Community Breaking of the Fast following the Shofar.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Did you miss last summer’s hit play at the Millbrook’s 4th Line Theatre presentation: “The Right Road to Pontypool by Millbrook’s 4th Line Theatre"? Still kicking yourself? Suffer no more…. "This wildly successful play returns! The loving chronicle of one man’s sun kissed dream for Toronto’s working class Jews in the early 1900s. In its heyday, Pontypool, in the heart of Protestant southern Ontario, was a summer haven for thousands of Jewish immigrants" Our Joe Teichmann has arranged a group booking for August 21.

See this website for details of the play. www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca. Contact Joe at teichjoe@hotmail.com to reserve your place in the Beth Israel group. With our group discount ticket prices are $27 plus taxes. Tickets must be arranged through Joe and obtained from him. Please make sure you arrive before 5:15 pm so that the group can sit together. The performance starts at 6:00 pm.

At 4th Line Theatre, Millbrook.

We are fortunate to have an internationally famous storyteller from New York visiting Peterborough. She is coming to the Beth Israel for an evening of storytelling. An award winner in her field, Ms. Roslyn Bresnick-Perry, after performing in Toronto, will be visiting some close friends of hers who live in Peterborough and are members of our synagogue.

As a personal favour, she has accepted an invitation to be our special guest for an evening of storytelling, on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at 7:30 pm.

Her subject matter is varied, and she is highly entertaining on many levels.

Please make an effort to attend – you will be glad you did! Bring friends… If you have questions, please call the Coopers at 292-6477. Hope to see you there!

Roslyn Bresnick-Perry was born in Wysokie Litewskie, in what is now Belarus. She emigrated to New York City in 1929, at the age of seven. Her wisdom and humor have captivated audiences at storytelling festivals and theaters throughout the country and abroad, including the prestigious National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the Victory Theater on Broadway and the Library of Congress, and she has served as teller-in- residence at the International Storytelling Center. Her work has also been broadcast on National Public Radio. A retired fashion designer, Ms. Perry holds a Master of Arts degree in Cultural History from New York University and received her Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University. She conducts workshops and seminars at institutions including Queens College, New York and Syracuse universities, and the University of Arizona. She has published Leaving for America, a children’s book, and book of poetry, her recordings have won American Library Association awards, and her stories and translations are featured in several collections. Winner of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Storytelling Network, Ms. Perry now divides her time between New York and Deerfield Beach, Florida

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Beth Israel Executive would like to invite the membership and members of the Jewish community to a General Body Meeting, to be held June 29 in the synagogue. The Agenda is to include:

• Invitation to join the board, and to vote in the new board. We invite participation on the board, and anyone interested should contact Larry Gillman.
• Status of the physical building and the approximate $50,000 work that needs to take place.
• Update on the renewal of the lease with the Unitarians. The Unitarians have been with us for 6 years and the lease is now up for renewal.
• Discussion of spiritual leadership for the upcoming year.
• Discussion regarding the status of the building as a kosher facility.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Rabbi Shalom Schachter and Marcie Gilbert will be conducting prayer services and a series of discussions on modern issues in Jewish Law and Ethics. Topics to include:

• Gay sex, marriage, and rabbinate.
• Conversion to Judaism.
• Abortion / reproductive health organ transplants.

Coffee and a light breakfast will be served. Those requiring a ride, please contact Larry Gillman at larry.gillman@freedom55financial.com.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The Obront O'Grady family are celebrating son Tyler's Bar Mitzvah on May 22 and you are invited!! Here is what will be happening:

• Friday Night service, May 21, 6:00 pm Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Shalom Schachter followed by a pot luck dinner at the home of Reesa (Obront) and Don (O'Grady).
• Saturday Evening service, May 22, 7:45 pm. Tyler will be called to the Torah to make his first aliyah. Services will be led by Rabbi Schachter. Everyone is invited to join Tyler's family and friends for dessert and dancing after services, in the Beth Israel Synagogue hall downstairs.

Please RSVP for the pot luck on Friday and to obtain directions by contacting Reesa at: 745-6223 or via Reesa's email.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

An outcome of this year`s Abraham Festival is a joint effort by the Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities to put together a lunch to feed the homeless and low income people. We require VOLUNTEERS to support the effort. St John's Anglican church puts on lunch for homeless and low income people every Saturday. It starts at 11:30 am and goes until everyone is fed. They have between 100 and 120 people attend this lunch each week. There are 2 ways that individuals in our community can support this initiative. These are:

• Preparing Food - you can prepare a dish at your home and bring it to the church the day before or the day of the lunch. There is no particular request for vegetarian food, and as a matter of fact most of the people who attend prefer meat dishes;
• Serving and Kitchen Helpl - you can help in the kitchen and to serve on the day. The food is served buffet style.

We really require some support on this initiative. Those who can help please contact Larry Gillman or call 872-2990.

At St John's Anglican Church.

Rabbi Schachter and Marcy Gilbert are willing to hold a Torah Study on Saturday morning if enough members are wishing to particpate. Please RSVP as soon as possible your intentions: Shalom or Marcy.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The Abraham Festival celebrates its 7th year in 2010. It's objective is to bring together members in our community of the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christionaity and Islam, to learn about each other as communities and as individual people. Throughout our time together, we have explored the themes of ritual, prayer, music, film, clothing, youth, seuality, text, and always, food and fellowship. See DETAILS.

