Vote Reform – for your grandchildren

You may have never heard of the Jewish Agency For Israel, but you and your grandchildren have a stake in it.  The Jewish Agency is responsible for Aliyah – they determine who is eligible to move to Israel through the Right of Return.
Ultra-nationalist and religious extremist groups want to exclude anyone from Aliyah who doesn’t meet ultra-Orthodox standards.  If they succeed, it would mean that someone you love who wants to move to Israel could be denied citizenship – because their family includes an interfaith marriage, a same-sex marriage or a Reform conversion.

Leadership of the Jewish Agency is determined by the World Zionist Congress (WZC).  Voting for ARZA Canada in the upcoming WZC election will help to protect you, your grandchildren and the Jewish people.
The Jewish Agency also funds programs that benefit Diaspora Jews, such as youth study programs and work programs in Israel.  And we all love the Israeli shinshinim who have become part of our synagogue communities, schools and Reform summer camps.  This is all at risk if the Reform voice in the WZC is reduced.

So please plan to vote for ARZA Canada in the WZC election – June 5 to 15.  If you’re a Canadian Jew 18 years or older, you can vote.  (There are no automatic votes if you belong to a synagogue or ARZA Canada. Everyone must vote.)

Learn more
To learn more about the WZC and why voting is so important, you can watch powerful explanations by Rabbi Michael Dolgin of Temple Sinai (here) and Rabbi Samuel Kaye of Holy Blossom Temple (here).
 
L’Shalom 
Judith Wiley and Jeff Denaburg

Co-Chairs, ARZA Canada
 
Upcoming events:
Hope and Strength – Finding Resilience in Community and Song
Concert in support of Peace of Mind Canada
Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 pm ET
Temple Har Zion, Thornhill
Temple Har Zion and Temple Emanu-El are jointly hosting a unit of Israeli soldiers from the Peace of Mind program.

This critical initiative makes an enormous impact on the lives of the brave veterans who have so selflessly given of themselves to defend Israel. Hosting a unit of released soldiers will provide much-needed therapy for these exceptional young men as they begin their journey towards healing their emotional/psychological battle wounds.  This experience will also enrich the lives of our community as we come together in love and support for Israel's heroes.
To register – click here or here.
•••

Israel Dialogues
Holy Blossom Temple – all sessions 12 PM ET

Thursday, May 22 – Ben Murane, Executive Director, New Israel Fund of Canada

Topic:  Civil Society: From Progressive to Extremist in Israeli Society
Thursday, May 29 – Prof. Gabriel Ben-Dor, Professor of Political Science at the University of Haifa

Topic:  Israel in a New and Uncertain Regional Strategic Environment:  a Conversation

•••
Havdalah on the Porch
Saturday, May 24 – 7 PM ET
Temple Emanu-El, Toronto

Bring your lawn chair (if you have one) and join Noam Katz with the Temple Emanu-El Choir and the Leo Baeck Jr. Choir for great music, ice cream, Havdalah and friends.
Register here.

Why Join ARZA Canada? Because...

Several leaders from Israel, Canada and Arzenu share their thoughts:

Watch video here.

As part of its continued advocacy, the Reform Jewish Community of Canada (RJCC) has signed the Queer Interfaith Coalition's "Open Letter calling for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights,” as has some of our other Canadian Reform congregations.

We support all those who seek to live without fear of harassment, violence, or discrimination, and we are committed to caring for and supporting everyone who is affected by the dangerous and widespread assault of trans and queer people. We celebrate the countless parents, educators, health care providers, and advocates who help our youth inhabit and navigate the world as their authentic selves and we commend all who are fighting for justice and equality.

Volunteer for 4 Days in Israel

Israel needs us now more than ever. Spend 4 days in Israel to help provide immediate relief, make a difference, and come away feeling the meaningful impact of your work. Join our friends from JNF-USA for this unforgettable experience.

Book trip here

To all our wonderful Canadian donors, thank you for the support you’ve shown JNF Canada and the Jewish communities across Canada during this difficult time.

