Chanukah 5769 - Clanton Park Synagogue

‫בסד‬
Volume 1 Issue 2
December 2008
Mara d’Asra:
Kislev 5769
President:
‫כסלו תשס"ט‬
Rabbi Yehoshua Weber
Rabbi Emeritus: Rabbi Yitzchok Kerzner
Mr. Wayne Kurtz
11 Lowesmoor Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M3H 3H6
Telephone:
(416) 633-4193
email: [email protected]
website: www.clantonpark.com
Your community Orthodox shul dedicated to Torah study and acts of generosity and kindness
CHANUKAH 5769
‫חנוכה ת ש ס ט‬
From the Editor’s Desk
Welcome to the Chanukah 5769 issue of the shul bulletin !
In this issue there are two special reports:
1. an update report from the Building Campaign Co-Chairs, on the Building/RenovationProject the shul
is undertaking
2. a report, complete with photos, of the shul’s “Evening of Tribute” Founders’ Dinner held on
th
September 17 , 2008.
As editor, I encourage you to submit any shul related questions you may have and
I will do my utmost to contact the appropriate individual(s) to get responses.
Questions considered of interest to the kehillah as a whole, will be published in
future issues of the bulletin.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rav and all contributors of information or articles for this issue of the bulletin.
A special thanks to Chaim Gad & Gill Ginsburg for their continuing inspiring articles and to the advertisers who have
sponsored ads in the bulletin. Yasher Koach !
A full colour version of the bulletin is available on the shul website at www.clantonpark.com.
If any announcement in this bulletin is inaccurate, incomplete or any has been omitted, it is a result of the information not
being available. In order to ensure that your Mazal Tov announcement is not overlooked or the information in it is accurate
and complete, please email the details to [email protected].
Wishing the Entire Kehillah
a Freiliche Chanukah !
! ‫חג ׂשמח‬
Message From the Rav
Rabbi Yehoshua Weber
IT’S NOT ABOUT WINNING
Chanukah; it’s a celebration of our war victory, isn’t it? It’s a celebration of victory over our Greek enemies and over their
Jewish sympathizers. But the quiet light of the Chanukah lecht do not evoke the sentiments of a victory parade. And the
word Chanukah, if you trace it to its etymological root, does not convey much of a victory message. Rabbi Chaim Friedlander
(1923-1986), the late mashgiach of the Ponovezh yeshiva, in his work Sifsei Chai, quotes the Ran (1290-1375) who sees the
word “Chanukah” as being derived from the word chanu, which, in Hebrew, means “they rested.” The Ran does not elaborate
on what this chanu-Chanukah rest is, but the Levush Mordechai (1535-1612), does. This Chanukah rest, the Levush
explains, is a rest from warring with our Greek enemies, a celebration of the cessation of battle.
Curious, isn’t it? Our enemy has been defeated. We can celebrate their defeat. We had won a battle. We can celebrate our
victory. But we celebrate neither their defeat nor our victory, but only our chanu, only the cessation of war. And by doing that,
by celebrating the simple chanu, we make an extraordinary statement about Jewish attitudes towards war and towards war
victory.
It is not us winning. It is not about them losing. It is only about peace. It is about not having our children or, for that matter,
any one else’s children, die on the altar of hate. It is about being able to live our lives, being able to raise our families and
being able to practice our yiddishkeit, both within and outside our land, in peace and in security.
Even during the current economic maelstrom, our thoughts remain focused not on our own needs but on the security and the
safety of Eretz Yisrael and of achainu bnai yisrael. Hakadosh Baruch Hu's master plan for Eretz Yisrael and for achainu bnai
yisrael is, of course, unknown to us. But whatever the master plan, our tefillos play a role in that master plan’s evolution. Let
our tefillos be not about anyone winning or losing, not about anyone’s victory or defeat, but simply about chanu. Let us
simply daven for an environment of chanu. Such a chanu rest from war and such a cessation of battle, when, im yirtzeh
Hashem, it is achieved, will be reason enough for the greatest of celebrations.
A Freiliche Chanukah !
M A Z A L
T O V
Sponsored by ...
ZEMER ORCHESTRA
WAYNE KURTZ DIGITAL STUDIOS
(416) 633-5936
“Toronto's Freilich Orchestra!”
(416) 633-4941
“May we only meet b'simcha”
BIRTHS
Mazal Tov to Joel & Annie Tencer and Mr. & Mrs. Sam Traurig on the birth of a grandson, Ezriel Lipa, to Benny & Jeni
Traurig. Mazal Tov to the great-grandmothers Mrs. Deborah Wellman and Mrs. Helen Tencer.
Mazal Tov to Alter & Gitta Leibowitz and Mr. & Mrs. Yosef Shmuel Moskowitz of New York, on the birth of a grandson to
Chaim and Chana Gitty Leibowitz of Lakewood, New Jersey. Mazal Tov to the great-grandparents Mrs. Suri Grosz, Mr. &
Mrs. Yossi Leibowitz, Mrs. Frimet Berkovits and Mr. & Mrs. Yehudah Moskowitz of New York.
Mazal Tov to Mark & Chana Ross on the birth of a daughter. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Dr. Eli & Judy Magder.
Mazal Tov to Dr. David & Mrs. Miriam Rosenthal on the birth of a grandson. Mazal Tov to the great-grandparents
Moshe & Bessie Marmer.
Mazal Tov to Alter & Gitta Leibowitz on the birth of a grandson, Isamar Efraim, in Montreal. Mazal Tov to the greatgrandparents, Mrs. Suri Grosz and Mr. & Mrs. Yossi Leibowitz.
Mazal Tov to Chaim & Rachel Fletcher on the birth of a granddaughter, Yedida Batya Yonit, to Tzvi & Ilana Fletcher of
Efrat, Israel.
Mazal Tov to Dr. Allan & Mrs. Susie Seidenfeld and Dr. Morton & Mrs. Karen Kleiner of Staten Island, New York, on the
birth of a grandson to Josh & Ahuva Kleiner. Mazal Tov to the great-grandfathers, Mr. Sol Seidenfeld of Efrat, Israel and
Mr. Hy Golombek of Lawrence, New York.
Mazal Tov to Moishe & Susie Greenwald on the birth of a granddaughter, to Yitzi & Susie Greenwald.
Mazal Tov to Professor Leo & Mrs. Faigie Davids and Professor Paul & Mrs. Abbey Brumer on the birth of a
granddaughter to Jeremy & Naomi Brumer. Mazal Tov to the great-grandmother, Mrs. Annie Shields.
Mazal Tov to David & Ruth Segal and Benny & Bertha Karakowsky on the birth of a grandson to Len & Debbie
Karakowsky. Mazal Tov to the great-grandmother, Mrs. Judith Segal.
May the baby boys and baby girls grow l'Torah l'Chupah ul'Maasim Tovim and
be sources of Yiddishe nachas to their families and all of Klal Yisrael !
BNAI MITZVAH
Mazal Tov to Chaim & Devorah Marmer on the Bar Mitzvah of their son. Mazal Tov to the grandparents, Moshe &
Bessie Marmer and Mr. & Mrs. David Goldkorn of New York.
.
Mazal Tov to Brian Lambert and Rachel Lambert of Far Rockaway, New York, on the Bar Mitzvah of their son,
Yaakov. Mazal Tov to the grandparents, Joseph & Myma Lambert and Eli & Carol Iskowitz of Flushing, New York.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Avraham & Mrs. Henia Aizental on the Bar Mitzvah of a grandson in Israel.
May the Bnai Mitzvah grow l'Torah l'Chupah ul'Maasim Tovim and be sources
of Yiddishe nachas to their families and all of Klal Yisrael !
M A Z A L
T O V
Sponsored by ...
ZEMER ORCHESTRA
WAYNE KURTZ DIGITAL STUDIOS
(416) 633-5936
“Toronto's Freilich Orchestra!”
