My grandparents, Max and Ethel Rosenberg z”l, owned a company called Sable Bay Fur. My older cousins got to work in "the shop" when they were teenagers. I have fond memories of going down to “the shop” and sorting buttons. I can still remember what the factory behind the show room looked like. There were fur pelts everywhere. As a little girl, I was confused how the minks we would see...

This week’s parashah, Pinchas, contains a story that, at first glance, may seem like a legal footnote. But upon closer look, it reveals itself to be one of the most powerful stories of courage, justice, and the evolving nature of Torah. I, of course, am speaking of B’not Tzelophechad, the five daughters of Tzelophechad—Machlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.Their story begins...

Response Letter to PM CarneySIGN THE LETTER — CLICK HERE.The Network of Engaged Canadian Academics (NECA), an ALCCA member organization, is calling on all of us to circulate and amplify an important response letter as broadly as possible. NECA has provided the following explanatory note to accompany the letter and support its distribution across our networks:Titled “A Canadian Path to...

This Shabbat, we read Parashat Balak, which contains one of the most beautiful and surprising blessings in the Torah. The prophet Balaam, hired to curse Israel, instead looks upon their encampment and declares: מַה־טֹּבוּ אֹהָלֶיךָ יַעֲקֹב מִשְׁכְּנֹתֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל "How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places,...

I dedicate this d'var Torah to the Little Minyan, which began 30 years ago, at the initiative of Eileen Silver and Ellen Kachuk Rosenbluth. As with the scouts exploring the Land of Israel, the Little Minyan was born as an act of exploration. עֲלוּ זֶה בַּנֶּגֶב, וַעֲלִיתֶם, אֶת-הָהָר יח  וּרְאִיתֶם אֶת-הָאָרֶץGo up to see the...

Beth Tzedec's Membership Office is Open!Our Jewish community is living through historic times. As we mark Beth Tzedec’s 70th anniversary, we reflect with pride on the strength, spirit, and resilience that have sustained our congregation across generations. We also celebrate a remarkable period of growth — over the past three years, our membership has increased by 40%. Our synagogue truly is...

Generations Membership is Back — And Still FreeWe’re proud to continue offering Beth Tzedec’s Generations Membership — our no-fee membership for those under 40.Since launching in 2022, we’ve built the largest under-40 synagogue community in the world. Why? Because we believe in investing in you, your Jewish journey, your connections, and your place in our kehilla.No...

It is summer and, therefore, wedding season here at Beth Tzedec. Chances are that if you can’t find your spiritual leaders, we are standing under a chuppah as two wonderful individuals become a family. One of the reasons people get married can be found in Bereishit, chapter two. In verse 18 God says לֹא־ט֛וֹב הֱי֥וֹת הָֽאָדָ֖ם לְבַדּ֑וֹ, it...

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...

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 developed his vocal talent at the Cantorial School in Petach Tikva. He studied hazzanut under several leading...

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

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....

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...