Congregation Beth El - Beth El, Windsor, ON
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Congregation Beth El
“A Reform Congregation
with a warm approach to tradition”
Celebrating 60 years 1960-2020
October 2021
25 Tishrei - 25 Cheshvan 5782
Vol. 61, No. 4
חשון תשפ"ב- תשרי
This is the perfect time to be grateful for all the beautiful things with which
we have been blessed .
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Rabbi’s Corner
By Rabinnic Intern Ashley Barrett With the onset of fall the colors are changing all around us and
we have begun digging out the jackets and scarves that will
provide warmth over the next months. With the changing season
we have the opportunity to warm our souls with presence of family and friends during the
Thanksgiving holiday. I’m looking forward to experiencing my first Canadian Thanksgiving
celebration through all of you. I look forward to hearing stories of your celebrations. And
my thoughts will be with the Beth El and Windsor communities as I hope some can share
semi-normal gatherings with loved ones. And that everyone does so in health.
Our Jewish tradition offers a valuable lesson on offering thanks. Many of our blessings
and prayers help us feel fortunate for all that we have and express gratitude.
But in addition to this, in the book of Leviticus we learn about the Thanksgiving sacrifice. One of the many
sacrifices our people offered inside the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. We read: when you sacrifice a
thanksgiving offering… it shall be eaten on the same day, you shall not leave any of it until morning (Lev 22:29
-30). When an individual brought a thanksgiving sacrifice to the temple it was critical to the ritual that the
offering was completely consumed following the sacrifice. Even if the offering was too large to feed the
priests, it must then be shared by other Temple-goers. This teaches us of the importance of sharing our
good fortune with others. But most importantly it reminds us that the best way to express our thanks is
coming together over a tasty meal.
May you all have a happy and healthy holiday.
Save the Date and Join Us!
Rabbinic Intern Ashley Barrett will be returning
to spend the weekend with us
Friday Oct. 15 to Sun. Oct. 17
we are planning a program for the evening of Oct. 16, 2021
so watch your eblast for details
Shabbat Services and Tanakh Study
October 2021
עֲבוֺ דׇ ה
25 Tishrei - 25 Cheshvan Worship and Spirituality
Join us for Shabbat Evening Services and Torah Study
Every Friday at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted. All Shabbat Service and Tanakh Study dates subject to change. Details
will be sent by e-Blast and email as information becomes available.
Shabbat
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89989942300?pwd=OGxzMkp2WW1DM2tGSGhUL3BucWErUT09
Meeting ID: 899 8994 2300
Passcode: 470532
Tanakh Study
Please check the weekly e-blast or call the office for October
Candle Lighting Times Shabbat Services Tanakh
October 1 6:55 pm Friday, October 1 Saturday, October 2
October 8 6:43 pm Live and on Zoom B’reishit אשׁית
ִ ְבּ ֵר
October 15 6:31 pm Friday, October 8 With Temple Israel London by ZOOM
@ 10:00 am
October 22 6:20 pm Live and on Zoom
Saturday, October 9
October 29 6:11 pm Friday, October 15
Noach נֹ ח
Rabbinic Intern Ashley Barrett here
No Torah Study
Live and on Zoom
Saturday, October 16
Friday, October 22
Lech L’cha לְ ָך-לְָך
Possibly Zoom only
Torah Study live at Beth El with Rabbinic
Friday, October 29 Intern Ashley Barrett @ 10:00 am
Possibly Zoom only Saturday, October 23
Vayeira ויּ ֵָרא
With Temple Israel London by ZOOM
@ 10:00 am
Saturday, October 30
Chayei Sarah חיֵּי שָׂ ָרה
And God blessed the seventh day and called it holy.
Genesis 2:3 No Torah Study
Congregational
October 2021
Happenings
Congregational
October 2021
Happenings
To the following for It has been the tradition of Congregation Beth El for
their contributions many years now to collect items for the less fortunate
to our High Holy at Yom Kippur.
