PASSOVER BULLETIN Nissan 5783 - April 2023
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PASSOVER BULLETIN
Nissan 5783 — April 2023
On behalf of our Clergy, Officers, and Staff,
we wish you and your family our warmest wishes for a chag kasher vesame’ach.
ADATH Israel Poale Zedek Anshei Ozeroff
223 Harrow Crescent, Hampstead, QC, H3X 3X7 www.adath.ca
Tel: 514-482-4252 | Fax: 514-482-6216 www.facebook.com/theadath
YOUR ADATH
Clergy
Rabbi Michael Whitman — rabbi@adath.ca
Assistant Rabbi Alex Zwiebel — alex@ adath.ca
Rabbi Emeritus Michael Kramer
Officers
DEDICATION
President: Dr. Peter Safran — president@adath.ca
This Bulletin is dedicated in memory of Vice Presidents: David Herz, Steven Spodek and Avi Gorin
Saul Skolnick. Treasurer: William Cleman
He was the face behind the ADATH Executive Secretary: Sheila Esar
Publications. Parnass: Wesley Gorin
His absence is felt and he is sorely missed. Presidential Appointee: Bernie Malinoff
May his memory be a blessing.
Staff
To receive our Shabbat Weekly Bulletin
please email Office Manager: Jacqueline Lehrer — office@adath.ca
Rabbi Whitman rabbi@adath.ca.
Controller: Maggie Kalajian — maggie@adath.ca
All ‘sponsorships’, ‘donations’, and ‘our Office Assistant: Marilyn Fisher — mfisher@adath.ca
family’ are accurate between
August 1, 2022 - February 28, 2023. Programming: Stu Guttman — programming@adath.ca
We apologize in advance for any Superintendent: Ernesto Cisneros
errors or omissions that may have
occurred.
Special Events & Room Rentals
Please send all errors and omissions to
Jacqueline; office@adath.ca Please reach out to Jacqui to book your event with us:
office@adath.ca
EXECUTIVE TRUSTEES:
Reuben Arbeiter, Herb Cobrin, Jack Edery, George Grostern, Abraham
Rogozinsky, Roslyn Schneidman, Sam Szlamkowicz, Fred Wenger
BOARD TRUSTEES: Mair Fried, Alan Goldstein, Isadore Rubinfeld
BOARD DIRECTORS:
Dr. Stanley Blum, Arthur Cytrynbaum, Bonnie Chodos, Jerry Derkson,
David Engel, Harold Gorelik, Shimon Gorin, Perry Guralnick, Larry Kessler,
Aubey Laufer, Morris Libstug, Zehavit Meltzer, Solomon Schinasi,
Steven Schneidman, Jackie Stelman
HONORARY LEGAL COUNSEL:
HONORARY SOLICITOR: Abe Gurman
HONORARY NOTARY: Robert Glazer
PAST PRESIDENTS:
André Zoldan, Marvin Rosenblatt, Dr. Peter Safran, Bernie Malinoff, Archie
Etcovitch, Andrea Dalys Elbaz, André Zoldan, Steve Bramson,
Dr. Peter Safran, David Gandell, Edward Rogozinsky, Richard Tozman, Morty
Pearl, Lawrence Bergman, Leonard Copoloff, Sol Zuckerman
Pesach Schedule
PESACH - 5783- 5783
SCHEDULE
PASSOVER BULLETIN
Nissan 5783 — April 2023
Rabbi Whitman’s Shabbat HaGadol Drashah – SHABBAT, April 1, 6:20 p.m.
Rabbiat
in-person Whitman’s
ADATH,Shabbat
followingHaGadol Drashahat
Minchah – Shabbat,
5:50 p.m.April 1, 6:10 p.m. in-person at ADATH, following Minchah at 5:50
p.m.
Childcare will be provided. All men and women are invited to the Drashah and to the Shalosh
Childcare will be provided. All men and women are invited to the Drashah and to the Shalosh Seudot that follows. There will be
Seudot that
ample follows.to
opportunity There
ask anywill be questions.
Pesach ample opportunity to ask Pesach questions.
Tuesday, April 4
Arrange for the Sale of Chometz with Assistant Rabbi Alex Zwiebel by 7:00 p.m.
Minchah 7:10 p.m.
Search for Chometz, starting at 8:00 p.m.
Erev Pesach, Passover Eve - Wednesday, April 5
Shacharit (Morning Service), Siyum for Firstborn 6:45 a.m.
Finish eating Chometz by 10:19 a.m.
Burn and annul Chometz by 11:37 a.m.
Make an Eruv Tavshilin - https://adath.ca/pdf_doc/EruvTavshilin5769.pdf
Candlelighting / Minchah (Afternoon Service) 7:09 p.m.
On Wednesday, make an Eruv Tavshilin.
First Seder, Kiddush no earlier than 8:15 p.m.
Pesach, first day - Thursday, April 6
Shacharit, with Tefilat Tal during Mussaf 8:45 a.m.
Minchah 7:10 p.m.
Candlelighting from an existing flame and preparations for
Second Seder, no earlier than 8:15 p.m.
Pesach, second day - Friday, April 7
Shacharit 8:45 a.m.
Finish preparations for Shabbat early in the day.
Minchah 5:45 p.m.
Candlelighting from an existing flame, no earlier than 6:05 p.m. (Plag), and no later than 7:12 p.m.
Shabbat Chol HaMoed, April 8
Shacharit with Shir HaShirim 8:30 a.m.
Have Shalosh Seudot (3rd Shabbat Meal) at home.
Minchah 7:15 p.m.
Shabbat ends 8:18 p.m.
Chol HaMoed - Sunday-Tuesday, April 9-11
Sunday Shacharit 8:00 a.m.
Monday and Tuesday Shacharit 6:15 a.m.
Sunday and Monday Minchah 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday Candlelighting / Minchah 7:17 p.m.
Pesach, seventh day - Wednesday, April 12
Shacharit 8:45 a.m.
Minchah 7:20 p.m.
Candlelighting from an existing flame, no earlier than 8:23 p.m.
Pesach, eighth day - Thursday, April 13
Shacharit, and Yizkor during the service 8:45 a.m.
Minchah 7:20 p.m.
Yom Tov ends 8:25 p.m.
Chometz sold through Assistant Rabbi Alex Zwiebel will be returned to
your ownership by 9:15 p.m.
