Shabbat Shuvah Services at Temple Israel
Join Temple Israel as we welcome both Rabbi Larry Hoffman and his son Dr. Joel Hoffman at our Shabbat Shuvah Servcie on Saturday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m. The service and discussion will be in-person at Temple Israel and on Zoom.
Note: Please register for in-person services here.
Discussion:
Is there justice in the universe? Why do we sin? Do we “sin” at all? Yom Kippur evokes all such ultimate questions, and Judaism has more answers than most people know. We invite you to a “father and son” pair of presentations designed to rethink Yom Kippur in all its complexity.
1. Joel Hoffman: "Ancient Answers to Good and Evil: Why Do People Suffer?"
Are good people rewarded and bad people punished? To judge by some of the High Holiday prayers, you might think so. But that's only one ancient approach! Join us as we explore four others, and the important role they have to play in explaining good and evil, happiness and suffering, and the nature of our lives.
2. Larry Hoffman: “Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die”: Really?
A close reading of this most famous of High Holy Day prayers, with a message so at odds with what we believe. Its history reads like a detective novel; and when the mystery is solved, there is a profound message to be had. Come for the mystery; come for the message; come to appreciate Yom Kippur as you never have before.
Bios
Rabbi Lawrence A. (Larry) Hoffman, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Liturgy, Worship and Ritual at Hebrew Union College in NY. He is the author or editor of 50 books and recipient of two National Jewish Book Awards. Larry is the husband of the late Gayle Hoover z"l, a long time member of Temple Israel. Although he lives in the greater New York area, Larry considers himself an "honourary" member of Temple Israel.
Dr. Joel M. Hoffman presents to synagogues, community groups, and universtiy audiences across the globe. He holds a Ph.D. in linguistics and has served on the faculties of Brandeis Univesity and Hebrew Union College. Joel is the chief translator for the 10-volume series, My People's Prayer Book and the 7-volume Prayers of Awe series.
High Holy Days at Temple Israel
Please join Rabbi Dressler and the choir in-person and online as we return to the London Jewish Community Centre for our High Holy Day worship. The JCC is located at 536 Huron Street, London, ON N5Y 4J5.
The Temple Israel Board has voted to lift required masking for all attendees at services, while also offering a section of seats where masking will be required.
All attendees must have 3 or more COVID vaccinations (or the maximum number for which they are eligible, if fewer than 3).
SERVICE DATES AND TIMES:
- Erev Rosh HaShanah: Sunday, September 25, 6:30 pm
- Rosh HaShanah Morning: Monday, September 26, 10:00 am
- Erev Yom Kippur (Kol Nidrei):Tuesday, October 4, 7:30 pm
- Yom Kippur Morning: Wednesday, October 5, 10:00 am
- Yom Kippur Yizkor (Memorial Service) & N’ilah (Concluding Service): Wednesday, October 5, 5:00 pm
Pre-registration is required to attend services in person and online. Click here to register.
If you would like to donate to help offset the expenses of High Holy Days, please visit here and under "Type", select 2 - High Holy Day Sponsorships. Thank you!
RJCC and ARZA Canada Host a Series on Minorities in Israel: Postponed until after the High Holy Days
Gayle Hoover z"l Unveiling
The unveiling for Gayle Hoover z"l has been postponed until October 2, 2022 due to family members coming down with COVID.
Fake COVID Kits
Health Canada has warned that several fake COVID testing kids have been found in Ontario. They look like the legitimate Rapid Response tests in the light green boxes — but according to CBC News , there a few signs that tell you they’re not the real deal.
While the real boxes are sealed with transparent stickers that say “QC APPROVED,” the fakes are not. They purport to be legit with text that reads “ Official Canadian Distributor” and “Health Canada Approved.” The real boxes don’t include this wording.
The fake kits reference “Health Advance” and say “HEALTH CANADA APPROVED.” (Provided by Health Canada)
The real kits, meanwhile, don’t have that added text, but are sealed with a clear sticker. Health Canada said in a statement that the fake tests had been sold online, from the manufacturer “Health Advance Inc.” The website of the distributor, which was listed as “Healthful Plus,” is no longer active. The person who bought the original shipment of 435 test boxes sent it to Health Canada, and the agency said there’s no reason to believe other fake test kits are being distributed elsewhere in the country. Still, it’s important to check, they added.
