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Passing of Jack Kuretzky

10/16/2018 07:45:22 PM

Oct16

 

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

Oct16

 
Dear Friends,
 
As many of you know, Habonim is blessed with an abundance of exceptional musical talent, led by our Cantors, Aviva Rajsky & Kim Doron, and by guitar accompanist Tom Bellman. Additionally, Josh Engel and Jim Gelcer often participate in services and our Oneg Shabbats, as does Habonim member Paul Hoffert of Lighthouse fame. Our much loved High Holiday Children’s Services are led by the wonderfully gifted Josh Engel, Mark Feldman, and Shaina Silver-Baird.
 
In the last few weeks alone, Jim Gelcer and Paul Hoffert (in early October) and Shaina Silver-Baird (in late September) were featured on CBC Radio.  As you will hear in her interview, Shaina’s Bat Mitzvah teacher - at Habonim - was none other than Kim Doron, who encouraged Shaina to fulfill her musical promise.
 
Please enjoy the links below!
 
Looking forward to seeing you at our next Shabbat Service,
 

Eli Rubenstein

 


 
Paul Hoffert & Jim Gelcer CBC Interview 
 
Vitamin B51 - The Jim Gelcer / Paul Hoffert Trio [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

 

 
 

Shaina Silver Baird CBC Interview

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1328163907718

Damn You - Shaina Silver Baird
 
 

1 in 4 Holocaust Survivors Live in Poverty in Our Community

10/11/2018 06:48:23 PM

Oct11

Passing of Lodja Edelstein

10/04/2018 05:14:22 PM

Oct4

 

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

Oct2

 

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

Sep30

Please Join Us:

Sukkot/Shmini Atzeret/Yizkor Service

Monday October 1, 10:00 am

  Leo Baeck Day School -  501 Arlington Ave.

   

            

 

                                    Image result for save the date

              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

Sep28

 

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

Sep27

Please Join Us:

Sukkot/Shmini Atzeret/Yizkor Service

Monday October 1, 10:00 am

  Leo Baeck Day School -  501 Arlington Ave.

   

            

 

                                    Image result for save the date

              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

Sep26

 

 

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

 

September High Holiday bulletin now available

08/31/2018 02:45:26 PM

Aug31

September 2018

High Holiday

 Habonim Bulletin 

is now available!

To view click here

 

 

 

Remembering Rabbi Chezi Zionce

08/30/2018 09:06:24 PM

Aug30

 

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/perspectives/remembering-rabbi-chezi-zionce

 

 

Eli Rubenstein

Religious Leader

Congregation Habonim

 

 

 

Habonim High Holiday Honours

08/28/2018 05:07:29 PM

Aug28

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

Aug13

 

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

Aug10

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.

 

$2M Donation Moves Habonim Closer to Goal

08/01/2018 04:25:23 PM

Aug1

 

Dear members,

I wanted to share thoughts with you about recent happenings at Habonim and the historic nature of events that have occurred in our congregation just the past couple of weeks.

On July 16th, the groundbreaking for our new synagogue took place under somewhat unusual circumstances. With thunderstorms in the area and a deluge of rain, ceremonies were moved to the premises of our loyal friends at the Grace Tabernacle church, across the street from the construction site, emblematic of Habonim’s friendship with people of all faiths.

We received good wishes from our aboriginal friends and a warm message of friendship and gratitude for the exemplary work Habonim members have pursued in support of so many beyond our congregation. We also heard from Holocaust survivors and their descendants about how much the new building means to them, and received greetings and encouraging words from politicians from every level of government.

When the rain stopped, we were able to move back across the street - outdoors for the ceremonial groundbreaking pictures. Miraculously, a rainbow suddenly appeared overhead, creating an absolutely picturesque backdrop for the event! May that rainbow be a symbol of hope and peace, in memory of the Holocaust survivors who had the foresight to establish our unique congregation and for all who will have the good fortune of using the new building for many years to come.

The capital campaign has been extremely successful – we had raised $9.6 million as of the date of the groundbreaking, but with costs projected at about $13.5 million and our goal of being mortgage free, the Board has been hard at work to secure additional contributions.

In this regard, I am extremely grateful to report that, last week, we received a $2 million commitment from the Sherman family, enabling Honey & Barry’s z”l legacy of exceptional generosity to live on as part of Habonim.

Honey, a daughter of Holocaust survivors, participated on the March of the Living, and was deeply committed to Holocaust education, and very much enjoyed attending Habonim’s High Holiday services with members of her family last year. And although Barry was a self-proclaimed non-believer, he could always be counted on to support the social and humanitarian efforts Habonim is so often involved in.

This remarkable gift is yet one more example of the positive impact Barry and Honey, and now their children, continue to have on our community and beyond.

The Sherman gift has set the stage for a strong finish to the campaign as we continue to reach out to long-time members yet to make their gift and to new members who will benefit from the new building for many years to come. The campaign now stands at $11.6 million and our financial goal of a mortgage-free building is clearly in sight! Equally important, is the goal of 100% membership participation in the campaign. If you have not made your commitment yet, or would like to add to one you have already made, I would welcome a call from you to discuss your participation.

Please remember: No gift is too small! Every dollar counts and will help us continue to build the beautiful community that Habonim is to so many.

Unfortunately, not all news is good. Habonim lost a valued member of our congregation this month. Barrie Rose, a visionary leader and philanthropist in Toronto’s Jewish community, passed away on July 15th, just one day before the ground breaking ceremony. A truly progressive thinker and a supporter of numerous causes within and outside the Jewish community, Barrie was one of our lead donors to the capital campaign and a true friend of Habonim. He will be deeply missed but his memory will live on through the numerous good projects he supported over the years.

