Fellow congregants
As we approach the final stages of a long, cold, snowy and very difficult winter we greet spring with great optimism and vigour at Beth Zion. Rabbi Perton, Rabbi Emeritus Shoham and our Executive Director, Eileen Rabinovitch have been busy planning events, programs, classes and lectures for the upcoming year which we are proud to offer to our members and the community at large.
Our esteemed Rabbi Shoham will be giving a series of lectures. Rabbi Perton will be conducting classes on some very interesting topics. Back by popular demand is our “Scotch Tasting Evening” and “Cantorial Concert”, to just mention a few.
For Ha’atzmaut our guest lecturer will be Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein from Israel, and for Shavuot our guest scholar in residence will be Dr. Lawrence Shiffman from the Yeshiva University. Our guest Chazzan for the High Holidays will again be Cantor Yechezkel Klang from Israel.
Kudos to our Executive Director, Eileen Rabinovitch for her skillful and fervent energy in planning our special events and persevering to make them happen. Thank you as well to her staff for their dedication and hard work.
A special Yasher Koach goes to Reverend Rosenberg who was instrumental in keeping a second daily Minyan alive throughout this long winter. Most synagogues struggle to have one daily Minyan functioning but at Beth Zion we had two Minyanim, which made it easier and more convenient for those members saying Kaddish.
While Rabbi Perton has been our part time Rabbi for the past couple of years, he will now assume the role full time as of August 1, 2014. He is always available to discuss any concerns you might have or halachic questions or issues that you need answered.
This year’s Cantorial Concert will again take place between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Building on its past success, this year’s version will again feature some of the most talented Chazzanim around. Those who attended last year can attest to the musical extravaganza that rocked Beth Zion. Approximately 700 people attended and did not want to leave and stop dancing. Join us this year for an even greater evening with an amazing group of performers.
By the time you read this edition of the Pillar, Purim will have passed and it is I guess coincidental that so have the Provincial elections. The significance of Purim is to remember the attempted plot of Haman to exterminate the Jews. How coincidental is it that in today’s world we are still being persecuted and attempts are being made to chase us (amongst other ethnic groups) out of Quebec.
With Passover just around the corner, we have the opportunity to celebrate and commemorate the Jews liberation from Egypt over three thousand years ago. Passover is one of my favorite holidays as the Seders bring our families, extended families and friends together to enjoy a festive meal while at the same time taking turns to read portions of the Haggadah in Hebrew and English. I would be remiss to not mention our grandchildren’s search for the Afikoman. Unfortunately at this year’s seder we will dearly miss my late mother and brother who passed away recently but my family will honor their memory by dedicating the reading of certain parts of the Haggadah.
We welcome back all of our suntanned snowbirds to Beth Zion and hopefully your winter was healthy, restful, and most enjoyable.
On behalf of my family , the Officers, Board of Directors, Clergy and office staff we wish you and yours Chag Kosher V Sameach and a healthy and Happy Pesach.
Ricky Steinberg
President
