Jewish Toronto News

Temple Kol Ami, Bialik Hebrew Day School break ground together

2007-10-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

By Jonathan Ain --

A model of cooperation and shared facilities was unveiled recently as members of Vaughan’s Temple Kol Ami and supporters of Bialik Hebrew Day School gathered to break ground on their new joint building.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the building – part of York Region’s Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus - marks the first time in the GTA’s history that a synagogue and a day school have pooled their resources to create a top-of-the-line building that will be used by – and benefit - both institutions.

The 400 spectators on hand heard from keynote speakers from both the school and the shul, as well as performances from the choirs of both Temple Kol Ami and Bialik. Toronto philanthropists Leslie and Anna Dan, lead donors for Temple Kol Ami, were on hand as they shared a shovel to break ground on the site of the new building.

“It’s a historic day for our community,” said UJA Federation president and CEO Ted Sokolsky. “It’s a model of integration and cooperation that will be used from today forward when we think about building new day schools and synagogues in the GTA and in Canada.”

The Lebovic Campus, an initiative of UJA Federation’s Tomorrow Campaign, chaired by Gerald Schwartz and Lawrence Tanenbaum, continues to rebuild and revitalize Jewish Toronto in three separate areas of the city. The 50-acre campus, home to the recently inaugurated Kimel Family Education Centre – the northern branch of TanenbaumCHAT – will also host the 87,000 sq. ft. Schwartz/Reisman Centre as well as a wide array of agencies and institutions to serve York Region’s Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Once completed, the Lebovic Campus will also host the largest number of Jewish day school students anywhere outside of Israel.

“It’s symbolic that we are having this groundbreaking ceremony today, next to the brand new TanenbaumCHAT,” said Mark Skapinker, chair of Bialik’s Northern Campus Committee. “For a long time now, Bialik has had a partnership with CHAT. There are years when 80 or even 90 per cent of our graduates enter grade nine at CHAT. It’s just wonderful that we are going to be here.”

“This new home has been a dream of our congregation practically since we began meeting in people’s homes, basements and backyards,” said Kol Ami’s Rabbi Danny Gottlieb. “We know already that this will be a success, because wherever we’ve gone, we’ve managed to make our temporary homes holy and spiritual places. Now, in our very own home here on the Lebovic Campus, Temple Kol Ami will finally have a place to grow and to call its own.”

March of the Living: a life-changing experience

2007-10-17T11:19:00.000-08:00

By Jo Michaels--
In late April every year, participants from across the globe take part in a unique program guaranteed to change the way they look at the world. The March of the Living (MOL) - sponsored in Toronto by UJA Federation - is a two-week international program featuring a trek to Polish concentration camp sites, coinciding with Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) followed by a trip to Israel to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day).

The goal of the MOL has always been to educate Jewish teenagers about the Holocaust and to inspire them to do what they can to ensure that the Shoah never happens again. Today it is not just young people who experience all that the MOL has to offer, but adults as well. The Adult March of the Living was modeled after the teen March and this year’s sojourn to Poland and Israel promises to be especially exciting and meaningful as Israel celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Participants will march the three kilometers from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest concentration camp built during World War II. Upon arriving in Israel, they will take part in tours of the country and Israel’s exciting 60th anniversary celebrations.

Cyndy Rosenthal, along with her husband Ron, will be chairing this year’s Adult MOL. Rosenthal, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, remembers asking her father, Jack Rapoport throughout her childhood, about the number B4449 tattooed on his arm.

“I didn’t truly understand what he was saying until I took part in the 2007 Adult March of the Living,” says Rosenthal. “This is a journey that everyone should take - Jews and non-Jews alike. It takes you back in time and allows you to see what can happen when power is violently abused. I had no true understanding of who I was or who my parents were until I walked those three kilometers and heard the names of those who had died being read out loud as I entered Birkenau. I felt the stories I had heard all my life come alive inside of me.”

The Adult MOL is open to all who make a minimum family gift of $1,000 to UJA Federation’s Campaign 2009. Those interested in participating in the year’s Adult MOL are encouraged to attend an information meeting on October 23 on the 4th Floor of the Lipa Green Building, 4600 Bathurst Street, or call 416. 631.5671.

Program honours memory of those who perished before their time

2007-10-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

This year, through the UJA Federation Holocaust Centre of Toronto, more than 45 bar and bat mitzvah students have honoured the memory of a child who perished in the Holocaust before having the chance to reach this important Jewish milestone.

The Holocaust Centre’s Twinning Program enables bar and bat mitzvah boys and girls to share their special day in memory of a young Holocaust victim by having them select a child with whom to twin. Once they have chosen an honouree, each youngster conducts extensive research about his or her twin and writes about his/her history, background, town and fate. The Toronto youngster also makes contact with a friend or relative of the child who died in the Holocaust, who acts as a mentor to the student.

Recently, graduates of this program were honoured at the Lipa Green Building.

Survivor Bill Glied, who mentored his own grandson, Brandon Glied-Goldstein this year, spoke about his personal sense of gratitude.

“Thank you to the grandparents, parents, but most of all, to the kids, for all that you have done for the noble cause of remembering those who died in the Holocaust," he said. "Promise yourselves that your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren will remember, so that we, as a people, will live forever.”

Ariela Ravek, who had her bat mitzvah this summer, traveled with her family from Ottawa to address her fellow graduates.

“Participation in the Twinning Program was much more than research and education for me,” said Ravek. “It was a way for me to connect with my family. It was a remarkable way to bring to life the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust.”

For more information on this and other youth educational and volunteer opportunities at the Holocaust Centre of Toronto, please contact Mary Siklos at 416.635.2883 ext.301 or via e-mail: bnaimitzvah@ujafed.org

The future one step closer as Sherman Campus breaks ground

2007-10-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

By Daniel Horowitz--A piece of Jewish Toronto history was written on Sunday, October 14 with the groundbreaking of the Sherman Campus.

The Sherman Campus – slated for completion in the fall of 2011 - will be a unique centre of community services located on 27.5 acres adjacent to the Don Valley ravine on Bathurst, north of Sheppard.

Named after Toronto philanthropists Barry and Honey Sherman (pictured at left with their children at the groundbreaking), the campus will be home to Jewish organizations and agencies dedicated to building community within a vibrant hub of cultural, educational, athletic and recreational activities.

While the campus will service the approximately 200,000 Jews living in the GTA, it will also be open to the broad community including people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds. The site currently houses the Bathurst Jewish Community Centre (BJCC), The Koffler Centre and the Leah Posluns Theatre, which will be completely re-built, and The Lipa Green Building for Jewish Community Services, which will undergo a major renovation.

The groundbreaking of The Sherman Campus is a milestone in UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s visionary $350 million Tomorrow Campaign, chaired by Gerald Schwartz and Larry Tanenbaum. The campaign, which is the largest non-profit infrastructure development in Canada, is building three centres of Jewish life in the Greater Toronto area. The groundbreaking of the 50 acre Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus in Vaughan took place in May, 2005. In the downtown core, the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre completed its renovation in November, 2004, and The Wolfond Centre for Jewish Campus Life opened in February, 2004.

