On Sunday morning, while trying to capture a sense of joy on Simẖat Torah, we were simultaneously becoming aware of the terror, murder and slaughter in Israel, in real time, as it was unfolding. At that same time, we completed the annual Torah reading. Once again, the happy ending didn’t happen. Moshe Rabbeinu died, and he was not able to enter the Promised Land.And as I do every year, I...

While there is no evidence of any related threats to Beth Tzedec or in the GTA, we will be amending our Security protocols for the safety of our members, guests, staff and RHA students.  Key highlights include:Entry to and exit from the synagogue will continue to be exclusively through the rear entry doors off the parking lot.Our security staff will be augmented and...

Dear Beth Tzedec community, Libi B'mizrach Ani B'sof Hama'aravMy heart is in the East, I am in the West. We’ve all been watching the horror unfolding in Israel following Hamas’ unconscionable terror attack. Our hearts are broken as we stand in solidarity with Israel. As the death, injured, and kidnapped toll mounts, inevitably, many of us who have family and friends in Israel...

Now that I have your attention, let me tell you about Stacy Friedman’s Bat Mitzvah.If you do not understand the Hebrew, or you were not paying close attention, you missed the message of the movie. Stacy is chanting the maftir of Ki Tissa (Exodus 34:33-35). It is not translated. There is no commentary. [Movie blooper fans: the maftir is referred to as her haftorah.]When Moses had finished...

What is a Sukkah? Leviticus 23:42-43, part of the Torah reading for the festival, contains the commandment to dwell in Sukkot as a reminder for all generations of how God made the Israelites live in Sukkot when God took them out of Egypt. The Talmud refers to Sukkot (Booths) as the Clouds of Glory which surrounded and protected the Israelites during their forty years in the desert. To further...

TORONTO, September 26, 2023 – Beth Tzedec Congregation is pleased to announce a new home for the Cecil Roth Judaica collection—one of the most significant collections of its kind. This extensive collection of Jewish historical objects curated by historian Dr. Cecil Roth has been acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), marking an important step in bolstering ROM’s already substantial...

Beth Tzedec is committed to the continuation of morning and evening Zoom minyanim for our members and the broader community. To provide you with the most welcoming and secure online experience, we are making changes to our Zoom protocols which include:Access will only be granted to those who display their name in the Zoom waiting room.If you use a phone number or a name like...

Dear Friends,  The following is a condensed version of my first day Rosh Hashanah sermon that was delivered in the Mezzanine Service.  When I studied at the Shalom Hartman Institute in the summer, Yehuda Kurtzer, described the difference between baggage and luggage.  He said that our baggage is the items that go under the plane and drag us down. They hold us back...

Every Rosh Hashanah we wish each other “Shanah tovah”, a good year. The root of Shanah, shin-nun-hei means both “to repeat” and “to change,” (leshanot). Rosh Hashanah, the ‘head of year’ brings an opportunity for us to not just repeat the same thing we did last year, but to change aspects of our lives. Beginning tonight, we come together, not only to reflect on the past but...

It has been 123 days since my dad died. In that time, I have been reciting kaddish at our daily minyanim and on Shabbat. I have become part of our community of aveilim – mourners, a circle that gathers around each other and supports each of the personal journeys of loss and grieving. I have prayed in many communities in which the minhag-the practice, is to all rise for Kaddish Yatom – for the...

To the Beloved,The Infinite Presence is my light and expanse, who should I fear?The Infinite Presence is the strength of my life, what shall I dread?When forces come closeSeeming to devour me,When narrowness threatens,And opposition attacks,All that is menacing stumbles and falls.Even as an army of mistrust besieges meMy heart does not fear.Even as thoughts and desires rise up against meI still...

It's easier than ever for members to access, update and renew their membership online. Take a few moments to explore your member account HERE, confirm your information is correct and up-to-date and renew your commitment to Beth Tzedec.For those members under age 40, renew/reconfirm your NO-FEE Generations Membership HERE.If you have any questions, please contact Klara Romm at 416-781-3514, ext....

Beth Tzedec Bulletin - Fall / High Holy Days 2023 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:Patti Rotman's "From the President"...

by Norman FischerYou are my light and my help                 Whom should I fear?You are the fortress of my life                 Who should I dread?When the narrow ones gather their strength to devour me                It is they who stumble and fallEven if a...

All of us at Beth Tzedec are So excited that the Netflix and Happy Madison film, You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah, is now available for viewing. Many scenes in the movie were filmed in Beth Tzedec in the Summer of 2022 and included members of the community as background actors. One of the main plotlines of the film is about an emerging Jewish adult – but...