As I was looking at the story of Korach, it struck me that the one verb I would expect to see in this narrative does not appear at all: the Hebrew verb marad (to rebel). After all, we know this narrative as the rebellion of Korach. Nor does the noun Mered (rebel) appear in the story. The troublemakers “congregate” against Moses and Aaron, using the same verb and noun...

In this week’s parashah, Shelach Lecha, 12 scouts are sent to survey the Land of Israel. Ten return with a devastating report: “We looked like grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we appeared to them” (Numbers 13:33). The tragedy of the meraglim was not that they reported giants in the land—it was that they let fear eclipse faith. They forgot who they were and who walked with them....

June 20, 2025 / 25 Sivan 5785We are thrilled to announce that Cantor Chaim Stern will be joining Beth Tzedec as The Hennick Family Senior Cantor beginning in early July.  Born and raised in Israel, Cantor Stern began his musical education at a young age and later honed his vocal talents at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. He studied hazzanut under several...

Beth Tzedec is proud to partner with groups and projects that support our values. When you make your annual membership contribution, we encourage you to consider supporting these important organizations and initiatives.MEN'S CLUB: $36.00The Beth Tzedec Men's Club is committed to supporting our community, sponsoring exciting programs, courses, initiatives and celebrating holiday...

Beha’alotecha, feels deeply personal to me. Not just because of what it says about leadership, but because of what’s happening in the world right now. And because of who I am: a proud Jew with Iranian roots. In the Torah, Moses is exhausted. The people are complaining, confused, and nostalgic for the past, even if that past was Egypt, a place of slavery. They want comfort, they want...

It might be coincidental, or perhaps it was designed on purpose by the ancient Rabbis. Regardless, this Shabbat we will read about the creation and kindling of the Menorah, the seven branched candelabra made of pure gold that brought light into the Mishkan (portable sanctuary) and later, the Temple in Jerusalem. It is also the time of year when we have the most daylight in the Northern...

Beth Tzedec Bulletin - Summer EditionThe latest edition of the Beth Tzedec Bulletin is available for download. Let's celebrate, learn, pray and connect as a community with the many opportunities offered throughout our quarterly catalogue of programs, events and articles.Don't miss any of the news and excitement, including:An Inside Job: Daniel Silva at Beth Tzedec (page 2);Muskoka...

Beth Tzedec Congregation affirms our unwavering support for the State of Israel and her right — and responsibility — to defend her citizens and visitors from existential threats.We are guided by the words of King David in Tehillim (Psalms 34:15):"Sur me-ra va’aseh tov, bakesh shalom v’radfehu" —“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”Seeking peace is...

Following the Annual Meeting of the Beth Tzedec Congregation on Tuesday, evening, May 27, the Board of Directors elected the new Executive Committee for 2025-2026.The Executive Committee is comprised of the following individuals:• President — Don Smith • Chair of the Board — Brian Segal• Vice-President — Mitch Max• Treasurer — Paul...

As members of Beth Tzedec and the global Masorti/Conservative movement, we have a unique and powerful opportunity to shape the future of the Jewish people and the State of Israel — by voting in the World Zionist Congress elections. The election closes June 15.What is the World Zionist Congress?The World Zionist Congress (WZC) is the only democratically elected body of the global...

Pride Month, sometimes called LGBTQ+ Pride Month, is a month dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, commemorating the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer culture and community. (I use the terms Queer and Trans interchangeably with LGBTQ+). Pride Month is observed in June in many places across the world, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots,...

As a Bar and Bat Mitzvah tutor, I often find myself shepping nachas and living vicariously through the parents of the students I teach. People who have visited my office surely know about my extensive kippah collection that I have amassed from all the simchas over the years. For this significant milestone in a child’s Jewish life, I think that many B’nei Mitzvah teachers get a real sense...

This week, we hosted two major events at Beth Tzedec, bringing close to 4000 people through our doors. Israeli actor, musician and hero Idan Amedi shared his experiences of trauma and resilience and his deep faith in Judaism and the Israeli people, accompanied by his award-winning music. The following night, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg Polin spoke in our sanctuary as part of an event by...

Beth Tzedec Communications Manager Michael Goodbaum sat down with Rabbi Fryer Bodzin to ask her questions on her 20 years as a rabbi and her upcoming honorary doctorate. 20 years ago you were ordained as a rabbi. What does it mean for you to receive an honorary doctorate now from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies?It’s a privilege to be honoured for two decades of a meaningful,...

In Parashat Kedoshim, we are given one of the most sweeping and transformative commandments in the Torah: “You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Vayikra 19:2). This is not a call to the priests alone, nor a mystical ideal for the spiritually elite. It is directed to the entire community—kol adat b’nei Yisrael—reminding us that holiness is not beyond reach but...