Beth Lida synagogue turns 100 - The Canadian Jewish News

Community 

Focus 

Section B

Page B2 T cjnews.com › August 23, 2012 

COMMUNITY FOCUS 

A 

community is made up of both 

people and institutions. In this 

Community Focus supplement, 

we look at some of the individuals who 

are part of the Toronto-area Jewish 

community. They represent a range of 

ages, and ethnic and geographic backgrounds. 

Kitty Cohen, 99, is the most senior 

participant in this year’s Shoppers Drug 

Mart Weekend to End Women’s Cancers. 

She plans to complete the 30-kilometre 

walkers’ route on the second day of the 

weekend. Her secret to staying fit? Among 

Carolyn Blackman 

Staff Reporter 

Rose Reisman Catering and Pickle 

Barrel Restaurants have joined 

forces to serve 20,000 meals to 

the more than 4,000 walkers taking part 

in The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers 

on Sept. 8 and 9. 

Inspiring Jewish students to make a difference 

Experience 

The Toronto Heschel School 

at one of our upcoming open houses: 

October 17, 2012 at 9:15 am or 

November 6, 2012 at 9:15 am 

Reisman and Peter Higley, president 

and CEO of Pickle Barrel, are the official 

caterers for the weekend, plus honorary 

chairs of their individual teams. 

Reisman said she “couldn’t be happier 

to be participating in this year’s weekend. 

I know how important the research conducted 

by Princess Margaret Hospital is in 

support of a cure to end women’s cancers.” 

torontoheschel.org | 416-635-1876 

819 Sheppard Ave. W (just east of Allen Rd.) 

The Canadian Jewish news 

Community is made up of individuals 

her other activities, she tap dances. 

Moshe Modiera, the 30-year-old son of 

an Ethiopian kess (Jewish spiritual leader), 

may not have the typical “Jewish look,” 

according to CJN reporter Sheri Shefa. 

But, she adds, he is “a good reminder 

of the true diversity of 

Toronto’s Jewish community.” 

A managing partner for a clothing 

company, Modiera has worked with 

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto as well 

as Hillel. He moved here at age 8 with his 

family, and Ohr Somayach in Thornhill 

helped them settle in. 

Editorial 

Erin Kleinberg, 26, and Stephanie 

Mark, 27, are childhood friends who met 

at summer camp. Last year, they created 

the style website The Coveteur, forging a 

new path in the fashion world. 

We also look at new rabbinic 

leaders of three synagogues 

and how their congregations 

are evolving as a 

result of their being there. 

Rabbi Rafi Lipner (the founder of The 

House, and now the spiritual leader of 

Shaarei Tefillah Congregation) is described 

as warm and engaging, with a 

Caterers also walking the walk 

She donated healthy lunches for last 

year’s walk, she said, and decided to make 

it an ongoing commitment. “I have seen 

[women and families] struggle with women’s 

cancers and it concerns me. 

“I believe that eating healthy and living 

well can reduce risks. A better life might 

prevent diseases.” 

She is also participating in the walk her- 

belief in “community-inspired Judaism,” 

while Rabbi Daniel Korobkin brings a 

California sensibility and openness to 

his congregants at Beth Avraham Yoseph 

of Toronto Congregation. 

Rabbi Micah Streiffer brings his 

views of community, and synagogue as 

a place where Jews can be themselves, 

to Temple Kol Ami in Thornhill. His 

outlook was shaped by his experiences 

growing up in the American South. 

But as diverse as the Jewish community 

is, we are all connected. 

– FK 

self, and her team of 22 walkers has raised 

$35,000 so far. Higley is part of a Pickle 

Barrel team, which will match whatever 

Reisman raises. 

Reisman will be walking with her 

28-year-old daughter, “who taught me that 

wrapping your toes and heels with duct 

tape helps prevents blisters. That was my 

major concern about the walk.” 

Member of the

August 23, 2012 › cjnews.com 



When Kitty Cohen turns 100 years old in December, 

she wants balloons to fly and her dancing 

shoes close by. 

“I want to be effervescent, and do my jig, my jive and 

my jazz,” says Cohen, who has been dancing since she 

was nine years old. 

Before that big event, however, Cohen, who was born 

in Midland, Ont. and now lives in the Terraces of Baycrest, 

is taking part in Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End 

Women’s Cancers, Sept. 8 and 9, benefiting the Campbell 

Family Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital. 

She began participating in the walk five years ago, 

she said, in order to join her daughter, Bernice Riley. 

“The year before, I [had] greeted her at Downsview Park 

at the end of the walk, and I decided that I would take 

part the next year. 

“I went into it for the exercise, but then I appreciated 

how much they need the money. I walked both days the first 

year, and one day each year after that. Last year I walked 20 

kilometres.” 

Cohen, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother 

who has been a widow since 1975, said she gave a speech at 

a recent Shoppers Drug Mart event, and told the group that 

“aside from [the walk] being great for the lungs and great 

for the ticker, [it] is very important to me because it raises 

money [for] research, and research conquers cancer. 

“Each and every walker is a vital part of this effort. I implore 

every able bodied male and female to join me,” she 

said in her speech. 

In an interview at Cohen’s apartment, Riley said that 

the only reason it takes them longer to complete the walk 

than other walkers is because everyone stops them along 

the way. 

“They make very kind remarks, and they tell my mother 

that she is an inspiration.” 

Cohen said that as of this interview, she had raised $1,000 

for the walk. “I walk up and down the stairs in my building, 

knocking on people’s doors, and I ask them to sponsor me. 

When friendly people hand me cheques, I’m so happy.” 

She said that keeping active is not new to her. “I was 


99-year-old gets ‘up and out’ to end cancer 

Kitty Cohen 

moving from day one. If not my feet, than my hands and 

my brain. I do crossword puzzles and I’m always looking 

for a Scrabble [partner]. I read the dictionary to find new 

Scrabble words. I also love reading The CJN, and I enjoy biographies. 

I just read about Napoleon.” 

She always worked, she said, “and when I retired from 

my job as a legal secretary at 62, I joined a dance troupe at 

the JCC. 

“I became an entertainer, and we danced at hospitals and 

senior centres. I kept that up for 35 years and I still dance 

three times a week. I do square dancing, tap dancing and 

folk dancing. There is no better way to live your life than to 


T Page B3 

swing and sway. I always keep going. If my back hurts I do 

some yoga and the pain subsides. I don’t give in.” 

She said that when she was “95 or 97” a couple from Belgium 

saw her dancing on You Tube, and were so inspired 

they came to meet her. “I spent the day with them, and they 

brought me flowers.” 

When people ask her secret, she said, “I tell them ‘don’t 

sit on your fanny. Get up and out of that chair.’” 

Cohen said that her life has been blessed. “Every morning 

I thank God for another day, and I ask him to look after 

my family, and everyone else in the world. I have to do that, 

because I am the survivor.” 

Pine Villa 

1035 Eglinton Ave W 

Toronto 

416-787-5626




High Holy Day 

TICKETS 

Conservative Egalitarian Service 

Rabbi/Cantor Moshe Meirovich - Choir 

Reserved Seating - Renovated Hall 

$180 

Family Service 

up to 5 people $350.00 

Daily Minyan 9:00 am 

includes FREE breakfast 

Watch for our upcoming 

Adult Edutainment Programs 

Free Parsha of the Week class every Wednesday 

7:30 - 8:30 

The Lodzer Synagogue 

12 Heaton Street 

(Bathurst & Sheppard) 

Canadian Technion Society 

Israel Institute of Technology 

DONATION CARDS AND CERTIFICATES 

FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

Order Your New Year’s Cards Early! 

Call: 416-789-4545 or email: info@cdntech.org 

BETH SHOLOM HEBREW SCHOOL 

1445 Eglinton Ave. West 

Jewish education your child will love 

• Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7 

• JK, SK, Grade 1 - Sundays only 

• Grades 2-7 - Sunday and Wednesday 

• Small class in air conditioned classrooms 

• Computers and IPODs for enrichment grades 2-7 

• Our program focuses on Hebrew reading, prayer 

and synagogue skills and Torah. Students learn 

about holidays, Jewish values and Jewish living 

• Weekly music for all grades 

• Award winning family education programs 

• Special education class for children with special needs 

• Remedial support 

• Qualified, dedicated teachers 

• Members and non-members welcome 

Conveniently located at the Allen Expressway & Eglinton Ave. 

For more information and registration contact 

Karen L. Goodis, RJE Principal at 416-783-6103 

#225 or karen@bethsholom.net 

416-636-6665 

lodzersynagogue.com 

Beth Lida synagogue turns 100 

Michelle Bitran 

Intern 

Gerald Litowitz still clearly remembers his bar 

mitzvah at Beth Lida Synagogue 63 years ago. “I 

remember them throwing nuts at me, and I had 

to duck,” he said, laughing, as he recalled the memorable 

day. 

At that time, Beth Lida was located on Augusta Avenue 

in Kensington Market, where many Jewish immigrants 

once settled. Now, the shul is in Forest Hill, and this year, 

it is celebrating 100 years of history. 

Beth Lida’s roots go back to the city of Lida, now a part 

of Belarus. Lida’s large Jewish community, dating back 

to the mid-16th century, was threatened by the German 

invasion in World War I, and then all but eradicated in 

World War II. 

Members of the community who had fled to Canada 

before the wars to escape rising antisemitism in the 19th 

and early 20th centuries, eventually settled in Toronto. In 

1912, they founded Beth Lida’s first predecessor, Shearith 

Israel Anshe Lida Synagogue on Terauley Street (now Bay 

Street), in the city’s downtown core. Litowitz’s family was 

among the founders. 

As the congregation grew, the shul was moved to a 

frame cottage on Augusta Avenue – the same small synagogue 

where Litowitz fondly remembers being pelted 

with nuts and sweets in the winter of 1949. 

“It was like a home away from home because most 

of the people there were relatives,” he said of the atmosphere 

at the shul. The community became larger and 

more organized, purchasing a cemetery on Roselawn Avenue 

and establishing a Jewish learning group, a chevra 

kadisha, a group to visit the sick and another for collecting 

tzedakah. 

“It was pretty active, considering it was a small synagogue,” 

Litowitz said. Often, congregants would gather in 

his aunt’s nearby store after services, because the synagogue 

didn’t have a social hall at the time. 

As the Jewish community in Toronto continued to 

move further north, Beth Lida made the move, too. In the 

early 1950s the community bought a church on Gilgorm 

Road in Forest Hill and converted it into today’s Beth Lida 

at York University 

Celebrate: 

Education. Culture. Community. 

York University Jewish Teacher Education Program 

NEW for 2012: DIRECT ENTRY from High School to 

Concurrent BA/BEd Program 

Online applications in Fall 2012: www.edu.yorku.ca 

Also available: Part-time Consecutive BEd Program for students who 

already hold a BA. 

• University coursework plus practicum teaching placements in schools 

affiliated with UJA Federation Centre for Jewish Education. 

• Program offers option of a year abroad at an Israeli university, summer 

ulpanim and experiential Israel education. 

• Graduates are certified to teach in both Jewish Studies and General 

Studies. 

• This double-degree program is offered jointly by the Faculty of Liberal 

Arts & Professional Studies and the Faculty of Education. 

• Scholarships and bursaries available through the Israel & Golda Koschitzky 

Centre for Jewish Studies: www.yorku.ca/cjs 

For further information: 

Prof. Laura Wiseman 416-736-2100 ext. 77366 

LWiseman@edu.yorku.ca 

Beth Lida Forest Hill Synagogue 

[Malka Wolman photo] 

Forest Hill Synagogue. 

Because the building wasn’t originally built as a synagogue, 

the Aron Kodesh faces west, instead of east toward 

Jerusalem, but Beth Lida’s leadership was sure to seek 

rabbinical approval. As the synagogue’s website says, this 

unique feature gives the building “character.” 

Litowitz is still a proud member of the shul. “My bloodline 

is attached to it, it’s my history.” 

Today, the congregation is only about 55 families 

strong, but continues to hold regular Shabbat and 

holiday services. Although 

it may be small, according 

to president Simone Sherman 

it more than makes 

up for its size with its enthusiastic 

and inviting 

congregation. 

“It’s a small synagogue 

and every member counts,” 

Sherman said, adding that 

the small community gives 

members the opportunity 

to be truly involved in creating 

and participating in 

shul programs. “If you want 

to do something in this shul, 

you can do it,” she said. 

Because the synagogue 

Gerald Litowitz 

does not have a full-time rabbi, it relies on its active congregation 

and on guest rabbis to lead services and deliver 

sermons each week. 

Earlier this summer, Beth Lida held a celebration for 

its 100th birthday. Families paraded through the streets 

of Forest Hill with klezmer musicians and a new sefer Torah, 

donated to mark the important anniversary. 

During the celebration, the sofer who wrote the Torah 

invited men of the congregation to participate by placing 

their hands upon his as he wrote the last few words of 

the scroll. 

“It was fantastic,” Litowitz said of the celebration. The 

shul’s 100th birthday is an important milestone in a history 

that is intertwined with his family’s heritage. 

Litowitz is happy to see Beth Lida keeping alive many 

traditions of the original congregation. No larger synagogue 

can replace his feeling of community from Beth 

Lida, even after so many years. “It gives you a very warm 

feeling, like being in a cocoon.”


Student entrepreneur 

cleans up for the summer 

Frances Kraft 


Noam Slodovnick, 16, hasn’t decided 

yet what he would like to study 

in university or the type of career 

he wants to pursue, but this summer he’s 

getting a taste of what it’s like to run his 

own business. 

The Yeshivat Or Chaim student, who 

will enter Grade 11 in September, was 

among the youngest students to receive a 

grant this year from an Ontario Ministry 

of Economic Development and Innovation 

program called Summer Company, 

which encourages students to run their 

own summer businesses. 

The program is open to students age 

15 to 29. Applicants are required to submit 

a business plan as part of the application 

process. 

Of the 778 students who applied this 

year, 480 individuals took part in the program 

and launched their own businesses 

(one student per business). Of those, 67 

were in Toronto. 

Slodovnick, whose only related experience 

was going door-to-door to shovel 

snow, decided to start a business powerwashing 

decks and outdoor furniture. He 

named his company Panoma Services – a 

word made from the first two letters of his 

name, and of his two brothers’ names, an 

idea his mother came up with. 

He hired his friend and fellow Or 

Chaim student, Yaakov Spivak, 15, to 

work with him, and used part of his grant 

money – $830 out of a possible $1,500 – 

to buy a pressure washer and a wagon to 

carry it in. 

Originally, Slodovnick planned to 

stick to pressure washing, but found that 

customers were also interested in having 

their cars cleaned out and their windows 

washed. “You need to adapt,” he said. 

The program includes meetings with 

business mentors, documentation of 

hours and finances, and the submission of 

a written report at the end of the summer. 

Participants and mentors discuss “how 

we’re doing, what challenges we face and 

what we’ve learned,” Slodovnick said. 

He added that he’s learned a lot about 

how to deal with people and think on his 

feet. 

Spivak said that “so many things pop 

up, you have to learn on the spot.” 

Summer Company requires a minimum 

of 35 hours a week on the job, and 

because the boys don’t work on Shabbat, 

their hours are spread over Sunday 

to Friday. 

The program ends Aug. 20. Upon successful 

completion, Slodovnick and other 

business owners will receive up to $1,500 

each to add to their profits. 

Noam Slodovnick, right, and Yaakov Spivak wield a power washer and broom respectively. 

[Frances Kraft photo] 



Hurry in for 

Amica at Thornhill’s 

limited time offer on our 

Grand Suite options 

starting as low as $4,975/month! 

Amica at Thornhill, the city’s premiere 

retirement choice. View and select from a 

range of grand suites, sign a lease by 

November 25th, 2012 and receive a special 

incentive on grand suites. 

Please call 905.886.3400 for a tour. 

Amica at Thornhill 

A Wellness & Vitality Residence 

546 Steeles Avenue West 

Thornhill, ON L4J 1A2 

905.886.3400 

www.amica.ca 

BATHURST ST 

CRESTWOOD RD 

EMERALD LN 

STEELES AVE W 

BISON DR 

REGALTA CRE 

AMICA 

AT THORNHILL 

GREENWIN VILLAGE RD 

T Page B5 

CACTUS AVE 

DONNALYN DR 

OORE PARK AVE 

• Luxury Independent Rental Retirement Living 

• All Inclusive • Full Service Fine Dining 

• Wellness & Vitality Programs 

• Amica VITALIS Assisted Living Suites & Services 

Canadian Owned and Operated 

12-1108



Itamar Cohen 

B.A., LL.B., (Israel) 


ISRAELI LAW OFFICE 

Legal advice & service 

on matters of Israeli Law only 

Property • Wills & Estates • Family • Litigation 

• Member of the Israeli Bar Association 

• Approved as a Foreign Legal Consultant in 

Ontario by the Law Society of Upper Canada 

905.709.3896 

www.IsraeliLawOffice.com 

CHW TORONTO CENTRE 

Supporting Children, Healthcare 

& Women in Israel and Canada. Toronto. 

416.630.8373 www.hadassahwizoto.ca 

www.chw.ca/toronto 

The Bernard Betel Centre 

Come join our growing membership! 

• Educational Lectures 

• Crafts, Pottery and Games 

• Computer Courses Specially Designed for Seniors 

• Fitness Classes, Health Lectures and Clinics 

• Volunteer Opportunities 

• Meals on Wheels and Kosher Cafeteria 

• Meet New Friends! 

1003 Steeles Ave. W., Toronto, Ont. 

416-225-2112 www.betelcentre.org 

Lighting the way to a brighter future. 

Now acceptiNg registratioN 

for 2012 – 2013 

◆ Qualified, experienced, professional and caring staff 

◆ Full day Pre-School to Junior High 

◆ Enriched Early Years Program (Ages 3-5) 

◆ French Studies from Gr. 1- Gr. 8 

◆ Extra-curricular Activities 

◆ Early Arrival Program from 8 am 

◆ Day Care Program from 4:00-5:00 pm (M-TH) 

◆ After School Homework Program 

◆ Daily hot lunch program 

Torah. Students at the JDOHSS are infused with a love for 

and commitment to Jewish learning and Torah observance. 

TradiTion. Uniquely, through enriched and interactive 

programs, the JDOHSS students are imbued with a special 

appreciation of their Sephardic traditions and heritage 

throughout their education. 

ExcEllEncE. The JDOHSS provides a positive, safe and 

enjoyable learning environment that meets the educational, 

physical and emotional needs of our students. Our curriculum 

in Judaic and General Studies prepares students for a 

successful future in traditional high schools. 

For information and registration please check 

www.orhaemet.com 

905.669.7654 

Mrs. S. Wasserman x 229 R’ Z. Kamenetzky x 268 

sarah.wasserman@orhaemet.com rabbi.kamenetzky@orhaemet.com 

7026 Bathurst St. Thornhill ON L4J 8K3 

Frances Kraft 


Fifty-three years in 

special education 

The woman behind the Merle Levine Academy – a 

private school for students with learning difficulties 

– traces her interest in special education back 

to 1959, the year she began teaching for the Toronto 

Board of Education. 

In an interview in her office, adorned with family 

pictures and artwork on the wall, school director Merle 

Langbord Levine reminisced about her first teaching job 

at Palmerston Public School. 

A neophyte teacher at the time, she was 20 years old 

and fresh out of teachers college. Her class consisted 

of 42 Grade 2 students, 17 of whom were in a “bottom” 

reading group. 

“By the end of June, every bloody one of them was 

reading,” Levine said, stressing the adjective that reflected 

her determination, and laughed, delighted with her 

success. “I found that my forte was with the kids who had 

more difficulties.” 

Recently, Levine, 73, was recognized by the Council 

for Exceptional Children for her ongoing commitment to 

educational excellence. 

Her school, located in a building on Dufferin Street 

in the northern part of the city, is 7,200 square feet with 

brightly coloured walls, plants, aquariums and bookshelves. 

Classes run from elementary through high 

school grades, and cover areas from social skills to more 

conventional academic subjects. 

Levine, a first-generation Canadian, grew up in a 

multi-generational household in Toronto. Her grandparents 

were founders of the Workmen’s Circle, and 

her father, Karl, a jobber, ran Camp Yungvelt. Emma 

Goldman was a family friend who lived in the Langbord 

home for a while. Levine was told the famous anarchist, 

who died the year after she was born, held her when she 

was a baby. 

CJS_Brand2011_AD “It was an interesting July5.3125x4.5625_Layout household, very cultured, 1 11-07-26 not 3:16 af- PM Page 1 

fluent by any means, but we lived very nicely,” Levine said. 

at York University 

Celebrate: 

Education. Culture. Community. 

• The largest Jewish student population of any university in Canada 

• A rich and varied Jewish Studies Program 

• A unique Jewish Teacher Education Program 

• An active and engaged Jewish student life 

DEGREE PROGRAMS 

BA Jewish Studies 

MA/PhD (by department) 

BEd Jewish Teacher Education 

-full or part-time 

MEd Jewish Education Specialty 

COURSES 

Bible, Rabbinics, Jewish Thought, Jewish Education, Holocaust, Sephardi Culture, 

Hebrew Language, Women’s Studies, Jewish Film, Canadian Jewish Studies, 

Contemporary Jewish Life and Literature 

ISRAEL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS 

AWARDS & BURSARIES 

For further information contact: 

Professor Sara R. Horowitz, Director 

Tel: 416-736-5823 Fax: 416-736-5344 

cjs@yorku.ca www.yorku.ca/cjs 

Undergraduate Certificate 

Graduate Diplomas 

New: York University-Hebrew University 

Graduate Diploma in Jewish Studies 

for Educators 

Her future career was 

apparent to her by the 

time she was only three 

or four: she knew she 

wanted to be a teacher, 

she said. 

