Reminder - Kabbalat Shabbat tomorrow @ 8:15 pm
11/23/2017 02:22:14 PM
Join Eli Rubenstein & Aviva Rajskywith Tom Bellman accompanyingFriday November 24@ 8:15 pmfor Kabbalat Shabbatfollowed by Oneg Shabbatat Habonim, 5 Glen Park Avenue
*Save the Date* Friday December 15 @ 6:30 pm Shabbat Chanukah & Potluck More details to follow... |
Sled Dogs is airing tonight on ABC's Nightline
11/22/2017 08:54:09 PM
“Sled Dogs: The Cold Truth About Man’s Best Friend” by film makers and Habonim members Fern Levitt (director) and Arnie Zipursky (producer) will be featured tonight on ABC's Nightline.
The film will also be featured in Maclean's Magazine in the near future. Click below to see the trailer.
Kabbalat Shabbat Friday November 24 @ 8:15 pm
11/19/2017 12:03:23 PM
Join Eli Rubenstein & Aviva Rajskywith Tom Bellman accompanyingFriday November 24@ 8:15 pmfor Kabbalat Shabbatfollowed by Oneg Shabbatat Habonim, 5 Glen Park Avenue
*Save the Date* Friday December 15 @ 6:30 pm Shabbat Chanukah & Potluck More details to follow... |
Passing of Helen Sharp Shapiro
11/15/2017 04:59:42 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of :
Helen Sharp Shapiro
Mother and Mother -in-law and grandmother of Habonim Members
Shelley & Peter Fink
Alexis & Jordan Slatt
Kate Fink
Funeral: Thursday Nov. 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
http://www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish Shelley, Peter, Alexis, Jordan & Kate 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.
Passing of Helen Sharp Shapiro
11/15/2017 04:36:00 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of :
Helen Sharp Shapiro
Mother and Mother -in-law of Habonim Members
Shelley & Peter Fink
Funeral: Thursday Nov. 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
http://www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish Shelley & Peter 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.
Camp George Presentation
11/13/2017 09:17:23 AM

Sunday November 26, 20179:30 AM The presentation will last approx. one half hour.The Jewish Heritage School, currently located at The Leo Baeck Day Schoolfor more info contact Suzanne Hersh, JHS Principal,

Tomorrow - Two Holocaust Education Programs at Habonim
11/04/2017 08:03:22 PM
Please join us for two programs at Habonim for:
Holocaust Education Week
Sunday November 5th
11:00 am & 8:00 pm
For all HEW programs please click here.
Two Volunteer opportunities with Habonim
10/31/2017 12:52:23 PM
We are looking for volunteers to join a Lay Shiva Group, whose members would be called upon, from time to time, to lead services at homes observing Shiva. As our congregation grows, we want to be sure that we are able to meet our growing needs while maintaining our “small shul” feel. This is a nice way to build community and help congregants feel connected when they are going through an extremely difficult time.
The volunteers must be able to read Hebrew and be familiar with prayer services. Training will be provided to ensure that you are comfortable in this role.
If you are willing and able, please contact
Melissa Muskat melissamuskat@gmail.com.
Calling all high school students! Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way to earn community service hours? Do you enjoy working with kids? Can you read simple Hebrew? If you answered yes to those three questions consider volunteering at Habonim's Jewish Heritage School on Sunday mornings!
To find out more contact the principal,
Suzanne Hersh: suzanne.habonim@gmail.com
Holocaust Education Week at Habonim
10/30/2017 05:11:25 PM
Please join us for:
Holocaust Education Week at Habonim
Sunday November 5th at 11:00 am & 8:00 pm
For all HEW programs please click here.
Reminder - Special Kabbalat Shabbat this Friday @ 8:15 pm
10/25/2017 01:01:17 PM
Please attend a special service in memory of our late Cantor, Esther Ghan-Firestone, with a guest appearance by Esther’s great niece from Israel, Sharon Cohen, First Violin, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
See details below:
Upcoming Events
10/10/2017 10:08:21 PM
Please Join Us:
Sukkot/Shmini Atzeret/Yizkor Service Thursday October 12, 10:00 am Habonim - 5 Glen Park Avenue |
Passing of Catherine Anne Courtney
09/26/2017 02:22:56 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of
Catherine Anne Courtney
Mother and Mother -in-law of Habonim Members
Charissa and Ari Levy
Funeral: Thursday September 28 at 2pm
O'Neill Funeral Home,
6324 Main St, Witchurch-Stouffville
Shiva: On Thursday evening there will be one night of Shiva, at 510 Woburn Avenue, starting at 7:30pm, with a brief service at 8:00pm.