Schedule:

• Friday April 16, 2010--ISLAM Friday Afternoon Prayers led by the Trent University Muslim Association
• Friday April 16, 2010 6:00 p.m.--JUDAISM Friday Evening Services, Beth Israel Synagogue, Peterborough led by Rabbi Shalom Schachter.
• Sunday April 18, 2010 11:00 a.m.--CHRISTIANITY Sunday Morning Services, St. Andrew's Church, led by Joanna McQuarrie.
• Sunday, Aril 18, 2010 12:30-5:00 and beyond--Theme Panel Discussion and Pot Luck Supper, St George United Church. See DETAILS.
• Monday April 19, 2010 9:00-10:00, at Lady Eaton College, Trent University. See See DETAILS.

Various locations including Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough. See DETAILS.

As we all know, there are people who need a helping hand locally as well as in places farther away and our community is helping with an initiative to address some of these needs. Dana Capell is coordinating Beth Israel’s collaboration with the Unitarian Fellowship to support the sponsorship of 2 “Out of the Cold” dinners this year. The first Dinner is being held on February 20 and the second on March 27. The dinners are held at the Old Stone School House on Rubidge St. and usually between 50 and 60 people attend. Not all these folks are homeless but all who attend are in need of a proper dinner. Some of the participants arrive around 3 and the regulars visit with one another or play cards. We provide cheese and crackers or some other munchies to tide them over. Soup is usually served around 4:15 and the main meal at 5:00. The meal consists of soup, main course (usually a casserole or stew of some sort), rolls or bread, salad, fresh fruit, cookies and ice cream (donated by Baskin and Robbins). The host groups provide the meal, set up the room, serve the meal and clean up afterwards. The kitchen is tiny and does have a stove which is used to keep things warm but casseroles are best brought to the venue about 4.30 pm. For the February 20th dinner, I am hoping to find Beth Israel volunteers for the following:

• Soup: Buy the ingredients for, make, and deliver a big pot of hearty soup to the dinner
• Service: 2 volunteers to serve soup and ice cream from 4-6:30pm (on the 20th)+
• Salad: Buy the ingredients for, make, and deliver a very large salad along with 2 bottles of salad dressing.

You can reach Dana at 750-0570 or email at Dana Capell.

Old Stone School House on Rubidge St.in Peterborough.

“Walk on Water is set in the present time, in Israel. It offers up a host of issues, past and present, using the context of the Holocaust as a framework. Eyal is a highly trained Mossad agent, whose job is to eliminate present-day enemies like Hamas. But now, he is given a new assignment: seek out an enemy from the past and eliminate him. This enemy happens to be the long-hidden Nazi grandfather of two young Germans Eyal is told to befriend. Each of Eyal’s previous assignments were based on the concept of action and reaction. The underlying premise being that Jews will “never again” sit idly by as victims. With this magnificent film, the director, Eytan Fox, explores the cycle of vengeance.” Walk on Water raises many contemporary issues as well as historical ones. It is a fast-paced film that will hold your attention from start to finish. If you haven’t already seen it, this is your chance. Not to be missed. And of course, following the film, our favourite presenter, Marilyn Herbert, will bring us additional facts, background information and will as usual stimulate us and engage us in thought-provoking discussions. For those of you who have seen Marilyn in action, no more need be said and for those of you who haven’t this is the time to find out why the rest of us try our best not to miss these nights. Invitations extend to all to attend this evening especially our friends from the Unitarian Fellowship.

Light refreshments will be served.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The Unitarian Fellowship, with whom we share the synagogue, have extended an invitation to all Beth Israel and Peterborough Jewish Community members to join them for their film night showings. The films are always the last Tuesday of the month, at 7 p.m. Admission is free and they even provide popcorn. Small donations at the door to help cover costs are greatly appreciated. The loose guiding theme of this year's series is world religions.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

As we all know, there are people who need a helping hand locally as well as in places farther away and our community is helping with an initiative to address some of these needs. Dana Capell is coordinating Beth Israel’s collaboration with the Unitarian Fellowship to support the sponsorship of 2 “Out of the Cold” dinners this year. The first Dinner is being held on February 20 and the second on March 27. The dinners are held at the Old Stone School House on Rubidge St. and usually between 50 and 60 people attend. Not all these folks are homeless but all who attend are in need of a proper dinner. Some of the participants arrive around 3 and the regulars visit with one another or play cards. We provide cheese and crackers or some other munchies to tide them over. Soup is usually served around 4:15 and the main meal at 5:00. The meal consists of soup, main course (usually a casserole or stew of some sort), rolls or bread, salad, fresh fruit, cookies and ice cream (donated by Baskin and Robbins). The host groups provide the meal, set up the room, serve the meal and clean up afterwards. The kitchen is tiny and does have a stove which is used to keep things warm but casseroles are best brought to the venue about 4.30 pm. For the February 20th dinner, I am hoping to find Beth Israel volunteers for the following:

• Soup: Buy the ingredients for, make, and deliver a big pot of hearty soup to the dinner
• Service: 2 volunteers to serve soup and ice cream from 4-6:30pm (on the 20th)+
• Salad: Buy the ingredients for, make, and deliver a very large salad along with 2 bottles of salad dressing.