Levine spent the first 

few years of her career at 

Toronto public schools 

before turning to private 

tutoring and her 

own university education 

while raising her 

two daughters. She also 

taught at two Jewish day 

schools, United Synagogue 

Day School (now 

Robbins Hebrew Academy) 

and Associated He- 

Merle Levine 

brew Schools, before venturing out on her own. 

It was at Associated that she first heard the term “perceptual 

learning disability” to explain the issues facing 

some of her students. 

Now a grandmother of four teenagers, Levine started 

working on her BA at York University in her mid- 

20s. It took her 23 years to complete. “I didn’t give up,” 

she said. 

In 1992, she graduated with her Master of Education 

degree in learning disabilities, also at York. By that time, 

her daughters were in university too. 

A one-time itinerant “specific learning disability” 

teacher for the Toronto Board, Levine turned non-readers 

into readers by breaking down skills and teaching 

students one-on-one. Because of her success, it was suggested 

to her that she open her own clinic. “It was like an 

epiphany,” she said. 

Her first venture on her own was the Toronto Learning 

Centre (TLC), which she opened with a partner in a 

1,000-square-foot space at Lawrence Ave. and Avenue 

Road in 1974. She believes it was among the first of its 

kind in Canada. 

It grew so quickly, it “literally exploded,” she said. Six 

months after the TLC opened, there was a strike at the 

North York Board of Education, and “we were just inundated.” 

Schools started referring students, and Levine’s husband, 

Andy, helped with the business aspects of the 

learning centre. By the end of the first year, she said, parents 

were asking her to open a school of her own. 

The TLC Day School opened with three classrooms, 

and moved to a 26,000-square-foot space at 3080 Yonge 

Street once it outgrew its original modest location. 

In 1982, two years after her business partner bought 

her out, Levine opened the Canadian Heritage School 

in partnership with a psychologist. It ran until 1994, the 

same year Levine’s husband died at age 56. 

The couple had a long history: they first met when 

Levine was nine years old. Andy was the new boy in her 

class, a Hungarian war orphan who had just moved to 

Canada, and their teacher selected her to be his helper. 

She met him again as a teenager, and they married the 

day after her 21st birthday. 

After he died, Levine opened the Merle L. Levine Academy, 

building it up from six students to its current 60. 

To succeed in special education, Levine believes educators 

“have to have a lot of patience. You have to like the 

kids, and you have to really know how to break down a 

skill. You have to really have a calling to teach… If you 

have to stand on your head to find what way is best to 

teach a child a skill, that’s what you have to do.”


Collector specializes 

in WWII comic books 

Sheldon Kirshner 


Luridly illustrated, flamboyantly written 

and printed on easily frayed 

paper, American comic books published 

during World War II are now considered 

valuable artifacts of a bygone and 

perhaps heroic era. 

No one knows that better than Gerald 

Hartman, a local collector who specializes 

in what he describes as “war propaganda” 

comic books. 

“I collect comics that helped influence 

public opinion in America,” said Hartman. 

“They helped turn public opinion in the 

United States from a very isolationist stance 

to one where the Axis powers, Nazi Germany, 

fascist Italy and Japan, 

were believed to be evil and 

America’s enemy.” 

Warming to this theme, 

he observed, “This form of 

war propaganda was necessary 

because, prior to the 

Japanese attack on Pearl 

Harbor in 1941, many people 

in America believed that 

the war in Europe was not 

their concern.” 

But thanks in part to 

the subliminal influence of 

comic book superheroes 

such as Captain America 

and The Destroyer, who were 

dreamed up by a band of 

Jewish artists working out 

of New York City, the tide 

of American public opinion 

turned against the 

Axis powers. 

“In effect, Jewish artists 

and writers played a role 

in convincing Americans 

to side with the Allies,” 

said Hartman, pointing 

out that 25 million comic 

books were published 

each month during the 

war years and that some 

of them were exclusively 

dedicated to advancing 

the Allied cause. 

Jewish American comic 

book writers and artists 

were determined to push the United States 

into the war, if only to rescue European 

Jews from the jaws of death, said Hartman, 

a child of Holocaust survivors. 

In his view, they succeeded in persuading 

legions of Americans that there was a 

moral necessity in defeating Germany and 

its allies. 

“They convinced people that there was 

a right and a wrong,” said Hartman, noting 

that Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prizewinning 

novel, The Amazing Adventures of 

Kavalier & Clay, addressed this theme. 

Hartman, president of True North Imaging, 

Canada’s largest private medical imaging 

company, specializes in war propaganda 

comics because they speak to his heart. 

Gerald Hartman 

{Sheldon Kirshner photo] 

“I find them very meaningful,” he said, 

explaining that his parents were Hungarian 

and Slovakian Holocaust survivors. 

“Ultimately, you collect what fascinates 

and inspires you. My desire to focus on this 

period is the direct result of being the child 

of survivors.” 

A 55-year-old former lawyer, he has been 

a comic book aficionado since his youth, 

when his collection consisted mainly of superhero, 

science fiction and horror titles. 

Hartman started the collection with his 

twin brother, Alex, and at one point, they 

had anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 comics. 

They stopped collecting comics when 

other interests intervened, but returned to 

them upon becoming fathers. 

“We wanted to introduce our children to 

an art form we had enjoyed 

very much and to an epoch 

we appreciated.” 

To Hartman, World War 

II seemed like a simpler 

age, at least in retrospect. 

Black and white issues were 

clearly understood and resolved, 

while issues revolving 

around character and 

values were commonly addressed 

by comic book writers 

and artists. 

Hartman began amassing 

his current collection of 250 

wartime comics almost 20 

years ago, buying them online 

through auctions or 

from private dealers. 

Since some of his comics 

are extremely rare, 

he stores them in sealed 

plastic holders, never 

even opening them. 

Although his collection 

is impressive, it remains 

incomplete. “I’ve 

got most of what I want,” 

he said. “I don’t have very 

much more to collect.” 

An object of his desire 

is the very first edition of 

Captain America, and he 

hopes to acquire it very 

soon. 

Hartman’s collection is 

in very good, if not excellent, 

condition, like the originals that rolled 

off the presses with a roar in the 1940s. 

“Many comic books, due to wartime 

shortages, were printed on poor-quality paper. 

So it’s rare to find copies in really great 

shape, or in newsstand mint condition.” 

To his regret, none of his children, all 

in their 20s, have shown an interest in his 

hobby. But two of his brother’s children 

have taken to it. 

At this juncture, Hartman does not know 

what he will do with his collection in the 

future, but he may yet heed the advice of 

friends and colleagues who have suggested 

that it should be donated to a museum or 

an educational institution. 

“I may simply decide to do that.” 



Independent Living Assisted Living Respite Suites 

T Page B7


Frances Kraft 



Jenn Soer feels she is “more spiritual” as a result of 

her conversion to Judaism last year. She wears a silver 

Hamsa necklace that was a gift from her Israeli 

mother-in-law when she converted, and she has a particular 

affinity for Shabbat and Israel, which she visited 

for the first time last year. 

But, because of her Chinese heritage, the 29-year-old 

preschool teacher – as she puts it herself – stands out in 

a Jewish crowd. 


Journeys to Judaism: two stories 

“I’m okay with that,” she said over coffee near the Toronto 

condo she shares with her husband, Michael, and 

their two-year-old daughter, Abbie. 

But she admits that it “sort of stung” that she was 

mistaken for Abbie’s nanny while out with some of her 

Orthodox friends. 

Overall, though, she said her experience has been 

positive. 

A second-generation Canadian who grew up in Toronto, 

Soer met Michael six years ago through a mutual 

friend. He was born in Toronto, moved to Israel at age 

five, and lived there through elementary school. 

Jenn and Michael Soer with daughter Abbie at a family 

wedding 

Four years into their relationship, Jenn became pregnant 

with Abbie, the catalyst for attending conversion 

classes with Rabbi Wayne Allen. But the couple had already 

discussed conversion, and “we knew this would 

be part of our plan,” said Jenn, who grew up without religion, 

aside from family gatherings for Christmas. 

Her decision to convert was not only for Abbie, but 

“for us, too, as a family,” she said. 

She and Abbie were converted together last year by 

the Conservative movement’s beit din. She recalls being 

nervous. “That was hard, but we got through it.” 

Having open-minded parents, and in-laws who have 

been “wonderful – very open and accepting right from 

day one,” has made things easier for her, she said. 

She enjoys Shabbat dinners at her in-laws’ home with 

Michael’s family. “I love the idea of Shabbat… I think 

without having our Shabbat dinners, we wouldn’t see 

each other all the time, and I love that for Abbie.” 

Soer learned to read Hebrew as part of her conversion 

class, and was glad that her first trip to Israel followed 

her conversion, because she “felt more connected.” 

Michael speaks to Abbie, who attends a Hebrew-language 

daycare, mostly in Hebrew, and Jenn is still learning 

the language. “I feel I can understand a fair bit,” she 

said, “[but] I have a difficult time stringing my sentences 

together.” 

Sometimes, she said, people ask questions about her 

Jewish observance – why she keeps kosher, for example. 

Her simple answer is, “I want to. It’s part of my life.” 

* * * 

Gina Zur, a friend of Soer’s whose family background 

is Korean, is a mother of three children – Eitan, 6; Yael, 4; 

and Elad, 2 – and she is also married to an Israeli. 

The 30-something Torontonian, who has lived here 

all her life, was raised Catholic and educated in a Catholic 

elementary school. 

She met her husband, Gidi, in 2000, and they dated, 

but he told her “it could never get serious” because she 

wasn’t Jewish. His family is “traditional, but not Orthodox,” 

she said. 

Although she wasn’t ready to convert and at one point 

the couple broke up, Gina began to research Judaism to 

learn more about it. 

“After a while, we decided together that we would 

speak to a rabbi,” she said. 

Continued on page B9


Continued from page B8 

Among her reasons for deciding to convert, she wanted 

to have only one religion in her future home. As well, she 

said, “I truly believed the beliefs, [and] loved the family 

time the holidays brought.” 

They approached rabbis from the Reform, Conservative 

and Orthodox movement, and began to take conversion 

classes together through the Conservative movement, although 

ultimately she opted for an Orthodox conversion. 

They began to observe Shabbat and kashrut, and at the 

end of the year-long course, she was “ready to take it to the 

next level,” she said, referring to Orthodoxy. 

As well, she added, because she and her children don’t 

“look Jewish,” she didn’t want there to be any question 

about their Judaism. 

Before her 2003 conversion, Zur studied with an Orthodox 

woman for a year to learn about the Orthodox 

approach to aspects of Judaism, including niddah (family 

purity laws), Shabbat and kashrut. As well, she studied 

Hebrew with a private tutor. 

The most challenging part was giving up her previous 

lifestyle and adjusting to a new reality with her family, she 

said. Her grandmother, who always enjoyed cooking for 

her, “didn’t really understand why I wasn’t able to eat her 

food any more.” 

As well, Gina felt a bit lost at first in an Orthodox shul, 

without Gidi beside her during the service. However, she 

added, “A lot of the women were very welcoming.” 

The couple have since become involved at the Jewish 

Russian Community Centre. “It’s been a change for him, 


‘You need a lot of support from your friends’ 

too,” she said of her husband. 

For her, becoming Jewish was “a new start. 

“It’s not easy. It’s very emotional, especially during 

Fred went from living alone... 

* Participating locations: some conditions apply. Limited time offer. 

To being part of an entertaining community. 

Fun, activities, housekeeping, dining and 

care... all under one roof. You might say 

that Chartwell retirement residences are 

“Home...With Benefits.” 

If the time has come to consider your 

options for retirement living, we invite you 

to join us for a complimentary meal and 

the opportunity to learn more. 


Gina Zur, left, with husband Gidi and children Yael, Elad and Eitan 

T Page B9 

the [non-Jewish] holidays. You need a lot of support 

from your friends and family. My friends and family 

supported me a lot.” 

CONSTANTIA’S ANNUAL 

Wednesday, August 29th�� Join us for our annual celebration to 

kick off the end of summer. Featuring a 

delicious BBQ lunch, live entertainment 

with fun and games for everyone! 

Call today for more information 

& to arrange your personal visit! 

784 Centre St., Thornhill, ON 

Call 905-771-1013 

www.chartwellreit.ca


Frances Kraft 



How does a congregation evolve when a new rabbi 

takes over as spiritual leader? 

In a number of Toronto synagogues, new rabbis are 

putting their own stamp on their respective congregations. 

We look at two congregations where new rabbis are 

marking the end of their first year, and a third where the 


New spiritual leaders make their marks on shuls 

At Associated you will discover: 

• An uncompromising commitment 

to educational excellence 

• A vibrant link to our tradition, 

heritage and today’s Jewish world 

Register for an Open House • Arrange 

a Personal Tour • Get more information 

Pearl Greenspan at pgreenspan@ahschools.com 

or 905-889-3998, ext. 337 

• An environment that is home to 

families from all backgrounds 

• Innovative approaches to individualization, 

literacy, the environment and the arts 

associate rabbi has just become the spiritual leader. 

Common threads include approachability on the part 

of the rabbis, and what one shul president described as a 

“positive vibe” in his congregation. 

* * * 

A June 2012 press release from Temple Kol Ami, announcing 

the appointment of the Thornhill synagogue’s 

new director of education, described the congregation 

as being “rejuvenated” – at least in part – by the arrival of 

Or visit 

agreatschool.com 

JoinUs 

for an 

Open 

House 

Sunday, October 21 

10:00 a.m. 

Posluns Education Centre 

18 Neptune Dr. (Bathurst & Wilson) 

Sunday, October 28 

10:00 a.m. 

Kamin Education Centre 

300 Atkinson Ave. 

(Bathurst & Centre, Thornhill) 

Sunday, November 11 

3:00 p.m. 

Associated Cedarvale 

1445 Eglinton Ave. W. 

(Beth Sholom 

Synagogue) 

Rabbi Micah Streiffer last year. 

The Louisiana native – who 

speaks without a drawl because 

he lived in Denver for 

five years as a child – told The 

CJN that his goal over the past 

year has been to engage the 

170-family Reform congregation 

“as much as possible, and 

in as many different ways as 

possible.” He cited worship, 

study, children, social action, 

and particularly music, as entry 

points to Judaism. 

Kathy Stein, the synagogue’s 

president, noted that Kol Ami 

has always been a “musical” synagogue, an area of common 

ground for Rabbi Streiffer and his congregants. 

She added that he has endeared himself to them by 

not just embracing his new community, but “reveling” 

in it. He knows everyone’s name and makes congregants 

feel welcome, she said. 

As well, Stein added, “He enjoys learning, and it’s infectious. 

He loves to teach, and loves to learn.” 

The rabbi, who grew up in an actively Reform family, 

decided as an adult to enter rabbinical school because it 

would allow him “to be a teacher, work with people, and 

make music, and to do those things in a Jewish context. 

That’s what I love about being a rabbi. I get to do all my 

favourite things, and I get to do them Jewishly.” 

Among his initiatives at Kol Ami, the 33-year-old father 

of three boys, ages 4, 6 and 8, has created a monthly 

participatory family service on Friday nights. As well, he 

has introduced the idea of a Friday night “pre-neg” instead 

of an “oneg. 

“The idea is to come straight from work for services and 

a bite to eat, and then you go home for dinner after.” 

Recalling his childhood in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, 

which he considers home, Rabbi Streiffer said, 

“You really need your Jewish community [there,] because 

unlike in Thornhill, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, you’re the 

only Jewish kid in your class, if not your school. 

“We learned the synagogue is the place to go to be 

yourself, to feel comfortable. And so I bring that sensibility 

to my rabbinate of wanting to create the synagogue as 

the place where every Jewish person can go and really be 

themselves, more than anywhere else.” 

* * * 

At Beth Avraham Yoseph 

of Toronto Congregation in 

Thornhill, Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, 

48, has also captured 

the attention of his congregants 

in the year since he 

began leading the shul. 

Leila Speisman – a former 

CJN reporter whose daughter 

Tammy died in February after 

struggling for many years with 

an eating disorder – said that 

the content and frank tone of 

Rabbi Korobkin’s eulogy was 

not just unusual, but “unheard 

of.” Eating disorders and men- 

Rabbi Micah Streiffer 

Rabbi Daniel Korobkin 

tal illness are not subjects that Orthodox rabbis “run to talk 

about,” she explained. 

“I guess I come from a slightly different culture,” said 

Rabbi Korobkin, who was raised in Los Angeles and served 

there before moving to Toronto. “I suppose that psychiatric 

care is very much in the forefront of the Southern 

California worldview.” Part of that, he noted, is being able 

to address psychiatric needs in a more direct way. 




“There’s a certain European aspect to 

the culture here [in Toronto], where people 

aren’t as willing to discuss problems or 

challenges as openly. My attitude is that if 

we want to be able to effect positive change, 

we have to identify what the problems are 

so we know how to address them.” 

If anything else points to the rabbi’s 

West Coast upbringing, it’s probably his 

“laid-back California approach” and 

“reputation for being easy-going” in 

his personal manner, according to shul 

president Harley Eklove. 

He said that Rabbi Korobkin has created 

an “amazing atmosphere” at Friday 

night services, where an estimated 100 

men now dance around the bimah after 

singing Lecha Dodi. 

As well, Eklove added, the rabbi loves 

to sing, and has introduced clapping as 

part of the Shabbat service – an unusual 

innovation, given that there is a rabbinic 

(albeit not halachic) prohibition 

against it. 

“There are two prevailing opinions 

among contemporary authorities,” Rabbi 

Korobkin explained. He said the prohibition 

is mitigated by a number of halachic 

authorities, particularly in chassidic com- 

munities, “which emphasize servicing 

God with joy, which is to permit and even 

encourage clapping and singing during 

the prayer services on Shabbos.” 

Eklove said there is “a real positive 

vibe” at the shul. 

Another change in the past year is that 

the rabbi has allowed women 

to serve on the board of the 

shul for the first time. 

As well, Rabbi Korobkin 

has instituted weekly 

receptions so that he and 

his wife could meet all the 

congregants (more than 700 

families). 

“We’re about halfway 

there,” he said. “Hopefully, 

we’ll get through the rest of 

the membership list over 

the next year.” As a rabbi, he 

added, it’s important to him 

to be approachable. 

* * * 

At Shaarei Tefillah Congregation – 

about 8 kilometres south of the BAYT – 

Rabbi Rafi Lipner took over as spiritual 

leader of Shaarei Tefillah Congregation 

this month. However, he has been a presence 

at the 600-member Orthodox shul 

for the past three years as associate rabbi. 


Creating ‘a real positive vibe’ 

Rabbi Rafi Lipner 

The rabbi is probably better known in 

Toronto as founder of The House, a dropin 

learning centre for young adults. He 

will continue to be affiliated with the centre, 

which is expected to develop a strong 

working relationship with the shul. 

The 38-year-old father of seven, 

who has a BA in economics 

and a master of education 

degree, never planned 

to be a pulpit rabbi, but 

ended up being hired by 

Shaarei Tefillah to attract 

young families after he attended 

a minyan there and 

offered to help out. 

A Toronto native who grew 

up at Congregation B’nai 

Torah, Rabbi Lipner started 

out in business school at Yeshiva 

University, but entered 

the rabbinical program after 

spending 24 hours in introspection 

based on his experiences 

in informal Jewish education. 

“I had this internal struggle. I loved 

the learning, engaging, inspiring, interpersonal 

stuff,” he said. 

Among the changes he’s introduced at 

the shul are a chesed program for children, 

and a break in the service that he 


T Page B11 

instituted when he was leading auxiliary 

services at Rosh Hashanah. 

Rabbi Lipner wanted worshippers to 

partake in kiddush so that they wouldn’t 

be hungry during the last part of the 

service, he said, but he also encouraged 

them to go up to one or two people they 

didn’t recognize and talk to them. 

“People loved the idea there was a 

break in the service and an opportunity 

to meet people,” said Mark Greenberg, 

Shaarei Tefillah’s second vice-president 

and chair of its religious committee. 

Greenberg described the rabbi as “a 

warm, engaging individual who’s passionate 

about introducing people to 

Judaism. He’s very non-judgmental and 

supportive. 

“Even though he’s an Orthodox rabbi, 

that’s not what hits you in the face.” 

Rabbi Lipner told The CJN he believes in 

“community-inspired Judaism,” which is 

related not just to his mid-service kiddush, 

but also to the open houses he and his wife 

have hosted on Shabbat at their home. 

“The mantra we use at The House is 

that we hope you walk out the doors more 

than you were when you walked in. I think 

the shul’s the same way,” he said. “It’s 

about nurturing the growth that everybody’s 

on, in their own individual way.”



Intern 


It’s not every day that you get to peek into the closets 

of your style icons. Unless you happen to be Erin 

Kleinberg and Stephanie Mark: for them, it’s all part 

of the job. 

Toronto natives Kleinberg and Mark launched their 

style website The Coveteur (thecoveteur.com) in January 

2011. Together with photographer Jake Rosenberg, 

they delve into the closets of the fashion elite, trendset- 


Toronto duo take peek into high-fashion closets 

Overwhelmed by 

home care options? 

