Shir Libeynu Logo
In This Edition

 

1.  Our Next Service

 

a) Shabbat Morning Service - This Saturday, May 2nd @ 10:30 a.m. at the MNJCC

2. Other Shir Libeynu Services, Events and News

a) B'nei Mitzvah Program 2015/2016: Info Session, May 24

b) Contemplative Chanting Service, Saturday, June 6

c) Chesed (Loving Kindness) Volunteers

d) Other Upcoming Services

e) Thank-you letter from Karen and Charlie Lior

3. Community Events Co-Sponsored by Shir Libeynu

a) Let My Torah Go: The Latest from the Women of the Wall - Monday, April 27, 2015 @ 7:30 p.m.

b) Sinai Meets Spadina: Tikkun Leil Shavout - Saturday, May 23- Sunday, May 24th at the MNJCC, Programming Information and Call for Volunteers

4. Program at the MNJCC, our Community Partner

a) Mixed-Abilities Latin & Ballroom Dance Workshop
  
Our Next Service

Shabbat Morning Service

 Saturday, May 2 @10:30 a.m.
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
750 Spadina Avenue, 3rd Floor
Michael Bernstein Chapel  
 
Please join us for an egalitarian and participatory Shabbat service as we welcome young Samuel Drajner into the Shir Libeynu community.
 
 We thank Sergio Drajner, Samuel's father, for sponsoring the light kiddish lunch after the service.

We will also be marking Shabbat Itanu, a city-wide initiative that raises awareness about the importance of including people with special needs and their families in synagogue and community life.
 
We thank Harvey Worth for reading Torah at the service in memory of beloved members of his family whose Yahrtzeits he will be observing.

 
Shabbat: The Junior Edition

Exciting news about Shir Libeynu's kids program! We will have new activites and projects that make being part of the Shir Libeynu congregation fun and meaningful. At this service, we will introduce the topic of Derech Eretz,and begin creating our own books.  You don't want to miss this!
 

*New* Information Session for

2015/2016 B'nei Mitzvah Program:

Sunday, May 24, 2015, 2-4 p.m.

 

Celebrate Shavuot and the giving of the Torah by looking ahead to your child becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The session will focus on the learning-enrichment sessions and other details of our unique program (see below for more information; sign up 
NOW for the May 24 session
 
here).

 We are recruiting families with young people who will be at least age 13 starting in April, 2016. Our next b'nei mitzvah program will begin in the autumn of 2015, when we will welcome a small cohort of candidates.

You can expect: a learning enrichment program that will include a series of workshops and sessions with the youngsters, as well as their families; social opportunities for families at oneg Shabbat, tours of Jewish Toronto and other events; a Tzedekah project, and more.


 
As with the current b'nei mitzvah program, next year's will be under the direction of volunteers Jonathan Silin, an internationally-renowned scholar of education with a particular interest in Jewish learning, and board member Eden Nameri, whose present portfolio includes our children's programming and other education matters at Shir Libeynu.

 

Rabbi Goldberg guides each family through the bar/bat mitzvah process, personalizing the ritual to make it one truly meaningful, while ensuring that each candidate understands her or his role in the community as well as the ability to make a difference (Tikkun Olam). She leads each bar or bat mitzvah ceremony, usually with our chazzan, Daniela Gesundheit, or another in the chazzanut team, in front of the congregation at Shabbat services.  There, family, friends and members of Shir Libeynu attend to celebrate this important milestone. By participating at monthly Shabbat services and other Shir Libeynu events, the cohort's young people will be developing a bond with each other and the community, which in turn will be fulfilling the action of l'dor v'dor (from generation to generation).

 

 It is not too early to make inquiries and commit to the program NOW, so you can be assured of a place and a time next year; as a community without a permanent site, our limited spaces fill up quickly. Planning for your child becoming a bar or bat mitzvah includes lots of steps, and we will walk you through them and inform you of costs, expectations and other details. Write our administrator, Natalie Wallach, at: [email protected].

