Tomorrow night
11/22/2018 01:59:51 PM
Friday November 23 @ 7:30 PM
Leo Baeck Day School, 501 Arlington Ave
COME AND ENJOY THE MUSIC AND A STORY.
This is not a service.
Aviva, accompanied by Tom Bellman on guitar, Neil Gardiner on keyboard, Jim Gelcer on drums, and Kobi Hass on bass, will be performing jazz-inspired versions of some of our favorite Shabbat songs, as well as several originals and covers.
We’ll hear a story from one of Canada’s leading story-tellers, Dan Yashinsky, and have a chance to schmooze with fellow Habonim members.
Hope to see you there.
Habonim new building - Live Feed
11/19/2018 02:28:54 PM
Click Here - then click the link on the top of the page for livestream access to watch the construction of Habonim's New Building.
Bood Drive - In memory of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz
11/15/2018 10:30:55 AM
As many of you know, one of the victims of the Pittsburgh attacks was Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz. As you will note below, he was one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved doctors, among the first to treat HIV patients with the dignity and respect they deserved. When gunfire erupted, Rabinowitz was not in the basement with the congregation but outside the room, his nephew said. "Why? Because when he heard shots he ran outside to try and see if anyone was hurt and needed a doctor. That was Uncle Jerry. That's just what he did."
The Jewish world is indeed very small, as some of Habonim's members have very close connections to the Rabinowitz family, including current Habonim members Julie and Rick Libman as well as Mary & Paul Lindsay, whose children Elizabeth and Gabriel celebrated their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at Habonim with Dr. Rabinowitz & his wife Miri in attendance.
Please see information below on Red Cross Blood Drive being organized by the Lindsay family in memory of Dr. Rabinowitz.
Please consider your participation and feel free to share with others.
Sincerely
Eli Rubenstein
Religious Leader
Congregation Habonim
Dear family and friends,
As you may know, our family had a personal connection to the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Not only was the loss of life devastating for the Jewish community, it also hit very close to home when we found out that our dear friend, Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, was one of the eleven victims. His loss has been devastating for his wife Miri, family, friends, and community.
We would like to honour his life in a way that has some meaning and let Miri know that he is remembered. The Canadian Blood Services has agreed to help us sponsor a blood donation drive in Jerry’s memory at their clinic at Yonge and Bloor on Tuesday, December 4th, and Saturday, December 8th. The information about the event with a link to sign up is attached below. If those dates or times don’t work for you, but you would still like to donate, please reply so we can make other arrangements.
We hope you’ll share this information with anyone else who might be interested.
Thank you so much,
Mary, Paul, Elizabeth & Gabriel Lindsay
Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz was a beloved family doctor who cared for his patients with great compassion and empathy. He was one of the first doctors in Pittsburgh to treat AIDS patients at a time when others would not. He was also an adored husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. With his wife Miri he was a leader in their community, particularly in their synagogue, Dor Hadash. Tragically, because of his instincts to help others, Jerry was killed in the Pittsburgh Tree of Life shootings.
As a healer, Jerry knew the importance of blood donation. Jerry was a platelet donor himself. He also knew the importance of giving back. We hope that during the week of Chanukkah, a time of giving, you will consider giving the gift of life in remembrance of our friend, and let his wife Miri know that he will not be forgotten.
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
IN MEMORY OF DR. JERRY RABINOWITZ BLOOD DRIVE
Tuesday, December 4
Saturday, December 8
Canadian Blood Services
Yonge Bloor Donation Centre
2 Bloor Street East
(NE Corner of Yonge & Bloor)
Concourse Level / Yonge Street Entrance
ONEG SHABBAT- Friday November 23rd
11/14/2018 11:47:55 AM
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Please join us for an Oneg Shabbat. By popular demand, Aviva will be accompanied by Tom Bellman and the band. Come sit back and enjoy some great music, hear a story from one of Canada's leading story-tellers, Dan Yashinsky and schmooze with fellow Habonim members. This is not a service-just a chance to enjoy Shabbat eve with that Habonim vibe.
Friday November 23rd at 7:30pm Leo Baeck Day School, 501 Arlington Ave.
Oneg Shabbat featuring Aviva Rajsky accompanied by Tom Bellman and the band
With guest speaker Dan Yashinsky
Award Winning Author & One of Canada's Most Celebrated Storytellers
Refreshments will be served
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Passing of Frances Sussman
11/11/2018 12:25:21 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of :
Frances Sussman
Mother and Mother-in-law of Habonim members
Jack and Fern Sussman
Grandmother of Habonim members
Jillian Sussman and Matthew Segal
Funeral - Sunday November 11, at 1:30 pm
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish the entire family comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
If you wish to send a Habonim Tribute Card to the family to express your condolences, you can do so on our website at
http://www.congregationhabonim.org/payment.php
or by calling the office at 416-782-7125.
