The attention of the Jewish community turns toward Ukraine for many reasons. It is from where many of our families originated. Many in our community have reached out asking what can we do? At the moment, the most important assistance needed is funding. The goal is to get as many people to safety as possible. That requires staff, buses, logistics, security, (bribes), food,...

The attention of the Jewish community turns toward Ukraine for many reasons. It is from where many of our families originated. My own great-grandfather left Odessa for New York in 1898. It has been both the centre of a vibrant Jewish life for a thousand years and introduced the world to Pogroms.Ukraine has a violent history of antisemitism, yet today is being led by a Jewish president and...

Beth Tzedec Bulletin - Spring EditionThe latest edition of the Beth Tzedec Bulletin is available for download. Let's celebrate, learn, pray and connect as a community with the many opportunities offered throughout our quarterly catalogue of programs, events and articles.Don't miss any of the news and excitement, including:Purim Family Fun opportunities (page 2);Feature on Rabbi...

Let's face it. The last two years have been difficult. But as we move toward the spring and the end of the health restrictions, it's time to get into the spirit, silliness and fun of Purim!We're putting together a Purim parody video and are looking to you to lend your voices, acting talents and video skills—or lack thereof—to "Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey", Cantor Ezer’s hilarious reworking of...

We Stand in Solidarity with the Rabbinical AssemblyFebruary 2, 2022—In response to the use of swastikas, and in one instance a Confederate flag, during the "Freedom Convoy" protests against coronavirus vaccine mandates outside the Canadian Parliament, the Rabbinical Assembly (RA), the international association of Conservative movement rabbis, issued the following statement:We are outraged and...

Saturday, January 22; Services begin at 9:30 a.m.This Shabbat, Rabbi Wernick and Rabbi Fryer Bodzin will be joined by Debbie Rothstein to share and reflect on last week's events at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas and the impact on world Jewry and within our own community.Our Shabbat morning services will be livestreamed beginning at 9:30 a.m. This sermon presentation will begin at...

Join our livestream virtual gathering at 8:30 p.m.January 15, 2022—We are watching with concern and horror the situation that is unfolding Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. We send our thoughts and prayers to the hostages, their families and the law enforcement agencies working toward a peaceful resolution of the standoff situation quickly.It is in moments like...

What did we do, the People of Israel, when we crossed the sea and arrived safely at the other side? We sang. We sang then and we sing now. Though we do feel the disappointment of not being able to be together, all of us, in person, this Shabbat as always, our spiritual leaders will raise their voices and from wherever we are, we will join in,...

Mazal Tov to Rav Baruch!We are delighted to announce that Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl, our Rav Baruch, has been appointed to the Order of Canada.This most prestigious honour is well deserved and recognizes his lifetime of service to the Jewish people, to the city of Toronto and to the citizens of our great nation.Rav Baruch has been a spiritual guide to thousands and he has represented...

Many in Israel and around the world have closely followed the case of Yosef Kibita, a Ugandan Jew who has been waging an intense legal struggle to make Aliyah since 2018. Yosef, who has lived on the Masorti-affiliated Kibbutz Ketura in the Negev since moving to Israel, has faced tremendous opposition from the Interior Ministry. Yosef suffered another blow from the Ministry that once again...

Your Feedback RequestedThe anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Committee is championing improving equity and inclusivity at Beth Tzedec. To that end, the REDI Committee is striving to promote a safe and welcoming environment for all within the Beth Tzedec community.While we have a dedicated team who are passionate about this mission, we need your help in focusing the...

Your Support is NeededThe Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is voting today (Wednesday, December 8) on censuring Trustee Alexandra Lulka for calling out anti-semitism in unvetted information that was sent to a TDSB mailing list. This comes on the heels of a number of incidents in the TDSB that has Jewish staff members and families on edge.The Toronto Board of...

Beth Tzedec Bulletin - Winter EditionThe latest edition of the Beth Tzedec Bulletin is available for download. Let's plan to celebrate, learn, pray and connect as a community with the many options offered throughout our quarterly catalogue of programs, events and articles from synagogue professionals and leadership.Don't miss any of the news and excitement, including:Professor...

We are always interested in hearing from our members and community—thoughts, ideas, impressions or concerns—and invite you to contact our leadership, clergy or senior staff at any time. Please see below for email information.Debbie Rothstein, President Reb Steve Wernick — 416-781-3514, ext. 218Rabbi Fryer Bodzin — 416-781-3514, ext. 219Cantor Sidney Ezer — 416-781-3514, ext....

As a kehillah, we have shared a meaningful Kol Nidrei and Yom Kippur of repentance, reflection and prayer. We next look forward to celebrating Sukkot in our sukkahs, gathering to sing, daven and to share meals and conversation with families, friends and neighbours. Our Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah services on September 27 to 29 (including the...