Please see more information here:
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/oneill/obituaries/catherine-anne-courtney-gillion/9563
We wish Charissa, Ari 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.
Passing of Magdolna Hercz
09/12/2017 06:52:18 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of
Holocaust survivor and Habonim member
Magdolna Hercz
Mother and Mother -in-law of Habonim Members
Gavril Hercz and Erika Engel
Funeral: Thursday September 14th at 12:00 pm
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
http://www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish Gavril, Erika 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.
Habonim High Holiday Honours
09/07/2017 01:16:13 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. Remember, 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.
Please 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
Habonim Bulletin Now Available (corrected link)
09/01/2017 06:38:14 PM
Website Version of the
September, High Holiday
Habonim Bulletin
is now available!
To view click here
Habonim Bulletin Now Available
09/01/2017 06:19:26 PM
Website Version of the
September, High Holiday
Habonim Bulletin
is now available!
To view click here
Passing of Esther Lynne Burnett
08/28/2017 09:41:16 AM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of
Esther Lynne Burnett
Mother and Mother -in-law of Habonim Members
Emily Burnett and Jonathan Bloomberg
Funeral: Monday August 28, at 11:00 am
Adath Israel Synagogue
Please see more information here:
http://www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish Emily, Jonathan 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.
Passing of Dora Posluns
08/17/2017 04:35:29 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Holocaust survivor
Dora Posluns
Mother and Mother -in-law of Habonim Members
Carl & Kathryn Posluns
Funeral: Friday August 18, at 11:30 am
Steeles Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
http://steelesmemorialchapel.com/condolence/dora-posluns/
We wish Carl, Kathryn 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.
Documentary by Habonim members
08/15/2017 02:45:21 PM
Habonim members Karen Shopsowitz, (Producer/ Director)
Mark Landau (Director of Photography)
The Other Side of the Hero
A feature length documentary about first responders dealing with PTSD. Actor Enrico Colantoni (Sgt. Greg Parker from TV’s hit show, Flashpoint) is our guide on this journey. In the documentary, we get to know first responders through their families, their spouses, their co-workers, and themselves; people who have experienced the flip-side of what can happen when a hero discovers that they are not emotionally immune to all that they deal with during their shifts.
The screening takes place on Wednesday, August 23 at the Regent Theatre, 511 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the film at 8.30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door or in advance, by clicking: http://conta.cc/2uQnDm8
Passing of Sheilah Silverberg
08/03/2017 10:07:31 AM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of
Sheilah Silverberg
Mother and Mother -in-law of Habonim Members
Gary Silverberg & Wendy Halbert
Funeral: Thursday August 3rd at 1:00 pm
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
http://www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
We wish Gary, Wendy 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.
Passing of Tilya Helfield
07/31/2017 10:49:26 AM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of
Tilya Helfield
Mother and Mother -in-law of Habonim Members
Marie & Neil Finkelstein
Funeral: Tuesday August 1st at 10:00 am
Steeles Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
http://steelesmemorialchapel.com/condolence/tilya-helfield/
We wish Marie, Neil 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.
TEMPORARY LOCATION CONFIRMED
07/13/2017 06:56:05 PM
We are very pleased to inform you that arrangements have been finalized for our temporary location while the new Habonim building is under construction.
The temporary location will be at the Leo Baeck Day School located at 501 Arlington Avenue, which is less than 4km from Habonim.
The Leo Baeck facility boasts a fully operational modern sanctuary which we will have the benefit of using for our congregational services including high holidays, bar/bat mitzvahs and monthly Kabbalat Shabbat. In addition, the Jewish Heritage School will have use of the up to-date, bright classroom facilities at Leo Baeck. There is a small parking lot at the rear of the school and also street parking available.
We look forward to continuing our Habonim traditions with you while at this lovely, newly- renovated and convenient temporary location.
REMINDER: Meeting for Design Committee and Congregation Monday, July 10th @ 7:30 pm
07/06/2017 07:44:30 AM
Please join the Habonim Design Committee on Monday, July 10th at 7:30 pm at the synagogue for an open forum.