(416) 633-4941
“May we only meet b'simcha”
BNOS MITZVAH
Mazal Tov to Brian Lambert and Rachel Lambert of Far Rockaway, New York, on the Bas Mitzvah of their daughter,
Tova. Mazal to the grandparents, Joseph & Myma Lambert and Eli & Carol Iskowitz of Flushing, New York.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Yehoshua & Rebbetzin Leah Dina Weber on the Bas Mitzvah of their daughter, Batsheva. Mazal
Tov to the grandparents, Rabbi Gershon & Mrs.Devorah Marcus of New York and Mrs. Sarah Weber of New York.
May the Bnos Mitzvah grow l'Torah l'Chupah ul'Maasim Tovim and be
sources of Yiddishe nachas to their families and all of Klal Yisrael !
ENGAGEMENTS
Mazal Tov to Max & Ruth Neuburger on the engagement of a grandchild.
Mazal Tov to Mrs. Miriam Frankel on the engagement of her grandson, Yonatan Frankel, son of Mark & Judy Frankel of
Hillcrest, New York, to Michal Frager, daughter of Sherman & Susan Frager of Philadelphia. Mazal Tov to Michal's
grandparents, Leon & Maida Sutton of Brooklyn, New York, and to Yonatan's grandfather, Gus Jacobs of Forest Hills, New
York.
Mazal Tov to Sandy & Irene Hofstedter and Abe & Eva Bleeman on the engagement of their grandson, Ari, son of David &
Shiffy Hofstedter, to Yehudit Kaufman.
Mazal Tov to Sandy & Irene Hofstedter and Abe & Eva Bleeman on the engagement of their granddaughter, Elisheva,
daughter of David & Shiffy Hofstedter, to Dov Benedict.
Mazal Tov to David & Sara Plonka on the engagement of their son. Mazal Tov to the grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Sidney
Plonka and Mr. & Mrs. Oksemberg.
Mazal Tov to Yudi & Sorah Plonka on the engagement of their son, Nachum. Mazal Tov to the grandparents, Mr. & Mrs.
Sidney Plonka.
Mazal Tov to Zvi & Chaya Richman on the engagement of their daughter, Shoshana.
May the weddings take place b’sha’ah tovah umutzlachas and may the young
couples be zocheh to build a bayis ne’eman b’yisroel !
M A Z A L
T O V
Sponsored by ...
ZEMER ORCHESTRA
WAYNE KURTZ DIGITAL STUDIOS
(416) 633-5936
“Toronto's Freilich Orchestra!”
(416) 633-4941
“May we only meet b'simcha”
WEDDINGS
a
Mazal Tov to Shia & Rochel Sochaczewski on the marriage of their son, Betzalel, to Chana Lieder, daughter of Dr. Yossi
& Mrs. Sandy Lieder of Monsey, New York. Mazal Tov to the grandparents, Mrs. Henya Sochaczewski and Dr. Joseph &
Mrs. Esther Lewittes of Riverdale, New York.
Mazal Tov to Dr. Tommy & Mrs. Bernice Kohn on their recent marriage.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Avraham & Mrs. Henia Aizental on the marriage, in Israel, of their son, Yisrael, to Yafi, daughter of
Baruch & Chana Weg.
May the couples be zocheh to build a bayis ne'eman b'Yisrael and be sources of joy
and Yiddishe nachas to their families and all of Klal Yisrael !
CLANTON PARK SYNAGOGUE FOUNDERS’ DINNER
On Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at Bais Yaacov Simcha Hall, Toronto, Ontario, a dinner
was held paying tribute in honour of and in memory of our shul’s Founding Members. An article
reporting on the “Evening of Tribute” along with photos from the event can be found on the centre
pages of this bulletin. The Founders’ names are listed in the article.
THE NER ISRAEL YESHIVA 50TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
On Sunday, November 23, 2008, at the Terrace Banquet Hall,
Vaughan, Ontario, a dinner was held honouring the founders and their
families of Ner Israel Yeshiva. Among those honoured was Mr. Sandy
Hofstedter one of the Yeshiva’s founders who has provided
continued leadership and dedication during the last 50 years.
CONDOLENCES
Mr. Shia Sochaczewski on the loss of his father, Fishel Sochaczewski ‫עײה‬.
Mrs. Vera Elsaz on loss of her mother, Mrs. Esther Weitz ‫עײה‬.
Mr. Sidney Woolf on the loss of his sister, Mrs. Tina Levine ‫עײה‬.
Mrs. Miriam Frankel on the loss of her husband, Mr. Aron Frankel, ‫עײה‬, (one of the Founders of our shul), father of Mark
Frankel, Ralph Frankel and Esty Edell.
May the families only know of simchas !
SPONSORSHIPS / DONATIONS
Sponsorship / donation opportunities are available for members to recognize an accomplishment, honour someone
celebrating a simcha or to commemorate the memory of loved one or dear friend.
To enhance our library the shul has recently purchased a large number of seforim which can be dedicated, in addition to the
siddurim and chumashim for the shul and Bais Hamidrash.
Shalosh Seudos sponsorship starts from $118 and the menu can be upgraded. All sponsorships will
now include a nameplate on the Shalosh Seudos plaque generously donated by the Levy Family in
memory of Dr. Mark Levy ‫זײל‬, who was President of our shul from September 1992 through Pesach 1996.
Please indicate which Shabbos you wish reserved so that we can pre-order the nameplates -. Gold
nameplates for annual sponsors, Silver nameplates for one-time sponsors.
The recently established Tzedakah Fund is distributed to the numerous meshulachim who visit our shul annually. Rather
than have the meshulachim circulate among the mispallelim during the davening, they see the Gabbai Tzedakah who
distributes tzedakah on behalf of the kehillah. Donating to the fund can either be monthly or annually. Please calculate
what you were previously giving directly to the meshulachim and donate accordingly. Full tax receipts will be given.
Please indicate your sponsorships / donations.
Shalosh Seudos : _____
I plan, i”yh, to sponsor Shalosh Seudos on Parshas_______________
_____
Gold (annual sponsorship)
_____ Silver (one time)
Name on nameplate _____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tzedakah Fund:
(for Meshulachim)
Yearly donation of $____________ (cash, cheque, VISA or Mastercard)
Monthly pledge of $ ____________ (cash, cheque, VISA or Mastercard)
Dolly Edell Library Tribute cards - $18.00. Library seforim dedications from $50 per sefer
Artscroll Siddur: _____$50 (Hebrew/English) ______$36 (Hebrew)_______$65 Stone Chumash (Hebrew/English)
Please call Fay Goldman : (416) 636-0395
NOTE: If donating a sefer, siddur or chumash please provide inscription.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Shul: _______ Memorial Yahrzeit Plaque (cost: $375)
Please call Joseph Edell : (416) 633-4871
Creation and Preservation
Ken Stollon
The first parasha in the Torah, Parashas Bereishis describes the creation of the world, and the second parasha, Parashas
Noach, describes its destruction. Or does it? The creation element is clear, but not so the destruction. In fact, if one reads
the story of the mabul carefully, it is not as much preoccupied with destruction as it is with preservation, preservation of
Noach and his family, and of all the animal species. The verb that is used the most in the parasha is l’hachyos or its variant
l’chayos, meaning to keep alive or to preserve. Indeed, throughout history, we have a concept of G-d as Creator and a
concept of G-d as Preserver. For example, in Tachanun, we call out to G-d as the Shomer Yisroel, the Guardian of Israel,
and ask Him to preserve and protect the remnant of Israel; we are assured that no matter how badly we sin against Him, G-d
will never completely eradicate the Jewish people, but will always preserve a remnant. In the brochos preceding the Shema,
we recite yotzier hameiros (Creator of the luminaries) and habocher be’amo yisrael b’ahava (preserving, with love, a special
relationship to His chosen people).
