Let’s Celebrate the Miracle!

Shaarei shomayimcongregation

bulletinC H A N U K A H 5 7 6 6 D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5 - M A R C H 2 0 0 6

Shaarei Shomayim’s AnnualFamily Chanukah Party

(ok, so it’s a Pre-Chanukah Party!)

Sunday, December 18, 2005

5 p.m. - Doors open for games and crafts5:30 p.m. – Buffet Dinner

6 p.m. – Family Bingo

To reserve your spot or for more details416-789-3213

www.shomayim.org

Once again, the Brotherhood Annual Jackpot Draw, Auction and Dinnerwas a great success! See story on page 6.

Ian and Sheldon Tweyman and friendhad a roaring good time.

Backstage, chef extraordinaireJimmy Lyras cooks up a feast.

Auctioneer Mickey Ostro and auctionorganizer Susan Young get serious.

ANon-Members:$12 per person

or $50 perfamilyAMembers:

$10 per personor $36 per

family

A busy place guaranteed to light up your lifeWinter is here and the days are darker,but Shaarei Shomayim is shining brightly.Hardly a day goes by without a public lecture, study class, playgroup or simchain our midst, a testament to the fact thatour shul continues to be a major focal

point for our members and the community at large.

Our Adult Education Committee, chaired by Dalya Hakimiand Joyce Eklove, has a fabulous year in store for all of us. Itsfirst major program – a full-day symposium called RenewingOur Spirit held in conjunction with Torah in Motion – was ahuge success with its formidable lineup of speakers includingour former Morah D’Asrah, Rabbi Mark Dratch. This year’sAdult Education programming has something for everyone.Our new Chazzan, Avichai Zehavi, is teaching a ParshatHashavuah class, Rabbi Shulman continues to guide us withhis informative classes, and guest lecturers will be on hand toteach and inspire. There’s also wine tasting, simcha dancingand a whole lot more. So come out, bring a friend, and getready to move your mind, body and soul.

Our range of religious services has expanded with a TeenService now being offered on both Friday nights and

Shabbat mornings led by Rabbi Rafi Lipner. These servicesare targeted at high school age and university students.Encourage your teens to attend and bring their friends forsome tefillah, learning, and a hot kiddush. And don’t forget our busy youth program for your younger ones, led so enthusiastically by our Youth Director, Robin Epstein.

We’re also proud to have Rabbi Elliott Diamond leading theDownstairs Minyan. Rabbi Diamond took over from RabbiChaim Sacknovitz, who made Aliyah with his wife, Esther, thispast summer. Rabbi Diamond is introducing some excitingnew elements to the Shabbat morning service so be sure tocheck it out.

We’re also excited about our new secondary caterer, ZuchterBerk, who is catering all dairy functions and small meat functions. Please call the shul office if you require any furtherinformation.

So you see, the dark days of winter might be outside butinside we’re certainly glowing. Come on in and let ShaareiShomayim light up your life.

From my family to yours, Happy Chanukah.

b y S a m M o s k o w i t z

president’s message

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Kevin and Heather Katz and their three youngchildren have joined Shaarei Shomayim becauseit reminds them of home: “We wanted our children to experience the same kind of traditions that we had as kids in Montreal, andthis shul reminds us of the shuls we grew up in.Rabbi Shulman and his family have made us feelso welcome, and they have helped us so much.”

Kevin and Heather are busy physicians and dedicated parents of Gabrielle, 3, and one-year-old twins, Joseph and Eli. Yet they still find timefor Shabbat davening in the main sanctuary andother shul functions. Look for them at a kiddushnear you!

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Mark your calendars for these upcomingAdult Education events:

WELCOME

Sunday, January 15, 20069:30a.m.-12 noonHebrew and Jewish Resources and thePC with Rabbi Moshe Shulman

Sunday, January 22, 2006, 8 p.m.Life and Death: The Bioethics of RabbiMoshe Feinstein with Dr. Norma Josephof Concordia University, Montreal

Thursday, January 25, 2006, 7:30 p.m.Book Review - In the Image by Dara Hornreviewed by Gita Rotenberg

Mondays, February 6 and March 6, 2006(Series), 8-9:30 p.m.Political Intrigue and Spiritual Reality inShushan with Rabbi Pinchas Brumer

Shabbat, February 11, 2006Shabbat Shirah Shabbaton and MelavaMalka with Cantor Avichai Zehavi

Shabbat, February 25/Sunday,February 26, 2006, 7:30 p.m.Intersection of Science andHalacha with Prof. JosephBodenheimer of JerusalemCollege of Technology, Israel

Saturday, February 25, 2006Melava Malka and Wine Tastingwith Simcha Wines

Sunday evening,March 5, 2006 Mock Trial withProf. Arie Reichof Bar IlanUniversity inIsrael, BrianMorris and RabbiMoshe Shulman

There is a very well knowndispute between the schoolsof Bet Shammai and Bet Hillel regarding the lighting of Chanukah candles. In Bet Shammai’s opinion, eachnight of Chanukah we light a decreasing number of candles, beginning witheight on the first night, while Bet Hillel opines theopposite: beginning withone candle the first night,

we increase by one on each subsequent night. Our prac-tice clearly follows the opinion of Bet Hillel in this regard.