3
ERUV TAVSHILIN
Adonoy Elohaynu Melech HaOlam Asher Kiddshanu
BeMitzvosav Vetzivanu Al Mitzvas Eruv.” Then the
following announcement should be read aloud in a
One of the ways we show respect for Yom Tov - to language that we will understand: “With this Eruv
appreciate its unique character - is to refrain from (the matzah and egg on the plate) it is now permitted
using that day to prepare for another day. Therefore, on Friday to bake, cook, heat up food, light fires from
on the first day of Yom Tov we do nothing to prepare existing flames, carry objects in a public domain,
for the next day. For example, cooking the next night’s and do any other activities usually permitted on
meal is forbidden on Yom Tov even though cooking Yom Tov, in preparation for this coming Shabbos, for
that day’s meal is permissible. Similarly, carrying myself and all those in my household.” We now have
something that is not needed until tomorrow is completely prepared one Shabbos meal. We will eat
forbidden on Yom Tov, unless there is an Eruv. this as part of our Shalosh Seudos on Shabbos after
using the Matzah as the second Matzah for the first
However, when the Talmudic Sages legislated this two Shabbos meals.
prohibition, they realized that if Yom Tov occurs on
Thursday and Friday, there would be great difficulty The plate must then be put in a noticeable, out-of-
preparing for Shabbos. It would be prohibited to the-way spot (e.g. on top of the refrigerator) until it
prepare food on Friday because that would be using is eaten on Shabbos. If anything happens to it before
Yom Tov to prepare for another day. And it would be then - if it becomes inedible or lost - a Rabbi must be
impractical to put food in the oven on Wednesday consulted.
afternoon - before the start of Yom Tov - so that it
could be eaten hot on Shabbos (the same is true if This is only permitted to allow preparation on Friday
Yom Tov falls on Friday and Saturday, but to a lesser for Shabbos (not on Thursday, if it is Yom Tov). Even if
extent). The only viable alternative would be to eat an Eruv Tavshilin is made, we still may not prepare on
cold pre-prepared foods on this Shabbos - a situation any Yom Tov or Shabbos for a weekday. Even with the
that would certainly have an adverse effect on the Eruv Tavshilin, all preparations for Shabbos preferably
quality of Shabbos cuisine. should be concluded on Friday at least two hours
before the start of Shabbos. If one forgets to make an
So the Rabbis decided to enact a provision to cover Eruv Tavshilin a Rabbi must be consulted.
this situation. They reasoned, it is only prohibited to
begin preparing on Yom Tov for the next day. But Not only food preparation but any type of preparation
if you have already begun the preparations before for Shabbos that is permissible to do on Yom Tov, may
Yom Tov then you can complete them on the day of be done on Friday if an Eruv Tavshilin has been made.
Yom Tov that falls on Friday, to be eaten the following Some examples are making the beds, cleaning the
day, Shabbos. The beginning of this preparation is house, rolling the Torah to the Shabbos portion, etc.
called Eruv Tavshilin. We prepare one of the meals (These are actions that are permitted on Yom Tov if
for Shabbos before the start of Yom Tov and thereby done for that day, they are only prohibited without an
we are allowed, on Friday/Yom Tov, to finish cooking Eruv Tavshilin because they are being done for the
and preparing for Shabbos. next day).
An Eruv Tavshilin is made as follows; on the day before It is a Mitzvah for every household to make an Eruv
Yom Tov we take a cooked food, e.g. a hard boiled Tavshilin to be able to enjoy freshly prepared meals
egg, prepared that day specifically for this purpose, on Shabbos. Once one member of the household has
and a baked food, e.g. a whole matzah, and place done so - it can be made by either spouse - everyone
them on a plate. These foods are selected because in the family may help prepare for Shabbos on Friday.
they will not spoil before Shabbos. A Rabbi can help The Eruv Tavshilin must be made before Yom Tov
you substitute other foods if necessary. begins. Because of the words in the announcement,
“light fires from existing flames” we are permitted
After we place these foods on the plate we must to light Shabbos candles at the usual time on Friday
verbally announce our intention, while holding afternoon, twenty minutes before sunset.
the plate, that this should be the beginning of our
preparation for the coming Shabbos, and that we are The practice of Eruv Tavshilin was instituted to
now allowed - on Friday - to do any activity normally insure the dignity and respect we must have for our
permitted on Yom Tov, which is needed as additional Holydays. Each day must be savored and enjoyed for
preparation for Shabbos. But before making this its own sake.
announcement, since this is a Mitzvah, we have
the privilege of saying a Brachah: “Baruch Atta - Rabbi Michael Whitman
4
Judaism for the next generation
PASSOVER BULLETIN
March,
Nissan 5783 20232023
— April
Schedule for Early Shabbat Starting Times
Schedule for Early Shabbat Starting Times – Spring, Summer 2023
Spring, Summer 2023
Minchah Plag/Earliest Candlelighting Latest Candlelighting
March 31 5:45 p.m. 5:58 p.m. 7:03 p.m.
April 7 5:45 p.m. 6:05 p.m. 7:12 p.m.
April 14 5:45 p.m. 6:12 p.m. 7:21 p.m.
April 21 6:00 p.m. 6:19 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
April 28 6:00 p.m. 6:26 p.m. 7:39 p.m.
May 5 6:15 p.m. 6:32 p.m. 7:48 p.m.
May 12 6:15 p.m. 6:39 p.m. 7:56 p.m.
May 19 6:15 p.m. 6:46 p.m. 8:04 p.m.
May 26 6:30 p.m. 6:52 p.m. 8:12 p.m.
June 2 6:30 p.m. 6:57 p.m. 8:18 p.m.
June 9 6:45 p.m. 7:01 p.m. 8:23 p.m.
June 16 6:45 p.m. 7:04 p.m. 8:27 p.m.
June 23 6:45 p.m. 7:06 p.m. 8:29 p.m.
June 30 6:45 p.m. 7:06 p.m. 8:29 p.m.
July 7 6:45 p.m. 7:05 p.m. 8:27 p.m.
July 14 6:45 p.m. 7:02 p.m. 8:23 p.m.
July 21 6:30 p.m. 6:57 p.m. 8:17 p.m.
July 28 6:30 p.m. 6:51 p.m. 8:09 p.m.
August 4 6:30 p.m. 6:44 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
August 11 6:15 p.m. 6:36 p.m. 7:50 p.m.
August 18 6:15 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 7:39 p.m.
August 25 6:00 p.m. 6:17 p.m. 7:27 p.m.
September 1 5:45 p.m. 6:06 p.m. 7:14 p.m.
ADATH ISRAEL POALE ZEDEK ANSHEI OZEROFF
www.adath.ca www.facebook.com/theadath
Michael Whitman,
“Passover isRabbi
one
of rabbi@adath.ca
my favorite times
of the year. t: 514.482.4252 f: 514.482.6216
Dr. Peter Safran, President president@adath.ca 223 Harrow Crescent, Hampstead
This is when the whole community Quebec H3X 3X7 CANADA
and family gets together
to remember who we are
and why we are here.”