Since our role is to emulate G-d, it behoves us to incorporate these two qualities into our daily lives, to focus on and be
involved with acts of creation and acts of preservation. The Avos, by the way, certainly embodied these qualities. One might,
for example, describe Avraham as a creator; he created a new faith, founded a new religion. Yitzchak’s role was to carry on
and preserve this new faith for the next generation. Yitzchak’s life and purpose are emblematic of preservation, as evidenced
in the Akedah, where, like Noah, he is saved from death. Yaakov’s role was creative; he literally created the B’nei Yisrael,
establishing the people of Israel as a nation of twelve tribes. Yosef was a preserver, saving his family and an entire nation
during the seven years of famine. Yosef, too, like Noah and Yitzchak, was saved from death in the pit and in prison. And so,
it goes throughout the Chumash, Moshe the creator, Joshua the preserver, etc.
This dialectical relationship between creation and preservation can be seen as the hallmark of Jewish history. In particular
when the two acts occur simultaneously, the results have often been profound. An example of an act of simultaneous
creation and preservation is the redaction of the Mishna by Rav Yehuda HaNasi around the year 189 C.E.; he edited and
crafted a new living document which would accompany the Jews throughout the Galus, while at the same time preserving an
oral tradition that dated back to Har Sinai. Another example is the establishment of Chasidus in the 1700s by the Baal Shem
Tov, who, by adding a new creative component to the worship of Hashem, breathed new life into the practice of Judaism at a
time in history when Judaism was at a low point, on the heels the Chmielnitzki pograms and the Shabbatai Zevi affair.
A more local example is the establishment of our own shul, Clanton Park Synagogue. Just over fifty years ago, a small
group of foresighted families established “an Orthodox shul north of Wilson Avenue,” creating an exciting new kehillah, while
preserving Jewish values from the heim.
It has been my privilege to be a member of Clanton Park, along with my family, for twelve years and to serve on the
Executive for five years. I tried to give back in a small way, most notably, I think, by re-establishing the shul bulletin, which is
now being ably edited (and expanded) by my successor, Nathan Kirsh. I also enjoyed participating in the past few Purim
shpiels and Chanukah celebrations. My family and I are leaving the neighbourhood this month, but we will always have fond
memories of our association with this wonderful shul, and with the caring and inspiring individuals who daven here, each one
… a story. And acharon chaviv, a hakaros hatov to Rabbi Weber and his family, true torchbearers of the concepts of creation
and preservation, who, with G-d’s help will lead the shul for many years to come.
Editor’s note:
On behalf of the Clanton Park family, I take this opportunity to wish Ken & Faye Stollon and family a
‫! צאתכ לשלו‬
BUILDING/RENOVATION UPDATE
Since the initial information and “question & answer” general meeting, held in early September, to discuss with the kehillah
the “building/renovation” initiative, there has been much discussion and interest expressed by the members of the shul. Many
questions have been asked, opinions stated and attempts for answers sought.
Based on the questions members have been asking since that meeting, I conducted an “email” interview with the President
and Co-chairs of the Building Committee. The following is the list of your questions that was provided for response :
Building Campaign Questions
1. Who are the members of the Building Committee ?
2. Who chairs the Committee ?
3. Are there any women, seniors or physically challenged members on the committee to ensure their needs are
adequately addressed in the new plan ? If not, why not?
4. What is the mandate of the Committee?
5. Does the Building Committee have the authority to make decisions on its own or is its role to make recommendations
and report to the shul’s Executive or General Membership for approvals ?
6. What is the current status of the project ?
7. When will the consultation meetings with the General Membership begin ?
8. What are the next steps in the process and their estimated timelines ?
9. Does the shul have any plans to purchase additional properties ?
10. When is the commencement of renovations/construction anticipated to begin ?
11. What checks and balances are in place to ensure that the funds raised are responsibly spent ?
12. By what means and how frequently does the Committee plan to communicate with the General Membership on
progress ?
*************************************
The following is the unedited response received :
.
Arthur Herzig and Bobby Silberstein have been appointed co-chairs of the building committee by the executive of the shul.
We have retained the services of Richard (Yisroel) Idels, an experienced and well-known architect (who has worked on
several other religious institution projects in Toronto including the new Bais Yaakov School on Saranac Blvd.) to prepare
conceptual drawings for review and analysis by the committee. Our focus has always been on the needs of our kehillah
with attention given primarily to our senior shul members and of course, the women in our shul. We have already had several
meetings, exchanged countless e-mails and telephone conversations with Mr. Idels and have reached the point where we will
be requesting a planning review with the City of Toronto. This review is non-binding and offers the City the opportunity to
consider the scope of the project, the applicable zoning issues and the impact this proposal would have on the
neighbourhood. This procedure, as well as a meeting with the local municipal councillor, Mike Feldman, are the first steps
in a series that could take about two years to complete. Members should understand that this is both a complex and sensitive
process and their patience, support and understanding are integral to seeing this visionary project through to completion. As
progress is made, we will be happy to report back to the members with news of our achievements and present updated plans
at that time.
With best wishes for a Chag Samayach,
Arthur Herzig & Bobby Silberstein
Co-chairs, Building Committee
The Talmud refers to Chodesh Kislev as Yamot Hageshamim, the month of rains. There is a depth to the calendar which can
very often be lost, given that we typically do not look too far beyond the simple dates and facts. The calendar is more than a
measure of time, rather it is a cycle that plots both our inner life as well as our relationship with Hashem. There are two parts
to this spiritual cycle, a season of sun, and a season of rains.
In the cycle of the Jewish year, the months from Nissan to Tishrei fall within the realm of the season of the sun, while the
months of Tishrei to Nissan are our season of rains.
The season of sun marks our celebration and re-experiencing of the great acts of Divine Chesed in defining our destiny:
Pesach and Metziat Mitzrayim, when Hashem descended to Egypt to take us for Himself, a nation from the midst of a nation,
with trials, signs, and miracles; Zman Matan Torateinu/Shavuot, when Hashem descended on Har Sinai to bless us and
bestow upon us the knowledge and means by which to properly dedicate and prepare ourselves to serve Him.
This stands in striking contrast to the season of rains, where half a year is characterized by human endeavour and initiative.
The year begins with the month of Tishrei, heralding Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the Ten Days of Repentance, a time
of teshuvah, of deep introspection and powerful potential for self-improvement. Also included in the season of rains are two
rabbinical Chagim, namely Channukah (Kislev 25 to Tevet 2) and Purim (Adar 14). Unlike the biblical festivals, which were
unilaterally commanded by Hashem, these rabbinically initiated festivals were instituted as our response to the landmarks we
commemorate in our relationship with Hashem.
The Chassidim also celebrate a New Year on the 19th of Kislev, marked through the emphasis of intellectual appreciation
and emotional experience in our fulfillment of all mitzvot, and not just the perfunctory observance of what has been Divinely
ordained. This Chassidic practice belongs to the rainy area of our spiritual lives, serving to broaden our capacity for
involvement and initiative in our relationship with our Maker.
Summer months and sunny times are typically fixed and not subject to much variance, while the months of the season of
rains are subject to variability and change. This ties into and reflects keenly the dynamics of the seasons of the neshama.
The sunlit aspect of our spiritual selves is defined and unvarying. When we surrender ourselves to higher truth (Emet), we are
surrendering our human frailties and inconsistencies. This surrender is to the infinite, perfect and unequivocal; what we then
receive is likewise infinite, perfect and resolute.
The rainy side of us, namely our initiatives and accomplishments, are subject to the rises and falls of a restricted, finite,
imperfect self. This is a season with fluctuating months, sometimes lacking, sometimes full, but always reflecting the delicate
and oscillating nature of everything human.
The tremendous power that can be derived from the rainy season stands in remarkable contrast to sunnier times. One who
takes the time and effort to address their vulnerabilities, to work hard to improve their imperfections and to seek truth, will
accomplish as much if not more than during the sunny season. It is not until a raw olive is pressed that it yields pure oil. It is
not until the chaff is beaten away, and the raw seedling is laid bare to grind it to flour, and in turn to make bread, that the true
benefits and efforts that we invest come to fruition, and that we can derive the benefits of our labour. Even then, the blessing
has to come from above, irrespective of the earnest efforts we invest below. Through it all we have only gained, and never
lost, and what comes of such endeavours can only ever be pure.
