—tammuz/av 5780 beth shalom synagogue bulletin€¦ · a message from your rabbi, steven...
TRANSCRIPT
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
A Message from your Rabbi, Steven Schwarzman
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
At the end of June, Bettina and I had the chance to visit Jasper for a few days. We had
never seen the Rockies up close, and now we have enjoyed both the dramatic view of
dozens of kilometers, from the top of one mountain to the others… and the calmer,
closer view as we walked on a path in the woods around a lake.
In Judaism, we keep our eyes on the long view even as we take note of
the more immediate things in life. As we learned in our Introduction to
Judaism class that just completed, perhaps the key theology of Judaism
is that we are in relationship with God through the mitzvot. Every day
presents its specific, micro opportunities to do mitzvot. And all life long,
we aim our lives along the larger path of mitzvot. This is how we relate
to our fellow human beings, and this is how we relate to God.
If all goes well, we will be reopening this month for Shabbat services,
beginning July 11. It has been hard for all of us to be apart from each
other, though we have continued along the long-term path of daily
Jewish prayer by gathering on Zoom for prayers six days a week. The
micro view of how we do daily prayer changed, but the macro view
remains the same. We will continue to do our daily minyan online for
now, but on Shabbat mornings, we can begin to gather together again
for prayer at the synagogue.
Some of the details of how we gather will, of course, be different than
before, so that we can maintain distancing and sanitizing protocols for
everyone's safety. But by keeping our eyes on the long view, we have
been able to adjust the short view as necessary to make sure we stay on the path. Not only that, but we have
even reaped some benefits from our online weekday minyans as seniors and others who weren't able to join
us in person have begun to take part in prayer with our synagogue community online.
Looking forward to seeing each of you online, and all who are able to join us in person!
Rabbi Steven Schwarzman
2
Wednesday, July 29th
Fast begins at 9:35pm
Thursday, July 30th
Fast ends at 10:17pm
All of us, I know, are feeling varying levels of fatigue brought on by isolation. Our
lives have been interrupted, our routines have changed, and how we interact is so
different from what it was just a few months ago. Being visually present with each
other, and with friends, colleagues, clients, and customers, compels us to think about
our surroundings, giving attention to how we stage our homes and prepare our-
selves to be camera ready. The shift to being digitally present is challenging – making things work in the era
of COVID 19 has meant changing they ways we act and interact. Unfortunately, our dependence on online
platforms, like Zoom, has contributed to the exclusion of people whose need for human contact and interac-
tion may be greater now than just a few months ago, but for whom the technology or access to it is a barrier
to participation. We’re very aware of this. Provincial health guidance has gradually allowed for more services
and businesses to open and for people to interact in person, again, albeit with guidelines, caveats, physical
distancing and necessary PPE. So, at Beth Shalom, we’re working out how we’ll set up the sanctuary and or-
ganize our services so that we can pray together, soon. Initially, we will offer in-shul services on Shabbat, and
keep morning minyans online.
We’re working on how we’ll hold services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, too. We will take a hybrid
approach that will blend in-person attendance with remote attendance, and video streaming will be part of
that. While many of us are getting used to Zoom, it requires a high level of
hands-on management that is not well-suited to Shabbat and High Holy Days.
Instead, these services will be streamed one way. Whatever platforms we use,
we need to ensure that security of the broadcast is among the topmost consider-
ations along with configuring and managing the streaming service to meet ha-
lachic requirements. What we understand is this year’s services, whatever form
they take, will be very different from other years. For example, how we enter
and leave the sanctuary and where we sit and with whom, are just a couple of
organizational facets that make planning for our services very complex. We are
going to be asking for your assistance and for patience as we plan.
In spite of the circumstances, we continue to be grateful that many members of
our kehillah have maintained connections with each other, supporting those in
mourning and those with yahrzeits by participating in our morning minyans
and other online services, and by continuing to support Beth Shalom financially
by making donations to mark lifecycle events and by paying for memberships.