You can reach Dana at 750-0570 or email at Dana Capell.

Old Stone School House on Rubidge St.in Peterborough.

our RJCO contact, Evan Mendel, will be introducing the new Shaliach, Oren to the Beth Israel community. This introductory event is our annual update on what is happening in Israel. Be informed and particpate in stimulating discussions. If you have any questions you wish to forward to the speaker about the issues facing Israle please submit them to Mark Siegel. The speaker will be prepared to answer them all. Anything goes, well mostly. Some examples of the things that are on Mark’s mind are:

• The conspiracy to delegitimize Israel, fact or Jewish paranoia?
• Why does the Israeli Government think that their offer to suspend some West Bank settlement construction is such a magnanimous gesture in the face of worldwide condemnation of this as this being wholly inadequate?
• What are the chances for peace, really? What is the insider perspective.

You can reach Mark at 292-8349 or email at Mark Siegel with your questions by Feb. 10th.

Milk and cookies, (as well as a few other things too), as always, will be served.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

We invite all of you to the upcoming weekend of "Tu Bishvat", or also known as "Year of the Trees", also known as "Shabbat Shira" (Shabbat of Song)!!!

On Friday Jan 29th 6:00 p.m. sharp, the services are being conducted by Rabbi Shalom Schachter assisted by his wonderful wife Marcy. We will all gather at the Beth Israel Synagogue on Weller St, for services. Following services, everyone is invited to join in a pot luck vegetarian (fish OK) supper at the Molnar’s, 1816 Parkwood Circle (call 740-2920 for directions).

On Saturday Jan 30th 10:00 a.m. sharp, the Shabbat service will start at the synagogue with an abbreviated prayer service, followed by a Torah reading. Immediately afterwards there will be a "Tu Bishvat Seder". All are welcome to the services and meals, so please pass on this invitation to your family, friends, near and far. For the musicians in the crowd, this is a \ time to show your talents, so please bring along any instruments and your voices as well.

It's now a new year, and like the song says, "Let's Get Excited"!!

Please RSVP to Joe Teichman at 705-295-6316. or email. If you are planning to attend the Pot Luck on Friday night and would like to contribute a dish, please let Joe know what you are bringing. After all, who wants to end up with 16 desserts (well maybe some of us…)?

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Join Cantor Benjamin Sharpe and the Peterborough Jewish Community for a night of Jewish music. Learn new songs and enjoy again the ones you already know. Contact Mark Siegel that you would like to participate in what should be a very entertaining evening. Please note that the event cannot be held unless at least 10 people are planning to come to this event and have notified Mark by Jan 11, Monday. Apologies for the late notice about this event. Please attend.

You can reach Mark at 292-8349 or email at Mark Siegel.

View pdf poster of the Music Event.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

As we all know, Jewish holidays are about historical events and biblical events and about getting us to lead the upright and proper lives that we should strive to lead or at the very least about getting us to think about how we can lead that sort of life. And of course, you all know that many of our teachings tell us that we must be good to our fellow men and we can only do that by also being good to ourselves. And of course, you all know that being good to your fellows and yourself also means enjoying the pleasures of life and sharing them with your friends, and of course you know that included in the pleasures of life is GOOD FOOD. All of which is to tell you what you already know, that somehow all Jewish holidays and I think even Yom Kippur, end up being somehow intertwined with GOOD FOOD. So, to help you make the most of the upcoming Chanukah holiday, Beth Israel has through great effort and arm-twisting, secured the services of a famous nationally known food writer and local cooking maven, our very own Evelyn Raab who has kindly agreed to act as Chef de Saison . Evelyn will be leading a hands on (or is that hands in) cooking session with a limited number of the congregation. The menu will be Chanukah in theme and involve the preparation of menu items at the shul. The Beth Israel Chanukah Cook Down cooking demo and interactive session is scheduled for Dec. 9, Wednesday at the Shul at 6 pm. Cooks are asked to bring an apron and an empty stomach (or perhaps a hungry relative) as participants will be consuming their masterpieces. Because of the nature of this event, spaces are limited to 8 to 10 participants, so if you want to take part, experienced or not, male or female, please RSVP to Mark Siegel as quickly as you can. Once he has an idea of the interest, Mark will confirm with those who have RSVP’d the further details of this event.

You can reach Mark at 292-8349 or email at Mark Siegel.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Saturday will begin with a Mincha service that includes a Torah reading. Following the service we will have a traditional late afternoon meal. This Shabbat session will include Havdala and Kumitz which involves singing with musical accompaniment.

Please forward any questions to Larry Gillman at 705-741-3393 or email Larry.gillman@freedom55financial.com so Shalom and Marcy can prepare.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The service will be followed by a Shabbat meal featuring traditional foods. This special evening will include Shabbat candle lighting, kiddush, hamotzi, traditional songs and food. At dinner we will have Shabbat zmirot which are dinner table songs.

Please contact Larry Gillman at 705-741-3393 or email Larry.gillman@freedom55financial.com if you can help out with food preparation.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

This is the true story of the largest counterfeiting operation in history, set up by the Nazis in Sachenhausen concentration camp. The objective was to destabilize the economy of Germany’s allied opponents. The inmate participants in the scheme were presented with a moral dilemma. Should they save themselves, or at least prolong their lives, while aiding their mortal enemies?