In this last week Bnei Yisrael has lost so much, and yet we have gained equally in terms of the opportunity and capacity to
use that pain and emptiness towards the good. We must use these feelings of loss and pain to compel ourselves to perform
mitzvot with much greater gusto; we must daven with much greater Kavanah and deepness of thought as to where our tefillot
are going, and how we want them to benefit our world and others in it; we must be ready and willing to assume the
responsibility for bringing Achdut (unity) and an end to sinat chinam (baseless hatred) in our own lifetime to herald in the
coming of Mashiach Tziddkeinu Bimheira V’yameinu.
Gill Ginsburg
Message from the Webmaster
This marks the fifth year that our shul website has been operational, along with the corresponding (and very popular) e-mail.
Although our readership has grown, I would like to encourage a higher degree of interactivity. In particular, I always
envisioned the website and e-mail to provide not just shul announcements but also news of simchas and other personal
events. Essentially, if you have something you would normally provide to the President to announce on Shabbos morning,
you should instead submit it to the website. If it's something that would go on the shul bulletin board or in the foyer, please
also send it in for dissemination.
Any news which is submitted and accepted will go into the weekly e-mail. The President and both vice-Presidents all receive
the e-mail, so one doesn't have to worry about sending it separately to them. Submitting news to the website has the added
advantage of making it available to those members who don't daven in the upstairs minyan on Shabbos, which is an
increasingly large segment of our population.
You can submit news in various ways:
1. THE “SUBMIT NEWS" link on the front page of the website
2. Via e-mail to [email protected]
3. In writing, dropped off at 99 Laurelcrest Ave. or given to me at shul.
Please do not give me announcements verbally, as I will find it difficult to remember all the details to put on the website/e-mail
when necessary. Please note that by default your news will also go on the shul website. You can indicate to me if you
don't wish this to happen.
Finally, all news must be submitted by late Thursday afternoon, as the e-mail is sent out on Thursday night. Please
remember that if news is not submitted to me, it won't go into the e-mail. This explains why you may have seen very few
personal announcements in it up to now.
I have one more message, which is that Alon Kronenberg and I are looking into completely revamping the shul website. This
means changing its look and style as well as its behind-the-scenes features. If there's a feature you want to have added or
changed, please don't hesitate to contact me with your comments !
Thanks and here's to another five years !
Daniel Orner
SHUL
REMINDERS
As winter approaches, please remember that the coat rac
ck, situated in the
corrid
dor outside the main sanctuary, is intended for those members and
guestts who have difficulty navigating the stairs. Please us
se the cloak room
downstairs.
Also p
please refrain from hanging coats on the railings of the
t staircases
leadin
ng to the women’s section as this is a potential danger for women
climbing the stairs.
Plea
ase ensure that the staircases leading to the women’’s section in the
main
n shul remain clear at all times and the boys and you
ung men who
frequ
uently congregate on the steps to socialize are reque
ested to please
refra
ain from doing so. This causes many women to feel uncomfortable
u
as
theyy climb the stairs and could also be quite dangerous in the event of an
eme
ergency.
After the completion of davening in the main sanctuary, please place your
siddu
urim and chumasim in the shelves at the back of each
h bench or in the
bookccases at the front of the main sanctuary and in the co
orridor between
the tw
wo staircases.
After completion of davening in the Bais Hamidrash, please return your
urim and chumashim to the bookcase at the entrance
e to the Bais
siddu
Hamiidrash.
Appro
oval is required from the Communications Director, Norm
N
Weisbart to
distrib
bute flyers on the shul benches. All non-approved flye
ers will be
removved.
Please ensure that, when you place flyers, newsletters, pu
ublications, etc. in
oxes in the shul foyer, you do not use those marked “reserved” for
the bo
speciffic publications nor place your material in front of exis
sting material in
the bo
oxes.
Note: The bulletin board in the foyer is for shul news only
y. The bulletin
board downstairs may be used for shul news, community events, personal
ads ettc.
On weekdays, parking is prohibited on most of the east side of Lowesmoor
Avenue from 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Parking is also prohibited, at all times, on the
west side of the street.
To avoid receiving a parking ticket please use the shul’s parking lot.
Shul members are requested NOT to bring their “Shaimos” to the shul as
it will NOT be disposed of by the shul.
Under no circumstances should shaimos be left in the shul as it could
end up being left in a place not befitting for ‫דברים שבקדושה‬.
It is your responsibility to dispose of shaimos !
There are annual shaimos collections in the city.
Members are requested to use these opportunities.
If you can think of someone who comes to our shul to daven but is not yet a
member, or somebody new to the neighbourhood who hasn’t thought to join,
please speak to them and encourage them to become members and help us
grow our membership.
Members who made pledges during the 5769 Yom Kippur Israel Bond
Campaign are requested to fulfill those pledges prior to the calendar yearend.
If you are aware of something that needs repair or replacement in the shul,
please contact David Taub.
On Wednesdays, mincha and maariv davening is held in the main sanctuary
(not in the Bais Hamidrash) in order to accommodate NCSY’s Torah High who
use the shul for its programming one afternoon each week. Torah High is a
unique educational technology created and designed by NCSY to attract,
educate and inspire Jewish public high school students. Students receive high
school credits for this programme.
There is a late maariv minyan, Monday – Thursday at 8:20 p.m., downstairs in
the Bais Hamidrash.
A voicemail system is now operational in the shul. Message
es may be left by
ers or the community. Messages are checked frequently and returned
membe
as soon
n as possible.
During inclement weather, use caution when walking across
s the shul’s
parking
g lot, driveway and walkways. Every effort will be mad
de to keep them
clear off snow and ice in a timely manner.
Please refrain from talking during davening and krias hato
orah – respect
your n
neighbour’s davening !
Want to sponsor a weekday morning Kiddush ?
Basic : $75 + a bottle of liquor + minimum $15 gratuity
Deluxe : $140 + a bottle of liquor + minimum $20 gratuity
act : Eli Yaffe at (416) 636-0597
Conta
Want to co-sponsor a Shabbbos morning Kiddush ?
Sponssorship cost is $250
Conta
act : Mendy Goldman at (416) 636-0395
It is a mitzvah
h to visit someone who is ill. It brightens up their day
y and shows them that you
care and are interested in their well-being. The appreciation and joy
j experienced by an ill
person, as a result of a visit, cannot be adequately expressed in words.
w
Please make
o visit the cholim of our shul and the community at la
arge. If you are unable to
every effort to
visit in person
n, even a telephone call is appreciated! Please call before making a visit!
The Bikur Ch
holim group is looking for male and female volun
nteers to visit those in
our commun
nity who are homebound.
Our Rav and the Bikur Cholim Committee are anxious to serve our members. Many times
there are members who are ill who do not receive visits or phone calls because the Rav or
ee members are unaware. If you are aware of someo
one who is ill or to
the Committe
volunteer to vvisit cholim, please contact:
Tibor Klein (416) 636-7425 or Sid Wellman (416
6) 636-0672
May all the ch
holim have a speedy and complete Refuas HaNefes
sh and Refuas HaGuf and
may they havve Arichas Yamim v’Shanim together with their families and all of Klal Yisrael.
TRIBUTE DINNER
Arthur Birenbaum
Our recent Founders Tribute Dinner held on September 17, 2008 was a resounding success. Over 600 people -- well beyond our
expectations -- members of our shul, as well as people from the greater community gathered to honour and show hakaras hatov
to those individuals who had the foresight to build our synagogue some half a century ago. It was extremely gratifying for those of
us who daven in this shul to see the admiration and remarkable sense of history this place inspires in the Jewish Community of
Toronto.
Attendees enjoyed Joseph Edell providing Master of Ceremony duties. It was hard not to picture Joseph's father Sol, A''H, who
had served in that role at countless Clanton Park functions over the years. Among the highlights were a moving recollection by Eli
Rubinstein, a "Founding Child" of the congregation, delivered along with a multi-media presentation dating back to the the shul's
original dedication dinner in 1961. So many familiar faces seen in their younger days, many of whom continue to daven here with
their children and grandchildren. Greetings from former Rabbis Gorelik, Rabinovitch and Kerzner also brought back fond
memories of the great tradition of learning and growth our congregation represents.