“Today we write a new chapter in the history of our community and this outstanding city,” UJA Federation board chair David Engel told the approximately 400 community members who assembled for the historic event under a large white tent in a parking lot belonging to the current BJCC. “Fifty years ago, when we first broke ground on this site, who could have envisioned a Greater Toronto Jewish population of close to 200,000? Who could have predicted that Bathurst street north to Newmarket would flourish as a corridor of Jewish life?”

The groundbreaking of Sherman Campus is the culmination of 7 years of planning and envisioning by some of Toronto’s most notable leaders. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Engel honoured Wilfred Posluns, Al and Malka Green, the Martin Prosserman Family, Murray & Marvelle Koffler & Family, Barry & Honey Sherman and the Don Gales Family for their vision and commitment to making the Sherman Campus a reality.

“This historic groundbreaking speaks to leadership that boldly dreams, and to a community which is committed to building thriving centres of excellence that reflect our collective values, culture, history and ultimately, our future,” said Peter Cohen, chair of the committee overseeing The Sherman Campus development.

“We are investing in the community and in the future,” said UJA Federation president and CEO Ted Sokolsky. “This country welcomed us as immigrants and this is our gift.”

Bess Shockett z”l – a little lady with a huge heart

2007-10-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

By Daniel Horowitz--While the woman synonymous with Yiddish in Toronto passed away this summer, her legacy lives on through a resurgence of the language and culture she loved so dearly.

In 1985, Bess Shockett z”l, (pictured at left), along with the help of volunteers Gerry Kane, Shirley Kumove and Les Nirenberg, established Friends of Yiddish, an organization through which she helped launch a number of innovative programs in and around the GTA. Bess remained its executive vice president until her death on August 27, four days shy of her 87th birthday. Professionally, she lent her expertise to UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s Committee for Yiddish as its director from1974 to 1989.

Bess’s countless volunteer efforts – which also included the Jewish Book Fair, the Holocaust Committee of the Miles Nadal JCC, the Jewish Theatre Committee and the Committee of Yiddish at the University of Toronto – resulted in her being named as North York’s Volunteer of the Year in 1993.

“Bess was a knitter; she knitted for her children, friends and acquaintances,” said Kane, in his eulogy. “The idea of Bess as a knitter is a good analogy to describe this quiet person. Her needles never stopped. In fact, just as she organized the wool to knit the little things, she organized her friends – knit them together to come on a journey with her, to organize the Yiddish cultural activities on behalf of UJA Federation that brought so much joy to young and old in Toronto. Without her drive and gentle, humorous spirit driving us, much of what we accomplished would never have been realized.”

Born in the Ukraine, Bess’s father moved the family to Montreal in 1925 when she was five years old. She grew up in a traditional Orthodox Jewish home where they spoke Yiddish and enjoyed different aspects of the culture, prompting her lifelong passion. Bess believed that it was vital for future generations to be aware of their heritage. She felt that Yiddish was a perfect tool to pass that tradition on to future generations.

“Yiddish was the language of mom’s home and her neighbourhood,” says son Michael, 52, a long-time UJA Federation employee and one of three siblings. “It was spoken everywhere, I’m sure, when she was young. English and French came later as she went to school, but Yiddish was always her first love. It truly was her roots, her connection to her family and her early life. Through her work with Yiddish, mom nurtured and encouraged young artists and performers. She loved seeing people achieve their dreams.”

When Bess and her husband Barry, who passed away in 1997, celebrated their 40th anniversary, they decided that instead of gifts, they wanted to do something truly memorable. They went on to establish the Shockett Yiddish Teachers Training Fund which has since helped a number of people pursue certification and attend seminars in Yiddish teaching.

“Community care is our Jewish legacy,” wrote Bess in her 2004 Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto Book of Life story. “With this fund, I know that Yiddish education – and our rich Jewish culture – will continue to develop and flourish for my grandson and future generations. In the future, I would like Yiddish to become an integral part of Jewish education. Let us not be in denial of our Eastern Jewish heritage. It has a history, a language, literature and culture.”

“For 25 years Bess corrected my Yiddish grammar, taught me new needle point stitches and provided me with an insight into the early years of the Jewish community,” recalls Susan Jackson, executive director, Latner Centre for Jewish Knowledge and Heritage. “Bess’s commitment to Yiddish culture was evident in everything she did. The annual Toronto Yiddish concert was her baby and a wonderful event it always was.”

“Bess was a pioneer in our community in her unceasing efforts to keep Yiddish alive, meaningful and flourishing,” says UJA Federation president and CEO Ted Sokolsky. “In so many ways and in so many different areas she represented everything important about a community’s yearning to cherish its past, celebrate its presence and build for the future.”

“Mom is still incredibly fresh in my mind,” says son Michael. “Such a little lady; such a big presence.”

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Memorial donations may be made to the Shockett Yiddish Teachers Training Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto. For more information, call 416.631.5703 or email jewishfoundation@ujafed.org

JVS Toronto celebrates 60 years

2007-10-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

By Daniel Horowitz--An ancient proverb states that one good exercise for the heart is bending down and helping someone to get up. If that is true, then Jewish Vocational Service Toronto (JVS), which is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, must be in terrific shape. A partner agency of UJA Federation, JVS Toronto has been providing career, educational, employment and vocational rehabilitation counseling services to thousands of people – Jewish and non-Jewish alike - throughout the Greater Toronto Area each year. This has been a year of celebration for JVS which culminated this past Sunday with a special 60th anniversary gala celebration that attracted some 500 supporters and volunteers. "This year has been such a memorable one because we’ve performed a much more ambitious fundraising campaign than ever before," said Helen Goldlist, 60th Gala chair and vice chair, JVS Toronto board. "We set a much higher goal this year and, with this gala, I believe we’ll achieve that goal." Founded in 1947 as Jewish Vocational Service to assist victims of the Holocaust and returning service men and women, JVS Toronto quickly became an essential organization in the lives of countless individuals from all walks of life. "JVS has been responsive to the needs of the Jewish community, and the community at large, for sixty years, that’s a significant feat," said Karen Goldenberg, president and CEO, JVS Toronto. "Today we have 25,000 clients a year, and the agency continues to meet the changing needs of our community. Whether it’s newcomers to the GTA or helping people with disabilities, JVS Toronto is all about bringing people and work together." "Meaningful activity is essential to the physical and emotional well-being of society," said Goldenberg. "When you see someone out of work, you can’t underestimate the toll it takes on the entire family. That’s why we do what we do at JVS Toronto."

Szarvas as an adventure in being Jewish

2007-10-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

By Michael Diamond--This summer, my 19 year old son Ari and I decided to set out on a unique Jewish adventure.

