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Weekly Bulletin
May 9, 2015 | 20 Iyar 5775
Amalgamated Hebrew Men of England (1975)
100 Elder Street, Toronto ON M3H 5G7 | 416.633.3838
Emor
www.beby.org
Hertz Chumash
Torah Reading pp. 513-528
Haftarah pp. 528-530
Welcome to Sisterhood Shabbat
Etz Hayim Chumash
Torah Reading pp. 717-733
Haftarah pp. 735-737
Dov & Genia Brykman in honour of their great grandson Benjamin Lakien,
son of Josh & Jaclyn Lakien and will be held in the Foyer following services.
~The Congregational Kiddush is sponsored by
the celebrants of the day and by
We extend a warm welcome to Hana Werner, our special guest speaker,
joining us today for Sisterhood Shabbat.
~ We extend a Mazel Tov to ~
Kyle Fortinsky, son of Jeff Fortinsky and Erica Fortinsky in honour of his Offruf and
forthcoming marriage to Kara Wollach, daughter of Phyllis & Ian Wollach
The Sefer Haftarah Parasha
is dedicated in honour of Ariel Yehushua, our 1st
grandson’s Bar Mitzvah. We dedicate this Haftarah
selection to all our grandchildren. May the wisdom
of Torah and the ethical teaching of our prophets
continue to guide them through their spiritual journey.
Sabta & Zaida Esser.
Rabbi Howard Morrison and Dale Gold
on the celebration of their Birthdays today.
Nathan & Glenys Lindenberg and Morley Brown
on receiving the Einstein Legacy Awards from Canadian Friends of Hebrew University.
SHABBATINI!
Services for Week of May 10th
Sunday ......................................... 7:30 & 8:30 am
Monday - Friday ............................ 7:15 & 8:15 am
Sunday - Thursday ....................................8:20 pm
Friday evening...........................................7:00 pm
Shabbat Candle Lighting ...........................8:18 pm
Hashkama Minyan..................................... 7:30 am
Shabbat Services ........................................ 8:45 am
BEBY reserves the right to make copy & editorial changes.
DEADLINE THURSDAY NOON of each week.
Beyond that time we cannot guarantee that your
event will appear in the bulletin.
We regret any errors and omissions that may occur.
Please contact the office to make corrections.
Shabbat Study Group —7:25 pm
Shabbat Mincha —8:00 pm
Shabbat Ends — 9:13 pm
Join us! Friday May 15th.
Martini bar for the adults and “mocktinis” for the children.
Live music accompanies hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity for
everyone to mingle and socialize.
No Charge - but PLEASE call the office to RSVP.
~ We extend our condolences to ~
The family of our late member, Ruth Perlmutter l”z
Lou Fields and family on the loss of his mother, Dora Fields l”z
Rene Skurka and family on the loss of her husband, Fred Skurka l”z
Sam Stern, Eddie Stern and Joel Stern and families on the loss of their mother, Asna Stern l”z
ALLERGY ALERT!! Many of our members suffer from asthma or other breathing difficulties. Please
be considerate of those who are chemically sensitive to fragrances and other scented products
- your discretion in applying scented products when attending Shul is appreciated.
HALACHA (JEWISH LAW) prohibits the use of audible beepers, cell phones, electronic games
and any type of photographic equipment on Shabbat and Yom Tov.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation in preserving the sanctity of Shabbat.
Yasher Koach and thank you to our Shabbat Greeters!
WEEKLY PROGRAMMES
SHABBAT
TISH & TORAH - Rabbi Lipson leads learning sessions for the Parashat
Hashavuah at 10:00 am in the Boardroom.
RABBINICS STUDY GROUP – Daf Ha’Shavua - The Weekly Page of Talmud. For
beginning or intermediate students, study the first Tractate of the Talmud
known as Masechet Berachot. “The primary focus of the tractate is the
myriad ways in which a Jewish person expresses his faith during his life.” 35
minutes prior to Mincha.
SUNDAY
FREE HEBREW READING CLASSES - RESUME
new dates and info.
NEXT
FALL & WINTER. Watch for
COMING
THE MARTY KESHEN CHESED COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU!
If you would like to volunteer with home and hospital visits, Shiva calls,
etc. please call the office and leave a message for Rochelle Kerzner
Committee Chair or email chesed@beby.org
SISTERHOOD KNIT/CROCHET AND CHAT GROUP. GOOD NEWS!
To make it easier for you to donate to us, you can now make donations
directly to the BEBY Chesed Knitters via the shul office. We are forever
thankful to the men and women who attend the morning minyans for their
generous donations - helping us to continue knitting baby blankets and hats.
