Tammuz / Av / Elul 5775 Vol. 25. No. 6 July / August 2015 BULLETIN Website: www.agudasisrael.org E H T Congregation Agudas Israel 715 McKinnon Ave, Saskatoon S7H 2G2 (306) 343-7023 Fax: (306) 343-1244 Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky President: Marsha Scharfstein Elaine and Sherwood Sharfe Recipients of the B’nai Brith Gerry Rose Volunteer of the Year Award and the Lifetime of Service Award by Marsha Scharfstein I have had many wonderful experiences and leadership and commitment and dedica- as President of this community, but I cannot tion. It is about representing the interests of think of another that has made me more proud. our community in the best possible way in The Board of Trustees has decided to create everything they do. It is about a Lifetime of an Award…A very special award…one that Service. It is about Elaine and Sherry Sharfe. will not be given lightly or even every year. I am so honoured that this award is being It is an award that seeks to recognize a person presented tonight while I can legitimately or persons who have given say, “On behalf of Congregation Agudas generously and tirelessly Israel, it is my pleasure to recognize Elaine to this community over and Sherry Sharfe as our first recipients of a long period of time. It the Congregation Agudas Israel Lifetime of is about time and money Service Award. “ With children Kevin, Yehosuah, and Heather A Tribute To My Parents Sharfe (missing Pam from Toronto) by Heather Fenyes When Kevin was a toddler, he and my Recognizing my parents for a lifetime of Dad went to the theatre to watch a Superman giving to our community, for me, is acknowl- movie. As superman rescued the village and edging them as the superheroes they have flew all the innocent victims to safety on his been in the lives of the Saskatoon Jewish com- back, little Kevin announced in a voice that munity in general and our family in particular. the whole theatre could hear “he’s almost as This honour, more than being about a list, strong as my Daddy.” continued on page 9 Israel’s Ambassador To Canada Visits Saskatoon Cooperation with Saskatchewan by Ambassador Rafael Barak “Small states of modern Israel as a nation that harnessed the Since Prime Minis- everywhere, power of science and innovation to become an ter Ben Gurion’s ar- p o o r i n example for the world. Although one would rival in May 1961, resources but expect these remarks to come from Golda there have been many rich in spirit, Meir, Abba Eban or any other fountainhead subsequent bilateral can learn much of the Zionist spirit, you will be surprised to visits. Despite the geographic distances, our from the Jewish learn that they are attributed to someone who two countries have created an extensive net- people, who, was raised and educated in Saskatoon. They work of ties based upon our shared democratic undaunted, have brought into being a State belong to none other than John Diefenbaker, values, mutual interests and strong people-to- politically strong, socially helpful to the needy, the Canadian Prime Minister who welcomed people connections. Recently, our relationship and economically ever stronger.“ David Ben Gurion on the first state visit of has reached new heights with Canadians and These powerful words embody the history any Israeli official to Canada. Israelis collaborating at an unprecedented level in a variety of areas from science to Join us in a park near you July 3rd - 24th. business, international development to global presents Free Admission! Family Friendly! security and culture to academics. Theatre in The Park 2015 Special preview performance July 2nd Nowhere is this collaboration more evident behind the Jewish Community Centre than in Prime Minister Diefenbaker’s home For full performance schedule please visit sumtheatre.com continued on page 12 July 3rd - 24th This page is sponsored by Gladys Rose of Toronto Deadline for the next Bulletin is August 14, 2015 sumtheatre.com 306. 880. 4786 Join us in a park near you! Free Admission! Family Friendly! This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Silverspoon Dinner! Twenty five years later, we are still the proud hosts of Saskatoon premier women’s night out. Our celebrity guest was Allan Thicke, and the night was thick with treats and surprises. There were more give-aways than ever, the silent auction was packed with goodies and the prizes were outstanding. We want to thank each and every helper without whom an event of this magnitude could never happen; from organization to clean up, a huge thank you to all! We have already Alan Thicke begun to think of what lies ahead! by Heather Fenyes Greeters - Wendy, Rebecca, Robin & Rose Heather & Linda Stacie Graham Sarah and Shaina Jan introducing Alan Thicke Lori, Sara, JoAnn and Anna Rosi Vicky, Jan & Veronica Ronald McDonald House Shauna - Rabbi Our MC Claudio Sterling Award 50-50 50-50 Draw Presentation Winner - Kim Hebert - Elaine Kosmas Jan and Ron Wind Up Sisterhood Dinner LOST AND FOUND AND COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD: The Lost and Found Box is full. It is located immediately to your left when you enter the building. If you have events you wish to post the Bulletin Board, please send the details to [email protected]. This page is sponsored by Dr. Syd z'l & Miriam z’l Gelmon of Vancouver 2 Editorial FROM OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY The Mission Statement of Congregation Agudas Israel by Steven Goluboff Congregation Agudas Israel is a spiritual, religious, educational and social home committed to deepening the quality of Jewish life in Saskatoon and district. We are an evolving link in the As a small congre- historical traditions of the Jewish people. We are a progressive, democratic and sensitive con- gation, in a relatively gregation responding to the widest spectrum of Jewish thought and practice. Written at the 2002 Kallah by the members of Congregation Agudas Israel isolated Jewish com- munity, it is astonishing MAZEL TOV AND CONGRATULATIONS TO: to see our accomplish- • Maxim Gertler-Jaffe, son of Joanne and Michael, whose 6-part web series, “World Away” ments. This past spring was launched in April. “Quinn, brilliant and alienated, is about to embark on a one-way has included Yom Hashoah, the Silver Spoon trip to Mars. But she hasn’t told anyone she’s leaving yet.” It can be viewed at http://www. worldawayseries.com/. Maxim works at White Pine Pictures in Toronto, where he has recently Dinner, a visit by the Israeli Ambassador been promoted to production