Together, we demonstrate that our shul is more than a building.
Wishing everyone good health,
Laurence Abbott
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org 3
A Message from your President, Laurence Abbott
Beth Shalom
welcomes advertising
from members of our
congregation and
the community. Only
business card size ads
are accepted. The cost
is $25.00 per issue or
$250.00 for a full year
when paid for in
advance. To arrange
for an ad in the next
Bulletin, please call
the office at
780-488-6333, ext. 301.
Shabbat Shalom
Remember to Light
Shabbat Candles
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
Torah Reading
July 4th—Chukat Balak
July 11th—Pinchas
July 18th—Matot-Mass’ei
July 28th—Devarim
Candle Lighting Time
Friday, July 3rd 9:47 pm
Friday, July 10th 9:42 pm
Friday, July 17th 9:35 pm
Friday, July 24th 9:25 pm
Friday, July 31st 9:13 pm
Baruch Atah
Adonai,
Eloheinu Melech
Ha Olam, Asher
Kidshanu B’Mitzvotav
Vitzevanu Lehadlik
Ner Shel Shabbat.
Blessed art Thou,
O Lord our God,
Sovereign of the
Universe, Who has
sanctified us by Thy
commandments, and
has commanded
us to kindle the
Sabbath lights..
4
Shelley Bobroff
Ethan Zwaigenbaum
George Goldsand
Marilyn Sheckter
Jeffrey Grobman
Miriam Grosh
Mona Rosenberg
Solly Lerner
Laura Rabinovitch
Tevyn Shadlyn
Mira Campbell
Tobey Freedman
Doug Wolch
Josh Bensimon
Nikki Vogel
Jason Uretsky
Jonathan Scheinman
Debbie Sniderman
Phyllis Nurgitz
Happy Anniversary!
Steven & Talya Shafir
Robert & Krista Brick
Gaby & Debbie Sonego
Michael & Shelley Bobroff
Robert & Alexia Ferrari
Murray & Susan Lieberman
Marvin & Marilyn Bercovitch
George Abrams & Lana Black
Sam Fialkow & Marilyn Sheckter
Sari Schiff & Abraham Peliowski
Ron Sorokin & Lisa Redmond
Benaron & Judy Gleiberman
If you have a special occasion or accomplishment
to share with the congregation please call the
office at 780-488-6333 ext. 301 or write to
info@e–bethshalom.org.
To Lawrie & Nora Lyman on the birth of
their granddaughter, Jordana!
Supporting our
Kiddush Lunch Fund
It is customary to help sponsor
our Kiddush Lunch to honour
the memory of loved ones at the time of their
Yahrzeit or in honour of a special occasion.
Although our weekly Kiddush lunches are sus-
pended, they will resume as soon as it is safe to
do so.
Donations to the Kiddush Lunch Fund can be
made online on our website or by contacting the
office at 780.488.6333 ext. 301.
Tax receipts are provided.
We are grateful for your ongoing support!
To B’nai Mitzvah Parents: Please
make sure we receive the article and
photo of your child as soon as possi-
ble! This will help us to ensure their
information is available in the appro-
priate monthly bulletin. Thank You!
Happy Birthday!
Leon Miller
Paul Polushin
Valda Levin
Cecil Paull
Toban Shadlyn
Jack Sorokin
Michael Webster
Toni Gold
Miriam Sheckter
Shira Spring
Jerry Antflick
Chloe Soibelman
Ari Bensimon
Adelaine Martin
Syd Bercov
Martin Grosh
Joe Shafir
Rosalie Shaw
Jerome Yager
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
A Message from Adult Education Committee
Covid-19 has not killed the Adult
Education program at Beth Sha-
lom.
The committee is still working on
the program and looking forward
to bringing lecturers to the congre-
gation.
Our lecture last Sunday would not
have been possible without help of
Rabbi Steven Schwartzman. He
created a Zoom link, and he hosted
our lecturer with Professor Felice
Lifshitz and our attendees. Unfor-
tunately, we did not have lots of
congregants; only 14 people
attended.
