Text Study - Holy Blossom Temple

Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman
Centre for Jewish Learning
at Holy Blossom Temple
5776
Adult
Education
Guide
Holy
Blossom
TEMPLE
Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish
Learning at Holy Blossom Temple for 5776
By Rabbi Michael Satz and Debbie Spiegel, Director of Education
Our Schwartz/Reisman Centre has grown by leaps and bounds over the past year. 5775
presented great learning opportunities and we thank each of you for your participation,
assistance and feedback. Under the lay leadership of Les Rothschild, and Judy Winberg, we
were able to present thoughtful and engaging programs to our congregation.
Highlights of the past year include: Our Jewish Communities Around the World, highlighting
Jews in Ethiopia, Italy and India, sponsored by our Sisterhood. Our new initiative, Centre for
Contemporary Jewish Literature under the leadership of Cynthia Good, brought fascinating
speakers to our community. Evan Fallenberg as writer in residence, and Joe Kertes, David
Bezmogis and Anne Michaels shared their incredible stories to a packed audience. Another
highlight was the program, End of Life Conversations, looking at the Supreme Court
decision regarding Physician Assisted death, and parsing through the difficult conversations
with which many families find themselves.
We know that engaging and participatory conversations will continue to motivate our
community. We look forward to sharing those types of programs with you in 5776. As our
planning continues, we look forward to sharing more possibilities for you to be involved
in the planning and programming. Join us for as many of these programs. This is by no
means a complete listing – more programs will follow as together we will share our love of
learning, our love of Israel, our commitment to Tikkun Olam, “repairing the world”, and our
care for our Holy Blossom community.
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Our Rabbis Teach
Shabbat Morning Torah Study
Rabbi Yael Splansky
Every Saturday throughout the year
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Together we’ll study the weekly Torah portion, its corresponding commentaries both ancient and modern, and
discover their eternal relevance. Experienced students are valued for their accumulation of knowledge. Newcomers
are valued for their fresh insight. Make a weekly commitment or stop by from time to time.
All are welcome.
Mussar – Seeking Everyday Holiness
Rabbi Michael Satz
Tuesdays, October 6, 2015 – February 2016
Bi-Weekly sessions
Mussar is a system, based on Jewish sources, of practices to transform our inner lives by developing our
personal virtues like humility, patience, gratitude and generosity. I had the opportunity recently to be trained
by Mussar teacher (and Toronto native) Alan Morinis of the Mussar Institute to become a facilitator of
“Seeking Everyday Holiness”, a nineteen week Mussar program in conjunction with the Union for Reform
Judaism. This fall I will be forming a Mussar vaad, a group, to study together and help each other develop
our neshamot, our souls. I would love to go on this journey with anybody who is ready to make the
commitment to delve into their souls. I am looking for people who are open to share about themselves and
are looking for new ways to explore Judaism and Jewish practice. There will be limited space in the vaad, so
if you are interested or want to learn more, please email me. [email protected]
Fee: Members $90; Non-Members: $136
Radical Judaism: Is God Among, Within or Beyond? Reading Arthur Green
Rabbi John Moscowitz
October 14-November 25, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
A seven week course to delve into the theology of the leading contemporary Jewish theologian.
For those who wish, have a look at Green’s “Radical Judaism”, a small, brilliant and illuminating book which we’ll
look at in part.
Book Launch for Rabbi John Moscowitz, Rabbi Emeritus
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Moderator, Senator Linda Frum
Rabbi John Moscowitz in Conversation with Heather Reisman
Featured Guest Speaker: Yossi Klein Halevi
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Aspirational Judaism
Team taught: Debbie Spiegel, Rabbi Yael Splansky, Rabbi Jordan Helfman, and Rabbi Michael Satz
Wednesdays, October 21, 2015-June 2017
Join us for our new course, Aspirational Judaism (previously known as the Adult B’nei Mitzvah class). Our two-year
journey is about the practices, philosophy, and history of Reform Judaism.