manager. to Canada, the completion of a successful • Jardena Gertler-Jaffe, daughter of Joanne and Michael, who graduated from University year of Hebrew School, and finally the An- of Toronto with a BMus in (Classical) Vocal Performance. Jardena will continue her studies nual B’nai Brith Gerry Rose Volunteer of the this fall at the University of Toronto, where she has been fully funded to complete her MA in Year Award Dinner. We congratulate Elaine Ethnomusicology and for her portrayal of ‘Hansel’ in Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera, “Hansel and Sherwood Sharfe for being the worthy and Gretel, for the Saskatoon Opera’s school tour. This year, the tour visited five Saskatchewan recipients of the Volunteer Award. But in ad- cities and performed Hansel and Gretel 21 times in two weeks! dition to that honour the Congregation and its • Rishona Avivi daughter and granddaughter of Ari and June Avivi who was awarded Grade Board presented a Lifetime of Service Award, Nine Female Athlete of the Year, MVP Green Team volleyball and Rookie of the Year – Senior one that will be special and infrequent. This Girls’ Basketball at Bedford Road Collegiate. award honours outstanding and exemplary • Jordana Jacobsen, whose business Cravings Maternity – Baby – Kids store won the Saskatoon Achievement in Business Award for the Customer Service for 2015 service and philanthropy over many decades. • Allen Ponak who was recently chosen the 2015 recipient of the Bora Laskin Award for The award was presented by President Marsha outstanding contributions to Canadian Labour Law. The award, honouring Canada’s former Scharfstein and added words of praise were Supreme Court Justice (and the first Jewish appointee to that court), who was an arbitrator and delivered by Sherry and Elaine’s daughter law professor before becoming a Judge, is awarded annually to one person by the University of Heather. Hopefully such great commitment Toronto. Previous recipients have included Warren Winkler who helped create the Residential and devotion to our congregation will be School compensation adjudication program, Rosalie Abella and Andrew Sims. Allen is the first inspiring to all members and result in even person in Saskatchewan to receive this award. modest contributions of time and energy to • Gladys Rose upon the birth of Ryan Jack Poster, second son of granddaughter Rebecca help sustain our small community. At this time Cooper and David Poster on May 15th, 2015. we say good-bye and shalom to our Shlichim, • David Katzman who was the winner of the low net at Riverside Golf Club Itai and Lori, who have been an integral part Stroke Play competition. • Henry Woolf LL.D, was one of the 2015 recipients of the Saskatchewan of our community for the last year, presenting Order of Merit, established in 1985 , a prestigious recognition of excellence, to us educational and critical analyses of the achievement and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being complexity of their home, the State of Israel. of the province and its people. Their weekly Israeli updates have provided • Cohen Goluboff-Munro, son on Sarah and Donnie on his a concise and fascinating window to Israel. graduation from The Queen Elizabeth Cooperative Pre-School Our Hebrew School children and young adults Program. have enjoyed their enthusiasm and dedication. • Daniel Katzman, son of Susan and David who has been accepted We will all miss them but look forward to yet into the College of Law at the U of S. another young couple who will join us later in UNVEILING: the summer. For our congregation, it will be Pauline Laimon – Sunday August 9th, 11 am. Agudas Israel Cemetery. a quiet summer, one in which we can enjoy our hobbies, travel and family time together. THANK YOU AND TODAH RABAH TO: Maybe we will all be able to engage in some Sandra Broudy and Tobin Robbins for a significant gift to Congregation Agudas Israel Chevra new activity. For the first time in my life I actu- Kaddisha, in memory of Harry Broudy. ally went bird-watching with two very experi- CONDOLENCES FROM CONGREGATION AGUDAS ISRAEL: ences and knowledgeable “birders”. Much to On the death of Dr. Leon Bass, Robbie Waisman’s liberator, who was a guest speaker at the the amazement of my friends and family it was Holocaust Memorial service several years ago. truly a memorable experience. We identified • Dr. Saul Gonor on the death of his mother Ruth Gonor in Vancouver. 49 different species in and around Saskatoon. GET WELL WISHES TO: I am proud to say I identified one – a Robin. Valerie Korinek The rest were skillfully identified by their ap- pearance, social behaviour and their songs. I WELCOME NEW MEMBER: said to Frank and Doug that I needed a Jewish Joel Bernbaum is an actor, playwright, journalist and the founding artistic director connection to this new experience if I was to of Sum Theatre. In 2015-2016, Joel will apprentice at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre refer to it in my summer editorial. Suffice it as their Urjo Kareda Resident. Joel grew up in Saskatoon and was always active in Congregation Agudas Israel. continued on page 12 This page is sponsored by Steven, Leila, Sarah & Shaina Goluboff 3 Person to Person by Marsha Scharfstein, President, CAI “I believe that one of the most important things to learn in life is that you can make a difference in your community no matter who you are or where you live.” - Rosalynn Carter Grant and I attended a Bar Mitzvah in occupy for the dinner to follow. Then the and decide we want Winnipeg last weekend. It was the grandson young man stood up and started chanting… to live a life based on of Grant’s cousin…the connection gets fur- and all differences fell away. He talked about that…or from a Jewish ther and further away the older we get!! We how his Parshah related to Human Rights and perspective, honour had a great time and reconnected with many how appropriate it was that we were in this God’s creations. Powerful things to think family members that we don’t get a chance building. He reminded me that the shape of about, to be sure. to see…except at events like this…or not so Judaism, the outside look of it, is not what is I will encourage everyone I see to make a happy events. so important…what matters is how you live trip to the Human Rights Museum in Win- The event was held at the Canadian Mu- it, how you take the pieces that are important nipeg. Right on our doorstep, we have a life seum of Human Rights… which was a little in your life and use them in your daily