We are open for Shabbat Services!!
We are thrilled to welcome our community to join us in person for Shabbat services. For those who are unable to attend in person, services will be accessible by Zoom as well. (see our calendar).
As per the board's directive, attendance at in-person services requires the following of all attendees:
- Must be fully vaccinated (3 injections for those eligible)
- Must submit proof of vaccination to the Temple office
- Must pre-register for services to confirm required documents are received
- Masking optional with separate area for those wishing to mask
- Social distancing not required
- Complete the registration form here.
Hand sanitizer and masks are available at the entrance. Please leave extra time to check in at the door. At this time, there will be no food or drink available.
If you feel unwell, or have recently travelled abroad, please join us another time.
Ukraine Crisis Fund - WUPJ
In the light of the Russian attack on Ukraine, the World Union for Progressive Judaism launches the Ukraine Crisis Fund. We ask people from all over the world to make donations towards the support of the Ukrainian Jewish community.
Money will be spent on individuals and communities to ensure their safety and well-being. If the conflict escalates further, your money will become crucial and necessary help for many people. If the tension eases, the fund will be spent on the development of the progressive Jewish community in Ukraine.
To donate, visit here.
Donate your "Stuff"
The Temple Israel Social Action Committee has been thinking that many people in our community may wish to use these months when we have been at home a great deal to de-clutter our homes and prepare boxes or bags of clothing and household items that may be of use to organizations in our city that assist people in need. Here is a list of London organizations and the kind of donations of household goods each one needs, where to bring items, hours, etc.
Ad in Globe & Mail February 7, 2022 created by Reform Rabbis of Canada and RJCC
Important Statements from Reform Jewish Community of Canada (RJCC)
Reform Movement Strongly Condemns Amnesty International Report
Click here for more information
Reform Jewish Leader Responds to Uptick in Antisemitic Incidents
Click here for more information
URJ Statement on Prime Minister Bennett's Abandonment of the Kotel Agreement
Click here for more information
Letter from Reform Jewish Community of Canada (RJCC)
A statement from RJCC was sent to the Toronto District School Board ahead of the meeting to potentially censure Trustee Lulka for calling out, on Twitter, antisemitic and anti-Israel material that was circulated to teachers by a Student Equity Program Advisor. It was signed by the RJCC, ARZA Canada and the Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto (RRGT). See letter here.
B'nai Brith Calls on Canadian Govt. for Strong Action on AntiSemitism
Nov. 15, 2021 OTTAWA — B’nai Brith Canada is proposing a four-point action plan to the Government in hopes of combating increasing antisemitism. A letter sent Monday morning to Irwin Cotler, Special Envoy for Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism, contained recommendations from B’nai Brith that would transform into concrete gains the significant commitments made ...
www.bnaibrith.ca We are heartened by the Government of Canada's country pledge made October 13 at the Malmo International Forum to Combat Antisemitism:
Read more here.
New!! Member Bulletin Board
Check out our new Member Bulletin Board here!
Hannah & Lillian Shmukler's Bat Mitzvah Project
As their Bat Mitzvah project, Hannah and Lillian Shmukler have started a company called Fuzzer & Co where they take orders for pet bandanas, sew them and donate 100% of the profits to the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. For more information, visit their website here.
From the Reform Jewish Community of Canada
Reform Jewish Community of Canada Statement
June 2, 2021
The Reform Jewish Community of Canada Calls for Action on the Discovery of the Unmarked Graves of Indigenous Children at The Kamloops Indian Residential School
Our hearts are with the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and Indigenous peoples and communities across the country as they mourn once again the deaths of 215 children found to be buried in a mass grave on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. We know that this was not a discovery, but a confirmation, and we know that silence is not a solution to the continuing pain and injustice experienced by Indigenous communities.
We stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples to address the historic and ongoing effects of colonialism to ensure a rich heritage, legacy, and future for your children and your children’s children. Our tradition teaches that the loss of even one life is the loss of a whole world. This particular loss is unfathomable.
We bear witness to the truth and call on our governments to follow through on commitments made to ensure meaningful reconciliation, including following through on articles 71-76 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action outlining crucial steps related to missing children and burials. We further acknowledge that the injustices inflicted upon Indigenous peoples in Canada are not limited to historic events like abuse that occurred through the Residential School System. Rather, there continue to be pressing issues facing Indigenous communities, and it is our responsibility to work together to address them. As our tradition further teaches us, while it may not be upon us to complete the work, we are not free to desist from it.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.]
Reform Jewish Community of Canada Stands With Israel
Recipes and a recording of our session are now available!
Favourite Passover Recipes from our members
1. LINDA ZIMMERMAN
Coconut Macaroons
Someone must have posted changes to this recipe online. The version I have does NOT use cream of tartar at all, and mine says 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. (I used just a pinch of regular salt.)
My recipe says it makes 16 macaroons, but I got 27 this time. This recipe says it makes 42. Must be tiny ones.
My son-in-law makes these macaroons for our Passover seder, and his are fabulous! You don't have to wait for Passover. These are great any time, and it's a bonus to find a "cookie" recipe with no fat and no wheat.
2. LINDA ZIMMERMAN
Matza Maple Pecan Tart
3. DINAH FRANK
Passover Cookies (from Judy Frank)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 pear or apple, grated
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp Passover baking soda
- 1 cup matzo cake meal
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup raisins
In large bowl, beat egg slightly. Add oil, sugar, cinnamon, and fruit. Add baking soda, cake meal nuts and raisins one at a time, mixing after each addition. Batter will be thick. Drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet that has been sprayed with oil. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Makes 1.5 dozen cookies.
4. JIM STEVENS
Pizza Seasoning
Did you know you can make your own pizza seasoning at home? It’s so handy to have whenever you’re in the mood to have a pizza night – one of our favorite dinner recipes! You don’t need much- just a few ingredients! So dig around in you spice drawer/cabinet and look for the following herbs and seasonings:
- oregano
- basil
- dried onion flakes
- garlic powder
- thyme
- fennel
- paprika
- ground black pepper
Use during Passover or anytime of the year.
5. RAEL WIENBURG
6. SUSAN DEAN
Passover Cake
This cake is so good, you'll want to make it all year long. Very rich.
7. SUSAN DEAN
Caramel Matzah Crunch - from Louise Shanfeld (you know it's good!)
8. SHAUL SHECTER
Shecter’s Internationally Famous Matzah Brei:
-
Green Onions (both ends)***
-
Tomatoes
-
Green Peppers
-
Red Peppers
-
Orange Peppers
-
Minced garlic
9. IRINA SANATANI
German Ricotta or Quarkauflauf süß (i.e.sweet)
- 1 container smooth full fat ricotta ( 475 g) or 1.5-2 containers of quark (about 500g)
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp of heavy cream
- 125 g or about 1/2 cup sugar
- 75 g or 1/4 cup fine almond flour or matzo meal
- 1tsp vanilla extract
- zest of 1 lemon or 1/2 tsp lemon flavouring
- butter for the form
- fruit for the top (your choice, we like mixed berries, pitted cherries or peaches fresh or frozen, apples work really well too)
- vanilla sugar 1 packet or cinnamon
The home of Reform Judaism in London, Ontario.
At Temple Israel, we weave the gifts of our Jewish past into the promise of our future.
An inclusive and diverse congregation, we encourage participation from all who seek a meaningful Jewish life in the 21st century. We welcome Jewish and interfaith couples, traditional and non-traditional families, singles, LGBT, and people of every age, race, and ethnicity.
As a community of around 135 families, our Shabbat services, holiday and life-cycle observances are warm and lively. We also offer a Religious School, Pre-School Experience, Adult Education Classes, as well as Social Action, Outreach, Interfaith, and Social events.
Whether you are new to Judaism or a learned scholar, our tent is open.
Temple Israel of London