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Shir Libeynu E-update
December 1, 2014
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1. Thank You Letter from Rabbi Goldberg
2. Upcoming Services and Events
a) Shabbat Morning Service - Saturday, December 6th, 2014 @ 10:30 a.m. at the MNJCC
b) Jewish Learning Program - What's With These People? - Saturday, December 6, 2014, 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the MNJCC
c) Shir Libeynu Annual General Meeting - Sunday, December 7th, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at the MNJCC
d) Shir Libeynu Chanukah Party - Saturday Afternoon, December 20th, 2014, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the MNJCC
3. Other Shir Libeynu Information
a) In Memoriam: Rhoda Blumer, mother of Lorne Blumer
b) Rabbi Goldberg's Ordination: Nov. 22, 2014
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Rabbi Goldberg's
Thank You to the Community
Dear Congregation Shir Libeynu members, friends and family,
I would like to take this opportunity to publically thank you for the most wonderful, memorable and significant ceremony, which we celebrated together this past November 22nd. I do not have the words to convey how honoured and humbled I am for the outpouring of love and support from all of you.
It is more than appropriate that the smicha document begins with the words, "Congregation Shir Libeynu and Rabbi Deborah J. Brin have conferred the title of Rabbi upon Aviva Rae Goldberg. She is hereby authorized to exercise the functions of Rabbi and Teacher in Israel," for I truly feel that this honour is one that only could have taken place because of and through our incredible congregation, and must be shared by all of you.
May we continue to grow as a community and continue to learn and joyously celebrate all that our tradition offers.
Please know that I am still simply Aviva and will only use this new and honoured title for official documents and functions, for it is my sincere desire to wear the mantle of 'Rabbi and Teacher in Israel' with honesty, integrity, and modesty.
With much love and gratitude,
Aviva
(See below for more news and a photo of the ordination ceremony and celebration.)
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Shabbat Morning Service
Saturday, December 6th @10:30 a.m.
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
750 Spadina Avenue, 3rd Floor
Michael Bernstein Chapel
Parsha: Genesis 32 - Vayishlach
Please join us for an egalitarian and participatory Shabbat service, which will include the baby naming of Ira Thomas.
Service led by Rabbi Aviva Goldberg with Chazzan Daniela Gesundheit.
A kiddush lunch willl follow the service.
We thank Yona and Zev Frishman for sponsoring the Kiddush in honour of the baby naming of their grandson, Ira Thomas, son of Diklah and Stephen and brother to Ada Lily.
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Shabbat: The Junior Edition
Our youngest congregants (ages 3 to 8) celebrate Shabbat every month with songs, stories, special activities and healthy snacks.
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Click here for information on our January - March services.
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OUR JEWISH LEARNING PROGRAM
Inclusive Practices:
No Shir Libeynite Left Behind
Saturday, December 6th @ 12:45 p.m.
Room 305
What's With These People?
Torah Study led by Shir Libeynu member Charlie Lior
First he stole the birthright and ran away. Twenty-one years later, he's coming home and his brother is coming to meet him with 400 armed men. Next the wrestling match of the century (the 16th BCE). In one corner Jacob, just back from Haran, crossing a wadi at night, and in this corner the Mysterious One. Who is he? A man? A man? An angel? Or you know who? |
Our Eighth Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Sunday, December 7th, 2014
11:00 a.m.
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
Room 318
If you are a member and would like more information about our AGM and changes to our board, please click here.
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Shir Libeynu Chanukah Party December 20th
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
Save the date! Our late-afternoon joyous celebration will include songs, stories and treats, as well as the lighting of the chanukiah (be sure to bring yours!). We will be sending more information about this family-friendly, fun-for-all-ages Chanukah party in an upcoming newsletter.
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Other Shir Libeynu Information
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In Memoriam
With sadness we announce the death of Rhoda (Diamond) Blumer, mother of long-time member Lorne Blumer, in Montreal on Saturday, November 29, 2014. Mrs. Blumer passed away at home after a long illness, surrounded by her family.
"One of the most lovable and best-loved people you could ever meet," says Lorne, who is asking his community to honour her memory by "always trying to see the best in others, speaking with kindness whenever possible and letting silence reign when it is not, and savouring every mouthful of ice cream that meets your tongue. "
The Shir Libeynu community extends its sincere condolences to Lorne and his family. May Mrs. Blumer's memory be a blessing.