This will be your opportunity to voice any opinions you have regarding the design of the new building. Every suggestion will be carefully considered.
If you are unable to attend, feel free to send me an email with your comments.
Looking forward to seeing you there,
Joanie Smith
smithje1958@gmail.com
Passing of Dorothy Friedman Riegelhaupt
07/04/2017 03:05:05 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of
Dorothy Friedman Riegelhaupt
Mother and Mother -in-law of Habonim Members
Elaine and Marty Kaplan
Funeral: Wednesday, July 5th at 10:30 am
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
http://www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca/
We wish the Kaplans 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.
Passing of Leone Paula Beth Bodner
06/20/2017 12:40:22 PM
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of
Leone Paula Beth Bodner
Sister of
Jeff Levy
Funeral: Wednesday June 21 at 12:00 pm
Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel
Please see more information here:
http://www.benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca/
We wish Jeff and his 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.
Meeting for Design Commitee and Congregation Monday, July 10th @ 7:30 pm
06/19/2017 11:27:36 AM
Please join the Habonim Design Committee on Monday, July 10th at 7:30 pm at the synagogue for an open forum.
This will be your opportunity to voice any opinions you have regarding the design of the new building. Every suggestion will be carefully considered.
If you are unable to attend, feel free to send me an email with your comments.
Looking forward to seeing you there,
Joanie Smith
smithje1958@gmail.com
Message from outgoing President Ted Rechtshaffen
06/16/2017 04:11:24 PM
Dear Congregation Habonim Members,
Last week at the Annual General Meeting, I passed the torch of President to Joanie Smith.
It represented the first time in about 10 years that I will not be on the Board of Habonim.
I wanted to share a few brief thoughts with you about Habonim today, and what the experience has meant to me.
I joined the Board back in 2007 for a few reasons:
- I thought I had something to offer that could help.
- I thought I might meet some people who could become clients.
- I wanted to show my children that helping the Jewish Community is something that you are supposed to do.
To greater or lesser degrees, all three of these happened, but an unexpected thing turned out to be the highlight for me.
The greatest benefit was that getting involved with Habonim helped me and my family to find our Jewish community in Toronto – even though we have lived here our whole lives.
The more people I met, the more I was struck by a few things. We are a modest group of people at Habonim. We are not particularly ‘showy’. Having said that, the number of top Doctors, Lawyers, Businesspeople, Professors, Musicians, Judges, and Professionals of all sorts is simply incredible. There are so many people at Habonim who are greatly talented and successful, yet as a group we are modest. That is a really wonderful combination.
We also have many members who really want to do Tikkun Olam. They want to repair the world and do so in big and small ways. Whether through helping Immigrants, or building hospitals, or starting charities to help build homes in Africa, or simply trying to do the right thing on a daily basis. There is a wide range of good things that are done by members of this congregation…quietly but significantly.
We are truly fortunate at Habonim. We have stars in our midst. Eli Rubenstein is unique. He shapes the values of our organization and we learn from him in enjoyable ways, on an ongoing basis. Aviva Rajsky is a great talent. When she and Tom Bellman play, we are transformed. When Aviva is joined by Kim Doron and they sing together, these are wonderful moments. These stars have been joined by Robin Zionce-Garber, who is a one woman powerhouse who runs the office and makes so many things work well on a day to day basis. We also have a wonderful Sunday school that continues to grow as it teaches the joy of Judaism to children from age 5 to 12.
The Board and other volunteers at Habonim are a very strong group. One thing that I feel very good about is the quality of people around the table at the Board level. Led by Joanie Smith, I believe that in 2017-2018, we have among the best Boards ever at Habonim. There is not only specific expertise from Legal, Finance, Real Estate, and Construction fields, but they are unified in their purpose. That is to simply make Habonim a better place.
Then there is the next big thing for Habonim. I can’t wait for these special Habonim values and these strengths to be housed in a beautiful new building that will allow us to do more of the good things we are doing today. We received a new $18,000 donation this week, and we are now just $380,000 from our $9.5 million target. How great would it be for the entire congregation to see us surpass our goal in the next month or two. If you are able to help, now is a great time.
As a final thought, I would simply like to say thank you. We are a great community, and it has been an honour to serve as your President.
Shabbat Shalom,
Ted Rechtshaffen