We traveled to Budapest, learned about the Jewish community in Hungary and then spent several weeks at the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation/JDC Camp in Szarvas, Hungary.

There is no Jewish place in the world like Szarvas. It is a melting pot comprised of Jewish young people from at least 23 countries and is one piece of the rebuilding of the Diaspora in this part of the world. And it demonstrates, once again, the capacity of the Jewish people to not only survive but to rebuild regardless of what adversities we encounter.

Ari and I knew about the Holocaust and about communism. But before visiting Budapest and Szarvas, we really did not fully comprehend the combined devastating effect these two events had on the Jewish people in Eastern Europe and Russia. First they persecuted us, then they killed most of us, then the new powers told us we could not follow our faith. Despite all that, there is a joyful rejuvenation taking place. And perhaps the best place to see, hear, and feel that resurgence is among the young people at the Szarvas camp in southeastern Hungary. This is where you can see a small group of the next generation of Jews demonstrate their passionate desire to grab hold of what being Jewish has to offer and not let it go, regardless of the obstacles.

Like most Jews in North America, Ari and I both grew up in homes where it was easy to be Jewish. We were surrounded and supported in our Judaism by our family and by thousands of other Jews. But being Jewish in Eastern Europe is the exception rather than the rule. For many of these young Jews, camp is the best place to be Jewish, and in some cases the only place. In this nurturing environment, they are encouraged to not only enjoy their Judaism, but embrace it as well, as they set out on their personal journeys to learn about being Jewish. For them, their being Jewish is a challenge because it was not expected, seldom rewarded and often opposed.

There is purity in being Jewish in Szarvas that one does not necessarily experience in our Jewish world. Perhaps that purity comes from the fact that being Jewish in Szarvas is the result of a conscious choice, and not a necessity nor a natural eventuality. When our young people participate in the March of the Living, the implication is that the first half of the trip in Eastern Europe is the time of death, of the Holocaust, of emptiness, of pain. Then follows Israel - the place of rebuilding. It is a marvelous juxtaposition. But perhaps we need to reorient our thinking now to accommodate the new reality we find in the stirrings of the rebirth of the Jewish world of Eastern Europe. Perhaps what is to be celebrated is not just the birth of a strong Israel, but the beginnings of a New Diaspora arising out of the ashes of the Holocaust and the grey shadow of communism.

Today we have a new generation of young pioneers, centralized at least once a year in Szarvas, who have embarked on their own great Jewish adventure. As they continue to learn and discover all that Judaism has to offer, it is clear that we have much to learn from them in their conscious embrace of Judaism.
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Michael Diamond is a former teacher, lawyer and business executive who sits on the executive of the Canada Israel Committee, Leave out Violence Toronto and International, is chair of UJA Federation’s Makom Committee and co-chair of top gifts at Holy Blossom. He provides advisory services to Israel Bonds Canada, and several other non-profit organizations. Ari Diamond is a third year Arts student at McGill University.

Jewish Toronto rallies for United Way

2007-09-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

More than one thousand Torontonians from across the city took part in the recent Rally for United Way held at Dundas Square in downtown Toronto. The rally, which helped kick off this year’s United Way campaign, had a decidedly Jewish flavour to it as dozens of employees and lay leaders from Jewish agencies that are also United Way agencies participated.

Making the trip south (see above photo) were employees of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Jewish Family & Child Service, the Bathurst Jewish Community Centre, Toronto Jewish Free Loan Cassa, JIAS Toronto, the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre and Jewish Vocational Service.

“Year in and year out, the United Way campaign raises money critical to the health and welfare of a vibrant Greater Toronto community,” said UJA Federation president & CEO, Ted Sokolsky. “UJA Federation is proud to support the incredible work of The United Way and we are especially appreciative of the tremendous backing United Way provides to UJA Federation-affiliated agencies serving the Jewish community. Their way is truly the United Way.”

UJA Federation Campaign 2008 reaches out to next generation

2007-09-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

By Jo Michaels--This past May, an excited group of young adults boarded a plane for Israel. They may not have all known each other well before leaving Toronto, but they did share two things in common - they were all Jewish and they were all traveling for free on the Canada-Israel Experience (CIE) Taglit-birthright israel program.

One of those youngsters settling into an Air Canada seat in preparation for the sojourn to Israel was Dave Stein who, as it turned out, was no ordinary participant. In fact, when he boarded AC’s flight 084 to Tel Aviv with CIE, Stein became the 10,000th Torontonian whom birthright israel has sent to the Jewish homeland.

At last month’s community launch of UJA Federation’s Campaign 2008: The Campaign for Our Jewish Future, chaired by Lesley Binstock Offman and Morris Perlis, Stein (pictured above, left) was asked to speak about the importance of one of the campaign’s pillars – inspiring Jewish identity among our next generation. “Thousands my age have launched their Jewish journey through birthright israel, and are now searching for their next avenue to continue the trip,” said Stein. “I am thrilled that one aspect of the campaign is about inspiring Jewish identity among my generation. Take it from me, I know first-hand how important and effective inspiring young Jewish people can be.”

Through Campaign 2008, UJA Federation will be creating four new cutting-edge programs all designed to inspire our next generation of Jewish leaders. They are:

• Project 25/35: a new agency to address the needs and wants of young singles, young couples, young families and birthright israel alumni.
• CampRight: a new initiative which will enable all Jewish youngsters to attend a Jewish summer overnight camp.
• The Centre for Enhancement of Jewish Education: This new Federation pillar will expand the horizons and funding of Jewish education in Toronto.
• The Institute for New Jewish Leadership: A new program centre that will recruit and nurture the leaders of the next generation.

“Too many young Jewish people are detached from our community and that is a major concern,” said UJA Federation campaign director, Jeff Springer. “They are our future leaders and it is imperative that we reach out and connect with them.”

In addition to inspiring Jewish identity among our next generation, Campaign 2008: The Campaign for Our Jewish Future will tackle three other pressing issues facing the Jewish community today. They are:• Standing with Israel at a time of great need• Transforming lives within our underprivileged populations• Engaging a growing and dynamic community here in Toronto.

