Updated: August 27

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Timely Events See our full calendar,

Saturday September 4, we will travel by bus from SBE to Harbourfront. Pick up from SBE at 7:15 pm or Solel at 7:30 pm [drop off back at SBE at 11:45 pm]. Join in the free Ashkenaz Festival. The night concludes with the Slichot service for the whole community led by Aviva Chernick. Bus will return to SBE by 11:45 pm. Cost: $10 per person for the bus. There is limited space in the venue for the slichot service, please RSVP to , so you will be on the reservation list.

Cultural Days - SBE

On the same day as Doors Open Oakville, Shabbat Sukkot, Saturday September 25, we will celebrate Cultural Days. Performers and artists from many realms are wanted. Register before Friday September 3, to receive national promotion.

If you would like to contribute, participate or volunteer to help with this or Doors Open, please email .

All School and Youth Group focused events, are now on the Religious School & Youth Programs page. All events, are on our main calendar.

See pictures of SBE's Habitat for Humanity Build

Doors Open Oakville - SBE
On Saturday September 25, Shabbat Sukkot, we will be participating in Doors Open Oakville. A tentative plan including help wanted is as follows:

10:00 - Tours until 10:15

10:30 - Shabbat Sukkot Service - Visitors may "casually drop in" for some or all of the service. Members may invite their Jewish and Non-Jewish friends and neighbours.

After service and Kiddish in the sukkah [with co-operating weather]. Great if this could be an enhanced Kiddush. If you would like to sponsor it or join a sponsoring group, please contact Biljana Luka by email office@sbe.ca or phone [905] 849-6000, ext. 10. Help decorating the sukkah in advance, would be appreciated.

Rabbi Wise will lead a question and answer period, in the sanctuary.

Tours resume after Kiddush, about 1:30 until 4:00. These might be fully guided or "self guided" with volunteers stationed at key points. We can expect up to 100 visitors during the day, maybe more. Volunteers are wanted as tour guides and ushers.

A focus of Doors Open , is historical. We also want to build up our archives. If you have any historical material or stories about the Burlington Jewish Community, Beth El, Shaarei-Beth El Congregation, or our connection with B'nai Brith, please share it with us. If you want to keep the material in your possession, it can be scanned onsite. Help is also wanted with preparing a two page history of our congregation and expanding our archives.

Many members and their families have moved on, through the years. The original nine families are a focus. These include the families of: Henry Kalmus; Joseph Kleinstein, Ben Lebof, Albion Muser, Mike Brown and Manuel Furman. If you have contact information on them or any others, it would be appreciated. I am contacting the families of Morris Burke, William Burke and Sydney Solom.

If you are able to help with any of this, please email .

Thanks

Some historical tidbits about our property.

During the war of 1812, an American Ship pursued a British Ship. The British ship let off a number of men at the mouth of Morrison Creek. To avoid capture, the men went a distance up Morrison Creek.

During Hurricane Hazel, our area of Morrision Road was covered by about two feet of water.

Board Meetings Second Tuesday each month - 8 PM Regular updates will be bi-monthly, with the alternating month focused on governance

Our new caretakers, Bosko [Bobbi] and Marija [Maria] Cvetanovi moved in July 1

Computer Laptop needed
SBE needs a gently used or new laptop for our Hebrew and B'nai mitzvah tutoring. If you have one available, please let us know by sending an email to Biljana,

Books Rabbi Wise recommended for summer reading

"Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom Oakville Burlington, even downloadable formats. Chapters

"The Case for God" by Karen Armstrong Oakville Burlington Chapters

"The Triumph of Deborah" by Eva Etzion-Halevy As of June 26, not listed in Oakville nor Burlington Public Libraries. Chapters

Sunday October 17, "PERCEPTIONS AND REALITY"

Members of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faith communities are invited to participate in an interfaith event entitled "Perceptions and Reality" being held Sunday, October 17, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm at the Islamic Society of North America, 2200 South Sheridan Way in Mississauga.

The purpose of the event is to deal with misunderstandings both internal and external to the three religions [Judaism, Christianity and Islam] and to enable our faith communities to provide suggestions on how interfaith dialogue can continue to progress.

Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to three significant speakers: Rabbi Dow Marmur; The Very Reverend Dr. Lois Wilson and Sheikh Alaa Elsayed.