Day Services: The local food banks were given a great boost with
items on June 27, so rather than asking for food, we are
asking congregants to share by picking up some of the
Rabbinic Intern Ashley Barrett for leading us in warm
following items for donation
and thoughtful prayer
TOILETRIES
Soap
Tracey Atin for beautifying our services with her voice
Shampoo
Deodorant
Michael Ricketts for accompanying Tracey
Toothpaste
CLEANING PRODUCTS
Peter Wiebe for making Kol Nidre special
Hand Sanitizer
Lysol Wipes
Madie and Art Weingarden for making it possible to
have Peter with us for Kol Nidre Dish or Laundry soap
FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS
Karen Rosen for making our ZOOM services possible Tampons
Panty Liners
Brett Malowitz for his phenomenal shofar blowing BABY PRODUCTS
Diapers
Karen Rosen, Sarah Shklov, Audrey and Dan Bondy for Pull-ups
erecting the Sukkah Baby Wipes
And all of those who read from the Bima These items can be costly for families struggling at this
time.
But mostly thank you to all who attended live or on Watch the sales and pick up an extra when you are
ZOOM shopping for yourself!
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Congregational
October 2021
Happenings
New Sukkah Time to Regather
Peeking out while erecting the new Sukkah are
We are pleased to invite all Beth El members who
Sarah Shklov and Audrey Bondy. Not visible is Karen Rosen.
are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to join us for in-
person services. We also welcome children under 12
and those who are not medically eligible to receive a
vaccine at this time.
Social distancing protocols and mask mandates will
be in effect. Online pre-registration is required or by
contacting the Beth El office. Further details will be
provided in upcoming e-blasts. If you are not fully
vaccinated or are feeling unwell, we kindly ask that
you enjoy services from the comfort of your home via
Zoom. Zoom links will be provided.
At this time, we are reserving in-person services to
Beth El members. If you know someone who is not a
current member of Beth El and would like to attend
services in-person, please have them contact the Beth
El office by email bethelwindsor@cogeco.net or
phone 519-969-2422.
Mazel Tov
To Ronna Warsh and Morrie Kleinplatz on the
marriage of her son Sam Katzman to Aberdeen.
To Rob & Alissa Katzman on the marriage of his
son Sam Katzman to Aberdeen. Our deepest thanks to the following:
To Andrew and Noah Tepperman and Tepperman’s Audrey Bondy, Mendy Dalfen, Harvey Kessler, Dr.
Furniture Store on being named the winner in the Reuben Schnayer & Dr. Stuart Selby for generously
Best of #YQG Best Furniture Store category. sharing their time leading services.
Congregational
October 2021
Happenings
Office Closures in October For Your Information
Open Mon-Fri. 9-12
By appointment in the afternoon
Board of Directors
The Office will be closed on the followings days: Meeting
Monday, October 11 7:00 pm
Thanksgiving October 19
Oct 25 to 29 by Zoom
The office will only be open Tuesday,
Wednesday and
Friday from 10 to Purchase your own
Noon Tzedakah Tribute “Bank”
You will have a credit of 10 cards
(Sarah on vacation)
Which will be sent out as you request them
$150.00 will give you 10 donations
A savings of $3.00 per card
Our Anniversary Tree will soon be installed in the social
Details will be with your annual dues invoice!
hall. Leaves are available for purchase and can be
inscribed for many occasions – celebrating family
simchas, to remember a loved one or adding a
permanent dedication to this milestone in our
congregation’s history
Congregational
October 2021
Happenings
Committee Reports
Lay Leader Report submitted by Audrey Bondy
We are very pleased to be able to offer in person services as of August 6, 2021.
We thank our zoom participants for their continued understanding and patience as we navigate through our virtual world. There are pros and
cons to both formats as we continue our lay leader initiative.
Our Rabbinic Intern, Ashley Barrett is preparing an adult learning program for anyone interested in taking on the Mitzvah of lay leading Friday
night services.
We are hoping to have new leaders beginning in 2022. Please watch eblasts for details. Anyone interested please contact me or Sarah.
Leading truly is a great experience that for me led to other opportunities. Our prayers are very inspiring and once trained it is fun and easy to
put together and deliver a service.
I invite all members to come back to services in the format that is suitable for them. I miss our families that observed their yahrzeit's together.
Spending time with our Temple family makes me look forward to Fridays!
Friendship Circle Report submitted by Jackie Putterman
The High Holy days are behind us. It was a whirlwind of activity as we opened our doors to our members. The first holiday services since
2019. Yes, it had been that long. Despite ongoing Covid concerns they were, for the most part well attended. We welcomed “Rabbi to be”
Ashley Barrett. Her services were as lovely as she is! Welcoming our own Tracey Atin back was a bonus!
