sisterhood president Carol Arshoff 201 sisterhood@prideofisraelshul.org Suggestions and comments about this newsletter 201 shul@jdsherman.com

BENEFITS OF BELONGING TO THE PRIDE OF ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Reserved Seating at High Holy Day Services (includes 2 adult seats plus reduced rates

for children, students & family members) Member prices for High Holiday seats for members’ immediate family (parents,

grandparents, and adult children over age 21) Family Seating where children are welcome; and, babysitting is provided. Junior

Congregation programs during the High Holy Days, and throughout the year. Use of the hall included when catering is booked for life events* Clergy services provided (Rabbi, Cantor, or Ritual Director) for life events: Bar/Bat

Mitzvahs**, Baby namings, Weddings, Funerals, etc. Cemetery privileges available for those who qualify and become members of the Pride of

Israel Sick Benefit Society (certain conditions apply) A sense of belonging, a friendly community, a place to call home

* Must be a member for two years

**Does not include Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons

For information on other benefits of belonging to the Pride of Israel Synagogue, please talk to any shul officer or member! To speak with our rabbi, Rav Sean Gorman, please call 416 226-0111, extension 205.

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