Let’s start by 

answering your 

questions. 

circleofcare.com 

Or call 416.635.2860 

ting designers, stylists and fashion magazine editors, 

and photo-document the treasures they find inside. 

“We wanted to deconstruct street style and take it a 

step further than what was already out there by discovering 

the influences behind the trends and the stories 

behind the items people who we admire [wear],” said 

Kleinberg, 26, in an email interview. 

She and Mark, 27, are childhood friends who met at 

summer camp. Each of them pursued careers in fashion 

before creating The Coveteur. 

Kleinberg, a graduate of the University of Western 

Stephanie Mark, left, and Erin Kleinberg 

[Jake Rosenberg/The Coveteur photo] 

Ontario’s Media Information and Technoculture program, 

created her own line of “semi-couture” tops in 

2008 under her name. Before she put her designing on 

hold to work on The Coveteur, her clothes were selling 

at high-end retailers around the world, including Holt 

Renfrew and Barney’s New York. 

Mark, who studied fashion marketing at the renowned 

Parsons School in New York, was working as a 

stylist, helping to dress Hollywood fixtures like Charlize 

Theron and Julianne Moore. 

Both chased internships and job opportunities relentlessly, 

with Kleinberg working as the assistant to 

Alex White, former fashion director of W Magazine. 

“It’s not about what you know, it’s who you know,” 

Mark said, stressing the importance of interning and 

working to make connections in the fashion industry. 

After spending some time in New York, she and Kleinberg 

found themselves in Toronto. Catching up at a latenight 

get-together, the stylish duo watched The Social 

Network, which tells the story of Facebook founder 

Mark Zuckerberg’s rise to success. 

The tale of entrepreneurial victory inspired them to 

take The Coveteur from dream to reality. “If you have 

a dream, eat, sleep and breathe it,” said Kleinberg, 

explaining the importance of perseverance and hard 

work. 

The Coveteur was designed to fill a “voyeuristic void” 

in the fashion world, giving style enthusiasts a peek into 

the closets of their dreams. The two were determined 

to add something new to the world of fashion blogging, 

which, however inspiring to most fashion junkies, was 

not quite cutting it for them. 

Within a day of the site’s launch, it was obvious that 

Mark and Kleinberg were not the only ones itching for a 

glimpse of the world’s most fashion-forward closets. 



McDonald’s founder a 

hands-on philanthropist 



George Cohon, 75, founder and senior 

chair of McDonald’s Restaurants 

of Canada Ltd., founder of 

McDonald’s in Russia and a former member 

of The CJN’s board of directors calls 

himself a hands-on type of guy. 

The Chicago native, who moved to Toronto 

in 1967 as the licensee of McDonald’s 

Corporation for eastern Canada and served 

as president, chair and CEO of McDonald’s 

Restaurants of Canada for 25 years remains 

involved in a number of community organizations, 

and tries to actively participate 

in all of them. 

In June, Cohon, married 

with two sons and three 

grandchildren, received the 

key to Toronto from Mayor 

Rob Ford for his community 

work, which includes, among 

other things, founding Ronald 

McDonald House Charities in 

Canada and in Russia for sick 

children and their families 

receiving hospital treatment, 

co-chairing Toronto’s Santa 

Claus Parade, and volunteering 

with the Ontario Science 

Centre, York University and 

Variety Village. 

Cohon, who became a 

Canadian citizen in 1975, 

has received many distinctions for his 

charitable endeavours, including that of 

Officer of the Order of Canada, the Order 

of Ontario, Russia’s Order of Friendship 

and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Medal. 

Getting involved, he said in an interview 

at McDonald’s Canada head office, 

was a principle instilled in him at an early 

age. “I have always tried to support community 

organizations and get right in there 

and help out.” 

He has dinner at Ronald McDonald 

house, he says, and makes sure that he 

meets the parents and their kids. 

“We opened a new house at the end of 

George Cohon 

last year because we had been forced to turn 

away 70 per cent of the families [due to] lack 

of space. I found that unacceptable. 

“I gave a speech at the opening, but 

I also went to meet the families. It was a 

[successful] $34 million campaign, but 

to me, getting to know the people staying 

there meant everything. Keeping families 

together when [one of them is sick] is very 

important.” 

When he visits, he said, he is often accompanied 

by his certified therapy dogs, 

mother and daughter Golden Retrievers, 

Tilly and Simmy. 

“My wife Susan and I also take the dogs 

to Baycrest, often to the palliative care 

[unit.] We go from door to 

door and visit.” 

On one visit, Cohon, 

accompanied by Tilly, approached 

a closed door. “I 

knocked on the door and 

asked if we could come in. 

The woman responded that 

she wasn’t dressed to see me 

but I could send in Tilly. After 

the visit, she told me that 

she wanted to keep Tilly as 

her roommate. When I told 

her my wife wouldn’t let me 

in the house without the 

dog, she responded ‘learn to 

live on the street.’ 

“That started a relationship 

between her and Tilly, 

and two weeks before the woman’s death, 

her doctor told me the dog had brought 

her much happiness.” 

Cohon, who takes part in the Santa 

Claus Parade each year dressed as a clown 

and mingles with all the volunteers, says 

he is certainly a people person. 

“I was at a McDonald’s having coffee 

with my wife one day and saw a pregnant 

woman who looked like she was suffering 

from the heat. I gave her a card with a free 

coupon, and a few days later I received an 

e-mail from her telling me that McFlurries 

have gotten her through her pregnancy. 

Those are the e-mails I like to get.” 



MIDTOWN TORONTO’S PREMIERE 

RENTAL RETIREMENT RESIDENCE 

OUTDOOR DINING 

Dunfield Style 

At The Dunfi eld, we have created a unique concept called Un-Retirement 

that infuses every aspect of our premiere 

resort-style residence. It’s all about living life to the fullest, including fi ne 

dining, meeting new friends, fun and excitement. 

The Art of Un-Retirement…Classic Terrace Dining with family and 

friends...Anytime! 

FINAL RELEASE OF OUR POPULAR ONE-BEDROOM SUITES 

We invite you to step in and discover our limited collection of beautifully 

appointed one bedroom suites. Call us today to schedule a personalized 

tour and enjoy a complimentary meal. Isn’t it time you discover what 

Un-Retirement is all about? 

UN-RETIREMENT 

the new attitude 

LISTEN TO US ON 

SUNDAY MORNINGS 

AT 11:30 AM ON 

FIND US ON 

FACEBOOK & 

YOUTUBE 

WWW.THEDUNFIELD.COM • 416-481-8524 

Call for more information or a personal tour. 

77 Dunfi eld Avenue, Toronto, M4S 2H3 

T Page B13




“Our success was pretty immediate—it suffices to 

say our site crashed. People really connected to what 

we were doing,” Mark said. 

In a year and a half, The Coveteur has found its way 

into well over 100 closets, documenting inspiring pieces 

with Rosenberg’s sharp photographic eye. Style gurus 

who have opened their closet doors include accessories 

designer Rebecca Minkoff, Globe and Mail style 

reporter Amy Verner and Anna Dello Russo, editor at 

large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan. 


Exploring the tastes of fashion’s trendsetters 

Getting fashion celebrities to welcome The Coveteur 

into their homes and closets is becoming easier as the 

site gains popularity. “We’re fortunate to have industry 

icons profiled on the site and they’re eager to promote 

us, refer friends for the website and so on,” Kleinberg 

said. Each fashion giant also brings a new fan base to 

The Coveteur, making it easier for Kleinberg and Mark 

to recruit new participants. 

The Coveteur creators have offices in Toronto, but 

they fly often to New York and Los Angeles to get to 

some of the most coveted closets. Still, it was in Toronto 

where their own fashion obsessions began. 

The Best U Can Be! 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem 

Music, Dance, Art, Law, Politics, Business and More! 

FINANCIAL NEEDS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE 

English One Year, Semester, Summer and Graduate Programs in Israel 

Beit Rayim is a family-oriented, fully 

egalitarian, Conservative Synagogue. 

We are located in the heart of York 

Region’s Jewish Community. 

PLEASE JOIN OUR “HOUSE OF FRIENDS” 

· Special rates for new members 

· Fully accredited Hebrew School 

· Kosher facilities for simchas 

· Youth and adult programs 

· Discounts at Schwartz/Reisman Centre 

Rabbi Chezi Zionce · Cantor Eli Bard 

CONTACT: Moshik Galanty • admissions@cfhu.org 

Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem 

Tel: 416-485-8000 • www.cfhu.org/students 

Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus 

9600 Bathurst Street, Vaughan 

Tel: 905.889.0276 • shalom@beitrayim.org • www.beitrayim.org 

Erin Kleinberg, left, and Stephanie Mark have their own 

cutting-edge style. [Jake Rosenberg/The Coveteur photo] 

“My bubby Sidia Cowen was always dressed to the 

nines,” Kleinberg said when asked about her first style 

inspiration. In fact, she once created a line of shirts 

made from her grandmother’s chic vintage scarves. 

For Mark, it was her mother who sparked her interest 

in all things fashion. Her “cool, laid back late 70s, 

early 80s style,” taught Mark how to pick pieces that 

accentuate both her figure and her personality. 

Although the six-inch stiletto heels and itty-bitty 

cocktail dresses in some of the website’s pictures might 

leave you dubious about a fashionista’s abilities to go 

about her daily tasks with ease, Mark and Kleinberg 

said their personal style is all about comfort. 

“We’re practical dressers. Being on set and going 

from shoot to show means comfy flats – we both love 

[French ballet shoe designer] Repetto – and transition 

dressing,” Kleinberg said. 

As the pair make their way from photo shoot to 

fashion show, they’ll continue to expand The Coveteur. 

They’re not ready just yet to divulge the details of what’s 

to come, but they promise “big, big, big things!” 

Bigger has usually proven to be better. “The bigger 

the risk, the bigger the payoff. We abandoned our careers 

to focus on The Coveteur and the rewards have 

been invaluable,” Mark said. 

Now that they’ve forged their own path into the 

fashion world, they can tell young fashion enthusiasts 

with certainty that hard work, intense dedication and 

constant 4-9/16” networking TALL and emailing really will pay off. 

(4.56250”) 

Kleinberg urges those chasing fashion careers to put 

their financial fears aside for a bit and to simply follow 

their dreams. “At the end of the day, do what you love 

and the rest – the money – will come.” 

Looking for a nanny? 

Check the listing 

in classifieds



Intern 

Abigail Bimman loves telling stories. 

As a teenager, Bimman spent 

aa lot of time acting in community 

theatre, relishing the opportunity to relay a 

playwright’s stories to an audience. At the 

time, she didn’t know she wanted to be a 

journalist. 

Now, from behind the news desk at 

CTV Kitchener, where she anchors the 

weekend news and works as a reporter 

and videographer during the week, the 

26-year-old journalist can clearly see 

the connection between her love of theatre 

and her love of journalism: it’s all in 

the stories. 

“My passion is telling stories that matter 

to the community and matter to individuals,” 

the Toronto native said. Working 

in local news lets her engage people in her 

community and tell their stories in depth. 

After high school, Bimman decided to 

combine her love of storytelling and her 

strength in writing with a bachelor’s degree 

in journalism at Carleton University 

in Ottawa. 

There, she had her first introduction 

to broadcast reporting. “I was always 

very comfortable in front of a camera, 

or in front of an audience.” In broadcast 

classes, she quickly felt at home as an oncamera 

reporter. 

Bimman used the skills she learned 

at Carleton, both in broadcast and print 

journalism, to work as an intern in the 

news industry. In 2007, during her last 

summer as a student, she interned at The 

CJN, and was sent to Ukraine to see firsthand 

and to report on summer camps run 

by the Jewish Agency to help foster Jewish 

identity in the country’s youth. 

“I really learned a lot in that summer,” 

said Bimman, who spent many summers 

at camp and understands the important 

role it can play in a child’s life and development. 

Seeing the children learn about 

their heritage while having fun was “very 

special to watch.” 

Following graduation in 2008, Bimman 

went on to intern and work at TV 

news stations across Canada, including 

CTV News Channel in Toronto, the local 

CTV Ottawa station, CBC and Rogers TV 

for York Region. Before her current job at 

CTV Kitchener, Bimman helped to launch 

a nightly newscast for Durham Region 

with Studio 12 News at CHEX TV. 

“What really helped my career was all 

of my internships,” Bimman said, adding 

that, in many cases, internships led to 

jobs. She encourages students to intern as 

much as possible, and to speak to people 


Former CJN intern a CTV anchor 

Now is the time to Move to 

Now Hazelton is the Place time to Retirement Move to Residence 

Hazelton Place Retirement Residence 

Located in the heart of the city 

Located Yorkville, in close the heart to the of arts, the city 

Yorkville, shops, restaurants close to the and arts, the 

shops, entertainment restaurants district. and the Includes 

entertainment 3 meals a day, district. housekeeping, Includes 

3 

entertainment, 

meals a day, housekeeping, 

recreation, 

entertainment, 

physiotherapy, 

recreation, 

fitness programs. 

Now physiotherapy, 

Independent is the time or 

fitness 

assisted to programs. Move living to 

Independent or assisted living 

Hazelton packages. Place Retirement Residence 

packages. 

Located in the heart of the city 

Yorkville, close to the arts, 

shops, restaurants and the 

entertainment district. Includes 

3 meals a day, housekeeping, 

Monthly rates starting at only $3395 including 3 meals a day, rec. programs, 

Monthly rates housekeeping starting at only and $3395 24 hour including emergency 3 nursing meals a day, response. rec. programs, 

housekeeping and 24 hour emergency nursing response. 

416-928-0111 

in the industry to find out if the career is a 

good match for them. 

For Bimman, internships helped her 

meet industry professionals and were integral 

in finding her path within journal- 

Abigail Bimman 


T Page B15 

ism. They helped her “not only to discover 

that this is what I wanted to do, but also to 

prove myself.” 





WE OFFER DONATION CARDS 

FOR ALL OCCASIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. 

ORDER YOUR HIGH HOLY DAY CARDS NOW! 

Call: 416-577-3600 

or E-mail: sara.israelguidedog@rogers.com 

www.ca.israelguidedog.org 

An independent 

downtown community 

committed to nurturing 

Jewish life and traditions 

through family-oriented 

holiday and life-cycle 

celebrations, Shabbat 

services, education and 

social action. 

Journal for the 

Study of 

Antisemitism 

Subscriptions $60 per year 

www.jsantisemitism.org 

HIGH HOLIDAY 

SERVICES 

Please join us at 

this year’s services with 

RABBI MIRIAM MARGLES 

Our services honour tradition and embrace 

inclusivity. Rabbi Miriam Margles is a local 

rabbi whose inspiring approach to worship 

and spirituality embody the communitybased 

values of the Danforth Jewish Circle. 

Please join us and widen our circle as we 

welcome the High Holidays. 

We are a progressive and egalitarian 

community, inclusive of interfaith 

and LGBTQ families. 

For information call 416-580-6303 

or email info@djctoronto.com, 

www.djctoronto.com 

A member of the Downtown Jewish Council and supported 

by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. 

5773 

Rosh Hashana: Sept. 17 and 18, 2012 

Yom Kippur: Sept. 25 (Kol Nidre) and 26, 2012 

Young chef’s menus focus on 

“eating the whole animal” 

Cara Edell 

Special to The CJN 

Noah Goldberg, owner and executive chef of The 

Feasting Room, grew up eating Jewish foods and 

having Friday night dinners with his family. 

Goldberg, 29, is an internationally trained chef who 

has recently returned to Toronto, where he was born and 

raised. The Feasting Room, located in the Orbit Room on 

College St., marks his professional culinary debut. 

The Feasting Room is a “pop-up” restaurant, part of a contemporary 

trend in the food world where a concept restaurant 

opens for a relatively short time, in this case six months. 

And while it’s not kosher, he said his Jewish background has 

definitely influenced his cooking. It may even be responsible 

for one of his latest dinner creations - roasted duck breast 

with blueberry blintzes and sweet potato latkes. 

Goldberg’s unique cuisine centres around his personal 

Congregation Habonim 

5 Glen Park Ave., 

Toronto, Ontario M6B 4J2 

416-782-7125 

office@congregationhabonim.org 

www.congregationhabonim.org 

We are a mid-town liberal, egalitarian 

synagogue, with a children’s school – 

The Jewish Heritage School offering Judaic 

studies, Hebrew language & Jewish music 

taught in a joyous and creative environment. 

DOWNTOWN JEWISH 

COMMUNITY SCHOOL 

Miles Nadal JCC 

750 Spadina Ave (at Bloor) 

Principal: Joan Schoenfeld, M.Ed. 

p: 416.924.6212 x 112 

e: joan@djcs.org 

To learn more, visit us at: 

WWW.DJCS.ORG 

905-731-4440 

BOOKS FOR EVERYONE 

www.batnerbookstore.com 

TEXT BOOKS, WORK BOOKS, 

CHILDREN’S BOOKS, LITERATURE 

180 Steeles Avenue West info@batnerbookstore.com 

JEWISH IDENTITY 

AND LITERACY IN A 

DIVERSE WORLD 

Tuition fees are 

FULLY 

tax deductible 

FREE 

Affiliated with and 

partly funded by: 

child 

memberships 

KNOWLEDGE SHARED. HERITAGE PRESERVED. 

cjn-ad.indd 1 8/5/2012 11:55:10 AM 

Noah Goldberg 

philosophy of using all parts of animals to craft a daily tasting 

menu, creating a gourmet experience for diners based 

on various, and at times, unexpected, cuts of meat. 

“I started cooking as a hobby in university,” studying 

economics at Queen’s University. Eventually, he said, “I… 

couldn’t see myself doing anything else after graduating.” 

He decided to switch gears and pursue his passion for 

food as a career. 

“Economics was very rigid. Cooking is very different. 

You can be more creative, expressive and original. I’ve developed 

a love for food and service and creating an environment 

for people,” he said. 

To further develop his knowledge and skills, Goldberg 

trained with top chefs in North America and the United 

Kingdom. After completing his degree in 2006, Goldberg 

worked with chef Susur Lee at Lee restaurant in Toronto. 

He then moved to New York in 2008 and worked at db Bistro 

Moderne for chef Daniel Boulud. 

“This was your classic formal French restaurant run by a 

chef whose food I really look up to,” he said. “It’s as good as 

French food gets outside of France. I didn’t have any formal 

kitchen training, so going there was a huge stepping stone.” 

After less than two years, Goldberg moved back to Toronto. 

Though he longed to work at Cyrus Restaurant in Sonoma, 

California, he couldn’t get the proper visa. Instead, he 

worked as a butcher at Whitehouse Meats in St. Lawrence 

Market, which providentially led to his current passion. 

“That job sparked my interest in butchery and using 

the whole animal. It was a different aspect of cooking that 

I hadn’t been exposed to,” he said. 

Returning to the restaurant scene, Goldberg moved to 

London, England. He worked at Arbutus and Wild Honey, 

under chef Anthony Demetre. After six months, he was 

fortunate to get a job at St. John Bar & Restaurant. 

Continued on page B17 

HEBREW SCHOOL 

Beach Synagogue 109 Kenilworth Avenue 

Pre-registration for Oct. 2012 to June 2013 session 

10-12 Sunday mornings 

Children 7-11 years of age (non-members welcome) 

aleph-bet / Jewish studies / holidays / music 

416-694-7942 www.beachhebrewinstitute.ca


News is not just about reporting 


Bimman was hired at CTV Kitchener in 

February of last year. She began as a parttime 

videographer and reporter, meaning 

that she would go out to report on stories 

on her own, with just a tripod as her 

“cameraman.” 

“I can’t count the number of times I’ve 

shown up at someone’s house and they 

ask, ‘where’s the camera guy?’” But for 

Bimman, reporting, shooting and writing 

her own stories is thrilling. 

“There are definitely challenges to being 

a one-person show, but there are huge 

rewards as well,” like the freedom to work 

on all aspects of producing a captivating 

story. 

About two months after she began 

her work at CTV Kitchener, Bimman was 

asked to become the weekend news anchor, 

while continuing her reporting duties 

during the week. 

“It was a great, pleasant surprise,” she 

said, and though she enjoys the storytelling 

aspect of reporting, anchoring has 

become another one of her passions. “I’ve 

come to really embrace it and enjoy it,” 

she said. 

Being an anchor means that Bimman 

has had to put her theatre and improvisation 

skills to use. 

Reading the news live can be stressful, 

especially when technology does not 

co-operate, but Bimman said she and her 

small team are able to get through the occasional 

technological blunder. The key is 

to “keep calm and try to get through it in 

the best way that you can,” she said. 

Though her news career is still in its 

early stages, Bimman has been a part of 

some very important stories. Some of the 

most memorable have been reporting on 

the Goderich tornado and on the problems 

at telecommunication company Research 

in Motion. 

But Bimman also loves telling the small 

stories in her community, and giving a 

voice to people “who may not have an opportunity 

otherwise to have their stories 

told,” and she gets more chances to do 

just that when reporting on local, rather 

than national, news. 

For Bimman, the news will never be 

just about her reporting. It’s about the 

people she interviews and the stories they 

have to share. Despite her talent and flair 

for interviewing, she insists that “it’s really 

about the person on the other side of the 

camera.” 

