This Shabbat morning, November 3 at 11:15 a.m., members of the local Muslim community will form 'Rings of Peace' around Beth Tzedec Congregation and other synagogues in a show of interfaith solidarity following the attack of Jewish congregants in Pittsburgh last week.The 'Rings of Peace' were inspired by Muslims in Oslo, Norway following attacks against Jewish communities in Copenhagen...

Dear Fellow Members:We were all shocked today by the loss of lives at the Tree of Life Or L'Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On behalf of our Congregation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost lives today and our prayers for their entire community.We at Beth Tzedec take security seriously. We continuously review our policies and procedures to...

Dr. Sheldon Rotman, President of Congregation Beth Tzedec in Toronto, one of the world’s leading voices in Conservative Judaism, has announced that Rabbi Steven Wernick, currently CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) will join the congregation as its new Senior Rabbi beginning February 2019.Rabbi Wernick received his ordination and a Masters of Arts in Jewish Education...

On Wednesday evening, June 6, 2018, the Board of Governors met and elected the new Executive, comprised of the following individuals:Dr. Sheldon Rotman – PresidentDebbie Rothstein – Chair of the BoardLawrence Wallach – Vice-PresidentCecile Zaifman – TreasurerOscar Zimmerman – SecretaryGary Elman – Chair of RitualIn addition to the Executive Committee members, the 2018-2019 Board...

I am delighted to provide you with proposed new by-lawsto govern Beth Tzedec’s operations moving forward. Our current by-laws were first developed in 1952 and, while they have since been amended numerous times, it was clearly time for a complete governance review to ensure accountability and transparency, facilitate meeting the needs of our members in an efficient and effective manner, and, be...

As a thank you for supporting JTS is offering an exclusive live webinar on Tuesday, April 17 at 7:00 pm, hosted by Chancellor Arnold Eisen.Activities and experts in Israel and in North America report evidence of a growing divide between the world's two most important Jewish communities. Chancellor Eisen will discuss this pressing issue against the backdrop of modern Jewish history and...

As your Board of Governors started the search for a successor to Rav Baruch, who will retire in July 2019, we learned that Rav Adam would be leaving us at the end of March. As a result, we decided to strike an Associate Rabbi Search Committee to fill our short-term and longer-term need. Our two search committees are working together to ensure the best fit and smoothest transition for our...

A few months ago, Rav Adam Cutler was invited to interview for the role of Senior Rabbi at Adath Israel Congregation. This week, they concluded an agreement for Rav Adam to assume that role. On behalf of the Board and members of Beth Tzedec—Mazal Tov to Rav Adam! Rav Adam joined Beth Tzedec as Rabbi in August 2009. Over the past eight years, he served our...

Composed by participants of Beth Tzedec's pre-Seliẖot seminar,under the direction of Rabbi Howard Avruhm Addison Recited as part of Seliẖot service that night Open our hearts and minds, O God; steer us along paths of understanding and peace.We realize that we fail in many ways. Help us become the best we can be.God, enable us to be better, to appreciate that which we have.Forgive us...

Maayan Lange and Ishay Frenkel, our new shinshinim, have arrived at Beth Tzedec and are already settling into a new routine. We look forward to seeing them at many of our Services, programs and festivals throughout the year, including our Membership Appreciation BBQ, and Middle School and Teen lounges on the High Holy Days.Why not make a personal connection with Maayan and Ishay by inviting them...

Avoid the Last Minute RushHigh Holy Day ticket packages have been mailed to all those members who have already renewed their memberships for next year. You should receive them next week.For those who have not yet renewed, You can do so online by clicking on the 'Login/Register' button at the top of the Beth Tzedec website homepage, by email or by calling 416-781-3514 ext. 215. You can...

"Shall we end by having a theocracy? No, indeed… We shall prevent any theocratic tendencies from coming to the fore on the part of our priesthood… Rabbis shall receive honors high as their valuable functions deserve, but they must not interfere in the administration of the State which confers distinction upon them, else they will conjure up difficulties without and within." "All that you have...

Beth Tzedec is delighted to announce that the dynamic Israeli Hazzan Moshe Fishel and renowned Maestro Meir Briskman, the M&M Duo, will return to Beth Tzedec, joining Cantor Sidney Ezer in leading services for Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidrei and Yom Kippur, as well as performing in a series musical performances in late September with Lishmoa El Harina,...

Making Changes Inside and Out!Outside—The long overdue resurfacing of our parking lot is underway. On Monday, the heavy equipment came in to tear up the old asphalt and start the grading. For the duration, the parking lot will be closed. Weather permitting, work will continue with the line painting being the final step completed early in the next week.Inside—Work...

New Administrative Offices in the Works While many wind down for the summer, this is the busiest time of year, with physical and programmatic changes being made to better serve our members in the New Year. Our administration offices are now under renovation and will have a new look that is scheduled for completion in the late summer. In the interim, several staff members been relocated to...