During each year of the program, we will focus on Hebrew language – at whatever your level may be, from
beginners to intermediates – we have an opportunity for everyone. The second hour of the class focuses on a
specific subject matter. In the first year, we will learn and discuss two specific topics, holidays and prayer. We will
study all holy days - festivals, minor holidays and Shabbat, and additionally look at the events in our Jewish lifecycle. We will also engage in the topic of prayer – its meaning, and the spiritual practice of prayer using our own
Pirchei Kodesh. The second year the Hebrew component will have more emphasis on the reading and chanting of
the Torah (if you wish to do so- not everyone needs to). We will also study the history of Reform Judaism, and have
a look at Reform theology.
The class will meet for two hours, each Wednesday evening, beginning October 21, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Many of the
“participants/graduates” of this program have gone on to leadership in our congregation feeling empowered from
the learning and the community.
The course, for members only, is taught by each of our rabbis and Debbie Spiegel, our Director of Education. For
more information please contact any one of us. For registration please contact Debbie, [email protected]
Fee: $250, Members only.
Social Justice: Prophets, Rabbis, and the Reform Movement
Rabbi Michael Satz
Tuesdays, April 5-19, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
What do our texts teach us about social justice, and how do we as Reform Jews live these values? This three
session course will engage in text study and discussion to explore this central topic of Jewish tradition.
Centre for Contemporary Jewish Literature
Contemporary Jewish Books: Two Types of Mystery
Cynthia Good, Director, Student & Industry Initiatives, Creative Book Publishing Program, Humber College
Tuesdays, September 29-October 20, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Join us as we study two very different mystery novels, one set in Norway, the other in France. Norwegian By Night
by Derek Miller follows an eighty year old Jewish ex-Marine to Norway, where he becomes embroiled in saving a
young boy from his mother’s murderers. Missing Person, by Nobel winner Patrick Modiano, follows someone who
has lost his identity and may not want to know the truth, buried as it is in the murky days of the Paris Occupation.
Both novels are about secrets, family and the meaning of self. Everyone is welcome. $8 per session for nonmembers.
Presenting Hana’s Suitcase: the many expressions of the true story
Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
We are all familiar with the dramatic story of how a Japanese curator uncovered the history of Hana Brady, and
shared it with the world. You may have read the award-winning book or seen the documentary. But in today’s
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world, a powerful story like this one can find many expressions. At this event we will learn about writing
and publishing the book, about producing an interactive online experience, about the play, and about the
documentary. We will hear from Hana’s brother, George, and have an opportunity to view the film. There
will be plenty of time for questions and discussions about how a compelling and important story like Hana’s
presents the opportunity for a multiplicity of creative formats in this world of multimedia.
Text Study
Sisterhood Torah Study
The Great Jewish Civilizations: Jewish Life in Medieval Spain
Mark Goodman
Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
The history of the Jews of the Iberian Peninsula spans six centuries, living under Islam and Christendom. The
Jews of Spain were exalted by political powers, tolerated by the local religious leadership, and at other times,
persecuted. Spanish Jewry produced some of the greatest scholarship of the Middle Ages: Maimonides, and
others were some of the most preeminent and influential scholars of their time.
This year’s study will begin with an exploration of those years gaining an understanding of the challenges, and
how the people fared. We will gain familiarity with the changing political landscape and an appreciation of the
great Jewish figures, the legacies they left and their contributions to Torah study.
Materials will be made available by email, at class and online. All are welcome.
Talmud study
Mark Goodman
Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. After Shacharit service and breakfast.
The Talmud is one of the greatest works of literature in the western world. Written in Hebrew and Aramaic,
its 6200 pages contain legal analysis and social commentary that both shaped the Law given at Sinai and
shapes the law that is still relied on today. In the course of the year we will look at various portions of the text
to glean insight into the Rabbinic mind and then follow the evolution of the law over 15 centuries to gain an
understanding of its modern applications. Material will be available and all text is in English. No prior study is
needed.
Beit Midrash Shabbat Learning
Marla Powers, facilitator
Monthly on Shabbat at 1:00 p.m.
Join an active group of Temple members as they parse through the weekly Torah portion using a variety of
commentaries – in particular, A Women’s Commentary, published by WRJ (Women for Reform Judaism).
Dates: Sept 12, Oct 17, Nov 7, Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 5, April 9, May 7, June 4.