The Talmud relates a conceptual framework to this dispute. Bet Shammai, says the Talmud, considers that welight the number of candles reflecting the number of daysremaining in the holiday. Bet Hillel, on the other hand,claims that we follow a general principle of Jewish law that says we go up in sanctity, and not down: “ma’alinba’kodesh ve’lo moridin.”

One can extrapolate this dispute into a broader worldview. To Bet Shammai, we always start with the ideal, withthe picture and vision of the finished product, of where we are going, and how long it will take us to get there. It is atotally goal-oriented approach to Jewish life. That is whyShammai rejected the convert who asked to be taught theentire Torah on one foot. That goal is clearly impossible toreach, and therefore the process futile.

Bet Hillel, on the other hand, looks not at where we aregoing, but at how far we have come, and what we haveachieved, day by day. Bet Hillel claims that we climb theladder of Jewish life one rung at a time, not looking at how far we still have to climb, but at what each accomplishment brings along the way, and constantlychallenges us to strive to the next level or rung – “we goup in sanctity, but never down.”

That is why Hillel embraced the above mentioned convertdespite his absurd request. He began by teaching him thesimple things about Judaism. And day by day, mitzvah bymitzvah, this potential convert’s commitment grew untilthe same goal was achieved.

When the Talmud says that we follow Bet Hillel, it meant

in all aspects, not just in the lighting of Chanukah candles.As a community, this is a particularly important philosophy to understand. There are many challenges that face a community – challenges of membership, of fiscal stability,of spiritual growth and inspiration.

A Bet Shammai approach would claim that we need to seethe finished picture, in all its facets, to know where we aregoing. We need to see the roadmap. But while such anapproach seems helpful, it can also be the source of greatfrustration if those goals aren’t met within a practical timeframe. It drives us to constantly compare ourselves towhat we think we ought to achieve, and tends to focus ourattention on our shortcomings rather than on our great successes.

A Bet Hillel approach takes us to the same destination, yet it does so by looking at the achievements and accomplishments along the way, and building on them,nurturing them, and elevating ourselves step by step:“ma’alin ba’kodesh.”

Such an approach tells us to look at the strength of, forexample, our new morning gemara shiur and the doublemorning daily minyan, and recognize the depth of thisaccomplishment, be proud of it, and build on it to elevateourselves to the next rung on the ladder.

Such an approach tells us to look at the spirit of thesinging at Seudah Shlishit every Shabbat afternoon, led byCantor Zehavi, or the attendance at our innovative andinvigorating adult education programs, or the creativityand diversity of those programs, and build upon them.

Such an approach tells us to look at the wonderful Fridaynight Carlebach service held in late November, when theshul was filled with the spirit of music and dancing, andclimb to the next step.

Such an approach tells us always look at the proverbial cupas half full, in order to inspire us to fill the remaining halfof the cup.

There is so much to be proud of at our synagogue. BetHillel would say that now is the time to recognize those accomplishments and build on them, raising ourselvesalways upwards – “ma’alin ba’kodesh ve’lo moridin.”

Wishing you and your family a very happy Chanukah.

b y R a b b i M o s h e S h u l m a n

A Bet Hillel approach applied to our shul

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As the gemara says, “The word haskeis teaches that you must form groups upon groups and engage in Torah study,for the Torah is not acquired except through studying with companions.” (Berachos 63b).

Such a group, led by Rabbi Shulman, began to meet six mornings a week in March before the first morning minyan to study an amud, a half-page of a tractate of Talmud. In mid-November we completed Masechet Berachos and celebrated with a siyyum hosted by Rabbi and RebbetzinShulman and sponsored by three “companions” in memoryof loved ones.

This was the first siyyum that I had ever attended as a celebrant rather than as a guest, and it was the first time thatI could appreciate the joy of the occasion. Each dvar Torahgiven throughout the festive meal movingly expressed thedrash of what the group and the process of study meant to each person. All the speakers seemed to capture two feelings shared by everyone: an appreciation that the opportunity to learn gemara in depth, a goal in life that formany seemed out of reach, was profoundly cherished; and adeep admiration for the Rabbi as a teacher committed to creating and maintaining an enthusiasm for learning amongthe members of the daily shiur, an enthusiasm that was growing into a passion.

Masechet Berachos revealed a number of earthy, frank discussions of physical and psychological phenomena, muchto the delight of the five physicians in the group. All doctorsknow there is always time in a full schedule for an interestingcase, and that small things can have a big impact.

Now we’re tackling Masechet Sukkah. Those who make timein their hectic life will share in a special and meaningful experience. Shaarei Shomayim members should all be proud that their shul, under the direction of Rabbi Shulman,has established something that embodies the highest virtueof Jewish life and that is accessible to all who wish to partake,values consistent with the direction of Modern Orthodoxy.

The morning gemara shiur is a priceless component in thedaily life of our community. Please join us whenever you can.The class is open to both men and women. See the shul calendar in this bulletin for times.

Join us on January 14, 2006, for the first 5766 FamilyShabbat Luncheon. This will be the start of great ShaareiShomayim family luncheons to be offered this year.

