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news from kol ami

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Read about current events, articles on happenings around the congregation. To submit your article, please e-mail admin@kolami.ca

president's message august 2013

on Tuesday, 30 July 2013

FROM TAL SCHIERAU

Community

Several months ago I was thinking about our community and what it means to be a part of Kol Ami. I was reminded of a story about a man who was old and dying. He had ten sons, and one day he summoned them all to come and see him. He told each of his sons to go out, find a stick, and bring it to him. Once all of his sons had returned with their sticks, he told them each in turn to break their sticks, which they did with ease.

He then told them to go out once again, find another stick and bring it back. When they returned, he asked for all of the sticks. He put the sticks together and asked his sons, one at a time, to take the entire goup of sticks and break them. Each tried, but not one of them could break the group of sticks. Once the last son had tried and failed, he told them that just like the sticks, alone they are not as strong as they are together. His message was basically to support each other and together you will always remain strong.

This is not a Torah story, but I like the message it conveys: together we are strong and vibrant. That is our community as I see it. Let me explain. This past summer, we had a number of families who lost loved ones. In our tradition as Jews and as the Kol Ami community, we came together to offer our support during difficult times. Whether it was an ear to bend, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone in need of a hug, our community came together and we helped bring some strength to our fellow Kolamites when they needed it most.

In like fashion, we have had summer services, which at times were led by those in our community. They never skipped a beat and everyone who attended services helped to strengthen the voices of our service leaders. In true Kol Ami fashion, we came together and strengthened each other.

Our community is strong and vibrant because of our members. As we quickly approach High Holy Days, we will worship together as a community. And as the story's message conveys, together our voices will be strong and may we all have a sweet and happy new year.

L'Shanah Tova

Tal Schierau, President

president's message jun 2013

on Monday, 27 May 2013

KATHY STEIN, JUNE 2013

Greetings to the Kol Ami Community! 

As my term as your president draws to an end, I have had a chance to reflect about the past two years - and what a time it has been!

We have:

  • welcomed Rabbi Micah Streiffer and his family to Kol Ami;
  • carried our Torahs home to our sacred space and our beautiful surroundings;
  • dedicated our spiritual home, and thanked those who made its establishment possible;
  • delighted in the installation of Rabbi Streiffer, and were honoured by the presence of Rabbi Judith Schindler at the occasion;
  • entered our 25th anniversary year and had Alan Goodis lead us in a musical Shabbat; and
  • enjoyed an amazing gala celebration at On the Rox.
  • Kol Ami is a place to celebrate!

We have:

  • added new families, new faces, new friends, and even had a few new members born into our Kol Ami community;
  • lost dear ones, some well before their time;
  • attracted and connected people in many ways and manners;
  • turned bystanders into participants and participants into engaged volunteers and leaders; and
  • measured our success in the relationships we have established and nurtured.
  • Kol Ami is a place to engage!

We have:

  • taken every opportunity to learn - in our religious school, at Torah study, with our educational and inspirational programming;
  • pursued social action and the repairing of the world - for those out of the cold, for those who have little, for those who need a helping hand; and
  • stretched and challenged ourselves - by facing difficult times, managing finanical constraints, saying goodbye to longtime staff members and welcoming new ones.
  • Kol Ami is a place to thrive!

I have:

  • had the pleasure of partnering with Rabbi Streiffer these past two years, and have found him to be a brilliant teacher with deep insight and wisdom and boundless enthusiasm and energy;
  • been given the honour of working with an incredible group of people, as Board members, committee chairs, doers and leaders;
  • had the privilege of serving as your president with the exceptional opportunity to be part of your Temple life and to share in your simchas and achievements;
  • complete confidence in and admiration of Tal Schierau, who has been an amazing vice president and will be an exceptional leader in his term to follow; and
  • not enough words to express my appreciation and thanks to all members of Kol Ami.
  • Kol Ami is the only place for me!

Thank you for a wonderful two years!

Kathy Stein

kol ami mitzvah day

on Wednesday, 26 June 2013. 

JUNE 2, 2013

In Judaism, one of our most important values is to perform Tikkun Olam - acts that repair the world. We live that value on a regular basis at Kol Ami, and we are proud that June 2nd was our first annual Mitzvah Day. What an amazing day it turned out to be!

A delectable breakfast in the gym, generously sponsored by the Zwaigenbaum and Prut families, got everyone in an energized mood. After a teaching and song from Rabbi Streiffer about Tikkun Olam, we set off on our mitzvah projects.