The quantity of attendees did not
affect the quality of the lecture,
“Toxic” Abrahamic Masculinities.
The lecture was very interesting,
and a difficult subject was intro-
duced to us in a very accessible
way.
Professor Lifshitz said that she was
wondering if there might be such a
thing as “Abrahamic Masculinity,”
especially such a thing as “toxic
Abrahamic masculinity”.
And she guided us through the
stories of Abraham’s violent be-
havior towards Isaac and Ishmael,
and Hagar.
There were lots of very interesting
questions asked by Carol Ritch and
Jeff Davis.
Rabbi was very active, and togeth-
er with Professor Lifshitz, he took
us back through 2000 years of pa-
triarchal structure...
The listeners were very happy.
5
Our zoom Book Club meeting was on Tuesday, June 30th. We dis-
cussed “Inheritance” by Dani Shapiro.
Covid-19 has caused this year’s Women’s League for Conservative
Judaism Convention to be a virtual one day event on Sunday, July 12.
Highlights of the day include opening remarks at 8:00 am MST; a
Justice Panel at 10 am; Plenary Session (elections and award Beth
Shalom Women’s League is receiving an award) at 11:30 am;
Sisterhood Workshops at 1 pm and concluding with “cocktails” with
the President and Past President at 2:30 pm followed by installation of
the new Board.
You can register on the WLCJ website and are welcome to come for the
day or select a few sessions to attend. I hope to see you there.
This past year marked the 102nd anniversary of Women’s League – how
many generations of women have made contributions to and received
nachus participating in this organization? Women’s League is as dedi-
cated now as they were in 1918 to create a vibrant Jewish community within the values of Jewish tradition.
L’dor V’dor: From Generation to Generation. It means it is our responsibility to pass on spiritual knowledge
and cultural traditions from generation to generation for the purpose of sustaining the customs, heritage and
collective memory of the Jewish people. Women’s League L’dor V’dor traditions include Women’s League
Shabbat, Torah Fund and celebrating the holidays with our Sisterhood and synagogue communities.
Whenever we learn a family tradition, or create a new one, or tell stories or share recipes, that’s L’dor V’dor.
By passing on traditions we keep them alive in our community and in our homes. Think about what you
would like to pass on to future generations.
Tisha B’Av begins sundown on Wednesday, July 29th and signifies the conclusion of the period know as Bein
Hameitzarim, a time for reflection and abstinence from pleasure (also known as Covid-19 pandemic).
Tisha B’Av, the fast day that commemorates the destruction of the Temple in 70 BCE (and the First Temple’s
destruction this day in 586 CE) comes this year at a particularly fraught moment for all people. We are in the
midst of a world pandemic, the architectural element of the Temple. its western retaining wall, has become a
site of contention between different religious movements and the burgeoning “Black Lives Matter” awareness
movement.
continued on page #11
Women’s League News
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
6
Gifts to RELLish Judaica Shop
Judaica Shop Open:
Monday-Thursday between
9:30am & 4:00pm;
Friday between 9:30am & 2:30pm
Gift Registry also available for
Weddings & Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.
the Judaica Shop remains open by
appointments only at this time
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
Beth Shalom M. Yedlin Memorial Library
Beth Shalom M. Yedlin Memorial Library New Acquisition
“Apeirogon” by Colum McCann - review by Alex Preston in the
Guardian
Colum McCann has written something he calls a “hybrid novel,”
in which the form’s mutability, its stance on both sides and nei-
ther, is used to address the entrenched positions of the Middle
East. The title is taken from the mathematical term for an object of
an “observably infinite number of sides”, a shape that serves as a model for a new way of thinking about a
conflict that is too often reduced to simple, opposed positions.