Our new caterer, Walter Vaz from Zuchter Berk, will be serving up a delicious meal.

This will give you an opportunity to sample and enjoy someof the new menu items available along with some of your oldfavourites.

Remember, you don’t need to be an official family to join us.

We are all part of the ShaareiShomayim family, so pull up achair and let’s do a little post-kiddush schmoozing and sharing!

Stay tuned for more details, butin the meantime please mark your calendars for January14th.

For more information, please contact me at 416-256-4412 or Wendy Klein at 416-785-3755.

Standing (left to right): Dr. David Tal, David W. Brown, Dr. Jeffrey Fialkov,Alex Neuman, Jeffrey Zeifman, Dr. Tim Gofine, Jason Goldberg, Aviva KlompasSitting (left to right): Motti Yeffet, Dr. Bradley Strauss, Rabbi MosheShulman, Ralph Levine, Ken FactorMissing from photo: Dr. Brian Schwartz, Paul Herbert, Arie Reich,Arnie Dubrow, Michael Heilbronn, Joseph Menis, Richard Gordon

amud yomi group celebrates end of learning cycleb y T i m G o f i n e

shabbat lunch - more joyous when shared!b y L i n d a C r a i g

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member spotlight - ted saskin scores bigb y R a l p h W i n t r o b

Mazel Tov to Ralph and Rose Etigson on their 65th wedding anniversary andRalph’s 90th birthday. The Etigsons have been members of ShaareiShomayim for 52 years and have served the shul in many capacities. Ralphwas a Board of Governors member, an Israel Bonds chairman, andBrotherhood president. In fact, he was instrumental in drawing up theBrotherhood’s constitution. Rose has been an active member of theSisterhood and volunteered in the shul gift shop, where some of her dutiesincluded presenting silver kiddush cups to new brides and distributing lulavim and etrogim. The entire Shaarei Shomayim Family wishes the Etigsons continued good health and happiness for many years to come.

It has to be the dream job of a lifetime.

Longtime shul member Ted Saskin hit the big time with hiselevation this past September to the executive directorshipof the National Hockey League Players’ Association. But itcomes with a heavy price: relentless media attention.

Prior to his appointment, Ted spent 13 years working for theNHLPA as Director of Business Affairs and Marketing, dealing with contracts and developing the business side ofthe union.

“When I started, we were two-and-a-half people working outof an office the size of a broom closet,” Ted recalls. “Today,we occupy a full floor in a downtown office tower with 40lawyers, businesspeople and support staff who all work hardon behalf of the NHL players.”

Ted came to the NHLPA from a partnership with the law firmof Goodman and Goodman, where he went directly from theUniversity of Toronto law school and specialized in sport andentertainment law. So it was a natural fit when the NHLPAhired him.

Saskin is described as “an amiable pragmatist” by sportswriters. During the year-long lockout, they reported, he wasable to stay friendly with the NHL brass and the playersequally.

“He’s someone that people enjoy working with on both sides of the table,” one columnist wrote when he wasappointed.

In plain language, he’s a mensch.

Saskin was chosen to take over as director by almost all ofthe executive committee. In November, 85% voted in hisfavour. In a secret vote of the entire 700 members of theNHLPA, he is expected to be endorsed by a similar majority.Said one player, “Obviously he’s a smart man. And he’s donea lot for us.”

Saskin is married and the father of 11-year-old triplets and afive-year-old daughter, who are usually with him in shul onShabbat and Yomtov – far away from the media glare that ishis daily bread now.

But then, Saskin’s used to it. In sports and entertainment,that’s just part of the job.

Ted Saskin (left) and National Hockey League Commissioner Gary B. Bettman are all smiles at the NHL re-launch in New York inSeptember 2005.

the etigsons: More than 6 decades of togetherness

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On November 22, 2005, we held our Brotherhood Annual JackpotDraw, Auction and Dinner, and what a special evening it was. Thisyear, we dedicated the event to the memories of Shaarei Shomayimpast presidents Morris G. Goldenberg (1954-1956 and 1967-1968)and John D. Feinberg (1962-1967). Samuel J. Sable provided thekeynote address and presented plaques to the Goldenberg and Feinberg families. Rabbi Moshe Shulman spoke about theimportance of the Brotherhood’s work in sponsoring the shul’s AdultEducation and Youth programs.

The draw and the auction were an unprecedented success. Therewere 15 cash prizes in all, with a top draw prize of $7,200. Items onthe auction block included sports memorabilia and tickets, jewelry,airfare and a hotel stay in Vancouver. The dinner was delicious as always, and I would like to extend our thanks to our chef extraordinaire Jimmy and his staff. Mickey Ostro, as the auctioneer,was great.

I would like to thank Elliott Dale, Alan Burger, Jerry and SandraGenesove and all of the draw committee for their tireless efforts onthe Brotherhood’s behalf. I would also like to thank Susan Young andher committee for making this year’s auction the best ever. Specialthanks to Benny Stark for everything. Thank you to everyone whopurchased a ticket or donated or purchased an item from the auction. Your support of the Brotherhood and the synagogue makesthe Brotherhood’s work possible.