Decisions. After much thought, the Friendship Circle has decided to postpone our “Maker’s Market”, for this year. There are too many
complications right now. Vaccine verification of all attendees and vendors and possible conflicts we could face. Contact tracing of every
person that walked in the door. We are all volunteers, no one wants conflict. Especially those of us in the Jewish community. We can ill
afford any controversy. We will re visit this, with possible spring/summer 2022 event.
On the horizon. Rabbi to be Ashley, will be back with us from October 15 th to October 17th. Picnic anyone? We are planning an outdoor
Havdalah service, location to be announced soon. With dining (casual) alfresco, prior to the service!! So much fun!
Even though we have cancelled (for now) our Maker’s Market. Hanukkah has NOT been cancelled. We will be hosting a “Hanukkah Market”,
on Sunday, November 7th from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. We promise it will be worth it to attend. A bagel bar, with Detroit Bagels! Unique
Judaica items! Kugel and delicious soup! It will be open to the Windsor Jewish community only. Vaccination required. Take out available.
More information to come.
For the time being we will be holding Friday night services, with the exception of Rabbi to be, Ashley's in person monthly service on Zoom.
That doesn't mean we don't want to see you. We do! We will be planning monthly Temple events. Card nights, wine and cheese tastings
(thank you Diane Ruben), Jewish-ish movie afternoons or evenings. If you haven't seen it yet, we have a huge flat screen TV, newly installed
in our social hall, perfect for streaming! Much appreciation to Cheryl and Michael Blacher for making this gift to us. We are going to use it!
Despite a bit, or a lot of Friendship Circle modifications, our mission to provide comfort when needed, as well as a warm welcome to those
choosing to make Windsor-Essex County their home hasn't changed. If you know of someone in need of these services, please contact
Sarah at the office. It has been our plan to offer a Friendship Circle donation to families sitting Shiva. We will re-visit this soon.
Looking forward to seeing you soon! If you can, go outside and enjoy the blessings of these beautiful autumn days!
Jackie Putterman
“And you Shall Teach Them Diligently To Your Children”
Religious School News
We have had a fantastic start of our new school year at
the Religious school. Everyone is happy to be back in
person and seeing each other after a long, virtual year.
September was filled with lots of holidays, which the
students were eager to learn about. The grade 2/3’s even
created their own Sukkah’s out of yummy treats! If you
or anyone you know is interested in attending Religious
School on Sunday’s at the Temple, please contact Olivia
at bethelreligiousschool20@gmail.com.
Religious School
in the
Sukkah
Jewish Book Club
Sponsored by Congregation Beth El
Letters Across The Sea by Genevieve Graham
I was surprised at how many of the reviews of LETTERS ACROSS THE SEA
call this a novel about two little known events in Canadian history because I
know quite a bit about both of them, and I was not even born or raised in
Canada. But I have lived here for 57 years, which at my age I have to
understand is longer than most Canadians have been alive. Nevertheless, I’m
sure that most of us are familiar with at least one of those events – the
Christie Pits riot of 1933 – and many of us with the Canadian Forces’ heroic
but doomed defence of Hong Kong in December of 1941. They come
together in Genevieve Graham’s sixth novel, which has received almost
unanimous approval from readers despite being still little noted in major
journals. It will be a meaningful reading experience for us as Canadians.
We learn about the lives of a local Irish Protestant family and of their best
friends across the street, a local Jewish family. Molly and Hannah are best
friends and do everything together. Molly has a crush on Hannah’s older
brother Max, but interfaith dating was not permitted by families of either faith. Still, the girls are unaffected
until a riot erupts at the Christie Pits Park at a baseball game between Jewish players and an anti-Semitic
Swastika Club. Max rescues Molly but their kiss splits the families apart. Their paths cross again a few years
later when Molly is a newspaper reporter and Max has gone to war. As his letters trickle in from overseas,
Molly is forced to confront what happened all those years ago. From the
desperate streets of Toronto to the embattled shores of Hong
Kong, LETTERS ACROSS THE SEA is a poignant novel about the
enduring power of love to cross dangerous divides even in the darkest
of times
Genevieve Graham is a bestselling author, passionate about breathing
life back into Canadian history through tales of love and adventure.
