Beth Torah Congregation

Holocaust Education Speaker - Willie Handler
2024-11-14 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Toronto)
Willie will share about his family history, how his parents survived the Holocaust, and how they reestablished their lives. He will discuss his experience growing up with holocaust survivor parents and will unpack his own trauma. As well he will discuss the rise of antisemitism and Holocaust denial in the wake of October 7th.

Holocaust Education Week
2024-11-04 08:00 - 2024-11-10 23:59
The Toronto Holocaust Museum’s 41st annual Neuberger Holocaust Education Week (HEW) will be taking place November 4 – 10, 2024.
Neuerger HEW 2024 will present a thoughtful array of public programs and commemorations that offer compelling ways to engage with the history of the Holocaust and its legacy.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2024 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dialogue for Descendants Symposium | Speakers
Exclusive program for children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors and their partners.
This year’s D4D symposium features a thought-provoking and participatory lecture by Rachael Cerrotti, an award-winning author, educator, and curator. Rachael is the creator of We Share the Same Sky, a decades-long story that follows the wartime history of her grandmother, Hana Dubová. Rachael will lead descendants through reflective exercises that help us consider the impact of the stories we inherit and the role of memory in shaping our present.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Opening Night: Final Verdict | In Conversation | Launch
In Tobias Buck’s new book, Final Verdict: The Holocaust on Trial in the 21st Century, Buck explores the historic trial of Bruno Dey, a former SS guard at Stutthof Concentration Camp. In conversation with Sarah Fulford (Editor in Chief, Maclean’s), Tobias will delve into his work and its convergence with his personal family story, including his German grandfather’s complicity and the silence that surrounded it. Explore the weight of 21st century justice in the face of rising antisemitism and uncover what we can learn from Germany’s struggle with its Nazi past.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Humanity of Grief | Speaker
Join us for an intimate conversation with Rachael Cerrotti, an award-winning author, educator, and storyteller, as we explore the complex and multifaceted experience of grief.
After losing her husband at just 27, Rachael turned to her grandmother’s story of survival, navigating her own profound loss while uncovering themes of loneliness, isolation, and the transformative power of memory. Rachael will be joined by Lesley Suchter, a social worker and certified bereavement educator with expertise in grief and trauma counseling. Together, they will delve into both universal concepts and personal experiences of grief, particularly in the context of mourning the Holocaust survivor generation and the shared Jewish experience of grief we have experienced over the past year.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
The Spoils | Screening
The Spoils is a powerful new documentary that explores the complex struggle for the restitution of Nazi-looted art. The film reveals the complexities in the ongoing battle for justice in art ownership amidst the rise of the far right in Germany.
Following the film, join us to learn more about the making of this documentary with director Jamie Kastner.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Professional Lunch and Learn with Dr. Irit Felsen | Speakers
This 90-minute webinar is designed for clinicians, caregivers, social workers, medical professionals, and anyone working with the ageing survivor generation and their descendants.
Learn from clinical psychologist Dr. Irit Felsen in a focused session for people working with Holocaust survivors and their descendants. Gain insight into how this community experiences and responds to trauma and loss differently, including the events of October 7 and their aftermath.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2024 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kristallnacht Commemoration: Hasidism and Anti-Jewish Violence in Poland | Commemorative | Community Event
An evening of dialogue and music centered around the Hasidic community in Poland. In his new book, The Light of Learning (2024), author and historian Glenn Dynner tells the story of Hasidism in the context of an increasingly violent interwar Poland and genocidal Nazi occupation. Dynner explores Torah study not only as a spiritual-intellectual endeavor but a political practice that fueled a culture of resistance. He challenges ideas of Hasidic decline, showcasing its role as a vital cultural force before and during the Holocaust.
The program also includes a candle-lighting ceremony to mark the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht and features musical accompaniment.
For more information on any of these events please follow this link.

Playing Shylock
2024-10-26 08:00 - 2024-11-17 17:00
THE CANADIAN STAGE THEATRE INVITES THE JEWISH COMMUNITY TO THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ‘PLAYING SHYLOCK.’
Saul Rubinek’s triumphant return to the stage!
Playing at the Berkeley Street Theatre from October 26th – November 17th, 2024.
A production of The Merchant of Venice is cancelled mid-performance after public outcries about the play. The actor playing Shylock, Saul Rubinek, delivers a candid and passionate appeal about identity, public discourse, and the theatre.
“At a time when we are re-assessing our relationship to many classical texts, this play offers a nuanced exploration of the role of art in society,” says Canadian Stage Artistic Director Brendan Healy.
Canadian Stage invites the Jewish community to use discount ticket code CHAI, for $99 A+ tickets and $79 A tickets.
Here is the direct link for the promo.