To learn more about, or donate to UJA Federation’s Campaign for Our Jewish Future, please visit www.jewishtoronto.com

History unfolds in Vaughan as Kimel Family Education Centre opens its doors

2007-09-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday, September 9 was an historic day for Jewish education, Jewish Toronto, UJA Federation and TanenbaumCHAT. Over 200 donors to UJA Federation’s Tomorrow Campaign gathered at York Region’s Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus to mark the opening of the world-class Kimel Family Education Centre (the Kimel Family is pictured at left).
The building – designed by award-winning architect Guela Solow Ruda of Petroff Partners and Paul Cravit of CS&P Architects – is the first institution to open its doors on the new 50-acre campus, located just north of Rutherford on Bathurst Street.
The chairs of the Tomorrow Campaign are Gerald Schwartz and Lawrence Tanenbaum.
In addition to an impressive roster of Jewish community members that included Canadian birthright israel philanthropist Charles Bronfman and Tanenbaum, the event was also attended by a wide range of politicians and city councilors. All gathered to celebrate with the Jewish community on what was truly a momentous occasion for York Region – which currently boasts the fastest-growing Jewish population anywhere outside of Israel.
“This is truly an historic day for our community,” said UJA Federation board chair David Engel. “It is my honour and pleasure to be here today with so many of our friends who have been on board with the Tomorrow Campaign since the nineties.”
“Some people have suggested that I stand here like a proud parent,” said Leo Goldhar, the inaugural chair of the Lebovic Campus steering committee. “That’s one way of putting it. It’s definitely a rewarding moment and I feel lucky to be here today.”
“In preparing for this day I started making a list of all the great lay and professional leaders who made today possible,” said UJA Federation president & CEO Ted Sokolsky. “The list was enormous. Looking back at these past seven years I couldn’t help but feel we’re part of an amazing community with visionary individuals who want to make a real difference, who want to create something special and meaningful. Surely they have done that and more with this new home for TanenbaumCHAT. The Kimel Family Education Centre is a gift for all of us and a wonderful glimpse into the exciting future of the Lebovic Campus.”
“This is a very special school,” said event moderator Irene Berkowitz. “My three daughters went here, and for each child, TanenbaumCHAT offered a unique educational program with teachers who really love and care about their students. We’re all just so proud and excited, and we offer a huge mazel tov to TanenbaumCHAT, the Tomorrow Campaign, and the entire Jewish community of York Region.”

UJA Federation comes to the aid of survivors seeking restitution

2007-08-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

By Daniel Horowitz--

At the time of the 2001 Census there were 28,000 Jewish senior citizens living in the Greater Toronto Area, close to one half of whom (12,815) were Holocaust survivors.
So, when the United Restitution Organization (URO) – an independent world-wide legal aid organization which assists victims of Nazi persecution to submit financial claims against the German and Austrian governments – decided to close down its last Canadian office, UJA Federation quickly stepped in. While URO’s Toronto office – housed on the third floor of the Lipa Green Building for Jewish Community Services - did, in fact, close on March 31 this year, the service re-opened seamlessly and without interruption the very next day. This time it was under the auspices of UJA Federation’s Jewish Information Service of Greater Toronto (JIST), part of the Latner Centre for Jewish Knowledge and Heritage.
“After URO decided to shut down their offices across North America, including Toronto, it was incumbent on us to do whatever we could to keep this essential service operational,” said UJA Federation president and CEO Ted Sokolsky. “Our community owes these survivors of the Shoah a deep debt of gratitude as it was those very same survivors who, in rebuilding their own lives, helped create a vibrant Jewish community here in Toronto. We simply could not - and would not - let these important members of our community be stranded with no recourse.” “This is an office that specializes in overcoming barriers,” said Elly Gotz, a survivor of the Dachau concentration camp who, thanks to the efforts of JIST, recently received a social security pension for his forced labour in the Kovno Ghetto. “There is such a morass of legal difficulties in getting money from Germany. Only the knowledge and skills of this office make it possible. If this service was not here, it would be virtually impossible to succeed in our quest for restitution.”
Without the assistance of UJA Federation, Toronto-area Holocaust survivors like Gotz would have had no alternative but to seek advice on restitution matters from the URO’s two other remaining offices in New York and Israel.
“In 2001 JIST helped survivors complete forms for slave labour compensation. Having JIST - with support from the Holocaust Centre of Toronto - take over the functions of URO was the next logical step,” said Susan Jackson, executive director, Latner Centre.
“It is wonderful that UJA Federation has stepped forward,” said Nate Leipciger, co-chair, Jewish Holocaust Survivors of Canada. “Working with people locally, survivors and their families can speak with someone face-to-face. It would be very hard to discuss such painful and personal experiences with an unknown voice at the other end of a long-distance call.”
For more information about restitution services, call 416.630.2920.

Jewish Toronto reaches out to the people of Peru

2007-08-27T11:23:00.000-08:00

By Daniel Horowitz--

Shortly after a massive 8.0-magnitude earthquake rocked Peru on August 15, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto responded by establishing the Peru Earthquake Relief Fund. Proceeds will be distributed to victims - regardless of religion - by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). The JDC is working with other disaster relief agencies including IsraAid, which sent an Israeli medical team to Peru last week. So far, more than 500 people have been reported killed, close to 2,000 injured, and tens of thousands are homeless as a result of the quake.
The JDC has a century-old history of providing relief to those in need. It collected $19.6 million for the relief effort following the tsunami in Southeast Asia in 2004 and $800,000 for the Pakistani earthquake in 2005.
“Natural disasters are quite indiscriminate and, be it Jew or non-Jew, the amount of human loss in Peru today is so very sad,” said UJA Federation board chair David Engel. “We are fortunate to be the conduit for Toronto’s generous Jewish community, giving people the opportunity to reach out to the families of those killed, or to those who have been injured or displaced by this tragedy. This is simply UJA Federation honouring its ongoing tradition of tikun olam, repairing the world.”
According to the Jerusalem Post, there had been no injuries reported in the 3,000 member Jewish community in Lima nor to the 130 or so Israelis now in Peru. After the Second World War, most members of Peru’s Jewish community moved to Lima where they were able to establish a few key institutions including a Jewish school which houses 80% of the Jewish community’s children. Three synagogues – one Ashkenazi and two Sephardi – were also built, as well as two homes for the Jewish elderly. Even though the Jewish community has been dwindling since 1970 when it reached a peak of 5,200 members, Jews still own many businesses in Peru.
One of those business owners is Toronto’s Marvin Zeifman, 52. Zeifman, the owner of Kaita Natural Health Products and the H Wood Flooring Company – travels to Peru every six to eight weeks on business, something he’s been doing for 30 years. “Our offices in Lima are housed in a brand new four-storey office building which, like all new buildings there, are built up to earthquake standards,” says Zeifman, who will be heading back to Peru in early September. “When the earthquake hit, our employees – around 50 of them – ran out of the building to the parking lot where all the cars were rocking back and forth. I was caught in an earthquake in Colombia 15 years ago and, believe me, when the ground shakes, you can’t quite believe it.”
To make a donation visit www.ujadonations.com/Peru. Donations can also be made by calling 416. 631.5705.

Myths and facts about fair funding for education

2007-08-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

By Dr. Seymour Epstein--

In recent letters and articles critical of public support for faith based schools that meet provincial standards, there is a perception that those who favour such funding do not also support the public school system. Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed we believe that faith-based schools need to be included in the public system in order to make it a more “public” system of education. During the course of debate on this issue there have been many myths perpetrated. These deserve to be confronted and factually addressed.

Myth # 1 – Funding for faith-based schools violates liberal democratic principles.Liberal democratic principles permit and require public funding of qualifying faith-based schools. In other Canadian provinces and most western jurisdictions outside of the USA, public funds are given to faith-based schools. In fact, even in the United States where the separation of church and state is a constitutional principle, there is a great deal of government assistance to faith-based schools.