Although all her books deal with Canadian history, this is her first
novel set in Toronto in recent times. A U of T graduate, she now lives
in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The Book Club will meet on Zoom on October 20th at 7:00 PMMazel Tov and Best Wishes
Mishpacha-Our Congregational Family
October 2021
To those
celebrating anniversaries in
October
To those celebrating
birthdays in October 29 Alan & Marcie Warsh
1 Alana Sara Silver
1 Quinn Scarlett Shanfield
5 Simha Teshuba
5 Ainsley Madison Shanfield
Good Health Wishes -
6 David Shulman
Refu’ah Sheleimah
9 Jori Rosenberg
9 Chloe Klein
A complete healing to:
9 Nathan Tepperman
Dorothy Buckhalter Hannah Levin Nina Zlotnik Tony Lee
11 Devin Jarcaig
Valerie Horner Mildred Silver Morton Kaplan Cindy Jeris
15 Erica Jarcaig Jackie Farrell Rona Paquette Rabbi Jeffrey Ableser Avigail Sarah Bat Devorah
18 Jake Ableser Louise Ziff Miriam Schnayer Tamara Fishman Marilyn Guss
Rita Karp Avraham Labe Martin Gene Jennifer Karmona
18 Rachel Ableser
Richard McGuinty Marla Rivard Lindsay Martin John Farrell
19 Victoria Shanfield Trudy Oistacher Kathy Selby Stephen Lutvak Bonnie Levine
21 Alan Shulman Noah Levy Salomon Smeer
25 Josh Morrison
28 Zachary Pazner
30 Sarah Botton
Thank you to all our members who contribute to our many funds. A gift of $18 to the Temple is a very meaningful way to
congratulate a friend or family member on happy occasions or to express get wells or condolences. Please remember Beth El
with your donations. All donations are eligible for a tax receipt.
If you wish to have your birthday or a family member's birthday or your anniversary listed in the bulletin, please contact the
Beth El office at 519-969-2422.. To ensure that you receive your bulletin, please call us if you have a change of address or if
you wish to receive your bulletin by e-mail.Thank you to those who have given generously to Congregation
Contributions Beth El this month. Gifts are a wonderful way to celebrate a
ק ה ד צ birthday, an anniversary, the arrival of a child, or to remember
October 2021 the life of someone who has passed away. Your donations to
these Temple funds are greatly appreciated.
Beatrice Cherniak Memorial Flower Fund
In memory of Robert (Bob) Cherniak, beloved brother & brother-in-law of Ellen & Herb Brudner by: Janet Rosenbaum.
Building Maintenance Fund
Honouring Mark & Cathy Morrison on the marriage of their daughter Sarah by: Lawrence Pazner & Jori Rosenberg & family.
Remembering dear parents Bertha & Barney Lander by: Brenda Cohen.
In appreciation to Congregation Beth El by: Ronna Warsh & Morrie Kleinplatz.
Cemetery Improvement Fund
In appreciation to Congregation Beth El by: Mildred (Neil) Silver.
Charles & Ethel Cohen Endowment Fund
Honouring Tracey Atin on her Bat Mitzvah by: Carl & Elaine Cohen.
In memory of Bernard Moray, beloved husband of Muriel Moray by: Carl & Elaine Cohen.
Honouring Brenda & Philip Cohen on the marriage of their granddaughter Jenna to Ben by: Carl & Elaine Cohen.
Friendship Circle Fund
Honouring Cathy & Mark Morrison on the marriage of their daughter Sarah by: Marilee Marcotte & Marc Katzman.
Honouring Tracey Atin on her Bat Mitzvah by: Mary Ann Hamelin.
Remembering Sharon Kaplan, beloved mother of Mark Kaplan & Heather Platt by: Jill & Pat Beadow.
In memory of Dr. Gerald Silverman, beloved father & grandfather by: Bill & Rochelle Tepperman.
Remembering beloved father Ben Selby by: Dr. Stuart Selby.
Remembering beloved grandson Jason Rosenbaum by: Janet Rosenbaum.
In memory of Robert Cherniak, beloved brother of Ellen Brudner by: Sam & Mary Zaltz.
Honouring Ronna Warsh & Morrie Kleinplatz on the marriage of their son Sam to Aberdeen by: Marilee Marcotte & Marc Katzman.
Ted Hochberg Memorial Fund
Happy New Year wishes to Barbara Silverberg by: Sharon Hochberg.
Religious School Fund
In memory of Revelone Bookman, beloved sister & sister-in-law of Pamela Gold-Handelman & Marty Handelman by: The Lesansky Family.
In memory of Dr. Gerald Silverman, beloved husband of Dr. Andrea Silverman by: Michael & Cheryl Blacher.