Following the morning presentations, a Kosher lunch and refreshments will be served. The afternoon will involve small group discussions, networking and reporting back on insights and opportunities to continue an interfaith dialogue amongst and between each of the faith communities.

There is a $20.00 registration fee for the event. Registration forms can be obtained here and from:
Shaarei-Beth El Congregation, 186 Morrison Road, Oakville, [West Side]
St. Jude's Anglican Church, 160 William Street, Oakville,
Islamic Society of North America, 2200 South Sheridan Way, Mississauga.

For more information please contact:
Bilijana Luka at Shaarei-Beth El Congregation [905-849 6000]
Mervyn Russell at St. Jude's Anglican Church [905-844-3972] or
Aisha Rakie at the Islamic Society of North America [905-403-8406].

Kosher Shopping [as of March 26]
Sobey's on Maplegrove received a shipment of meat products, including some delicious brisket. [Refrigerated, near back of row 6].

Whole Foods also has some kosher products. Get a list at the customer service counter.

If you shop at these stores, please send update to the

Webmaster

Generally the first Friday Night each month, during the Religious School Year

We alternate between Meat and Dairy potluck meals. Also remember our other food policies. Please RSVP with your potluck contribution to

Feel free to come just for the dinner and/or 7 service. This family friendly service is open for congregants of all ages.

Sponsoring a Kiddush
Would you like to sponsor the Shabbat Kiddush on Saturday mornings. Perhaps you would like to remember a loved one on their yahrzeit. Is there a special person or event you want to honour -- a birthday, an anniversary, a milestone.

Sponsoring the Kiddush ranges from $50-$500.00 depending on what type of food and desserts you would like to have on the table. These can all be arranged through our office,

Volunteer wanted to help occasionally in the office, even on Sundays - please email

Real plants wanted for planters by stairs going up to the office - please email

BINGO volunteers needed
Bingo takes place at The Bingo Connection. We need volunteers. This is an important revenue stream for the synagogoue. If available, please email

Women of the Wall URJ updates. Download Rabbi Wise's Sermon

Rabbi Wise brings the following Internet Jewish Study options to your attention:

JTA provides comprehensive, global coverage of the Jewish community. Check out their Website.
Would you be interested in learning about Judaism for 10 minutes a day? Sign up for 10 minutes of Torah.

SHOFAR Deadline for each bimonthly edition is 15th of previous month
For the September/October Shofar, please submit material before August 15. If you have anything that you would like to have appear, please send it to

Jewish Information Class
Jewish Information Class [Introduction to Judaism] teaches beginners the basics of Jewish thought and practice. The class runs from September to April. Sessions rotate between different synagogues in the GTA. It presents a mix of study, discussion and practical experiences designed for all interested in exploring a Jewish life for themselves -- interfaith couples, non-Jews considering conversion, and Jews looking for adult-level basics. Some additional background.

JEWISH MENTORS NEEDED for Unique Jewish-Somali Mentorship Project
The Canadian International Peace Project is seeking mentors from the Jewish community to participate in an innovative mentorship project between the Jewish and Somali communities. Mentors will assist Canadian-Somali university students and young professionals to pursue their careers in health management, law, medicine, business, social work, political science and international relations. Mentors from any field are invited to apply. The mentorship will last for a duration of approximately one year. Interested mentors may contact Rahma Hussein at 416-384-0123 or via email.

Petition to Protest Intimidation Against Progressive Judaism in Israel

Several weeks ago Nofrat Frenkel, a member of the prayer group Women of the Wall, was arrested for wearing a tallit and carrying a Torah at the Kotel [Western Wall]. This occurred at a time when the ultra-Orthodox minority in Israel continues to influence the government to take actions in their favour. Other recent issues include segregated bus routes [women in the rear], the closing of municipal parking lots on Shabbat and broader issues on conversion and rabbinical status. I ask you to join the Reform community in Canada in expressing our concern about Haredi coercion and to encourage the Israeli government to promote religious pluralism - the recognition of different streams of Judaism. Please sign this petition to Her Excellency Miriam Ziv, Israel's Ambassador to Canada.