This past fall, the Brotherhood sponsored two breakfasts. InSeptember, Elazar Ben Yaakov of Bank Leumi spoke about the global money market and how to protect yourself from risk. The following month, Professor Arnold Ages spoke on the topic The

Troubled History of the Popes and the Jews. Both breakfasts werevery well attended, and the presentations were interesting andthought provoking. Plans are already underway for our annualMother’s Day event, and watch for upcoming dates for programsco-sponsored with the Cultural and Entertainment Connection.

In order to respond as best we can to the interests and needs of themembership, the Brotherhood is in the process of developing a survey to find out which of the Brotherhood’s traditional programsyou like and those which you do not favour. You will also be askedwhat new initiatives the Brotherhood might consider undertaking tomeet your family’s needs and interests. Thank you to Irwin Woodrowand Bernie Scherer for co-coordinating this work. Please watch forthe survey, and I thank you in advance for your consideration in completing it at your earliest convenience. If you are interested inparticipating in any of the work of the Brotherhood, we would bedelighted to have your help.

On behalf of the Brotherhood executive and their families, I wouldlike to wish all of you a Happy Chanukah.

brotherhood draw a great successb y M i c h a e l B e r n s t e i n , B r o t h e r h o o d P r e s i d e n t

Avichai Zehavi: Pied Piper with a YiddishE Ta’amb y D a v i d N a d l e r a n d A l a n B u r g e r , c o - c h a i r s , R e l i g i o u s C o m m i t t e e

Our new Chazzan Avichai Zehavihas established quite a followingin only a short time.

In addition to his beautiful davening over Yom Tov, Avichaihas been involved with variousprograms at the shul, includingteaching songs to our youth,

performing at the Simchat Beit Hashoeva, teaching ParashatHashavua classes, and running the Bar Mitzvah program. He hasmade a wonderful impact on the ruach at Seudah Shlishit singing andteaching new zmirot.

And in November, he led the congregation in the “Shabbos inShomayim” Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner dedicated to the late greatShlomo Carlebach. It was truly an inspirational evening of T’filah,song, great food and great company.

But perhaps Avichai’s greatest success is the crowd of little children – both boys and girls – who gather around the Bimah each

Shabbat to conclude the services with Ein Kelokeinu. Avichai’swarmth shines through as he welcomes the children to the Bimah,encourages them to belt out the melodies, and then lovingly handsthem each a candy for their efforts. It’s a treat to watch.

“The children are the future of every shul and that’s why I’ve decided to put more of a focus on them and invest my time in them,”says Avichai. “My hope that that the young children will feel that shulis a warm and welcoming place, like a second home, so that they willwant to return time and time again.”

Avichai isn’t the only Zehavi involved in Shaarei Shomayim. His wife,Idit, will be leading the Bat Mitzvah program this year, and their children – Reut,12; Tal, 9; Yoav, 4; and, Shoham, 4 months – are regular shul-goers.

Yasher Kochachem, Avichai and Idit. And thank you for all you do tomake Shaarei Shomayim a great place to call home.

To contact Avichai or Idit, call the shul office.

Samuel J. Sable (centre) presents an award to RosalynFeinberg in memory of her husband John at the recentBrotherhood dinner. Children(from left) Barry, Louise andStanley look on. John served asshul president in the 1960s.

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youth news

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This month I’d like to recognize those peoplethat help make theShabbat experience atShaarei Shomayim a special one for kids.

I’m talking about ourShabbat minyan leaders.These high school anduniversity students are an

exceptional group of people, truly dedicated to whatthey do. They recognize the importance of informaleducation and prayer and spend their Shabbat mornings sharing their knowledge of Judaism withour children – and often our parents, too.

In the Nursery, Emily Klemensberg, Laura Berall, and Mary Ching teach the children about the holidays, Torah stories, Jewish songs and brachot.They are constantly being challenged and always pull through smiling.

The Junior Minyan seems to be our busiest minyan.Adam Zendel, Faygle Train, and Ava Klemensberg

have a great rapport with the kids and always incorporate davening and parsha review and a littlebit of fun into the minyan. The leaders’ success is displayed through joy on their kids’ faces.

Junior minyan graduates attend the senior minyan,where Daniel Ostro, Orly Gasner, and Miryam Spiegelare ready for the kids with games, activities and discussions. They face the challenge of bringing kidsto, and keeping them in, the minyan and their successrate is growing with each passing week.

I would like to thank all of them for their hard workand dedication towards the Shabbat Youth program.It would not be what it is today without them. Perhapsthe best form of thanks is to see their minyan kidsbecome minyan leaders one day.

Of course a special mention goes to all the volunteers who help out throughout the year, especially during holiday time. I could not do it without you! I’m always looking for more volunteers,so please feel free to contact me in the Youth Office(ext. 217) if you are looking to fill some communityservice hours for school.

youth newsB y R o b i n E p s t e i n , Yo u t h D i r e c t o r

Our exciting Rosh Chodesh Group, specially designedfor young women to explore and celebrate their woman-hood, is in full swing. The group meets on the Sunday justbefore or after Rosh Chodesh at 5 p.m. at the shul. Eachfun-filled celebration is open to girls in Grade 8 and up.Activities vary and may include a speaker, storytelling,crafts and much more!