tasks. changing experience just waiting for us. I different for me. I am used to Bar or Bat The lessons of Human Rights that are would suggest that you give yourself much Mitzvahs being in the sanctuary…of whatever displayed so vividly and powerfully at the more than the two hours that we had. For synagogue the family belongs to…tradition… museum are a good example of this. We can me, it was just enough to know that I want in whatever form… This Bar Mitzvah was not walk through it and read the displays and think another day there. traditional in my mind. The Bimah was in fact “How terrible” and go about our day. Or we Have a wonderful summer. a stage. The choir sat to the side of the Bimah. can choose to see the inherent dignity in all We were all sitting at the tables we would people (and everything else that was created) Divrei Harav – Rabbi Claudio’s Message President Rivlin: Shame On You by Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky I write this article changed and as the new Israeli president with physical and developmental challenges with lots of pain. I he would represent all Israeli religious de- and considers inclusiveness as a Mitzvah for love Israel and it hurts nominations. They were wrong: Rivlin didn’t every Jewish community. For that reason, me so much when its change. He was just acting like an average it has developed since twenty years ago a leadership cares more about their political politician. This time it’s not about Reform Bar Mitzvah program for children in Israeli interests than the wellbeing and unity of the but Masorti Judaism (the Israeli name for the public schools where they study from six to Jewish people. As a Rabbi I don’t like to be Conservative Movement) and the victims of nine months and then have a ceremony at one the carrier of bad news but I know if we want his intolerance were nine autistic kids who Masorti Synagogue. Currently there are three a change it is necessary to be informed. wanted to have a Bar Mitzvah ceremony. hundred children a year who are participating The bad news is about Reuven Rivlin, the According to the interpretation of Jewish in forty special education schools in Israel. president of Israel. We should have known this Law by the orthodox Rabbinate, Jews with This has been a huge success, contributing was going to happen again, after all in the late some disabilities are not allowed to perform to the self-esteem and the religious identity 80’s Rivlin said the following about Reform the commandments, including receiving an of these children otherwise excluded from Judaism: “This is idol worship… Until now Aliya or reading from the Torah, therefore Jewish religious life. I thought Reform was a stream of Judaism, they cannot have a Bar Mitzvah ceremony However this year, for the first time in but after visiting two of their Synagogues I the same way others do. The Masorti Move- twenty years, politics got involved and a Bar am convinced that this is a completely new ment, on the other hand, has stressed long ago Mitzvah ceremony in Rehovot was cancelled religion without any connection to Judaism”. that Jewish Law allows the inclusion of Jews When Rivlin first ran for the Presidency in continued on page 13 2007, he was asked whether as a president THE BULLETIN he would refer to Reform rabbis by their title. Editor-in-Chief .....................Steven Goluboff Issues/Year ....................................................6 He declined to answer. And last year, when Youth Editor .....................Mayah Holtslander If you are happy with the Bulletin and enjoy read- he sought the presidency for the second time Advertising Manager .....................Ron Gitlin ing it, please consider sponsoring a page ($25/ and was asked the same question, he changed Circulation Manager ................Myla Deptuch issue or $130/year). Contact Steven Goluboff or his strategy and answered the following: “I Layout & Graphic Design ..........Janet Eklund Ron Gitlin. Proof Reading ........................Bruce Cameron respect any person chosen to lead his or her Cost of this issue with mailing ..............$1200 E-Mail Address: [email protected], community, and God forbid I invalidate him Advertisements ................................$30/issue [email protected], because he is from one stream or another”. Page Sponsorship .......$25/issue or $130/year [email protected] Some were naïve enough to think he had Issues Published ........................................150 website: http://agudasisrael.org This Page is Sponsored by the United Israel Appeal of Canada This page is sponsored by Dr. Alan Rosenberg & Dr. Lesley-Ann Crone and family 4 Ruthie Gonor: “A Heart of Wisdom, A Woman-of-Valor” from a Eulogy by David Brook We venerated her in life, and now, again, in and her daughter Lisa, as well as for Allen people laugh a lot. Ruthie’s laugh emanated our grief at her passing away. Ruthie was a Sapp’s hidden gift - for painting, and finding from the beyond/the before – you could im- treasure to her family-of-origin: a gift-from- his true voice and the healing therein. Allan mediately recognize the timeless beauty in God, a kid-sister-extraordinaire to her six Gonor introduced her as “My Best Friend it, the familiarity, and the ease. Not that older siblings, the eldest of whom was almost Ruthie”. Her ability to create ease in a house hers was an easy journey. But in her inimi- 20 years older. overflowing – with ideas, with study, with table way, Ruthie overcame challenges and Ruthie was a true kindred-spirit to many, love, with activity, with stacks of books, with crises in the same way she spoke to us – in a to both family and friend. She was ‘fully- talk, and with food, and drink, and art – what measured mindful way. Her generosity – of alive-this-day’, a student of life, so patient art! - and books (more books) and music spirit, in sharing her home with so many – her and sweet, and so funny!, but, especially, a and kids and tapes and film and Klieg lights acceptance of The Other – was something to Wise Woman. She was a great communicator, and films and telephones and filing-cabinets wonder at. She was slow to judge. She was straight from the heart, with a knowing twin- and household supplies-in-bulk and light a great listener – open to The Other, where kle in her eye. Who will ever forget Ruthie’s and Lily, and Prince and Jigger and bikes she seemed to find the ‘still small voice’. She irrepressible smile? That look – I saw it in and stuff-for-the-cottage and everything and would lead with her