Among those honoured along with the founding members were congregants David and Lola Herzig, Naftali z”l and Mozelle
Kanner, Gershon and Faige Kaplan, and Yehudi and Ruth Shields for their years of dedication and service to our community.
Menchen's Catering did their usual magic in providing a meal the likes of which left hundreds of satisfied diners.
Perhaps Rabbi Weber summed it up best when he said in his Dvar Torah that Clanton Park was still a work in progress: rich in
history and continuing to grow with the enthusiasm of new families, and second and third generations of the Founders.
May the Founders Tribute Dinner signify the beginning of our next half century of growth in torah, in tzedakah and spirituality.
Special thanks to Dinner Co-Chairs Wayne Kurtz and Moshe Shields for their tireless efforts to bring this event to life.
Founding Members
Percy z’’l and Gertie Danzinger
Eva and Harold z’’l Dessen
Pesach and Molly Edell z’’l
Sol and Dolly Edell z’’l
Paul z’’l and Carmen Fraenkel
Aron z”l and Miriam Frankel
Malka and Ben z’’l Hahn
Sandy and Kici z’’l Hofsterdter
Zev and Elsa Hofstedter, z’’l
Eliyahu and Shoshanna Janowski, z’’l
Sam and Sarah z’’l Kideckel
Eli and Gretel Munk
Max and Ruth Neuburger
Sam and Gilda Nussbaum
Bill z''l and Judith Rubinstein
Danny and Vera Rubinstein, z’’l
Ben z’’l and Kayla Schwartz
Norman z’’l and Lil Shaul
Joe z’’l and Shirley Silverberg
Leo and Hanna Weil
Leo and Ethel Wolfson
*********************************************
A DVD of the Program is available for $15 from Wayne Kurtz.
Recently, letters have been mailed to members who made pledges in support of the Evening of Tribute. Please fill out the
information requested, sign the letter and return to the shul office, the letter along with your payment for the pledge or first
instalment. The Executive of Clanton Park Synagogue, the Event Committee and the honourees thank you for your support of the
Evening of Tribute.
Master of Ceremonies & Dinner Co-Chairmen
(l. to r. Joseph Edell, Wayne Kurtz, Moshe Shields)
Askanim
(l. to r. Hersch Kanner, Mrs. Mozelle Kanner,
Lola & David Herzig, Dr. Yehudi & Mrs. Ruth Shields)
Rabbi Emeritus Yitzchok Kerzner
leading the “bentching”
The “Honourees” – Founding Members
Mr. Israel Green making the “Motzei”
Mr. Frankel’s $2.7 Million Smile !
(l. To r. Moshe Shields, Aron z”l & Miriam Frankel, Wayne Kurtz)
Aron Frankel z”l and Phil Schwartz
Aron Frankel z”l and Henry Koschitzky
Eli Rubinstein – a “Founding Child”
recollecting history of the shul
Panoramic View
Of
Tribute Dinner
attendees
SEARCHING FOR A LATE SHACHARIS MINYAN ?
WHY DAVEN IN A “BOAT” (shul)
WHEN YOU CAN DAVEN IN A “PARK”?
Are you looking for a change ? Perhaps a few more minutes of sleep every morning ? An
opportunity to be the Baal Tefillah ? the Baal Koreh ? get an aliyah ? experience a warm, friendly
environment ? opportunity to concentrate on davening, free of distractions ?
We have the solution for you !
Clanton Park Shul's late morning shacharis minyan.
When : Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m.
Sunday and Statutory Holidays at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Clanton Park Shul – downstairs in the Bais HaMidrash
Why wait for spring, join now !
Shul’s Late Shacharis Minyan Caught in the Act of Davening & Leining
Past & Upcoming
Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh Events
Past Events…
Cheshvan
An evening of mouth-watering recipes and culinary tips marked the first Rosh Chodesh event of the year on Tuesday November
11th. Following an insightful Dvar Torah by Dr. Reena Basser, chef extraordinaire Shmuel Kanner demonstrated how to cook
three fabulous winter soups: Fennel and Carrot, Vegetable Minestrone, and Jerusalem Artichoke. They were all delicious! There
was also an exciting raffle with three amazing prizes. A very special thank you as well to Arlene Weisbart for hosting this delightful
event in her home.
Kislev
“Support Israel by Supporting your Skin” was held on Rosh Chodesh Kislev, Thursday November 27th. Orly from Meron Spa in
Israel gave informative and enjoyable demonstrations on Dead Sea Products and there was an opportunity to buy some amazing
skin care products while supporting Israel! A special thank you to Rebbetzin Leah Dina Weber for hosting this fun and educational
event in her home.
Looking Ahead…
Tevet
Please join us for an inspirational evening on the spiritual aspects of challah baking and a demonstration of different braiding
techniques with Mrs. Tziviah Perl on Monday January 12th. More details to follow.
Shevat
We are looking forward to an enlightening talk by Sarah Chana Radcliffe, renowned Psychologist, author and lecturer, on “Stress
th
Management”. It will be held on Wednesday February 4 at 8pm, location TBA.
Stay tuned for many more exciting Rosh Chodesh events to come! All women are invited to attend these events…we look forward
to seeing YOU there! If you have an idea for a Rosh Chodesh event or would like to host an event, please let us know.
Wishing the entire Kehillah a wonderful Chanukah,
Tamara Miskin, Alana Weitzner, Yonit Rosenthal, Gill Ginsburg
SHUL
NEWS
SHIURIM
Interested in “learning” ? Have some
e spare time on your hands ? Looking for something to stimulate your
mind ?
Our shul can help you ! Attend one o
of the many shiurim given in our shul by our Rav or one
o of the several
maggid shiurim we are privileged to h
have.
Following the Yomim Tovim :
10 morning shiurim began learning practical Hilchos Shabbos with
- the Rav's 6:40 and 7:00/7:1
Shemiras Shabbos ke'Hilch
hasa
- the Rav's 7.55 Shabbos mo
orning, Chullin shiur began the practical, kashrus oriented Gemaras in
Gid ha'Nasheh
- the Rav's women's 10:00 T
Tuesday morning shiur and the Friday morning 8:00 shiur
s
reverted back
to parshas ha'shavua
8
- Dr. Brian Lipson began a new shiur on the weekly parsha, Thursday nights at 8:00.
A complete list of shiurim follows on the next page.
Please help m
make life easier for our Gabbaim, Irwin Diamond
th
and Sruli Och
hs by completing and returning, by January 15 ,
2009, the “Me
embership Information Form, which can be found in
the centre of tthis bulletin..
In February/March 2009, our shul, as it has in previous years, will partner
w
with Yeshiva University on a number of programs. More details to follow.
The Executive iss pleased to announce to the membership its recent purchase of the house at
#12 Midvale, ad
djacent to the shul parking lot. The house is available
e for rent immediately.
For rental details please contact Jack Samuel at 416-638-3927,celll 416-568-5300 or email
Jack.Samuel @
@Rogers.com.