Cantor Sidney Resnick Memorial Music Fund
Honouring Tracey Atin on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah by: Norma Fink & Salomon Smeer; Sharon Horlick & Brett Heberling.
Harold Taub Scholastic Memorial Fund
Honouring Brenda & Philip Cohen on the marriage of their granddaughter Jenna to Ben by: Betty & Burton Pazner.
Happy special birthday wishes to Philip Cohen by: Betty & Burton Pazner.
Remembering Harold Taub, beloved husband of Paula Taub by: Brenda & Philip Cohen.May their memories always be for a blessing
Yahrzeits
October 2021 זייל Zichronam L’vracha - We remember
1 Florence Cohen 9 Maurice Rush 20 Jeanette Finkelstein
3 William Joffe 9 Gertrude Brodsky 21 Sherman Morrison
3 Sybil Lewis 10 Celia Rotenberg 21 Barney Lander
3 George Miller 11 Richard Bennett Weingarden 23 Kate Cherniak
4 Alexander Hassan 11 Sam Dalfen 23 Frank Pazner
4 Ida Shoot 13 Jessie Pazner 24 Betty Weinberg
4 Chaim Telchen 13 Bertha Lander 24 Gert Furer
5 Leo Mandell 13 Morris Pearl 26 Hyman Talberg
6 Arthur Barat 15 Archie Cherniak 26 Henry Weinberg
7 Joseph Flagg 15 Reuben Haron 26 Jelena Papo
7 Beatrice Smelsey 15 Ben Selby 27 Lena Buckler
7 Ruth Fruchter 16 Leonard Buckler 29 Max Weingarden
8 Ruth Katz 16 Jack Stein 29 Larry Kaiman
8 Dr. Aubrey Goldstein 16 Bunny Dalfen 30 Harriett Modlin
8 Louis Silverman 19 Jack Winograd 31 Joan Weingarden
8 Leah Krever 19 Mel Howard 31 Connie Lenoff
In Memoriam
Condolences are
extended:
To the family of Dr. Michael Selby"It is a tree of life to all who grasp it, and whoever holds on to it is happy; its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all it paths are peace."
(Proverbs 3:17-18)
B’reishit אשׁית
ִ ְבּ ֵר In the Beginning Genesis 1:1 - 6:8 October 2, 2021
God creates the world and everything in it in six days and rests on the seventh. (1:1-2:3)
Adam and Eve are placed in the Garden of Eden, where they eat the forbidden fruit and are subsequently
exiled. (2:15-3:24)
Adam and Eve have two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain kills his brother, Abel. (4:1-24)
Adam and Eve have another child named Seth. The Torah lists the ten generations from Adam to Noah. (4:25-
5:32)
God regrets having created human beings and decides to destroy everything on earth, but Noah finds favor
with God. (6:5-6:8)
Noach נֹ ח Noah Genesis 6:9 -11:32 October 9, 2021
God decides to cause a flood that will destroy the world, sparing only Noah's family and the animals that
Noah gathers together on the ark. (6:9-8:22)
Life starts over again after the Flood. The Noahide Commandments are listed, and God uses a rainbow to
make a symbol of the first covenant. (9:1-17)
People start to build a city and the Tower of Babel. God scatters the people and gives them different
languages to speak. (11:1-9)
The ten generations from Noah to Abram are listed. (11:10-29:2)
Lech L’cha לְ ָך-לְָך Go Forth Genesis 12:1 - 17:27 October 16, 2021
Abram, Sarai, and Lot go to Canaan. (12:1-9)
Famine takes them to Egypt, where Abram identifies Sarai as his sister in order to save his life. (12:10-20)
Abram and Lot separate. Lot is taken captive, and Abram rescues him. (13:1-14:24)
Abram has a son, Ishmael, with his Egyptian maidservant, Hagar. (16:1-16)
God establishes a covenant with Abram. The sign of this covenant is circumcision on the eighth day following
a male baby's birth. (17:1-27)
Vayeira ויּ ֵָרא I (God) Appeared [to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob] Genesis 18:1 - 22:24
October 23, 2021
Abraham welcomes three visitors, who announce that Sarah will soon have a son. (18:1-15)
Abraham argues with God about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (18:16-33)
Lot's home is attacked by the people of Sodom. Lot and his two daughters escape as the cities are being destroyed.
Lot's wife is turned into a pillar of salt. (19:1-29)
Lot impregnates his daughters, and they bear children who become the founders of the nations Moab and Ammon.