A new menu every week 


“St. John moulded me into the person 

and chef that I am today. It was the best 

experience of my life. Fergus Henderson, 

the chef, is incredible. The food they do 

there, it’s just the right way to cook. They 

use entire animals, putting non-mainstream 

things on their menu.” 

A year and a half later, Goldberg returned 

to Toronto, driven to create something 

similar here. 

“At St. John, during the holidays, we did 

feasting menus which were all based on 

one animal and I totally fell in love with 

it,” he said. “Once the ball started rolling, 

everything led to this concept. I wanted 

my restaurant in Toronto to be different 

and to offer people something they’ve 

never had before.” 

The Feasting Room, which opened on 

May 24, encourages diners “to eat the 

whole beast,” Goldberg said. “Every week 

we create a new six course blind tasting 

menu focusing on one animal.” 

He carefully butchers the animals “to 

get the most out of them with as little as 

possible going to waste. Not only does 

this reinforce the idea of conscientious 

eating, but it is a good example of sustainable 

eating practices.” 

Each week’s menu depends on the animal 

on the block, so Goldberg and his sous 

chef must be constantly inventive. “We 

talk about what we want to do on Monday 

and Tuesday. Wednesday is butchery day. 

Thursday we cook.” 

The animal of the week is posted on the 

restaurant’s website, but the menu is kept 

secret until the meal is served. When diners 

are seated, they’re given a card wrapped in 

butcher’s paper with a diagram of the animal 

they’ll be eating that night. 

The animal is marked with numbers 

that show the part of its body that will be 

used for each course. Diners don’t know 

what dishes they’ll be eating until the 

food is presented to them. 

“I’m thrilled with the food we’re putting 

out,” said Goldberg. 

The Feasting Room has already received 

rave reviews by food critics, and 

Goldberg is pleased that his concept has 

been well received. 

“The response has been great. Our 

diners seem to love the idea of eating the 

whole animal. It’s a bit of an aggressive 

concept, but the meal and experience are 

amazing.” 

Family and friends have been “super 

supportive” of Goldberg’s achievements, 

he said. “Part of the reason I wanted to 

come back to Toronto is because there’s 

nothing better than cooking for friends 

and family.” 

The Feasting Room is a temporary venture, 

but Goldberg hopes to eventually 

open his own restaurant in the city. He’s 

not yet sure of the details or location, he’d 

love a space that “relates,” offering diners 

a venue as unique as his food. 

For more information on The Feasting 

Room, visit www.thefeastingroom.com. 

The restaurant is open from Thursday to 

Sunday, 6pm to 10pm, and on Monday 

from 6pm until “late.” 



www.jfandcs.com | facebook.com/jfandcs 

T Page B17 

MAZEL TOV! IT’S A BOY! 

...and he’s 8 years old! 

Not all adoptions involve babies. 

Jewish Family & Child is in need of a loving, permanent home 

for an eight year old boy with some medical and learning 

challenges. 

He's a sweet, funny, active child who will thrive in a 

“forever home”. He loves swimming, going to school and 

spending summers at camp! 

Adoptive and foster children require parents with stability, 

patience, flexibility and love. If you’re interested in adoption 

or fostering, or if you know someone who would make a great 

parent, JF&CS wants to hear from you. 

Please call us at 416.638.7800 and ask for Intake. 

One parent per home must be Jewish. Single parent homes and LGBT homes are 

welcome. Adoption subsidies are available. 

foster-adopt.indd 1 8/7/2012 1:55:05 PM

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 


Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf 



There’s something about baseball that 

attracts Jewish kids to the game – as players, 

fans and quite often as broadcasters. 

That includes Mike Wilner, the radio host 

of Blue Jays games on Sportsnet 590 The 

Fan and a graduate of Bialik Hebrew Day 

School and the Anne and Max Tannebaum 

Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto. 

Wilner, 42, said that as a kid, he used 

to listen with rapt attention to legendary 

Jays radio broadcasters Tom Cheek and 

Jerry Howarth, the latter of whom he now 

works with. 

“When I look back, I remember my fa- 

ther and grandfather watching sports and 

baseball, which is pretty common. But for 

some reason, baseball and Jews seem to go 

together. I don’t know why,” Wilner said. 

The world of baseball broadcasting has 

produced many Jewish personalities, including 

the legendary Al Michaels and the 

great Mel Allen. And aside from Wilner, Toronto 

has also produced the likes of Elliotte 

Friedman, who once hosted Jays telecasts 

on CBC; ESPN radio baseball announcer 

Dan Shulman, another Bialik grad who 

also once worked at the Fan, and Sportsnet’s 

own Shi Davidi, among others. 

“Most nights, you could probably put a 

minyan together in the press box,” quipped 

Wilner. 

THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS 

Baseball is Mike Wilner’s passion 

ahavat ad CJN-2011-july-b.pdf 1 7/14/11 12:57 PM 

Sunday Mornings: 10:00AM – 12:30PM 

OR: Tuesday Evening Classes NEW!!! 

Ages 5 through 12 

• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Programs 

Experienced, Qualified Teachers 

• Low Student-Teacher Ratio 

Innovative Curriculum 

• Hebrew Language/Reading & Writing 

• Prayers/Holidays/Bible Study/Jewish History 

Remedial & Enriched Programs 

• Tailored To The Students’ Individual Skill Level 

Three Convenient Locations 

• Ventura Park Thornhill 

• Bathurst/Lawrence 

• Thornhill Woods 

CJN August 2012 Education Ad.pdf 1 2012-08-05 2:33 PM 

In a recent interview at a downtown 

café, he spoke to The CJN 

about how he developed his 

love for the game and how 

he landed what he considers 

to be his dream job. 

He was always interested 

in baseball, but it was 

while he was enrolled in 

the bachelor of commerce 

program at the University 

of Toronto in 1988 that he 

ended up covering intramural 

sports for CIUT, the 

school’s radio station. 

It was around that time 

that he thought, “Why not 

go for a career in baseball?” 

he said. 

He made it his mission 

to cover minor league 

baseball in order to gain experience as a 

broadcaster, and in 1989, he got a job calling 

games on the radio for the Class-A 

Welland Pirates. 

He then used his dual U.S.-Canadian 

citizenship (through his mother) to move 

on to do play-by-play for other teams, including 

the Class-A Watertown Indians in 

New York state, and the Double-A Hardware 

City Rock Cats in Connecticut. 

After working the minor 

league circuit, he interned 

at the Fan in the summer 

of 1993, then returned to 

CIUT as a sports radio host 

and would call in university 

sports scores to the Fan 

as well as various wire services. 

The way Wilner tells it, 

one day in 1994, he called 

the Fan with his scores and 

was asked by the station’s 

sports director to “give them 

30 seconds” of recaps. 

It turns out, the Fan’s 

sports director at the 

time was the same guy 

who had hired Wilner at 

CIUT. 

“So I gave them 30 seconds. 

Then the next week did it again and 

when I called 680 News [with varsity scores], 

I asked them if they wanted 30 seconds. 

And the woman who answered – I still don’t 

know who she was to this day – said ‘sure.’ 

That was on a Sunday, and on the Tuesday 

after, I got a phone call to come audition 

for a job at 680 News,” he said. 


�� 

�� 

�� 

New Location 

@ ACE Daycare 

CELEBRATE YOUR JEWISHNESS WITH OUR 

SECULAR PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY 

We are your gateway to 

meaningful humanistic programs 

for the whole family! 

Morris Winchevsky School 

Toronto’s Secular Jewish Community School 

Preschool-Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes 

begin Sept. 23rd @ the 918 Bathurst 

(north of Bloor, at Barton Avenue) 

Mike Wilner 

416-789-5502 

www.winchevskycentre.org 

Neshamah Congregation of York Region 

Religious & Hebrew School Programs 

When you join OUR Religious School, you get more than just 

Sunday classes. You gain a community every day of the week. 

Rosh Hashonah 

Monday Sept. 17 @ 10:30 am 

Yom Kippur 

Tuesday Sept. 25 @ 7:30 pm 

585 Cranbrooke Avenue 

(Bathurst & Lawrence) 

Music with 

David Wall & 

Marilyn Lerner! 

647.930.1709 

www.neshamah.ca education@neshamah.ca



The audition went well, but there was no job available 

at the time. 

Wilner continued to pay his broadcasting dues for 

the next year by working various radio jobs before 680 

News came calling yet again, this time with a bona fide 

job offer to be the weekend and evening “sports guy”, 

covering all sports but also many Blue Jays games and 

milestone Toronto sports events. 

That job lasted for seven amazing years, Wilner said. 

“I got to cover the last game at the [Maple Leaf] Gardens, 

the first game at the Air Canada Centre, the first 

Toronto Raptors’ game… if there was a big story for Toronto 

sports between 1995 and 2001, I covered it,” he 

said. 

After building his credentials and making a name for 

himself at 680 News, other suitors came calling. 

In March 2001, Wilner received a “very nice offer” 

from a sports news syndication service seeking to woo 

him away from 680 News, but simultaneously, longtime 

Fan 590 Blue Jays pre- and post-game announcer Scott 

Ferguson decided to leave his job. 

“That April, Fan 590 sports director Scott Metcalf 

called me. He’d remembered me from my summer internship 

and that I was really into baseball and asked 

me if I wanted the job. And I said yes,” he said. 

Wilner spent one year reporting for the Fan 590 about 

baseball and other sports, and in March 2002, after Roger’s 

Communications bought the Jays and the Fan 590, he was 

handed the pre- and post-game announcing position. 

The rest is history. 

Wilner has spent the last decade working exclusively 

with the Jays. 

It’s been a dream come true, he said. 

“It really flies by. I don’t remember a lot of the early 

days of the show, but working with Tom Cheek was 

amazing. 

“My work is what normal people do for fun. My office 

is the ballpark. Even after 10 years, it’s still fun. While 

I’m not overwhelmed by it anymore, I’m also not jaded. 


´My work is what normal people do for fun´ 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

I remember the first time I walked out onto the field at 

[what was then called Skydome]. It was the first day it 

opened. That was incredible. It’s all still really exciting,” 

he said. 

Wilner, who also hosts the popular Jays’ post-game 

show Jaystalk, doesn’t suffer callers who can’t back up 

their statements or make coherent arguments about 

the team. 

“I call things as I see them, with no agenda one way 

or the other. People get angry, but it’s usually people on 

both sides of whatever issue I’m discussing, so I figure 


T Page B19 

I’m doing something right,” he said. 

Some consider his style polarizing, but he likes to 

analyze the team and the sport with as much balance 

as possible. 

“I try to impress on casual fans who may be more reactive 

to news about the Jays and less knowledgeable 

than hardcore fans that in baseball, if you lose every other 

game, you’ll be fine. If you win five out of every nine 

games… that’s 90 wins and that’s a great year,” he said. 


The Canadian Council for Reform Judaism wishes you a Shana Tova. 

May 5773 be filled with good health, contentment and shalom. 

Reform Judaism provides opportunity for committed Jews to observe tradition while providing the freedom for 

interpretation. Guided by three main tenets; God, Torah, and Israel, we offer a spiritual and welcoming 

community. 

• Meaningful and participatory worship • Exciting opportunities for youth • Educational experiences for every age and stage 

• Egalitarian prayer • Engaging music • Strong support for Israel • A commitment to justice for all people 

Canadian Congregations: 

Burquest Jewish Community Centre Coquitlam BC 604.552.7221 burquest.org 

Kolot Mayim Reform Congregation Victoria BC 250.704.2503 kolotmayimreformtemple.com 

Temple Sholom Vancouver BC 604.266.7190 templesholom.ca 

Temple Beth Ora Edmonton AB 780.487.4817 templebethora.org 

Temple B’nai Tikvah Calgary AB 403.252.1654 bnaitikvah.ca 

Temple Shalom Winnipeg MB 204.453.1625 templeshalomwinnipeg.ca 

Am Shalom Congregation Barrie ON 705.792.3949 amshalom.ca 

B’nai Shalom V’Tikvah Ajax ON 905.428.2580 bnaishalomvtikvah.ca 

Baycrest Terrace Reform Congregation Toronto ON 416.785.2500 baycrest.org 

Congregation Beth El Windsor ON 519.969.2422 bethelwindsor.com 

Congregation Iyr HaMelech Kingston ON 613.548.6374 iyrhamelech.com 

Har Tikvah Brampton ON 905.792.7589 hartikvah.org 

Holy Blossom Temple Toronto ON 416.789.3291 holyblossom.org 

Or Hadash Synagogue Newmarket ON 905.898.2220 orhadash.org 

Shaarei-Beth El Oakville ON 905.849.6000 sbe.ca 

Solel Congregation Mississauga ON 905.820.5915 solel.ca 

Temple Anshe Sholom Hamilton ON 905.528.0121 anshesholom.ca 

Temple Emanu-El Toronto ON 416.449.3880 templeemanuel.ca 

Temple Har Zion Thornhill ON 905.889.2252 templeharzion.com 

Temple Israel London ON 519.858.4400 templeisraellondon.ca 

Temple Israel Ottawa ON 613.224.1802 templeisraelottawa.ca 

Temple Kol Ami Thornhill ON 905.709.2620 templekolami.ca 

Temple Shalom Kitchener-Waterloo ON 519.746.2234 templeshalom.ca 

Temple Sinai Toronto ON 416.487.4161 templesinai.net 

Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom Westmount PQ 514.937.3575 templemontreal.ca 

Affiliates: 

ARZA Canada - Association of Reform Zionists Toronto ON 416.630.0375 arzacanada.org 

Camp George – Main Office Toronto ON 416.638.2635 george.urjcamps.org 

Camp George – Summer Camp Parry Sound ON 705.732.6964 

The Leo Baeck Day School: North Campus Thornhill ON 905.709.3636 leobaeck.ca 

The Leo Baeck Day School: South Campus Toronto ON 416.787.9899 leobaeck.ca 

The Reform Mikvah of Greater Toronto Toronto ON 416.630.0375 ccrj.ca 

The Reform Mohelim of Greater Toronto Toronto ON 416.630.0375 ccrj.ca 

For more information about our congregations and affiliates please visit us at ccrj.ca or call 416-630-0375. 

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, URJ Steve Sacks, Chairman of the Board, URJ Paul Leszner, President, CCRJ/Chair, URJ Canada Steering Commitee



Intern 


Laya Crust has been drawing since 

she was a little girl, but it wasn’t until 

she was in university that she began 

to realize that her passion for art could be 

more than just a hobby. 

“I always, always drew – all the time,” 

Crust said. “Even when I was in elementary 

school, I used to make little notebooks 

and hide them under my desk.” 

The Winnipeg native studied French 

literature and design at the University of 

Manitoba before making the move to Toronto 

to pursue her passions. She ended 

up staying in the city, where she now lives 

with her husband and their six children, 

who range in age from 16 to 28. 

“I thought I’d come to Toronto to study 

art and Judaism at the same time,” she 

said. Crust came from a traditional Jewish 

home, and had always taken an interest in 

her heritage. 


Jewish texts and history bring artist’s vision to life 

There’s a warm welcome for you here at Solel Congregation 

of Mississauga. Our friendly, inclusive Reform community 

of over 300 families celebrates the richness and beauty of 

Jewish life through life cycle events, worship and education. 

Solel Congregation offers you: 

Strong commitment to Jewish values and community 

A tradition of social activism 

Vibrant education programs for all ages 

New member dues discount 

Solel Congregation 

Your Jewish home west of Toronto 

We have what you’re looking for… 

Solel Congregation 

2399 Folkway Drive 

Mississauga, ON L5L 2M6 

905 820 5915 

info@solel.ca 

www.solel.ca 

1 Block South of Highway 403 

West of Erin Mills Parkway 

Just [30] minutes from 

downtown Toronto 

She studied at the Three Schools of Art, 

since closed, as well as at the Ontario College 

of Art (now OCAD University). She took 

classes in printmaking, papermaking and 

book binding, but focused mainly on lithography, 

a printing process that traditionally 

uses a stone or metal plate to press ink 

onto paper. Crust also took classes about Judaism, 

and participated in Hillel activities, 

including a Hebrew calligraphy course that 

would later help launch her career. 

“It was another expression of Jewish 

Cantor 

Charles Weinberg 

art,” Crust said of the calligraphy class. 

Shortly after she completed it, she got a 

phone call from a person who wanted her 

to make a ketubah for their wedding. 

“It was sort of out of the blue,” she said, 

but she was eager to use her skills to design 

a ketubah. These Jewish marriage contracts 

are often elaborately decorated, and Crust 

saw it as an opportunity to research and try 

out new aspects of Jewish art. 

Rabbi Sean Gorman 

HERE IS WHERE YOU BELONG! 

RESERVED FAMILY SEATING 

FOR HIGH HOLY DAYS 


Ritual Director 

Larry Spring 

NEW YOUNG FAMILY & 

TEEN SERVICES OFFERED 

CLOSER THAN YOU THINK - 59 LISSOM CR. 

2 lights south of Steeles Ave., east side of Bathurst St. 

CALL TO ORDER HH TICKETS (416) 226-0111 x 10 

www.prideofisraelsynagogue.com 

AWE 

Awaken your sense of 

EXPERIENCE 

HIGH HOLY DAYS 

LIKE NEVER BEFORE 

Selichot Program, Havdalah and Service 

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service and Rosh 

Hashanah Morning Services on fi rst and 

second day 

Kol Nidrei Services, Yom Kippur Morning 

Services, Study Sessions and meaningful, 

creative Afternoon, Yizkor and Ne’ilah Services 

New age appropriate Children’s 

Programming during fi rst day Rosh 

Hashanah and Yom Kippur Morning 

Services and Children’s Services on Rosh 

Hashanah and Yom Kippur afternoons 

Babysitting available for children 2 years 

and older 

Rabbi Cory Weiss 

Tara Abrams, 

Cantorial Soloist 

It’s where you belong 

7360 Bayview Avenue 

Thornhill 

To learn more about our community 

on Bayview, just North of Steeles 

visit www.templeharzion.com 

or contact the Temple Offi ce 

at 905-889-2252 

High Holy Day Tickets Available 

Includes membership from Sept. to Dec., 2012



With that project, Crust found her 

niche. Now, she has designed more than 

600 original ketubot, featuring different 

styles of art and depicting everything 

from elaborate land- and cityscapes to 

a pair of embracing doves. Her studies 

in Judaism and art with experts both in 

North America and in Jerusalem, shine 

through in her detailed work. 

Though she initially studied printmaking, 

Crust enjoys working in various media, 

including fabric and stained glass. 

“If an artist stays in the same style forever, 

they don’t grow as an artist and the 

work loses its edge of excitement,” she 

said. Any time she has an opportunity to 

try a new type of art, she embraces it. 

Crust’s Torah mantles, parochets (coverings 

for the Aron Kodesh) and huge 

mosaics can be seen in Jewish institutions 

and private homes in North America 

and Israel. 

One collaboration, with glass artist 

Sarah Hall, is a stained-glass window 

themed with the biblical story of the 

binding of Isaac, installed at the Union 

for Reform Judaism in New York City. 

Before she started creating Jewish art, 

Crust says, “I’d always loved all of the 

stories in the Tanach and tfi llah, but I 

read them more as beautiful history and 

literature, rather than expressing them 

visually.” Now, those texts often inspire 

her designs. 

For Crust, research is a major part of 

each ketubah or Jewish work of art that 



Research is a major part of each ketubah 

Laya Crust mixes Persian-Jewish imagery 

with quotations and historical religious 

symbols in her art. 

Are Are you 

you you 

Are you 

looking looking for 

for for 

looking for 

a different 

a different 

a different 

synagogue 

experience? 

experience? 

Rabbi Jarrod Grover and daughter 

Rabbi Rabbi Jarrod 

Rabbi Jarrod Grover 

Jarrod 

Grover and 

Grover 

and daughter and daughter 

and daughter daughter 

Come 

Come 

Come Come to 

to 

Beth 

Beth 

to Beth Tikvah, 

Tikvah, 

Tikvah, we 

we 

we offer: 

offer: 

Come to to Beth Tikvah, we offer: 

• Friendly and youthful Rabbis and Cantor 

• Friendly • Friendly Torah • Friendly and 

Egalitarian 

and youthful youthful and youthful services 

Rabbis Rabbis Rabbis and and Cantor and Cantor Cantor 

• Torah • Torah Dynamic Egalitarian • Egalitarian Torah youth Egalitarian services 

groups services services for children and teens of all ages 

• Dynamic • Dynamic Regular • Dynamic youth young youth groups youth groups family groups for for Shabbat children for children and services and and teens and teens and of teens all of of special ages all of all ages all ages ages events 

• Regular • Regular Engaging • young Regular young programming family young family Shabbat family Shabbat for Shabbat services all services ages services and and special and special special events events events 

• Engaging • Engaging Beautiful 

• Engaging programming programming facilities for 

programming for B’nai for all all ages Mitzvahs, 

for ages weddings and 

all ages 

all life cycle events 

• Beautiful • Beautiful • Beautiful facilities facilities facilities for for B’nai B’nai for Mitzvahs, B’nai Mitzvahs, Mitzvahs, weddings weddings and and and 

all all New life life cycle introductory cycle all cycle life events 

cycle events events young family membership: $500. 

Join us for our young family High Holiday services, just 

New New $175/adult introductory introductory New introductory for non-members, young young young family family membership: children membership: 12 $500. and $500. $500. under free. 

Join Join us us for Join for our us our young for young our family young family High family High Holiday High Holiday Holiday services, services, just just just 

$175/adult $175/adult for for non-members, non-members, for non-members, Reserve children children 12 now 12 and 12 and 12 under and under free. under free. free. 