Myth # 2 – Funding faith-based schools will confer benefits to religious organizations that are not available to non-religious organizations.Inclusive Public Education provides those in society for whom religion is all-important with the benefits of general education which are available to the non-religious. No academic logic can turn around the fact that a small percentage of faith-based parents are not receiving the full educational rights they are paying for with their taxes. Ontarians understand that in the year 2007 we cannot discriminate against faith communities. As a responsible pluralistic society that honours and treasures our faith communities we cannot simply “grin and bear” such a serious inequity.

Myth # 3 – The province already has the power to supervise education at faith-based schools without public funding. Although most Jewish day schools already adhere to provincial standards, by law, a private elementary school in Ontario does not have to do much more than obey certain fire codes. Provincial inspection of private secondary schools offering a diploma varies greatly in intensity and depth, mostly at the discretion of the school itself. An inclusive public system would provide universal accountability and oversight to ensure that what is taught at faith-based schools conforms to provincial regulations and Canadian values.

Myth # 4 – Public funding for Jewish day schools will lead to academic mediocrity. There is no evidence that government-funded faith-based schools tend towards mediocrity; not here in Canada and not throughout the world. Clearly, some fear that religious education goes against the grain of liberal society in that it divides more than it unifies. For this, too, there is no empirical evidence. Those of us who believe in and support public education but also want it to be completely inclusive are convinced by what we have seen elsewhere. Children who are reared in one specific environment can more easily appreciate the values of another atmosphere. What I believe, as a Jewish educator deeply rooted in my own culture, its literature, and its values, and equally devoted to Canadian pluralism is that my perspective allows me to look in the eyes of any other Canadian or citizen of the world and appreciate profoundly how they see the world from their own individual perspective. Canada has always been proud of the mosaic rather than the melting pot, and in a mosaic each colour is magnified by the others around it.

Dr. Seymour Epstein is senior vice-president, The Centre for Enhancement of Jewish Education, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

UJA Federation readies for launch of The Campaign For Our Jewish Future

2007-08-16T11:15:00.000-08:00

By Jo Michaels—There’s less than a week to go before UJA Federation’s 2008 community campaign launch on August 29 at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The launch traditionally attracts over 1,000 people.
Last year, UJA Federation’s annual campaign was forced to quickly change into the Israel Emergency Campaign as Hezbollah began to attack Israel’s northern communities just prior to the event.
“This year’s launch has a different focus,” says UJA Federation campaign director, Jeff Springer. “Although there is no longer a crisis in Israel, there are still a number of serious and mounting concerns both in Toronto and in Israel’s peripheral communities. This year’s Campaign, The Campaign for Our Jewish Future, has been created to address these concerns. The launch on August 29 is the first opportunity for Toronto’s Jewish community to learn about how we’ll be taking action.”
Although the full details of this year’s vital campaign will not be released until the launch, the chairs of the event, Lynn Belzberg and Dale Lastman, have shared the four vital areas that will be the focus of The Campaign for Our Jewish Future.
“UJA Federation is embarking on a plan to address the pressing issues facing our community today,” explains Belzberg. “It calls for a coordinated array of new, ambitious and focused initiatives that will create dramatic progress.”
“These new collective initiatives will cover four vital areas of concern; inspiring Jewish identity among our next generation; standing with Israel in a time of great need; transforming lives within our underprivileged populations; and engaging the growing and dynamic Jewish community here in Toronto.”
“These four areas are all connected,” says Springer. “They speak to social justice and Jewish ideals and they highlight our collective obligation to build a vibrant Jewish future.”
Keynote speaker for the launch will be Larry Miller (pictured, above). A well-known actor and comedian, Miller is best known for his roles in films like Pretty Woman and Best in Show and television appearances on a number of shows including Seinfeld. Miller will be sharing his experiences of being an outspoken supporter of Israel while living in Hollywood.
Launch attendees will also be treated to a performance by the inspirational Tzeirei Sderot Choir, made up of eight talented teenagers from Israel, Ethiopia and the Former Soviet Union, who will be flown in from Israel to perform. Through song, this talented group – making their first appearance in Canada - will share their stories of surviving countless Qassam rocket attacks in the southern Israeli community of Sderot, to which UJA Federation has provided considerable financial assistance.
Tickets are still available for $30, but are selling very quickly. To reserve your ticket for this important community event, call (416) 631-5700 or visit www.ujaevents.com/registration/2008launch.

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto helps welcome Darfur refugees to Eilat

2007-08-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

By Daniel Horowitz--Since 2002, hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians have been murdered in Darfur. This summer, hundreds of Darfur refugees – making the sojourn from the battlefields of Western Sudan by foot - have been seeking shelter in Israel. Many of these embattled people find refuge with different aid organizations throughout the country.

Recently, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto played a vital role in helping these new members of Israeli society – particularly the children – feel welcome in the Jewish State.

UJA Federation – which has been supporting the Darfur refugees through its overseas partner, the Jewish Agency for Israel, planned a special program which was funded through its Partnership 2000 (P2K) initiative, which twins Eilat/Eilot with Toronto.

The program saw two organizations – Canada-Israel Experience (CIE), the Israel experience arm of UJA Federation best known for its birthright Israel program, and Canadian Young Judaea - come together to play an important role in this vital humanitarian undertaking in Eilat.

Shai Ben Shmuel, a CIE group coordinator in Israel and Canadian Young Judea’s Josepha Michaelson created a heart warming program for close to 100 refugee children. Over the course of a few days, CYJ participants and their staff, along with CIE participants, created a series of recreational activities for these children aged 3 to 12.

Activities included beading, boondoggle, mask making, teaching songs, playing soccer, Israeli dancing, guitars and a special visit to Eilat’s underwater observatory.

“This program is an incredible testament to the high level of cooperation and education that exists between the Toronto Jewish community and the people of the Eilat/Eilot region,” said Michael Soberman, national director, Canada Israel Experience. “Through a generous subsidy provided to Canadian Young Judaea by UJA Federation’s Partnership 2000 initiative, the Canadian Young Judaea participants were able to truly make a difference in these people's lives. This initiative has taught us all the Jewish value of treating the stranger among us with compassion and love.”

“On a personal note, I’ve never been more proud of a group of campers than I am of this one,” said Michaelson. “They put all the ideas together for the programs and ran them. I was barely able to hold back my tears watching campers holding these little kids and just hugging them. They definitely wanted to have more time with them there and want to know how they can continue being involved.”

Making public education fair for everyone

2007-08-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

By David Koschitzky

This is an historic time for our community. The subject of integrating faith-based schools that meet provincial requirements into the public education system is back on the public agenda.