30 minutes before
Mincha
Mishnayos – WE
8:30 PM
Daf Yomi
8:30 PM
Amud Yomi - KA
9:30 PM
Men’s Navi
30 minutes before
Mincha
Meshnayos – WE
8:30 PM
Daf Yomi
Chaburah-Rotation
30 minutes before
Mincha
Mishnayos – WE
6:45 PM
Gem. Bava Kama
7:30 PM
Minchas Chin.-KE
8:30 PM
Daf Yomi
8:30 PM
Parsha -SA
8:30 PM
Amud Yomi – KA
6:00 AM
Daf Yomi (Y)– RE
6:15 AM
Daf Yomi– BR
6:40 AM
Halacha - SO
7:10 AM
Halacha-SO
8:15 AM
Gem. Arachin KE
8:10 AM
Mishnayos – DA
10:00 AM
Women’s Chumash
Tuesday
1 hour before
Mincha
Mishnayos-DA
30 minutes before
Mincha
Meshnayos – WE
8:30 PM
Daf Yomi
8:00 PM
Yoma-DA
8:30 PM
Gemara (Y) – BO
8:30 PM
Amud Yomi - KA
6:00 AM
Daf Yomi (Y) –RE
6:15 AM
Daf Yomi – BR
6:40 AM
Halacha
7:10 AM
Halacha
8:15 AM
Gem. Arachin KE
8:10 AM
Mishnayos – DA
Wednesday
30 minutes before
Mincha
Mishnayos – WE
8:00 PM
Chumash - BL
8:30 PM
Daf Yomi
8:30 PM
Amud Yomi - KA
6:00 AM
Daf Yomi(Y) -RE
6:15 AM
Daf Yomi – BR
6:40 AM
Halacha
7:00 AM
Halacha
8:15 AM
Gem. Arachin KE
8:10 AM
Mishnayos – DA
Thursday
Every Shabbos
Mevorechin:
Contemporary
Issues for
Mesivta/High
School Boys
6:00 AM
Daf Yomi(Y) -RE
6:15 AM
Daf Yomi – BR
6:40 AM
Halacha
7:10 AM
Halacha
8:00 AM
Chumash
8:15 AM
Gem. Arachin KE
Friday
1¾ hours before
Mincha
Gemara Sotah
(Y) – DA
1½ hours before
Mincha
Gemara Kesubos
1 hour before
Mincha
Daf Yomi – SO
7:55 AM
Gemara Chullin
Shabbos
All shi’urim are men’s shi’urim are given by the mara de’asra, unless, as noted, they are given by the following rabbonim/community members: BL= Brian Lipson;
BO= Moshe Bobrowsky; DA= Leo Davids; BR= Ari Braun; KA= Chaim Kaplan; KE= Yitzchak Kerzner, Rav Emeritus; RE= Velvel Reich; SO= Shea Sochaczewski;
SA = Dovid Sapirman; WE= Mordechai Weiszberger. All shi’urim are in English unless, as noted by (Y), they are in Yiddish.
Every 3rd week the Rav will also give his Shabbos Derasha at the Hashkoma & the Junior Minyanim. Exceptions include Shabbos Mevorechin, Shabbos Yom Tov & special
occasions.
6:00 AM
Daf Yomi (Y) RE
6:15 AM
Daf Yomi – BR
6:40 AM
Halacha
7:00 AM
Halacha
8:15 AM
Gem. Arachin KE
8:10 AM
Mishnayos – DA
Monday
6:00 AM
Daf Yomi (Y) –RE
7:15 AM
Daf Yomi – BR
9:00 AM
Amud Yomi - KA
9:00 AM
Hilchos Shabbos:
Background &
Applications
Sunday
Shi’ur Schedule
GEMILAS CHESED
A Yasher Koach to all members who contributed generously during the Rosh Hashanah 5769 campaign. Although the campaign
has ended and the next official campaign is the Moas Chitin campaign for Pesach 5769, there is a constant need for funds to both,
provide interest-free loans and direct financial support for those in serious need both in our shul community and the community-atlarge. Unfortunately, the need in our community is greater than one might imagine, particularly during this time of economic
downturn.
You are encouraged to consider those in need and also donate generously between official campaigns. As well, if you become
aware of an individual or family who are encountering financial difficulties, please discreetly identify to the Committee’s attention
that need.
The Committee members are Mordechai Weiszberger, Aaron Weinstock, Irwin Diamond, Gershon Kaplan, and Bobby
Silberstein.
PLEASE EXTEND A HELPING HAND !
Our shul has been recognized over the years, both in North America and Israel, for its tremendous generosity and giving of
Tzedakah. Many mosdos in Toronto, the United States and abroad have benefited from this generosity. During times of crisis, our
shul has always responded promptly and magnanimously to our brethren in Israel.
We, however, must not lose sight of the difficulties, problems, challenges and loneliness which some members of our own kehillah
are facing. We must care about our fellow members and take interest in their situation. We must extend a helping hand ! Whether
it is helping one find parnassah, recommending a shidduch, providing a Shabbos meal or visiting one who is ill or unable to leave
their home – those of us who are in a position to help, must do our utmost to provide the necessary assistance, in a dignified
manner, to help our members in need.
Anyone interested in providing assistance is requested to contact Rabbi Weber for more information on how they may be of
assistance.
! ‫כל ישראל ערבי זה לזה‬
LIBRARY
Recently the shul library has received a significant number of new seforim to accommodate the needs of the Rav and our members.
Yasher Koach to Shmuel Zvi Rosen for taking the time, prior to returning after Succos, to his Yeshiva studies in the United States,
to rearrange and place on the shelves in their appropriate places the existing and new seforim.
Please remember to return seforim borrowed from the library to their correct places after using them, so that they are available for
others to use. There are seforim which are missing from the library, some of which have been donated to the library by shul
members. Please check at home to see if you have seforim belonging to the shul which you may have forgotten to return to the
library.
REPORT ON THE TZEDAKAH FUND
The new policy for giving tzedakah to meshulachim has now been in effect for almost 8 months. Every Tuesday and Wednesday
rd
morning following the 3 shacharis minyan, the meshulachim are receiving tzedakah from the Gabbai Tzedakah, Dan Valter, on
behalf of the mispallelim of the shul,, Members of the shul are requested and encouraged to continue to cooperate and adhere
to the policy and should you be approached by a meshulach, you are requested to tactfully direct the meshualch to the posted
signs in the shul.
To-date approximately $7,500 has been distributed to the meshulachim from funds donated by shul members as well as a few
non-members. Members are encouraged to continue to donate money to the Fund in order to sustain the Fund so that the shul
can continue to fulfill, in a respectful and non-disturbing manner, the mitzvah of giving tzedakah to those in need. All funds
donated are tax receiptable.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my hakaras hatov to those members who have voluntarily donated generously to
the fund and I encourage those who have not participated to give serious consideration to donating as a substitute for their
previous practice of giving tzedakah to the meshulachim during the davening.
To facilitate the contribution of funds, there are 3 options available to you :
(1) Cash donation - either one lump sum or on a periodic basis (e.g. on each Rosh Chodesh)
(2) Cheque payable to Clanton Park Synagogue - either one cheque, a series of post-dated cheques or on a periodic basis (e.g.
on each Rosh Chodesh)
(3) Credit card (VISA or MASTERCARD) – one lump sum, on a monthly basis or on a schedule of your choice
Be part of the mitzvah of giving Tzedakah by participating in this endeavour.
Nathan Kirsh
REPORT ON THE MECHITZAH
As you know, the Mechitzah on the main floor has been secured in a permanent fashion for several weeks. A bit of history on this
development. In 2005, the Executive voted that the mechitzah would be down every Shabbos for the use of women who find
difficulty in climbing the stairs. Over a period of several years, many men continued to sit there, making women who attempted to
use the area feel awkward in asking the men to move.
Earlier this year, on recommendation of the BIKUR CHOLIM committee, following a meeting in which many women expressed
frustration with the lack of consistency, it was decided the Mechitzah would remain down on both Friday evenings as well as
Shabbos mornings. Since that time, Suzanne Birenbaum has accepted the responsibility of making sure a welcoming environment
was available for women to sit downstairs as needed. Each week since prior to Rosh Hashanah, there have been anywhere from
two to six women coming to daven in an accesible mechitzah.
Thank you to all the men who have vacated their seats for this purpose. The fact that women no longer have to feel they are
interrupting anyone's davening in order to sit is welcomed. Also appreciated are those people who have taken to offering to walk
more senior women to shul, now that there is a dedicated space for them to daven. The Clanton Park community always seems to
rise to the occasion !
Other Mechitzah information:
For the congregation's information, the Rav has stated that the slats of the blinds may remain open to allow the women to see
what's going on (when the Torah is raised, for example) and do not have to remain closed during services.
Men and boys are reminded that this is a dedicated seating area, not a place to store hats and coats. The blinds on the sides are
not to be crawled through or have things passed through, nor is it appropriate to walk in when women are davening and drop things
on the seats. Kindly treat the area with the respect appropriate for a sanctuary.