The Garden of Eden: Leaving and Trying to Return Natural Law,
Human Nature, Violence and Hope
Rabbi Michael Stroh, Rabbi Emeritus Temple Har Zion
Thursdays, November 5-26, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
The Garden of Eden is Paradise, at the beginning; the Days of the Messiah is Paradise, at the end. We live
in the middle with all the ambiguities of the human condition. What’s it all about? Join Rabbi Stroh for
thoughtful a 4 week course.
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Brotherhood Study Group
Maimonides and Buber: A Religion of the Intellect vs. a Religion of Personal
Encounter
Rabbi Michael Stroh, Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Har Zion
Thursdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Maimonides thought in terms of a religion th
Centre for Arts & Culture
Jews in Space
Professor Gillian Helfield, York University
Tuesdays, October 13-27, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
This series examines the work of pioneering Jewish Science Fiction writers, filmmakers
and television producers.
Sunday Book Club
Sharon Singer, librarian, facilitator
Join Sharon and a wonderful group for monthly discussion, engagement and
community.
Dates: Sundays, October 25, November 29, 2015, January 10, March 6, April 17, 2016 at
10:30 a.m.
You Can! Ukulele @Holy Blossom Temple
Susan Baskin, teacher & musician
Sundays, October 25-December 13, 2015 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m.
In 1915, when the ukulele was first introduced to people, it sparked the world’s first
uke craze. 100 years later the uke craze is back –and it’s coming to Holy Blossom.
Come on out and have some fun learning to play Jewish songs—old and new—on your
uke. The ukulele is a wonderful instrument for beginners and it is a perfect springboard
to the guitar.
Ages 8 to 80…. For our youngest and our youngest at heart… Everyone is welcome…
Each person must bring his or her own ukulele.
No experience necessary. Intermediate and experienced players are most
welcome.
Stitching Treasures: Exploring the Art of Judaic Needlepoint
Jodi Bager, needlework artist and designer
Tuesdays, November 10-December 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. or
Thursdays, January 7-February 4 and February 18, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
This is a unique opportunity to design and create a lasting piece of art. All participants
will be given materials needed for the perfect original challah cover or tallit bag.
Participants will learn new and creative stitches, design and paint their own canvas,
improve skills if you are a beginner, intermediate or a proficient stitcher.
Cost: $180. Limited registration. Contact [email protected]
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Playing Hitler’s Games: The 1936 Nazi Olympics, Canada and Holy Blossom Temple
Professor Harold Troper, University of Toronto
Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Next year will be the 80th anniversary of the infamous 1936 Olympic Games in Nazi Germany, a priority event
not only for Hitler and Germany but also for the Canadian Olympic Committee and Holy Blossom Temple’s Rabbi
Maurice Eisendrath, outspoken crusader on behalf of a Canadian boycott of the Nazi Olympics. The boycott
campaign failed. Canada participated in what turned out to be a propaganda bonanza for Nazi Germany. In his
talk, Harold Troper will discuss the legacy of the Nazi Olympic Games and the unique place of Rabbi Eisendrath
in the Nazi Olympic saga, as he discusses his new book, More Than Just the Games: Canada and the 1936
Olympics.
My So-Called Friends and Me
Sharon Neiss, author
Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
My So-Called Friends and Me is a story that is entirely fiction. It was written with the hopes of teaching readers
that no matter how bad things get, you will come out on the other side - stronger and smarter and with help
from the unexpected to get you through it all.
A program for parents and teens & tweens, with facilitators for each age group.
Good refreshments will be served.
Eye on Israel: Israeli Television in the 21st Century
Professor Gillian Helfield, York University & our Shinshinim – Noam Nadler & Bar Cohen
Tuesdays, Dec 1-15, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
In conversation with our Shinshinim, Noam Nadler and Bar Cohen, we will explore several dynamic and
occasionally controversial television programmes recently produced in Israel.
These new award-winning series have captured not only Israeli audiences but also millions of international
viewers, including Hollywood producers and broadcasters who have already adapted or are in the process of
adapting the series for American television.
Jewish Symbology in the works of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Rouhama Danto, historian
Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Join together for a fascinating look at the Jewish symbols and hidden messages in the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Cinema of Darkness
Professor Gillian Helfield, York University
Tuesdays, January 12, 26, Feb 9, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
We will explore the Jewish sensibilities of ‘Film Noir’ - the darkest genre of post-war American Cinema.