— Jennifer Wanger
5
PESACH SHEINI
In the second year, when Moshe told B’nei Yisrael to prepare for the holiday of Pesach, he was
approached by distraught Jews. There were a select group who would be impure and felt left out.
Moshe pleaded on their behalf and G-d gave them a second chance to celebrate Pesach. Today,
Pesach Sheini the Holiday of second chances (14 Iyar) is celebrated primarily through eating
matzah. Pesach Sheini falls on May 5, 2023.
COUNTING THE DAYS OF THE “OMER” AND “LAG B’OMER”
Beginning with the second night of Pesach, and continuing for forty-nine nights, we count the
Omer, in accordance with the Biblical injunction: “From the morrow of the Sabbath [the Rabbi’s
interpret as Passover], from the days of your bringing the Omer, you shall count seven full weeks.”
The Omer was a special offering of barley gathered from the newly ripened grain which then
permitted the use of the spring harvest. In Temple times, the harvesting of the Omer on the
second night of Pesach was an occasion for great celebration in the streets of Jerusalem.
The counting of the Omer must take place after nightfall. Immediately before starting the daily
and weekly number in the Omer, we recite the bracha Al Sephirat Ha-Omer.
These forty-nine days link the festival of Pesach, the celebration of our physical redemption
with the festival of Shavuot. Shavuot occurs on the 50th day, when we celebrate our spiritual
redemption, the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai.
In the second century of the Common Era, Eretz Israel was visited by plague. Thousands of the
disciples of Rabbi Akiva perished at the time during the period between Pesach and Shavuot.
Many of them also died in Bar Kochva’s abortive rebellion against Roman Rule. In their memory,
this period is observed with partial mourning. During the Omer, we do not make weddings,
engage in unusual festivity, nor do we cut our hair. Since the plague is said to have stopped on the
thirty-third day of the Omer (Lag B’Omer), these restrictions are suspended for that day.
This year, Lag B’Omer occurs on May 9, 2023.
SHAVUOT
After 49 days of Counting the Omer, we celebrate Shavuot - the Giving of the Torah. There are
many customs including staying up all night learning and eating Dairy. We also read the Book of
Ruth. This year, Shavuot is from May 25 to May 27 (following Shabbat) inclusive.
AN UPDATE FROM LIEL
(our Shinshinit from last year)
To my ADATH Family,
How are you?
Two weeks ago I’ve joined the army in the air force!
I’m currently in the basic training and in a few weeks,
I’m gonna start my simulator instructor course.
Miss you all so much!
Happy Pesach!
Liel
6
PASSOVER BULLETIN
Nissan 5783 — April 2023
the community.
Rabbi Michael Whitman has worked tirelessly
using modern technology to reach out to all of
our members and the community at large, to
educate, give classes and to be there for all of us.
Rabbi Alex Zweibel assures that we have
minyanim every day, morning and evening, so
that we all can count on having our religious
needs taken care of.
The rest is up to us, everyone has something to
offer. We need all of your support, presence and
encouragement so that we can be the best.
A MESSAGE FROM Being the President of the synagogue is a great
OUR PRESIDENT responsibility and I take it very seriously. I can
say that to all whom I speak with feels that they
DR. PETER SAFRAN want to be part have something special.
Dear Members and Friends, As you read this bulletin, you will see the exciting
programs for people of all ages. Try them, I’m
It is an honour, as your president, to bring sure you will be more than happy with what is
this message to our beloved ADATH family. offered.
I would like to thank all of those on the past
administration, who worked so tirelessly during I would like to thank my wife Miriam and my
the course of the pandemic to make sure that family for allowing me to take on this position
the Adath Israel stayed strong, and kept in touch once again, it’s a big sacrifice for them. I want to
with the congregation. thank all of you for everything that you have and
will do.
Passover is the time for redemption from slavery,
a time when the Jewish people rose up again May this Passover season bring all of us peace,
to accomplish even greater and better things contentment, health and a renewed feeling of
than in the past. This is now our challenge. The freedom as we leave the COVID era behind us.
pandemic was very difficult, but we have many May we grow from strength to strength.
blessings going forward.
Respectfully
We are located in the center of the most vibrant
and young Jewish community and have every Peter
reason to believe that our future can become
president@adath.ca
stronger than ever. We have a group of new
enthusiastic board members together with
many who have had many years of experience,
together we shall work to make ADATH the best
that a modern orthodox synagogue can offer to
7
Yael Dar is one such person, and she shared the
following story:
“I grew up in a house with eight children. In the
center of our home was a large table where
we ate, read the mail, did our homework and
practically everything else. Once a week, mother
sat at this table together with a friend to study
Nechama Leibowitz’s commentary on the
weekly Torah portion, to answer the questions
that Nechama would ask and to send their
answers by mail. This is what thousands of her
students did, and then they waited to receive
her comments, famously written with a red pen,
in return.
A MESSAGE FROM We children were always hanging around the
RABBI WHITMAN table and one of us once scribbled on an answer
sheet that was already completed and ready to
be sent. In those days, it was impossible to type
My dear friends, and print like today, and mother did not have
the time to copy everything all over again. So
These days, leading up to Passover, can be hectic mother wrote this comment at the bottom of
and chaotic, rushing to get everything cleaned the page:
and prepared for Pesach. Especially if there are
children or grandchildren underfoot, we may “I apologize for one of the children who scribbled
get frustrated and feel even more put-upon and here.” As is well known, Nechama did not have
irritated. children of her own. After several days had
passed, we received Nechama’s comments on
Here is a message, for now and all year, that can mother’s answers to her questions, and next to
change our attitude, and help us see things in a the scribbling of my brother she wrote: ‘Blessed
much different light. are you to have someone who scribbles!’”
Nechama Leibowitz was one of the great Torah “Many years have passed and our family has kept
teachers in modern times. She was born in Riga, this page closely guarded throughout that time.
and made Aliyah in 1930. Over the rest of her In these hectic days, it can serve as a reminder to
life, Necahama (as she insisted she be called) every parent who feels frustrated and stressed
taught Torah constantly, in a Religious Zionist out by the kids: Blessed are we to have someone
Teacher’s Seminar, at Tel Aviv University, Hebrew who scribbles.”
University, on the Voice of Israel radio station,
and in many other settings. Nechama passed Marci and I bless every parent and grandparent
away in 1997. who feels stressed, and every person trying to
have the blessing of a child who scribbles, with
In 1942, Nechama started mailing out stencils wishes to all for a happy, healthy, and uplifting
of questions on the weekly Torah portion to Passover!
anyone who requested them. The completed
worksheets would be sent back to her, and she Rabbi Michael Whitman
would personally review every one, and return it rabbi@adath.ca
with corrections and comments. Many hundreds
of people filled out these sheets regularly, and
treasured the insight her comments gave them,
and the personal connection she created.
