Elul 5771

Dear Congregants and Friends

This summer, some 30 volunteers, have been plastering, painting, repairing and cleaning at the Shul on different Sundays. This project was organized by Coby Segall of “The House” [thehousetoronto.com]. The Shul looks refreshed and happy. Please come and see for yourself. Yasher Koach to Coby, Oren, Jason and the entire crew. Additional needed repairs are planned. Also, our deepest thanks to our amazing team of volunteers throughout the year. They should receive all the blessings described in the prayer “Mi Shebarach”. [Art Scroll Sfard pgs. 490-491]

Recently my thoughts travelled back to the davening on Rosh Hashana at my yeshiva high school, Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland,Ohio. After davening Maariv on the first night of Rosh Hashana the whole yeshiva wished each other “Shana Tova”. It was said with such enthusiasm that this part of the evening took longer than the davening. This taught me that Shana Tova isn’t only a holiday greeting. It is a blessing that comes to our defense in the heavenly court. Shana Tova unites us in judgement and conveys that we have a stake in each others future.

The Shul continues to be a downtown hub of Jewish life during the weekdays and Shabbos. Our spirited weekly Shabbos meals both night and day bring together locals, students, hospital patient families, and visitors from all over. This unique service in Toronto allows anyone to celebrate a Shabbos meal …. …. Recently, close to 100 participants enjoyed and drew inspiration from a Shabbaton – Melava Malka with Rabbi Avrohom Trugman from Eretz Yisroel… Our vital work with the homeless and disenfranchised continues daily.

Thank you for your continued support. It enables us to provide the various services available at the Shul and to carry out the unique responsibilities that reach our doorstep.

Lchayim and Shana Tova, (a blessing), for the year 5772

Rabbi Shmuel Spero