Sukkot Family Celebration
2024-10-16 17:00 - 20:00
Join us to celebrate Sukkot with arts and crafts and pizza on Wednesday, October 6, 2024 from 5pm – 8pm.
Please register by filling out the attached form.

Simchat Torah Event
2024-10-15 18:00 - 20:00

Kol Nidre Harpist
2024-10-11 18:00 - 18:20
For this year’s Kol Nidre service, we are thrilled to announce that Lori Gemmell, a harpist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, who plays regularly with the Toronto Symphony will be performing Kol Nidre.
This performance has been graciously sponsored by Ilena, Mark, Michael & Matthew Borinsky.
For more information about Lori Gemmel click here.
6:00 pm Harpist
6:30 pm Kol Nidre Service begins

Kol Nidre Cellist
2024-10-11 18:00 - 18:20
For this year’s Kol Nidre service, we are thrilled to announce that Roberta Jenzen, an esteemed cellist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, will be performing Kol Nidre.
This performance has been graciously sponsored by Ilena, Mark, Michael & Matthew Borinsky.
For more information about Roberta Jenzen click here.
6:00 pm Cellist
6:30 pm Kol Nidre Service begins

UJA Marking One Year Since October 7th
2024-10-07 19:00 - 22:00
On October 7th, 2023, everything changed for the Jewish people. Join UJA Federation and our partners as we come together, as one united community, to mark this dark day. Together, we will cherish the memory of those who were murdered. Reaffirm our solidarity with the hostages and their families. And honour the resilience of the wounded and all who survived the deadliest attack on Jewish life since the Holocaust.
Monday, October 7, 2024 @ 7:00pm
Location to be announced.
To ensure the safety and security of our community, registration is required to attend this event.
Free registration at this link.

Young Adult AVIV Program
2024-10-03 08:00 - 12:00

High Holy Day Schedule
2024-10-02 18:38 - 2024-10-26 18:59 | 47 Glenbrook Avenue, 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 2L7, Canada
High Holy Day Children’s Programming Schedule
Rosh Hashanah: Thursday, October 3rd & Friday, October 4th.
Yom Kippur: Saturday, October 12th.
Tot room (0-4 years old) opens @ 9:00am (supervised by parents of tots).
Family Services @ 10:00 am.
Children’s program (4-10 years old) @ 10:45 am (drop off anytime after 9:00am).

High Holy Days’ Schedule
EREV ROSH HASHANAH: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2024
6:38 pm Candle lighting
ROSH HASHANAH DAY 1: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2024
8:00 am Pre-Shul Kiddush (Tent)
8:15 am Shacharit (Morning service – Sanctuary)
7:36 pm Candle lighting
ROSH HASHANAH DAY 2: FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2024
8:00 am Pre-Shul Kiddush (Tent)
8:15 am Shacharit (Morning service – Sanctuary)
EREV SHABBAT SHUVAH: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024
6:34 pm Candle lighting
SHABBAT SHUVAH: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024
9:30 am Morning service
7:33 pm Havdalah
FAST OF GEDALIAH: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2024
5:52 am Fast begins
7:18 pm Fast ends
EREV YOM KIPPUR/KOL NIDRE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2024
6:00 pm Cellist & Harpist Performance
6:30 pm Kol Nidre
6:22 pm Candle lighting
YOM KIPPUR: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024
8:15 am Morning service
11:00 am Yizkor
5:00 pm Mincha service
5:30 pm Ne’ila service
7:21 pm Havdalah & Fast ends
EREV SUKKOT: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2024
6:13 pm Candle lighting
SUKKOT DAY 1: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024
9:15 am Pre-Shul Kiddush (Sukkah)
9:30 am Morning service
7:13 pm Candle lighting
SUKKOT DAY 2: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024
9:15 am Pre-Shul Kiddush (Sukkah)
9:30 am Morning service
SUKKOT DAY 3: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024
9:30 am Morning service
7:10 pm Havdalah
EREV SHEMINI ATZERET: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024
6:02 pm Candle lighting
SHEMINI ATZERET: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024
9:30 am Morning service including Yizkor
EREV SIMCHAT TORAH: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024
6:00 pm Simchat Torah Service and Celebration
7:02 pm Candle lighting
SIMCHAT TORAH: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
9:30 am Morning Service
5:59 pm Candle lighting
SHABBAT MEV ARCHIM CHODESH CHESHVAN: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024
9:30 am Morning Service
6:59 pm Havdalah