Join us at 10 am - every Monday morning!
The KADIMA CENTRE: 2-3:30 pm. For info on student registration, contact
Marcel Cohen at 416.633.3838 or marcelcohen2003@yahoo.ca. More info
available from www.beby.org. We are looking for adults to volunteer who
are compassionate, patient and positive.
TANACH STUDY GROUP - May 31st, 7:30 pm. At the home of Paula & Jonathan
Miller. 23 Purdon Drive. Studying Beresheit. Ch 26.
MONDAY
MAH JONGG AT 12:00 NOON. All welcome. Call the office 416-633-3838 to join.
Donation of a Toonie. Refreshments served. FREE Mah Jongg Lessons! Call for
info and to register!
RABBI’S STUDY CLASS: PROBING THE PARSHA:
A detailed study of a particular theme emanating from the weekly Torah
portion. Each theme is linked to an essay topic found in the new book, The
Observant Life - The Wisdom of Conservative Judaism for Contemporary
Jews. The book is encouraged but not required for participants. Boardroom.
7:15 - 8:15 pm.
TUESDAY
SISTERHOOD STUDY GROUP - 10 - 11:30 am | Rabbis Morrison and Lipson
alternate weekly. Ask The Rabbi with Rabbi Morrison: Brief English responsa
to modern halakhic questions from the perspective of Conservative Judaism.
Topics will cover Bible, ethics, gender, interfaith, symbols, conversion,
kashrut, lifecycle, holy day cycle, women’s issues, theology, and more. Rabbi
Lipson’s Weekly Topic: Studying the Book of Shmuel (Samuel) and the Book
of Kings — Politics & Power in Biblical Israel.
FRUMBA - WOMEN’S CARDIO DANCE FITNESS - Sponsored by Sisterhood. 8pm.
All ages and fitness levels welcome. No previous dance experience is
needed. Come join us! Its FUN, gets you FIT fast and ENERGIZED!! 7 weeks.
$99. Contact Bette at frumbadance@gmail.com for drop in and try it rates,
package pricing and full schedule updates.
WEDNESDAY
TALMUD CLASS WITH DR. AARON NUSSBAUM | 9:15 am. Chapel.
MAH JONGG AND RUMMIKUB HOSTED BY SISTERHOOD. Games begin at 12:30
to 3:30 pm. Donation of a Toonie. Refreshments served. Mah Jongg Games
and Rummikub games needed. If you have one to donate, contact the
office. FREE Mah Jongg Lessons! Call for info and to register!
SISTERHOOD PRESENTS ISRAELI FOLK DANCING WITH SHOSHANA FRANK. Beginners
7 pm • Intermediate/Advanced. 8 pm. $8.00 per class. Info? Call Shoshana
Frank at 905.889.9419.
THURSDAY
NASH & DRASH 2015 - May 21st. $13 pp.
Please pick up a flyer or check our web site /facebook page for more information on our upcoming events.
THE LIBRARY ~10 am - 12 noon. Drop by and peruse our many fabulous new
titles! The Book Borrower by Alice Mattison; Yesterday (My Story) by
Haddasah Rosensaft.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Israel-Poland Trip Meeting
Monday May 11th
Walk With Israel
Monday May 18th
Shabbatini
Friday May 15th
March of the Living Shabbat
Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Saturday May 23rd
Graduation Shavuot
and Farewell to Omer
Sunday May 24th
Sam & Sarah Kerzner
Scholar Weekend
Thursday May 28th - Sunday May 31st
Beer Tasting & Food Pairing
Wednesday June 3rd
CHAZZAN’S CORNER
Davening Class - Chazzan Edwards offers an informal,
hands on practical class - Monday evenings
Class begins 7:30 pm.
FYI: Please be aware that in the event of a medical emergency, our Security Personnel are
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EVENTS
YOUTH & YOUNG FAMILIES
BETH EMETH GREENING COMMITTEE
THIS WEEK’S GREENING TIPS
Shakin’ Up Shabbat!
Junior Congregation
every Shabbat at 10 am
with lots of fun activities and games!
led by Elie Morrison and Samara Gottesman
or by Omer Itzhak, our Shinshinit. See you there!
On Thursday celebrating Lag B’Omer reminds us to enjoy and
share the bounties of our crops and lives
Sabbath, we are jubilant as we acknowledge the contributions
of our Sisterhood
As women rejoicing, we recognize our deep connection to the
Earth and its fruits
We not only count the omer but make the omer count as a
moment of self-awareness and self-growth
We share our grain and participate in Sisterhood with a spirit of
cooperation and community
In partnership we preserve and protect our earth and our
health in peace and with kindness
Sam Kotzer Shabbat & Festival Gan Program
OPEN YEAR ROUND FOR NURSERY SERVICES.