heart, with a warmth that her sisters Evelyn, and Elsie, in Pearlie and everybody in between – was a wonderment. was irresistible. We are reminded by Rashi even in brothers Morris, Joe and Max, but it Ruthie could, pretty much, on any occasion, that we sing ‘Ayshet Cha’il’ (from the Mishna) seemed especially clear and unconditional in lighten, soften, solemnize charm, magnify, as an allegory for our relationship to Torah, Ruthie. That subtly-raised eyebrow was the and sanctify non-particularistically. When what binds us to The Creator, enfolding us giveaway. For this is The Story of Ruth. she was recognized publicly for many things, in the promise of enlightenment and at-one- It is the noted Cree artist Allen Sapp whose there was no change in Ruthie. She greeted ment/yichud. Being less-enlightened, I tend name means “He who perceives/sees through” everyone and everything, new and old, good to sing or read the prayer quite literally, maybe and whose life was tied to the Gonors. Ruthie, and bad, with authenticity, equanimity and because I grew up around so many bona-fide too, was blessed with perspicacity. She could steadfastness. But mostly it was with true Nashim Ha-il – Aunties: Ruthie, Evelyn, see far, as was evident in her recognition delight and warmth. Ruthie taught us to love Miriam, Effie, Pearlie, Elsie; Mom, Cousins of, and love for, the restless genius of Allan each other – unconditionally. Wendy, Judy, Karen Beer, Shelley, Allie, Gonor (Z”L), for her sons Saul, David (Z”L) Ruthie was Enlightened. Enlightened continued on page 14 CIJA Calls for Strengthened Jewish- Aboriginal Relations by Shimon Koffler Fogel is CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) “In the Jewish tra- increased mutual understanding, particularly of Canada’s First Nations. dition, all human be- regarding our respective histories of suffer- The statement, which may be viewed ings – regardless of ing, through impactful Jewish-Aboriginal online at www.statementofsolidarity.com, is their faith, traditions, dialogue groups. We continue to engage on fueled by a call to action for Jewish commu- or background – are created equally in the various policy files at the level of activists nity members and organizations to engage in divine image, and dignity is therefore our and community professionals, on organizing meaningful dialogue and collaborative efforts universal birthright,” said Jonathan Freedman councils and on steering committees. Among with Aboriginal communities across Canada. to a crowd at the closing event of the Truth and the grassroots, countless synagogues and Our hope is that, pursuant to the spirit of the Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Ottawa Jewish non-profits, such as Ve’ahavta, are TRC, it will foster a greater understanding on June 2nd. “Sadly, in Canada’s own history, actively supporting Aboriginal education and of the experiences of Canada’s indigenous our First Nations were denied this dignity for health care. peoples among the Jewish community and far too long.” This month’s conclusion of the TRC’s vital broader Canadian society. Indeed, Freedman, who serves as a member work in acknowledging the impact and con- While we have only begun to process of the community relations committee at the sequences of the Residential Schools experi- the painful findings of the TRC’s report on Jewish Federation of Ottawa, was reflecting ence has only reaffirmed the importance of Canada’s past treatment of our First Nations, the deep sense of connection Canadian Jewry this work. In partnership with Ve’ahavta, and the appropriate response is clear. Just as we has with our First Nations. As the advocacy with support from the Canadian Council for must ensure the accuracy of the historic record agent of Canada’s Jewish Federations, CIJA Reform Judaism, Reform Rabbis of Greater of Aboriginal suffering, we must do more has long been involved in supporting our Toronto, the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus, and today to support our Aboriginal neighbours Aboriginal friends and fostering a strong, the Toronto Board of Rabbis, CIJA signed a as they work to build a positive future for mutually edifying relationship between our statement of Solidarity and Action in response their children. In so doing, we will ultimately communities. to the release of the TRC’s report. We further be ensuring that our belief in the universal Working with Federations across Canada, joined the historic Walk for Reconciliation, dignity of every human being – a core tenet we have facilitated First Nations youth leader- mobilizing a contingent of Jewish community of our faith and a quintessential Canadian ship missions to Israel and provided advocacy members in a visible demonstration of our value – is put into action. training to our Aboriginal partners. We have commitment to the healing and empowerment This page is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Jewish Council 5 Everything Old is New Again by Daniel Stern, Campaign Director and Director of Regional Community Services, Jewish Federations Canada – UIA Hello, Congregation In terms of the title of this article, Perry nity has grown and changed. It has responded Agudas Israel. And Romberg, my predecessor, is also my suc- to the modern challenges by raising more goodbye. cessor. He will apply his considerable talents money for local institutions, Israel and the At the end of July and spirit for community development in Jewish collective. Nothing would make me I will be leaving my position as Regional managing the UJA campaign and regional happier than to learn from Steven that the Development Director with JFC-UIA. Af- community activities. Perry has stewarded the 2015 campaign topped that of 2014. ter five terrific years of working across the raising of well over $10,000,000 in his work But it is very important to note that ‘cam- country with communities like Saskatoon, my with regional communities, he will bring this paign’ is not just about the money. It’s also geographical footprint will shrink as I take on expertise with him to your community. about participation. One strengthens and a new challenge as Toronto Director of The Perry literally taught me everything I know relies on the other - as greater support from Jerusalem Foundation. Like JFC-UIA, the as a Jewish professional in Canada, especially more donors deepens Jewish engagement and Jerusalem Foundation has a significant impact with regards to small communities across the demonstrates an authentic commitment by the on