Call 416-221-3433 or e-mail 

Reserve doris@bethtikvahtoronto.org 

Reserve Reserve now now 

Call Call www.bethtikvahtoronto.org 

416-221-3433 Call 416-221-3433 or or e-mail or e-mail or e-mail e-mail 

doris@bethtikvahtoronto.org 

doris@bethtikvahtoronto.org 

3080 doris@bethtikvahtoronto.org 

Bayview Avenue 

(between Finch & Sheppard) 

www.bethtikvahtoronto.org 

www.bethtikvahtoronto.org 

3080 3080 3080 Bayview Bayview Avenue Avenue 

(between (between (between 

Finch & 

Finch 

& Sheppard) & Sheppard) & Sheppard) 

T Page B21 

she creates. She spends days 

The bright, detailed art that 

researching the history of 

accompanies her megillah’s text 

the imagery involved, and 

is based both on extensive 

in the case of ketubot and 

research of art in Persia, 

personal gifts or commis- 

where the story of Purim 

sions, she makes a spe- 

is set, and on the interests 

cial effort to learn which 

and family history of Rab- 

themes and images are 

bi Schachter and his wife. 

important to the clients. 

The scroll was displayed 

In 2011, Rabbi Shalom 

in the John M. Kelly Library 

Schachter and his wife 

at St. Michael’s College at the 

Marcia Gilbert com- 

University of Toronto. 

missioned an illu- 

Crust is currently workminated 

Megillat Esing 

on creating a set of 

ther, the scroll read 

images for each Haftorah 

each year on Purim. 

portion as a project for 

Crust learned the 

Beth David Synagogue in 

art of sofrut, Jewish 

scribal technique, in 

Artist Laya Crust 

Toronto. 

She studies the texts and 

order to complete the project. 

their history to fi nd the details that will 

According to Jewish law, women can make the art come alive for viewers. “I want 

write megillot and ketubot, but not other to give them a connection to history, to pos- 

sacred texts, like a Torah. For Crust, who sibility and to Judaism through the image.” 

is observant, the opportunity to learn For Crust, sharing the inspiring quali- 

sofrut was an honour. 

ties of Judaism with viewers is central. 

“I felt I was becoming a member of an Through art, she explores her unique un- 

ancient club,” she said, referring to the derstanding of Jewish life. “Nature and 

scribal tradition that has been passed creation and beauty are all connected, 

down for thousands of years. “Getting to and the fulcrum, or the centre of the 

that amount of focus for a long period of wheel for that, for us, is our Judaism.” 

time…it was like going into a meditative To see more of Laya Crust’s art visit 

state with the letters.” 

layacrust.com.




EMUNAH WOMEN 

Making a difference in the lives 

of the children in Israel. 

Annual Tea & Bake Sale 

Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7 p.m. 

For more information call 

(416) 636-0036 

Discover 

The 32,000 Ways 

Na’amat Supports Israel 

Make a Difference Today! 

416.636.5425 

naamat.com/toronto 

YOUR SHOFAR AWAITS 

CITY SHUL 

A new downtown Reform congregation 

with Rabbi Elyse Goldstein 

High Holidays at 427 Bloor St West 

Rest of the year at 36 Harbord (at Spadina) 

Shabbat and holiday services, family activities, 

adult learning, school, Bar/Bat Mitzvah prep, 

and social justice projects for a relevant, 

meaningful, joyful and spiritual Judaism. 

We are building a community of commitment 

and invite you to join us. 

www.cityshul.com 

high holidays: 416-460-0782 

membership: 647-799-3557 

Ghana experience transforms 

Toronto rebbetzin 


Intern 

Joan Dolgin and her family have been at the heart of 

Temple Sinai congregation since her husband, Rabbi 

Michael Dolgin, took a position there 20 years ago, 

when they moved from the United States to Toronto. 

As a rebbetzin and a special education professional, 

Dolgin has run the shul’s children’s choir, participated in 

sisterhood organizations, tutored children at the congregation’s 

school and prepared children with disabilities 

for bar and bat mitzvahs. 

Seeing her pupils stand confidently in front of the congregation 

“was extraordinarily fulfilling and beautiful.” 

For Dolgin, who has always connected with children, it is 

amazing to see students with disabilities and their families 

learn how capable they truly are. 

“I have always taken my role very, very seriously,” Dolgin 

said of her work in the congregation. Working nonstop at 

the shul is a labour of love, but about a year and a half ago, 

she decided she needed a temporary change of scenery. 

“I wanted to go somewhere where I could sort of rekindle 

and re-discover the value of what I was doing.” For 

Dolgin, that place was Ghana. From January to March of 

2011, she joined a volunteer program at a school for children 

with special needs. 

“I immediately fell in love with the people,” she said of 

her first experience in Ghana. Dolgin spent two months 

volunteering at the Gbi Kledzo Special School in the village 

of Kledzo. 

She helped the students, who ranged in age from six 

to 30, get ready each morning, and organized activities 

for them throughout the day. Dolgin was most impressed 

with the way in which the children at the school were 

able to play freely and joyfully, without being instructed 

or taught to play particular games. 

“In general, the minute you try to teach play, it’s no 

longer play,” she said. The typical North American approach 

towards caring for children with disabilities can 

SHAAR SHALOM SYNAGOGUE is a traditional Conservative 

synagogue, serving the Thornhill and North York communities. We 

are fortunate to have Rabbi Martin Berman and Cantor Ben 

Silverberg guide the congregation through an enjoyable and spiritual 

journey. The synagogue is dedicated to Jewish learning and worship 

at all skill levels, to social action and friendships. 

Come be inspired by the Shabbat 

and High Holiday melodies. 

Tap into your spirituality. 

Join one of our many interest groups or events, and 

Make SHAAR SHALOM SYNAGOGUE your spiritual home. 

Membership starts at only $500.00 for young couples under the age 

of 30 and includes Free High Holiday seats. 

Special prices for 30-somethings are also available. 

2 Simonston Blvd., Thornhill, ON L3T 4L1 

(905) 889-4975 

Dolgin with 12-year-old Prince. The children she met in 

Ghana hold a special place in her heart. 

sometimes be too structured when it comes to playtime. 

“They play in Ghana – it’s just breathtakingly beautiful,” 

she said. Dolgin quickly felt a special connection, 

cherishing the time she had with the students. “I’ve always 

had a deep, deep love of children – and the children 

at this school, I can’t talk about them without crying,” 

even after only two months. 




Dolgin came back to Toronto enamoured with the 

people, the culture and the experiences she’d had in 

Ghana. It wasn’t a question of whether she would return, 

but when. 

“I came back and my husband was like, ‘tell me stories.’” 

But though she’d kept a blog documenting her 

travels, she found herself at a loss to explain the true 

impact that volunteering had made on her. “It’s just so 

hard to put into words.” 

Dolgin decided she would take her husband to see 

what her world in Ghana was all about. The couple took 

a trip there this past winter. 

The organization she had volunteered with on her 

first trip stopped running the program at the Gbi Special 

School, so Dolgin decided to create her own organization 

to bring volunteers to Ghana. 

She named the organization The Sky is My Limit, and 

last fall, when it was still very much in its beginning 

stages, she met with Ryerson University’s Alternative 

Spring Break (ASB) co-ordinators to talk about a possible 

collaboration. 

ASB Ryerson is a student-run group that organizes 

travel volunteer experiences in developing countries 

for university students. The group was looking for a 

program and destination for the spring of 2012, and 

Dolgin’s organization was a perfect fit. 

Because The Sky is My Limit was just starting out, 

planning for a spring trip to Ghana meant Dolgin had 

to design the ideal volunteering trip right away. The col- 



Life-changing volunteer work in Africa 

Bar-Ilan is the fastest growing institution of higher education 

in Israel and delivers top-level academic education. Over 33,000 

students attend our main campus, outside of Tel-Aviv, and our New 

Medical School in the Galilee. 

Bar-Ilan proves daily that Jewish and Zionist values not only 

coexist with academic and research excellence, but that the 

synergy between them has the potential to change the world. 

Bar-Ilan is comprised of students from all over Israel; secular 

and religious; Jews and non-Jews; Sabras and new immigrants. 

Diversity is a key on the BIU campus, and tolerance and civility our 

www.biu.ac.il *9392 

operating code. 

Where Academic Excellence & Jewish Values Meet 

Canadian Friends of 

A University Like No Other 

To support A University Like No Other, go to: 

www.cfbiu.org, or call 905.660.3563 or 1.888.248.2720 

Dolgin holding 10-year-old Akos, one of the children 

she met through her volunteering. 

T Page B23 

laboration with ASB “pushed the agenda into lightning 

speed.” 

This May, 18 ASB Ryerson participants joined Dolgin 

on a month-long volunteer trip to Kledzo. The youngest 

of the Dolgins’ three sons, 15-year-old Zachary, joined 

the group as well. 

Their goal was to build a residence for the young 

adult students with disabilities that she had met earlier 

in Ghana. Living on their own would allow them to 

develop more independence, and work on their vocational 

skills, like traditional Ghanaian kente weaving 

and batik fabric dyeing. 

“In Ghana, having a disability is really devaluing,” 

Dolgin explained, adding that the opportunity for 

young adults with disabilities to learn these skills will 

give them a chance to contribute to their communities. 

By the time the ASB students left, after four weeks of 

construction and spending time with children from the 

Gbi Special School, the residence was nearly complete. 

It was named Selma’s Place, in memory of Dolgin’s longtime 

friend and Jewish educator, Selma Sage. 

The trip “was extremely transformative, not just for 

me, but for the Ryerson students and for the community 

of Kledzo,” Dolgin said. The community “opened 

their hearts, their homes and their arms for us.” 

She’s already planning to return to Ghana, and hopes 

to one day build a community centre for the people she 

has come to know and love there. What began as a single 

volunteer trip taken to reinvigorate herself became 

a life-changing connection that she hopes will continue 

for many years to come. 

We are welcoming new families 

into ours. 

New young families* who join by September 10 th 

will pay just $500 in membership contributions 

for the fi rst year. 

Join our vibrant, full service conservative community 

and see all we have to offer! 

37 Southbourne Avenue 

Centrally located at Bathurst & Wilson 

416.635.5340 (ask for Sheila) www.adathisrael.com 

*under 40 years of age




Laniado Hospital practices the highest standard 

of medicine coupled with compassion and 

kindness for all its patients. Help us provide 

state of the art equipment by supporting 

Canadian Friends of Laniado Hospital. 

Call 416-785-8946 

or visit www.laniado.ca 

to place a donation using Visa. 

Contributions are tax receiptable. 

THINKING ABOUT YOUR 

CHILD'S JEWISH FUTURE? 

Think about TEMPLE EMANU-EL! 

A Vibrant, Progressive, Reform Jewish Community 

Our LOMDIM Religious and Hebrew School provides: 

♦ Focus on Jewish identity formation through meaningful 

connections to family and congregational life, community 

and Israel 

♦ Comprehensive program of learning, leadership, and peer 

activities from early childhood to Grade 10 and beyond 

♦ Dynamic curriculum based on multisensory learning, 

creative expression and the arts 

♦ Small classes, personal attention 

♦ Caring staff of certified teachers and specialists 

♦ Inclusion, specializing in support of all students' 

educational, social and sensory needs 

TEMPLE EMANU-EL 

120 Old Colony Rd., North York 

Rabbi Debra Landsberg or 

Robin Leszner, 

Education Director 

would love to speak to you! 

416-449-3880 

NEW 

Not quite 

ready to join? 

Ask about our 

introductory school 

program for 

non-members! 

Clothing entrepreneur values 

community, education 

Sheri Shefa 


At first glance, Moshe Modiera, the brand director 

and managing partner for Rebus Productions, a 

clothing company, may not seem like someone 

with the typical “Jewish look.” 

But with his father a kess, the equivalent of a rabbi 

within the Ethiopian Jewish community, plus his 

own years of experience working for UJA Federation 

of Greater Toronto and promoting Jewish and Israeli 

causes, Modiera is a good reminder of the true diversity 

of Toronto’s Jewish community. 

Born in Toronto, the 30-year-old Modiera lived in Israel, 

Italy, Sweden and the United States before settling 

here permanently in 1991. 

He grew up religious. “My father is a kess, my father’s 

father was a kess.” Adds Modiera with a laugh, “I think 

that might end with me – I’m a lowly shmatte peddler.” 

He calls settling into the Canadian Jewish community 

at the age of eight “emotional.” 

“When I lived in Israel, we were in Ramat Gan and 

there were a lot of Ethiopians, Moroccans and people of 

congregation bina 

(A Community of Jews from India) Established 1981 

HigH HoLiDaY PraYer tiMingS 5773/2012 

At national council of Jewish Women of canada 

4700 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ont. 

Erev Rosh Hashnah SUN 16th Sept. 2012 (Evening) - Arbith 7:30 p.m. 

Rosh Hashanah 1st Day MON 17th Sept. 2012 (Morning) 

Shaharit 8:30 a.m. Tashlikh 5:00 p.m. 

Place to be announced followed by Arbith 7:00 p.m. (Evening) 

Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day TUE 18th Sept. 2012 (Morning only) - Shaharit 8:30 a.m. 

Erev Yom Kippur TUE 25th Sept. 2012(Evening) - Kol Nidre 6.00 p.m. 

Yom Kippur WED 26th Sept. 2012 

Shaharit 7:30 a.m. Minha 3:00 p.m. followed by (Whole Day) Neila 6:00 p.m. 

Simhat Torah Celebrations MON 8th Oct. 2012 (Evening) - 7:00 p.m. 

For information contact: 

ramona abraham at 905-493-2148, elana charikar 905-940-4848 

Moshe Modiera 

different minorities… It was only when we got here that 

people would ask, ‘How are you Jewish?’... That was a bit 

of a shock for me,” Modiera recalled. 

“As time went on, people became more interested 

but initially, they didn’t get it. I remember writing this 

essay in [high school]… about our identity and heritage 

and I wrote an essay that was tongue-in-cheek called 

‘Too Black to be Jewish, Too Jewish to be Black.’ We were 

in this weird island in the middle.” 

But overall, his experience with the Toronto Jewish 

community was nothing but positive. His family was 

welcomed with open arms by Ohr Somayach in Thornhill, 

which helped them settle in. 

“One of the things that made living in different cities 

easy for me is that my father always impressed on 

us not only to learn about Judaism, but to learn about 

the cultures around us… To adapt to the minhagim of 

whatever community you’re in.” 

Modiera said he also learned about people’s natural 

tendency to assign labels to others. 


Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur services at 

175 St. Clair Ave. West, at Avenue Rd. 

unaffiliated, progressive, egalitarian, liberal, inclusive and egalitarian 

unaffiliated 

For more information about us, our 

affordable memberships and ticket prices: 

www.shirlibeynu.ca



“People want to put you in neat 

little boxes that they can deal with 

– like ‘you’re an Ethiopian Jew,’ but 

my mother’s Moroccan, and also has 

Dutch heritage. My father is Ethiopian, 

but he also has Portuguese heritage. 

I’m an African-Jewish mutt.” 

Despite people’s confusion about 

how to peg Modiera, he said he never 

experienced discrimination from the 

Jewish community and was more 

than willing to give back as an adult. 

“For most of my 20s, I did a lot of 

Israel advocacy. I did a lot of work 

with Hillel, I worked with UJA for just 

under a year promoting Israel, showing 

Israel as a diverse melting pot and 

a country rich with technology and 

finance leaders.” 

Working with UJA strengthened 

his belief in volunteerism. “You start 

to realize that it is the bedrock of the 

Jewish community… I was volunteering 

on these committees with people 

between 20 and 40 years old, no matter 

where they fell along the religious 

spectrum… but there was a sense 

that [Jews feel] they need to give back 

to the community.” 

Modiera’s devotion to social activism 

extended beyond Jewish causes. 

Before delving into the fashion industry 

with a short stint with Hugo Boss, 

he worked on the Toronto Live Green 

program, an environmental marketing 

project for the City of Toronto, 

“trying to get Torontonians to think 

about their purchasing decisions that 

supported a more environmental 

210 Wilson Avenue 

416.487.4161 

www.templesinai.net 

concept and being conscious of your 

carbon footprint,” he explained. 

Despite his success and experience 

in the working world, Modiera, raised 

by parents who impressed upon him 

the importance of education and who 

has already earned two degrees from 

McMaster University, still has ambitions 

to further his academic career. 

“Education and school was very 

important to my family. My mother 

speaks 12 languages – she’s a linguistics 

major… My father is also very 

schooled,” he said. 

“Law school is something my 

parents really wanted for me. I 

wrote the LSATs twice and got 

into a school in Australia and in 

England, but I got involved in 

business because I’m a creative 

guy.” 

He said he plans to obtain an 

MBA that he hopes will hone his 

business skills. 

For now, Modiera is getting 

hands-on experience in the busi- 


A portion of profit goes to charity 

‘People want to 

put you in neat 

little boxes’ 

Building the 

next generation 

at Temple Sinai 

for ages 26 to 36, 

membership 

from $36. 

ness world as Adam Bledin’s partner 

and brand director for Rebus Productions. 

Although Bledin and Modiera have 

known each other since high school, 

it was a chance meeting in 2010 that 

led to their current partnership. 

“I ran into him and he told me 

about Rebus and told me what he 

was trying to do… He showed me 

some designs and told me about his 

contacts in Turkey… I thought, ‘that’s 

really hard to get.’” 

They decided to combine their expertise 

and contacts and have been 

running the company together since 

2011. 

They started with denim, making 

jeans from high-quality Turkish cotton, 

“But denim is a tough market 

and it’s very competitive,” he said, 

adding that his vision is to brand Rebus 

denim as Toronto’s label. 

“As time wore on, wanting to pay 

homage to our high school days and 

going to camp, we thought, ‘let’s 

come up with some sweatpants,’ 

and we came up with Lazypants. We 


T Page B25 

trademarked it. We own the word.” 

People have really been responding 

to them. Even GQ Magazine 

caught on, calling Lazypants the 

“best of what’s to come in 2012.” 

“It’s been meteoric. People love the 

branding, and love what we’re about. 

We’re about Toronto lifestyle and really 

trying to share the diversity of 

Toronto life with the world.” 

“When I look at Ralph Lauren or 

Calvin Klein, how they were able to 

export a certain kind of Americana to 

the world, it was something that I really 

wanted to do with Rebus – export 

the Canadian, cottage, easy-going, 

east coast lifestyle.” 

True to his charitable origins, Modiera 

said a portion of Rebus’ profits 

goes towards charitable causes such 

as Peace Builders International, an 

organization that works with at-risk 

youth to keep them out of the criminal 

justice system. 

Rebus products are available at 

Toronto clothing stores such as TNT 

and Dew, as well as online at www. 

rebuslife.com. 

Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 

Join our community in time for the 

High Holy Days with our special 

Taste of BethEmeth 

Membership Offer* 

If you love a 

Sweet deal 

— ACT QUICKLY — 

Call Now! Includes 

High Holy Day Tickets 

for our main service, family 

service or any youth service. 

For more information please contact Pearl Grundland at 416 633.3838 x 248 

*Certain conditions apply *New members only 

Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 

100 Elder Street, Toronto ON M3H 5G7 | www.beby.org 

A World of Jewish Experience.




Kol Yisroel Congregation 

is pleased to announce that 

High Holy Day Services 

will be conducted by 

Cantor Stephen Holland and 

Cantor Meir Bester 

at the Borochov Centre 

272 Codsell Avenue 

Our family services are conducted in a friendly, 

warm, comfortable atmosphere. 

For reserved seats and more information 

please call 416-630-9444 

www.kolyisroel.ca 

Led by 

Dr. Jack Lipinsky and 

Marcel Cohen 

Children’s Program Available 

General Admission $100 

Students $60 

STASHOVER-SLIPIA 

CONGREGATION 

Intelligent Judaism 

11 Sultana Ave Toronto 

416-789-1333 

stashleader@yahoo.com www.stashoverslipia.org 

102 continuous years in Toronto 

Registration for 

Fall Programs 

begins September, 2012 

After School Club u Sunday Friends Club North 

Sunday Friends Club South (at Miles Nadal JCC) 

Café Lundi u Teen Scene 

Swim Club 

Special Olympics Bowling 

Special Olympics Basketball 

Bowling Buddies 

Programs commence week of 

October 14 th , 2012 

Ask about our Winter Retreat & March Break 

All programs are for individuals living in the 

community with their families. 

Toby and Henry Battle Developmental Centre 

927 Clark Avenue West, Thornhill, Ontario 

Call Robyn Switzer at 905-889-2690, ext. 2116 

or email: rswitzer@reena.org 

Towards a better future ... 

integrating people with developmental disabilities into the community 

Wilner working his ´dream job´ 


Wilner thinks the general obsession with hockey 

in Canada can sometimes muddle the casual 

fan’s viewpoint on baseball. 

“Hockey’s season is half as long as baseball’s. So 

living and dying with every game and every loss [of 

the Blue Jays] is really counterproductive to your 

health as a baseball fan. Even the best team is going 

to lose 60 games a year. That’s maybe hard for 

a hockey fan to understand.” 

Asked if being Jewish helps inform his perception 

of baseball or his analysis, Wilner said he believes 

it does. 

