Connection and Gratitudeby President Debbie RothsteinJuly 3, 2020 –In the last three months, we have all had to adapt to a new way of life. For me, it has meant that much of my day is spent in my home office. After the first few weeks of shock, I find I have eased into a semi-routine, although I have pretty much lost all concept of time. Most importantly, I have found that I have much...

In the last three months, we have all had to adapt to a new way of life. For me, it has meant that much of my day is spent in my home office. After the first few weeks of shock, I find I have eased into a semi-routine, although I have pretty much lost all concept of time. Most importantly, I have found that I have much to be grateful for. The people I care about most⁠—Michael, Emma...

As Toronto enters Stage 2 of Ontario's Reopening Framework, we are seeing various businesses and synagogues in our community begin the process of reopening.At Beth Tzedec, we have been fortunate to be able to deliver and enjoy programs and services online.Yet we also look forward to the opportunity to come together again in person—to pray, to celebrate and to offer comfort to one another.We...

Yesterday afternoon, Premier Doug Ford announced the provincial government's plans for the safe and gradual reopening of Ontario. Many of us were excited to learn that, as of this Friday, places of worship will be able to welcome a limited number of congregants, albeit no more than 30 percent of our building capacity. While we are looking forward to gathering together once again, our...

Dear Friends, We are thrilled that so many people joined us for our first live stream of Shabbat and Yom Tov prayer services this past weekend. We are even more grateful that so many of you found it meaningful. To give you an idea of the impact of the experience: 653 households joined our Shabbat morning service. 165 people shared their opinion of the service in our post-Shabbat...

When I went to sleep on March 12, I didn't expect to wake up in a world in which my husband and I would not be able to attend the next day’s minyan, or that he would not be able to say Kaddish together with other mourners and friends in shul. Just a few weeks ago, our world changed and we have been forced to find new ways to connect, to engage and to provide meaningful Jewish...

This past year was a time of transition for Beth Tzedec. After the retirement (but not the departure) of our beloved Rabbi Frydman-Kohl, we welcomed two new rabbis – The Anne and Max Tanenbaum Senior Rabbinic Chair, Rabbi Steve Wernick and Associate Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin. I’m very happy to report that it has been a seamless transition. Last year, after a series of...

By now, all Beth Tzedec members should have received, either via email or Canada Post, a notice with registration information for your personal access to the online Annual Meeting of the Congregation. This information is being sent to you as a member of Beth Tzedec Congregation for your express use only. For the safety and security of fellow members as well as the preservation of your...

Being a woman in Israel is not a simple thing. Although Israel is the only democracy of the middle east, I don’t think we can call it completely gender equal. Recently there have been a few events that brought up this issue several times and made it a part of the public discourse.  In Israel, the inequality starts from a young age. The Shorts Protest started about two weeks...

As we begin the process of broadcasting services on Shabbat and Yom Tov, you may be thinking about the best ways to create a meaningful service experience for yourself and your family. As you do that, please take the time to review these recommended browsers and operating systems for optimum performance.Windows Computer Windows 8 & up IE 10 & up **** On Internet Explorer,...

Each year we produce a wonderful booklet of prayer, poetry and reflections for the Days of Awe. This booklet is designed to inspire and enlighten us during the High Holy Days - adding to our Beth Tzedec Congregation experience. This year we have chosen Olam Hesed Yibaneh: We Build the World on Love, as our theme. So please - share your stories, poems and other artwork! Especially during...

"Okay, so there are many Arab countries in the Middle East and only one Jewish one. Why won’t they just leave Israel and live in one of those?’’ Last Thursday, we hosted our weekly program exploring of the most "politically incorrect" TV show in Israel, Sorry For Asking. This TV show interviews Israelis and asks controversial questions sourced from the public to minority Israeli...

Friends -In the face of sha'at had'hak, an extraordinary time of crisis, we turn to the core Jewish values that guide us as a kehillah kedoshah, a holy community. As we've repeated again and again over the course of the past few weeks, one of those values, pikuah nefesh, the preservation of life, is a bedrock principle of Jewish law, superseding most other obligations or mitzvot.The time has come...

Beth Tzedec is constantly striving to be a vibrant, inclusive community where members feel strongly connected to our congregation and to each other. A caring community involves more than just membership contributions. We want Beth Tzedec to foster relationships that motivate members to live meaningful and impactful Jewish lives that include taking responsibility for caring for our...

The past two months have been most trying for our community. The moment that emergency measures were announced, we closed our cemetery for visitation, opening only to perform burials. Our priority has and continues to be to perform the sacred duties of burial with the utmost dignity and respect. We recognize how difficult the closure has been for those who have lost loved ones. Our...