While some members were loading up toys and children's books to be donated to Ronald McDonald House, others were sorting grocery bags of non-perishable food items and toiletries to be delivered to Covenant House for Homeless Youth. Yet another group followed team leaders, Shelley Yampolsky and Reesa Wasser, into the chapel to exquisitely decorate cards to be delivered to Canadian, Israeli and US soldiers deployed overseas.

Two groups headed offsite to do mitzvot out in the world. We brought interactive yoga and a wonderful magic show to the residents of Leisureworld Cheltenham Nursing Home. We also brought smiles to the faces of the young patients at Ronald McDonald House with a hilarious clown, magic, face painting, toy donations and fun! Marty the magician had an ever eager pool of assistants from the young audience. It was the most heart-warming and yet humbling experience to see all those valiant little faces light up with such delight. Our fixed smiles echoed their joy, yet many of us choked back tears as we thought of the many battles that these courageous children face every day.

Kol Ami cannot save the world or cure cancer, but we can make a difference in the lives of the elderly and infirm, the sick and the frightened, the hungry and the cold. We can stretch out our hands to give some comfort, some food, some clothes, some laughter, some music and some joy, and somewhere lighten the souls of the lost and the lonely. Mitzvah Day 2013 is just the beginning and there is no end to the mitzvot that w can do together to make a difference. Join us next year for another stirring and meaningful Mitzvah Day, packed with adventure. Also, please join us throughout the year as we perform inspiring, innovative and just "feel good" mitzvot.

Marleine Kay, Mitzvah Day 2013 Co-Chair

Rabbi's note: Special thanks to 2013 Mitzvah Day Co-Chairs, Marleine Kay and Annie Papernick, and all of the members of the Social Action Committee. We look forward to next year!

jews and booze - an adult education recap

on Tuesday, 21 February 2012. 

BY KAREN HECKER


Congratulations to Rabbi Streiffer, Barry Bernstein and Barry Stein for hosting a fabulous evening at  Still 
Waters Distillery. On Saturday, January 21, 2012, forty members of Temple Kol Ami had an amazing time 
learning about the role that booze has played for Jews in history via a look at the texts of the Bible and Talmud and, how we view booze today. Great dialogue was had by all who participated in this fun and educational discussion. From the use of wine for spiritual enlightenment, to celebratory events, and examples of how booze was used as a tool to coerce and influence one’s judgment told via stories in the Bible and Talmud. The evening contained some very interesting stories and discussions relating to how booze played a part in Jewish history.


The evening proceeded with a great discussion lead by Barry Bernstein as well as an opportunity to schmooze with fellow congregants.  Barry educated everyone on the distillation process of spirits via live demonstration of a single malt whisky right on the premises. Everyone was fascinated by the process and many people were engaged and asked many questions. Barry Stein later explained the inner-workings of a Micro-Distillery in Ontario and then, got right down to what everyone was waiting for – the samples of their Premium Whisky. 

The evening was successful in part due to Kathy’s Cosmos and Melanie’s Martinis which were a big hit during the evening and, allowed everyone to sample Still Waters Single Malt Vodka. Many thanks go to Dan Mair for  his coordination, planning and execution of this event. The evening wouldn’t be a success without the joint support of the Social Committee and the Adult Education Committee.  And, special thanks to EVERYONE who came out and made this event a success!


 If anyone is interested in learning more about Still Waters Distillery and their offerings, please visit their web site www.stillwatersdistillery.com or, visit their Retail Store located at 150 Bradwick Drive, Unit #26, Concord.  


Become a fan of the TKA Facebook Page so you can check out the cool pics of this event. Click here.
 

laughing our yarmulkes off

on Sunday, 04 March 2012


Joey's Mum: So, Joey, what did you learn in Religious School today
Joey: Well, Mum, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.
Joey's Mum: Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you 
Joey: Well, no, Mum. But if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!
 

One of the great contributions that the Jewish people have made to society is our humour. It is, in part, an escape from the world - perhaps a response to our sometimes-tragic history. But it is also a confrontation with the world - a way of looking at society with an eye that is thoughtful, critical and mildly absurd all at the same time. We have always believed that God must have a sense of humour. Why else would the age of Bar Mitzvah - when you chant Torah in front of everyone you know - be the same as the age of voice cracking?!
 
On the whole, Jewish tradition teaches us to take life very seriously. It empowers and commands us to make the world a better place, to cause God to dwell among us, and to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy people." These are serious obligations, especially in serious times such as the present. But at the same time, Judaism commands us to enjoy life - to create community through fellowship, music, and good food, and to approach the world with a sense of humour. Even the Bible has comedic moments. One of the better known is the farce of Balaam, a prophet who is hired to curse the Israelites but fails because his talking donkey refuses to walk up a hill. (There is definitely a Shrek reference to be made in there somewhere!)
 