“It’s so firmly ingrained, it informs everything 

you do. But aside from a little sprinkling of Yiddish 

on the broadcast once in a while or ‘mazal tovs’ to 

[players] on Twitter when they hit big home runs, 

that’s a tough question to answer,” he said. “Everything 

comes out of being Jewish. Not that it makes 

me watch baseball differently, or talk about it differently. 

“One of the pillars of Judaism, aside from the 

routines and observances, is the intellectual side 

– the thinking more deeply about issues, not accepting 

things at face value, and the questioning 

that comes from being Jewish… that probably has 

something to do with [my style].” 

Wilner said while he hasn’t done too much volunteering 

within the Jewish community specifically, 

he would “love to do more, if anybody’s interested.” 

It should be noted that he has spoken to students 

at TannenbaumCHAT for its career day, and 

this past June he helped coach Bialik’s baseball 

team to the Toronto Jewish Day School League coed 

softball championship. 

He said when he speaks to young people inter- 

Specialized Services for the 

Jewish Community 

Kohn Summer Intern Program 

Summer Internship Program for Jewish University 

and College Students 

EMETemployment.ca 

Professional Recruitment Services and Online Job 

Board Connecting Jobseekers to Employers 

Services for Jewish Day Schools 

Psychological Educational Support to Address the 

Learning Needs of Students 

Employment Source Centres 

One-on-One Job Search, Resume Preperation, Access 

to Government Funded Training and Additional 

Employment Services to Newcomers and Youth 

For more information: 

T/ 416.787.1151 E/services@jvstoronto.org 

www.jvstoronto.org 

Jewish Vocational Service 

74 Tycos Drive, Toronto, ON M6B 1V9 

ested in pursuing a career in broadcasting, he advises 

them “not to do it the way I did.” 

Instead, he said, they should go to school and 

then work hard as an intern. 

“And never say ‘no’ to any work [in the field],” 

Wilner said. 

“It’s funny, the first time I was on the radio was 

in 1988. The first time I earned a cent for being 

on the radio was in 1995. Today, people intern for 

three months, and if they’re not hired somewhere, 

they get all huffy,” he said. 

“The first 13 years of my broadcast career I spent 

doing anything and everything anybody asked me 

to do. So my advice is to do whatever you can… 

and once you get in, if you’re good, you’ll get wherever 

you need to go.” 

While he realizes he’s working in a dream job, 

there is a cost: lack of family time. 

Wilner is on call literally 24-7. If Blue Jays’ news 

breaks, he needs to be on top of it and ready for an 

interview or to provide analysis. Plus, the rigours 

of a 162-game schedule offer little chance to spend 

quality time with his wife and two daughters during 

the baseball season. 

“I try to spend as much time with them as I can 

in between games. But when they’re in school and 

the Jays are playing at home, I almost never see 

[the family],” he said. “And in the winter, I try to 

just get away with them.” 

Ironically, it was a family member who inspired 

him to pursue a career in broadcasting. 

Wilner’s grandfather, Percy Wilner, who passed 

away at age 92 in 2007, was a prime influence in 

his life. 

“He always had a radio near him, always listened 

to ball games. So me going on the broadcast 

and knowing he was always there, listening, that 

was phenomenal.” 

Celebrating 65 Years of Helping 

People Achieve Success at Feel Good 

School, Work and Life 

at Beth Sholom 

Life is so busy and there are so 

many demands on our time, but 

from the moment we walk into 

shul, we get a great vibe. 

We didn’t think we 

would be able to find 

somewhere to call 

‘home’ but when 

we come here we 

know we’ve 

found it. 

1445 Eglinton Ave. W., 

Toronto, ON M6C 2E6 

T: 416-783-6103 

www.bethsholom.net 

Find Your Feel Good!


Jewish-Muslim dialogue 

debunks stereotypes 

Sheri Shefa 


A 

new Toronto-based Jewish-Muslim 

dialogue is garnering worldwide invterest 

from those who’d like to replicate 

the program in other cities. 

Dialogue co-chairs David Nitkin, founder 

of EthicScan Canada, an ethics consulting 

company, and Tariq Khan, a journalist 

with the Canadian newspaper Weekly Press 

Pakistan, joined forces earlier this year to 

launch a program to help Jews and Muslims 

learn about each other and debunk 

baseless stereotypes. 

“It’s a chance to break down barriers. We 

stress that we are all children of the same 

God, we stress that we have a lot of things 

in common,” Nitkin said. 

“It’s non-political, it’s non-religious, but 

it includes people who are religious and 

secular on both sides and it is an attempt 

to dispel ignorance of the other and to 

learn how much we have in common.” 

David Nitkin 

Most participants are not religious, said 

Nitkin. “To be honest, some of them are 

anti-religion and some of them don’t ever 

enter a mosque. We don’t invite imams and 

rabbis… The idea is to just talk… about our 

values… what makes for a good person.” 

The invitation-only group has grown 

from six people at the March meeting 

in Khan’s home to 22 people at a second 

session in Nitkin’s home and finally, in 

June, to 40 people hosted in a Toronto 

library. The next session is scheduled for 

late September. 

Through his work with the Weekly Press 

Pakistan, Khan, a 30-year journalism veteran 

who moved to Canada 10 years ago, 

writes articles in Urdu about the dialogue 

and sends them to 14,000 Indian and Pakistani 

journalists who are members of the 

news outlet’s online forum. 

As a result, news about the dialogue has 

gone global, reaching Turkey, France, Israel, 

the West Bank, the United Arab Emirates, 

India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia, 

and the United States. 

Nitkin said, “I’ve had calls from Vancouver, 

I’ve had calls from Detroit, Calgary, 

Miami asking, ‘What is this bizarre thing 

you’re doing, and can we replicate it?’” 

“This is not rocket science. It’s just opening 

your heart and your home to somebody 

that you might otherwise not meet and not 

have an opportunity to interact with.” 

The first time Nitkin and his wife met 

Khan, they quickly realized they “knew 

nothing about Muslims, we knew nothing 

about the difference between Arbi and Ajmi 

Muslims and [Khan’s] kids knew nothing 

about Israel and more shocking… they knew 

nothing about the Shoah. And they were absolutely 

fascinated about the Shoah.” 

It was this encounter and realization 

of how little they knew of their respective 

cultures and backgrounds that motivated 

them to organize the dialogue. 

Participants at the third meeting, in 

June, were split into four smaller working 

groups to get to know one another and dispel 

myths about each group. 

Nitkin and the other Jewish participants 

learned about the difference between Arbi 

and Ajmi Muslims. 

“Arbi, or Arab, Muslims – there are 

upwards of 375 million of them – live in 

places like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran.” 

This group is further split into two groups, 

Sunni and Shi’ite. 

“They’re politicized, have certain views 

about Israel and they know about Palestine 

and believe themselves to be the [entire] 

Muslim world.” 

But there are also about 650 million 

Ajmi Muslims, living in countries like India, 

Pakistan and Afghanistan, who are “looked 

down upon by the Arbi Muslims because 

they are not Arab-speaking, and they don’t 

have attitudes toward Israel. If anything, 

the ones I’ve met are quite sympathetic to 

Israel… This was a revolution to me.” 

Muslim participants learned more 

about the Holocaust, while Jewish group 

members were made aware of the violent 

1947 partition of India into the Hindu nation 

of India and the Muslim nation of Pakistan, 

which displaced up to 12.5 million 

people and resulted in the deaths of up to 

two million others. The meetings have also 

addressed stereotypes harboured by each 

group, which Nitkin said are born not out 

of hatred, but ignorance. 

“One of the things I remember from the 

first meeting in Tariq’s home was that in 

the 25 years he lived in Pakistan, he’d never 

seen an article produced about Israel from 

the Israeli government,” he said. 

“There was an enormous gap and lack 

of knowledge in Pakistan about Israel.” 

Nitkin feels encouraged by the scores 

of people who are eager to “replace stereotypes 

with a little bit of knowledge. 

“We Jews know something about being 

alone in the world and not having friends, 

and there are literally hundreds of millions 

of people who we think of as being hostile 

to us or to Israel who literally know nothing 

about it.” 

For more information about the dialogue 

contact Khan at 905-565-8179 or 

Nitkin at 416-783-7569. 


THE JEWISH 

RESPONSE TO 

MISSIONARIES 

416-789-0020 

www.jewsforjudaism.ca 


T Page B27 

4600 BATHURST ST- SUITE 325 416.630.6481 

TORONTO, ON M2R 3V3 WWW.JIASTORONTO.ORG 

Association of 

Jewish seniors 

Keeping Jewish seniors informed and enriched through 

EDUCATION • ADVOCACY • networking 

Learning never ends … 

For more information call 416-635-2900 ext. 458 

or email ajs@circleofcare.com 

School funded with support from 

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto 

Affiliated with 

416-385-3910 

oraynu.org 

Do you connect with Jewish culture, 

but not with religious Judaism? 

Perhaps a Humanistic Jewish congregation is right for you. 

HIGH HOLIDAYS & MUCH MORE ... 

This year, come be inspired by readings, poetry and music … rather than prayer 

Sept. 17, 25, 26 • Non-member tickets available 

Jewish Festivals • Adult and Family Education • Shabbat Programs 

Social/Cultural Events • Life Cycle Ceremonies • Cemetery (burial/cremation) 

ORAYNU CHILDREN’S SCHOOL 

Acclaimed curriculum focuses on Jewish values, culture and history 

JK-Grade 7 • B’nai Mitzvah • NEW! Oraynu-Tots (18 mo.-4 yr.) 

Bayview/401 • Sunday am • Est. 1969 

Find out more: Sunday, Sept. 9 at 10:15 am 

INTRODUCTION TO HUMANISTIC JUDAISM 

Oraynu Children’s School (at St. Andrew’s JHS), 131 Fenn Ave. 

RSVP appreciated | Everyone welcome

you know someone is killed, you know how to react, but what do The synagogue’s Rabbi Reuben Poupko said that after 

you did when someone is kidnapped? 

the tragedy, Goldwasser carried on “with elegance, poise and 

Following the advice of Israeli officials, Goldwasser went courage. 

to Page be B28 with T family in Nahariya, which was being rained on from 

Lebanon by Hezbollah’s Katyusha rockets. She then had to 

“We prayed every night for [the soldiers’] safe return, but it 

was not to be.” THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS 

cjnews.com › August 23, 2012 


Cancer? 

We’ve “been there”. 

We are Jewish women cancer survivors who can 

“be there” for you during your cancer journey. 

We provide confidential peer support to 

Jewish women undergoing cancer treatment. 

Hotline: 416-630-0203 

A project of 

National Council of Jewish Women of Canada, Toronto Section 

B’nai Shalom 

north Congregation 

HigH Holy Day ServiceS 

2012/5773 

Garnet A. Williams Community Centre 

501 Clark Ave. West, Thornhill 

RAbbi & ChAzzAn 

RAbbi TobiAs GAbRiel 

Traditional Conservative Services 

Family Seating in air conditioned 

auditorium 

Childcare (2–5 years) 

Join us for Rosh Hashanah Kiddush 

and join our family to break the fast. 

Limited Seating 

Get your Tickets early: 

905-707-1886 

Registration OPen 

A nurturing learning environment that 

supports the growth of the whole child: 

socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively and creatively 

with a focus on Jewish values, traditions and holidays. 

Nursery - 5 mornings 

NEW: Full Day Nursery for 2013 

- 3 years of age by December 31st, 2012 

Pre-Nursery - 5 mornings OR 

-2 mornings (Tuesday and Thursday) OR 

-3 mornings (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) 

-2 years of age by December 31st, 2012 

Enjoyable, creative, interactive and nurturing 

music, sports and creative YEAR-ROUND 

programs for tots accompanied by an adult. 

For more information please contact the Synagogue office 

at 416.635.5340 or wendy@adathisrael.com. 

Wendy Steinberg-Himmel, Pre-School Program Director 

or visit our website at www.adathisrael.com 

37 Southbourne Avenue, Toronto, ON M3H 1A4 416.635.5340 

Deputy consul general keeps 

low profile, but does key work 

CANADIAN FRIENDS OF 

TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY 

Expresses deepest sympathy to the Ramon 

Family on the very tragic loss of their beloved 

Assaf Ramon k”z 

son of Rona Ramon and the late Ilan Ramon. 

May the entire family be comforted among 

the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem 

Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf 


Israeli consul generals usually get 

the bulk of media coverage and 

requests for interviews, while 

their deputies often go unheralded. 

In Toronto, that person is Hadas 

Wittenberg Silberstein. 

Since her arrival in late 2010, the 

unassuming deputy consul general 

for Toronto and Western Canada 

has quietly gone about organizing 

numerous events and galas on 

behalf of Israel, mostly to do with 

bringing cultural exhibits and artists 

to Canada. 

But Wittenberg Silberstein’s role 

is also to be the glue that holds the 

diplomatic functions of the consulate 

together. 

Assisting the consul general – 

first under recently departed Amir 

Gissin, and now for D. J. Schneeweiss 

– she provides crucial support 

for her busy bosses. 

It’s a role she relishes, she said. 

Speaking to The CJN in a recent 

interview at a Bathurst Manor café, 

Wittenberg Silberstein, 37, spoke 

about her role and why she joined 

Israel’s foreign ministry more than 

10 years ago. 

“The deputy consul general is No. 2 

in the hierarchy of the consulate. And I 

do whatever the consul general asks of 

me,” she said. “But it’s interesting, because 

I’ve been the No. 2 in my [other 

postings], and you end up defi ning 

what that job is at the various consulates” 

depending on what’s needed in 

any given city or community, she said. 

30 Week Core Classes 

WEDNESDAY AM 

Purposes of Jewish Living, 

Shayna Kravetz 

Rhythms of Jewish Living, 

Yehudit Shier 

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 

Ethics of Jewish Living, 

Bracha Feder 

Dramas of Jewish Living, 

Rabbi M. Torczyner 

www.melton-toronto.org 

416-789-7400 

Hadas Wittenberg Silberstein 

In the case of the consulate in 

Toronto, she said, she didn’t replace 

anyone. The position was created 

by Gissin, who had embarked on 

an ambitious plan to use Toronto 

as the epicentre of Israel’s rebranding 

strategy, and her job was to take 

pressure off the consul general. 

“The foreign ministry realized 

that [the consul general’s duties] 

in Toronto were too big for just one 

diplomat,” she said. 

Wittenberg Silberstein likened 

her position to that of “interior 

minister” for the consulate, with 

the consul general’s role being that 

of a “foreign minister.” 

“For every project the [consul 

general] initiates with local partners 

in Toronto and Canada, I have 

to [contact Israel’s] foreign ministry 

to get the budget and find Israeli 

partners for it.” 

As someone who loves the arts, 

Wittenberg Silberstein has also 

cultivated ongoing Israeli cultural 

programming in Canada. 

She has built relations with art 

galleries, festivals and artists across 

Canada to further Israel’s ability to 

export its culture to North America. 

“This is one area where I’ve taken 

a central role,” she said, noting 

that over the last two years she’s 

helped create more links between 

Israeli cinema and the Toronto International 

Film Festival, as well as 

with Toronto’s Luminato festival. 

“Canadian and Israeli cultures 

bring different elements to the [artistic] 

table, and I think they’re a 

good mix.” 

As a result of her efforts, Israeli 

directors are increasingly choosing 

Canada as a film-shooting destination, 

and Canadian directors are 

doing the same when it comes to 

Israel, she said. 

Prior to becoming deputy consul 

general in Toronto, Wittenberg 

Silberstein held the same role at 

Israeli consulates in Belgrade, Serbia, 

(from 2004 to 2007) and in San 

Jose, Costa Rica (2008 to 2010). 

She holds a master’s degree in 

social work from Hebrew University 

and was a medic in the Israel 

Defence Forces. 

A Workout for the Brain… 

Refreshment for the Spirit…. We have both! 

Continuing 

Education Classes 

The Hagaddah: 

An Exploration of its Key Themes 

Bracha Feder 

8 WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 

Midrash of the Siddur: 

Exploring our Understanding of Prayer 

Rabbi Roy Tanenbaum 

8 WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 

Supernatural vs. 

Superstition in Judaism 

Rabbi M. Torczyner 

8 WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 

Western Art Music from 

a Jewish Perspective 

Jerry Fink 

10 THURSDAY EVENINGS




Community Directory of Advertisers 

Adult Education 

The Florence MelTon AdulT 

Mini-school 

contact: loretta Tanenbaum 

Tel: 416-489-7400 

Website: www.melton-toronto.org 

or www.fmas.org.il 

Let the Melton Adult Mini School bring you 

into the world of Jewish texts and thinkers, 

ancient and modern. Ask your questions, enjoy 

challenging discussion with students from a 

variety of backgrounds. Meets two hours once 

a week for 30 weeks on Wed morning or 

Wed evenings; 8 or 10 week continuing ed 

classes available. See www.melton-toronto.org 

or www.fmams.org.il ; call 416-789-7400 for 

more information. 

jeWs For judAisM 

2795 Bathurst st, Po Box 41032 

Toronto, on M6B 4j6 

T: 416-789-0020 F: 416-789-0030 

toronto@jewsforjudaism.ca 

www.jewsforjudaism.ca 

jews for judaism is an international 

organization dedicated to countering the 

multi-million dollar efforts of Christian missionary 

and cult groups that target Jews. We also 

connect Jewish people to the spiritual depth 

and wisdom of Judaism. We accomplish these 

goals through a variety of free educational 

programs, materials and counselling services. 

journAl For The sTudy oF 

AnTiseMiTisM 

11041 Brairwood 

Albuquerque, nM 87111 usA 

Tel: 505-918-2750 

email: skbaum@comcast.net 

Website: jsantisemitism.org 

For news breaking developments in 

antisemitism Written by the top Scholars from 

the UK, USA, Canada, Latin America, Israel... 

Latin American Antisemitism Vol 3#1 

Campus Antisemitism Vol 3 #2 

Law and Antisemitism Vol 4 #1 

Eastern European Antisemitism Vol 4#2 

Community 

Organizations 

hillel high holidAy services @ 

york universiTy 

scott religious centre, 

4700 keele street, Toronto 

Tobi liederman 

905-764-0212 

Moshe and Dan Ronen have been leading this 

interactive and informative service for over 30 

years. They provide a unique, community oriented 

service in a welcoming family atmosphere with 

noted guest speakers. The service encourages its 

congregants’ participation, children and adults 

alike. Babysitting is also available. Post secondary 

students with valid ID are complimentary. 

jeWish FAMily & child (jF&cs) 

4600 Bathurst st., 1st Floor 

Toronto, ont. M2r 3v3 

Tel: 416-638-7800 

e-mail: info@jfandcs.com 

Website: www.jfandcs.com 

Supports healthy development of individuals 

and families within the context of Jewish values. 

Child welfare & protection | foster care & adoption 

financial assistance | individual & group 

counseling women abuse programs | adolescent 

mental health centre Jewish healing | 

hospice & chaplaincy programs |bereavement 

Volunteer opportunities | Just A-Second Shop. 

reenA 

927 clark Ave. W., Thornhill 

Tel: 905-889-6484 

email: info@reena.org 

Website: www.reena.org 

Reena, a non-profit social service agency, 

supports individuals with a developmental 

disability, and their families through 

residential and social work programs. 

Community day, evening, respite and Sunday 

programs focus on recreation, education, 

life skill/vocational training, support and 

leisure. Charitable donations call: Reena 

Foundation 905-764-1081, ext. 3, or toll free 

877-324-4141 ext. 3033. 

Education 

AdATh isrAel nursery school 

37 southbourne Ave., 

Toronto, ont. M3h 1A4 

educational director: 

Wendy steinberg-himmel 

Tel: 416-635-5340 Fax: 416-635-1629 

Website: www.adathisrael.com 

A nurturing learning environment that encourages 

the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, 

creative and spiritual devlopment of each child. 

Jewish values, traditions and holidays are are 

highlighted. Nursery – 3 yr. olds – 5 mornings 

or full day, Pre-nursery – 2 yr. olds – 2, 3 or 5 

mornings. 

AhAvAT yisrAel heBreW school 

54 glen Park Ave. 

Toronto, ont. M6B 2c2 

Tel: 416-781-8088 

Website: 

www.ahavatyisraelhebrewschool.com 

Thornhill Woods 

Bathurst & lawrence, Forest hill 

Ahavat Yisrael Hebrew School in its 19th year, 

offers classes on Sunday mornings, or Tuesday evenings. 

Our curriculum includes Hebrew reading, 

writing, language, a love for Israel and the holidays. 

All curriculum is taught from a Traditional perspective. 

Remedial and enrichment reading programs. 

AssociATed heBreW schools oF 

ToronTo 

Tel:905-889-3998 x 337 

www.agreatschool.com 

Associated provides an outstanding academic 

program from pre Nursery to Grade 8 in an 

environment rich with Jewish values. Graduates 

attain a superb foundation in English, math, 

science and the social sciences, in addition to 

Hebrew, Jewish texts and Israel, With 4 campuses 

across the GTA we offer before and after 

care, busing and financial assistance. 

BeTh sholoM heBreW school 

1445 eglinton Ave. W., Toronto 

Principal : karen l. goodis, rje 

Tel: 416-783-6103, ext. 225 

e-mail: karen@bethsholom.net 

Beth Sholom Hebrew School offers small classes, 

an individualized Hebrew program, Judaica, 

music and outstanding Family Education. 