ALLERGY AWARENESS
Food allergies are on the rise and many people [most of them children] that spend time in our synagogue building suffer from life-threatening food allergies. While a person can be allergic to any food at all, the most prevalent allergens that affect our congregation are peanuts and tree nuts [examples: walnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, etc.]. Some people are so highly allergic to peanuts and tree nuts that they react to even the smell; airborne particles; or residues left on surfaces. In an effort to help keep food-allergic people safe, the following motion was passed at our AGM on December 7, 2008: "We request that all food brought into the synagogue contain no peanut / tree nut ingredients." Your understanding and cooperation in this important health and safety matter are very much appreciated.

An Evening with Amir R. Gissin, the Consul General of Israel in Toronto
Amir Gissin came to our synagogue, in a joint-event with Anshe Sholom of Hamilton. This was part of a series of lectures on Israel for our two communities, especially for those who are planning to travel to Israel this year.

Amir has been working diligently on re-branding Israel, especially in light of the often negative light that Israel faces in the world press and severe threats to national security, especially from Iran. Despite all this, Israel is a beacon of hope and justice, a thriving democracy in the Middle East and committed to its vision of contributing positively to Judaism and the world.

Our successful Channuka Candle Lighting at Halton Regional Centre. We had a wonderful turnout! A big thank you to Aviva and our Choir for making the night so special.

Good evening.

I am pleased and honoured to be able to join you tonight for the celebration of Chanukah and to light the Chanukiah.

Halton Region is a vibrant and diverse community, made up of individuals from many beliefs. Our diversity is a source of strength and pride, and adds depth and character to our community. I have always said that the best part of Halton is its people and it's clearly demonstrated by events like these that show the diversity of our residents.

Last spring, Halton Region launched our Inclusion Strategy. This strategy will help make Halton Region more inclusive to diverse communities, by making it easy for all citizens, including those from diverse ethnic, cultural, language, religious, and faith communities to access our programs and services. With this strategy we hope to have sustainable communities aimed at improving Halton Region's quality of life.

I would like to thank Rabbi Wise for organizing this event today, I believe it is the first time this event has been held at Halton Region, and I hope this tradition is continued.

On behalf of Regional Council, I want to emphasize that we are committed to our relationship with the Jewish community, as well as other diverse communities within Halton Region, to share resources and best practices that benefit us all. Religious and cultural events like celebrating Chanukah tonight, are what makes Halton Region a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.

Thank you for sharing this event with us, and to all of you here today, Happy Chanukah and happy holidays.

Thank you.

Gary Carr,
Halton Regional Chair

Haiti Relief Fund
In response to the earthquake in Haiti, many of you have already made donations to various organizations to support relief efforts. If you have not, Donations to the CCRJ Haiti Relief Fund can now be made online. An electronic Canadian tax receipt will be emailed to you. Fund proceeds qualify for Canadian government matching dollars which will be allocated to Canada's Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. To date [January 26, 2010] approximately $10,000 CAD has been raised through the CCRJ Haiti Relief Fund.

In less than a month, the Reform Movement has raised more than $1,000,000 for Haiti disaster relief efforts following the Jan 12, 2010 earthquake.

The funds will be allocated to the United Israel Appeal Canada for its support of IsraAid. IsraAid is the coalition of Israeli NGO disaster relief specialists. See their effort in this video.

Israel was the first to set up an emergency hospital in Haiti and it is considered the "Rolls Royce" of field hospitals. Kudos to Israel for moving so quickly and efficiently to help, and your donation to CCRJ helps this particular relief specialist organization. "You Brought Life into the World" During 12 days, 1,000 treated, 314 surgeries, 16 births.

A second medical team departs for Haiti.

IsraAID: The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid is on Facebook

Thank you again for your support.
Rabbi Wise

Sundays - Ivrit Yom-Yomit: Learning to speak Hebrew
Join us Sunday during Religious School mornings, from 11 am to 12 noon. Learn to speak everyday Hebrew, taught by our own special member. Whether you'll be travelling to Israel or you simply want to learn some everyday catch phrases come learn and speak Hebrew for an hour. No previous Hebrew knowledge necessary [although it can't hurt]. Lessons by RSVP only, to . Please indicate your interest.

URJ President Yoffie's Biennial Shabbat Sermon - A Call to Action

Some proposed technology changes include:

On sbe.ca, have pictures showing our exciting and welcoming congregation
Have a blog [moderated, signed and appropriate from a Rabbi on the bimah]
Shofar emailed as .pdf. [Mailing to some will continue.]

Please send comments to .