It’s a strange time for a novel as full-hearted as “Apeirogon”. It feels as if the situation in the Middle East is
always a reflection of its age. In the optimistic 90s we had the Oslo Accords and a real sense that some solu-
tion to the conflict could be found through diplomatic channels. Now each side has retreated into belligerent
isolation, with Donald Trump gleefully fanning the flames of discord. But perhaps that’s the point – the des-
peration of the situation has brought forth a work of art whose beauty, intelligence and compassion may go
some way to changing things. Is it absurd to suggest that a novel might succeed where generations of politi-
cians have failed? Perhaps, but then “Apeirogon” is the kind of book that comes along only once in a genera-
tion…you don’t read it so much as feel it – the particular tragedies are lived out in an ever-present moment of
loss
“Apeirogon” takes its inspiration from the real-life friendship between a Palestinian, Bassam Aramin, and an
Israeli, Rami Elhanan: “An Israeli, against the occupation. A Palestinian, studying the Holocaust.” The men
are united in their grief – they lost their daughters: Smadar, turned into “a scattered human jigsaw” at the age
of 13 by a suicide bomber, and Abir, assassinated aged 10 by a trigger-happy member of the Israeli army.
Both men join the Parents Circle, a group of the fellow-bereaved who unite in their sorrow to press for a
peaceful resolution to the conflict: “This became their jobs: to tell the story of what had happened to their
girls.”
“Apeirogon” is structured as 1,001 individual chapters, some as short as a sentence, some comprising Sebald-
like photographs, some merely blank spaces (a reflection of one of the mathematical theorems that underlie
the novel). The central chapters of the novel are deeply moving interviews with each of the protagonists:
“elsewhere in this book,” McCann says in an author’s note, “Bassam and Rami have allowed me to shape and
reshape their words and worlds”.
The number of chapters is a reference to the 1,001 Arabian Nights – “a ruse for life in the face of death”. The
novel pivots on a single day in 2016, when the two men travel to a meeting of the Parents Circle in a Cremis-
an monastery in Beit Jala. The bereaved parents are there to do what we do as we read the book: “to listen to
the stories of Bassam and Rami, and to find within their stories another story, a song of songs … remember-
ing, while listening, all of those stories that are yet to be told. Why are men so angry that they kill children to
get what they want?'
continued on page #11
7
Our library is accessible to the entire
community, and beyond, during
synagogue office hours: Monday to
Thursday between 9am & 4:30pm;
Fridays between 9am-2:30pm; Closed
Saturdays & Sundays. Please consult
Netta Phillet about the possibility of
donating to the library prior to bringing
books to the library. Thank You !
To Bonnie & Michael Chetner & family On the loss of Bonnie’s father, Guy Smith From: Howie & Debbie Sniderman
To Mariann & Jeff Rabinovitch & family On the loss of Mariann’s father, Guy Smith From: Howie & Debbie Sniderman
To Lindsey & Zach Seeskin & family On the loss of Lindsey’s grandmother, Tibey Epstein From: Howie & Debbie Sniderman
To Ned & Jane Goldstein & family On the loss of Jane’s mother, Josephine Brewster From: Howie & Debbie Sniderman
Condolences
To Rosalie Shaw & family On the loss of her husband, Gary Levine From: Phillip & Toni Gold Sylvia & Michael Alpern Beverly & Stephen Shafran Anna & Eugene Linetsky Valda Levin Carol & Ron Ritch Steven Katz & Roni Kraut & family Victor & Lena Linetsky Howie & Debbie Sniderman
To Helena & Michael Khazanovsky & family On the loss of Helena’s father, Mark Chernyavsky From: Laurence Abbott Trevor & Taryn Horwitz Jean & Aaron Oshry Carol & Ron Ritch Phillip & Toni Gold Rick & Pauline Uretsky Sylvia & Michael Alpern Steven Katz & Roni Kraut & family
To Rabbi Steven & Bettina Schwarzman & family On the loss of Rabbi Schwarzman’s father, Jerry Schwarzman From: Ed & Linda Rabinovitch Hershel & Louis Sorokin
To Irv Yaverbaum & Debby Remis On the loss of Irv’s brother, Barry Yaverbaum From: Phil & Penny Hardin
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
8
TRIBUTE FUNDS
(Charitable tax receipts are sent out every year in February).