PJ Library PJ OUR WAY
2024-09-29 15:00 - 17:00
Ready for the next chapter in your child’s PJ Library journey? Join us to discover PJ Our Way, an exciting program for kids ages 9-12.
Each month, kids use the PJ Our Way website to choose one of four exciting books, delivered directly to your home at no cost. They can even share their thoughts by writing reviews or making videos about the books they love!
Learn how to register, explore the amazing books available, and connect with other PJ Our Way families at our informational session on Sunday, September 29th at 3:00 PM in the Lipa Green Building. Kids will also participate in a fun “giving back” activity. Parents are asked to attend. Hosted by our very own PJ Our Way Young Family connector, Casey Soer.
Register Now! Click here to register.
Sunday, September 29th at 3pm at the Lipa Green Centre

High Holy Day Ticket Pickup
2024-09-11 09:00 - 2024-09-16 20:00
High Holy Day tickets are ready for pick up!
Please feel free to drop by during office hours (Monday – Thursday 9am – 4pm) (Friday 9am – 1pm). Alternatively please see the extended hours above.
All tickets ordered after September 18th, must be picked up from the office, during office hours.

Fireside Chat - Empowerment Through Education
2024-09-03 19:00 - 21:00
Join us on September 3, 2024 from 7pm-9pm for Empowerment Through Education. Listen to speakers from the three levels of government to educate us about the actions to fight antisemitism. Learn what our government can do in the battle against antisemitism. Register for FREE by August 31st by filling out this form.

IVOW Party & Dinner
2024-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | 47 Glenbrook Avenue, 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 2L7, Canada
Calling all Beth Torah members between the ages of 12 to14, on August 20th, 2024 @ 7:00 pm at Beth Torah Synagogue;
Please join us and the Magen Group to celebrate Fun & Togetherness with IVOW, a great party and dinner. We are celebrating the B’nai Mitzvah for 130 Israeli youth ages 13 and 14 years old who have been affected by war and terrorism. These Israeli youth had the unique opportunity to attend a three-week Montreal area camp and an exciting and meaningful week of activities in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, ending with our big Am Yisrael Chai B’nai Mitzvah party before returning home to Israel.
RSVP IS MANDATORY FOR ENTRY, PLEASE EMAIL ELANA@BETHTORAH.CA TO RVSP.

Singlejoy: A show about finding your place...
2024-07-11 19:00 - 21:00 | 47 Glenbrook Avenue, 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 2L7, Canada
Singlejoy: A show about finding your place…
Thursday, July 11 | 7:00 p.m. at Beth Torah
Singlejoy explores the concept of being single in a Modern Orthodox Jewish family. Grape Juice and “Challah” bread are served as Milech guides the audience through a traditional Sabbath dinner.

Purchase Tickets

Tikkun Leil Shavuot
2024-06-11 18:30 - 2024-06-12 09:00 | Miles Nadal JCC, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Tuesday, June 11 | 6:30 p.m. to Sunrise – MNJCC
The downtown Jewish community’s renowned Tikkun Leil Shavuot: All Night Jewish Learning Festival is back for its 16th year!
Tikkun Leil Shavuot is an incredibly generous outpouring of love, ruach (spirit), and wisdom from many, many teachers in our community. There’s something for everyone at this year’s celebration – a night of community, study, snacking and more. Learn more.
Rabbi Louis Sachs and Rabbi Aaron Levy will be teaching a class on “Death with Dignity or Murder? A Rabbinic Conversation about Medical Assistance in Dying” from 10:30-11:30 p.m. in Room 304.

Register

Jonny Daniels - Israel, behind the scenes in Toronto!
2024-06-10 19:30 - 21:00
Jonny Daniels – Israel, behind the scenes in Toronto!
Monday, June 10 | 7:30 p.m.

