Av 24, 5767

Dear Congregants and Friends,

     I was recently invited by Illan and Hadie Cohen to their son's bris in London, England. Illan from Paris and Hadie from Liverpool met in Toronto four years ago. Illan was working for a French bank and Hadie was pursuing a master's degree in international law at U of T. They have Minsker memories of finding each other, new friendships, and a deeper commitment to Judaism. Their bond with the Minsk has remained fresh and a year after they left Toronto I officiated at their wedding in Paris. Now, two years later, I attended the bris of their son, Nehtael Tzvi in London. Mazel Tov!
     While overseas, I stayed at the home of a television commercial producer, who has enjoyed the Shabbos hospitality at the Minsk on more than one occasion. The Minsk's Shabbos hospitality creates friendships around the world. It doesn't just end on Saturday night!
     This year we have experienced an unprecedented number of Shul simchas, (bli ayin hara). Mazel Tov to David and Natalie, Blair and Tara, Barry and Brenda, Jay and Aliza, Avrum and Aliza, Michael and Naomi, Michael and Andrea, Shloime and Chava, Anna and Mark, Steve and Masha, and others.
     Our heart and thoughts are with our dear friends Mel and Maya in Israel. We pray that their daughter Tamar should have a complete and healthy recovery. Please daven, pray, for Tamar Kaila bas Masha Maya.
     Special thanks to our board and all our volunteers for their time and dedicated efforts on behalf of the shul. A special thanks to Michael and Carol Baratz, Ian Leventhal, Isaac and Barbara Givon, Moshe and Audrey Rubner, and all others who helped make our fundraiser with the Tahmila Ensemble from Israel a success.
     This has been a busy year with university students. They have availed themselves of our classes, dinners, counseling, and "partying". We are ecstatic to see their newfound confidence and commitment to Jewish observance. It is gratifying that the shul has had such an impact on their lives.
     On a daily basis, with the help of the shul, many of Toronto's disenfranchised Jews are learning to integrate into the community and absorb Jewish values. Our unique approach was appreciated by a doctor from CAMH who recently visited the shul. Also, every Sunday morning we host an AA meeting at the shul.
     The downtown Jewish population is growing. The warmth and spirit of our shul together with its classes and lectures, events and celebrations, weekly Shabbatonim and daily services, are creating a community. We have continued to act as host to many needs of downtown hospital patients as well as tourists. Our location places unique responsibilities at our doorstep.
     As you can see, the shul has many different dynamics interacting under one roof. We know you have a warm spot for the Minsk. We now turn to each one of you to help us make that unique difference. Please refer to the enclosed form to help cover the shul's operating expenses and support our special programs. Partner with us in these important mitzvos. Please consider sponsoring an evening of classes ($180). Torah education restores our vitality. Or, sponsor a weekly Shabbos meal(s). Our Shabbos meals will then be an extension of your Shabbos table. Sponsoring can be in honor of, in memory of, or for the speedy recovery of someone dear to you. We are taught that through giving charity the one you save may really be you!
     On behalf of the shul, the board, and my family, I want to thank you for your continued support and wish you a year dipped in honey.

Rabbi Spero