Listen to the newest installments of Rabbi Whitmans podcast, on the shul’s webpage: www.adath.ca
Also available on: YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/adathyoutube
Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches1 8
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches3 - Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches2
PASSOVER BULLETIN
Nissan 5783 — April 2023
teach their children and people’s liberation from slavery
grandchildren about in ancient Egypt and the
Hashem and his Torah and beginning of their journey to
Mitzvot while enhancing and freedom. The story of Passover
strengthen their faith in him. is told in the Haggadah, a text
that is traditionally read at the
Their efforts carry a two fold Passover seder. The Haggadah
reward; includes a variety of sources,
including biblical texts,
1. Ultimately, their work will rabbinic commentary, and
bear fruit and they will even songs and stories from
merit to have children and outside the Jewish tradition.
grandchildren who will be
attached to Hashem and By including such a diverse
his Torah and Mitzvot. array of sources, the Haggadah
THE VALUE OF reflects the idea that there
2. Through teaching and is value in learning from a
LEARNING FROM talking to their children variety of perspectives.
EVERYONE and grandchildren, the
parents, too will experience Just as Rabbi Chanina learned
an enhancements and from his teachers, colleagues,
Dear Friends, strengthening of their own and students, the Haggadah
faith in Hashem. draws on a range of sources
As Passover approaches, I’d like to help us better understand
to share the following passage The Gemara is a part of the and appreciate the story of
with you: Talmud, a central text of Passover.
Judaism that contains rabbinic
discussions and commentary Moreover, the Passover seder
ָ ְוּלְמַעַן תְּסַפֵּר בְּאָזְנֵי בִנ
ך on Jewish law, ethics, customs, is also an opportunity for
וּבֶן בִּנְךָ אֵת אֲשֶׁר הִתְעַלַּלְתִּי בְּמִצְרַיִם וְאֶת and history. families and communities to
אֹתֹתַי אֲשֶׁר שַׂמְתִּי בָם וִידַעְתֶּם כִּי אֲנִי ה come together to share their
In Ta’anit 7a, Rabbi Chanina own stories and experiences,
You will be then able to tell your makes a statement about the further emphasizing the
children and grandchildren my value of learning from different importance of learning from
miraculous sings that I have sources: “I have learned much those around us. Through
performed among them, and you will
know that I am G-d from my teachers, more from the process of discussing and
my colleagues, and even more reflecting on the Passover
Shmot, 10:2
from my students than from story with others, we can gain
Question: them all.” new insights and deepen our
understanding of the holiday’s
Since the Torah is telling us This suggests that we should meaning and significance.
to relate to our children and learn not just one’s formal
grandchildren what happened teachers, but also one’s peers On behalf of my wife Esty and
in Egypt, should it not have and students and other me, and all of my children,
said “Vayeide’u”- and thus resources that are available to we wish everyone at ADATH a
THEY will know. us. happy and healthy Pesach.
Not “Viydatem” and YOU will When it comes to Passover,
know? this idea of learning from
multiple sources is particularly Rabbi Alex Zwiebel,
relevant. Assistant Rabbi - Alex@Adath.ca
Answer:
Parents are obligated to Passover is a holiday that
commemorates the Jewish
9
on the nations.’ The paragraph is so harsh. Not
all non-Jews are out to destroy us. Historically,
Passover has been a challenging time for Jews.
The simple act of opening the door can lead
to unforeseen and often tragic consequences.
Through the Middle Ages to relatively modern
times this was a signal to neighbouring
non -Jews to ‘let the pogrom begin.’ It is in this
context that we ask God to intervene, to remove
our enemies and protect us.
Interestingly, there is an alternative text read
A MESSAGE FROM
by many which asks God to pour out his love
on the righteous gentiles in addition to the
JACQUI traditional text. This can be found at https://
www.haggadot.com/clip/pour-out-your-love-1.
The seder has many strange customs. The I urge you to feel free to add this at your seder
purpose of the seder is to get the children to too.
recognize this strangeness and ask questions.
After all, if we care enough to ask a question, we A personal tradition, at my family seder, after
care enough to hear the answer. In the interest opening the door to Eliyahu, we go for a little
of augmenting your seder allow me to share walk. This wakes us up and allows us to walk
some traditions on one specific part. the dog. The religious significance underlying
this custom though is special. If we truly want
One of the more curious customs of Passover Mashiach to come, we must do our part. We
night, is opening our doors to welcome Eliyahu cannot sit idly by hoping Mashiach will come
(Elijah) the prophet. There are many reasons to us. Sometimes we have to go out and look
why he comes to every seder. Eliyahu, in his for him. We must make the effort. Only then
time, doubted the survival of the Jewish people. can we bring him back and experience the final
As a punishment for this, God decreed that redemption. May it happen speedily in our days.
he is to go to every seder and circumcision.
Centuries later the Jewish people are still Sometimes we dream big, but if we are not
adhering to the Torah and to God’s laws. The ready to act on our dreams we are still fearfully
Jewish people live on. Am Yisrael Chai. inside our metaphoric house. As we move to a
world with covid restrictions mostly behind us,
Traditionally, we believe that he will announce I encourage you to dream big, leave your house
the impending arrival of Mashiach (the and reach for the stars.
Messiah) and the final redemption. When
he does so he will address all questions the
Talmud left unanswered. We pour a cup of
wine for Eliyahu since he will respond to the
question of whether we are supposed to drink 4
or 5 glasses of wine at the seder.
When we open the door, we say a special
paragraph that begins with ‘pour out thy wrath
10PASSOVER BULLETIN
Nissan 5783 — April 2023
WHAT IS A
GABBAI?
A Passover message from Wesley Gorin,
Hi Everyone,
More on being a gabbai and getting an Aliyah.
Gabbai is an Aramaic word that means “tax
collector”, but today, a gabbai is someone who 11. A distinguished guest in the community.
assists with the reading of the Torah.
What does an Aliyah mean?
Typically, when the Torah is taken out to be read
before the community, one person reads the The honor of reciting the blessings over the
Torah, and that person is surrounded on either Torah and standing at the bimah while it is read
side with two gabbaim, who ensure that the is called an aliyah, which means “going up.” This
Torah is being read and treated respectfully and refers both to the physical ascent of the person
accurately. One of the gabbaim also assigns to the bimah where the Torah is read and to the
aliyot - calling people up to the Torah - to the spiritual uplifting associated with participation
members of the congregation, and calls up the in this hallowed ritual. In most synagogues, to
people who are being honored with the Aliyah. have an aliyah, one must be a Jewish male who
has reached the age of bar mitzvah.