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Israel
Israel is at the heart of what we do at Holy Blossom Temple. Through learning and trips we deepen our
relationship with the Jewish state. Last year, we enjoyed prominent speakers from Israel like Anat Hoffman and
Gabi Ben Dor, discussed big issues through the Hartman Institute’s iEngage series, and of course celebrated
Israel through prayer and cultural events like our Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. This year we plan to continue our
quality programming with special emphasis on Reform Judaism in Israel, and we will add interactive learning
components through our website.
Haaretz Editor-in-Chief Aluf Benn speaks on Religious Pluralism in Israel
Haaretz Editor-in-Chief Aluf Benn speaks on Religious Pluralism in Israel
Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 11:45 am. Lunch will be served.
Aluf Benn, editor-in-chief of the Israeli newspaper of note, Haaretz, will speak to us about issues of religious
pluralism in Israel. Marriage, conversion, non-Orthodox Judaism, and freedom of (and from) religion in the
Jewish State are all topics that will be discussed.
Cost: $10, Kashrut observed, RSVP to [email protected].
Sponsored by: The New Israel Fund of Canada, ARZA Canada, MERCAZ Canada, Canadian Zionist Federation,
Beth Tzedec Congregation and Holy Blossom Temple
The Bridge from Here to There: Israeli-Diaspora Relations and Reform Jewish Values
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Following the HBT Annual General Meeting
When Rabbi Jacobs meets with the leaders of Israel’s government, he represents approximately 1.5 million
Reform Jews in nearly 900 synagogues across Canada and the United States. Hear what he says to them.
Hear what they say to him. Hear what we can do to bridge the distance between Toronto and Jerusalem.
Centre for Arts & Culture
Eye on Israel: Israeli Television in the 21st Century
Professor Gillian Helfield, York University & our Shinshinim
Tuesdays, Dec 1-15, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
In conversation with our Shinshinim, Noam Nadler and Bar Cohen, we will explore several dynamic and
occasionally controversial television programmes recently produced in Israel.
These new award-winning series have captured not only Israeli audiences but also millions of international
viewers, including Hollywood producers and broadcasters who have already adapted or are in the process of
adapting the series for American television.
Harry & Blanche Posen Memorial Lecture
Prof. Gabriel Ben Dor, Director of Graduate study program at Israel Defense College
Monday & Wednesday evenings, May 30 and June 2, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
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Social Justice
All Candidates Meeting
Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Our Holy Blossom Temple community will have the opportunity to hear from candidates from the political
parties about the issues that matter to all of us like social justice, foreign affairs, Canadian multiculturalism, and
our relationship with Israel.
Faith in the City
Toronto’s Poverty Reduction Plan
Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
“God upholds the cause of the orphan and the widow, and befriends the stranger, providing him/her with food
and clothing. - You too must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deut. 10:18-19).
The City Council will soon be debating a poverty reduction plan. The Holy Blossom Temple Community, in
conjunction with the inter-faith coalition Faith in the City, has the opportunity to take a leadership role in the
city by talking about poverty and related issues in Toronto with Councillor Joe Mhevic and Rabbi Michael Satz.
Walking in our Moccasins, First Nations Perspectives
Thursdays, October 1-22, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
A four session course with First Nation instructors. Join us for a hands-on conversation and information about
our Frist Nations community. Topics to be discussed include history, culture, environment and politics.
City of Refuge
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
In marking the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, Toronto’s Vietnamese community would like to honour
Professor Howard Adelman and the Jewish Community for making Canada a place of refuge for hundreds of
boat people. Motivated by our own immigration stories, Holy Blossom Temple helped newcomers to settle in
Toronto. Now our two communities will gather for an evening of storytelling and celebration, with Professor
Howard Adelman, Rabbi Yael Splansky and The Vietnamese Association of Toronto.
The Canadian Jewish News Live at Holy Blossom Temple
We Refuse to be Enemies
Thursday, November 26, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Our relationship with our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community is important. We are fortunate to
have many friends in many sectors. Join us for a conversation, moderated by Yoni Goldstein, editor of the
Canadian Jewish News, as we learn more from each other.