Thanks to everyone who have made it possible for women of all levels of mobitliy to daven in our shul.
The Executive
CHANUKAH NEWS
SHUL CHANUKAH PARTY
The shul’s Family Chanukah Party, complete with food, entertainment, prizes and
th
fun, is scheduled to take place on Motzo’ei Shabbos, December 20 at 8:00 p.m.
The evening will begin with wine tasting of exotic wines, food catered by Menchens
Catering, entertainment and prizes. Mark this event on your calendar ! You won’t
want to miss it !
Complete information and details will be forthcoming via shul announcements, flyers
and voicemail messages. Stay tuned !
DAVENING SCHEDULE
DAY
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Shabbos
Sunday
Monday
DATE
SHACHARIS
nd
December 22
rd
December 23
th
December 24
th
December 25
th
December 26
th
December 27
th
December 28
th
December 29
6:50/7:15/8:00 a.m.
6:50/7:15/8:00 a.m.
6:50/7:15/8:00 a.m.
7:30/8:15/9:00 a.m.
7:30/8:15/9:00 a.m.
8:00/9:00 a.m.
7:30/8:15/9:00 a.m.
6:50/7:15/8:00 a.m.
MINCHA
4:40 p.m.
4:40 p.m.
4:40 p.m.
4:40 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:25 p.m.
4:45 p.m.
4:45 p.m.
MAARIV
5:05/8:20 p.m.
5:05/8:20 p.m.
5:05/8:20 p.m.
5:05/8:20 p.m.
following mincha
following Shalosh seudos
5:10 p.m./8:20 p.m
5:10 p.m./8:20 p.m
COMMUNITY FAMILY DINNER
Last year our shul held several “Community Dinners”. They proved to be a tremendous success providing an
opportunity to leave the cooking to the Caterer, participate in singing zemiros, hear an informative dvar torah and
to mingle and enjoy the company of both family and friends.
th
The first Community Dinner for the year 5769 was held following Ma’ariv on erev Shabbos, Friday November 28 ,
2008 (Parshas Toldos). The Dinner was attended by approximately 100 people, both members and non-members
of all ages. Arthur Birenbaum delivered an inspiring dvar torah. Watch for announcements of future dates. Don't
miss out on a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and, best of all, no cooking or cleaning !
The Torah Conferencing Network (TCN) is a state-of-the-art system which
allows Jews in Toronto to view and hear shiurim, given in real-time, from all
over the world. All shiurim can be heard in the Clanton Park Shul, in the
main sanctuary. Recommended donation is $10 ($5 for members).
Torah Conferencing Network
2008-2009 Season
CONSIDER AN ANNUAL TCN MEMBERSHIP
FOR OVER 170 SHIURIM
Single $118 Family $180
For receipt make out cheques to
Clanton Park Synagogue
Mail to: 40 Palm Drive
Toronto M3H 2B6
Membership cards to be picked up at the shiurim
1. Motze’ei Shabbos
Rabbi Yisroel Reisman
2. Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Shira Smiles- for women only
Weekly Parsha
3. Wednesday at 8:45 p.m.
(selected Wednesdays only)
Rabbi Mordechai Becher
4. Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.
Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein
5. Thursday at 7:45 p.m.
Rabbi Eli Monsour
6. Thursday at 9:00 p.m.
Rabbi Yissocher Frand
Weekly Parsha
Location:
11 Lowesmoor Ave.
Clanton Park Synagogue
Kahal Machzekai Hadas
For e-mail information and schedule updates send your e-mail address to
[email protected]
TCN SCHEDULE 2008/09
Shira Smiles
Sunday 10:00 AM
December 14,
2008
December 21,
2008
December 28,
2008
January 4, 2009
January 11, 2009
January 18, 2009
January 25, 2009
February 1, 2009
February 8, 2009
February 15, 2009
February 22, 2009
March 1, 2009
March 8, 2009
March 15, 2009
March 22, 2009
March 29, 2009
April 5, 2009
April 19, 2009
April 26, 2009
May 3, 2009
May 10, 2009
May 17, 2009
May 24, 2009
May 31, 2009
June 7, 2009
June 14, 2009
June 21, 2009
June 28, 2009
Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein
Wednesday
Rabbi Eli Monsour
Thursday 7:45 PM
Rabbi Yissocher
Frand
Thursday 9 PM
December 3, 2008
9:30 PM
December 18, 2008
December 18, 2008
December 10, 2008
9:30 PM
December 25, 2008
December 25, 2008
December 17, 2008
December 24, 2008
December 31, 2008
January 7, 2009
January 14, 2009
January 21, 2009
January 28, 2009
February 4, 2009
February 11, 2009
February 18, 2009
February 25, 2009
March 4, 2009
March 11, 2009
March 18, 2009
March 25, 2009
April 1, 2009
April 22, 2009
April 29, 2009
May 6, 2009
May 13, 2009
May 20, 2009
May 27, 2009
June 3, 2009
June 10, 2009
June 17, 2009
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:45 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:45 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:45 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:45 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:45 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:45 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
January 1, 2009
January 8, 2009
January 15, 2009
January 22, 2009
January 29, 2009
February 5, 2009
February 12, 2009
February 19, 2009
February 26, 2009
March 5, 2009
March 12, 2009
March 19, 2009
March 26, 2009
April 2, 2009
April 23, 2009
April 30, 2009
May 7, 2009
May 14, 2009
May 21, 2009
June 4, 2009
June 11, 2009
June 18, 2009
January 1, 2009
January 8, 2009
January 15, 2009
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June 4, 2009
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June 25, 2009
July 2, 2009
Rabbi Mordechai
Becher
Wednesday 8:45 PM
December 31, 2008
January 28, 2009
February 25, 2009
March 25, 2009
April 29, 2009
May 27, 2009
Rabbi Yisroel Reisman
Motzei Shabbos
December 13,
2008
December 20,
2008
December 27,
2008
January 3, 2009
January 10, 2009
January 17, 2009
January 24, 2009
January 31, 2009
February 7, 2009
February 14, 2009
February 21, 2009
February 28, 2009
March 7, 2009
March 14, 2009
March 21, 2009
March 28, 2009
April 4, 2009
April 11, 2009
April 18, 2009
April 25, 2009
May 2, 2009
May 9, 2009
May 16, 2009
May 23, 2009
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WORDS OF WISDOM
Professor Paul says ….
YIDDISH PROVERBS
"The wise man, even when he holds his tongue, says more than the fool who speaks".
"A hero is someone who can keep his mouth shut when he is right".
"One of life's greatest mysteries is how the boy who wasn't good enough to marry your daughter can be the father of the smartest
grandchild in the world".
"A wise man hears one word and understands two".
"You can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails".
SAYINGS TO LIVE BY
An enemy takes up more space in our head than a friend in our heart.
The sun dries without prejudice the garments of the rich and the poor.
The cheapest facelift is a laugh.
Everything that annoys us about others can help us to understand ourselves.
Begin each day anew and forgive yourself for yesterday.
Wisdom is the reward for listening over a lifetime.
It is the very things we think we know that keep us from learning what we should know.
Submitted by Professor Paul Socken
KIDDUSH ALERT !
With regard to the City of Toronto’s announcement that there will be a charge of 5 cents
per bag for supermarkets, Clanton Park Synagogue will adopt this policy with regard to
toothpicks for herring. Members are encouraged to bring their own. Those members who
have the tradition to use their fingers will be tolerated
Submitted by “Shimmy”
The Rabbi parts his lips and tries to speak, but words seem to be held in space. He sways and swoons, as some congregational
members get up to see to him, fearing the worst. “I’m choking. I’m choking,” he finally shouts. His arms are spread out to
Shamayim, and his eyes are closed, stung by tears, as they streak his cheeks. “Standing in shul I feel a tremendous weight and try
with great difficulty to find myself, to draw on that sense of Yirah (awe) and Ahava (love) that we are supposed to feel when
davening. I can’t. The words of the congregation are so thick and uttered so plainly around me that I feel like I am choking. Lives
depend on us. We are linked together. There is so much we can accomplish if we could only love each other enough to daven
together” (R’ Jacobson, cir. 1980).
