Oct 30, 2013 | Pillar Rosh Hashana 2013
Dear Beth Zion Family,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well.
Rosh Hashana has many different names. One of them is “Yom HaDin,” the Day of Judgement. When I got a speeding ticket (the only one in my life and I was only going 5 miles over the limit), I felt terrible. When I went to court and stood before the judge I shook with anxiety as I confessed my guilt and asked what could I do to make it go away? This is a very different image than the image we have for Rosh Hashana, the day when we are judged by G-d. On Rosh Hashana we do not say we’re sorry, we don’t bang our chest with guilt and we certainly don’t tremble with anxiety. Rather we eat and celebrate with our family and friends. Why such a difference in attitude?
On Rosh Hashana, G-d is judging us on our potential and not on our past actions. What is our potential for the upcoming year? Will we be better people next year or just coast and remain on cruise control? Will we do more Mitzvot? More Chessed (of kindness towards others) and strive to improve in all of our inter-personal relationships – especially with those we care about the most? Will our lives be full of meaning as we search for attainable goals for the short and long term? Rosh Hashana is a day when we project forward and map out our coming year. This is Rosh Hashana and that is why we celebrate because we are optimistic about having a better year next year than the previous one.
Last year we began a new custom at Beth Zion. Prior to the sounding of the Shofar we asked that all of the children join us on the Bima in the center of our Shul to experience the Shofar “up close and personal.” It was an amazing sight to see over 100 children from infants to young at heart celebrating the Mitzva of Shofar. I want to encourage everyone to join us again for this part (you can stay for more as well) of the service. Mothers and fathers can bring their infants up and as a Beth Zion family we can listen to the melody of the Shofar as it calls out to us with its unique and special message.
On behalf of Raizie and myself I want to wish each of you a Shana Tova a very special and wonderful Rosh Hashana. May G-d listen to our prayers and grant us a wonderful New Year.
Rabbi Boruch Perton
Oct 29, 2013 | Pillar Rosh Hashana 2013
I was asked by our executive director Eileen Rabinovitch (Ita bat Sarah, for your info) to write a column on our dear Cantor Holczer who served Beth Zion for forty years. An easy task? Not at all, but I will attempt B’Ezrat Hashem to paint a profile of him to the best of my ability based on the numerous discussions we had over the years and also how I observed him personally, plus some practical advice he shared with me.
Chazzan Holczer was a Holocaust survivor who spent time in the Mauthausen Labour Camp. There he underwent many trials and tribulations and where he experienced Divine providence, eventually leading him to safety and ultimately leaving that horrid place and immigrate to Canada. Shortly after he arrived in Canada with his wife Veronica, he became the Cantor of our shul in the early ‘fifties’, a position he held till his retirement.
Now to describe his demeanor: Cantor Holczer took his job seriously. This was most obvious when his Bar Mitzvah students who counted in the hundreds (if not more) performed on Shabbat, be it Shabbat morning or at a mincha Bar Mitzvah. He was extremely conscientious that they excelled in their renditions, big or small. This I personally observed when he had a Shabbat mincha Bar Mitzvah: He would arrive early, oversaw all the details so that they be carried out scrupulously, in order that the Bar Mitzvah recitations be met with much hatzlacha.
Cantor Holczer was always well dressed on the weekdays and on Shabbat. On Shabbat and on the Holidays he would wear his black cantorial, wide sleeved gown and hat, which added an additional sparkle to his Tefillah renditions. He possessed a tenor voice and delivered his tefilllahs well, and with confidence. This was noticeable when alighted the bimah for the mussaf service and began with a loud melodic assertive statement: יקום פורקן מן שמיא
“Let a deliverance come from Heaven.” This phenomenon was repeated again and again in numerous areas of prayer.
Chazzan Holczer O.B.M. was a G-d fearing man. He recited long stretches of Tehillim daily for all the years I’ve known him. He would arrive half an hour before Mincha commenced in the chapel and say his daily portion of Tehillim. In this manner, he concluded the entire book of Tehillim every week! He religiously attended the Daf Yomi daily each day of the year, including all Yamim Tovim. At many occasions I attended the Daf Yomi classes with him. By hearing his questions and comments about the lessons you were able to deduce that he indeed was a ben Torah.