A panel discussion moderated by Yoni Goldstein, editor of The CJN
Rabbi2Rabbi – LIVE!
Rabbi Yael Splansky and Rabbi Mark Fishman
Thursday, March 10, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Moderated by Yoni Goldstein, Editor of The Canadian Jewish News
These two rabbis – one Reform, one Orthodox – hold a public exchange each month in print, but they
have never met in person. The CJN is their regular forum for discussing the issues of the day, their different
points of view, and much common ground. This evening will allow for conversation beyond what can fit on
the page.
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Social Justice: Prophets, Rabbis, and the Reform Movement
Rabbi Michael Satz
Tuesdays, April 5-19, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
What do our texts teach us about social justice, and how do we as Reform Jews live
these values? This three session course will engage in text study and discussion to
explore this central topic of Jewish tradition.
HBT Social Justice Trip to Israel Save the Date!
May 5 – 15, 2016
with Rabbi Yael Splansky and Temple President Joan Garson
• Begin and end the journey with Shabbat.
• Commemorate Yom HaZikaron for the fallen soldiers of Israel.
• Celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, 68 years of a thriving Jewish State.
• Pray with the ‘Women of the Wall’ on Rosh Chodesh to insist that the Kotel is a sacred place
for ALL Jews.
• Learn about the complexities facing Reform Jewish communities, foreign Asylum Seekers,
Arab Israeli
citizens, and other groups on the margins.
• Meet Champions of Justice in the courts, the press, the kibbutzim, the science laboratories,
the schools and the battlefields.
• Study sacred texts and the landscape itself for greater insight.
• Enjoy cultural and culinary delights from Jerusalem to the Negev to Tel Aviv.
Information Session: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 7:30 p.m. In the Sukkah.
Contact: JoAnne Polito at 416.789.3291 ext. 276 or [email protected].
Job and A Serious Man
Rabbi Yael Splansky and Professor Adam Sol
Tuesdays, May 17 - 31, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
We’ll compare the Biblical Book of Job and the 2009 Coen Brothers film, A Serious
Man. One is brave theology, which stands nearly alone in the biblical canon. The
other is a dark comedy, which asks the same questions about a person’s search for
meaning in the midst of life’s joy and suffering.
In memory of Dr. Harold Heft z”l
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High Holy Days
Learning During the High Holy Days.
Selichot
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Study Session and Dessert Reception: 9:00 p.m. Service: 11:00 p.m.
In the Youth Chapel with Rabbi Michael L. Morgan, the Senator Jerahmiel S. and Carole S. Grafstein,
Professor of Philosophy and Jewish Studies, University of Toronto, and Chancellor’s Professor of Philosophy
and Jewish Studies, Indiana University (emeritus).
Yom Kippur Study Sessions
1:30 pm – 3:00 p.m.
The Jews or the World, Whom Should We Love Best? The Divides
and Dilemmas of a People Today
Rabbi John Moscowitz, Rabbi Emeritus of Holy Blossom Temple
Our Nation’s Teshuvah: Honouring the final year of Canada’s
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Danny Richmond, Professional Social Activist and Youth Leader with Veahavta and the Inspirit
Foundation
The Boundaries of Forgiveness: a study of Yiddish songs from 1943-1945 Ukraine
Professor Anna Shternshis, Director of the Centre for Jewish Studies at The University of Toronto
The Rabbinate Idea of Yetzer Hara, The Human Inclination to Do Evil
Rabbi Donald Splansky, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Am, Framingham, Massachusetts.
Seeking Stillness in God’s Presence A Study-Meditation on The Thirteen Attributes of God
Cheryl Sylvester, Professional Leadership Coach and student of Jewish Meditation. This experiential
learning will include text study as well as silence, melody, and guided meditation.
Private Study and Reflection
Enjoy the quiet setting of the Main Sanctuary for private reading and contemplation. Enjoy the
remarkable 360° views from atop Jacob’s Tower.