The power of tefillah is something that cannot be explained or expounded upon in a few words, nor by someone with so few
credentials as myself. It does however seem to be a very appropriate and necessary topic though in light of the tremendous losses
we have all experienced both locally and afar this past Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh Kislev.
In the two parshiot before Channukah, there is a veritable wealth of indication as to the power of prayer. As the Matriarchs were
barren, tefillah was the means by which their akarah (barren) states were resolved by Hashem when they and their spouses prayed
and petitioned. Rachel stated “gam yacholti” (“I have also prevailed [in having children]”) which is rendered in Sefer Zikaron as
meaning that G-d heard her prayer. Targum Onkelus explains that “in my falling before Hashem I was accepted in my prayer…the
petitions which are dear before Him.” Tefillah is at its very core therefore, is one of our major avenues of hishtadlut (endeavour).
Yom Kippur filled us with the value and meaning of a return to Hashem through Tefillah, Tzedakkah, and Teshuva to reverse the
evil decree. Likewise, it is important to note that the Maccabbim, who were actually Torah scholars and Roshei Yeshivot, through
merit of their tefillah, avodah, and in a particular case, the chesed and sacrifice of his life by Elazar HaMaccabbee, that the tide of
the war was shifted in favour of Klal Yisrael. The physical sacrifice Elazar made was initiated in his belief that he saw the Greek king
mounted on a war elephant. He subsequently positioned himself beneath both beasts and lanced at the elephant’s belly,
successfully killing elephant and its rider, sadly, losing his life in the ordeal. As it turned out, it was the Greek general and not the
king that Elazar succeeded in killing. However, this act brought about a frenzied boost in morale among the Jewish troops, who
were woefully outnumbered, and Hashem instilled fear in the Greeks, so much so that they turned and fled.
One tefillah stands out among the rest when it comes to the Channukah story, in particular in considering Elazar’s last moments, in
light of how we are expected to dedicate ourselves exclusively in service to Hashem, namely through recitation of the Shema. The
proper fulfillment of the Shema encourages Hashem to strengthen His control over all creation, therein sequestering and squashing
the forces of evil, thus augmenting the powers of Chesed and Tzedek in overcoming the pull of evil in this world. By bringing this
type of perfection into the world it serves to elevate all things material and spiritual alike, thus currying favour in Hashem’s eyes.
Deresh Hashem teaches us that Hashem in His Chesed humbles Himself to allow us to relate to Him as our King. This is a special
situation particularly since Hashem does not require us mere mortals to accept his mantle of governance. In order to truly accept
the yoke of Heaven though we must:
•
•
•
Affirm recognition of Hashem as Master of the universe;
Accept His ruling over us;
Articulate our commitment to follow all His mitzvot as His willing and loving servants.
This is all clearly and succinctly incorporated in the verse: Shema Yisrael H” Elokeinu, H” Echad (Dev 6:4). Approcahing the Shema
in this fashion moves one closer towards accepting the yoke of Heaven (Kibbolet ol Malchut Shamayim). This is supported in the
Mishna Berurah (58:11) wherein it states that Chazal indicate that the universe was worth creating just for the acceptance of
Malchut Shamayim.
In Berachot 10b, the Gemara teaches us that one who reads the Shema at the proper time is greater than one who studies Torah.
The Mishna Berurah (61:1) makes it clear that we are to make every effort to concentrate while reciting the Shema, with marked
emphasis on the first verse. Furthermore we are taught to concentrate on the Aseret Hadibrot (Ten Commandments) as well during
Keriat Shema as these are alluded to in the Shema itself (Talmud Yerushalmi, Berachot 1:5). Vayikrah Rabbah (27:6) and Perishah
outlines the necessity of taking great care to utter each word of the Shema slowly, one word at a time with contemplation given to
the meaning of each mitzvah and its related punishment. This allows us to derive a far greater appreciation for the grander nature of
the Shema as an edict from the King of kings to whom we dedicate ourselves with fervent awe and trepidation. The verse in
Devarim (6:5) that includes “Bechol levovcha, uvechol nafshecha, uvechol me’odecha” (“…with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your might”) clearly indicates that we must dedicate and devote every aspect of our physical, spiritual, and material
resources when serving Hashem, including in recitation of the Shema. This is further supported in Tehillim (44:23) by the verse: Ki
Aleicha horagnu kol hayom (“…since for Your sake we are killed all day”). The term levovcha teaches us that there are two sides to
the human heart with which we serve Hashem, a left and right side. In the physical world the left side of the heart is the true pump,
and keeps us physically animated. In the realm of kabbalah, however, the right side of the heart is where the Neshama resides,
hoping to reach the higher and more rational brain; this cannot be accomplished until the Neshama overpowers the left side of the
heart where the Nefesh behema (rudimentary soul) resides. Through conquering the evil impulses and natural inclination of the left
side of the heart, and raising the status of the right side of the heart through Tefillah, Torah, and Chesed, and refraining from giving
into evil impulses, we can then truly achieve the service of Hashem Bechol Levavcha. Through recitation of the Shema with this in
mind, one will most certainly derive the requisite sense of awe and fear of Hashem that is taught to us in the Mishna Berurah and
Shulchan Aruch.
The word Me’odecha (with all your might) can also be derived from the word Middah (a measure). Irrespective of what Hashem
measures out and apportions, Chazal teach us that we must truly appreciate His kindness, even more so when it seems we have
been given a very difficult lot in life.
It is written in the Holy Zohar ((2) 162:2) that there are 13 mitzvot in the first portion of the Shema:
1) Ve’ahavata et H” Elokecha
8) U’vlechtecha baderech
2) Bechol Levovcha
9) U’veshochbecha
3) Uvechol Nafshecha
10) U’vkumecha
4) Uvechol Medodecha
11) U’kshartem ottam l’ot al yeddeichem
5) V’shinantam levaneicha
12) V’hayu letotafot bein eineichem
6) V’dibarta bam
13) U’chtavtam al mezuzot beitcha u’vishe’areicha
7) B’shivtecha b’beitecha
Lastly, the Shulchan Aruch teaches us that the Shema is comprised of 245 words, where the last words, which when uttered by the
Chazzan (H” Elokeichem Emet) bring the total to 248. This is significant since there are 248 physical and spiritual limbs to the body,
and complete and concentrated effort in recitation of the Shema will bring about healing to each of the 248 limbs by its
corresponding word by drawing down the Kedusha of Hashem contained in these words (Mishan Berurah; Derech Hashem).
Maharan of Rottenberg in his Responsa (517) wrote that a person who resolves to die al Kiddush Hashem (in sanctification of
Hashem) will not feel any physical pain. As noted above, when a Jew assumes responsibility to perfect this world in subjugating
each of his or her limbs in service of Hashem, then bracha is brought into this world for everyone to share.
It is said in the Holy Zohar that the true accomplishments and light of the mitzvot of Tzaddikim do not become revealed or are not
truly beneficial in this world until their passing on. This too follows in the inspiration they instill, and benefits their talmidim. The fact
that the Mishkan was completed, and that there are so many yahrtzheits honoured this month should be a clue to us of its Kedusha.
Channukah is also celebrated and marks not just victory, but also the Kiddush Hashem with which Elazar, sacrificed himself.
Zecher nishmat Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, Rabbi Leibish Teitelbaum, Rabbi Bentzion Kruman, Mr. Aaron Frankel,
Yocheved Orpaz, Norma Shvarzblat Rabinovich, and those in Tzahal who served so selflessly. It is with much pain and sadness
that these words were written, but with tremendous ahavah and gratitude for everything that they did and brought into our world.
The sacrifices they made on every level to ensure that their families and Klal Yisrael will be properly cared for can be honoured in
our own capacity to care for, and daven for one another with proper Kavanah, and in recalling the selflessness of their tireless
Chesed and Tzedakah to make this a more perfect world.
Chaim Gad & Gill Ginsburg