Todah Rabah, Mazal Tov, Get Well, Condolences $18.00
Yedlin Library $18.00 & up
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund $18.00 & up
Chai Fund $18.00 & up
Book of Remembrance $175.00
Tree of Life $250.00
B’Kol Echad Song Book $18.00
Sim Shalom Siddur Machzor/Lev Shalem Machzor $54.00
Etz Hayim Chumash 1/2 share $62.50
Etz Hayim Chumash $125.00
Building Improvement Fund $50.00 & multiples
Torah Restoration Fund $18.00 per letter/ $36.00 per word
Mazal Tov
To Lawrie & Nora Lyman On the birth of their granddaughter, Jordana From: Stephen & Beverly Shafran Howie & Debbie Sniderman
To Dr. Murray Lieberman On his retirement from medical practice From: Howie & Debbie Sniderman
To Murray & Susan Lieberman On their 50th Wedding Anniversary From: Howie & Debbie Sniderman
continued on page #9
This is a good place to
briefly, but effectively,
Title Text Sidebar Subtitle
Tribute Cards are a wonder-
ful way to honour and
recognize your love to
family, friends and loved
ones in times of joy, celebra-
tion and even in sadness.
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org 9
Prayerbook Fund
Condolences to Helena & Michael Khazanovsky & family A Weekly Sim Shalom Siddur has been inscribed in memory of Helena’s father, Mark Chernyavsky From: Howie & Debbie Sniderman the Linetsky family
A Sim Shalom Siddur has been inscribed in memory of Reeva’s parents, Barry & Eileen Tessler From: Reeva Parker
A Sim Shalom Siddur has been inscribed in memory of Phil’s mother, Rebecca Hardin From: Phil & Penny Hardin
A Sim Shalom Siddur has been inscribed in memory of Yulia & Alexey’s friend, Ella Elster From: Yulia & Alexey Massarsky & family
Kiddush Fund
A donation has been made In memory of Brandy’s mother, Dasha Goody From: Brandy & Rob Graesser
A donation has been made In memory of Judith’s sister, Barbara Marks From: Judith & George Goldsand
The Board of Directors
and Congregation offer their deepest
condolences to the following families:
Marilyn & Marvin Bercovitch &
family on the loss of Marilyn’s
mother, Annette Krygier.
To Irv Yaverbaum & Debby Remis on the
loss of Irv’s brother, Barry Yaverbaum.
To Bonnie & Michael Chetner & family
on the loss of Bonnie’s father, Guy Smith.
To Mariann & Jeff Rabinovitch &
family on the loss of Mariann’s
father, Guy Smith.
To Helena & Michael Khazanovsky
& family on the loss of Helena’s
father, Mark Chernyavsky.
To Rosalie Shaw & family on the
loss of her husband, Gary Levine.
May their memory be for a blessing.
Tribute Cards continued from page #8
Torah Restoration Fund
Condolences to Rosalie Shaw & family On the loss of their husband, father, grandfa-ther & great grandfather, Gary Levine From: Ruth-Ellen & Joe Shafir
Condolences to Helena & Michael Khazanovsky & family A word has been inscribed in memory of Helena’s father, Mark Chernyavsky From: Phyllis D’Aguar Reeva Parker Ruth-Ellen & Joe Shafir
A letter has been inscribed In memory of Hershel & Lois’ daughter, Susan Sorokin From: Hershel & Lois Sorokin
A word has been inscribed In memory of Roberta’s father, Harry Rosenthal From: Roberta & Earl Bubis & family
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Condolences to Rabbi Ste-ven & Bettina Schwarz-man & family On the loss of Rabbi Schwarzman’s father, Jer-ry Schwarzman From: Ari Bernstein
Unveiling 2020
Sunday, July 5 12:00noon Private
Sunday, July 5 2:00pm Private
Tuesday, July 7 1:00pm Ida Antflick
Sunday, July 12 12:00noon Private
Sunday, July 12 3:00pm Jeno Klein
Sunday, July 26 11:00am Richard Thueman
Sunday, July 26 3:00pm Private
Sunday, August 2 11:00am Monica Miller
Sunday, August 16 11:00am Mildred Ragosin
Sunday, August 16 12:00noon Marielle Witten
Sunday, August 23 11:00am Ann Mishna
Sunday, August 30 11:00am Ilya Oratovsky
Sunday, August 30 1:00pm Private
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
A guide to the Observance of Mourning
(This is a general guide only. For details, please consult Rabbi Schwarzman).