Its impact would be significant. Public funding for qualifying faith-based schools would correct decades of inequity in which only Catholic schools are part of the public system. The Catholic system is an excellent example of how well integration of faith-based schools into public education works. As a matter of fairness, inclusion should apply to all faith-based schools, including Jewish day schools.

As the system currently stands, parents who choose Jewish day school for their children are financially penalized for making that choice. They support public education, and they pay their taxes like everyone else in Ontario. And yet, their children remain shut out from the public school system.

On the other hand, 650,000 Ontario Catholic students receive the benefit of being educated within their faith, and within the public system. They participate in standardized testing; their teachers follow an approved provincial curriculum ensuring all students learn according to Canadian values and their presence strengthens public education in Ontario. That’s the formula that should apply to all faith-based students.

Funding for Catholic schools is constitutionally required, but that does not justify the exclusion of other faith-based schools that not only meet provincial requirements but also educate thousands of graduates who have made invaluable contributions to Canadian society.

From Quebec westward, every province other than Ontario provides public funding for faith-based schools. Only Ontario funds one faith-based school system to the exclusion of all others.

Integrating Jewish day schools into the public system would provide relief to thousands of Jewish families making significant financial sacrifices so their children can receive a quality education, combining Canadian and Jewish values. It would ensure that what is being taught at faith-based schools is consistent with the values cherished by Canadians. And faith-based funding would provide more Jewish community financial resources for other urgent needs such as assistance for the poor and isolated seniors.

Helping our community better understand the value of integrating faith-based schools into public education is the first step to making it a reality.

Let’s give our children the chance to be part of a strong, vital and inclusive public school system that reflects 21st century Ontario and passes the test of fairness.

David Koschitzky is Vice Chair, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

Toronto celebrates 10,000th Taglit-birthright israel participant

2007-06-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

Since the inception of Taglit-birthright israel in 1999 over 130,000 young adults aged 18 to 26 – including 10,000 from Toronto - have traveled on this unique and exciting ten day, educational trip to Israel.

The birthright israel initiative - funded by the Government of Israel, Jewish communities around the world including UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, and private philanthropists – continues to positively impact the lives of our future Jewish leaders.

Taglit-birthright israel’s co-founders, Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt, created the program in order to send young Jewish adults from around the world to Israel – for no charge - to connect them with their Jewish identity and the State of Israel; strengthen solidarity among Jews worldwide; and ensure that Jewish traditions and Jewish heritage continue throughout the 21st Century.

“Those ten days spent in Israel gave me a lot of what I had unknowingly been searching for,” says past birthright participant Leah White. “Growing up, I attended Hebrew day school, and participated in activities through a youth organization and my synagogue. While I had all the tools, I really was lost when it came to using them and bringing them all together as I begin my life as a young adult. And then I was given the gift of birthright israel.”

Taglit-birthright israel alumni are emerging as leaders on university campuses and in Jewish life in general. At UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the majority of young adults involved in community life are alumni, and in fact, many even serve as madrichim (counselors) on current trips – taking time off from work and school to pass on their passion and knowledge to the current crop of birthright participants.

In the past 12 months, there have been nearly 50,000 birthright israel applicants from North America alone. However, only 29,000 will be able to participate due to funding limitations. “We are working to significantly increase fundraising in the community for Taglit-birthright israel,” says Michael Bregman, Chair of the birthright israel Foundation Canada. “Additional funds are needed to reduce the wait list and ensure that all young adults can claim their birthright in a timely fashion.”

To invest in the future of Jewish life by making a gift to Taglit-birthright israel, please contact Andrea Freedman at 416.631.5819 or by email at: afreedman@ujafed.org

Thornhill couple’s birthright babies

2007-06-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you send thousands of Jewish young adults to Israel together? Jewish children who will one day hopefully follow in their parents’ footsteps.

Boaz and Esther Willinger are one of a number of couples who met through Taglit birthright-israel and have since started families.

Married within a year of their December 2001 trip, the Thornhill residents are now parents to a 21-month-old daughter named appropriately enough, Aliya, and a son, Ethan, who is almost three months old.

Taglit-birthright israel “really did change the direction of my life,” says Boaz. “I grew up in St. Catharines, a small town with few opportunities to meet Jewish girls. Then I went to Israel and met Esther, and now we have a family and are raising our kids in a Jewish home.”

The Willingers are “involved with the Sephardic Kehila Centre, with which Esther’s family has strong ties to, and Chabad at Flamingo,” he continues. “Aliya, who will be starting nursery next year at Chabad, watches Oy Baby DVDs, which is a sort of Jewish Baby Einstein, and says ‘shabbat shalom.’ When we light the shabbat candles and my wife covers her eyes, Aliya covers her eyes.”

In some ways, the Willingers’ life in Thornhill seems worlds apart from the disco dance boat on the Kinneret where they first met, but both are part of this story of Jewish continuity.

“Although I’d gone to Jewish schools and had Jewish friends, I wasn’t meeting other Jewish people at that point in my life,” remembers Esther, of the social opportunity Taglit birthright-israel offered her. “Like a lot of people in the age group that the trip caters to, I was in university and working and had already developed my circle of friends. If I hadn’t gone to Israel, I don’t know how – or if – I would have met Boaz. Taglit birthright-israel gives you an opportunity to connect with other Jews in a Jewish environment. We met and as a result were able to bring more Jewish people into the world.”

Cooper family funds gala in memory of Andy Bronfman, z"l

2007-06-25T10:39:00.000-08:00

On June 5th, over 600 students and young adults on birthright israel programs took part in a unique gala event planned by Canada Israel Experience (CIE) in memory of Andy Bronfman.

Andy, the late wife of co-birthright founder Charles Bronfman who passed away following a tragic accident just over a year ago, was committed to strengthening Jewish identity and invoking values of leadership, tzedaka, and tikun olam. Bronfman was particularly passionate about and committed to Jewish youth, the arts, education, and, of course, birthright israel.

The event, made possible by a generous gift by Toronto’s Sydney and Florence Cooper, commemorated Andy by celebrating her love of the arts. Hosted by Mini Israel, in addition to viewing the models of the country, participants created art projects at various stations and workshops set up throughout the site. In a letter from the Coopers read by Lorne Klemensberg, director of CIE and emcee of the event, the Coopers welcomed all the birthright participants from Canada and North America.

A look inside the diary of Taglit-birthright israel's 10,000 Torontonian, Dave Stein

2007-06-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

6:30 am – The phone rang with our wake up call. Although I was really tired from yesterday, I eagerly got up to start another new and exciting day.

7:15 am – Breakfast today was great as usual. The Kibbutz served a typical Israeli breakfast with vegetables, breads, cheeses, yogurts and fruits. The food in this country is so good. I eat enough at breakfast to last a full day!

9:00 am – We got off the bus on top of Mt. Arbel. What an amazing view! This hike was remarkable. After all the learning it was break time! Having studied art in school, I felt especially connected to Tzfat, which is known for being an artist’s heaven. With the rest of my free time, I ate lunch and did some shopping. I was determined to get 5 Mezuzahs as a wedding gift for my sister. I knew they’d be extra special for her if she knew they were not only from Israel but from Tzfat.