For upcoming events, check out the shul website or callRobin in the shul office.

Attention Teenaged Girls!

Singing sensation Jakie Young,son of Beverley and DavidYoung, has just released hissecond CD, Yachad Na’amod –Together We Stand. Arrangedand accompanied by worldacclaimed composer and conductor Stephen Glass, who isalso musical director of Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue inMontreal, the CD showcases a range of musical styles thatcelebrate unity and the diversity of our people. It includesupbeat Hebrew and Yiddish melodies, traditional and contemporary liturgical selections, and some new compositions recorded for the first time. The CD is available at local Jewish bookstores.

Photo by Mani Melnick

Just 13 and already a star!

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B i r t h s : M a z e l To v t o

family news

Elysse and Marc Altman on the birth of a daughter. Proud brother is Jonathan. Proud grandparents are Harriet andMorris Altman and Gloria and Joel Clamen. Proud great-grandparents are Max Clamen and Ethel Moses.

Rosalie and David Farb on the birth of a grandson, NoahEthan, a son to Shoshana and Daniel Farb. Proud grandparentsare Sandra and Ivar Riff. Proud great-grandparents are Chajaand Mayer Garten and Sarah Riff.

Mollie and Paul Finewax on the birth of a great-grandson,Benjamin Matthew, a son to Lisa and Bob Switzman. Proudgrandparents are Rachelle Salamon and Shirley and HowardSwitzman.

Rabbi Yechiel and Simma Goldreich on the birth of a daughter, Rivka Rena. Proud sisters are Ayella, Malka and Shira.Proud grandparents are Carol and Lester Krames and RabbiAvraham and Brenda Goldreich.

Jean and Syd Greenstein on the birth of a great-granddaugh-ter, a daughter to Jordana and Mitchell Wexler. Proud grandparents are Anita and Michael Greenstein and JeraldWexler and Helen Chirnomas. Proud great-grandparents areEthel and Sol Chirnomas and Adele Weinstock.

Toby Kasner on the birth of a grandson, Kevin Charles, a sonto Jill Kasner and Jonathan Mogil. Proud grandmother is Penny(Mogil) Baum. Proud great-grandmother is Ruth Mogil.

Dora Miller on the birth of a great-grandson, Yona Tzvi, a sonto Tehila and Elie Miller. Proud brother is Chaim Leib. Proud

grandparents are Joel and Sara Miller andRita and Sam Roling. Proud great-grand-mother is Betty Sved of Philadelphia.

Lily Sandorfy on the birth of a great-grandson, Yaakov Haniel,a son to Michal and Danny Hershtal. Proud brother is YehoshuaHovav. Proud grandparents are Sybil and Zev Hershtal andCindy and Bill Sacharin.

Edith Sefton on the birth of a great-granddaughter, a daughter to Ortal and Assaf Shor. Proud siblings are Neriya Zevand Tzahala Chaya. Proud grandparents are Sara Sefton-Shorand Ami Shor and Nurit and Semach Levy.

Sheila and Sam Sieradzki on the birth of a granddaughter, adaughter to Elise and David Sieradzki. Proud grandmother isEdie Glazer. Proud great-grandparents are Berta Sieradzki andFaigie and Moshe Glazer.

Saul Silverstein on the birth of a granddaughter, Jamie Rachel,a daughter to Joan Silverstein and Mitch Zinman. Proud grandfather is Butch Zinman.

Marsha and Eric Slavens on the birth of a granddaughter, RisaFaye, a daughter to Hannah and David Wasserman. Proudgrandparents are Eleanor Wasserman and Martin Wasserman.Proud great-grandmother is Sadie Levy.

Susan Young on the birth of a grandson, Noah Samuel, a sonto Lisa and David Swimmer. Proud grandparents are JenniferSwimmer and Andrew Tylman. Proud great-grandmother isShirley Polon.

B a r a n d B a t M i t z v a h s : M a z e l To v t oJudah Ruben Samuel Batist, grandson of Roslyn Berger.Proud parents are Susan and Bruce Batist. Proud siblings areJacob, Noah and Aiden. Proud grandparents are Gertrude andPhilip Batist.

Yeshaya Grossman, son of Ellen and Warren Grossman. Proudsiblings are Kaila, Lelah and Ezra. Proud grandparents areCarrie and Ben Grossman and Renee Bald.

Harrison Jordan, son of Janice and Robert Jordan. Proud sister is Jacqueline. Proud grandparents are Rose and AlexColchary.

Noteh Krauss, son of Sarah and Larry Krauss. Proud siblingsare Yehudah, Elisha, and Aviva. Proud grandparents are Helenand Joe Casse and Kate Krauss.

Jacob Mandel, grandson of Milla and Mendel Tenenbaum.Proud parents are Rebecca Tenenbaum and Darryn Mandel.Proud sisters are Rachel and Maya. Proud grandparents areDorothy and Sam Mandel.

Elianne Neuman, daughter of Naomi Roskies and AlexNeuman. Proud grandparents are Clara Neuman, Ethel Roskiesand Josie and Arthur Roskies.