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Judaism 101
Exploring Themes of Awe: Taste and Contemplation
Discovering the origins of food prepared at Rosh Hashanah
Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
With Rabbi Jordan Helfman and Andrew Cohen, Caterer, Event Planner and Food Stylist
Join us in an evening of taste and contemplation exploring the foods prepared at Rosh Hashanah.
Throughout the many lands in which the Jewish people have lived, our traditions have been shared from
generation to generation. In our program, we will learn about the origins and significance of some typical foods
at a Rosh Hashanah table.
For example: As we taste carrots, it should root us deep in our tradition. A spoonful of fish might immerse us in
the concepts of repentance, forgiveness, and remind us of the ever watching eye of our creator. Pomegranates
serve to supply seeds of many good topics ushering us into a mindset for the Days of Awe.
Capacity limited to 36 participants. RSVP required. [email protected]
($18.00 suggested donation to the Out of the Cold program)
Shabbat 101
“Protect the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.” (Deuteronomy 5:12)
Rabbi Yael Splansky
Monday, January 11, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Shabbat is the greatest gift for a balanced life, the greatest mark of a Jewish home, the greatest expression of
Jewish values. We’ll begin with “Why” and conclude with “How.” Shabbat can be an island each week for joy,
meaning, and rest.
Seder 101
“On that day you shall tell your child: I do this because of what the Eternal One did for me when I came out of
Egypt.” (Exodus 13:8)
Rabbi Yael Splansky
Monday, April 11, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Practical tips. Inspiring resources. And best practices that with keep EVERYONE at the table.
Jewish information class (Meets at Holy Blossom Temple)
The Jewish Information Class (JIC) was created by the Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto to enable those who
wish to learn more about Judaism and the Jewish People an opportunity to study in depth. In addition to
transmitting Jewish knowledge, the Jewish Information Class also affords the opportunity to acquire Jewish life
skills and to experience Jewish religious and communal life.
Our classes, taught by the rabbis and master teachers of our community, also serve as a prerequisite for those
who wish to convert to Judaism under the auspices of the Bet Din (rabbinical court) of the Reform Rabbis
of Greater Toronto. The program runs for approximately 30 weeks. All students in the Jewish Information
Class participate in the program under the sponsorship of a rabbi who is a member of the Bet Din. For more
information on the Jewish Information Class, please contact: Karen Goldstein, JIC Coordinator,
[email protected]
Hebrew 1, 2, 3
Are you interested in learning Hebrew? We would love to assist you in your quest! Contact Dalia Alalouf
(ext. 238) to arrange a class/one-on-one program for you.
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Holocaust Education
Centre for Contemporary Jewish Literature
Presenting Hana’s Suitcase: the many expressions of the true story
Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
(See previous listing on page 4).
Liberation: The Persisting Holocaust
Professor Michael Marrus, Chancellor Rose and Ray Wolfe Professor Emeritus of Holocaust Studies at the
University of Toronto.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
This lecture describes what is to us a shocking fact: even after the collapse of the Third Reich some of the
most brutal elements of the Holocaust persisted for a time. To be sure, there was no more mass killing
— although some Jews, especially in liberated camps, died as they had before, and some, notably in
Eastern Europe, were actually murdered in anti-Semitic attacks. Across Europe, and even in North America,
anti-Jewish sentiment and the marginalization of Jews continued even after the guns went silent. More
generally, people in the victorious countries were far indeed from coming to terms with the Holocaust,
from acknowledging what had happened to the Jews, or even from recognizing what they had endured.
Although there were huge differences between east and west, what is extraordinary is that this failure —
if that is the right word — was part of the reaction from Poland to North America, and more or less in all
walks of life. This lecture will examine this problem which is part of the legacy of the Holocaust today.
Three Minutes in Poland; Discovering a Lost World in a 1938 Family Film
Glenn Kurtz, author
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
In commemoration of International Holocaust Day we learn about David Kurtz, from his grandson Glenn, who
while traveling in Europe in August 1938, one year before the outbreak of World War II filmed ordinary life in a
small, predominantly Jewish town, Nasielsk, in Poland. 70 years later, Three Minutes in Poland has come to
life. Our member, Michael Valihora, travelled to Nasielsk, as his grandmother also was a resident of that town
and survived the war.