3:00 pm – We arrived at the Jordan river to go rafting. It was marvelous. We had 7 people in our boat and floated down the river with a boat on either side of us each filled with 2 soldiers. This was a great end to our activities of the day because it gave us a chance to cool off in the water.

5:30 pm – We arrived back at the Kibbutz for our Shabbat preparations.

6:30 pm – We all met and did Kiddush together. We then discussed the meaning of wine and challah and talked about how we can make Shabbat our own. Shabbat on Taglit-birthright israel was very special for me because at this point we had already been together for 8 days and were like family. Celebrating Shabbat in Israel with 40 new friends, 2 madrichim, 8 soldiers and a guide is just so special. It’s not something you can really explain with words but something you feel in your heart.

10:00 pm – A huge party unexpectedly erupted on the kibbutz. The kibbutz was celebrating all the people who had lived there their entire lives. There were over 1,000 people there and being able to join in and dance and talk with the kibbutzniks was wonderful. Even people who no longer lived on the Kibbutz came out to this party.

What a great time! This has truly been an incredible day. But, boy, I have to get some sleep now!

Toronto wins top prize for Israeli partnership

2007-06-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

By Raquel Kaplan Goldberg--
Toronto’s partnership with Eilat-Eilot has borne much fruit by beginning the transformation of the area from a totally tourist based economy to a centre for post-secondary education. Now Toronto has received first-prize laurels for its internship program at a Partnership 2000 conference in New Jersey over the Victoria Day weekend.

The Partnership 2000 (P2K) program twins North American communities with those in Israel. In addition to the Awards of Excellence ceremony, the conference included an opportunity for the 45 partnerships from around the world to share best practices.

Toronto’s strategic model of partnership, presented by co-chairs Morley Brown and Brian Schachter, was singled out by Jewish Agency for Israel chairman Zeev Bielski as one that other communities should be emulating. It was considered the best of its kind in North America.

The three-year-old internship program, in which high school graduates from Toronto volunteer for a minimum of six weeks in Eilat-Eilot, is one of Partnership 2000’s ‘living bridge initiatives.’ “We’re bridging the gap between us and the community that we partner with, and building that bridge people-to-people,” explains Michal Kaye, director of the Israel Volunteer Programs Centre, under whose auspices the internships are arranged.

“We’re honoured to have won the prize for our community it really relates to the hard work that has gone into it by both lay and professional leadership,” says Schachter. “We took the kids out for dinner while we were in Israel recently and just listening to them talk, we could hear the connections that are being formed. That's the real reason we’re doing this to help the present and build for the future, and we saw that happen.”
Participants, who are supported by a partnership team in Eilat, work in a variety of fields thanks to the close relationship between Toronto and Eilat-Eilot. “It gives us access to all kinds of amazing volunteer positions that we wouldn't have otherwise,” explains Brown. “We’ve placed interns with the mayor’s office and at Eilat’s coral reef, with others running sports programs, teaching English, and volunteering with the fire department.”

The program is part of a comprehensive development strategy underlying Toronto's partnership with Eilat-Eilot that also includes scholarships for higher education and new dormitories at the Eilat campus of Ben Gurion University, enrichment opportunities for gifted students and unique programs for weaker ones, and vocational training centres. As well, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto helped fund the Collier Centre, a community centre where interns now run after-school programs for the children of Eilat.

Ultimately, Kaye would like to see as many of the volunteers as possible working in UJA Federation-affiliated programs in Eilat “so they can understand where their money is going and get to know the people they are helping, and so the Eilat is will be able to connect the commitment of our community with actual faces.”

Toronto's Jewish community responds to the needs of Sderot

2007-06-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

By Daniel Horowitz
UJA Federation--
As word reached Toronto last month that Qassam rockets were being fired regularly at the southern Israeli city of Sderot, UJA Federation immediately swung into action by sending a million dollars to the city. The money is allowing Sderot¹s children to be treated to a one-week respite from the rocket fire at summer camps in safer sections of the country. UIA Federations Canada also committed one million dollars to this initiative.

The camps were made possible by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), UJA Federation’s overseas partner.

“We will also have trauma counseling at the camps, to help the children deal with the impossible conditions they are living under,” says the Jewish Agency’s Yael Raz.

“It’s very rewarding to see that so many miles away, our Toronto community understands and feels so much compassion for all the pain the children of Sderot are experiencing,” notes David Koschitzky, vice-chair, UJA Federation.

JAFI, with the assistance of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and other Canadian Federations, is providing other crisis assistance for beleaguered Israelis as well.

Soon after the rockets began to fall, close to 3,000 youngsters were taken out of danger and brought to amusement parks and other locations for fun activities in central Israel leaving the trauma behind for a short time.

Fifty-two buses brought these children to Israel’s best-loved water parks and other popular attractions. Twenty-five newly arrived young people from Ethiopia were also taken to a day of fun and 250 youngsters enjoyed Israel’s soccer cup finals.

The complex logistics for these massive operations were handled by Jewish Agency personnel, who risked their lives day in and day out. Working closely with the local municipalities, they recruited thousands of children and made sure that there were enough accompanying counselors to provide proper supervision at all times.

About three weeks ago, JAFI produced yet another activity in record-breaking time, in which 671 Sderot and perimeter community members were brought to Jerusalem to see a performance of the Chinese Circus.
“Parents, children, singles, new immigrants and senior citizens enjoyed the fantastic antics of the circus performers. It was a pleasure to finally see joy on the faces of these people,” says Ofer Baram, JAFI’s public sector manager in the Southern District. “We immediately secured additional tickets from the Israel Festival to keep up with the demand. It was incredible.”

The Jewish Agency, upon learning that a number of bomb shelters were in disastrous condition, provided necessities such as essential sanitary supplies, cleaning materials, fans, emergency lighting, bottled water and canned goods. At two bomb shelters, one of which serves as a youth club in a predominately Ethiopian neighbourhood, the Jewish Agency bought refrigerators and board games in the event that the residents need to stay there for an extended period of time.

Toronto among the top North American centres for Jewish education, says expert

2007-06-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

By Howard English
UJA FEDERATION
When it comes to Jewish education enrolment, Toronto is a North American leader, according to a noted Jewish education specialist.

In the following comprehensive interview with Jewish Toronto, Rabbi Josh Elkin, executive director of the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE), reviewed a wide range of Jewish education issues. PEJE is a collaborative initiative of schools and major philanthropic partners, designed to strengthen Jewish day school education in North America.

Q. Even though the niche of PEJE is day school education, it’s a reality that many parents are opting for other forms of Jewish education – both formal and informal. How do you feel about that?