Ariel Waks, daughter of Linda and Fred Waks. Proud sistersare Jessica, Marlie and Whitney. Proud grandparents are Sylviaand Henry Waks. Proud aunt and uncle are Lori and JohnUlmer.

Jakie Young, son of Beverley and David Young. Proud siblingsare Simone and Haddon Suttner and Rebecca and Shira Young.Proud grandmothers are Merle Young and Thelma Fine.

Reut Zehavi, daughter of Idit andAvichai Zehavi. Proud siblings areTal, Yoav and Shoham. Proudgrandparents are Rachel andYechiel Zehavi and Malka andShaul Libi.

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Dana Bloom to Robbie Klein. Proud parents are Bryna andBrian Bloom and Susie and Murray Klein. Proud siblings areLauren and Andrew Bloom, Tara and Michael Bloom, RobertBloom and David and Jamie Klein. Proud grandparents areRay Pines and Nina Henechowitz.

Robert Closner to Cindy Grossman. Proud parents are Joyand Arnold Closner, Bonnie Grossman and MorleyHalberstadt and Allan and Janine Grossman. Proud siblingsare Neil Closner, Gayle and Kevin Bly, Debbie and StevenRosenbaum and Shelby and Justine Grossman. Proud grand-mothers are Sylvia Bloomberg and Ruthe Mann.

Amir Hochstadter to Leah Stein. Proud grandparents areAnnette and Philip Schenker.

Ari Hochstadter to Shani Fine. Proud grandparents areAnnette and Philip Schenker.

Chani Hochstadter to Josef Goldberg. Proud grandparentsare Annette and Philip Schenker.

Marc Lefler to Michelle Cowan. Proud parents are Sabinaand Irving Lefler and Marsha Cowan. Proud siblings areAdam Lefler and Reese Cowan. Proud grandparents areCelia Lipkin and Goldie and Chaim Goldstein.

Ayelet Miller to Ron Elkayam. Proud parents are Joel andSara Miller and Eitana Tsuki Elkayam. Proud siblings are Elie,Tehila, Tali, Orit, Guy, Inbal and Idan. Proud grandmother isRachel of Haifa, Israel.

Naomi Schwartz to Ryan Spodek. Proud parents are Robbieand Brian Schwartz and Ruth and Larry Spodek. Proud siblings are Elana and Shmuel Soroka, Moshe Schwartz, ShiraSchwartz, Jessica and Jeff Spodek, Tova and Josh Spodekand Malkie Spodek. Proud grandparents are Sara Hertz andLyla and Frank Schwartz.

Haddon Suttner to Cara Kuchar. Proud parents areBeverley and David Young and Jonathan Suttner, Dr. Dennisand Diane Kuchar of Sydney, Australia. Proud siblings areSimi Suttner, Jakie Young, Rebecca and Shira Young, and Ariand Natan Kuchar. Proud grandparents are Thelma Fine andMerle Young and Rachel & Michael Neuhauser of Melbourneand Duci Schwartz- Kuchar of Sydney, Australia.

Ariel Tal to Rachel Truitt. Proud parents areNaomi and David Tal and Chana Pearl andEliyahu Truitt of Israel. Proud siblings are Tamarand Ronen Tal and Ben and Avraham Truitt.Proud grandparents are Pearl Tucker and SamuelFrankel.

M a r r i a g e s : M a z e l To v t o

E n g a g e m e n t s : M a z e l To v t o

family news

Gina Markin to Stuart Lapowich. Proud parents are CharlesMarkin and Arlene and Donald Lapowich. Proud siblings areHyla and Kenny Wise. Proud grandmothers are Lucy Markin,Raisa Ruderman and Sylvia Banack.

B i r t h d a y s & A n n i v e r s a r i e s : M a z e l To v t oRalph Etigson on his 90th birthday. Kate Witkin on her 98th birthday.Paul Finewax on his 95th birthday. Rose and Ralph Etigson on their 65th Wedding Anniversary.

C o n d o l e n c e sWe offer our deepest sympathy to:Marilyn Springer and Karen Bristol and families on the recentloss of their beloved mother, Goldie Alexandroff.

Jonah Friendly and family on the passing of his beloved father,Solomon Friendly.

Shirley Gerber, Bryan Gerber, Pene Gerber and Lorne Gerberand families on the recent loss of their beloved husband andfather, Harold Gerber.

Rene Mandel and family on the recent loss of herbeloved mother, Laura Graff.

Martin Hershberg, Linda Morris, Fern Sachs and families on therecent loss of their beloved wife and mother, Irene Hershberg.

Toby Kadish, Neal Kadish, Allan Kadish, Sidney Kadish, andMarion Kadish and families on the recent loss of their belovedhusband, father and brother, Joseph Kadish.

continued on pg. 14

Doris and Cliff Goldfarb and Lois and David Buckstein. See printed copy for full textDanielle Goldfarb to Howard Buckstein. Proud parents are <[Some text removed for web version of Bulletin.