Israeli society, although the foundation has country. My education was enhanced by what community to ensure a meaningful Jewish a specific mandate, focusing on community, each of you - as active donors and community life for current and future residents. You can’t culture and coexistence in the Eternal City. members - taught me, namely that there is have one without the other. While my initial efforts will be in Toronto, vibrant Jewish life in so many communities My best wishes to the Congregation Agudas I hope to expand the foundation’s presence throughout the nation. , You don’t need to Israel and the Saskatoon community for a in other communities. I expect to be visiting have a Jewish population of 10,000+ to have summer filled with good health and happiness. the prairies of Saskatchewan sometime in a vibrant and meaningful Jewish community. the future. During my tenure, the Saskatoon commu- TIKKUN OLAM: We are happy to announce that the Tikkun Olam committee has begun planning our activities for the year! Stay tuned for our first two events! 1. Nosh & Chat: “What is Tikkun Olam and who is doing it?” We will start with a lovely lunch and discussion to learn about all the Tikkun Olam work done right here by members of our community! This will be a great opportunity to hear about what people are doing in our community, and to discuss what Tikkun Olam interests our community has! The tentative date for this event is August 22nd, 2015 (official date TBA). 2. High Holiday Community Building: Fellowship for Reconciliation and Peace (FRAP) and the Tikkun Olam committee are proposing a joint celebration for the Jewish high holidays and the Muslim holidays of Eid (the breaking of the fast at the end of Ramadan) in September. It will be a very interesting event and an amazing opportunity to learn new things and to meet new people! If you would like to know more about the committee, please join our Facebook page: Congregation Agudas Social Justice Committee. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact JoAnn Jaffe or Willow Allen, Laurie & Itai - Israeli Shlichim. CUELENAERE, KENDALL HADASSAH CARDS KATZMAN & RICHARDS To Saul Gonor remembering Ruth from Linda and Arnie Shaw, and Barristers, Solicitors and Mediators Quality Memorials approved Jennifer and Jeff Hesselson. RANDY KATZMAN for Agudas Cemetery B.Comm., LL.B. 210B - 33rd Street East (306) 653-5000 Fax: (306) 652-4171 Saskatoon, SK S7K 0S3 306-652-5363 5th Floor, Atrium Place, #510, 128 - 4th Avenue S., www.remco-memorials.ca Saskatoon, S7K 1M8 This Page is Sponsored by Saskatoon Hadassah WIZO 6 A Year Coming To An End by Itai Bar and Lori Goldstein This is it, almost a nation of numerous elements. You see, when wider than just themselves. Essentially this is whole year flew by we stood in front of the Hebrew school kids the feeling which escorts the Shlichim in their and it’s already time to twice a week or in front of a group of adults work. We feel that we are part of something say goodbye. There is it didn’t matter. In both cases we felt that the bigger, wider and yet, physically small. Israel a famous Israeli song, responsibility was lying on our shoulders, is not an empire in size or population. It has a performed by Mashi- forcing us to think of every word more than lot to offer to the world but unfortunately the na, one of the most once. This type of cautious behavior doesn’t things that usually make Israel famous (such popular rock bands stem from fear of saying the wrong words, as in the media) do not always complement from the 90’s, which translates to something rather the complexity of the message we were its supporters. This issue can be named the like this: “See you later, Shalom, it’s not trying to convey. That indescribable message second major challenge Shlichim experi- over, it’s just the end”. This is actually a very was used as a compass. What is that message ence during their mission. Representing that simple and honest attempt of translating our is probably the question that comes into the ‘bigger thing’ while knowing it well and not feelings into words. There is no way someone reader’s mind, and to be completely honest, identifying with a considerable part of it is a can experience a year like we had, filled with we are not sure that we can articulate this mes- daily struggle. That is why you might have felt events and experiences, and just cut it at the sage and fold it in to this piece. We do know that you are encountering ‘new’ information end and move on as if life flows in only one that we didn’t want to present the same kind about Israel. What we tried to do is to portray direction. There is a huge process of reflec- of message past Shlichim had already given. the widest picture possible, in order for you to tion which needs to be done. Following that, We recognized that the Shlichim program is be able to see at least a bit of the complexity we believe that this year was only the begin- in its 15th year, and when you stop and think which is abundant in that country we all love. ning in many ways. It What does it mean to love a country? was the beginning of This is not a simple question nor is the There is no way someone can beautiful friendships, answer to it. A country cannot be hugged relationships and experience a year like we had, filled or kissed, and we can’t buy her presents bonds, all of which or show any kind of affection. So what is we will take with us with events and experiences, and just left for us to do? One thing we can do is onwards. It was also talk about ‘her’, as if “she” was a person, our introduction to cut it at the end and move on as if life talk about the things we like and dislike North America, to about her, about her beautiful sides and flows in only one direction. its culture, its peo- the not so beautiful ones. This is how ple and habits, tradi- we can respect her and always keep her tions, local history, in our mind. “She” will always respond and all were mind opening experiences. We about this number you realize what a mean- in one way or another and will let us know also obviously learned a lot about ourselves, ingful period of time it is. Back to our main what “She” thinks about us too. After all, she as individuals, as a couple and as educators. concern for this year, which was to try and loves us back. Throughout the year we ran into new chal- bring new ideas to the table and shuffle the Love is also the motor of the Shlichim pro- lenges and obstacles which we never met cards a little. Those ideas had to be different, gram; it