A. I’m a big believer that we have to have all the settings for Jewish education being the best that they can possibly be. In the global sense, I want them to be successful, We have to keep as many people as possible connected to their roots. The trend that I see is people coming forward to improve every part of the Jewish education equation. I applaud all these efforts even as I affirm PEJE’s niche, which is day schools. I am very happy with a marketplace that is increasingly competitive.

Q. How would describe the evolution of day schools across North America in the 10 years since PEJE was founded?

A. When we started 10 years ago, we were focused exclusively on seed funds for new schools. During our initial five years, we provided seed money and coaching to 60 schools, including Heschel in Toronto and the Paul Penna Day School. We’ve certainly seen the proliferation of schools and we’ve brought schools to many cities or regions that didn’t have them. Over the last decade, we’ve seen the subject of day school becoming more front and centre in communities across North America.

Q. How does Toronto’s Jewish school enrolment of roughly 11,000 day school students and 6,000 children in supplementary education compare with other North American cities?

A. The proportion of Toronto children enrolled in day school is at the top of North America. The United States was busy at the beginning of the 20th century, cultivating a melting pot philosophy. As a result of that ethos, the day school movement got off to a slow start. Canada never had that philosophy. It was more of a cultural mosaic. In Canada, sending children to Jewish schools was what parents did.

Q. Yet for many parents, Jewish schooling is not an option. Why do you think that’s the case?

A. Among the challenges that we have is to tackle perceptions that day schools are ghettoizing and they are of inferior quality. Based on everything we read, the issue of ghettoization and ambivalence about Judaism comes up more often than not. We have to focus on adult learning. We have to focus on pre-school programs. We have to help people fall in love with Judaism. The irony is that sometimes people of other faiths are more ready to make a strong case for faith based education.

Q. Let’s discuss the question of Jewish school quality. What is your assessment of the quality of Jewish education overall?

A. Based on all the data we have, the day schools are doing an outstanding job. The overall picture is a very positive one, but we have to be able to recognize that, in an increasingly competitive world, the only way schools can go is to sharpen their blades when it comes to education quality. If you were to ask me what is the most important characteristic that day schools need to cultivate, I would say it’s the ability to reflect on their own performance.

Q. Any final thoughts on the state of Jewish education in North America?

A. Epi [Dr. Seymour Epstein, UJA Federation Senior Vice President, Jewish Education & Identity] once said that Jewish education is the strategic plan of the Jewish people. If it hadn’t been for Jewish education, we wouldn’t be here today. The kind of community support for Jewish education demonstrated by Toronto shows that the Toronto Jewish community understands the future and the road to the future.

Taglit - birthright israel hits milestone of 10,000

2007-05-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

BY RAQUEL KAPLAN GOLDBERG--
UJA FEDERATION--
Dave Stein, 24, was no ordinary participant on recent Taglit - birthright israel trip. In fact, when he boarded Air Canada flight 084 to Tel Aviv with Canada Israel Experience earlier this month, Stein became the 10,000th Torontonian that Taglit-birthright israel has sent to the Jewish homeland.

The number of Toronto participants on Taglit - birthright israel is second only to New York City. In total, Taglit - birthright israel has sent approximately 120,000 youngsters to the Jewish homeland, with Toronto accounting for over eight percent of that total. For Stein, Israel provides a connection to his grandparents, who passed away in 2000 and 2001.

“When I was five years old, my bubby and zayde went on a trip to Israel and I remember, very vividly, they came back with all their pictures – my Bubby in the sea and them by The Wall – and tales of Israel’s history, and since then, I’ve wanted to go,” he says. “It was such a part of my relationship with them.”

That desire to visit Israel grew when his sister returned from her own trip a few years ago.

“She came back with stories and pictures and amazing friends that she’s stayed in contact with,” he says. “She got me a hand-stitched kippah and a gorgeous Chai necklace, and I was really excited about them, but I also thought, ‘I want to experience picking them out myself in Israel.’”
But while anticipating the many personal experiences he hopes to have on the trip, Stein also reflects on the collective significance of 10,000 Toronto young adult Jews visiting Israel. “There’s a communal impact because it touches so many individuals,” he says. “It changes the Toronto community because there are now 10,000 people here who have more in touch with their Jewish faith and background. The Jewish organizations have more of a force behind them because there are all these people who now have an even greater passion for Jewish causes.”

Stein’s affiliation with the Jewish community is mainly through his work as a DJ for Mint Lifestyle Events, staffing bar and bat mitzvahs and events such as UJA Federation’s Walk With Israel. He is looking forward to meeting other young Jews on his trip.

“There’s always a connection between Jews and it’ll be great to be able to share such a heart-touching experience,” he says. “I’m really excited to meet people from all over Canada and then, as well, especially Israel. My sister made friends there, so hopefully one day we’ll go together and I’ll have friends and she’ll have friends. That’ll be cool, to go back.”

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dave Stein,” says Elizabeth Sokolsky, VP Education & Operations, Taglit-birthright Israel. “Taglit - birthright Israel, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, and the Canadian Jewish community have been wonderful partners in the birthright program. The positive outcomes for the Toronto Jewish community of having so many young Jewish adults – like Dave - more connected to their Jewish identity and to the land and people of Israel will resonate for years to come.”

Toronto to celebrate 40th anniversary of Jerusalem’s reunification

2007-05-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

BY DANIEL HOROWITZ--
UJA FEDERATION--
Forty years ago, on June 11, 1967, Dan Meridor fought as an Israeli Defence Force tank commander with the 7th Brigade in the Sinai during the Six Day War. Merdior was there when the city of Jerusalem was liberated and reunified, ending 19 years of separation between predominantly Arab and Jewish sections of the city.

On June 11 this year, Meridor, a former minister in the Israeli government, and the current chairman of The Jerusalem Foundation, will be the keynote speaker at Jerusalem – Ours to Share, a special celebration at Beth Tzedec Congregation celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the city’s reunification.

“Although I was in the heart of the fighting, I do remember the Wednesday when they announced on the radio, that Jerusalem had been liberated,” Meridor told Jewish Toronto in a telephone interview. “I remember sitting on the tank in the desert, and everyone was in tears. The reunification of Jerusalem was one of the most exciting and moving days of my life. To this day, whenever I cross the Jaffa Gates into the Old City, it is very exciting.” Sponsored by the Canada-Israel Committee and UJA Federation, Jerusalem – Ours to Share –will celebrate the city’s unique place in history for all faiths through music and film.

“This event celebrates the magic and majesty that is Jerusalem,” said UJA Federation board chair David Engel. “Jerusalem is a city that has been revered for thousands of years, a city that symbolizes the yearning for peace of everyone in the Middle East.”

“Jerusalem symbolizes the redemption of Jewish people and Jewish independence,” says Meridor. “Also, it is a beautiful city – over 3,000 years old. It is an impressive combination of modern and old, which is rare. It is a city of diverse population where so many cultures merge with different expectations of what Jerusalem should be.”

Jerusalem – Ours to Share is sponsored by the Canada-Israel Committee, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and the Jerusalem Foundation.