10 am - 12 noon | BEBY Babies Room (lower level)
Structured weekly Shabbat programming
for children ages 1 through JK,
including Tefillot, songs, games, and healthy snacks.
Contact DALE at youth@beby.org or
call 416 633.3838 for MORE INFO or to
RSVP to any program.
Hilda Swirsky, RN, BScN, MEd, Chair,
hswirsky@hotmail.com or Fay Rakoff, rakoff@gmail.com
YOUTH EVENTS
Coming up!
Men’s Club Beer Tasting —
Wednesday June 3rd. 7:00 pm.
$40 pp. Fabulous food and unique Craft
beers. With Stephen Rich. Event purchase:
http://bebybeertasting.eventbrite.ca
Beth Emeth, Adath Israel & Beth Tikvah
invite you to a
Tikun Leil Shavuot
Saturday, May 23rd at 8:30 pm
continuing through
to early Sunday morning, May 24th.
Dairy Dinner served. No Charge. Please RSVP.
Speakers include: Rabbi Moshe Meirovich
Rabbi Howard Morrison and Rabbi David Seed
To book a Youth Kiddush please send an email to youth@beby.org.
Thursday May 28th —
70 Years After Auschwitz. The Sam & Sarah
Kerzner Scholar-in-Residence weekend with
Prof. Stephen Berk. 7:30 pm. No Charge. All
Welcome. Dessert Reception following.
HIGH SCHOOLERS – TEEN TIKUN LEIL SHAVUOT
LATE NIGHT SATURDAY MAY 23RD. Dinner and Tikun
following services at 8:30 pm. Great food, great fun!
Featuring a delicious sundae bar after midnight! FREE!
Please RSVP to youth@beby.org so we know how
much food to prepare.
BEBY GOES TO THE JAYS GAME! Youth Department
Closing Program: Join us as the Toronto Blue Jays take
on the Houston Astros SUNDAY JUNE 7TH. Bus departs
Beth Emeth at 11:45 am sharp. Bring the entire family!
Cost: $20 pp. Includes game ticket, kosher hot dog,
drink, transportation and a whole lot of fun!
WALK WITH ISRAEL - Victoria day weekend - Monday
May 18th. Begins at Coronation Park for 6 km. Go to
walkwithisrael.com for more information and to register.
Café Shinshinim:
Omer Itzhak leads a lively discussion group
for Adults covering a range of
current topics. Tuesday May 12, 7PM.
Topic will be Israel/Shavuot!
Refreshments served.
CLUB CHAVERUT SENIORS CLUB welcomes BETH EMETH MEMBERS to join them at their upcoming events. Sunday May 31st. A Musical
Salute to the State of Israel. With Michael Kinkis & Rachel. Beth David Synagogue, the Ganz Social Hall at 1:30 pm. RSVP to Rose Haspel
905 764 8141 by May 25, 2015. Members: $7.00 Non-members: $10.00
CPR trained. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to seek out their services.
EMOR
by Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz, Jewish Theological Seminary JTS - www.learn.jtsa.edu
In the wake of violent religious extremism that
plagues our world today, why are some religious
leaders not expressing their opposition to bloodshed in the name of God? By turning a blind eye
and silencing their voices, religious leaders tacitly
give their approval to the violence—both tarnishing their reputation as leaders and diminishing
God’s presence in this world. Leadership, especially religious leadership, demands scrupulousness
and accountability.
Our parashah this week, Parashat Emor, underscores this notion. The Torah reading opens by
discussing the many behavioral stringencies that
apply to the priesthood. As members of an elite
that mediates the relationship between God and
the people, the kohanim (priests) must be mindful
and deliberate in their service to God. The Torah
proclaims, “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Instruct Aaron and his sons to keep themselves apart
(veyinazru) from the hallowed things [or JPS translation: to be scrupulous about the sacred donations] that the children of Israel consecrate to Me,
lest they profane My holy name” (Lev. 22:1–2). As
leaders of the Israelites, the priestly class is explicitly being held to a higher standard. What is the
import of raising the bar so high for those who are
so diligently serving God in the sacred precincts?