 

Also, look at our site page for more information.  Please note that the cost of the program is for 2014/15, and subject to change. 

http://shirlibeynu.ca/jewish-learning/

 

And remember, if you have younger children who are more than a year away from becoming bar/bat mitzvah, it's not too early to introduce them to our haymishe and inclusive community, and some Jewish learning, by bringing them to shul every month. Our Shabbat services are very accessible. Even very young ones are welcome to participate in our children's learning program in a nearby classroom and by joining us in the chapel, too.

 

Please let your friends and family members know about our program.

 

Be a part of this enriching, spiritual and joyful step in a young person's education!

 
  
Other Next Contemplative Chanting Service
@ the MNJCC

Saturday, June 6 @ 10:30 a.m.

Once more, we'll be getting mindful and musical.  We will ground ourselves in silence, and head off for joy.  To be led by Lorne Blumer along with other members of the Shir Libeynu community.  No chanting experience necessary.  Rationalists welcome.
  
Those who wish will have the opportunity to recite the Mourner's Kaddish. Please note that we will not read Torah at this service.
  
Light refreshments will be provided.
  
 Childcare will not be available.
 
  
Chesed

Calling our Chefs, Bakers, Drivers, Daveners and All who Wish to Participate in Loving Kindness (Chesed)

 

Shir Libeynu's revitalized Chesed group is looking for volunteers, but this time we are NOT asking you to join a committee!  We just need you to share your passions, skills and commitment and join in bringing acts of kindness to members in need.  We have been helping people in our midst and in other communities for a long time, but very much in an ad hoc and unofficial (and often confidential) way.  Now we wish to expand the program, and we need a roster of people whom we can call on from time to time, to:

-Visit or phone the ill to help out in various ways, and give respite to caregivers;

 

-Shop or run errands for the home bound;

 

-Help members ease into new parenthood by providing assistance as requested;

 

-Provide transportation to congregational events, funerals and shivas, or medical appointments;

 

-Cook a meal for members who are recovering from illness, and their families;

 

-Deliver food to ill and home-bound members;

 

- Provide support to bereaved families by attending at funerals and shivas and offering food and comfort;

 

-Lead Shiva services (*);

 

-Supporting other life-cycle events in the lives of our members.


Olam Chesed Yibaneh (Psalms): The world is sustained by learning, intention and acts of loving kindness.  Please let us know if you can help, and write to [email protected], telling us in which elements) of the Chesed program you would like to participate. Thank You!

*Please note that Rabbi Goldberg will provide guidance and tutelage to all who wish to lead shiva services.
 

Thank-you letter from the Liors

We would like to thank all those whose contributions to the  March 28 service and Kiddush made the celebration of our 40th anniversary memorable. Special thanks to Aviva, whose leadership, as always, keeps our community cohesive and innovative. The Marge Piercy poem was a treat. The gorgeous flowers stayed for weeks, further adding to the joy of the occasion.

Grateful thanks,

Karen and Charlie Lior
 
  
Community Events
Co-Sponsored 
by Shir Libeynu


Monday, April 27 @ 7:30 p.m.
Miles Nadal JCC (750 Spadina Avenue)
Don't miss the opportunity to hear Lesley Sachs, Executive Director of Women of the Wall, give a first-hand account of the history, challenges and triumphs of WoW. Congregation Shir Libeynu, a longtime supporter of Women of the Wall, is delighted to be a co-sponsor of this free event. No RSVP is necessary; please join us.

Where Sinai Meets Spadina:

Downtown Tikkun Leil Shavuot

All-Night Jewish Learning Festival

 

Saturday, May 23-Sunday, May 24

Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Avenue


 

Family Tikkun Dinner - 5:30 - 7:30 pm (for families with young children - $5 per person)


Main event - 8:30 pm - 6:00 am | Kids Program and doors open at 8:00 pm:
FREE, and all are welcome.

 

A full night of community, study, singing, snacking and more! Over 50 sessions reinterpret and reimagine traditional Jewish texts and open up new community conversations. Special programs for kids and teens. Come for the learning. Stay for the cheesecake.

