On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, I spoke about Teshuvah, Belovedness, and Pleasure. The night before, after ẖag dinner, my dear colleague Yacov gave me the slightest nudge about the language I use, reminding me to ensure that it should be clear to the people in the room what I mean. For instance, in my Jewish mindfulness circles, words like “belovedness” and “embodiment” are...

Our members-in-good-standing will fall into one of two categories below:Scenario 1: I have tickets alreadyFor members who have received their tickets, simply show them at the entry to our security guard to gain access to the shul. Scenario 2: I am a member-in-good-standing but I did not receive my tickets!For those who renewed/joined prior to September...

When the new ambassador of Israel to the United Kingdom, Tzipi Hotovely, presented her credentials to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 2021, she was accompanied by her husband Or Alon. While it was out of protocol, Or asked the Queen:  "What is one piece of life advice you can give us in light of your rich experience?"Or later shared, ''She thought about it, pondered and then...

The Hebrew language and Jewish tradition have several verbs related to transgression. The most well known is the verb חָטָא, hattah, to sin.  The noun is חֵט ẖet, is also the word for “arrow”. Archery is the imagery for missing the mark in whatever we set out to achieve. Like an arrow that misses the bull’s eye, there is nothing wrong with the arrow...

Parashat Shoftim begins with the command to set up a proper judicial system in Israel: “You shall appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes, in all the settlements that the Lord your God is giving you”. (Deuteronomy 16:18) Instead of the usual word for cities or settlements, the Torah uses a different term, Sh’arekha, literally meaning “your gates”. Although the...

Dear Friends, In the '90s, I worked for Hillel in Miami, Florida. At the time the mission of the organization was to maximize the number of Jews doing Jewish with other Jews. Since I left the organization, more than 20 years ago, it underwent a lot of change. Earlier this week, Hillel launched its latest rebranding, and a new tagline of only four words: “All Kinds of Jewish.”...

Nashuvah! | Return Again!We're thrilled to once again offer your favourite High Holy Day services for you and your family to enjoy, onsite or from the comfort of your own home! Members will have access to our virtual livestream hub to access the Sanctuary Services and the Outdoor Short & Sweet Services. This page will be updated with direct links to access the services as we move closer to...

The month of Elul begins in just over a week. Below is an invitation to begin thinking, over this time, about how we might each choose to engage with the opportunities of Elul.Elul is the month that leads up to Rosh Hashanah, Aseret Yimei Teshuvah—10 days of Return—and Yom Kippur. During the month of Elul we are encouraged to begin to engage in H̱eshbon Hanefesh, Spiritual Accounting, a...

Tomorrow, Friday, is a special day on the Jewish calendar. It is Tu B’Av or the 15th of the month of Av. We know of Tisha B’Av, the day on which the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed. But what is Tu B’Av?According to tradition, Tu B’Av is the day on which the sin of the spies (their lack of belief in God and themselves to enter the Land of Israel when the people first...

The Beth Tzedec Men’s Club is pleased to sponsor our long standing scholarship program to assist young men and women who are pursuing programs of higher Jewish education.  Applicants need not be a member of Beth Tzedec.The criteria we use to judge each applicant is based on the following and should be given careful consideration when applying.  The information provided with this...

As the culmination of the Three Weeks of mourning, we begin this Saturday night the Fast of Tishah B'Av, marking the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem. I have always been particularly moved by the rituals of the 9th of Av. In the heart of the summer, we gather late at night, sitting on the floor of the synagogue, lights dimmed, while we chant Megillat Eikhah, the Book of...

Have you ever witnessed a Sefer Torah accidentally fall to the ground?I have. Three times. As a rabbi’s kid and a rabbi—having spent A LOT of time in synagogues and around Sifrei Torah—three times is not so bad. If you’ve witnessed it, too, then you know it is shocking. That’s why I can tell you about all three times in which I was there when a Torah fell to the...

As announced last month, Phil joins us with more than 30 years of leadership experience gained in both the private and Jewish non-profit sectors, most recently as Executive Director of Adath Israel. He spent the first two decades of his career in sales and marketing at large multinationals including Wrigley’s, Mars, and Warner-Lambert, before switching to an operations-based role...

We have some exciting and important news to share with you!Beth Tzedec Congregation is no longer charging membership to those under 40.Click here to confirm your no-fee membership now.What has possessed us to do such a thing? It’s simple, really. Because we want to invest in our relationship with YOU. We care about you and your connection to our community.So, what’s the catch? There...

Beth Tzedec is proud to partner with organizations and projects that support our values. When you make your annual membership contribution, we encourage you to consider supporting these important organizations and initiatives. $25 The Canadian Foundation for Masorti Judaism supports Masorti/Conservative programs in Israel. These include over 50 synagogue...