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Our Temple Community
P.E.P. Talks (Parent Education Program)
Every once in a while, all of us need a P.E.P. Talk! Come to discuss topics like ‘Work/Life Balance’ or ‘Sexuality
and Parenting’ ‘Sleep Strategies’ and other topics of interest and concern. All dates will include outside expert
speakers and a conversation with one of our professionals at Holy Blossom, and provide a chance to meet other
parents in the community. These P.E.P. Talks are open to all parents and include coffee and a nosh.
Sunday, October 18 at 11:30 a.m., with Daniel Abramson, Art and Science teacher at the Toronto Heschel
School and Grade 7 Teacher at HBT’s Senior School Na’arut Program. Topic T.B.C.
Monday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m., Raising Just Children in an Unjust Society with Leah Silverman, Coordinator
for National and International Programs at Ve’ahavta and Dalia Krusner, Executive Director of Heart to Heart and
Youth Leadership Manager at Ve’ahavta
Monday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m., Parenting on the Autism Spectrum with Jill Farber, Executive Director of
Autism Speaks Canada
Monday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m., Parenting: Walking the Work/Life Tightrope, a Panel Discussion. Confirmed
panelists include John Adair, Adair Barristers LLP, Dr. Marcia Zemans, Psychiatrist CAMH, and Jill Witkin, Deputy
Crown Attorney.
Monday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m., Sara Goldman, M.S.W., RSW with Michael Waxman, M.S.W., RSW. Topic T.B.C.
Sunday, April 3 at 11:30 a.m., Parenting: Punish or Praise with Dr. Marcia Zemans, Psychiatrist CAMH.
RSVP to make sure we have enough nosh. [email protected]
Israeli Folk Dancing with Paula Warren
Time to ‘kick up your heels’ and ‘join hands’ in song and dance. Gather after Shabbat services to share in circles
of friendship and music.
Save these dates: Oct. 3, Nov. 21, Dec. 19, Jan. 9, 2016, Feb. 6, Apr. 2, May 7, June 4.
Sponsored by Sisterhood
Brotherhood Coffee Club
Join us as at our monthly Brotherhood programs – Save these dates for interesting conversations and insights.
We look forward to greeting you on Sundays after Shacharit services over coffee and cake. This year our speakers
will focus on a variety of issues.
All programs begin at 9:30 a.m.
Dates: October 18, 2015, November 15, December 13, January 10, 2016, February 7, March 6, April 10, May 8.
Sisterhood Retreat at Bayview Wildwood Resort
May 13-15, 2016
Our very special weekend of study, prayer, relaxation and fun is coming again to the beautiful countryside at
Bayview Wildwood Resort. Surrounded by nature and friends, come to experience all that Sisterhood retreat has
to offer. Details to follow.
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Holy Blossom TEMPLE 2015
Mondays@Temple
Our senior community gathers each week for learning, lunch and friendship. Please join us on the following dates:
Oct. 19, 2015: Mike Colle, MPP - Eglinton-Lawrence
Oct. 26: Rabbi Michael Satz
Nov. 2: Dr. Peggy Richter, Director, Clinic for OCD Sunnybrook, Health Science Centre, Hoarding
Nov. 9: Rabbi Jordan Helfman, Guide to the Perplexed - Facebook & Jewish Life
Nov. 16: Frazer French, Flutist
Nov. 23: Elliot Posen, Current Events
Dec. 7: Dr. Elizabeth Abbott, Author: Dogs & Underdogs: Finding Happiness at Both Ends of the Leash.
Dec. 14: Chanukah Party
Dec. 21 & 28: Break
Jan. 18, 2016: Rabbi Michael Stroh
Jan. 25: Jack Kugelmass, Whither the Jewish Family in the 21st Century
Feb. 2: Rabbi Yael Splansky
Mar. 7: Our ShinShinim, Noam Nadler & Bar Cohen
Mar. 14: Rouhama Danto, Our Four Matriarchs
Mar. 21: Purim Party
May 9: Dr. Adam Sol
June 20: Sharon Smith & Jordan Klapman, Music
Fee: Members, $3.00 Non-Members, $5.00
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Holy Blossom TEMPLE 2015
www.holyblossomtemple.org
1950 Bathurst Street,
Toronto, Ontario