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Reminder - Kabbalat Shabbat tomorrow @ 8:15 pm

11/23/2017 02:22:14 PM

Nov23

 

Join Eli Rubenstein & Aviva Rajsky

with Tom Bellman accompanying

Friday November 24

@ 8:15 pm

for Kabbalat Shabbat

followed by Oneg Shabbat

at 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

Nov22

 

“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.     

https://youtu.be/uDALaa3mADE

            

Kabbalat Shabbat Friday November 24 @ 8:15 pm

11/19/2017 12:03:23 PM

Nov19

 

Join Eli Rubenstein & Aviva Rajsky

with Tom Bellman accompanying

Friday November 24

@ 8:15 pm

for Kabbalat Shabbat

followed by Oneg Shabbat

at 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

Nov15

 

 

 

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

Nov15

 

 

 

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

Nov13

 
Summer will be here before you know it! Really!
 
A representative from URJ Camp George is coming to our school to tell us all about the unique summer experience that this camp offers. Come bring your curiosity and your questions.
All school families & Habonim members welcome.
 
Sunday November 26, 2017
9:30 AM The presentation will last approx. one half hour.
The Jewish Heritage School, currently located at The Leo Baeck Day School
for more info contact Suzanne Hersh, JHS Principal,
 

Tomorrow - Two Holocaust Education Programs at Habonim

11/04/2017 08:03:22 PM

Nov4

 

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

Oct31

 

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

Oct30

 

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

Oct25

 

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:

 

REMINDER TOMORROW NIGHT@ 7:30 PM AT HABONIM - MEET YAHYA

10/17/2017 03:11:45 PM

Oct17

JOIN US ON OCT.18, 7:30 PM AT HABONIM TO MEET YAHYA

10/14/2017 08:03:15 PM

Oct14

Upcoming Events

10/10/2017 10:08:21 PM

Oct10

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

Sep26

 

 

 

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

Sep12

 

 

 

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

Sep7

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

Sep1

 

 

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

Sep1

 

 

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

Aug28

 

 

 

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

Aug17

 

 

 

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

Aug15

 

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

Aug3

 

 

 

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

Jul31

 

 

 

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

Jul13

 

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

Jul6

 

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

Jul4

 

 

 

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

Jun20

 

 

 

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

Jun19

 

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

Jun16

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:

  1. I thought I had something to offer that could help.
  2. I thought I might meet some people who could become clients.
  3. 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

 

Sun, March 16 2025 16 Adar 5785