The best known example of Jewish comedy, however, is the Megillah - the story of Esther and Mordecai saving the Jewish people from certain destruction through bravery, seduction, a little bit of manipulation, and a lot of luck. It is, interestingly, the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. But the Rabbis argue that God is present, hidden in the actions of the story's heroes. In fact, the name Esther means "hidden" in Hebrew.
 
We read the book of Esther every year on Purim because it reminds us that sometimes heroism comes from unexpected places, and that it is good to be able to laugh at ourselves. We need Purim: We need to look the world in the eye and laugh. We need a reminder that God is always present... even when God seems to be hidden, and even when God seems to be joking.
Please join us for this year's "Grease" Purim celebration on Wednesday, March 7 at 6:00 pm. Food, fun, and the opportunity to see your friends - and your rabbi - making fools of themselves! More details
 
Bitzchok - With Laughter,

Rabbi Micah

2012 Barry & Dawn Bernstein Family Scholar In Residence Weekend Presents Dr. Frank Bialystok Presents Dr. Frank Bialystok

on Wednesday, 21 March 2012

SETTLEMENT, ADAPTATION, AND DIVERSITY: THE JEWS OF CANADA; MARCH 30-31, 2012

Join us as we welcome Dr. Frank Bialystok for a weekend of learning. 

Interfaith Symposium with Rabbi Streiffer

on Thursday, 07 June 2012. 

Interfaith Symposium
Thursday, June 7- 6:45 pm
moderated by Mayor David Barrow of Richmond Hill
  

  • Rabbi Streiffer will be a panellist in this interfaith symposium organized by the Richmond Hill Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
  • Speakers of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim background will present their religions' views on interfaith harmony.
  • Refreshments will be served.

Event held at the Langstaff Community Centre,
155 Red Maple Road in Munshaw Gym A

2012  Annual general meeting

on Sunday, 10 June 2012

Annual General Meeting
 
Monday, June 25, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Temple Kol Ami, 36 Atkinson Avenue
In accordance with Article 7, Section 4 of the Temple Constitution, Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Temple Kol Ami will be held at 7:30 o'clock in the evening of June 25, 2012 at 36 Atkinson Avenue, Thornhill.
The nominating committee has met and put forward a slate for election to the Board.  There have been no other nominations for election.  Therefore, the following individuals will be acclaimed as elected to the Board of Directors:
Nicole Arnold
Jay Kowal
Jeff Bornstein
Lynda Levenstein
Tracey Edelist
Dan Mair
David Katz
Elaine Page
The congregation will hear reports from the President and Treasurer.  Minutes from the June 2011 Annual General Meeting will be approved.  Copies of this document are available upon request from the Temple office.
If you are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting but wish to be represented as part of the meeting quorum, please appoint another member who is attending as your proxy.  

Pow Wow Event - August 18-19, 2012

on Wednesday, 01 August 2012

 

president's message september 2014

on Wednesday, 03 September 2014.

WELCOME AND WELCOME BACK!

Welcome to all the new members who have joined Kol Ami this summer. I am looking forward to seeing you at services and Religious School over the next few weeks. Welcome back to all our returning members. Thank you for choosing Kol Ami as your community. I know that many among us depend on the Kol Ami community in all sorts of ways. I depend on Kol Ami as a place to pray communally, where I can receive thoughtful religious leadership from Rabbi Streiffer and beautiful singing from the Choir and my fellow congregants. I depend on Kol Ami as a place to educate my children. All three of my children have benefitted from Kol Ami’s Religious School and I have enjoyed celebrating their ritual milestones as well as the conversations that are generated from what they learn in their classes. I depend on Kol Ami as a place to be educated. Weekly Torah Study sessions and regular educational programs have enriched my understanding of Judaism and stimulated thinking about Israel, ethics, Jewish identity, other religions; the list goes on and on. I also depend on Kol Ami as a social circle. I have made many friends at Kol Ami who I celebrate with, mourn with, raise my children with and simply hang out and have a good time with. That’s what our community is for. 

As 5774 draws to a close and we enter a time of reflection, I encourage you to think about what Kol Ami means to you and also what you want it to mean to you and your family. In 5775, our leadership is focusing on facilitating relationships amongst members. We want this to be the strongest, most resourceful and reliable community that it can be, for every member. I encourage you to think about what that means to you and then share your thoughts with me and/or other Board members. We want to strengthen our community together and have it reflect the needs and visions of our members.

Thank you for investing your time, dollars, heart and soul into Kol Ami. I believe it is the best investment that we can make. I look forward to sharing High Holidays with all of you.

Shana Tova,

Tal Schierau, President

Tue, May 13 2025 15 Iyar 5785