Who better to introduce this film and afterwards, to lead us in an exploration of the issues it raises, than Marilyn Herbert. Many of you will know Marilyn from her visits to Peterborough under the auspices of RJCO for book and movie evenings. You know that she will be well prepared with background information and research, and thought-provoking discussion topics that will lead to a stimulating evening. Not to be missed.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Born in France, Holocaust survivor Same Shene and his family lived a comfortable live until 1942 when the Vichy government and the Nazis formed a pact and deportations of Jews started. Hear through his first-hand account, the tragic events that befell his family and how some were saved through the actions of righteous gentiles at the risk of their own lives.

Growing up in the 1950’s and 1960’s, we all knew people who had numbers tattooed on their arms and we knew what those numbers meant. The number of living survivors of the events of 65 years ago is now declining rapidily and it is unlikely that the next generation will be able to hear personally from people who lived through this time. Therefore, attending this event is perhaps a special opportunity for teens and young adults, Jewish or not, to hear their story and to take their message to future generations. Not to be missed.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Dan and Kelli Houpt wish to invite you to the Bar Mitzvah of Noah Simon Baruch Houpt. Luncheon to follow.

Please RSVP to Drhoupt@aol.com.

!!!!!!Post Trick-or-Treat Costume Party and Dance at 7:30 p.m.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The service will be followed by a dairy Pot Luck supper hosted by Larry Gillman and Jenn Reid at their home. Please RSVP at 705-741-3393 or email Larry.gillman@freedom55financial.com to let them know of your attendance and obtain directions.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Mr. Yaron Deckel is the former Washington bureau chief and current Israeli talk show host and political analyst. His topic is "Whither Israel: Possible Outcomes in the Shadow of the New Administrations in Jerusalem and Washington" This is sure to be an interesting and stimulating topic with discussion to follow and Mr. Deckel is sure to some interesting insights into the current situation and where things could be headed. More details about this event are given in the downloadable flyer, Cordial Invite to UJA Campaign Brunch.

At Eric Cherney's home. Please RSVP to Mark Siegel (Tel: 705-292-8349 or Email: m.siegel@sympatico.ca)

Community Breaking of the Fast following the Shofar.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The Slice of Bread that Saved the World: Stories of Light from the Shoah, the Kingdom of Night.

We are very fortunate to have Eli Rubenstein, one of the chief forces behind the annual March of the Living as our guest speaker for this event. Perry Romberg of UIA will be bringing Mr. Rubenstein and will also be giving us his annual update on RJCO/UIA activities and plans for the outlying communities.

Eli Rubenstein is perhaps best known for his work as National Director of the March of the Living. However, this is but one facet of his extensive career that brings together holocaust remembrance and outreach to the Jewish world and the wider world that diaspora Jews live in. He is a key spokesperson for the Jewish community and a positive force for continuing education that aims to reinforce values of tolerance and justice. More details of this event and Mr. Rubinstein's accomplishments are described HERE

Erica Cherney will once again be generously opening her house to the community for this event, the last one for RJCO before the fall. For directions and RSVP, please contact Mark Siegel: Tel: 705-292-8349 or Email: m.siegel@sympatico.ca

On behalf of Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The Slice of Bread that Saved the World: Stories of Light from the Shoah, the Kingdom of Night.

We are very fortunate to have Eli Rubenstein, one of the chief forces behind the annual March of the Living as our guest speaker for this event. Perry Romberg of UIA will be bringing Mr. Rubenstein and will also be giving us his annual update on RJCO/UIA activities and plans for the outlying communities.

Eli Rubenstein is perhaps best known for his work as National Director of the March of the Living. However, this is but one facet of his extensive career that brings together holocaust remembrance and outreach to the Jewish world and the wider world that diaspora Jews live in. He is a key spokesperson for the Jewish community and a positive force for continuing education that aims to reinforce values of tolerance and justice. More details of this event and Mr. Rubinstein's accomplishments are described HERE

Erica Cherney will once again be generously opening her house to the community for this event, the last one for RJCO before the fall. For directions and RSVP, please contact Mark Siegel: Tel: 705-292-8349 or Email: m.siegel@sympatico.ca

On behalf of Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Kaballat Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Shalom Schachter and Marci Gilbert At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Following services there will be an Israeli dinner generously provided by the UIA. Linda Kislowicz, executive director will be joining us and will present a program on UIA supporting small communities, UIA around the world and its role in Israel etc. Discussion and questions very welcome.

Linda Kislowicz is a passionate and dedicated champion for the betterment of our global Jewish community. As the current Chief Executive Officer of UIA Federations Canada, Linda devotes her broad knowledge and compassion to educate communities on global Jewish issues and to help encourage support for Israel.

Linda has extensive experience working in the Jewish sector including serving as Executive Director of Montreal’s Jewish Community Centre and Executive Director of the Jewish Family Services of the Baron de Hirsch Institute in Montreal.

Linda will be visiting us accompanied by her husband Joe. Make them welcome in Peterborough by coming out to support this event.

Havadallah Service on Saturday Evening at 7:30 p.m. Location: Erica Cherney's Home

Havdallah Service led by Rabbi Shalom Schachter and Marci Gilbert. The program will include singing Zmirot, and a teaching.