(19:30-38)
Abimelech, king of Gerar, takes Sarah as his wife after Abraham claims that she is his sister. (20:1-18)
Isaac is born, circumcised, and weaned. Hagar and her son, Ishmael, are sent away; an angel saves their lives. (21:1-21)
God tests Abraham, instructing him to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. (22:1-19)"It is a tree of life to all who grasp it, and whoever holds on to it is happy; its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all it paths are peace."
(Proverbs 3:17-18)
Chayei Sarah חיֵּי שָׂ ָרה The Life of Sarah Genesis 23:1 - 25:18 October 30, 2021
Abraham purchases the cave of Machpelah in order to bury his wife Sarah. (23:1-20)
Abraham sends his servant to find a bride for Isaac. (24:1-9)
Rebekah shows her kindness by offering to draw water for the servant's camels at the well. (24:15-20)
The servant meets Rebekah's family and then takes Rebekah to Isaac, who marries her. (24:23-67)
Abraham takes another wife, named Keturah. At the age of one hundred and seventy-five years, Abraham
dies, and Isaac and Ishmael bury him in the cave of Machpelah. (25:1-11)
Torah: The Tree of Life
What is the Torah and why do we study it? Learn more about these ancient stories that touch upon science, history, philosophy,
ritual and ethics.
In its broadest sense, Torah is sometimes used to refer to the vast library of Jewish text. More specifically Torah usually refers to
the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books
make up the story of the Jewish people. These ancient stories touch upon science, history, philosophy, ritual and ethics. Included
are stories of individuals, families, wars, slavery and more. Virtually no subject was taboo for Torah. Running through these
stories is the unique lens through which the Jewish people would come to view their world and their God.
REVELATION
We cannot talk about Torah without saying something about revelation. By revelation, we mean ways in which God is revealed
to people. The basic underlying difference between the Orthodox and non-orthodox approaches to Judaism hinges on this very
issue. The Orthodox view is that everything in the Torah (both the material in the Five Books of Moses and the ancient rabbis’
interpretations of that material) was revealed directly by God. The non-Orthodox view is that the Torah contains the
understanding of many people about God. It evolved over a long period and was written by numerous individuals. Some like to
say that these individuals were divinely inspired. Some rabbinic scholars speak in terms of “progressive revelation” (the idea that
God is revealed differently in every age); other scholars teach that Torah contains the words of God rather than is the word of
God.
INTERPRETING TORAH
Throughout most of Jewish history, the Torah functioned as “the law” for Jews. Its commandments and the interpretation of
them regulated both Jewish personal and communal life. The calendar was set according to the festivals and sacred holy days
prescribed by the Torah. Regulations concerning public safety, diet, marriage, divorce and the rearing of children were all found in
the Torah. An interpretation of diagnosing an illness may have worked thousands of years ago but would not in today’s
scientifically advanced world. Laws regarding divorce that may have made sense for Jews living in seventeenth-century Europe
may not apply as well today.
In order to accommodate such changing needs and circumstances, Jews created a process of interpreting Torah that continues to
this day. Explanations and interpretations were collected and formed the Midrash Agadah (literary and moral explanations)
and Midrash Halachah (legal explanations). Many of these make up the Talmud. After the completion of the Talmud rabbis such as
Maimonides, Rashi, Abraham ibn Ezra and Abravanel – to name just a few – continued to process of interpreting Torah."It is a tree of life to all who grasp it, and whoever holds on to it is happy; its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all it paths are peace."
(Proverbs 3:17-18)
Torah: The Tree of Life-continued
What is the Torah and why do we study it? Learn more about these ancient stories that touch upon science, history, philosophy,
ritual and ethics.
Every generation of Jews has had its commentators. Today discoveries in archeology, comparative religion, and
linguistic analysis contribute to our understanding of Torah. For most of history, women’s voices were absent from the
interpretation of Torah. However, for the last generation, women have been contributing to this wonderful process
and have added a unique and much needed understanding of our sacred text.
HOW WE READ TORAH
The Torah is divided into fifty-four sections, each one called a sidrah or parasha. Each week, on Shabbat another
portion is read (some weeks have a double portion). In most Reform synagogues, a portion of the sidrah is read. On
Festivals, Reform congregations read from the portions traditionally assigned to those holidays. In addition, a selection
from the Prophets or Writings is read each week. Known as the Haftarah, this reading is selected to relate to the text
of the Torah portion. In most synagogues, the Torah and Haftarah portions are chanted.
