Toronto Jewish Film Festival
June 1-11, 2023
To order tickets, visit their website here.
Several free ticketed screenings are available.
New Policy at Temple Israel
In view of recent changes in public health guidelines, the Temple Israel Board has voted to suspend the requirement of proof of COVID vaccinations for attendance at in-person services and events.
In view of health vulnerabilities of some members of our community, however, the Board strongly encourages full vaccination for members who attend in-person Temple activities, and more generally encourages compliance with public health guidelines.
We hope to see you in person at services and events.
Adult Education
Join us for six Adult Education Lunch and Learn sessions in memory of Temple Israel's Gayle Hoover.
Limited space available.
J Welcome Home
Jewish communities in Hamilton, London and Windsor join forces to attract more people
The J Welcome Home project wants to bring people in by helping them in their process of moving to any of the three cities and was inspired by a similar project in Winnipeg.
Volunteers Needed for London Food Bank Sort
Where: The London Food Bank, 926 Leathorne Street
When: The 1st Wednesday of every 2nd month, 6:30-8:00 pm
Upcoming sort: May 3, 2023
- Limit of 12 volunteers. To reserve your spot, email the Temple office here.
Temple Israel Food Policy (Revised in 2014)
Food Policy (2010 - revised in 2014)
Temple Israel of London is a Reform Jewish congregation, and as such, we are committed to supporting the diverse expressions of Jewish practice within our community. Temple Israel’s kitchen is not kosher in the traditional sense. Our kitchen does not contain separate dishes, cooking implements, or serving platters designated specifically for meat or dairy meals.
At Temple events, within and outside of the temple building, we will follow a "kosher style" food policy, defined in the following manner:
Restrictions:
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We strive to be nut-free. Our policy is that no tree nuts, peanuts, nut products, or any foods prepared with these will be allowed on the Temple premises. While our nut-free policy cannot guarantee that persons with nut allergies will not suffer allergic reactions, we believe that adherence to these guidelines will minimize the possibility of anaphylactic reactions.
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Shell fish is not allowed (lobster, shrimp, crab, oysters, mussels, clams, etc.).
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Pork and pork products are not allowed (bacon, ham, pork, pepperoni, sausage, etc.). Special care should be taken to review the ingredients in prepared food (such as pies and pie crusts) to avoid foods containing lard (pork fat).
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No dishes combining Meat and Milk products may be served (see further instructions, below, under "labeling.")
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No food may be served during Yom Kippur, with the exceptions of child care and medical necessity.
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No bread or "bread-like products" (those made with a leavening agent) are allowed during the seven days of Passover. In addition, prepared foods that would typically contain grain in any form (e.g. cereal, flours), must carry a "Kosher for Passover" seal. Temple Israel does permit the serving of kitniyot during Passover--rice, corn, millet, legumes (including soy), although it is preferable that this use be limited to their natural state, since "Kosher for Passover" designations are not typically available in North America for such products.
Labeling and Menu Choices:
Temple Israel will employ the following methods to support our members' varied approaches to kashrut observance and other dietary restrictions:
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When serving a meal containing a meat entree, a fish or vegetarian alternative should also be offered.
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When serving a meal containing a meat entree, pareve side dishes, pareve coffee creamer, and pareve desserts should also be available.
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All prepared dishes should be labelled as Dairy, Meat, or Pareve (neither meat nor dairy), with a brief listing of ingredients, whenever its content is not obvious. Cards to identify dishes are available in the Temple kitchen.
Other:
Further, we maintain the following food policies not directly related to kashrut.
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Local and/or Israeli products should be purchased when possible.
Seeking Volunteers for Temple Israel's Program Committee
Temple Israel's year-round programming spans the life course with in-person and virtual activities for children, teens and adults. Chanukah, Purim, Jewish Oral History Project, Interfaith Peace Camp, Tot Shabbat: these are just a few of the activities we plan throughout the year.
We welcome new ideas and you do not need to be a Temple member to participate. Please contact Pam Block at pblock@uwo.ca if you would like to participate in the Program Committee.
RJCC Statement on Israel's November 2022 Elections
Read the statement on the Israeli elections from the Reform Jewish Community of Canada (RJCC), Reform Rabbis of Canada (RROC) and ARZA Canada.
View statement here.
Life & Legacy - Assuring Jewish Tomorrows
RJCC Establishes the Gayle A. Hoover Memorial Fund for Quality Adult Jewish Learning Across Canada
In memory of Gayle and in collaboration with Gayle’s family, the Reform Jewish Community of Canada has launched a national adult learning program that will reach every Reform congregation in Canada – and even Reform Jews in communities where no congregation yet exists.
Register for URJ Camp George Summer 2023
RJCC and ARZA Canada Host a Series on Minorities in Israel: Postponed until after the High Holy Days
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.
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:
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Green Onions (both ends)***
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Tomatoes
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Green Peppers
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Red Peppers
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Orange Peppers
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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