Cantor Holczer had a good sense of judgement. This I experienced firsthand: one summer day we had a wedding to attend, Rabbi Shoham, Cantor Holczer and myself. That day was also Visiting Day for our children in camp up north. Nu, what do you do? So in conversation with him and discussing my dilemma, he responded simply: “Az m’muz muz men” translated loosely: “If you gotta, you gotta”, go visiting for a while and then come right back.” I did exactly what he had suggested. His advice turned out favourably, for at the end of the day, both parties remained happy.
In conclusion: I am convinced that there is much more to be told about Chazzan Holczer, I only recounted what I personally know about him and learned from him.
May he be a גוטער בעטער אין הימעל a good advocate in heaven for his family may they all be well, and for the entire family of Beth Zion Congregation.
אהת נשמתו בצרור החיים May his soul be bound up in the bond of life. May his memory be a blessing to us and to, כלל ישראל
.יהא זכרו ברוך
Wishing you all a כתיבה וחתימה טובה, לשנה טובה ומתוקה . May we all be inscribed and signed for a good and sweet new year, materially and spiritually, and may we all greet Moshiach speedily.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Yitzchok D. Rosenberg
Oct 28, 2013 | Pillar Rosh Hashana 2013
“The Jew is that sacred being, who has brought down from Heaven the everlasting fire, and has illumined with it the entire world. He is the religious source, spring, and fountain out of which all the rest of the peoples have drawn their beliefs and their religions.” – Leo Tolstoy
“It is difficult for all other nations of the world to live in the presence of the Jews. It is irritating and most uncomfortable. The Jews embarrass the world as they have done things which are beyond the imaginable. They brought the world the Ten Commandments which many nations prefer to defy. They violated the rules of history by staying alive; totally at odds with common sense and historical evidence. They angered the world with their return to their homeland after 2000 years of exile and after the murder of six million of their brothers and sisters.” – Olive Schreiner, South African novelist
How to react!!!
If society has attempted to lower our esteem with slogans of hate, it is our responsibility as a peoplehood to lift our spirit with a feeling of pride and dignity. Observe how the Middle East is surrounded by brother killing brother and how Israel is spending its energy in an attempt to keep mankind more alive. Israeli universities are searching for cures, while others are striving to attain nuclear power in order to destroy and annihilate.
Never, can we be more proud of our history and spiritual pasts as the approaching days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur arrives. We pray for health, life, joy and peace in a state of reverence. The sound of the shofar sends a chill down our spines and the sombre tone of our prayer enters our souls with meaning and humanitarian purpose.
Remember! We pray for life- not death…
Let us be proud of who we are, and NOT what the world wishes us to be…
After losing 3 siblings in one year, your words of condolence and comfort were extremely appreciated.
Jewel and I wish you the best for a happy, healthy and peaceful new year
Shana Tova
Rabbi Sidney Shoham
Oct 27, 2013 | Pillar Rosh Hashana 2013
My involvement at Beth Zion started first as a member and after attending daily morning services while saying Kaddish for my younger brother Bobby. I was asked to help out with the Minyanaires Breakfast then came the Golf Tournaments, Board of Directors, Officer, Chairman of the Executive, co-chair of the Cantorial Concert and now President.
I take great pride in becoming President and look forward to continuing the hard work of my predeccesors. Beth Zion has so much to offer our members and I hope that this year’s High Holiday Services will be an eventful time for all to enjoy and come together.
Since joining the Beth Zion in 1972, I have always been in awe of our beautiful Main Sanctuary. I remember vividly coming to Shul with my late Father-in-law Harry Cohen, an ex Board Member and Founder known as “Cohen the Levy”. These were special times as he would introduce his newly married son-in-law with great pride to all of his cronies. We would sit together and we shared great moments as best friends. His great respect for his Family, friends and congregants served as a true inspiration. There was never a day where he didn’t introduce me to somebody in Shul-the problem is that most are now all gone. I miss those moments and I miss all of these people who have since passed on. These were the people who built Beth Zion’s foundation and passed on their great leadership skills and dedication to the next generations.