is also the biggest gift we got from before. Those hard moments helped us design controversial, and provocative at times. You you Saskatoonians, we really want to thank our future aspirations, our wishes and dreams. must understand that the Shlichim’s work you all for making us feel loved, for allowing One specific thing we learned was how hard is only getting harder throughout the years, us to show you how much we love our coun- it is to stand in the front lines of educating mainly because a lot of these ideas were try, for giving us the chance to make you part the next generations. It doesn’t matter which already presented to the community in one of this relationship. We will be waiting for you type of education one is trying to provide, it is way or another and no one wants to sound across the seas to show you once again, how simply a difficult task, especially because the like a broken record, especially when they feel love can fix the world. Shalom Saskatoon, we message we were trying to send was a combi- that they are representing something so much will see you later  PRFORFOEMSS AIO QNUAALL AIFDIVEDICE Leila Goluboff FINANCIAL ADVISOR Member of REMAX Chairman Club Darrell Nordstrom, R.F.P., #5 Individual Awards 2013 C.F.P., CLU. Lifetime Achievement Award 2006 •Financial Estate Planning For Accounting & Auditing Financial Planning •Investment Management RESULTS, Estate Planning Mergers & Acquisitions •Charitable Bequests SERVICE & Management Consulting Income Tax Returns Business Valuations Corporate Tax Returns Assante Wealth Management EXPERIENCE Wealth Creation, Preservation and Management call me today. I look forward to working with you! Saskatoon Regina 200 - 261 1st Ave. East Tel: (306) 653-6100 Tel: (306) 522-6500 Saskatoon, Sask. S7K 1X2 Saskatoon Website www.virtusgroup.ca Bus: 665-3377 Res: 933-4123 Bus: (306) 242-6000 Cell: 241-1900 This page is sponsored by Naomi Rose and Stan Sinai of Toronto. 7 From The Moral and Spiritual Values of Judaism: Bar/Bat Mitsvah by Rabbi Roger V. Pavey (z”l) The following is the public service in the Synagogue. This de- Some modern Orthodox congregations another essay from clared his new status to the whole community have devised a sort of analogue to the Bat Moral and Spiritual and became the occasion of much celebration Mitsvah ceremony for their girls. She may not Values, the unpub- both for the boy and his family and also for of course read from the Torah during public lished work of the the community, in which he now counted as worship or lead the community prayer. She same title by the late a full adult member. This could happen on a may be allowed to read an English prayer or Rabbi Roger Pavey. Monday or Thursday morning or a Shabbat the reading from the Prophets in English on a At the age of 13 years and 1 day, accord- afternoon, but came to be normally during the Friday evening or Sunday, though not always ing to the Hebrew calendar, a Jewish boy Shabbat morning service. The boy’s father from the pulpit. How long Orthodox Judaism becomes responsible for himself and his own declared the transference of this responsibility can resist the pressures for gender equality actions. He becomes an adult. The Talmud from himself to his son by reciting in public will be interesting to see. In non-Orthodox says, “Five is the age to study the Bible, ten to a special berakhah following the boy’s par- congregations, a Bat Mitsvah ceremony is ex- study Mishnah; thirteen is the time to accept ticipation in the reading from Torah, “Praised actly the same as a Bat Mitsvah, requiring the responsibility for carrying out religious com- are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of space and young person to chant from the Torah portion mandments; fifteen to study Talmud; eighteen time, Who has relieved me of responsibility and also the Haftarah, and often to lead part is the age for marriage; twenty for finding a for this one.” of the service and to give an address. job; at thirty, one is at one’s peak in life; forty The status of being Bar Mitsvah is merely The age for Bar Mitsvah is clearly stated in is the age for beginning to understand things; a function of age and remains so. It does not the sources. Many non-Orthodox Jews have at fifty, one is qualified to give advice; at sixty, require the public ceremony, which is only amended the traditional age for a girl’s arrival one becomes a senior; at seventy, the faculties an announcement of the attainment of status. at adult status so as to make a complete par- start to go; at eighty comes debility ninety is Once a Jewish boy reaches the age of thirteen allel between male and female and therefore the time for decrepitude, and at one hundred years and one day, he is a Bar Mitsvah, regard- celebrate Bat Mitsvah at thirteen. However, one is completely senile. The term “debility” less of what happens in the Synagogue, with the sources make it clear that a girl is to be actually reads literally as “strength”. This is a or without a public celebration and party. A regarded as reaching adulthood a year earlier. euphemism based on Psalm 90, the Rabbinic Jewish girl reaches that status of adulthood at The Rabbis were well aware that girls mature tradition being very fond of euphemisms, the age of twelve years and one day, according earlier than boys, both mentally and physi- such as sage nehora, literally “full of light”, to the Hebrew calendar. Her attainment of cally. Girls may not have reached menarche meaning “blind”, or bet hayim, “place of life” status was not the cause of family and com- at twelve in Rabbinic times, though many for cemetery. “Decrepitude” could possibly munal celebration until the twentieth century. probably did, but the Rabbis assumed that they be read as “meditation”, or by a pun from In 1921, Mordechai Kaplan created the cer- were more capable intellectually and physi- Ugaritic, possibly “flowing stream”. emony of Bat Mitsvah for his daughter Judith cally than their male contemporaries. Twelve There are halakhic complications about de- and so began the process of girls achieving is the age, halakhically, when a girl may be be- termining adult status for the purposes of, say, equality of status with boys, at least in the trothed without her consent (she is still a child, being a legal witness. It has become the norm non-Orthodox world. It is important to stress, because her consent is not required, but also to take the age of thirteen as that for the as- therefore, that there is no such thing as being an adult in that she is