14

The Teen Minyan: Shabbat doesn’t get sweeter than this!b y J o r d a n L a s s , Te e n M i n y a n m e m b e r

It may be almost Chanukah, but Rosh Hashanah for ShaareiShomayim teenagers is here. And how sweet it is.

Since the beginning of September, a group of ShaareiShomayim teens who had been participants in RabbiGoldreich’s Teen Minyan took it upon ourselves to get theball rolling again and lead the Teen Minyan on Saturdaymornings. During September and October the minyan slowly began to take shape as the newest generation of BarMitzvah boys were slowly pulled into the scene.

As all of this was slowly happening, another phenomenonwas occurring: the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat minyan for teenswas rapidly developing led by Rabbi Rafi Lipner.

Rav Lipner is a charismatic teacher at CHAT and has taughtmany of the students who attend both minyanim. The deepthoughts that he shares with us, coupled with his magnetic personality, continue to draw in new people and inspire all ofus each week. Young adults of different ages, who come fromall places on the religious spectrum, share in the holiness of greeting Shabbat in song, dance and achdut in this spiritually uplifting minyan. It is one of the most beautifulminyans around.

After Friday night davening is over, most people stay around

to shmooze and enjoy the hot kiddush which is generously sponsored by shul members. The minyan has developed veryquickly, bringing many young adults into the shul for an amazing Jewish program.

Now, thanks to Rav Lipner’s dedication, the Shabbat morningTeen Minyan has finally taken full shape, with Rav Lipner sharing his reflective thoughts and his captivating personali-ty. This is probably the best thing to ever happen to the TeenMinyan, and now the ball is really rolling.

And now a group of young Shaarei Shomayim congregants,led by Howard Rosenberg, myself and others, have alsobegun talking about taking the Teen Minyan beyond davening and bringing the Shaarei Shomayim teens closertogether. We are, for example, considering starting up a floor hockey league.

So teens, come on out to the TeenMinyan. Parents, encourage them tojoin us. And be sure to stay tuned forother sweet and exciting teen pro-grams and events coming your way.

For more on the Teen Minyan, see the shul website.

Rabbi Rafi Lipner

We offer our deepest sympathy to:Gerald Katz and Allen Katz and families on the recent loss oftheir beloved, Ray Katz.

Elisabeth Friedman and family on the recent loss of herbeloved mother, Anne Koczka.

Elaine Disenhouse and family on the recent passing of herbeloved mother, Mildred Lesser.

Ian Morris, Michael Morris, Danny Morris, Arnold Morris,Glenda Shacter and Brian Morris and families on the recentpassing of their beloved father and brother, Saul Morris.

Sam Prince, Jonas Prince, Irwin Prince and Cathy Kwinter andfamilies on the recent loss of their beloved wife and mother,Dora Prince.

Martin Rosen and Linda Gotfryd and families on the recent lossof their beloved mother, Elsie Rosen.

Carla Ulpian and family on the recent loss of her beloved brother, Bruno Rubinger.

Wayne Tanenbaum, Marilyn Zaretsky, Zachary Finkelstein andMatthew Finkelstein and families on the recent passing of theirbeloved daughter and sister, Kathy Tanenbaum.

Lawrence Cohen and the family of the late Lloyd Title on therecent passing of their beloved mother and step-mother, RoseTitle.

Susyn Smith, Marsha Dwosh, Jack Wachter, Mayer Garten,Henia Gefen and Esther Lipshitz of Israel and families on therecent passing of their beloved mother and sister, FridaWachtel.

Celie Goldstein and family on the recent passing of herbeloved father, Ralph Weinstein.

Lisa Weverman, Sheila Weverman and Leon Weverman andfamilies on the recent passing of their beloved husband, fatherand brother, Ralph Weverman.

Victor Wise, Peter Wise and Miriam Rosen and families on therecent passing of their beloved wife and mother, Klara Wise.

C o n d o l e n c e s ( c o n t ’ d f r o m p a g e 1 3 )

15

Wise Words from our wonderful womenb y C a r o l S e i d m a n

Knowing that she was going to miss Simchat Torah in Torontothis year because of a family trip to Israel, Charlene Arjeasked me to step in for her and host the Women’s SimchatTorah program.

I have great regard for The Women’s Simchat Torah program that was created to address the feelings of exclusion that some women have experienced in the pastduring this holiday. I never miss this program and enjoy itimmensely, whether as a participant or as a speaker. I jumpedat the chance of helping out and, truth be told, I don’t like tosay no to Charlene!

No one seems to know for sure, but the guess is that this pro-gram has been going on for more than six years. Among itsfounders are Shayna Kravetz and Charlene Arje.

The program is open to both men and women. During theearly years, we were assigned Room 29 but due to demandwe now have 100 attendees and use the Brotherhood Hall.The program consists of approximately eight female speakers of all ages who give a short, three-minute talk on aJewish subject of their choice. In the past we have had mother/daughter teams, grandmothers and girls as young aselementary school age.

This year, once again, we had an excellent group made up ofseasoned speakers as well as first time speakers.

A big Thank You to all of the speakers who made this year’sprogram so enjoyable and thought provoking: ShaynaKravetz, Dr. Anna Urowitz-Freudenstein, Dr. Laura Weiner, Dr. Harriet Morris, Ellen Jane Grossman, Ronitte Friedman-Perlman, and our youngest speaker Avital Shulman.