The hierarchy of giving out aliyot is as follows:
The number of aliyot in a Torah service varies
1) A Kohen (if there is one present) gets the first widely depending on the day of the week and
Aliyah. the holiday. On Shabbat morning, there are
2) If there was a Kohen, the second Aliyah goes seven, but some congregations take advantage
to a Levi. of a provision in Jewish law that permits dividing
the Torah portion into more (but not less) than
The next group go to members of the Yisrael the required number of aliyot. These extra aliyot
tribes according to the following priority: (hosafot) allow one or more additional persons
to have the honor of being called up to the Torah.
1. A groom on the Sabbath before his wedding.
2. A boy who has turned 13 years of age There are two traditions concerning the proper
(bar mitzvah). way to approach the bimah when called for an
3. The father of a newborn infant, male or female, aliyah. One custom is to ascend on the right and
on the first Sabbath after the baby is born. descend from the left, in accordance with the
4. A groom on the Sabbath after his/her wedding. practice of approaching the altar in the Temple.
5. The father of a baby girl who is to be named.
6. One observing yahrzeit for a parent on that In addition, the entrance to the Temple Mount
day. was from the right. The other tradition is to
7. The father of a baby to be circumcised on that ascend to the bimah by the shortest route and
day or during the coming week. descend by the longest, thus demonstrating
8. One observing yahrzeit for a parent during that one is eager to be called for an aliyah and
the coming week. reluctant to leave. According to the Shulchan
9. One required to recite the blessing of gomel – Arukh, if it is necessary to choose between these
a prayer when one has undergone a dangerous two traditions, one should take the shorter route,
experience. even if this requires going up from the left. Our
10. One who is about to leave on a long journey tradition at ADATH, is to ascend from the right
or has just returned from one. and go down from the left.
11It is a dishonor to the Torah to leave the bimah
immediately after reciting the final blessing that
concludes the aliyah. In our shul, it is customary
to remain until the entire subsequent Torah
portion has been read and the final blessing
recited.
After your Aliyah, other worshipers typically
congratulate the person returning from having
an aliyah with the Yiddish phrase “Yasher Koach”,
which means “May you grow in strength” or “May
your strength be directed in the right path.” This
custom may reflect the belief in talmudic times
that intense study of the Torah, symbolized
by the Torah reading, “weakens the strength
of man”. The person who has been honoured
traditionally would answer “Baruch Tihiyeh” -
Blessed that it should be.
Please remember that when you need, or feel
deserving of an Aliyah, contact me in advance, or
approach me in shul before the Torah reading. I
am not a mind reader, and may not know of your
meeting the criteria outlined above.
Contact me or Rabbi Alex if you would like to
read a haftorah, it will be our pleasure to reserve
that honour for you, if it has not been taken.
I would like to take the opportunity to wish you
all a Chag Cashere v’Sameach.
Wesley Gorin
Parnass
The Officers, Executive and Board of Directors extend
our heartfelt wishes of appreciation to Federation
CJA and the support of it's generous donors for their
micro-grants that helped make Jewish Disability and
Inclusion Month the meaningful success that it was.
12THIS PASSOVER,
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
DREAM. TRY.
DO GOOD.
A Passover message from Stu Guttman,
As we prepare to celebrate Passover, we
are reminded of the story of the Israelites’ but fair teaching style and he often provided
liberation from slavery in Egypt. This story valuable life lessons to Cory and his friends.
of perseverance, resilience, and hope has He became an iconic character on the show
become a symbol of the human spirit’s ability and remains a beloved figure in popular
to overcome adversity, which is especially culture.
relevant in today’s world.
In the last episode of the series, he tells his
In many ways, Passover is a holiday that students, “Believe in yourself. Dream. Try. Do
emphasizes the importance of freedom good.” When he is asked about the more
and the power of leadership. The story of grammatically correct ending of “do well,”
Passover revolves around Moses, who led the he emphasizes that they should “do good.”
Israelites out of Egypt and towards freedom. While “doing well” may refer to achieving
It is a story of courage, perseverance, and personal success, such as getting good
resilience. As I reflect on this story, I am grades or earning a lot of money, “doing
reminded of the power of leadership and good” means making a positive impact
the importance of passing on these values on the world around you. By stressing the
to our children. importance of doing something that is not
only beneficial for oneself but also for others,
I was clicking through Disney+ aimlessly the message of serving a greater good is
last week and came across a show from my made clear to a generation of TV followers
childhood: Boy Meets World, the coming- of the show.
of-age story that follows the life of a young
boy named Cory Matthews and his journey Mr. Feeny’s advice implies that true success
through adolescence and into adulthood. comes from pursuing your passions and
using your skills and abilities to make a
As I re-watched some episodes from the difference in the lives of others. This can
early nineties, I thought about how we include acts of kindness, volunteering, or
have a responsibility to raise our children pursuing a career that has a positive impact
to become strong leaders who will make a on society. By doing good, you can not
positive impact on the world around them. only achieve personal fulfillment but also
No greater example of this can be found contribute to the greater good of humanity.
than in the character of Mr. Feeny, portrayed
by actor William Daniels. Similarly, in Judaism, we believe in the power
of Tikkun Olam, which means “repairing the
Mr. Feeny was Cory’s next-door neighbor world.” As parents, we have a responsibility
and teacher. He was initially Cory’s sixth- to pass on this value to our children and
grade teacher, but he later became his to teach them that they have the power
high school principal, college professor, and to make a difference in the world. As we
mentor. Mr. Feeny was known for his strict experience everything that this world has
13to offer, we should always remember that To help ourselves and the future generations
we can achieve our dreams and making a in achieving this, I believe that we must
positive impact on the world around us. continue to share the story of our ancestors’
liberation, their resilience, and their strength,
Through his guidance and encouragement, so that it may inspire to strive for justice and
Mr. Feeny helped shape Cory into the mature freedom for all people. In so doing, we also
and responsible young man he became. He must remember to pass on other important
was always there to offer emotional support qualities, values, and skills to them - one of
and advice to Cory whenever he faced which is community.
challenges or difficult situations. As we sit
together at our Passover seders, surrounded The past few months at ADATH, we have held
by family and friends, we should remind and participated in wonderful programs for
ourselves of how fortunate we are. all ages, from children’s movies and parties
to young professional networking events and
Passover is celebrated every year in the brunches for seniors. We, as a congregation
spring and is one of the most important and community, have so much to be
holidays in the Jewish calendar. One of the optimistic for as we head into spring. Our
key verses associated with holiday is “You community really does have something for
shall teach your children,” which emphasizes everyone – it may sound cheesy, but all we
the importance of passing down the story need is you.
and traditions of the holiday to future
generations. The root Hebrew word for Let us celebrate Passover with a sense of
Passover, “Pesach,” means “to pass over” hope and optimism for the future. Let us
and refers to the biblical story in which God teach our children to become strong leaders
“passed over” the houses of the Israelites who will make a positive impact on the
during the tenth plague in Egypt. As we world around them. And let us never forget
celebrate Passover each year, it is essential the words of Mr. Feeny, “Believe in yourself.
to remember the importance of teaching Dream. Try. Do good.”
the next generation about our history and
traditions, so they may continue to honor From my family to yours, may this Passover
and pass them down to future generations, bring blessings of peace, joy, and freedom
just as Mr. Feeny tried to do for Cory and all to us all.
of his students in the show for all those years.