The past few weeks’ events have been of historic significance for our congregation. The groundbreaking - rainbow and all, a hugely significant gift from the Sherman family, and, sadly, the loss of one of our treasured members.

As we begin to prepare for the New Year, these events should serve as reminders to all of us of the importance of doing good and the very special place Habonim holds in the hearts of those we touch.

I look forward to seeing all of you at our 2018 Habonim High Holiday services, once again held at Leo Baeck School – and, of course, at our 2019 High Holiday services in our NEW building!

May we all continue to go from strength to strength,

Eli Rubenstein

Religious Leader

             Habonim Groundbreaking, July 16, 2018

Passing of Barrie Rose

07/17/2018 10:08:21 AM

Jul17

 

It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Habonim member:

 

Barrie Rose

partner of  

Karen Solomon

father and father in law of

John & Susan, Robert, Paul Rose and Jenn Law.

 

Funeral: Tuesday, July 17th at 1:00 pm

Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel

 

Please see more information here:  

http://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.

 

Groundbreaking ceremony tonight rain or shine

07/16/2018 09:54:19 AM

Jul16

In case of inclement weather, we have made arrangements to use the Church across the street.

Grace Tabernacle Church

22 Glen Park Avenue.

We will see you tonight at 7:30 pm rain or shine.

https://www.congregationhabonim.org/event/groundbreaking-ceremony.html

Torah readers wanted for High Holidays

07/13/2018 10:17:23 AM

Jul13

                   

If you have ever wanted to read from the Torah, here’s your chance.  I invite you to do a short Aliyah for this year’s high holidays.   I will provide you with a recording and the text.  
Please reply to me directly:    avivar@rogers.com

Passing of Rabbi Chezi Zionce

06/27/2018 05:43:23 PM

Jun27

 

It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of former Habonim Associate Religious Leader: 

 

Rabbi Chezi Zionce

 

 Beloved brother of Habonim General Manager

Robin Zionce Garber

 

 

Funeral: Thursday, June 28th at 2:00 pm

Steeles  Memorial Chapel

 

Please see more information here:  

http://www.steelesmemorialchapel.com

 

 

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.

 

Recent passings at Habonim

06/21/2018 09:56:17 AM

Jun21

In May and June of this year, Habonim said goodbye to three members who left a significant impact on the wider community, and whose stories were also covered in the Canadian Jewish News. Please see links below.      

Eli Rubenstein

 


Neil Finkelstein, distinguished lawyer, who clerked for Bora Laskin, appeared before the Supreme Court some 30 times, and successfully prosecuted Canadian Holocaust Deniers in the 1990s.
http://www.cjnews.com/news/Canada/remembering-legal-legend-neil-finkelstein 

Read his eulogy here

 

Karen Liberman, Executive Director - ‎Mood Disorders Association of Ontario


http://www.cjnews.com/news/Canada/karen-liberman-remembered-as-a-beacon-and-a-role-model 



Janis Roth, Executive Director of JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Service)


http://www.cjnews.com/perspectives/remembering-janis-roth-a-blessing-for-so-many 

http://www.cjnews.com/news/canada/the-world-was-infinitely-better-thanks-to-you-refugee-advocate-janis-roth-dies-of-cancer

Passing of Georgina Fleischer

06/20/2018 07:58:19 AM

Jun20

 

It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Habonim member:

 

Georgina Fleischer

 

Funeral: Wednesday, June 20th at 2:30 pm

Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel

 

Please see more information here:  

http://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.

 

Passing of Gerda Gottlieb

06/15/2018 04:58:19 PM

Jun15

 

It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Habonim member:

 

Gerda Gottlieb

 

 

Please see more information here:  

http://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.

 

Passing of Neil Finkelstein

06/13/2018 02:23:34 PM

Jun13

 

It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Habonim member:

 

Neil Finkelstein

 

Husband  of Marie Finkelstein

 

Funeral - Thursday, June 14 at  1 pm

Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel

 

 

Please see more information here:  

http://www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca

We wish Marie and 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 events this week

06/12/2018 09:47:23 AM

Jun12

    

 Wednesday June 13 @ 7:30 PM

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Leo Baeck Day School

501 Arlington Avenue

 

Friday June 15 @ 6:30 PM

Join Eli Rubenstein & Aviva Rajsky

with Tom Bellman accompanying 

POTLUCK & KABBALAT SHABBAT

the last service before the summer

Leo Baeck Day School

501 Arlington Avenue

REGISTER HERE

Potluck Kabbalat Shabbat- JUNE 15

05/29/2018 01:51:22 PM

May29

Join

Eli Rubenstein 

&

Aviva Rajsky

with Tom Bellman accompanying

 

FRIDAY JUNE 15 @ 6:30 PM

 

POTLUCK & KABBALAT SHABBAT

the last service before the summer

Leo Baeck Day School

501 Arlington Avenue

REGISTER HERE

Passing of Karen Liberman

05/24/2018 09:39:21 PM

May24

 

It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Habonim member:

 

Karen Liberman

 

Life Partner of David Goldman

 

Funeral - Friday, May 25 at 11:30 am

Steeles Memorial Chapel

 

 

Please see more information here:  

www.steelesmemorialchapel.com

 

We wish David and 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 Anne Laist

05/24/2018 09:29:19 PM

May24

 

It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of :

 

Anne Laist

 

Mother and mother-in-law of

Adele and Mark Rosenblatt

 

See more information at:

www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca

 

 

We wish Adele, Mark and their 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.

 

Sat, March 15 2025 15 Adar 5785