San Diego Biennial Highlights
Houston Biennial Highlights

MBA without borders.

Visioning
Current and immediate past board members gathered for two retreats and meetings to set a vision and priorities for our synagogue as we move forward in the coming years. We had Inspector Jackie Gordon of the Halton Police Service facilitating our visioning discussion. We will welcome further input from the entire congregation in the coming months.

Please visit our "Members' Corner" to see the drafts.

Jackie Gordon, is a past president of the "HALTON REGIONAL POLICE SENIOR OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION". Jackie Gordon is also the Respect Youth Action Program Coordinator, which includes "Give Respect Get Respect ". District 2 is Commanded by Superintendent Dan Okuloski and Inspector Jackie Gordon.

Darfur Shabbat - January 23 2010 - Articles
The Star CJN

Rabbi Wise was the impetus for this cross Canada event.

Community News

Community Foundation of Oakville Vital Signs

Online Jewish Community News:

Petition to help Rabbi Miri Gold.
May this year be a year for equality, for justice, and for peace, in Israel and across the world. Please see the petition to support the case of Rabbi Miri Gold, a case that demands the government of Israel to recognize Reform Rabbis. Please join in and sign this petition. Update from Wednesday, June 17, 2009 High Court of Justice hearing.

Israeli political news: from the JTA newsdesk
With her decisive win in the Kadima Party primary, Tzipi Livni is poised to be Israel's first female PM since Golda Meir 30 years ago. It should be noted that if and when that happens, all 3 branches of government in Israel will be led by women - Dalia Itzik became Israel's first female speaker of Knesset in 2006 and Dorit Beinisch heads the Supreme Court.

Get a daily update on Jewish news.

CONNECT CARE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

ConnectCARE urgently needs your help, specifically in the field of equipment installations of emergency call apparatus for the elderly, but also in program promotion and new client follow-up and equipment testing. If interested, please contact them directly at 905-338-4357 by email.

GET CENTRED!! about the importance of children's Jewish education.

UJA Federation Centre for Enhancement of Jewish Education is officially launching Get Centred this fall, a campaign designed to get parents thinking about the importance of children's Jewish education and the priority they place on it in their lives.

Please visit www.getcentred.com to see the video and launch of the campaign.

BINGO
We sincerely thank those who volunteered at The Bingo Connection last month. We are always in need of volunteers for Bingo which is a major source of income for our synagogue. If you are able to spare a few hours on a Saturday evening, please call our bingo coordinator or email our office.

Donation Request! Aeroplan
Shaarei-Beth El Congregation has recently been granted a charitable Air Canada Aeroplan Account. With this account we hope to be able to auction off trips, to raise money for the synagogue. We would love if you could donate some of your accumulated miles to this account, anything from 5,000-50,000. Please let our administrator know if you have extra miles to donate.

NEW PRAYERBOOKS HAVE ARRIVED

SBE has received Mishkan T'filah, the first new Siddur for the North American Reform Movement in more than thirty years. Including services for Shabbat, weekdays and festivals, as well as other occasions of public worship, and texts for more than a hundred songs, Mishkan T'filah reflects the full diversity of our Movement. This new Siddur includes transliteration of all prayers, Contemporary, gender-inclusive English, extensive commentaries, source notes and usage guides.

If you would like to purchase a copy and add a bookplate in honour of a simcha or in memory of a loved one; please our office or phone and leave a message. The cost is $36.00 per book.

HEALING LIST
NOTE: As of January 5th, unless members have specifically asked that they remain on the list, many names on the Healing List will be removed. Please email our admiistration regularily, to keep a name on the list. Also, please email to remove a name on the list.

10th To 12th Graders

News and Views Blog of Reform Jews. Join the conversation

Regular attendance at religious services reduces the risk of death for women by 20 percent, according to a new study.

Ongoing Information

Please support our sponsors, Hamilton Jewish Day School, Real Estate, Catering, Event Staffing, Dental and Handyman services.

If you want to get weekly updates on happenings by e-mail, please e-mail our office.
The Lighthouse Program For Grieving Children
Memorial Board
TreeOfLife
High School Students Community Involvement
Sponsor and Expense
Please follow "Kosher" - Bringing Food Into Synagogue Guidelines and our nut free policy.
Principles of Reform Judaism
Service for Healing
2007 Biennial Convention "blog"
Sderot Media Centre