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...

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...

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....

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...

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...