On Shabbat Mitketz, B’Nai Shalom v’Tikvah welcomed back an “old friend”. Rabbi Elyse
Goldstein, Rabbi Emeritus from City Shul, returned to lead Shabbat services.
Why returned? When BSvT was just establishing a “home”,
Rabbi Goldstein was just establishing herself in Toronto and agreed to lead Shabbat
services at our congregation. However after one year she established an adult Jewish
learning center in Toronto and also served as an assistant rabbi at Holy Blossom
Temple and therefore she was no longer available to continue her role with BSvT.
Now in retirement Rabbi Goldstein was delighted to accept our invitation to once again
lead Shabbat services at B’Nai Shalom v’ Tikvah.
During our Shabbat service, it was apparent that Rabbi Goldstein still remains very
much a teacher, often pausing during the service to ask about the minhag (custom)
practiced at our congregation regarding our prayer practices while also explaining the
various practices of other traditions.
Since this year Shabbat Miketz occurs during Hanukkah, Rabbi Goldstein had agreed to
be our latke judge for the kiddish. During the judging Rabbi Goldstein informed our latke
makers how their contribution matched the various traditions in Judaism. There was a
traditional latke, a conservative latke entry, a reform latke and even a reconstructionist
latke!
Congratulations (and thank you) to Andrea, Wenda, Lupe, Aviva, Anneli and Joanie for supplying your delicious and original latkes for the congregation to enjoy. (Special recognition to Michael who entered the latke competition as a rookie. His first ever latke creations and they were a marvel.
Also a Mazel Tov to Max, Leo and Sam for their contributions to our Shabbat
worship. It is always special when our younger congregants agree to accept honours at
our worship services.)
Following latkes and suvganyot Rabbi Goldstein’s Torah study focused on the origins of
many of the traditions of Hanukkah. A special ending to a special Shabbat. Thank you also to Harley who chauffeured Rabbi Goldstein and her husband from Toronto and Sera-Lynn who assisted with some childdren’s activities during the service.
During the latke competition it was announced that Ingrid and Howard
have been elected to the Latke Makers Hall of Fame!