After all that we have been through the Stu Guttman
last few years, I am filled with hope for the programming@adath.ca
future. I am confident that our children will
grow up to become strong leaders who will
make a positive impact on the world around
them. I am confident that they will believe in
themselves, dream big, and try new things.
We must teach them to be resilient and
persevere through challenges, just as Moses
did when he led the Israelites out of Egypt.
With all this, I am confident that they will
do good in the world and help to repair it in “There are some things you can’t learn in a book. You have to
learn them through experience.”
their own unique ways - Mr. Feeny
14INTRODUCING:
ADATH JEWISH EXPERIENCE
a new vibrant group whose mission is to be a
beacon for young Jewish Montreal. Here’s the spiel…
Calling all young Jewish Montrealers who are
post-university, young adults, or parents of a To find out more, sign up and be added to our
young family. email list, click here, scan the QR code below, or
visit https://adath.shulcloud.com/form/adath-
We offer a community that celebrates Modern jewish-experience-list.html.
Orthodox Judaism and values inclusivity,
community, and growth. Please come say hi next time you see one of our
friendly faces at a future AJE event!
Our values are the foundation of our community;
everyone is welcome, and we are better together. Wishing you all a Chag Pesach Kasher
We’ve created a fun and informal environment V’Sameach!
where you can feel at home and enjoy the
company of others. Shawn and Stefanie
Co-Chairs of the Adath Jewish Experience
Whether you’re new to the city or have been
here for a while, we welcome you to join us in
building a community that values inclusivity,
growth, and Judaism. So come on, get involved
and let’s make a difference together!
If you personally don’t fall into this age group,
you definitely know someone who would
enjoy AJE and we challenge you to share this
information with them. Let them know that,
while AJE just started in 2023, we’ve already
kicked off with some very successful events like
Purim’s Wine Tasting & Hamantaschen Baking
and Volunteering with MADA Packing Pesach
Food Baskets.
Tell them about the upcoming events including
our: Pre-Pesach Pizza Party (Tuesday, April 4), Israel
themed event with falafel and shawarma for
Yom Haatzmaut, Lag BaOmer Bonfire & Smores,
Shavuot Ice Cream Party, and plenty more on
the way!
Most importantly, tell them that they can find
a warm and welcoming community to come
home to at Adath Jewish Experience!
To Learn More about ADATH Jewish Experience, please scan the QR Code:ADATH JEWISH EXPERIENCE
HAMANTASHEN MAKING & WINE TASTING
WITH RABBI BERNATH & ERIN GRUNSTEIN
Adath Jewish Experience is a vibrant and growing collective in Montreal, where we celebrate Modern
Orthodoxy while valuing inclusivity, community, continuous growth and development in a fun and
informal environment. For Purim, over 40 young adults from across Montreal learned to make decadent
hamantaschen while enjoying a sampling of wines from around the world.
To Learn More about ADATH Jewish Experience, please scan the QR Code:
16We know that approximately 19% of educators are always searching for
individuals in our community have a support, accommodations, and
disability or a significant challenge. methods to manage and/or navigate
We should see these individuals in the challenges and overwhelming
all aspects of our businesses, social issues that can come with autism.
situations, and our daily lives. We
need to inspire the culture of change Most people on the spectrum face
that will make this vision a reality. tremendous obstacles of three kinds:
trusting their bodies, trusting the
Jewish Disability Awareness and world around them, and trusting
Inclusion Month is a time for the Jewish other people. Many people with ASD
community to come together and live in a near constant state of hyper-
raise awareness about the experiences vigilance, meaning their brains are
of individuals with disabilities and the always on alert for danger. This often
importance of inclusion in all aspects results in the fight or flight response.
of Jewish life. Comforting rituals and coping
JDAIM NOT It is important to remember that
individuals with disabilities are an
mechanisms come in all varieties.
Moving in particular ways, speaking
REALLY JUST A integral part of our community and
have the right to fully participate
patterns, carrying familiar items, lining
up objects to create predictable and
MONTH in all aspects of Jewish life. This
includes access to social activities,
familiar surroundings, even proximity
to certain people can serve as a
education, worship, and recreational regulating strategy.
D’var Torah given by Steven activities. Inclusion is not just about
Schneidman on Feb. 11th, 2023. accommodating ramps and providing Notable people on the Spectrum
sign language interpreters, but include Elon Musk, Albert Einstein,
Good Morning, Rabbi, Congregants, more about changing attitudes and and Bill Gates. These people have no
Family and Friends, breaking down barriers. It means trouble in the work force. Others have
creating a culture in which individuals unique and niche talents that are not
I want to thank you for inviting me with disabilities are valued and easily identifiable. A unique job that is
to speak this morning. This is not respected as full members of our well suited for some on the Spectrum
something I usually do, and I am community. How can we make this has been identified by the Israeli Army.
not always comfortable speaking in happen? Well, like anything else, it’s They actively recruit autistic individuals
public, but this topic is not close to my education and lots of love. to watch their radar screens because
heart, it is my heart. of their incredible concentration and
My talk today will center around work ethic.