Join us for a special evening in Toronto, where we will have a closer look at the war in Israel and the rise of antisemitism worldwide with former IDF Staff Sergeant, Former Chief of Staff in the Knesset and Founder of From The Depths Foundation Jonny Daniels.
Dessert reception generously sponsored by Steve & Donna Goldenberg

Register

The Survivor Torah Project
2024-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | 47 Glenbrook Avenue, 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 2L7, Canada
Before escaping during the Holocaust, a Rabbi in a small Polish village gave the community’s Torah to his neighbour, a shepherd, for safekeeping. The Torah was hidden for more than 75 years until it was discovered and restored by From the Depths. This Torah is now in Toronto, where it is being rewritten with participation from Holocaust survivors.
We would like to extend a warm invitation to Holocaust Survivors and families from Beth Torah Congregation and the community to participate in The Survivor Torah Project, a collaboration between Beth Torah Congregation and From the Depths Foundation.
Please feel free to share this invitation with any survivors you may know, as it would be our honour to have them take part in this special project. To learn more and bring the Torah to your community please visit www.survivortorah.org
To RSVP for this event please contact Sharlene Wilder sharlenehwilder@gmail.com

UJA Walk with Israel 2024
2024-06-09 09:00 - 14:30
UJA Walk with Israel 2024
Sunday, June 9 | 9:00 a.m. – Location TBA
Join thousands of Jews and allies and feel the strength of our entire united community as we walk in support Israel. Whether you walk every year or have never walked before, you need to be there this year.
When registering make sure to join the Beth Torah Congregation team.

Broadway Shabbat
2024-05-25 09:30 - 12:30 | 47 Glenbrook Avenue, 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 2L7, Canada
Broadway Shabbat
Saturday, May 25 | 9:30 a.m. – At Beth Torah
Beth Torah and the Song Shul are coming together for a one-of-a-kind musical and memorable Shabbat service!
Featuring Rabbi Louis Sachs, World-renowned Cantor Simon Spiro, The Toronto Festival Singers, Aliza Spiro and Cantor Steve Zeidenberg
This is an event you don’t want to miss!
Davening Schedule:
9:30 a.m: Psukei D’Zimrah/Shacharit, led by Cantor Steve Zeidenberg
10:00 a.m: Torah Service, led by Cantor Simon Spiro and the Toronto Festival Singers
10:45 a.m: Choral Misheberach for the State of Israel
11:00 a.m: Musaf, featuring iconic Broadway melodies with stunning a cappella arrangements for you to sing along, led by Cantor Simon Spiro and the TFS
11:25 p.m: Stacatto Sermonette – Aliza Spiro
11:45 p.m: Buffet Kiddush Luncheon

Art for Healing: Creating Collage
2024-05-21 18:00 - 19:30
Art for Healing: Creating Collage
Tuesday, May 21st @ 6:00 p.m.
Beth Torah is excited to continue our programming with Art Therapist in Training Sara Flicht for adults.
In a challenging time for the Jewish Community in Toronto and abroad, Sara will be leading a series of monthly art for healing workshops. This group will be a way to connect with others while creating art in a safe and comforting setting, grappling with contemporary issues an exploring their Judaism. No prior art experience is required.
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy!
Register Here

Rally to Stand with Students
2024-05-05 13:00 - 14:30
On May 5, Canadian Women Against Antisemitism (CWAA) will host a rally in support of students across Canada. No doubt, looking around the world today, you have noticed that university campuses are hotspots for flaring tensions around Israel and Gaza and eruptions of antisemitism.
As temperatures rise, and campus occupations in support of Gaza, it has become increasingly important for the Jewish community to support students who feel pressured, attacked, and targeted by their faculty and fellow students.
It is important to show up and support the next generation of our Jewish community, especially those courageous young people who will put themselves at risk by telling us about their lived experiences on university campuses, here in Canada, today.
Our allies at Hillel of Ontario are working with CWAA to make sure that this rally is safe, productive, and reflects the breadth of experiences across Canadian campuses.
The location of the rally will be announced closer to the date.
Registration is required to receive further information.
Register

Art for Healing (April 16th)
2024-04-16 18:00 - 19:30
Tuesday, March 19th @ 6:00 p.m
Art for Healing – Working with Watercolours.
Beth Torah is excited to continue our programming with Art Therapist in Training Sara Flicht for adults.
In a challenging time for the Jewish Community in Toronto and abroad, Sara will be leading a series of monthly art for healing workshops. This group will be a way to connect with others while creating art in a safe and comforting setting, grappling with contemporary issues an exploring their Judaism. No prior art experience is required.
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy!
Register Here