Following this light refreshments will be served, and of course, you are encouraged to continue the discussions and the evenings enjoyment. Hope you can make it.

Please RSVP to Karen Fisher kfisher2@cogeco.ca if you are able to attend the dinner on Friday or the Saturday.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough and Erica Cherney's Home.

Once again in 2009, the Abraham Festival is coming to Peterborough. This is an important event in our community that fosters learning and constructive dialogue between local Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities. It helps us to build bridges with our neighbours and as members of a minority, this is extremely worthwhile, so do try to take in the events at Beth Israel Synagogue and the other community faith venues (Masjid Al-Salaam Mosque, St. Andrews United Church, St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church).

Beth Israel will host a Friday Shabbat Service, Saturday informal morning Torah study, light Kiddish, and Mincha and Havdallah services. PLEASE RSVP to Heather Pollock at heather.clearlake@gmail.com so that she can estimate numbers. See you all there.

For details about all the events go to: Abraham Festival

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The Israel Connection - 'The Birth of the State of Israel - '60 Years of Struggle, What can we Learn '

This year will mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. In keeping with the observances of this milestone, the RJCO will provide programs that will follow the general theme of the “The Israel Connection”. This event is one of these programs.

Details to follow.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Birkat who, you say. Yes indeed, the once every twenty-eight-years mitzvah! In a lifetime, you only get a few chances to do this, so why not this time. It won't happen again until 2037. "Once every 28 years, the Sun returns to the position it occupied when it was created at the beginning of the fourth day of creation". And Hashem made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night and the stars. And Hashem placed them in the sky of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from darkness; and Hashem saw that it was good. And it was evening and it was morning, a fourth day. [1]

And this is the year, and the date is April 8th 2009. See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkat_HaHammah. A resource for texts, programs and knowledge () http://www.kehillaton.com/en/articles_birkat_hachama.asp?c=1

The proper time would be in the morning on Wednesday, April 8. If you are interested in getting together to observe this unique event in Jewish life contact Miriam at miriamstucky@gmail.com.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The Israel Connection - 'Jewish Identity, the Diaspora and the Israeli Connection'

This year will mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. In keeping with the observances of this milestone, the RJCO will provide programs that will follow the general theme of the “The Israel Connection”. This event is one of these programs.

Details to follow.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We will review Jewish text on the subject and commit ourselves to one activity which can alleviate the suffering of the poor in the short term such as staffing on a recurring basis “out of the cold”, hot meals, or food banks as well as engage in lobbying governments for more systemic changes to create economic justice.

Saturday at 9:30 a.m.: abbreviated Shabbat service with Rabbi Schachter. Torah reading is about encountering the Amalakaites from whom Hamaan descended. Kiddish to follow.

Saturday at 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.: social justice panel - Miriam Stucky (Green Party), Len Lifchus (United Way Coordinator), Rabbi Shalom Schachter, and Ziysah Markson(Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty and Colour of Poverty). Emphasis to be placed on Jewish sources for social justice as well as why ending poverty and enhancing social justice requires removal of barriers for low income workers to unionize.

Saturday at 7:30 p.m.: Purim costume party and telling the story of Esther abbreviated megila reading mostly in English. (Story of Esther and related themes to issues of poverty)

Monday at 6:00 p.m.- Social action: In keeping with the Jewish tradition of giving at Purim, members of the Jewish community will take part in the free, weekly Food Not Bombs dinner at 6 pm at Peterborough City Hall (500 George St.). If you would like to help prepare food for the meal (welcome but not necessary), please communicate to Miriam or Ziysah, at .

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

The Israel Connection - ‘The Kibbutz - What has Happened to this Defining Israeli Institution’.

This year will mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. In keeping with the observances of this milestone, the RJCO will provide programs that will follow the general theme of the “The Israel Connection”. This event is one of these programs. Details to follow.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Judaism gives us opportunities to mark various lifecycle events from birth to death. The traditions are rich with rituals from Brit Milah for boys and Brit Chayyim for girls to mark the birth, to the Bar Mitzvah for boys and a Bat Mitzvah for girls to mark puberty to the ceremonies to celebrate a marriage and the rituals to observe at end of life. On this Shabbat weekend, we will explore the reasons for and elements of these rituals.

On Saturday night the community will enact an “old country” wedding (or Shtetl wedding). Parts will be distributed amongst the more interested shul members (the “Rabbi”, the “Shadchan” (matchmaker), the parents, the “bride” and the “groom”. Klezmer music will be played and the community will have the opportunity to dance and eat from a wonderful sweet table. The weekend will begin with the “ufruf”, the public announcement through an aliya in the Shabbat morning service and then the “wedding” in the evening after a community Havdallah service.

Here are the times and events:

Friday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m.: Kaballat Shabbat evening service followed by discussion.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.: Shabbat morning learning service including:Aufruf (aliyah of the bride and the groom – who will be the lucky couple – watch this space) Bat Mitzvah for Rose Brewda followed by Kiddush.

Saturday Feb. 7, 7 p.m.: Shtetl (old country) wedding with Klezmer music, dancing & noshes

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Trying to understand what is going on in Israeli politics? Can’t sort out the “Cholet” of parties in the one of the few truly proportional representation parliaments in the world (if not the only one – help me out here)? Here’s your chance to be part of the process and to get it to make some sense, by participating in a mock election that will be held at Beth Israel synagogue on Jan 14th at 7:00 pm and organized by RJCO.