The St. Louis Apology: Let Us Applaud Our Country For Acknowledging Errors
11/07/2018 08:43:21 AM
On the afternoon of Wed. Nov. 7th, In a historic moment, the Canadian government will issue an apology for turning away the MS St. Louis in 1939. Please see Eli Rubenstein’s article on this important subject in this week’s Canadian Jewish News.
As a matter of interest, Habonim's first President was Berlin born George Spitz. His wife and children (who were on the St. Louis) and Spitz lived out the war years in England before immigrating to Canada. Spitz’s family were among the lucky ones - of the original 936 refugees, a little over 700 survived but 254 perished in Auschwitz, Sobibor and other locations.
Please see:
http://www.cjnews.com/perspectives/rubenstein-let-us-applaud-our-country-for-acknowledging-errors
Passing of John Freeman
11/04/2018 04:22:22 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Habonim member:
John Freeman
Husband of Hilary Freeman
Brother-in-law of Abby and Steve Erlichman
Funeral - Tuesday November 6, at 10:00 am
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish the entire family comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
If you wish to send a Habonim Tribute Card to the family to express your condolences, you can do so on our website at
http://www.congregationhabonim.org/payment.php
or by calling the office at 416-782-7125.
Reminder- Tomorrow night Kabbalat Shabbat #showup
11/01/2018 08:21:24 PM
This Friday night, along with synagogues across the city and country, we will dedicate our service to remembering the victims of the anti-Semitic attacks this past Shabbat at the Tree of Life Or L’Simcha Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Bernie Farber, Habonim Congregant and Chair of the Canadian Anti Hate Network, will be delivering reflections in the wake of the Pittsburgh tragedy.
Please note: In addition to Rev. El- Shafie’s words, we will also hear from Adeba one of the rescued Yazidi survivors who is currently living in Canada.
(See: https://www.cbc.ca/news/Canada/british-columbia/yazidi-refugees-fleeing-isis-sex-slavery-refugee-advocates-1.4841790 )
Please join us this Friday night,
Eli Rubenstein
Religious Leader
Congregation Habonim
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Friday November 2nd, at 8:15 pm Leo Baeck Day School, 501 Arlington Ave. Join us for a special Kabbalat Shabbat with guest speaker Rev. Majed El Shafie President and Founder of Rev. Majed El Shafie will speak about the work OFWI does to protect the rights of religious minorities around the world.
Refreshments will be served |
Friday Nov 2nd Kabbalat Shabbat #showup
10/30/2018 05:06:35 PM
This Friday night, along with synagogues across the city and country, we will dedicate our service to remembering the victims of the anti-Semitic attacks this past Shabbat at the Tree of Life Or L’Simcha Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Please note: In addition to Rev. El- Shafie’s words, we will also hear from one of the rescued Yazidi survivors currently living in Canada.
(See: https://www.cbc.ca/news/Canada/british-columbia/yazidi-refugees-fleeing-isis-sex-slavery-refugee-advocates-1.4841790 )
Please join us this Friday night,
Eli Rubenstein
Religious Leader
Congregation Habonim
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Friday November 2nd, at 8:15 pm Leo Baeck Day School, 501 Arlington Ave. Join us for a special Kabbalat Shabbat with guest speaker Rev. Majed El Shafie President and Founder of Rev. Majed El Shafie will speak about the work OFWI does to protect the rights of religious minorities around the world.
Refreshments will be served |
Letters of Condolence to the Jewish Community
10/30/2018 11:37:58 AM
Please find below two letters of condolences from Canadian Government representatives that were sent to the Jewish community after the recent attack in Pittsburgh.
Letter of condolence from Prime Minister Trudeau
Open Letter to the Jewish Community from MP Michael Levitt
Community vigil - Monday, 7pm at Mel Lastman Square
10/28/2018 09:16:54 PM
Community Vigil – Monday, October 29 – 7:00 p.m.
Mel Lastman Square
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, its advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), and many other Jewish organizations - including B’nai Brith, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC), the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and the Toronto Board of Rabbis - will host a community-wide vigil on Monday, October 29th at 7 p.m. at Mel Lastman Square, (5100 Yonge St. - North York Centre Subway Station) in memory of the victims of the horrific attack that took place in Pittsburgh.
We are bringing the community together in a show of solidarity and remembrance, as we cope with this unspeakable act of antisemitic violence. Acts of violence and hate against the Jewish community, wherever they take place, are an attack on the entire Jewish people. We are devastated by the terrible loss of life and the impact this will have on all the families affected, including those here in Toronto.