Tikkun Olam... A core value that I have Autism because of my son Noah,
tried to live by because it is a powerful but it honestly applies to anyone As parents, Randee and I have
concept in Judaism. It compels each facing challenges. Noah is considered worked every day for 21 years to
of us to do our part to make the world nonverbal even though he can speak create the proper supports, therapy,
a better place. It reminds us that we and respond to questions. He has aid, education, and recreation for our
have a responsibility to support and trouble expressing his thoughts and child. But let me tell you, our village
care for each other. feelings but if you are patient, non- has been wide. If not for the extreme
judgmental and sincere, you can love and constant devotion of our
I have been asked to speak about understand clearly what he wants children Jonathan and Lyndsay, we
Jewish Disability and Inclusion Month, most of the time. would not have known how we would
although in my mind, it should be have made it through.
renamed, Jewish Different Abilities and “Autism isn’t an illness, it’s a different
Inclusion Month. There is a negative way of being human”. In autism, the The world we live in today is not the
connotation to the term disability brain is wired differently, and therefore world my son started out 21 years ago.
that seems to frighten people away. often programmed differently, Finding services and acceptance were
However, each of us struggles at times, than a “neurotypical” brain. Some extremely rare and hard to find.
with some level of disability. Some defining characteristics of autism
may have social anxieties, learning or include difficulties in communication Over the last 20 years rates of Autism
physical disabilities which can affect and social interaction, restricted amongst children have gone from 1
their promise of a successful life. But and repetitive behavior, sensory in 200 to one in less than 50. After a
success, as research has shown, is processing issues, and difficulties lengthy search we were able to find a
not born from academic or financial staying regulated emotionally and program at UTT called Shorashim. It
success, but rather happiness. physiologically. Autism is a spectrum, was funded originally by a generous
Happiness is the foundation of all with the combination of defining traits donor for a family member with a
successes. So, if we approach this manifesting in different ways in each disability and it morphed into a joint
topic from this point of view then this autistic individual. Like all humans, program with Federation that helped
is our focus for the “disabled” and how each person with autism is unique. a handful of children. Noah was the
we as a Jewish community, can help last person in the program. For Noah
them to find their path. Managing autism is no easy feat. to be accepted into the program, we
Parents, siblings, caregivers, and had to pay privately for a personal
17shadow. What we didn’t know at the As we all know, and my wife describes We have already partnered with
time was that this experience was this every day in her work, it is easy for Weston (Pharmaprix and Provigo),
to change the trajectory of Noah’s small children to include since they do St. Hubert Bar B Q, Fairmont
life. He was lucky enough to be in not judge others like adults tend to do. Hotels and have an extensive list
an extremely small class that year of Noah can make some noises when he of companies willing to participate
7 boys. One day while my wife was is not supposed to. A few years ago, in future business endeavors. Our
waiting at pick up, one of the moms we were at a movie when two elderly Research pillar has partnered with
from Noah’s class approached her to people started to complain and the TACC (Transforming Autism Care
say thank you. Randee immediately chastise us for bringing him because Consortium with the Neuro) which
asked for what? To this she replied, of his noises. At that time, a group of will use Giant Steps as a living lab to
“for giving us Noah…. He has changed young adults and their children came validate their research.
my son Michael for the better. I won’t to his defense and told these people to
ever forget these words and to this be more tolerant. It was refreshing to Lastly, our Resource Center Pillar
day I choke back tears. Those boys see these attitudes shifting. The world will create programs for parents,
became instant friends, protective of is changing slowly, and for the better. caregivers, teachers, school boards,
Noah. They stood by him, played with police departments, siblings, and
him, and wanted him to participate Sadly, Noah was the last Jewish businesses. It is an ambitious plan and
in everything including plays, classes, child in this program due to a lack of will take time, but we are on the right
recess, parties... funding. What Noah has gleaned has path. It is a labor of love in all respects.
been immeasurable. After elementary
These special kids continued to school, the gap became larger, and Being an inclusive society benefits
include Noah in the Y Country Camp Noah needed more services. We were all of us. The depth of empathy and
and CBB camp. Always with help from lucky to get into a school for autistic character growth that Noah’s friends
his incredible educator and most children called Giant Steps. experienced at UTT is rarely found in
cherished friend Toni, Noah was not our educational institutions. Places
only comfortable in his class with his To give you an idea, the school has 93 like Mackay with reverse integration
small group of friends but quickly had students aged 4-21. Last year there classes do it well but we need more,
the whole school wanting to say hi to were 5 openings and almost 500 and GS will be using this model
him, play with him and want to be his applicants. The school has no gym, is starting next year. Because you see,
friend. a cramped, converted office building, the “disabled” will always be sitting
but is a warm and caring home. I took with us in shul and in the real world.
Even today we can be at a mall, my experience from Herzliah and tried They deserve our compassion and
skating rink, restaurant or store and to replicate it at Giant Steps once I got support.
people who I don’t know come up to on the board. We evaluated our needs.
him to say hi and give him a hug. Out We quickly realized that if we were Never in my wildest dreams did I
of the original 7 kids in his class, 5 are going to make changes, we would envision my life taking this path when
in medical school today and continue have to shoot for the moon. I was in my 20s. God had a plan it
to want to be involved in his life. They seems. We never know where life will
celebrate birthdays together and There were limited, if any services, take us. What I continue to realize
make time for some social activities for autistic individuals after 21. No is that we can all make a difference
with him. social inclusions and very little work in this world for the better. Even a
environments willing to take these small change in attitude can make a
You see the teachers, the parents, people on. If you were lucky enough huge difference to an individual’s life.
the principal, the secretaries, and his to get into a special needs school, We can all participate in Jewish life
very loving educator gave our Jewish your skills quickly diminished after regardless of ability. So, while this is a
boy the chance at a Jewish education graduation. Unemployment for those very special month for my family, and
and life. To that end, Noah had a bar on the spectrum is over 90%. Research I am honoured to be here today to
mitzvah right here at ADATH with the was theoretical and we needed a living address you, let me leave you with one
help of Rabbi Alex and to this day, says lab to test out their hypothesis. thought:
the brachas at Chanukah and Pesach,
never without his Kippah. I was so Our limited resource center needed Don’t leave here today saying thank
appreciative that as a thank you for to be expanded to people not at Giant God my child doesn’t have a disability.
allowing Noah in the school, I gave Steps who also deserved valuable Rather, leave here today, process
back by being the treasurer on the services. I am happy to report as my story that I do not usually share,
board of directors for 7 years. I learned President of the Board at GS that and ask yourself, “what can I do?”
of the challenges facing the Jewish after a lot of hard work and generous Whether you know it or not, we are all
Day Schools and how they took a hard donors we are on track to open a on the same path. Jewish people are
look at their problems and created an new $52,000,000 Giant Steps Autism notorious for banding together and
action plan which led to an amazing Centre at the end of this summer. The persevering. We are innovators and
beautiful Azrieli School today. school will be expanded and enriched survivors. This is who we are and why I
with state-of-the-art facilities and am proud to be here today.
Our experience was a true version of programming. We will have an adult
inclusion in the Jewish community. education and employment pillar Thank You.
However, sadly, this is not the norm which will create a pathway for autistic
and parents continue to advocate for individuals to be included in society
their children each day. with meaningful, real jobs.differently, and we are all on a So how did I personally get
spectrum of abilities. People involved with creating this social
who have neurodevelopmental enterprise? I always say it is the
and intellectual diversity product of my mid-life crisis.
including autism may or may My career background was in
not identify as disabled. You’ll IT. I worked with both retail
soon hear, with the right and academic systems for 25
support and accommodations, years, and right on track, in my
can in fact be, very abled. The mid-forties, felt that I wanted to
term disability is used because change direction and pursue
to varying degrees, many do a job that would be more of
struggle to navigate some of a social service. I went back
the typical norms when they to McGill University and very
are interacting with the world. slowly, one course a semester,
you might hear the term completed a graduate diploma
DELICIOUS. “neurotypical” as opposed to
neurodivergent to describe this
in the management of social
services.