Jewish values and Mitzvot are emphasized in 

every grade. Children with special education 

needs are welcomed. Dedicated professional 

staff welcomes every child. 

BiAlik heBreW dAy school 

2760 Bathurst st., 

Toronto, ont. M6B 3A1 

Admissions: danielle Waltman 

Tel: 416-783-3346 

Website: bialik.ca 

Bialik focuses on developing life-long learners 

through our enriched, stimulating academic 

programs and multi-language curriculum 

Bialik develops a love of Israel and Jewish 

culture. We welcome children from a broad 

spectrum of Jewish affiliation and observance. 

We offer before and after school care as well 

as financial assistance from JK to grade 8. 

doWnToWn jeWish coMMuniTy 

school (Miles nadal jcc) 

750 spadina Ave. at Bloor 

Principal: joan schoenfeld 

Tel: 416-924-6212 

e-mail: joan@djcs.org 

Website: www.djcs.org 

Supplementary pluralistic Jewish school. 

Sunday only or Sunday and Wednesday 

classes. JK - High School. Tuition fees FULLY 

tax deductible. Azrieli bursaries available. 

The joe dWek ohr hAeMeT 

sePhArdic school jdohss 

Menahel: rabbi Zvi kamenetzky x268 

Principal: Mrs. sarah Wasserman x229 

7026 Bathurst st. Thornhill on 

Tel: 905 669-7654 

Website: www.orhaemet.com 

JDOHSS provides orthodox Torah education in 

accordance with Sephardic practice, focusing 

on Midot. JDOHSS’ strong commitment 

to academic excellence is evident in its 

enriched Judaic and General Studies program 

standards, set by Torah U’Mesorah and 

Ontario Ministry of Education and Training. 

The leo BAeck dAy school 

north campus 

36 Atkinson Ave., Thornhill 

Tel: 905-709-3636 

south campus 

501 Arlington Ave., Toronto 

Tel: 416-787-9899 

Website: www.leobaeck.ca 

Reform Jewish day school and IB World 

School. Academic day uniquely divided into 

equal thirds: English Language Arts; Math, 

Science and Social Studies; and Hebrew 

Language Arts. French, Music, Art, Drama, 

Computers, Library and Physical Education 

enhance our enriched curriculum. 

MonTessori jeWish dAy school 

55 yeomans road, Toronto, M3h 3j7 

contact: regina lulka, director 

Tel: 416-784-5071 

Fax: 416-784-2049 

email: adminMjds@mjds.ca 

Website: www.mjds.ca 

For over 10 years Montessori Jewish 

Day School has been opening the minds 

and hearts of children age 2.5 to 14 years. 

We are delighted to announce the opening 

of our new TODDLER program (18 

months+) starting in September, 2012. Visit 

us at: www.mjds.ca. To arrange a tour 

please call 416-784-5071 ext. 1 or email 

adminMJDS@mjds.ca 

neshAMAh congregATion oF 

york region 

Tel: 647-930-1709 

rabbi: erin Polonsky 

email: info@neshamah.ca 

Website: www.neshamah.ca 

Neshamah’s youngest members from JK and 

up can join Rabbi Polansky and professional 

educators at ACE Daycare in Thornhill Woods 

for Religious and Hebrew School. Interactive programs 

promote Jewish identity and social responsibility 

while providing children with fun, engaging 

opportunities to learn about their Jewish culture. 

PAul PennA doWnToWn jeWish 

dAy school 

750 spadina Ave., Toronto, on. M5s 2j2 

Principal: laila lipetz 

Tel: 416-928-3537 

e-mail: info@djds.ca 

Website: www.djds.ca 

Driven by the values: inspiring curiosity, 

honouring diversity, and creating community, 

our SK to Gr.8 integrated curriculum blends 

the Jewish and general facets of education 

through an arts enhanced approach and commitment 

to social justice. Registering now for 

SK to Gr.8. Subsidies available. 

The renAniM youTh singers 

Prosserman jewish community centre 

4588 Bathurst st., Toronto 

Tel: 416-449-2296 

e-mail: susan.michaels@rogers.com 

Website: www.renanimyouthsingers.org 

As “The Musical Voice of Jewish Youth,” The 

Renanim Youth Singers sets the standard for 

musical excellence and the joy of singing 

in the GTA. High school students earn 

community service hours. Auditions open to 

students currently in grades 7 to 12. Artistic 

director: susan Michaels. 

roBBins heBreW AcAdeMy 

(continuing a Proud usds Tradition) 

Bathurst campus, 1700 Bathurst st. 

Bayview campus, 3080 Bayview Ave. 

Tel: 416-224-8737 ext. 137 

email: mviner@rhacademy.ca 

Website: www.rhacademy.ca 

RHA is in a league of its own in terms 

of teaching children critical thinking skills. 

Our students learn to ask questions and to 

think critically, both at school, and in their 

everyday lives. At RHA, your child will learn 

to view the world through a global lens. 

TanenbaumchAT 

recruitment Manager, rosemary Tile 

Tel: 416-636-5984 ext. 377 

email: rtile@tanenbaumchat.org 

Web site: tanenbaumchat.org 

Toronto’s Jewish Community High School 

(1500 students, co-ed, Gr 9-12). Every student 

attending TanenbaumCHAT receives the 

highest quality education. From science and 

math to Judaic Studies; and from literature 

and humanities to athletics and performing 

arts. TanebaumCHAT prides itself on quality 

learning, instilling a strong Jewish identity and 

creating positive lifetime experiences. 

THIS IS the high school experience your child 

has been waiting for. 

The ToronTo heschel school 

819 sheppard Ave. W. 

Toronto, ont. M3h 2T3 

Principal: Ms. gail Baker 

Tel: 416-635-1876 Fax: 416-635-1800 

e-mail: info@torontoheschel.org 

ideology: community school 

With a low pupil/teacher ratio, an integrated 

curriculum based on well-founded research and 

a staff of active learners, we will help your child 

love to learn, for life. A Heschel education is 

rooted in academic excellence, artistic expression, 

environmentalism and repairing the world. 

Funeral Chapels 

BenjAMin’s PArk MeMoriAl chAPel 

2401 steeles Ave. W., 

Toronto, ont. M3j 2P1 

contact: Michael chas Benjamin 

Tel: 416-663-9060 Fax: 416-663-9417 

e-mail: info@benjamins.ca 

Website: www.benjamins.ca 

Since 1922, Benjamin’s has been part of the 

fabric that binds together the Toronto Jewish 

community, even in times of sorrow. Four generations 

of the Benjamin family have provided 

support to bereaved families. We devote ourselves 

to upholding Jewish law and traditions, 

a responsibility we regard as a sacred trust. 

heBreW BAsic BuriAl 


Toronto, ont. M6A 2c3 

contact: lawrence scheinman 

Tel: 416-780-0596 Fax: 416-780-0638 

When economy is a major consideration, you 

should know that we offer the lowest interment 

costs available from any Jewish establishment. 

Guaranteed. Families who have used Hebrew 

Basic Burial’s services have all found that 

dignity and observance of Jewish law were 

exactly as they should be. Hebrew Basic 

Burial - a non-profit organization. 

sTeeles MeMoriAl chAPel 


Thornhill, ont. l4j 1A1 

Managing Funeral director: 

carol P. saucier 

Tel: 905-881-6003 Fax: 905-881-8539 

The Toronto Jewish community has, for over 

70 years, entrusted us with its most sacred 

and important task. We accept your trust with 

a measure of humility and a great sense of 

responsibility. As a community run organization 

we have established a tradition of tzedaka 

towards organizations in the city and in Israel. 

Health 

l’chAiM cAncer suPPorT grouP 

For jeWish WoMen 

a project of national council of jewish 

Women of canada-Toronto section, 

4700 Bathurst st. Toronto, 

ontario M2r 1W8 

416-630-0203 

L’Chaim volunteers are Jewish women cancer 

survivors who provide confidential peer 

support and lovely gift bags to Jewish 

women undergoing cancer treatment. L’Chaim 

also presents cancer-related educational 

programmes. 

Email: lchaim@ncjwc-ts.org 

confidential hotline: (416) 630-0203 

Israel Based 

Organizations 

cAnAdiAn Friends oF 

BAr-ilAn universiTy 

1750 steeles Ave. West, suite 214, 

contact: dov Altman, exec. v.P. & ceo 

concord on, l4k 2l7 

Tel: 905-660-3563 Fax: 905-660-1612 

e-mail: dovaltman@cfbiu.org 

www.cfbiu.org 

Bar-Ilan University is the fastest growing institution 

of higher education in Israel. BIU is a worldwide 

leader in nanotechnology, brain science, archeology, 

engineering, law and business, and Jewish 

studies. We are very proud of our New School 

of Communications, and Medical School in the 

Galilee, already in the process of spearheading 

new initiatives. Securing Israel one mind at a time. 

T Page B29 

cAnAdiAn Friends oF The heBreW 

universiTy oF jerusAleM (cFhu) 

3080 yonge st. suite 3020 Toronto, 

on M4n 3n1 

chairman: nathan lindenberg 

President & ceo: rami kleinmann 

Tel: 416-485-8000 

email inquiry@cfhu.org 

Website: www.cfhu.org 

CFHU facilitates academic and research 

partnerships between Canada and Israel; 

establishes scholarships, supports research, 

cultivates student/faculty exchanges, recruits 

Canadian students to attend the university. 

Hebrew University is consistently ranked #1 

university in Israel and among the top 100 

worldwide with 8 Nobel Prizes awarded. 

cAnAdiAn Friends oF lAniAdo hosPiTAl 

534 lawrence Ave. West, suite 217 

Toronto, ont. M6A 1A2 

executive director: Tony lipsey 

Tel: 416-785-8946 Fax: 416-785-9236 

e-mail: friends@laniado.ca 

www.laniado.ca 

Laniado Hospital serves over 300,000 people in 

Netanya and is the only Israeli hospital with a nostrike 

policy. Laniado’s highest standard of medicine 

is practiced with compassion Help provide 

state-of-the-art equipment by supporting CFLH. 

cAnAdiAn Friends oF The isrAel 

guide dog cenTer For The Blind 

607-7601 Bathurst street 

Thornhill, on l4j 4h5 

contract: sara gabriel 

Tel: 416-577-3600 

Fax: 905-597-8778 

Website: www.ca.israelguidedog.org 

email: sara.israelguidedog@rogers.com 

We are Canadian Friends of the Israel 

Guide Dog Center for the Blind. We enable 

blind Israelis to achieve independence, mobility 

and self-esteem through partnerships with 

guide dogs. All this is done at no cost 

whatsoever to the recipient. Any blind adult 

Israel citizen, regardless of creed or race is 

a candidate for a guide dog. In the last 21 

years, we have been able to provide over 

422 “Partnerships”. 

cAnAdiAn hAdAssAh-WiZo 

ToronTo cenTre 

209-638A sheppard Ave. W. 

President: sheryl simon 

chW Toronto centre executive 

coordinator: ellen ostofsky 

Tel: 416-630-8373 Fax: 416-630-2370 

e-mail: info@toronto.chw.ca 

Website: www.chw.ca/toronto 

Founded in 1917, Canadian Hadassah- 

WIZO (CHW) is a non-political women’s philanthropic 

organization. CHW is dedicated to 

enhancing the lives of Israel’s most vulnerable 

children, youth and women. 

cAnAdiAn Technion socieTy 

970 lawrence Ave. W., ste. 206, 

Toronto, ont. M6A 3B6 

ntl. exec. director: cheryl koperwas 

ntl. dir. of development: hershel recht 

Tel: 416-789-4545 Fax: 416-789-0255 

e-mail:cheryl@cdntech.org 

Website: www.cdntech.org 

National fundraising and education arm for 

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Israel’s 

oldest university. Supports faculty recruitment, 

promotes academic exchange between Technion 

and Canadian universities, provides information 

for undergraduate, graduate studies, raises funds 

for scholarships and research projects. 

eMunAh WoMen 

333 Wilson Ave. ste 300 

Toronto, ont. M3h 1T2 

Tel: 416-636-0036 Fax: 416-636-0039 

e-mail: emunah@emunahtoronto.com 

Website: www.emunahcanada.org 

Emunah is the largest religious Zionist Women’s 

organization in the world. In Israel it supports 

daycare centres and nurseries across the country, 

educates girls in 6 high schools, supports 

5 children’s homes and youth villages, and 

provides counselling for all ages and backgrounds. 

isrAel cAncer reseArch Fund 

1881 yonge street. ste 616 

executive director: joy Wagner Arbus 

Tel: 416-487-5246 

Fax: 416-487-8932 

direct: 416-480-9138 

Toll Free: 866-207-4949 

email: joy.wagner@icrf.ca 

View our events or order a card online at: 

www.icrf.ca





Israel Based 

Organizations Cont’d 

jeWish nATionAl Fund oF ToronTo 

700-1000 Finch Ave. West 

Toronto, on M3j 2v5 

President: nathan disenhouse 

executive director: lance davis 

Tel: 416-638-7200 Fax: 416-638-7345 

e-mail: tor@jnf.ca 

Website: www.jnftoronto.ca 

Throughout its 110 year history, JNF has been 

instrumental in developing communities in Israel 

and today plays a central role in creating and 

supporting communities in the northern and 

southern regions. JNF is 100% Israel whose 

action areas include: ecology and forestation, 

water, security, community development, tourism 

and recreation, research and development 

and education. Donors to JNF receive receipts 

for income tax purposes. 

nA’AMAT cAnAdA 

272 codsell Ave., 

Toronto, ont. M3h 3X2 

lori nusbaum, senior Fundraising & 

development officer 

Tel: 416-636-5425 Fax: 416-636-5248 

e-mail: info@naamattoronto.ca 

Web: www.naamat.com/toronto 

A registered Canadian charity dedicated 

to improving the quality of life for women, 

children and families in Israel and around 

the globe. There are 32,000 reasons you 

can make a difference today! Your donation 

goes straight to source – a child in daycare, a 

family fleeing from domestic violence, a much 

needed playground repair. You decide where 

your generosity is used… 

one FAMily Fund cAnAdA 

36 eglinton Avenue West, suite 601 

Toronto, on M4r 1A1 

Pam Albert, executive director 

Tel: 416-489-9687 

Fax: 416-489-9864 

email: info@onefamilyfund.ca 

Website: www.onefamilyfund.ca 

One Family Fund is the umbrella organization 

that helps all victims of terror in Israel return 

to their pre-attack functioning level, providing 

financial, legal and material assistance, therapeutic 

workshops, camps and shabbatonim. 

Jewish 

Book Stores 

The BATner BooksTore 


Thornhill, ont. l4j 2l1 

owner: yoram Batner 

Tel. & Fax: 905-731-4440 

e-mail: info@batnerbookstore.com 

Website: www.batnerbookstore.com 

The Batner Bookstore has been providing 

great service for more than 28 years since 

1983. We can fill all your textbook (K-Gr. 

12), educational, children’s books, literature 

and Judaica needs. Order online or come visit 

Andrew and Yoram and see why we are the 

best small bookstore in the city. 

Monument 

Companies 

AleF’s FAirlAWn MonuMenTs 



director: eugene shayevich 

Tel: 416-784-5268 Fax: 416-782-0668 

Alef’s Fairlawn Monuments has joined two 

trusted names in the monument business, to 

offer the Jewish Community the finest customer 

service. Our new showroom, factory prices 

and top quality granite, make us the number 

one choice for your monument or inscription 

needs. Our expert staff speak Hebrew, 

Russian and Yiddish. 

BenjAMin’s lAndMArk MonuMenTs 



contact: Michael levitt 

Tel: 416-780-0635 Fax: 416-780-0638 

e-mail: monuments@benjamins.ca 

Website: www.jewishmonuments.ca 

We are Toronto’s foremost Jewish monu- 

ment dealer, continuing the proud tradition 

of service associated with the Benjamin 

family name. Schedule an appointment with 

one of our experienced monument counsellors 

and allow us to work with you to create 

a memorial that will honour the memory of 

your loved one. 

iZenBerg goldBerg MonuMenTs 



Tel: 416-789-0319 Fax: 416-787-0310 

For over 90 years Izenberg Goldberg 

Monuments has provided the Jewish community 

of Toronto with excellent quality memorials 

at the most reasonable possible price. Our 

granite is carefully selected from quarries the 

world over, and all lettering and design work 

is now done in our own North York factory 

under our direct supervision. 

sTonecrAFT MonuMenTs 

80 Martin ross Ave., 

downsview, ont. M3j 2l4 

contact: david Friedman, shai lobart 

Tel: 416-667-1474 Fax: 416-667-1470 

Serving the Jewish community for many years, 

Stonecraft Monuments provides factory direct 

prices and sensitive, considerate service to their 

customers. Monuments using the finest granite 

can be made available within one week. 

yAd vAsheM AT lAndMArk 



contact: Akiva Balter 

Tel: 416-782-8995 Fax: 416-780-0638 

Website: www.jewishmonuments.ca 

A monument should reflect the characteristics 

and values of the deceased. It is a tribute from 

a family who appreciated and recognized 

the uniqueness of the individual. Yad Vashem 

Monuments personalizes memorials by combining 

traditional inscriptions and innovative 

designs. 

Personal 

History 

liFeTiMe MeMoirs 

Audio & video MeMoirs 

Tel: 416-384-1800 

email: stephen@lifetimeMemoirs.ca 

Website: www.lifetimeMemoirs.ca 

We work with our clients to identify and organize 

their life stories. Then we professionally 

record them telling those stories. We add photos, 

heirlooms and music to bring the stories to 

life - and their memories are saved for all time. 

We like to say that we “save people’s lives.” 

Let us “save the life” of your loved one. Check 

out our website for sample clips. 

Religious 

Life 

AdATh isrAel congregATion 

37 southbourne Ave., 

Toronto, ont. M3h 1A4 

executive director: Bernie rabinovitch 

Tel: 416-635-5340 Fax: 416-635-1629 

e-mail: bernie@adathisrael.com 

Website: www.adathisrael.com 

Family oriented Synagogue. Centrally located. 

Daily minyanim, Shabbat and Festival services. 

Hebrew School, with High School program. 

Religious, social and educational programs for 

babies, toddlers, youth, families and seniors. 

Social hall. COR catering by Caterers York. 

SPECIAL OFFER for New Members. 

BeAch heBreW insTiTue 

109 kenilworth Ave. 

Toronto on M4l 3s4 

Tel: 416-694-7942 

President sharon hershenhorn 

e-mail: info@beachhebrewinstitute.ca 

Website: www.beachhebrewinstitute.ca 

The Beach Synagogue is a small conservative 

egalitarian shul located in an historically 

designated building (Queen East/Woodbine). 

Year-round Shabbat morning and holiday services 

are led by our Cantor, Moshe Saadon. 

Non-members’ children are welcome at our 

Hebrew School. 

BeiT rAyiM synAgogue And school 

209-1118 centre street, Thornhill 

Tel: 905-889-0276 

Fax: 905-889-4113 

shalom@beitrayim.org 

www.beitrayim.org 

Bait Rayim is a family-oriented, fully egalitarian 

conservative synagogue, located in the 

heart of York Region’s Jewish community. 

Contract us for introductory membership specials, 

High Holy Day tickets or our community 

Hebrew School. 

BeTh dAvid B’nAi isrAel BeTh AM 

55 yeomans road, 

Tel: 416-633-5500 

Fax: 416-633-1740 

e-mail: info@bethdavid.com 

Website: www.bethdavid.com 

Beth David is a vibrant, family oriented 

Conservative community encouraging full participation 

from all of its members. Come experience 

and enjoy our award-winning youth and 

family programming, and engaging educational 

and social activities. Introductory Family 

membership is $500, single, $250. 

BeTh eMeTh BAis 

yehudA synAgogue 

100 elder street, Toronto M3h 5g7 

executive director: Pearl grundland 

Tel: 416 633.3838 

email: info@beby.org 

Website: www.beby.org 

Welcoming, accessible, family-oriented traditional 

conservative synagogue. High Holy 

Day services, daily minyanim all year long. 

Programming for all ages. Adult education, 

Sunday morning supplementary school/ theatre 

excursions /Mah Jongg, knitting, active 

young families group and youth programming. 

Community outreach including Out of 

the Cold and The Kadima Centre for special 

needs. Friendly, caring clergy and a warm 

and supportive community. Join us! 

BeTh sholoM synAgogue 

1445 eglinton Ave. W., 

Toronto, ont. M6c 2e6 

Tel: 416-783-6103 

Website: www.bethsholom.net 

Beth Sholom connects you to a vibrant community 

that upholds traditional values and 

customs in a way that is relevant. Our warm 

and inviting atmosphere allows our members 

to feel like they truly belong. Come to Beth 

Sholom and find what makes you feel good. 

BeTh TikvAh synAgogue 

3080 Bayview Ave., 

Toronto, ont. M2n 5l3 

director of Administration: 

doris Alter x307 

Tel: 416-221-3433 Fax: 416-221-1602 

e-mail: info@bethtikvahtoronto.org 

Website: www.bethtikvahtoronto.org 

Beth Tikvah is a Conservative synagogue founded 

in North York in 1964. We are committed 

to the land and people of Israel, to the study of 

Jewish learning, and to the music and spiritual 

richness of prayer. We are known for our outstanding 

rabbis and cantor, for our top-notch 

youth, family and educational programs, and 

for the warmth of our community. 