Our friends at JNF-USA have extended an invitation to Canadians who would like to participate in or some of JNF-USA's programming during this conflict. We are proud to have such welcoming partners to the south and encourage our communities to access their resources as well:
 

• Volunteer on a Mission
• Attend the Global Conference for Israel in Denver
• Listen to Weekly Podcasts
• Resources for Families

NEWS RELEASE

Ontario Strengthening Holocaust Education in High Schools

New mandatory learning, resources and investments will help educate students about the significance of the Holocaust

November 01, 2023
Ministry of Education

These sessions this year are for people who are, have been, or plan on attending an Introduction to Judaism class.  We will discuss topics from the curricula as well as others, to build community and connection among those learning more about Judaism.

Our first session will serve to re-acquaint ourselves with each other, and brainstorm a plan for the upcoming year.

All are welcome!  RSVP to the office here and find Zoom link here.

Sessions run from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Saturday, December 2, 2023

With Israel at war, we stand in solidarity with our Israeli colleagues and all Israelis. We are heartbroken and horrified by these attacks by Hamas, on Shabbat and Simchat Torah no less, a time dedicated to renewal and joy. We mourn the lives lost, and we pray for healing of the wounded. We pray too for those defending Israel and for the safe redemption of the captured. May an end to the violence and bloodshed come quickly.

The CCAR's official statement of solidarity can be found here.

Additional resources:

• if you are looking for a place to donate or direct your communities to donate, the Reform Movement is partnering with the Jewish Federations of North America's (JFNA) Operation: Swords of Iron campaign to support victims of terror, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and address the unprecedented levels of trauma caused by these horrific attacks. Please share and use this link for your fundraising campaign efforts.
• Visit the URJ's resource page for additional ways to support Israel.

Our joyful celebration of Simchat Torah has been shattered by the news out of Israel and the vicious attack by Hamas. As the casualty and fatality numbers rise, we stand together across the world as Reform, Progressive and Liberal Zionists in solidarity with our partners, our friends, and our family throughout Israel and in the Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism. We pray for their safety and security, and for their return to health from the physical and emotional toll of the terror they now face. Together we pray for the state of Israel and bless those who serve in the Israel Defense Forces with the words found in Tfilat Ha-Adam, the prayerbook of our movement in Israel, 

"צּור ישְראֵל וְגֹואֲלֹו
ּבָרְֵך נָא אֶת מְדִינַת יִשְרָאֵל,
רֵאשִית צְמִיחַתּ גְאֻּלָתֵנּו.
הָגֵן עָלֶיהָ ברֹב חְַּסדֶָך,
ּופְרש עָלֶיהָ סֻּכַת שְלֹומֶָך." 

“Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the dawning of our redemption. Shield it with Your compassion and spread over it the sukkah of your shalom.”

"מִי שֶּבֵרְַך אֲבֹותֵינּו אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב, וְאִּמֹותֵינּו  שָרָה רִבְקָה
לֵאָה וְרָחֵל, הּוא יְבָרֵך אֶת חַיָלֹות וְחַּיָלֵי צְבָא הַהֲגַנָה לְיִשְרָאֵל
ּושְאָר מְגִּנֵי עַּמֵנּו, הָעֹומְדִים עַל מִשְמַרְתָם "

“May the One who blessed our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel, bless the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, and all who stand guard protecting our people.”

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.

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:

• 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.

• Shell fish is not allowed (lobster, shrimp, crab, oysters, mussels, clams, etc.).

• 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).

• No dishes combining Meat and Milk products may be served (see further instructions, below, under "labeling.")

• No food may be served during Yom Kippur, with the exceptions of child care and medical necessity.

• 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: 

• When serving a meal containing a meat entree, a fish or vegetarian alternative should also be offered.

• When serving a meal containing a meat entree, pareve side dishes, pareve coffee creamer, and pareve desserts should also be available.

• 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.

• Local and/or Israeli products should be purchased when possible. 

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.

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.

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

Check out our new Member Bulletin Board here!

RJCC/ARZA/RROC Stand with Israel.

 View May 16, 2021 Statement here.

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.