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January/February eShofar, Pictures
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Saturday Feb 25th 6:30 - SBE Gala Fundraiser - Sold Out
"The Yids in the Hall" will help turn our little synagogue into a nightclub atmosphere! An evening celebrating Jewish Comedy with an all-Jewish comedy cast showcasing some of Canada's most successful stand-up comedians, Lou Eisen, Simon Rakoff and Steve Brinder have performed sold out shows throughout Canada and the US. Tickets
are all sold out. Thank you for your support. Evening includes silent and live auction, raffles, prizes, sumptuous appetizers, plentiful pub style finger foods, amazing desserts and ...incredible humour! Have you bought your tickets yet? Contact Ingrid at the SBE office.
We are very much in need of donations for our Silent and Live auctions, so please don't hesitate to bring things in or request items from stores and restaurants that you frequent, such as sporting event tickets, alcohol/wine bottles, services (baking, music lessons, massage therapy), books, restaurant vouchers, toys, gift baskets, movie passes, etc.
We are currently taking orders for Business ads to be displayed at our Gala Event Day. There are options to promote your products in our Shofar mailing and on our Website. Please email Arthur
at
.
for more information regarding this.
Thank you for your support & generosity and we look forward to seeing you all at the celebration!
Parent and Tot Drop In Program
Wednesday 8 February, 10:30am - 11:30am
This year SBE is trying a new model for early childhood Jewish education. Families
with children under the age of 4 are invited to join us on an alternate weekly basis Wednesday mornings at the synagogue.
The drop in program will provide parents with an opportunity to mingle with other families with small children and give your little one a safe place to crawl, sing, play, and meet other children their age.
Once a month Rabbi Wise and Cheryl will lead an education program for the parents but the structure of the weekly drop in will be informal.
If you have any questions about the program please contact Cheryl Wise by email,
.
Toys, snack, and music will be provided.
Future Dates:
Wedensday 22 February
Wedensday 7 March
Wedensday 21 March
Wedensday 4 April
Wedensday 18 April
Wedensday 2 May
Wedensday 16 May
Israel Shabbat
Saturday 11 Febuary, 10:30am
On this Shabbat we will focus on modern Israel issues.
We are pleased to invite Mai and Or, two young Israeli's
who are serving for the year into Toronto as shlichim
[emissaries]. They will share their experiences and discuss
Israeli's greatest challenges on North American
University campuses. You may visit their Facebook and see them on You Tube.
This Shabbat we also honour the one year yahrzeit
of Avi Schaefer, an American college student who
served in the IDF right after high school and was
killed by a drunk driver as a freshman at
Brown University.
The AVI SCHAEFER FUND
The Jerusalem Post
Yids In The Hall Comedy
Saturday 25 February
Yids In The Hall Comedy
HOOCHY Hosts Annual SBE Purim Party Extravaganza
Wednesday 7 March
Hoochy members are expected to be at shul right after school [3 pm] to set up for the
carnival, which will start at 6 pm, and stay after to help clean up.
The Rabbi's Tish
Friday 23 March, 6:00pm
Once again we would like to invite you to our home for dinner. This will be the second of two for this year. All are invited, but please rsvp to
office at
as we can only hold a certain amount of people.
HOOCHY Toronto Marlies vs Texas Stars
Ricoh Coliseum, Toronto
Sunday March 25th
Tickets $10.00. More details to follow.
HOOCHY Trip to New York City
18-20 May
Trip deposits due in December, with final payment due in April.
Ongoing / Historic
Do you want to Love or Leave your Home?
Big Coat Productions in Toronto produces the renovation/real estate show
Love It or List It which can be seen on the W Network.
They have approached us, looking for families for the show with very specific design/reno needs with regards to being Jewish and
keeping a Kosher household. Families who participate in the show have their own budgets and have their homes renovated by expert
designer Hilary Farr. At the same time they are shown new homes by real estate agent David Visentin who hopes to tempt them to
move to another home. In the end, the couple decides to either "Love" their home and stay after Hilary's renovations are complete,
or "List" the house. The show wants to feature a family with specific kosher needs as well as any other renos the particular
family needs.
If you are interested, get more information on the show.
Casting Coordinator, Big Coat Productions, 467 Queen Street East, Toronto P: 416-507-9829 X232, or email.
Helping our neighbours - Katyln had her baby on October 25!
As you remember our community was so generous last month in helping Katyln prepare for her newborn. Last week Kaylee was born. Katyln brought Kaylee to the synagogue to thank us personally. If possible she is still desperately in need of a new crib (hers was destroyed by a flood in her apartment over the summer). She could also use blinds, dishes, glasses, pots and pans, and diapers. She hopes to get back to work by the end of the year and get off welfare as soon as she can.
Calling all Bowlers
The Hamilton B'Nai Brith Men's Bowling League will begin another year early in September. Bowling takes place at
Burlington Bowl, east of Walkers Line on Harvester Road. It's an informal league, bowling every Wed night as Jewish holidays permit.
Little experience is necessary as weekly score is based on your average. If interested [you don't have to be a member of B'Nai Brith]
in joining, please contact Gary at [905] 257-9043 or email
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,
Women of the Wall
Women of the Wall
URJ updates.
Download Rabbi Wise's Sermon
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.
All
School and
Youth Group focused events, are now on the
Religious School & Youth Programs page.
All events, are on our main calendar.
Men's Poker Group
A few of us would like to play poker on a semi-regular basis.
We invite interested members of the shul to join in.
We generally rotate amongst players houses, usually on Sunday nights.
If you are interested, please call Arnie.
At the first game we can make any decisions regarding the frequency of play.
Board Meetings Second Wednesday each month - 8 PM
Regular updates will be bi-monthly, with the alternating month focused on governance
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Talk paves way for harmony
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
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
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.
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.



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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
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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 .
Toronto Biennial Highlights
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 results.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
© Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Halton
Page updated often during its month
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