Most synagogues have at least one Torah scroll, from which the Torah is read during worship services. It is
handwritten on parchment made from the specially treated of skin of a kosher animal, and the letters are inscribed
with a quill pen by a specially trained scribe called a sofer.
The cycle of Torah reading is completed within one year. On the holiday of Simchat Torah, the last and first verses of
Torah are read as the cycle continues. This is a joyous observance, often accompanied by dancing and music.
STUDYING TORAH
For the Jewish people, the study of Torah never ends. Each year, as we read the sacred text again, it can be as if we are
reading it for the first time. Each encounter with sacred text offers the possibility of new meanings. The Reform
Movement has published a number of editions of the Torah, with contemporary commentary. Many Reform
synagogues have ongoing Torah study groups. Some meet during the week over lunch, while others convene on
Shabbat morning. Some rabbis lead Torah study in business offices and others in coffee shops. A Reform synagogue
near you may have a Torah study group. No experience is necessary and newcomers are always welcome.
A first-century CE teacher, Ben Bag Bag, taught his students, “Turn the Torah, and turn it again, for everything you
want to know is found within it.” (Avot 5:25) The study of Torah can be both an intellectual adventure and a spiritual
journey. The many meanings of Torah offer the potential to add greatly to one’s life.Events and Announcements For Your Information
RABBINIC SERVICES- Congregation Beth El is pleased to be working with Rabbi Debra Dressler of Temple Israel, London; Rabbi Emeritus Jeffrey
Ableser and Rabbinic Intern Ashley Barrett for the 5782 year. Please call the office at 519-969-2422 if you wish to contact any of the above.
SIMCHAS- Please notify the office by the 15th of each month, if you wish to have a special event in your life (simchas, life-cycle events, etc.) published in
your bulletin.
STONE DEDICATIONS & UNVEILINGS- A Rabbi will be available to perform Unveilings and Stone Dedications. Please contact the Beth El office to
make arrangements. We kindly request that you advise the office of any Unveiling dates to be announced in the Beth El bulletin (please advise us if you
wish the unveiling to be private and unpublished). The office will contact the Cemetery Caretaker to make the necessary preparations at the Cemetery
before the unveiling.
SPECIAL NOTICE- When scheduling a simcha, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, or Kiddush, please schedule your date first with the Rabbi, and then, after
talking with the Rabbi, please confirm arrangements with the Beth El office. When holding such events please advise the office of catering details,
deliveries, set-up of tables, number of guests expected, etc. so that we may avoid any misunderstandings and your event will be a pleasant one for all.
Thank you for your consideration.
SUPPORTING CONGREGATION BETH EL- A donation to Beth El is a wonderful way to congratulate friends and family on simchas, as well as a
thoughtful and meaningful way to extend condolences. A contribution card will be mailed to the recipient (minimum donation $18). You can phone the
office at 969-2422 or the office can take your requests for donations on-line (or any other request, such as names to be included on our Mi Sheberach
list, yahrzeits to be read, reservations for events) through our email address: bethelwindsor@cogeco.net.
NOTICE- We would like to recognize the achievements of all our members, from our youngest children to our seniors. Whatever your achievement,
we would like to send a hearty mazal tov to you in the Bulletin so everyone will know of your efforts! If you have a simcha, please call and provide us
with details! Thank you for your cooperation.
BAR/BAT MITZVAH- Please call the office for further details.
CANNABIS POLICY- As our Members will be aware, the recreational use of Cannabis has been legalized by the Provincial Government as of October
17th, 2018. The Board of Directors considered the impact of this new legislation at their Board Meeting convened October 16th, 2018. At that time,
the Board agreed that not only would the recreational use of Cannabis on Beth El property not be in keeping with the family values that Beth El aspires
to, but the recreational use of Cannabis in public places is still prohibited, despite the new legislation. The Board accordingly unanimously agreed to
prohibit the use of Cannabis on Beth El property, at all times. The Board asks that Members and their guests respect this decision and adhere to it fully.
CEMETERY NOTICE LET US KNOW WHO IS IN THE HOSPITAL
The Beth El Cemetery is open: Due to privacy laws; we are only advised if someone is ill or in the
April - November M-F 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
hospital if family or friends call and let us know. If a member is struggling
SUN 9:00am – 4:00 pm
and needs a visit or other help, please call the office at 519-969-2422, or
December - March M-F 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
after hours or an emergency contact Sarah at 519-991-3471.
