A Message from the PresidentTo the Members of Beth Tzedec Congregation: It is my pleasure to advise the membership that the election results are now final. The following are the names of the successful candidates who have been elected to Beth Tzedec Congregation's Board of Governors for a two-year term: Gary ElmanIlene FlattLeonard Gangbar (new)Ava Kanner (new)Karen HershDavid Matlow...

A unit of discharged Israeli soldiers participating in the Peace of Mind program joined us for a special Peace of Mind Shabbat dinner on May 20. Eli, a participant in the weeklong program, spoke to the Congregation about his experience here. Please see below for his presentation.Hi, My name is Eli. First, I would like to apologize for reading from the...

May 20—We had an excellent response to the strategic planning survey, receiving 979 surveys from approximately 2,500 Beth Tzedec member families, including input from former members and children of members who chose to leave Beth Tzedec. The survey information will provide solid feedback to add to the other data we have collected as part of the strategic planning...

On Sunday, May 29 beginning at 8:00 a.m., drop by our 'Beth Tzedec booth' to say hello, fuel up with coffee and donuts, pick up some great swag, and maybe even join us on the UJA's Walk. Look for the Beth Tzedec banner at Coronation Park to find us. We'll also have a Beth Tzedec team walking this year. If you would like to sign up to join our team, contact Simmi Toby at 416-781-3514...

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Round! Book now and be part of the fourth annual Men's Club Golf Classic, and the first golf event to be held at the new Carrick designed Lebovic golf club in Aurora. The fantastic elevation changes, manicured tees and greens that roll true will welcome you on May 26. Eminently playable, the course glows in the sunshine. A golf course is judged on its layout, not on its...

Reflections on ReflectionsRegis College, University of Toronto I thank Father Scott Lewis of Regis College for hosting this evening; Sister Lucy Thornson of Scarboro Missions for conceiving this program and inviting us to participate; Sister/Professor Eileen Schuller who has already taught me a great deal through her close reading of the document we are discussing tonight; and all of you...

On Thursday, February 4 at Shaarei Shomayim, Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl participated in an important panel discussion with community and spiritual leaders as well as medical experts in the areas of adolescent, adult and geriatric psychiatry. This important community conversation was a first step in beginning to explain and break down the stigma of mental illness within the Jewish community.To view...

As we plan for the arrival of the Syrian refugee family we are sponsoring, we have identified three ways our community can help them integrate and adjust to life in Toronto:Housing—We are looking for an affordable two- or three-bedroom apartment in the Lawrence and DVP area of the city. If you own, manage or are aware of a building with a vacancy, please contact me.Electronics—We are in need...

A year ago, I embarked on a project into the as-of-yet unexplored possible. In Toronto, could four rabbis— Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist—sit together and discuss substantive issues of modern Jewish life in a public forum? The result was Young Rabbis Speak. What started as a one-time, exploratory event looking at a range of topics turned into a...

Nn a January 29 eblast to the Congregation, I was pleased to announce that Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl has agreed to defer his retirement by two years, to July 2019. Over the past 22+ years, Rabbi Frydman-Kohl has provided tremendous leadership to our congregational family. As our spiritual leader, he has celebrated with us in times of joy and has provided guidance in times of sorrow. Under...

Thirty years ago, our son lost his cherished nounours in the pedestrian mall in central Jerusalem. He was inconsolable. A friend, coming to visit us for Passover, brought a similar teddy bear from the same manufacturer. But there was no special attachment to the new bear, who remained without a little boy to love it. If I had been Franz Kafka, the story might have had a different...

March 11, 2016—There is a lot happening at Beth Tzedec and below is a review of initiatives that relate to medium and long term planning. As always, please feel free to share your comments and questions by email to me at president@beth-tzedec.org. Strategic Plan – Over the past two years, the Strategic Planning Committee, co-chaired by Larry Wallach and Carolyn Kolers,...

For the past decade, we have enjoyed the cantorial and creative music of our Senior Cantor, Cantor Simon Spiro. In August 2016, at the conclusion of his contract, Cantor Simon will be completing his tenure at our synagogue.During his time at Beth Tzedec, Cantor Simon has provided unique musical direction and has become a friend to many in our community. We all join in wishing Cantor...

I am pleased to announce that Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl has agreed to defer his retirement by two years to July 2019. Over the past 22+ years, Rabbi Frydman-Kohl has provided tremendous leadership to our congregational family. As our spiritual leader, he has celebrated with us in times of joy and has provided guidance in times of sorrow. Under Rav Baruch’s leadership, Beth Tzedec continues to...

The recent policy change for weddings outside of Beth Tzedec has generated discussion about how our rabbis and cantors balance preserving traditional norms while attempting to meet people where they are. In place of a derashah (sermon), Rabbis Frydman-Kohl and Cutler will be joined by Yacov Fruchter, Director of Community Building and Spiritual Engagement to discuss the context,...