B’nAi shAloM norTh congregATion 

15 ravencliffe road 

Thornhill, on l3T 5n7 

Project Manager: irene novak 

Tel: 905-707-1886 

e-mail: bnaishalomnorth@gmail.com 

We have been holding Conservative High 

Holidays Services in the main, air-conditioned, 

auditorium of the Garnett A. William 

Community Centre in Thornhill for the past 

30 years, accommodating 500 people to 

attend each year and enjoy our wonderful 

kiddushes with us. Be part of our family 

905-707-1886. 

Borochov culTurAl cenTre & 

kol yisroel congregATion 

272 codsell Ave., 

downsview, ont. M3h 3X2 

contact: dale noble 

www.kolyisroel.ca 

Tel: 416-630-9444 Fax: 416-630-9451 

A Conservative synagogue situated in the 

Borochov Cultural Centre. Weekly Shabbat 

services are held in a warm, friendly atmosphere, 

apparent during the kiddush when 

everyone socializes. Bar and Bat Mitzvahs 

and other special occasions are held. No 

membership fee. High Holy Day services are 

held in the main hall in the Centre. 

cAnAdiAn council For 

reForM judAisM/urj cAnAdA 

3845 Bathurst st., ste. 301, 

Toronto, ont. M3h 3n2 

President: Paul leszner 

Tel: 416-630-0375 Fax: 416-630-5089 

email: ccrj@ccrj.ca 

Website: www.ccrj.ca 

Canadian national office of the Union for 

Reform Judaism, representing over 950 synagogues 

throughout North America, promotes 

liberal Judaism through social action, outreach, 

youth programs, Jewish camping, adult and 

child education, leadership development and 

synagogue support. 

The ciTy shul 

36 harbord st. c/o Wolfond centre 

contract: rabbi elyse goldstein 

Tel: 647-799-3557 

email: tellme@cityshul.com 

Website: www.cityshul.com 

The “Jewish heart in the heart of the city.” 

Join our new, uniquely downtown Reform 

synagogue where singles, couples, and families 

are creating an inclusive, innovative “community 

of commitment.” Every member matters, 

and tradition meets modernity through 

intellectual discourse, vibrant spirituality, joyful 

music, meaningful rituals and tikkun olam. 

congregATion BinA 

(A community of jews from india) 

Po/cP 92127, 2900 Warden Ave., 

Toronto, ont. M1W 3y8 

email: president@congregationbina.ca 

contact: 

elana charikar, 905-940-4848 

ramona Abraham, 905-493-2148 

The main objective of Congregation BINA, a 

non-profit organization of Jews from India, is 

to assist, maintain, and promote traditional religious, 

social, cultural, and educational activities 

amongst its members. Each year, High Holy Day 

Services and social gatherings are held. A quarterly 

news bulletin, ‘contact’, is published. 

congregATion dArchei noAM 

864 sheppard Avenue West, Toronto 

Tel: 416-638-4783 

email: darcheinoam@bellnet.ca 

Website: www.darcheinoam.on.ca 

Darchei Noam is Toronto’s Reconstructionist 

Synagogue, providing the Toronto Jewish community 

with the Reconstructionist vision of an evolving, 

open, Jewish religious civilization, compatible 

with rational thought and modern knowledge, 

and to promote the values of historic Judaism and 

contemporary world civilizations. All areas of 

synagogue life are participatory and egalitarian. 

congregATion hABoniM 

5 glen Park Avenue 

contact: jeff levy, general Manager 

email: office@congregationhabonim.org 

Website: www.congregationhabonim.org 

Congregation Habonim, founded by Holocaust 

survivors, is a liberal egalitarian synagogue 

located in the heart of Jewish Toronto. Eli 

Rubenstein & Avrum Rosensweig conduct its 

friendly services, and its exceptional music is 

led by Cantor Esther Ghan-Firestone, Lisa Kent 

and Aviva Rajsky. The Jewish Heritage School 

(grades 1–6) at Habonim offers Judaic studies, 

Hebrew language learning and Jewish music 

in a fun, joyous and creative environment. 

congregATion shir liBeynu 

Mailing Address: P.o Box 73509 

Toronto, on, M6c 4A7 

ritual/spiritual leader: Aviva goldberg 

Tel: 416-465-5488 

e-mail: shirlibeynu@yahoo.ca 

Website: www.shirlibeynu.ca 

Shir Libeynu is liberal, inclusive, egalitarian 

and unaffiliated. Participatory services combine 

both tradition and innovation with modern 

AND ancient prayers and music. Our diverse 

community welcomes all. Shabbat services and 

Kiddush monthly on Sat. mornings at MNJCC. 

High Holy Days, adult & childrens ed. and activities, 

and holiday celebrations all year long. 

dAnForTh jeWish circle 

283 danforth Ave., ste. 125, 

Toronto, ont. M4k 1n2 

contact: kathryn Miller 

Tel: 416-580-6303 

e-mail: info@djctoronto.com 

Website: www.djctoronto.com 

A progressive egalitarian community based 

in Riverdale. We are inclusive of interfaith 

and LGBTQ unions. We’re a friendly, familyoriented 

group committed to nurturing Jewish 

life and traditions through holiday and life 

cycle celebrations, monthly Shabbat services, 

and education and social action programs. 

FirsT nArAyever congregATion 

187 Brunswick Ave., 

contact: Marsha Frydenberg 

Tel: 416-927-0546 Fax: 416-927-0486 

Website: www.narayever.ca 

Shanah Tova! Join us again for traditional 

egalitarian High Holy Day services at the MNjcc 

(750 Spadina Ave. at Bloor), as well as on 

Shabbat, Sunday and Rosh Hodesh throughout 

the year at the shul. Experience the warmth and 

spirit of our downtown community. 

lodZer cenTre congregATion 

12 heaton st. 

contract: sarah 

Tel: 416-636-6665 

Fax: 416-636-8861 

email: lodzercentre@rogers.com 

Website: www.lodzersynagogue.com 

Lodzer Synagogue is a dynamic, egalitarian, 

conservative synagogue, located at 

Bathurst and Sheppard. Orginally founded 

by Holocaust survivors from Lodz, Poland, the 

shul has a unique and warm ambience that is 

enhanced by a friendly, embracing membership. 

Excellent adult edutainment programs, 

delightful Shabbat services with lunch and an 

active young family group. 

orAynu congregATion For 

huMAnisTic judAisM 

Tel: 416-385-3910 

email: info@oraynu.org 

Website: www.oraynu.org 

Oraynu celebrates Jewish holidays, history and 

culture from secular humanistic perspective. High 

Holidays, Shabbat programs, adult and family 

education, social/cultural events, tzedakah. 

Outstanding Sunday School (Oraynu-Tots, JK-Gr. 

7, Bnai Mitzvah). Est. 1969. Life Cycle. Cemetery 

(burial/cremation). A welcoming and enriching 

congregation for cultural, secular, agnostic and 

intermarried Jews. Join us! 

Pride oF isrAel synAgogue 

59 lissom crescent 

Willowdale, ont. M2r 2P2 

Tel: 416-226-0111 x 10 

e-mail: office@prideofisraelsynagogue.com 

Website: www.prideofisraelsynagogue.com 

The Pride of Israel Synagogue is built upon a 

foundation of chesed, kindness and caring. 

The shul provides a conservative service, and 

is independent; providing a welcoming environment 

within which to experience all life cycle 

events. We offer diverse programming, throughout 

the year and are conveniently located just 

south of Steeles Ave. To reserve High Holy Day 

seats, please call 416-226-0111 x 10. 

shAArei shoMAyiM congregATion 

470 glencairn Ave. 

Toronto M5n 1v8 

executive director: nicole Toledano 

Tel: 416-789-3213 

Fax: 416-789-1728 

email: info@shomayim.org 

Website: www.shomayim.org 

Toronto’s most exciting modern orthodox Zionist 

shul dedicated to Torah, community and Israel. 

Check out our warm davening and exciting 

learning. Try our programs for all ages, with a 

special focus on children and young families. 

Join us in our Chazzan-led, Ba’al Tfila-led, 

Hashkama or Teen minyan. Let Rabbi Strauchler 

and Rabbi Diamond inspire you. Contact 

416-789-3213 or www.shomayim.org. 

shAAr shAloM synAgogue 

2 simonston Blvd., Thornhill, l3T 4l1 

executive director: Mel Fishman 

Tel: 905-889-4975 Fax: 905-889-1575 

email: admin@shaarshalom.ca 

Website: www.shaarshalom.ca 

Make SHAAR SHALOM SYNAGOGUE your 

spiritual home. A traditional Conservative synagogue 

serving the Thornhill and North York 

communities, we are fortunate to have twice 

daily minyans led by Rabbi Martin Berman 

and Cantor Ben Silverberg. The synagogue is 

dedicated to Jewish learning and worship at 

all skill levels, to social action and friendships. 

Come be inspired. Join our shul family. 

solel congregATion oF MississAugA 

2399 Folkway drive, 

Mississauga, ont. l5l 2M6 

Tel: 905-820-5915 Fax: 905-820-1956 

e-mail: info@solel.ca 

Website: www.solel.ca 

Your Jewish home west of Toronto. Our friendly, 

inclusive Reform community celebrates the richness 

and beauty of Jewish life through life cycle events, 

worship and education from pre-school through confirmation, 

adult and family. Services Friday evening, 

Saturday morning, all Jewish holidays and Tuesday 

weekly minyanim. New Member discount.





Religious 

Life Cont’d 

sTAshover-sliPiA congregATion 

11 sultana Avenue Toronto 

Tel: 416-789-1333 

email: stashleader@yahoo.com 

Website: www.stashoverslipia.org 

High Holy Day Services Led by Dr. Jack Lipinsky 

and Marcel Cohen Join us and take advantage 

of our separate children’s program General 

Admission $100 Students $60 Traditional 

service. Aliyot for women 102 years in Toronto 

Come try the Stashover Experience 

TeMPle eMAnu-el 

120 old colony rd. 

north york, ont. M2l 2k2 

rabbi debra landsberg 

cantor Anna Trubashnik 

robin leszner, educator 

Tel: 416-449-3880 

Website: www.templeemanuel.ca 

An extraordinary congregation in North 

York. We emphasize innovative school 

programming,spirituality, adult education 

including Torah Study, Social Action, early 

Shabbat services for young families, daily 

Morning Minyan, Youth Groups, magnificent 

Sanctuary, and much more! 

TeMPle hAr Zion 

7360 Bayview Ave. 

Thornhill, on. l3T-2r7 

Tel: 905-889-2252 

Website: www.templeharzion.com 

An egalitarian and vibrant community for 

Reform Jewish worship and learning. Musicfilled, 

engaging services and Religious/Hebrew 

Education Programs offer spiritual and educational 

experiences for children and adults. 

Known for our warm, welcoming and diverse 

community, welcoming Jews from all backgrounds. 

Have experienced unprecedented 

growth in our 40th anniversary year. 

TeMPle sinAi congregATion oF 

ToronTo 

210 Wilson Ave., 

north york, on. M5M 3B1 

contact: rhea Wolfowich 

Tel: 416-487-4161 

Fax: 416-487-5499 

email: office@templesinai.net 

Website: www.templesinai.net 

Join us for a service. Find a community. Our 

inclusive, accessible and welcoming Reform 

congregation provides meaningful worship 

opportunities, multi-generational cultural programming, 

regular study sessions, a dynamic 

nursery school and a high quality Hebrew and 

Religious School (including a Northern campus). 

At every age and stage, a place for you. 

The Winchevsky cenTre 

585 cranbrooke Avenue, 

Toronto, on M6A 2X9 

Tel: 416-789-5502 

email: info@winchevskycentre.org 

Website: www.winchevskycentre.org 

A progressive secular community celebrating 

Jewishness from a humanistic perspective. 

From the Morris Winchevsky School (preschoolers-Bar/Bat 

Mitzvah), to adult cultural 

and educational programs (United Jewish 

People’s Order), to Camp Naivelt, to our 

Choir - your gateway to meaningful and 

contemporary Jewish programming. Families 

of diverse backgrounds welcome. 

Retirement 

Communities 

AMicA AT Thornhill 

546 steeles Avenue West 

Thornhill, on. l4j 1A2 

contact: lisa nichols 

Tel: 905–886–3400 Fax: 905-886-2374 

Website: www.amica.ca 

A sophisticated boutique-style residence, 

Amica at Thornhill is a “Community within 

a Community”. Offering resort-inspired amenities, 

including: indoor pool, spa, beauty 

salon, Internet lounge, library, pub, theatre, 

and fitness centre. Through principles of 

Wellness and Vitality, Amica embraces the 

carefree, secure and healthy lifestyle. Suites 

ranging from studios to 3 bedroom grand 

suites with ensuite laundry and full kitchen. 

consTAnTiA reTireMenT residence 

784 centre st., 

Thornhill, ont. l4j 9g7 

Tel: 905-771-1013 

Website: www.chartwellreit.ca 

Situated in the heart of Thornhill’s Jewish 

Community, Constantia offers residents an 

affordable yet satisfying lifestyle. Our dedicated, 

caring staff takes care of meals, housekeeping 

and laundry so residents can focus on life’s pleasures. 

Call today to book your personal visit. 

The dunField un-reTireMenT residence 

77 dunfield Avenue 

Toronto, on M4s 2h3 

contact: karen hen, Marketing director 

Tel: 416-481-8524 

email: info@thedunfield.com 

Website: www.thedunfield.com 

Live the Un-retirement lifestyle at Toronto’s 

premiere active living retirement residence. 

Experience our casual elegance and relaxed 

atmosphere. Enjoy meals in the Classic Dining 

Room, Bistro or Outdoor Terrace. Relax with 

a good book on one of the outdoor terraces 

or unwind with an afternoon dip in one of the 

pools or a massage at The Spa, then entertain 

friends in your own private suite with full kitchen. 

Experience this resort-inspired residence 

today. Come UN-RETIRE with us! 

hAZelTon PlAce reTireMenT residence 

111 Avenue road. Toronto 

contact: leslie Westlake 

Tel: 416-928-0111 

e-mail: info.hazelton@diversicare.ca 

Website: www.hazeltonplace.ca 

Hazelton Place is ideally located in the heart 

of Yorkville, close to shops, restaurants, the 

arts and entertainment district and offers 

independent or assisted living. Monthly rates 

start at $3,395 and include 3 meals a day, 

housekeeping, entertainment, recreational, 

fitness programs with 24 hour registered nursing 

and emergency response system. 

kensingTon PlAce 

reTireMenT residence 

866 sheppard Ave. W., 

Toronto on M3h 2T5 

contact: Mira Anidjar, Marketing director 

Tel: 416-636-9555 

e-mail: 

manidjar@thekensingtonplace.com 

Website: www.thekensingtonplace.com 

Toronto’s finest Kosher Retirement Residence, 

Kensington Place is now open for those who 

appreciate the finer things in life. Enjoy 

Gourmet Kosher Meals designed by an 

Executive Chef, European elegance, religious 

services, spacious suites and skyline view 

terraces, impressive lobby, housekeeping, 

yoga/fitness centre, spa, hair salon, outdoor 

courtyard garden. Offering daily activities 

and scheduled outings. Because you love 

Living Life at Bathurst and Sheppard! 

living liFe on The Avenue 

reTireMenT residence 

1066 Avenue rd. 

Toronto, on M5n 0A3 

Tel: 416-483-9900 

email: 

marketingdirector@livinglifeontheavenue.com 

Website: www.livinglifeontheavenue.com 

Life is Grand on the Avenue. The most desirable 

address at Avenue Road and Eglinton, this 

boutique hotel-style retirement residence offers 

unsurpassed elegance and impeccable services 

by dedicated professional staff. Living Life on the 

Avenue is like a private club with indoor pool, 

Spa, hair salon, theatre room, library & more. 

Offering Junior, One and 2-bedroom luxury 

rental suites with skyline and park views. 

reverA - Pine villA 

1035 eglinton Ave. W. 

contact: hartini kumar 

Tel: 416-787-5626 

Website: www.reveraliving.com/pinevilla 

Pine Villa is a boutique style residence located 

in the heart of Forest Hill’s Jewish community. 

This vibrant area is conveniently close to great 

shopping, restaurants, medical services, parks, 

public transportation and more with numerous 

synagogues within walking distance. Enjoy a full 

social life, and participate in the activities you 

love. Our caring and friendly staff, along with 

beautiful accommodations, support your lifestyle 

choice with comfort. 

vivA Thornhill Woods 

9700 Bathurst street 

vaughan, ontario l6A 4v2 

contact: reesa soto 

Tel: 416-207-0880 

email: thornhillwoods@vivalife.ca 

Website: www.vivalife.ca 

OPENING THIS WINTER! Located next to the 

brand new Schwartz/Reisman Centre on the 

Lebovic Jewish Community Campus, V!VA 

Thornhill Woods is Vaughan’s newest rental 

retirement community. Enjoy fantastic amenities 

including a spa, indoor saltwater pool, movie 

theatre and more. Savour three freshly prepared 

Jewish-style meals daily. Wide range of suites 

available. Visit our presentation centre today! 

Seniors 

AssociATion oF jeWish seniors 

4211 yonge st. suite 401 

Toronto, ontario M2P 2A9 

co-ordinator: Tammy Parker 

Tel: 416-635-2860 ext. 458 

Fax: 416-635-1692 

e-mail: ajs@circleofcare.com 

AJS encourages seniors to participate in 

social action, lectures, Jewish Festival celebrations 

and social networking. Seniors are 

invited to contribute skills acquired during a 

lifetime of work and volunteering. AJS advocates 

on issues including: pension reform, 

anti-Semitism, elder abuse and health care. 

Affiliated with Circle of Care; annual membership 

$15.00, couples $25.00. 

BernArd BeTel cenTre 

1003 steeles Ave. West 

Toronto, ont. M2r 3T6 

Tel: 416-225-2112 Fax: 416-225-2097 

email: reception@betelcentre.org 

Website: www.betelcentre.org 

An inviting, affordable place for seniors to 

learn, grow, meet new friends, make a difference, 

and have fun. The Centre reflects Jewish 

values and offers general interest, Education 

and Fitness courses, Health Promotion Clinics 

and Lectures, Trips and Travel Program. 

Senior- friendly Computer Classes given. 

Programs available in English, Russian and 

Hebrew. Kosher cafeteria. 

circle oF cAre 

4211 yonge st. ste. 410 

Toronto, ont. M2P 2A9 

Tel: 416-635-2860 

Fax: 416-635-1692 

e-mail: info@circleofcare.com 

Website: circleofcare.com 

Circle of Care is a leading one-stop provider 

of services to seniors and disabled adults 

in the GTA. We help our clients live happier, 

healthier and longer lives in their own 

homes by offering services including: personal 

support; transportation; Kosher Meals 

on Wheels; counseling; case management 

and a day program. 

ISRAELIS VISIT 

For the past several years, the One Family 

Fund has run a 10-day, volunteer-staffed 

camp in Toronto for Israeli teenagers who 

have been affected by terror attacks. Activities 

include trips to Canada’s Wonderland, Niagara 

Falls, and Belle Ewart. From left, standing, are 

Canadian counsellor Daniel Belzberg, camper 

Aviel Mandel, camper Marom Mansour, 

Israeli counselor Menachem Ashbel, camper 

Chagai Bloomberg and Canadian counsellor 

Meir Grunwald. Kneeling in front, from left, 

are Canadian counsellor Elisha Plonka and 

campers Tamir Abukasis, Tzachi Hazan and 

Netanel Hamami. 

Services 

T Page B31 

isrAeli lAW oFFice 

contact: itamar cohen, B.A., ll.B. 

Member of israeli Bar Assoc. 

Tel: 905-709-3896 Fax: 905-709-3898 

e-mail: itamarcohen@rogers.com 

Israeli Law Office in Ontario advises clients from 

Canada on matters of Israeli Law, and represents 

their interests in Israel. Our office is approved as 

an israeli legal office in Ontario by the 

law society of upper canada. 

jiAs (jewish immigrant Aid services) 

Toronto 

4600 Bathurst suite, ste. 325, 

Toronto, ont. M2r 3v3 

executive director: janis roth 

Tel: 416-630-6481 

Website: www.jiastoronto.org 

JIAS Toronto provides a full range of government 

and community funded settlement and 

integration services. We welcome, settle and 

integrate immigrants today to build a strong 

Canada and a strong Jewish community of 

tomorrow. 

jvs ToronTo 

74 Tycos drive 

Toronto, on. M68 1v9 

Tel: 416-787-1151 

e-mail: services@jvstoronto.org 

Website: www.jvstoronto.org 

JVS Toronto is a non-profit organization 

partnering with government and businesses 

to help people succeed in school, work and 

life. We offer a range of employment-related, 

educational and school support programs and 

services for newcomers, youth, people with 

disabilities, women and under/unemployed. 

Universities 

isrAel And goldA koschiTZky 

cenTre For jeWish sTudies AT 

york universiTy 

seventh Floor, research Tower, 

york university 

4700 keele st., Toronto, ont. M3j 1P3 

director: Prof. sara r. horowitz 

Tel: 416-736-5823 

Fax: 416-736-5344 

Website: www.yorku.ca/cjs 

BA Jewish Studies, BEd (Jewish Teacher 

Education Program), Graduate Diploma in 

Jewish Studies, Certificate in Hebrew and 

Jewish Studies. Exchange Programs in Israel 

and Europe.



COMMUNITY FOCUS

Beth Lida synagogue turns 100 - The Canadian Jewish News

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?