assumed to capable of sumption of adult responsibility in a religious Bar Mitsvahed. No one, parents, Rabbi, even sex). After thirteen, her consent for betrothal and moral sense. During the later Middle child, can Bar Mitsvah a boy. A boy becomes is clearly required. This intermediate status Ages the custom developed of marking the Bar Mitsvah (and is not MADE Bar Mitsvah) between twelve and thirteen, between child arrival at this stage of transition from child to merely by living to his thirteenth birthday plus and adult, is called “bogeret”. adult by calling the boy to the reading of the one day. The same applies to a Bat Mitsvah Judaism stresses above everything the idea Torah on the first occasion after his attaining girl. Any Jew over the specified age is an of personal responsibility. There can be no adult, responsible for his or her religious life the requisite age when the Torah was read in continued on page 13 we design and print... Business Slipping Away? Brochures Maybe you are paying too Newsletters much for your steel? Flyers Call Toll Free: Posters Presentation Folders 1-800-667-5353 Laser Cheques Bucket Service Available Stationery 500, 123 - 2nd Avenue South New Steel and Pipe Annual reports Saskatoon Sk Canada S7K 7E6 Used Steel and Pipe Business Forms Textbooks Carbonless Forms Family History Books Michael R. Scharfstein, B.Comm., J.D. INLAND STEEL PRODUCTS INC ... to your specifications and satisfaction [email protected] President: Mark Ditlove Ph: 306.244.0132 Fax: 306.653.1118 Tel. 306.955.3373 • Fax. 306.955.5739 www.SHTB-law.com Saskatoon 217 Jessop Avenue • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 1Y3 This Page is sponsored by Toby Rose, Les Klein, Jonathon, Solomon and Benjamin of Toronto This page is sponsored by Mirka Pollak 8 YOM HASHOAH 2015 By Heather Fenyes This year’s week long Holocaust education part of a guided discussion with Sally Was- privileged to have hundreds from our local program was filled with moving opportuni- serman. This intimate and warm atmosphere Jewish and non-Jewish community who came ties for our community, Saskatoon students, created a poignant, meaningful opportunity to listen, respect and remember. and the general Saskatoon public to learn for conversations and learning. Sally also Thank you so much to our strong, hard and remember about the Holocaust. We spent time with the senior Hebrew School working committee who year after year create had three survivors join us over a week long class and created life long memories for these a week of programming that is an exceptional period: Sally Wasserman and, Rachel and young people. reflection on Congregation Agudas Israel. Adam Schtibel. Rachel and Adam came to us Our March for Change was a great suc- Thank you to co-chairs Ron and Jan Gitlin, through the Azriela Foundation whose wealth cess, as were each of the three other student Rabbi Claudio, June and Ari Avivi, Simonne of Holocaust memories is sure to become a sessions. Overall, 2000 Saskatoon and area Horwitz, Seth Shacter, Sherry King, and Ve- part of our future educational efforts. students heard from our various guests. ronica Valenzeula. For the first time this year, we held a night As always, the Holocaust Memorial service for our own Jewish community to come be is a highlight of our efforts, and again we were A Tribute to My Parents... from cover speaks volumes about who my parents are; the bat morning Bat mitzvah in Saskatoon and my am proud that they have allowed our un- heart and soul they have committed to their sister was the first girl to read from the Torah compromising, unconditional love to also be Judaism and this community. on Shabbat morning at her bat mitzvah. My critical and complex. Our Israel debates are My Mom and Dad never saw living in Mother wanted her daughters to have the same lively and respectful. This in and of itself is Saskatoon and raising proud strong Jewish opportunities as her sons and worked within another profound lesson they have given that children as a compromise or a challenge; in the parameters of the United Synagogue to be has spread alabyrinth in and around our lives fact they knew it was a gift, and an oppor- part of some major and profound changes to in so many intangible and tangible ways. tunity. We grew up in a home resplendent our community. Our parents didn’t carry this synagogue on with Jewish traditions, smells and values. We Our parents raised us with their words their backs as the young superhero Kevin re- understood before we could read or write that and more importantly by their deeds. They members. But, they have taught and continue being Jewish and caring for the survival and demonstrated their values and commitments to teach us that we, the community, share a vibrancy of Congregation Agudas Israel was with actions and reminded us over and over profound collective responsibility to shoulder our privilege and our responsibility. that “doing” is the Jewish way. They showed the load together. Our house was filled with the scent of Shab- us how to be leaders through their leadership I pray that all of our children: Paula and bat preparation every Friday and that lingering roles in every aspect of community life. They Yehosuah’s, Pam and Yakov’s , Leslie’s and delicious memory is alive in the homes of all demonstrated our responsibility to be counted; mine, and hopefully one day Kevin’s… will of their children and grandchildren as we all counted in a community decision, a vote or live lives that reflect the values, lessons and make space for our own kind of Shabbat. I a minyan. They lived the values of tzedakah principals our parents hold and live so dearly. learned to love Shabbat services because I and have been generous beyond belief to the I am proud as Past President to be part of came with my parents on Friday or Saturday sustenance and survival of this community. presenting them with a lifetime of giving rec- my whole life. Now, every Shabbat morn- It’s one thing to be able to give; it’s another ognition for all they have done and continue ing I hear my Dad’s high pitched, distinctive to do so with such loving open arms. We to do. But much more importantly, I speak for harmony in my ear; even when he’s in Florida. were taught about listening and learning, all of your children, grandchildren and great The echo of my Dad’s voice is the same compromise and conversations as we passed granddaughter, who are so proud and blessed kind of tap I feel every time I’m called to the through so many evolutions of our Congrega- by