Guided by the Hebrew word veyinazru, translated
variously as “to separate” or “to be scrupulous,”
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808–1888, Germany) elaborates on the linguistic root (n-z-r):
The basic meaning of nezir definitely has the idea
of exclusion from some sphere . . . the command
that “they keep themselves apart from the hallowed things of the children of Israel” accordingly,
makes the demand to the kohanim that they are
not to consider themselves simply unconditionally entitled to the “holy things” which are handed
over to them by the people. There are times when
they have to consider themselves excluded from
them, to stand as strangers (zarim) towards them,
and may neither deal with them for the sacrificial
service nor eat them. (Hirsch Commentary on the
Torah: Leviticus II, 610)
Quite beautifully, Hirsch goes far beyond the peshat, the literal meaning, of our expression veyinazru. He connects the word not only to nezir
but also to zarim (strangers). There is a time for
the priests to be insiders but there is also a time
when they will be outsiders or strangers. The lesson is critical. Given their elite status as leaders in
the community, Torah expresses the ever-present
concern that “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” When one achieves a certain status, there is a
feeling of invincibility and self-importance. Such
people often feel a sense of entitlement and excessive comfort. And too often, these feelings lead to
abuses of power. For a person in the role of priest,
the danger becomes all the more serious. Because
priests are servants to and representatives of God,
their missteps will undoubtedly be projected onto
God and the entire religious system. One must be
ever-vigilant when serving the people in this capacity.
Vividly, one calls to mind the opening chapters of
the First Book of Samuel, which relate not only
the appearance of the prophet-judge Samuel, but,
more importantly, gives us a sense of the chaos and
corruption that led to an alternative form of rule
for the Israelites. Eli, who was the High Priest at
the time, oversaw a troubling and corrupt culture
in the Israelite devotional site of Shiloh. Tellingly,
the first book of Samuel relates,
Now Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they paid no heed
to the Lord. This is how the priests used to deal
with the people: when anyone brought a sacrifice,
the priest’s boy would come along with a threepronged fork while the meat was boiling, and he
would thrust it into the cauldron or kettle or the
great pot, or the small cooking pot, and whatever
the fork brought up, the priest would take away.
This was the practice at Shiloh with all the Israelites who came there . . . the sin of the young men
against the Lord was very great, for the men treated
the Lord’s offerings impiously. (I Sam. 2:12–17)
As Rabbi David Silber points out in a brilliant
~Weekday Morning Sponsorships ~
Mordechai & Lyn Ben-Dat in celebration
of the birthdays of their two new grandchildren.
~The Hashkama Minyan is sponsored by ~
Jerry Harris in memory of his friends
Al Labowitz l”z and Calvin Kirsch l”z and by
Harold Bricks in observance of
Yahrzeit for his brother Irving Bricks l”z
Consider a Weekly Bulletin Sponsorship!
Call the office to arrange your dedication.
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available.
Ask an usher.
and illuminating essay, when the Torah
speaks about the
ROSEN JUDAICA
Priestly gifts, it is alGIFT SHOP
ways about priests
receiving gifts. It
Everything you need!
never
discusses
priests taking. The
Wednesday mornings
Talmud goes even
10 am - 12:30 pm
further, explaining
or by appointment.
that the priest is
not even allowed to
Call Sonia Hendler
give the appearance
at 416 633.3838 x 224
of taking. He is supposed to wait until
after the animal is
sacrificed and the
incense is burned on the altar. Only then may a
priest gather up his priestly portion. (“The Birth
of Samuel and the Birth of Kingship,” in Tanakh
Companion: The Book of Samuel, 5).
David Silber gets at the heart of the matter: those
with religious power must behave with moral and
ethical fortitude and, above all, with derekh eretz
(respectfully, or with propriety). For if religious
leaders cannot be trusted to behave properly and
set the tone, it is a deep, painful, and troubling
setback to the aspirations of a society.
True leadership is multivalent—requiring attention to one’s internal life and external actions. This
lesson is especially true for those of us in public
positions of leadership. One must be consistently mindful, introspective, and self-critical. Only
through placing a lens to one’s self and being conscious of one’s own flaws can one avoid the pitfall
of pridefulness, and the awareness that one’s instinctive allies may also deserve critique. Being an
insider requires knowing full well when you must
also be an outsider. That indeed is the sacred lesson of Parashat Emor.
Continuing Education & Morasha present:
Spring 2015 Classes
Jewish Books that did not make it into the Bible
Taught by Professor Barrie Wilson, $60.00
4 Classes: May 6th through 27th, 10 – 11:00 am
Classical Music and the Jews
Taught by Jerry Fink, $75.00
4 Classes: May 6th through 27th
11:15 am to 12:45 pm (90 minutes)
To register or for more info on these classes, send an email
to savtaloretta@gmail.com or call Loretta at 416.789.7400.
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