Hakol FEB-MARCH 2011 rfs.pdf - Bethtikvahtoronto.org

Arlene Anthony,
President
As you all know, with
Rabbi Allen’s sabbatical
and planned
departure from Beth
Tikvah, Sisterhood
loses one of our key
programmes - our
Wednesday morning classes with Rabbi
Allen. Over the years Rabbi Allen has provided
sessions on the lives and writings of
many important Jewish philosophers, significant
events in Jewish history, works of fiction
by well known and emerging Israeli authors,
many Biblical texts, key concepts in Judaism,
and the meaning of many of the prayers we
recite in our services. Those of us who regularly
attended these sessions learned so much
that it has given us a broader knowledge base
as we continue our learning in the future.
On behalf of Sisterhood I would like to
express our appreciation to Rabbi Allen for
his commitment to these sessions, and for
sharing with us his knowledge and his skill as
an exceptional teacher.
In time there will be changes at Beth
Tikvah. As the Synagogue goes through the
process of exploring needs and directions,
we, as Sisterhood, will be providing input. In
my Hakol columns I typically ask for comments
and feedback. Once again I’m asking
for your input. I don’t know yet what the
formal structure will be for soliciting your
comments, but if you have ideas that you
would like to share I welcome them at any
time.
I hope that in the next year we can develop
a shared vision for our Sisterhood. I have
a personal vision. For many years now
Sisterhood has had a team of highly motivated,
skilled women who have managed the
Judaica Shop, developed and run stimulating
educational programmes, profitable fund
raisers and a variety of successful social
events. There is a core of people who are
involved, but most of our Beth Tikvah members
are not. My vision is that we involve
greater numbers of young members and
expand our programmes. We want to do
more to welcome and support single women
of all ages, young mothers, professional
working women, and non-Jewish women
who are in or entering into Conservative
Jewish families. I believe that there are many
members who share my thoughts and others
who have different thoughts and perspectives.
I hope you will let me know who you
Sisterhood
are and what you would like to see evolve at
Beth Tikvah. My email address and home
phone number can be found at the end of
this column.
This winter Sisterhood has initiated a
series of sessions for mothers with their
babies - first aid and CPR, fitness, and
baby massage. Our Sisterhood Education
morning series will be presented by Rabbi
Grover and will be taking place from 9-10
am on Monday mornings. Beginning
February 28 Rabbi Grover will be presenting
a series of sessions entitled: The Jews of
America - Opportunity and Challenge,
which will examine the history of the Jews in
North America. Information about this
series can be found in this Hakol.
The Judaica Shop continues to regularly
bring in new merchandise and is a great place
to purchase gifts for family and friends. Please
check hours on the website and drop by!
Two major Sisterhood events are coming
up in the next few weeks. On March 7 we
are hosting Vashti’s Banquet -a pre-Purim
evening complete with belly dancing lessons,
henna and a variety of Persian treats. And
this year’s Sisterhood Shabbat is taking place
on April 2. Bracha Feder, who has taught
many of us at the Florence Melton programme,
will be our guest speaker. All the
details are included as a flyer in this Hakol,
and are on the website. I hope you will
RSVP soon and join us.
I look forward to speaking with many of
you in the near future!
Arlene Anthony
arleneanthony@rogers.com
416-444-7962
Page 4 Hakol - Feb/Mar 2011