the inspiration by which you have defined Torah for an Aliyah as I recall my Mom argu- tion Agudas Israel life. each of our lives. ing for my right to do so. I had the first Shab- Our parents inspired us to love Israel. I SHERWOOD Scharfstein │ Gibbings │ Walen │ Fisher LLP Barristers & Solicitors GMC RV GMC Joseph P. Dawson, CFP GMC Medium Sales Heavy Grant J. Scharfstein, Q.C. Financial Advisor Duty and Duty Trucks Service Trucks p. 306.653.2838 f. 306.652.4747 100, 806 Spadina Cres. E. Free Shuttle Service Body Shop Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H4 Pick-up and Delivery The Body Shop provides e. [email protected] Free Loaners on all SGI 7:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. or Retail Collision Claims www.scharfsteinlaw.com Bus: (306) 931-6711 Cell: (306) 716-6711 SHERWOOD Toll Free: 1-800-893-2846 500 Scotiabank Building, 550 Brand Road • Saskatoon 111 Second Ave S [email protected] 374-6330 • Toll Free 1-877-374-6330 Saskatoon, SK S7K 1K6 Making Sense of Investing This page is sponsored by Jeffrey and Sherril Stein. This page is sponsored by Leona Wasserman 9 Biography of the Month: Jerome “Jerry” Seinfeld by Stan Schroeder J e r o m e Seinfeld created The Seinfeld Chronicles 2002 documentary, Comedian, which focused “Jerry” Sein- with Larry David in 1989 for NBC. The show also on fellow comic Orny Adams. He has feld was born was renamed Seinfeld to avoid confusion written a few books, mostly archives of past April 29, 1954 with the short-lived teen sitcom The Marshall routines. in Brooklyn. Chronicles and, by its fourth season, had be- In 2007, His father, come the most popular and successful sitcom Seinfeld Kálmán was on American television. The show left the air co-pro- of Hungarian- in 1998; as of 2008, it is still receiving heavy duced, co- Jewish back- airplay in syndication. On the show, Seinfeld wrote and ground and his played a caricature of himself. He has said that starred as mother, Betty, his show was inspired by the 1950s sitcom The Barry B. is of Syrian- Abbott and Costello Show. Benson in Jewish de- In the late 1990s Apple Computer came the animated film Bee Movie. Jerry made a scent. He grew up with an advertising slogan called “Think recent trip to Israel to promote the movie, up in Massapequa, Long Island. The Seinfelds different” and produced a 60-second com- meeting with Prime Minister Olmert and were considered to be the poorest family in the mercial to promote the slogan which showed President Peres. On February 24, 2008, neighborhood Kal had a sign-making business people who were able to “think differently”, Seinfeld appeared as the voice of his Bee (called “Signfeld Signs”) and Betty Movie animated character Barry, at the sewed to bring in extra money. The 80th Academy Awards as the presenter family was observant and Jerry had a for “Best Animated Short”. Before an- bar mitzvah. At the age of 16 he spent nouncing the nominees, he showed a a short time volunteering in Kibbutz montage of film clips featuring bees, Sa’ar in Israel. He went to SUNY Os- claiming that they were some of his wego, and after his sophomore year he early work (as Barry). transferred and graduated from Queens Seinfeld supports the Andre Agassi College, City University of New York. Charitable Foundation and Autism During his time in college, he was an Speaks. He is an avid automobile en- amateur wrestler who called himself thusiast and collector, and is rumored “The Jewish Terror.” to own one of the largest Porsche col- He developed an interest in stand- lections in the world. He is also an up comedy after brief stints in college enthusiastic New York Mets fan. productions. Right after graduation from Queens College, he tried out at an open like Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Ed i t or’s Note: Stan Schroeder is the Editor mike night at New York City’s Catch a Ris- Luther King and many others. This commer- of Congregation Shir Ami’s “Shir Notes” in Los Angeles which also won a Gold Medal ing Star in 1976. Soon after, he appeared in cial was later cut to thirty seconds and ended for “Bulletins.” He writes biographies of a Rodney Dangerfield HBO special. When up paying tribute to Jerry Seinfeld. It aired famous Jews and has offered to share them he first started doing stand-up comedy, his only once, during the series finale of Seinfeld. with us. This article was first published in mother and sister said he would never be as Although Jerry considers himself a secular the Shir Notes. Steven Goluboff and Stan funny as his father. Seinfeld had a small re- Jew, it was important to him to marry a Jewish met each other in Jerusalem to discuss their curring role as “Frankie”, a mail delivery boy woman. He had several relationships before community Bulletins. who had comedy routines that no one wanted marrying Jessica Sklar in 1999. Jessica had to hear, on the Benson sitcom in 1979 but he recently married and divorced Eric Nedlander. was abruptly fired from the show. The couple have three children: Sascha, Ju- In May 1981, Seinfeld made a highly suc- lian, and Shepherd. They live in Manhattan. C H A R T E R E D A C C O U N T A NTS cessful appearance on The Tonight Show Jerry moved from Los Angeles after making Keith Thomson B.Comm. CA Brian Turnquist B.Comm. CA starring Johnny Carson. He then became the last Seinfield sitcom. Michael Gorniak B.Comm. CA a regular on similar shows, including Late After his sitcom ended, Seinfeld returned Rodney Trayhorne MPAcc. CA Amberly Chabot B.Comm. Night with David Letterman and The Merv to stand-up comedy instead of pursuing a •Accounting & Auditing Griffin Show. He was known for his incred- film career as most other popular comedians •Personal & Corporate Tax Planning & Preparation ibly dedicated and devoted work ethic; it is have done. In 1998, Seinfeld went on tour • Computer Consulting, Training & Monthly Processing •Financial Planning & Loan Proposals said that he traveled in an intense snowstorm and recorded a comedy special entitled I’m •Estate Planning •Agristability to a comedy club just to find it empty. He was Telling You for the Last Time. The process of •Business Plans •Litigation Support •Business Valuations ranked #12 in Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest developing and performing new material at 244-4414 Fax: 244-1545 Stand-ups of All Time. clubs around the world was chronicled in a 400 - 15 23rd St. East - Saskatoon This page is spsonored by Ann & Debbie Diament (wife and daughter of former Rabbi Saul Diament), of Toronto 10