Please make every effort to join us, along with Jewish leaders from all streams of Judaism, other religious leaders and government representatives, as we stand in solidarity with Pittsburgh’s Jewish community and demonstrate the resilience of the Jewish community and the strength of Canadian society.
Sent by United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto | Registration no.: 119276723RR0001 | 4600 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M2R 3V2
In the Aftermath of the Pittsburgh Synagogue Attack
10/28/2018 09:14:26 AM
Congregation Habonim mourns the tragic and senseless loss of life this past Shabbat morning at Tree of Life Or L'Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Our security partners at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) have mobilized extra protection for the Jewish community in the GTA. CIJA has been in contact with local law enforcement agencies and received assurances that protection of the Jewish community and its facilities will be provided with additional attention immediately.
We stand together with our Jewish sisters and brothers, and indeed with all people of good faith around the world, in condemning this horrific racist and anti-Semitic act.
We wish only comfort to the families of those who lost loved ones, and a full and speedy recover to those injured in this attack.
Let us strengthen our resolve to continue building a world of kindness, compassion and love - which is surely the most fitting and noble way to remember those who perished.
The President, Board & Clergy
Congregation Habonim
Friday Nov 2nd Kabbalat Shabbat with Rev. Majed El Shafie
10/18/2018 11:05:01 AM
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Friday November 2nd, at 8:15 pm Leo Baeck Day School, 501 Arlington Ave. Join us for a special Kabbalat Shabbat with guest speaker Rev. Majed El Shafie President and Founder of Rev. Majed El Shafie will speak about the work OFWI does to protect the rights of religious minorities around the world.
Refreshments will be served |
An evening at the Theatre
10/17/2018 06:07:24 PM
Join Habonim members at the Opening Night Performance of
The Bar Mitzvah Boy
Thursday November 22nd @ 8PM
Toronto Centre of the Arts, 5040 Yonge St.
presented by the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company, followed by a cast meet-and-greet.
“Joey is a successful lawyer who is used to things going his way. When in his 60s, he suddenly decides he needs a Bar Mitzvah, what begins as a simple item on his to-do list becomes a deep immersion in the necessity of faith, and the meaning behind rituals.”
Winner, Best New Play, Jewish Plays Project in America
Habonim group tickets are at a subsidized rate of $50 (regularly $76.80) for opening night, including meet the cast, cocktail and dessert reception.
To reserve your seat please register below by November 5th. Tickets are limited.
https://www.congregationhabonim.org/event/theatre-night--the-bar-mitzvah-boy.html
Passing of Jack Kuretzky
10/16/2018 07:45:22 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of
Jack Kuretzky
father and father in law of Habonim members:
Joni and Alan Shanoff
Funeral - Thursday October 18 at 11:30 am
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
www. benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish the entire family comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
If you wish to send a Habonim Tribute Card to the family to express your condolences, you can do so on our website at
http://www.congregationhabonim.org/payment.php
or by calling the office at 416-782-7125.
Habonim on CBC
10/16/2018 12:57:23 PM
Eli Rubenstein
Passing of Lodja Edelstein
10/04/2018 05:14:22 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Holocaust Survivor:
Lodja Edelstein
mother and mother in law of Habonim members:
Morry Edelstein and Laura Rachlin
Funeral - Friday October 5, at 12:00 pm
Steeles Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
http://steelesmemorialchapel.com/condolence/zella-edelstein/
We wish the entire family comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
If you wish to send a Habonim Tribute Card to the family to express your condolences, you can do so on our website at
http://www.congregationhabonim.org/payment.php
or by calling the office at 416-782-7125.
Passing of Ella Wolfish
10/02/2018 08:03:50 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of:
Ella Wolfish
mother and mother in law of Habonim members:
Hildi Wolfish and Ken Cadesky
Memorial Service - Wednesday October 3, at 11:30 am
York Funeral Centre, 160 Beecroft Rd., NorthYork
Please see more information here:
http://www.remembering.ca/obituary/ella-wolfish-1927-2018-1070382500
We wish the entire family comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
If you wish to send a Habonim Tribute Card to the family to express your condolences, you can do so on our website at
http://www.congregationhabonim.org/payment.php
or by calling the office at 416-782-7125.