Our schaliach, Eitan Grinspun will be leading this event. Participants will be able to join parties, learn about and defend their positions and debate with the opposition. What a great way to develop and better understanding of the dynamics of Israeli politics. And what a challenging time Israel is facing at the moment, so no better time to come to grips with the issues. For more information, please see the event flyer. As in any democracy, the more participants, the more meaningful it becomes, so do make the effort to join in, so come and participate in what promises to be a stimulating, educational and very enjoyable evening. Refreshments will be served.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Everyone welcome for fun and frivolity. RSVP to Larry Gillman if you are to attend: larry.gillman@freedom55financial.com.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

On Dec. 9 at 7:00 p.m., Perry Romberg of UIA and RJCO will be honouring the Peterborough community by bringing Eli Rubenstein, National Director of the March of the Living, to Peterborough to speak to us. A published writer and storyteller, Mr. Rubenstein is also Director of Education for March of Remembrance and Hope, an organization designed to teach students of all faiths and backgrounds about the grave consequences of prejudice and hatred. Have a look at his extensive and impressive, click HERE to do so. Perry Romberg who is well known to our community will give a presentation on the UIA programs and their relevance to small Jewish communities like ours, that is RJCO, and Israeli connections.

This promises to be a memorable and thought-provoking evening, so mark it on your calendar.

The event will start at 7:00 pm and refreshments will be served.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Dan Houpt is leading the services.

Judi and Jean-Pierre Cahorn have generously volunteered to host the traditional potluck following the services. Please RSVP to her so that she knows that you are coming and can coordinate what is being brought. Please call Judi 745-3988 or email her at judi.cahorn@yahoo.ca to let her know and get directions to her home.

If you would like to host one of these dinners, could you please get in touch with Dan or with Ron and let one of us know. We are going to try and assemble a list of dates and potluck venues. Keep raising those hands please.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Award winning film, "Rosenstrasse" that takes place in Berlin, early 1943. The Nazis rounded up Jewish men in Berlin at that time. As the men were detained in a building on Rosenstrasse, their non-Jewish wives and mothers gathered daily in silent protest until their release. Click HERE for more details.

For a listing and details about other Holocaust Education Week events in other locations, go to the holocausteducationweek.com web site.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Survivor Faige Libman is to present her personal testimony. Faige was born in Kaunas (Kovno) Lithuania. As a young child, she and her mother lived in the Kovno Ghetto and were later transferred to the Stuthof Concentration Camp before being liberated by the Soviet Red Army. She lived in a Displaced Persons camp in Austria, annd came to Canada in 1948. Click HERE for more details.

It is planned to start each evening by reading the names of victims of the Holocaust that are family members or relatives of our Beth Israel community, in order to remember these victims who are special to us as well as to remind us of the human face of victims both of the Jewish Holocaust of WWII and of other such events before and sadly, since. We would like to get started as soon as possible on collecting these names and Mark Siegel is looking after this, so please send them to him at Mark Siegel . Along with the names, please send the name of the city or place where they were living, if you know this (or the country if you only know that) and what relation they are to you.

Please keep the dates open and RSVP to Mark Siegel if you are able to attend either or both nights.

For a listing and details about other Holocaust Education Week events in other locations, go to the holocausteducationweek.com web site.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Community Breaking of the Fast following the Shofar

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

1) To discuss the new community direction established at the March 30th vision day. The information is attached;

2) To talk about the status of additional items that are critical to the community;

3) To reaffirm the current board of director, and provide an opportunity for others to step forward.

Please feel free to email Larry Gillman if you have any questions or comments: larry.gillman@freedom55financial.com.

For more information about the Vision Day, click here: Vision Day.

Kabbalat Shabbat Services on May 9th at 6:00 p.m. Morning service May 10th at 10:00 a.m. followed by community luncheon in the social hall. Dance Party at 7:30 pm (for the young adults!).

Please RSVP to Drhoupt@aol.com.

Supported by Beth Israel Synagogue with Rabbi Shalom Schacter as it's Representative.

After introductions, persons are to do a theological reflections (@ 15-20 minutes) from their tradition. Rabbi Schachter will be doing so ... on the topic of the day. ... What theme or traditions might be invoked to assist the participants to have a sense of larger ethical/ theological issues which they should bring to the poverty reduction strategy ... how does government reduce the growing gap between the rich and poor as a principle? OR might we ask whether faith communities need to question their participation in charity -- and seek justice -- yet struggle with making sure that people are not hungry or "out in the cold".

Everyone from the Peterborough community is welcome to attend. If you have questions about registration and the events that day please contact Rabbi Schachter: shaloms@ona.org.

From: The London Movie Review:

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/films/the-namesake-film-review-17327.html

What's it all about?

