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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.

Register here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Read the Full Article

 

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:

  • 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. 

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. 
 

For more details visit here.

 

 

Register for URJ Camp George Summer 2023

 

 

Register here

 

 

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

RJCC/ARZA/RROC Stand with Israel.

 View May 16, 2021 Statement here.

 

 

 

Recipes and a recording of our session are now available!

Favourite Passover Recipes from our members

1.  LINDA ZIMMERMAN

Coconut Macaroons

Click here for recipe

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:

This Matzah Brei has been in 4 US states and 2 Canadian Provinces as well as Israel
Finely chop/dice:
  • Green Onions (both ends)***
  • Tomatoes
  • Green Peppers
  • Red Peppers
  • Orange Peppers
  • Minced garlic
Eggs (number depends on how many people you're serving) 
Matzah* (pass it quickly under cold water)
Sear the veg ingredients
Start with the onions and once they begin to “clarify” add the rest.
Break the matzah into chunks and add into the eggs and cover with egg goop.
Cook the mixture in the frying pan with the veggies and mix together **to cook fully.
For variety you can add egg whites that you whip to a froth, then scramble the full eggs add the Matzah and while cooking you can “fold in” the egg whites.
*** You can use red onion etc. as well. Sometimes we also added potatoes 
**Add the secret ingredient in here while cooking [As Gibbs says on NCIS about secrets — unfortunately Judith knows this ingredient so we cannot share it here] 
*Yehuda unsalted matzah works best, Yehuda GF matzah with onion is better, finally Streits unsalted matzah 
OK I have tried Aviv Israel Matzah and it is passable.

 

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
Butter the baking form of choice (we like 9x9 pan). 
Preheat oven to 425 F.  separate eggs
Beat egg yolks with sugar till pale and creamy. Add vanilla and lemon zest if using 
Add heavy cream and beat to combine  mix in almond flour or matzo meal and then beat in quark or ricotta
In a clean bowl beat egg whites separately till stiff and glossy but not dry. Gently fold egg whites into main mixture
Place combined mixture into your baking dish and top with about 1-1.5 cups of fruit (enough to cover the surface) and sprinkle cinnamon and little bit of sugar or vanilla sugar over the fruit
Bake for about 40 min till set and top is golden. Let cool about 30 min-1 hour before serving.
We like to serve this warm with mango sauce or ice cream as dessert or cold for breakfast the next day. 
Enjoy!
 
10. TERRY SICULAR
 
Phyllis Cohen's Beef Brisket  can be made same day or the day before)
 
Brisket point (about 3 lbs)
Beef consommé—1 can
Oregano (touch)
Bay leaf
Sherry 1/3 cup
Garlic
Vegetables (including carrots, onions, and other root vegetables or potatoes)
2 onions
Tomato
1.  Brown meat.
2.  Remove meat, brown onions, vegetables and garlic in meat pan. 
3.  Add spices, tomato. 
4.  Add consommé, sherry, bring to boil, return beef to pot.  Can add a little water. 
5.  Cook at 350 degrees in oven for 3 hours or until done. 
6.  Remove brisket and vegetables from pan, leaving a few soft carrots and vegetables to mash up with the juices to make a gravy.  Slice brisket and serve with vegetables and gravy. 
7.  Or, if you prefer to make this the night before: Remove beef from the pan, when cool wrap in foil.  Put beef and the rest in fridge overnight. The next day skim fat off juice, reheat, adding small amount of water if needed.  Make gravy as before. Use flat, oven-proof dish.  Put some gravy in the bottom, then arrange sliced meat (1/8” slices) in pan.  More gravy on top.  Cover lightly with foil (leave edges open).  Heat for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with gravy, etc.

The home of Reform Judaism in London, Ontario.

large rock with Temple Israel of London and address (605) carved into it.

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.

Tue, 30 May 2023 10 Sivan 5783