Israel is going through a hard time. Two days ago, the IDF killed one of the leaders of the terror organization, The Islamic Jihad. He was responsible for many terror attacks that hurt Israelis and had more plans to hurt Israel. As a result, more than 400 rockets were fired from Gaza to Israel over the last two days. From Otef Gaza (the Israeli area next to the Gaza Strip) to Tel...

As a congregational community, we at Beth Tzedec condemn the recent rocket attacks by Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip targeting innocent Israeli civilians. We support Israel’s right to defend itself at all times against terror and those who would do its people harm. And we note with concern the fragility of the moment and potential for escalation. At this time, therefore,...

We’re excited to welcome Aviva Chernick to Beth Tzedec as our inaugural Artist in Residence. The award-winning singer has brought her voice in music and prayer to communities and congregations around the globe, and she’s now adding her voice to ours under the banner of the Beth Tzedec Centre for Spiritual Well-Being. As Artist in Residence, Aviva will model and teach Jewish values and...

Catch three of our Spiritual Leaders and several Beth Tzedec members at Limmud Toronto 2019. Rabbi Steve Wernick, Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin and Yacov Fruchter will all be leading sessions this Sunday at this innovative, inclusive festival of Jewish Learning. Here are a few of the thought-provoking topics they’ll be covering: From Generation to Generation: The Changing Nature of Judaism...

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that we have unanimously approved the engagement of Apex Kosher Catering Inc. as our new on-site caterer, effective October 1, 2019. Apex is COR-certified and dedicated to serving the diverse needs of our members and community in support of all congregational events, members' celebrations and lifecycle...

As a parent and educator, I spend a lot of time thinking about what it takes to raise children who cherish and benefit from the gift of Judaism. I want my children to respect the ritual and spirituality of their faith, but I also want them to enjoy it – to continue learning after their B’nai Mitzvah, to build their own community of Jewish peers, and to spend their time engaging in hesed...

Dear Friends, As I transition into my new role as Rabbi Emeritus, I am filled with many memories, much gratitude and an abundance of anticipation. Josette and I are grateful to synagogue leaders, good friends, those who have offered support and guidance, and to all the members of our community with whom we have prayed, studied and walked with on personal journeys over the...

Beth Tzedec's outgoing Shinshinim wrote this farewell message to the Congregation. We wish them the best of luck as they prepare to return to Israel. Be sure to join us as we send them off at the upcoming Family Shabbat DInner.Over the past 10 months, we have had the privilege of being a part of the Beth Tzedec community. When we first came, we had no idea what to expect. As two secular...

This past Shabbat marked the beginning of a wonderful celebratory month for LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and more!) Pride. I am excited to share that Beth Tzedec is partnering on a number of events to mark this joyous occasion in the city: Community Pride Shabbat Dinner at the 519 . June 7, 6 p.m. (sold out!)Camp, Pride, and Family- Oh My! Panel Discussion with Canadian...

We are always interested in hearing from our members and community—thoughts, ideas, impressions or concerns—and invite you to contact our leadership, clergy or senior staff at any time. Please see below for email information.Debbie Rothstein, PresidentBernie Gropper, Chair Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl — 416-781-3514 ext. 228Reb Steve Wernick — 416-781-3514 ext. 218Cantor Sidney Ezer —...

Dear Friends, We hope you are well and enjoying spring! We at Beth Tzedec are already deep into our planning for the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Our planning centers around our priorities of personal engagement within our larger community and inviting you to enjoy a variety of options for meaningful and relevant prayer services and experiences. We are...

“Aseh l’kha rav uk’neh l’kha haver — Make for yourself a rabbi and acquire for yourself a friend” Pirkei Avot In recognition of his twenty-six years of service as Beth Tzedec’s Senior Rabbi, we are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has conferred upon Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl the title of Rabbi Emeritus.  The title “emeritus" is our way of recognizing...

Dear New Friends, I am beyond ecstatic to be joining the Beth Tzedec spiritual leadership team as your associate rabbi this summer. The weekend that I spent interviewing was so enjoyable, and I know it was a taste of what the future can be. Thank you to Teddy Zittel, Dena Libman and the entire Associate Rabbi Search Committee for making my family feel comfortable. In the twelfth...

We are thrilled to announce that Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin will be joining the Beth Tzedec spiritual leadership team as our Associate Rabbi as of August 1, 2019. For the last ten years, Rabbi Fryer Bodzin has led the Israel Center of Conservative Judaism in Queens, NY with Torah learning and hesed. She will be bringing her energy, compassion and experience to facilitating life-cycle events...

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 Sh’laymoot, well-being, as our theme. We understand sh’laymoot to be the sense of peace and contentment stemming from an individual's...