It’s hard to believe that it’s September. For me, the last six months have been a blur. I worried about my job, my kids and my parents. I spent more time in my home office than anywhere else. And I was constantly thinking about Beth Tzedec and what it would take to sustain our community through all of this. But the last six months, as hard as they have been, have also been...

Learn more about our service experiences here>>Learn how to access online HHD services here>>Erev Rosh Hashanah: Friday, September 186:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Minhah and Festival Ma'arivRosh Hashanah I: Saturday, September 199:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Communal Shaharit (Blending together the Sanctuary and Mezzanine services, this joint experience will allow us to start our day davening...

We're bringing back your favourite High Holy Day services for you and your family to enjoy from home! Beth Tzedec members will have access to a special virtual hub to access the High Holy Day experiences that are meaningful to you. This page will be updated with direct links to access the services as we move closer to Rosh Hashanah.Find the full service schedule here>>Learn how to access...

For many of us, the key rituals of this holy season can't quite be replicated online, so we're bringing them to you.Visiting the ArkShare a private prayer in the Beth Tzedec Sanctuary by registering to visit the Aron Kodesh, the ark, during the Days of Awe (between Monday, September 21 and Saturday, September 26). A limited number of Beth Tzedec members will be invited to sign up for a one hour...

Dear Friends, Shimon the Righteous was one of the last of the men of the Great Assembly. He used to say: the world stands upon three things: the Torah, the Temple service, and the practice of acts of hesed, loving kindness. Why is hesed one of the legs of this precious three legged stool? The authors of Avot D’Rabbi Natan provide an answer with a haunting story. Once, Rabbi...

We are excited to announce that Beth Tzedec will begin reopening for in-person services with Minhah / Ma'ariv on Monday, August 17.The Reopening Taskforce, with input from medical professionals and public health authorities, has compiled and presented to the Board a Reopening Manual outlining policies and procedures to help ensure that we move forward safely and cautiously.Read the Reopening...

We are delighted to announce that a generous donation from Gabi Weisfeld had made it possible for us to upgrade the Hendeles Chapel while our building is closed.This upgrade includes replacing the carpeting and removing the pews in favour of flexible seating, which can be configured in many different ways to help facilitate davening and physical distancing.While it's still a work-in progress,...

Reopening Our Doorsby Lawrie Lubin, Chair of the Reopening TaskforceAugust 13, 2020 –We are excited to announce that Beth Tzedec will begin reopening for in-person services with Minhah / Ma'ariv on Monday, August 17.The Reopening Taskforce, with input from medical professionals and public health authorities, has compiled and presented to the Board a Reopening Manual outlining...

Connection and Gratitudeby President Debbie RothsteinJuly 3, 2020 –In the last three months, we have all had to adapt to a new way of life. For me, it has meant that much of my day is spent in my home office. After the first few weeks of shock, I find I have eased into a semi-routine, although I have pretty much lost all concept of time. Most importantly, I have found that I have much...

As Toronto enters Stage 2 of Ontario's Reopening Framework, we are seeing various businesses and synagogues in our community begin the process of reopening.At Beth Tzedec, we have been fortunate to be able to deliver and enjoy programs and services online.Yet we also look forward to the opportunity to come together again in person—to pray, to celebrate and to offer comfort to one another.We...

Yesterday afternoon, Premier Doug Ford announced the provincial government's plans for the safe and gradual reopening of Ontario. Many of us were excited to learn that, as of this Friday, places of worship will be able to welcome a limited number of congregants, albeit no more than 30 percent of our building capacity. While we are looking forward to gathering together once again, our...

Dear Friends, We are thrilled that so many people joined us for our first live stream of Shabbat and Yom Tov prayer services this past weekend. We are even more grateful that so many of you found it meaningful. To give you an idea of the impact of the experience: 653 households joined our Shabbat morning service. 165 people shared their opinion of the service in our post-Shabbat...

When I went to sleep on March 12, I didn't expect to wake up in a world in which my husband and I would not be able to attend the next day’s minyan, or that he would not be able to say Kaddish together with other mourners and friends in shul. Just a few weeks ago, our world changed and we have been forced to find new ways to connect, to engage and to provide meaningful Jewish...

This past year was a time of transition for Beth Tzedec. After the retirement (but not the departure) of our beloved Rabbi Frydman-Kohl, we welcomed two new rabbis – The Anne and Max Tanenbaum Senior Rabbinic Chair, Rabbi Steve Wernick and Associate Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin. I’m very happy to report that it has been a seamless transition. Last year, after a series of...

By now, all Beth Tzedec members should have received, either via email or Canada Post, a notice with registration information for your personal access to the online Annual Meeting of the Congregation. This information is being sent to you as a member of Beth Tzedec Congregation for your express use only. For the safety and security of fellow members as well as the preservation of your...