SUN 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
There are members of our community who will visit the sick, but we
Closed Shabbat and Jewish Holidays. need access to the information.
The gate is kept shut, with the chain and lock wrapped around to Bikkur Cholim or “Visiting the sick, is a very important Jewish value. In
keep it closed – although the lock may not actually be locked. This addition to the calls and visits to your ill family and friends, you can help
is to prevent vandalism in our cemetery. If you have a problem to perform this mitzvah too.
getting in, there is a sign posted on the Shaar Cemetery fence with a
phone number that may be called.Community Events ֲבּורה
ָ ח
October 2021 Save the date, attend the event and
support your community
The 2021 UJA campaign begins in October.
Let’s celebrate our Community!
The opening program will be held at the
Art Gallery of Windsor
October 17
Watch your email for further detailsCommunity Events ֲבּורה
ָ ח
October 2021 Save the date, attend the event and
support your communityCommunity Events ֲבּורה
ָ ח
October 2021 Save the date, attend the event and
support your communityCommunity Events ֲבּורה
ָ ח
September 2021 Save the date, attend the event and
support your community2021-2022 Board of Directors Congregation Beth El Special Fund List
Executive George and Rosanne Agree Endowment
Arthur and Brian Barat Memorial
President Karen Rosen Building
Vice President Julie Tepperman Camp George Scholarship
Vice President Cemetery Improvement
Cheifetz Family Memorial
Secretary
Charles and Ethel Cohen Endowment
Treasurer Stephen Lutvak
Joseph M. and Florence Cohen Endowment
Past-President Lawrence Pazner Sam M. and Celia Cohen Scholastic Endowment
Directors Faye, Morris and Harvey Duke Memorial
Saul and Marion Fainstein Memorial
Lesley Rubin Aron Fink Endowment
Jane and Sam Freed Memorial
Friendship Circle
Golden Book
Maurice and Esther Goldstein Endowment
Hochberg/Kaplan Memorial
Trustees
Ted Hochberg Memorial
Michael Blacher Marc S. Katzman Ethel and Harry Hoffman Memorial
Cantor Sidney Resnick Memorial Music
Audrey Bondy Stephen Lutvak
Larry Kaiman Memorial
William Botton Dr. Michael H. Malowitz Fran and Aaron Katzman Endowment
Brenda S. Cohen Dr. Reuben Schnayer Ronald Meretsky Memorial
Carl S. Cohen, Q.C., LL.D. Paula M. Taub Rabbi Dr. Jonathan V. Plaut Memorial
Rabbi’s Discretionary
James L. Cohen Al Teshuba
Religious School
William Goldstein Arthur B. Weingarden
Harry and Dora Rosen Memorial
Joani Rosenthal Nursery School
William Silver and Doreen Silver-Bricker Memorial
Social Action Projects
What better way to celebrate, honor, or remember loved ones, Harold Taub Scholastic Memorial
special occasions or friends through a generous tax-deductible Dorothy T. & Max Weingarden Endowment
donation. Minimum donation is $18. Golden Book and Mitzvah Fund Joyce Weingarden Memorial
donations are $36.00. New prayer books are now available for plating Yahrzeit
with the cost remaining $54.00. Thank you for making a culture of
giving to Congregation Beth El an integral part of your Jewish life.
Congregation Beth El
Tree of Life 2525 Mark Ave.
Inscribe your family “Simchas” on our synagogue’s Tree of Life. An inscription is a per- Windsor, Ontario N9E 2W2
manent dedication to the happy meaningful events that touch our lives. Leaf inscriptions
are $150.00 and stone inscriptions are $1000.00 Please call the Beth El office to order 519-969-2422
Golden Book E-mail: bethelwindsor@cogeco.net
The Golden Book in the Beth El lobby may be inscribed for Simchas for any occasion for
a donation of $36.00. www.bethelwindsor.ca
Memorial Plaques President: Karen Rosen
To honour your loved ones who have passed away, a memorial plaque shows a genuine
Past President: Lawrence Pazner
sign of religious feeling. It bears the individual’s name with the Hebrew and secular
dates of death. A contribution of $450.00 to the Temple secures this memorial inscrip-
Rabbi Emeritus: Jeffrey Ableser
tion. Please call the Beth El office 519-969-2422 to order.You can also read