Of special mention is the recent great loss of our Chazzan Holczer-the Cantor of Beth Zion for over 40 years. We all share in this loss of our beloved Cantor who prepared most of our children for their Bar-Mitzvahs. Cantor Holczer will be remembered as a great music lover and a true Mensch.
There are many interesting programs and events that take place throughout the year and Holiday times. These are geared for members of all ages. I encourage you to attend and in so doing help our Beth Zion family grow and flourish. Over the past year there have been many special events culminating with our Cantorial Concert which was a tremendous success as witnessed by over 650 people who were singing and applauding all evening. I would be remiss not to thank our most generous Sponsors who helped make this Concert a reality.
I look forward to speaking and meeting with you as your input is important for our future to be bright. We have many challenges to face today and that is why it is so important for you to get involved so that our Synagogue will continue to thrive. We must embrace a brighter future, a future where we can come together to pray, study and make new friendships. We must look to the future to have a vision for Beth Zion, and strive to keep this vision alive.
I would like to thank all those who contribute so much to make Beth Zion tick. From members leining, to organizing Shabbat Services, hospital visits, organizing events and programs for holidays, committee members, Gabboim, fund raising, Board Members and Officers. A special thank you is given to our dedicated office staff under the guidance of Eileen Rabinovitch who work tirelessly in ensuring all needs of members are met. Our dedicated Rabbi Boruch Perton and Rabbi Emeritus Sidney Shoham are busy preparing their classes and lectures to further enrich Beth Zion members.
Beth Zion is more than just a Synagogue. It is a community center where where you can meet and become friends with some wonderful people. It is a place that you can call a second home a place to daven, learn, party, celebrate, partake in holiday traditions and much more. Help us by joining in and becoming a Beth Zion family member. To coin a major credit card company “membership has its rewards” and there is no greater satisfaction than becoming active and participating at Beth Zion.
As we approach the High Holidays, I always like to reflect on the past year and what has been accomplished and what still needs to be accomplished. It is a meaningful time of the year as we plan to spend quality time with family in Shul and at get togethers at home. Rosh Hashana is a two day celebration marking the beginning of Tishrei, and the first month of the Jewish calendar.
On behalf of my wife Carole, my children Jen, Jay and Randi, grandchildren Jordan and Brooke, Officers and Board, I would like to wish you and yours a healthy, peaceful, and Happy New Year. May we hope for a year of peace in Israel and throughout the world.
Shana Tova U’Metuka
Ricky Steinberg, President
Oct 26, 2013 | Pillar Rosh Hashana 2013
June 11, 2013…the date that the new slate of officers and board assumed their positions as leaders of Beth Zion.
This executive will do whatever possible to make Beth Zion a synagogue with high qualities of spirituality as well as a focal point of activity.
As we are all aware, there is definitely work to be accomplished. A small group, like the officers, as willing and able as they may be, will never be able to achieve consistent results alone. We need the involvement of as many members as possible.
We are very fortunate to be led by Rabbi Boruch Perton whose vast knowledge and endless amount of energy is complimented by Rabbi Emeritus, Sidney Shoham’s, extensive experience and endless amount of wisdom.
We are in the infancy of planning the coming years fundraising events. We do have some ideas already being discussed, but we are looking for any members to step forward and offer other ideas or to commit to working on any projects we introduce.
Everyone has the capability and potential to help our synagogue in some capacity. All we need is your commitment.
We assure you that your participation will not only be encouraged but valued as well.
WE NEED YOU!!!
Please contact the office and leave your coordinates.
One of our team will be in touch.
Oct 25, 2013 | Pillar Rosh Hashana 2013
I am extremely honoured to have been chosen to sit as Vice-President for a second term.
I am looking forward to working with our new slate of officers and board members for the ensuing year.
Naturally my passion for the shul is explained by the fact that the Taub family have been proud members of Beth Zion since 1958 and I would like to carry on the tradition. I believe that we must concentrate on making Beth Zion a shul for the entire community and we should make every effort to attract as many new members from the families that move into Cote St. Luc and the surrounding areas.
We must concentrate on offering programming that will be of interest not only for our membership at large but to attract new members.
On behalf of my entire family I would like to wish everyone a Shanna Tovah, lots of health and happiness for the forthcoming year.