INNOVATIVE. challenge. We are nearing the
end of a month that promotes It was actually my then
INCLUSIVE. awareness, acceptance and
inclusion of these differences,
teenaged kids, who introduced
me to the world of children
and the point of that is that and adults with disabilities
D’var Torah given by Eve Rochman on ideally, is that we as a society through their volunteering
Feb. 25th, 2023. must evolve to make our with Friendship Circle. I am sure
neurotypical world more you’ve all heard of Friendship
welcoming and flexible. Circle, an organization that
Shabbat Shalom. I want to
pairs neurotypical teens or
thank ADATH and all of you for
The next question I get asked, young adults with children who
inviting me and the entourage
what is a social enterprise? A have various disabilities. They
from Zera Café to share the story
Social enterprise is a revenue- participate in social activities
of our thriving social enterprise
generating business with a together and it’s inspiring to see
during JDAIM, Jewish Disability
twist. It has two goals: first to how these simple relationships
awareness, acceptance and
achieve a social mission, or make such a positive impact
inclusion month.
solve a problem, and, second on both the volunteers and
to earn revenue that supports participants. Everyone wins
I know that hearing from Laura
that mission. and it’s really an amazing
will be the most interesting
model. I remember specifically
part of this, so I will just tell you
Zera Café is a social enterprise meeting a mom of a soon to
a little about Zera Café, how it
that addresses a difficult reality, be 21-year-old participant at
came to be, how it has grown
and that reality is that in the the Friendship Circle who was
and evolved and then I will turn
Jewish community alone, over about to graduate from school.
it over to Laura.
15,000 adults live with some She was concerned about what
sort of disability. Only 1 out would happen next for her
So what is Zera Café? It is a
of 4 of them is meaningfully daughter. It turns out that the
not-for-profit social enterprise
employed. When you think age of 21 is a crucial transitional
catering service, founded 3 and
about that, it’s really quite an age because that is when
a half years ago that proudly
impediment. Having a job, school ends and there’s a void
offers meaningful supported
especially in young adulthood after that.
employment to adults who are
is fundamentally important. It’s
neurodiverse.
not just for a paycheque, but Like for most people, not
also for socialization, to gain life having a routine, a destination
The first question I get asked
skills, independence, a sense of and something meaningful
is what does that mean, to be
purpose and to be part of and to do every day would be very
neurodiverse? And the fact is,
contributing to community. detrimental to her.
that we are all neurodiverse. We
all process, think and functionThis void or problem struck was actually quite terrifying, got right to work setting up
me and I started to research because now I had to execute. a not-for-profit corporation, a
possible solutions. A quick I really debated what to do, and board of directors, a website,
google search, and sure was very worried that I would and even practicing some
enough, you can often look to be in over my head. But despite recipes. In those first few
Israel for innovative ideas and it all, I quit my job and decided months, I worked here with
good food. I read about several to go for it. a few of the young adults
cafés and catering services, who had participated in the
operating as social enterprises, I’ve been saying the word I a programming that was already
that were employing people lot, but there’s only one reason running here. We catered
with diverse abilities. that this enterprise continues kiddushim here for several
to exist and thrive to this day, weeks and then decided that
It so happens that I had always and that is because we are we definitely wanted to cater
enjoyed cooking and it had operating in an incredible dairy food. For that reason,
been a fantasy of mine to create community where from the we had to find a bigger dairy
a catering business. get-go , I have been supported kitchen. We arranged to work
by exceptional people who out of the Shaare Zion’s kitchen
So now, I had a graduate rolled up their sleeves and got starting in February 2020 and
diploma in the management into the kitchen with me and our first project was baking
of social service, a pretty far- gave so much of their time to hamentashen. There was some
fetched idea of creating a help. I am blessed to have had talk around Purim that year
catering business to employ the help of over 50 volunteers about the virus, but we were
people with disabilities, and over these 3 years who are the too busy building momentum.
absolutely no experience in very heart of the operation. We even had three small events
doing either of those things! to cater beginning on March
Our volunteers help us with 10th and we were excited to get
So basically, a raging case of job coaching, cooking in the going. The events of course
imposter syndrome. I really kitchen delivering our orders. never happened, and we were
didn’t imagine that this idea We are currently in the middle shut down before we even
would go very far, but it turns of our annual hamentashen started.
out the community of people fundraiser which means we are
who care for and love people rolling, cutting and pinching I thought we were done and
with disabilities is tight and very thousands of hamentashen that I would return the grant
welcoming. I only needed to and in the last two weeks alone, and go get another job in IT. But
mention my idea to someone we’ve had so many volunteers then, the week before Passover,
at the Friendship circle, and come and help us get through I got a call from Federation
just a week later, I was invited the challenge. You name it, CJA. They knew that we had
to meet parents of young they are there for us. In fact, secured a kitchen, and they
adults with neurodiversity. One one of our star volunteers kindly needed our help to prepare
of them was running programs joined us here today. Shiri emergency ready to eat meals
for people with diverse needs Tamam is a favourite, vivacious that would be delivered to
through her A-link foundation coach to our employees who vulnerable people who were
right here at this synagogue. has an innate ability in the shut in. Early in the pandemic,
She and another mom were very kitchen and to support our we didn’t even let seniors and
supportive and encouraging of employees (she is a teacher immunocompromised people
the idea and recommended I after all). On top of that, anyone enter grocery stores, so there
apply for a Nova Grant throught who knows Shiri, knows that she was a real need to provide
the JCF (which was due just a has a keen eye for the beauty meals.
few weeks later). of what is going on around her
and she captures this beauty in Oddly enough, this crisis ended
Again, having never written photographs that she shares up being our pivot. While there
a business plan, nor a grant with her many followers on weren’t any parties and events
application, I wasn’t expecting social media. Through these to cater, Zera Café could, in the
to receive one, but somehow posts, more and more people meantime, become a delivered,
my bluff was called, and two are learning about our mission ready-to-eat meal service. We
months later, I got an email what we’re all about. quickly figured out what to
letting me know that the idea make and how to package it.
would be supported with I laugh at the crazy timeline Our meals were prepared by
a grant. You would think I of how we came to be. We got and delivered by volunteers in
would be celebrating, but it the grant in October 2019, and the community for 7 weeks.
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