The funeral took place in Montreal on Monday, Dec. 1, with a private shiva to follow until Wednesday, Dec.3. Click here for more information for those who may be in Montreal now, or to offer condolences. |
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**News**
Ordination of Rabbi Aviva Goldberg
November 22, 2014/5775
Toronto, Canada
A most moving ceremony took place after Havdallah last month, when Rabbi Deborah Brin bestowed smicha upon Dr. Goldberg. A congregation of 200 people cheered and gave a standing ovation to Aviva, who has been Shir Libeynu's "all but in formal title" rabbi for more than 18 years, and was a co-founder as well. Daniela Gesundheit led the chazzanut part of the ritual, and was accompanied on contemporary songs by other musicians. The event took place in the sanctuary of our community partner, First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto (where we hold our High Holy Days services). Following the ordination, friends, family and Shir Libeynu members piled into the social hall, where we danced to live music from our klezmer band and we hoisted Rabbi Goldberg up to honour her great achievement (see picture below). Tribute speeches that were both funny and poignant followed, and then member Paula Wolfson belted out a specially-written song, with new lyrics to a golden oldie called "A Natural Rabbi," backed by an enthusiastic girls/one boy group. We ate, we shmoozed, we ate some more snacks as well as delicious sweets contributed by our members and their families. Many volunteers and staff members helped to make this a great event, one we will always remember. Stay tuned for more pictures and some video coverage. And if you would like to donate to the new Rabbi's Program Development Fund or send a tribute to Rabbi Goldberg or see the list of donors and volunteers for this once-in-a-lifetime event, click here.
(Photo by Eden Nameri)
MAZEL TOV, RABBI GOLDBERG!
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The congregation holds Shabbat services monthly, in the Michael Bernstein Chapel, on the 3rd floor of the Miles Nadal JCC, followed by a light Kiddush. A free Shabbat program is offered for children during services. We also offer adult education workshops and programs, the opportunity to participate in our choir and chanting events, as well as holiday celebrations and Oneg Shabbat dinners throughout the year.
Shir Libeynu is a liberal, egalitarian congregation, unaffiliated with any particular stream of Judaism. Our participatory services combine tradition and innovation. Shir Libeynu is Hebrew for "song of our hearts," and our services include prayers and music both ancient and modern. Our diverse community is a welcoming one.
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The congregation holds Shabbat services monthly, in the Michael Bernstein Chapel, on the 3rd floor of the Miles Nadal JCC, followed by a light Kiddush. A free Shabbat program is offered for children during services. We also offer adult education workshops and programs, the opportunity to participate in our choir and chanting events, as well as holiday celebrations and Oneg Shabbat dinners throughout the year.
Shir Libeynu is a liberal, egalitarian congregation, unaffiliated with any particular stream of Judaism. Our participatory services combine tradition and innovation. Shir Libeynu is Hebrew for "song of our hearts," and our services include prayers and music both ancient and modern. Our diverse community is a welcoming one.
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Shir Libeynu Fund
Proceeds from the fund will go towards ensuring that Shir Libeynu continues to thrive while ensuring access to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Click here to donate to the Shir Libeynu Fund (please note that we do not have credit card capability - just PayPal).
Alternatively, you can make out a cheque to Congregation Shir Libeynu (please write "Shir Libeynu Fund" in the "Memo" or "Re" section on the cheque) and mail it to:
Congregation
Shir Libeynu,
P.O Box 73509
Toronto, Ontario
M6C 4A7
stating the reason for your donation so we can acknowledge it in the e-letter and on our website. Donations in any amount are welcome and income tax receipts will be issued.
Shir Libeynu Fund Donations
Recent Donations:
Sid and Barbara Cohen, In honour of their granddaughter Rachel Charendoff's Bat Mitzvah
Judith Ross and Arnell Goldberg, Wishing the Nameri family a Happy New Year and an easy fast
Yona and Zev Frishman, In memory of Dr. Valentina Pinchevsky (Yona's mother) on her fourth yahrzeit
Sheldon and Louise Maerov, In honour of the welcoming of Zev and Yona Frishman's grandson
Click here for information on how to donate to the Shir Libeynu Fund.
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