Reminder - Services tomorrow
09/30/2018 03:38:53 PM
Please Join Us:
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Sukkot/Shmini Atzeret/Yizkor Service Monday October 1, 10:00 am Leo Baeck Day School - 501 Arlington Ave. |
Upcoming Kabbalat Shabbats (new dates)
Friday November 2 8:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat with speaker Rev. Majed El Shafie
Friday November 23 8:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat LIVE (more details to follow)
Friday December 7 6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat and Chanukah potluck
Passing of Sylvia Goldstein
09/28/2018 05:24:25 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of:
Sylvia Goldstein
mother and mother in law of Habonim members:
Marie and Ken Sherman and
Rhonda and Dan Grant
Funeral: Sunday September 30, at 11:30 am
Graveside, Bathurst Lawn Memorial Park
Please see more information here:
https://benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish the entire family comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
If you wish to send a Habonim Tribute Card to the family to express your condolences, you can do so on our website at
http://www.congregationhabonim.org/payment.php
or by calling the office at 416-782-7125.
Upcoming services
09/27/2018 06:09:14 PM
Please Join Us:
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Sukkot/Shmini Atzeret/Yizkor Service Monday October 1, 10:00 am Leo Baeck Day School - 501 Arlington Ave. |
Upcoming Kabbalat Shabbats (new dates)
Friday November 2 8:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat with speaker Rev. Majed El Shafie
Friday November 23 8:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat LIVE (more details to follow)
Friday December 7 6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat and Chanukah potluck
Why Don't Jews Proselytize?
09/26/2018 04:10:30 PM
Please see Eli Rubenstein’s latest op-ed piece in the Canadian Jewish News in its special 2018 Big Ideas Rosh Hashanah supplement.
http://www.cjnews.com/perspectives/big-ideas/rubenstein-why-dont-jews-proselytize
Remembering Rabbi Chezi Zionce
08/30/2018 09:06:24 PM
Earlier this summer, Rabbi Chezi Zionce passed away.
This was a tremendous loss to Toronto’s Jewish community and to me personally - as he was one of my closest friends.
Rabbi Zionce was the spiritual leader of Beit Rayim Synagogue for the last 6 years, and worked in several other synagogues in Canada and the US where he was loved and admired by his congregants.
Rabbi Zionce was Associate Religious Leader at Habonim from 2011-2012, and later continued to help Habonim out on many occasions with religious services when needed.
Please see the link to my personal tribute on Rabbi Zionce that appeared in this week’s Canadian Jewish News.
http://www.cjnews.com/
Eli Rubenstein
Religious Leader
Congregation Habonim
Habonim High Holiday Honours
08/28/2018 05:07:29 PM
From: Susan Liebel, Congregation Habonim Board Member
PLEASE PLAY A ROLE IN OUR HOLIDAY SERVICES!
High Holidays are just around the corner and we are now making arrangements for members to help with the services. The type of help we require includes English readings, lifting the Torah, opening the Ark, and in some cases reading Hebrew for an Aliyah. To help services run smoothly, please offer your help in one of these areas.
It is a mitzvah to have an honour at services!
Please send an email with the following information:
1. The names of all family members willing to participate. Please include one contact phone number for the family.
2. What you are willing to help with: Reading an English Prayer, Lifting the Torah, Opening the Ark, doing an Aliyah or ANY OF THE ABOVE.
3. Which services you will be attending: Erev Rosh Hashana, Rosh Hashana Day 1, Rosh Hashana Day 2, Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur & Mincha/Neila.
4. Specify if you attend the early or late service.
5. If you are volunteering for an Aliyah, please include your Hebrew name as well as your father's and mother's Hebrew name.
Could you please respond by Monday September 3rd and kindly be specific with the above information as it makes the job a lot easier!
Thanks in advance for your assistance,
Susan Liebel
susanliebel22@gmail.com
Passing of Joseph Yunger
08/13/2018 06:38:20 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Holocaust survivor:
Joseph Yunger
father and father in law of Habonim members:
Rita Yunger Linder & Richard Linder
Funeral: Tuesday, August 14th at 1:00 pm
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
https://benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish the entire family comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
If you wish to send a Habonim Tribute Card to the family to express your condolences, you can do so on our website at
http://www.congregationhabonim.org/payment.php
or by calling the office at 416-782-7125.
Passing of J. Michael Sigel - Correction
08/10/2018 10:51:25 AM
Please note - funeral service will take place at Beth Tzedec, 1700 Bathurst Street
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of:
J. Michael Sigel
father and father in law of Habonim members:
Derek Sigel and Shannon O'Hearn
Funeral: Friday, August 10th at 2:00 pm
Beth Tzedec - 1700 Bathurst St.
Please see more information here:
https://benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca/ServiceDetails.aspx?snum=134761&fg=0
We wish the entire family comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
If you wish to send a Habonim Tribute Card to the family to express your condolences, you can do so on our website at
http://www.congregationhabonim.org/payment.php
or by calling the office at 416-782-7125.