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, The Namesake covers three decades in the life of the Ganguli family. After surviving a horrific train crash, Ashoke Ganguli (Irfan Khan) agrees to an arranged marriage with lively singer Ashima (Tabu) in 1977 Calcutta, before relocating to New York to start a family. Years pass and the Gangulis' son Gogol (Kal Penn), named after Ashoke's favourite author, grows into a promising architect, married to a rich American girl (Jacinda Barrett). However, Gogol struggles to come to terms with his Bengali heritage, neglecting his parents and even going so far as to hide his given name from his wife and her family. Definitely Worth seeing? An impressively directed, gorgeously photographed drama that is extremely rewarding. It'll also make you want to a) book a holiday to India and b) call your mother. Recommended, 4 stars.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Your shul executive has been working on ways to make Beth Israel more responsive to the needs of all members of this community, members and non-members alike. What do you want from a synagogue? What do you see as its role? These are just some of the questions that need to be discussed so that the executive can respond to what the community wants, and Beth Israel can be a place that is relevant to you and your needs and wishes. Every voice is important and needs to be heard so please mark you calendar for this important day, and make every effort to participate in helping to set the agenda for the future of this community.

Meeting Objectives:

• Describe the warm and vibrant Jewish Community we want in Peterborough.
• Consider ways to work together to create that community.
• Develop a plan that “will work for us”.
• Get commitments from among us to begin implementing the plan.

Professional Facilitator from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

• 1:00 - Registration, St. Alphonsus
• 1:30 - Workshops
• 4:00 - Readings/Music with children
• 4:30 - Vegetarian Potluck
• 6:00 - Keynote address - Dr. Khaleel Mohammed
• 7:30 - Closing of the day.

Our Keynote Speaker is Dr. Khaleel Mohammed a professor of religion from San Diego State Univeristy. . He will be speaking about Ending Stereotypes. You can locate more information here: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~khaleel/.

Registration is required but last minute attendees are welcome. The free for the day is $15.00 and $10 for students/seniors. Please let Heather Pollock know if you require a registration form heather.clearlake@gmail.com.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

• The annual Israel update and review of hot topics concerning the renewed peace efforts given the current Israeli political atmosphere. Presenter: Eitan Grinspun, Youth Movement Shaliach, Habonim Dror/Camp Gesher & RJCO
• News about the arrival of Darfurian Aliyot
• Audience discussion and questions

A little bit of Eitan’s Biography, for those who have not met him:

Graduate of the International Relations Program, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Eitan’s main topics of interest were world politics, Middle Eastern affairs, medieval history and Spanish.

Returning to Israel after his military service and typical (for Israelis) post-service world travel, Eitan started to work with the “Habonim Dror” youth movement from Australia where he organized the program for Australian children visiting Israel (much like our kids go to Israel with the RCJO program). Eitan received training at “Gesher”, an institution which tries to bring together secular and religious/traditional Jews to talk together and promote tolerance.

His last work was at Tel-Aviv University as a manager of the student dormitories. This line of work brought him closer to the diversity of Israeli society represented by the wide different range of students from different backgrounds, Israelis, Arabs, new immigrants, Ethiopians, Russians, North American students and more. From this experience, he learned a great deal firsthand, about different challenges that Israel society is facing.

Eitan is starting his second year in Canada as the RJCO Shaliach. He is very interested in the way people relate to Israel and how Israel is portrayed in the Canadian community. He is still highly connected to the Israeli news and loves to interact with Canadian Jews and to hear what people think about developments in Israel and in world Jewry.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

This will be a fun night for everyone and includes:

Dinner with stacks and stacks of delicious homemade potato latkes!

A Hanukkah piñata to swing at filled with all kinds of goodies, compliments of Mark Siegel!!

Live Klezmer music featuring our very own Ken Brown accompanied by friend Curtis Driedger (and there may be some other surprise musical guests)!!!

A Hanukkah play put on by the Hebrew school!!!!

Fun, games and so much more!!!!!!

All this (and more) for a mere $5 per person to cover the costs, or $20 per family. (such a deal – who can resist?) !!!!!!

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Marilyn Herbert will facilitate a discussion on the major themes presented in this compelling film. Join Marilyn (of RJCO book club fame) in this discussion. As always, she brings a wealth of background information and insights into the topic that make the discussions especially lively and relevant.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Speaker Moshe Frankfurter is David Frankfurter's son. He is a lawyer residing in Jerusalem.

Please make sure that you mark this important event on you calendar and try to attend. The talk is a fascinating one given by a person who, as the son of the principal character, has first hand knowledge of the events, and it is particularly relevant as we see a rise in the popularity and spread of intolerant views in our own western liberal societies. Is assassination an answer? Is it even a viable strategy? A suicide bomber might agree. What do you think? Join the discussion and explore this topic. What lessons can we apply today to what we learn of this event?

For more information, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Frankfurter

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Both the Youth Aliyah and UIA invitations will be mailed out shortly, but mark the date of this unique event on your calendar.

Added Bonus Program (time permitting) - Movie: "Jewboy" by our own Jared Raab, starring familiar community faces.

Please contact Heather Pollock to RSVP 743-8671 or heather.clearlake@gmail.com for additional information. Click HERE for poster details.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

• Jocelyn and Jerry Cooper performing a selection of Yiddish songs accompanied by Jocelyn on the autoharp, Jerry on guitar!!!
• Dan and Kellie Houpt - Dan will blow the Shofar, Dan and Kellie will perform a Hebrew song(s)!!!
• Zelig Pollock will read selections from the works of A.M. Klein!!! Ken Brown and his associate Curtis will perform Klezmer music!!!

For more information about this Abraham Festival event and others please CLICK this link: Faith Through the Arts.