Thank you to my husband Peter Seidman who took over the door monitor duties usually performed by Charlene’s husband George and made sure the ever-necessary Kiddushwas available.

Kol Hakavod to all of this year’s speakers and to the women who followed this year’s program and volunteered to give a talk at the Simchat Torah Program2006. If you haven’t come out yet, come next year and seewhy Rabbi Shulman describes this program as one of the bestof the year.

But until then, watch for our next female-led gathering – theWomen’s Megillah Reading on Purim morning. For details orto volunteer to read a chapter aloud, contact the shul office.

the downstairs minyanb y R a b b i E l l i o t t D i a m o n d

The story is told of a cafeteriashelf on which a basket ofapples displayed a sign: “Takeone. G-d is watching!” Just afew short feet further was aplate of chocolate chip cookieson which someone else hadplaced a rejoinder that read:“Take as many as you want! G-d is watching the apples!”

While we don’t have a basket of apples, we sincerely hopethat the Downstairs Minyan does not go undetected. Howlucky we are that Shaarei Shomayim continues to show leadership in providing opportunities for everyone to findtheir own place in prayer and Torah learning.

That is exactly what the Downstairs Minyan strives to achieve.It’s the blend of informality, family, prayer, friendship andTorah study that continues to attract people to theDownstairs Minyan. Insights into the Torah reading, explorations into the siddur, or a new brief shiur after davening are part of what the Downstairs Minyan can offer on Shabbat morning in a friendly and comfortable environment created by our member-led services.

With my recent appointment as the Rabbi of the minyan, I amexcited about the opportunity to make sure that you donotice the Downstairs Minyan – again, or for the first time.

I look forward to seeing you there.

16

from the executive directorB y M a r i l y n S o m e r s

The lifeblood of any organization is volunteerism,and Shaarei Shomayim Congregation is no exception. We have a number of dedicated volunteers throughout our Congregation, from the senior/executive officers to our Board ofGovernors and our committee members. If you come by the shul you willoften see them either inside or out in the parking lot having an informalget-together after a late-night meeting. As the Executive Director, I amalways indebted to volunteers for their assistance and advice.

Still, there are some volunteers whose work hardly ever comes to the fore.In this particular column I want to mention Benny Stark who, for the past36 years, has served in many capacities as a volunteer at our shul.

When I first started to work at Shaarei Shomayim I was asked, “Have youmet Mr. Shaarei Shomayim yet?” I am happy to say that I met Benny onmy very first day and he has always been here to help. Benny has been incharge of the House Committee for more years then even he likes toremember. If we need something purchased or something repaired, askBenny. We often hear Benny speaking in Hungarian to our maintenancestaff, telling them to put up the Sukkah, to set up rooms for functions, andmuch more. Benny, thanks for all of your hard work and for always beingthere for us.

Becoming a shul volunteer isn’t something one takes lightly. However, Iurge you to consider giving up some of your valuable time to serve on acommittee or to help out in the office. Please contact me for information.

In other news, many members now receive shul information through oure-mail service. Subscribing to it gives you the opportunity to receive valuable information on shul programs and on such matters as births, marriages and deaths, well ahead of traditional communication methods. If you would like to subscribe, please e-mail us your request atinfo@shomayim.org or go on our website www.shomayim.org and clickon “Join shul e-mail list.”

I look forward to seeing you all at the shul’s pre-Chanukah party. Enjoy thistime of light and eat your fill of latkes. Chag Sameach!

Contact Us470 Glencairn Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5N 1V8Telephone (416) 789-3213 • Fax (416) 789-1728Website www.shomayim.org • Email info@shomayim.org

Who’s WhoRabbi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moshe ShulmanChazzan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avichai ZehaviShamash/Baal Kriyah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ralph LevineBaal Kriyah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip ZuckerRabbi, Downstairs Minyan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elliott DiamondExecutive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marilyn SomersYouth Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin EpsteinPresident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam MoskowitzBulletin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nigel Blumenthal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marvin Donin

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tali Golombek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ralph Wintrob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suzanne Wintrob

Photographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nigel Blumenthal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Cantor

Office HoursMonday-Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office closed

DonationsLibrary Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18 and upPhillip Wintrob Youth Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18 and upVolunteer Appreciation Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18 and upRabbi’s Charity Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18 and upPhilip Zucker Torah Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18 and upSiddur (Artscroll or Birnbaum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$54Chumash (Hertz or Stone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$60Memorial Plaques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$400Tree of Life: Leaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,800Tree of Life: Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,400

SponsorshipsRegular Shabbat Kiddush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*$600Shabbat Mevorchim Kiddush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*$800Downstairs Minyan Kiddush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*$360Seudah Shlishit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$180Flowers for the Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$180Weekday Breakfast: per day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50Weekday Breakfast: per week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250Torah Tidbits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100

*Partial Sponsorships Available.To make a donation or arrange for a sponsorship,please call the shul office. Tax receipts will be issued.

EndowmentsEndowment Funds can be set up to suit your individualrequirements. For further information, please contactthe Executive Director.