 

Visit the Downtown Tikkun Leil Shavuot facebook page for more information. Click here to RSVP.

 

Co-presented by the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, Congregation Shir Libeynu and other MNJCC community partners.

 

 

Shir Libeynu Led Programming at 

the Learning Festival:


Brachot Before Breakfast
2:15 - 3:15 a.m.

The Birkot HaShachar, blessings traditionally recited during shacharit (the morning service), will be illuminated through storytelling, discussion and mindfulness practice by Lorne Blumer and Eden Nameri, two longtime members of Shir Libeynu. Not sure what mindfulness is? Find out by morning!

Eden Nameri's storytelling focuses on tales too often left untold.
 
Lorne Blumer blogs about in-the-street spirituality, leads contemplative chanting services, and occasionally practices what he preaches.
 

Call for Volunteers for the

Downtown Tikkun Leil Shavuot: All-Night Jewish Learning Festival
 

At the Miles Nadal JCC - 750 Spadina Ave

Saturday May 23 to Sunday, May 24. Volunteers need from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

 

 

The seventh annual Downtown Tikkun Leil Shavuot at the MNJCC is looking for volunteers to keep the event running smoothly throughout the night. This year, they are expecting to host over 450 people for a full night of community, studying, snacking, singing, and more; the assistance of volunteers last year helped to make the event a huge success. This year they are looking for outgoing people who can greet participants, direct traffic and answer questions.They are also looking for kitchen helpers who can set up and clean up snack service through the night.

 

Volunteer duties for the night of the event will be scheduled in shifts so you'll still have a chance to learn in sessions, too.

 

Volunteer Orientation Session: Thursday,  May 14. Volunteers are encouraged to attend and learn about the sessions and the structure of the Shavuot festival.

 

Please let Deanna Di Lello (Exhibit Coordinator, Program Assoiciate, MNJCC) know if you are able to volunteer. 

 

Phone: 416.924.6211 ext. 250

Email: [email protected]

 

Program at The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre (MNJCC), our Community Partner

 
Join WHEEL DANCE and the MNJCC for an inclusive  workshop that will cover key elements of partner dancing, with an emphasis on connection, feeling comfortable on the dance floor, and having fun.
All ages and abilities are welcome.

 

To register: (416) 924-6211 x 0 
  

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.


 

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


Please send an email message to [email protected] 

 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.



Donations to the Siddurim Fund:

Arlene Grajcer and Harvey Worth: In Memory of 

Max & Emily Worth, Earl Worth, Eden Worth, Brandon Grajcer and Annette (Honey) & Moses Nathan. 


Arlene Grajcer and Harvey Worth: Congratulations to Rabbi Aviva Goldberg.

 

Harvey Worth: In Memory of Mac and Gert English.


 



 

On November 22nd, we honoured Aviva for her dedication and service to Congregation Shir Libeynu and celebrated her ordination (smicha) as a rabbi for our community. 


 
Along with a traditional Havdalah service, we held this unique celebration of Jewish leadership, Jewish continuity and progress. With Aviva's guidance and bravery, Shir Libeynu has led the way in Toronto for acceptance and full involvement of women, interfaith couples and the LGBT community. We were the trailblazers and we will continue to be the leading edge in Jewish pluralism and social responsibility in Toronto and Canada. 

 

In honour of this day and to build for the future, we started the Rabbi's Program Development Fund. We continue to welcome funds from Congregation Shir Libeynu family and friends to make a special donation in Aviva's honour to the Rabbi's Program Development Fund. Donations will provide funds for programming and projects that are near and dear to Rabbi Aviva's heart and reflect the shul's interest and needs.

 

For more information, on Rabbi Goldberg's ordination on November 22nd, 2014/57752 or  to make a donation to Rabbi's Program Development Fund, please click here.

 


 

 

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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.


 

 

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


Please send an email message to [email protected] 

 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.



 

Newsletter Editor: Harriet Eisenkraft