Event Cancelled. Speaker Unavailable. Apologies for any inconveniences.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Among other areas of research Cyril Levitt describes his current research interests: "German-Jews in Israel: The research is concerned with two fundamental issues: identity and inter-generational relations. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected in 1988-89 and 1992-93 in Israel. The research is currently in the data anaylsis stage. There is a rich quantitative data set which can provide years of fruitful and interesting analysis. In his co-edited book "Under the Shadow of Weimar", Cyril Levitt examines the use of criminal and civil law against racial encitement in different countries. The impact of these laws and their effects are given serious consideration." More details related to Dr. Levitt's research can be found at two sites: http://socserv.mcmaster.ca/sociology/levitt.htm and http://www.socsci.mcmaster.ca/sociology/research/theory.cfm.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

A Woman's Struggle Against Intolerance

In her lifetime, Eva has battled against the discrimination of being uneducated (as a result of her extreme Orthodox upbringing), of an interracial marriage, of being an outcast from her surviving family, of being an immigrant, a widow and a single parent. During all of these struggles she sought to deal with the haunting nightmares of the holocaust and she emerged with a victorious spirit and the courage to bring a message of hope to young people. She is internationally renowned as a speaker on character building and has been honoured by many educational groups.

No charge. All are welcome.

Join Emma and Eitan for this showing of the Israeli movie, West Bank Story, which takes a slightly off-beat but nonethless worthwhile look at the relation between Israelis and Palestinians and where it has come from, and where it has evolved to today. The movie will be followed by refreshments and a lively discussion on the content of the film and on the Israeli/Palestinian situation, a topic that is always current and worth thinking and talking about.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

As you know, Tu B'Shvat is upon us. This is the new year for the trees and gives us an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the benefits we receive every day from the trees that HaShem gives us. The Beth Israel community is encouraging people to support Jewish National Fund and its work by donating money to trees in Israel. Beth Israel community members are encouraged to donate by sending a cheque for any amount to Mac Allan. The money collected will be pooled and donated to JNF. A tree is planted in Israel for every $18 that is collected, and if we can collect $900, a whole garden will be planted on behalf of our community. Beth Israel will be issuing income tax receipts for all monies donated.

If you wish to participate in the community drive, please make your cheques out to Beth Israel Congregation and forward them to Mac Allan, either at:

Mac Allan 285 Cottonwood Drive Peterborough ON, K9J 6N5 or Mac Allan c/o BDO Dunwoody LLP P. O. Box 1018 Peterborough, ON K9J 7A5

If you have any questions, contact Ben Powers at benny.powers@gmail.com . Thank You and Hag Sameach! Ben Powers

At Beth Israel Synagogue, Peterborough. RSVP: Heather Pollock at hchalmers@cogeco.ca or 743-8671

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

Nate spent 3 years in the Sosnowiec Ghetto and on August 1st 1943 at the age of 15 was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau. He was one of very few to leave Birkenau after 12 weeks and be sent to Germany to the Concentration Camp of Fuenfteichen, a commando camp of Gross Rosen

Nate is a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Fuenfteichen, Gross Rosen, Flossenberg, Leonberg , Muelldorf am Inn and Ampfing-Waldlager, the last two were sub-camps of Dachau. Nate and his father were liberated by the 3rd US army on May 2, 1945. Sick with typhoid fever Nate almost died after liberation.

Nate is involved in many aspects of Jewish and Holocaust education. He served on the Boards of Directors of Leo Baeck School and The Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto (CHAT). In 1972/74 Nate served as President of Temple Emanu-El.

For the last 45 years Nate has been active in Holocaust education. He is a past-chairman of the Holocaust Remembrance Committee of Toronto and co-founder of the Toronto Holocaust Centre, for which he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada. In 1985 Nathan co-chaired the Holocaust Survivors and their Children Gathering in Ottawa. Gathering was attended by 3500 Survivors and their children from across Canada. He is a member of the board of directors of the Jewish Holocaust Survivors of Canada and The United Restitution Organization (URO).

He is the past chairman of the National Holocaust Remembrance Committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress. Nate has represented the Canadian Jewish Congress and was appointed by the Prime Minister of Poland to Auschwitz International Council; he served on the council from 1990 to 2006. In 2004 Nate was decorated with the Officer's Meritorious Service Medal by the President of Poland for his work to foster better relations between Poles and Jews.

In 1998, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006 Nate accompanied the March of the Living to Poland and Israel as a resource person and survivor.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

hosted by Erica Cherney at 99 Roper Drive

PLEASE RSVP Heather Pollock at 743-8671 or hchalmers@cogeco.ca

11:00 Coffee

11:15 Introduction of special guest, MP Dean del Mastro and Community Thank you.

11:30 Brunch

12:15 Guest speakers

Perry Romberg, Director, Campaign and Regional Community Services UIA Federations Canada and Steven Shulman Executive Director and Legal Counsel Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region

At the Peterborough Centennial Museum on Hunter Street East, Champlain College will be co-sponsoring a 4th Line Theatre public reading of Alex Poch-Goldin's new play in development, "The Right Road to Pontypool." The play explores the experiences of Pontypool's historic Jewish community and offers insight into a little known but crucial aspect of this region's ethnic character. Everyone is welcome to attend. A reception will follow the reading.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.

At Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough.