May 5—Beth Tzedec is fortunate to have many accomplished and insightful people serving on the Strategic Planning Committee.
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl posted an article to the Shalom Hartman Institute's website, reflecting on the four cups of wine consumed during the seder, and suggesting that a fifth cup be added.
The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS) of the Rabbinical Assembly recently released some decisions regarding the consumption of kitniyot on Pesaẖ. These decisions have already generated significant press, and have led to many questions within our community.
On February 4 at Shaarei Shomayim, Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl participated in an important panel discussion with community and spiritual leaders as well as medical experts in the areas of adolescent, adult and geriatric psychiatry.
In advance of of the annual Art Circle Exhibition and Sale in support of Out of the Cold, several paintings will be on display at Beth Tzedec on Shabbat, March 19 and Sunday, March 20.
March 11, 2016—Member Update: There is a lot happening at Beth Tzedec and below is a review of initiatives that relate to medium and long term planning.
Beth Tzedec is now collecting non-perishable, kosher le-Pesaẖ food items for the annual Passover food drive. Items can be dropped off in the containers in the parking lot and Bathurst Street lobbies through April 10.
While many wind down for the summer, this is the busiest time of year, with physical and programmatic changes being made to better serve our members in the New Year. Our Administration offices are now under renovation and will have a new look that is scheduled for completion later this summer.
For the past decade, we have enjoyed the cantorial and creative music of our Senior Cantor, Cantor Simon Spiro. In August 2016, at the conclusion of his contract, Cantor Simon will be completing his tenure at our synagogue.
We will be sending Purim treats packages to our university/college student members. To participate, send a 'snailmail' address to Klara Romm at 416-781-3514 ext. 220 by Friday, February 17. If the address is a dormitory, ensure that it is the correct one to receive packages.
I am pleased to announce that Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl has agreed to defer his retirement by two years to July 2019. Over the past 22+ years, Rabbi Frydman-Kohl has provided tremendous leadership to our congregational family.
The recent policy change for weddings outside of Beth Tzedec has generated discussion about how our rabbis and cantors balance preserving traditional norms while attempting to meet people where they are. On Shabbat, February 6 at the Shaẖarit service, we open the conversation.
Beth Tzedec is accepting contributions to Syrian Refugee Program Fund, which provides food, shelter and support to a Syrian family resettling in Toronto.
As part of the Gala Celebration, Larry Wallach created a video retrospective, providing a taste the lustrous history of Beth Tzedec Congregation.
The Yorkville Lunch 'n' Learn program, beginning Thursday, January 21, has been relocated to The Ben-Dor Group (162 Cumberland St., Suite 300). Join Yacov Fruchter as we dig into some Torah over lunch.