Pickleball at Beth Torah
2024-04-14 10:00 - 12:00
Pickleball at Beth Torah
Sunday, April 14th @ 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: La Liga Toronto Sports Complex
ADDRESS: 1107 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M3J 2P7
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FUN SPORT TO PLAY?
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in Ontario. It is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The game is played on a badminton-size court with a whiffle ball, about the size of a tennis ball, a solid smooth surface, and a short-handled paddle larger than a ping pong paddle. The game is easy to learn. Pickleball is a great way to get active, keep active, and have fun at the same time. It has great aerobics value.
If you have never played the game, the Beth Torah Pickleball Program can get you started with lessons. For more experienced people, Beth Torah welcomes you to meet other pickleball enthusiasts to play with.
1) Bring your energy, enthusiasm, and a paddle if you are intermediate or advanced. Beginners will be supplied with a learning paddle during games and instruction. Balls will be supplied for all levels.
2) Committed signup, meaning a non-refundable fee of $20. If you can not come, you may substitute a player of an equal playing level to maintain an adequate number of players per court. Non-members are welcome at $25 for the 2 hours.

Register Here

Purim @ Beth Torah - Megillah & Carnival
2024-03-24 09:30 - 15:00 | 47 Glenbrook Avenue, 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 2L7, Canada
Sunday, March 24th @ 9:30 a.m.
Beth Torah’s Purim Carnival 2024 – SAVE THE DATE
Join us for a family friendly morning Megillah reading and another exciting Purim Carnival complete with a Tots Zone, live entertainment, tasty treats, games with cool prizes, and giant inflatables!
Register Here

Erev Purim Megillah Reading & Havdalah
2024-03-23 19:30 - 21:00 | 47 Glenbrook Avenue, 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 2L7, Canada
Saturday, March 23rd @ 7:30 p.m.
Erev Purim Megillah Reading & Havdalah
Following Shabbat on Saturday, March 23rd, join Beth Torah as we kick off Purim with a Megillah reading / Havdalah service, followed by some lights snacks and drinks.
There is no registration required to join us for this evening. We look forward to seeing you there!

Art for Healing Session #3
2024-03-19 18:00 - 19:30

Community Event: Shuk to the Core
2024-03-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Shaarei Shomayim
Shuk to the Core: Israeli Vendor Fair
Sunday, March 10th @ 11:00 a.m.
Beth Torah is happy to partner with Shaarei Shomayim on this event. Come together to support artists and vendors from across Israel!
Tickets: 5 dollar suggested fee

Intershul Film Series Presents: SHTTL
2024-02-28 18:30 - 20:30 | 47 Glenbrook Avenue, 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 2L7, Canada
Toronto Inter-Shul Film Festival Presents: SHTTL (2023) at Beth Torah
Wednesday, February 28th @ 6:30 p.m.
The communities of Beth David, Beth Tikvah, Adath Israel, and Beth Torah are proud to present the 2024 Inter-Shul Film Series.
For members of any of our four partner communities, tickets will be only $5.00 per individual and $10.00 for non-member individuals. These tickets will include access to the film plus hot / soft drinks. Popcorn will be avaiable for additional purchase.
Please reach out to Garrett at program@bethtorah.ca with any questions regarding the series!
ABOUT SHTTL:
A filmmaker returns from Kyiv to his rural village to marry the love of his life. He is expected to marry the Rabbi’s daughter, which disrupts the balance of the whole town. In one unflinching shot, this film presents a day in the life of a Jewish village before it disappears. SHTTL is the story of the inhabitants of a Yiddish Ukrainian village at the border of Poland, 24 hours before the Nazi invasion, known as Operation Barbarossa. Today, there are no such villages in existence; the production fully reconstructed a traditional ‘Shtetl’ outside of Kyiv, which is planned to be turned into a museum.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This film is in Yiddish with English Subtitles
Get Your Tickets Here

Art for Healing: Working with Watercolours
2024-02-20 18:00 - 20:00
Tuesday, February 20th @ 6:00 p.m.
Art for Healing – Working with Watercolours
Beth Torah is excited to continue our programming with Art Therapist in Training Sara Flicht for adults.
In a challenging time for the Jewish Community in Toronto and abroad, Sara will be leading a series of monthly art for healing workshops. This group will be a way to connect with others while creating art in a safe and comforting setting, grappling with contemporary issues an exploring their Judaism. No prior art experience is required.
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy!
Register Here