Who is a mourner? We are obliged to mourn for a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister (including half-brother
and half-sister), husband or wife. Males from the age of thirteen years and females from the age of twelve years should
observe the laws of mourning. While one is permitted to observe mourning rites for others, those who wish to do so
should consult their rabbi.
Between death and burial. During the period between death and burial the mourner is known as an onen. The onen
is obligated to arrange for the funeral and burial of the dead. In recognition of this obligation and of the mourner’s frag-
ile state of mind at this time, the onen is exempt from fulfilling certain other religious duties, such as reciting prayers or
putting on tefillin, and is not called to the Torah. On Shabbat or a Festival, however, an onen may attend services.
Mourner’s Kaddish. The Kaddish is generally thought of as a prayer for the dead, but it does not mention death or the
dead. Reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish is an act of faith, expressing hope in the presence of grief. We praise God with the
words of the Kaddish, accepting God’s sovereignty and affirming life in this world. In Jewish tradition, this takes place a
in public assembly. Thus the Kaddish is recited only in the presence of a minyan. The Mourner’s Kaddish is recited for
one’s parents for eleven months (in some communities for twelve months), counting First and Second Adar, in a leap
year, as two separate months. Some count these eleven months from the date of death; others from the date of the funer-
al. It is recited for thirty days by the other relatives. In many communities it is customary to extend the period of say-
ing Kaddish for other relatives, as well, to eleven months. The Mourner’s Kaddish is also recited on each anniversary
of the death (yahrzeit), and commonly, at Yizkor services on Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Pesah, and Shavuot.
10
WITTEN LLP,
Barristers & Solicitors
#2500, Canadian Western Bank Place
10303 Jasper Ave.,
Edmonton, AB T5J 3N6
Tel: (780) 428-0501 /
Fax: (780) 429-2559
Email: [email protected];
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
Tish B’Av, a day that is connected to senseless hatred has a powerful appeal to solidarity. Is it about mend-
ing divisions within communities or is it about the danger of failing to stand up for a set of values, even at the
cost of strife?
There has been more time than ever this year to reflect on ourselves, our family and friends, our goals and to
consider our priorities. We have done exercise classes, taken education courses, listened to lectures and con-
certs, attended movie festivals, and attended minyan and Shabbat services on our computers!
We have started new traditions (zoom anyone?), renewed old ones (writing, reading, walking) and looking
forward to old favorites (Shabbat dinner – outside with social distancing because it’s summer!).
This offers a new way to practice L’dor V’dor – share your pandemic stories and pictures; tribulations, adven-
tures and misadventures with family and friends; make sure these, too, are remembered from generation to
generation.
Colleen Paull,
Women’s League President
11
Women’s League News continued from page #6
Beth Shalom M. Yedlin Memorial Library continued from page #7
…the particular tragedies of Bassam and Rami are lived out in an ever-present moment of loss. The deaths of
Smadar and Abir are interlaced with a host of other tales that enter into a strange and powerful dialogue with
the stories of these two girls who had barely begun to live yet. We read of Bassam’s epiphany in prison as a
young man watching a documentary about the Holocaust; we read of the Israeli soldiers who came to build a
playground in memory of Abir, despite the risk this posed to their lives; we read of the tragedy of divided
geography and shared history; we wander off down seemingly unrelated tangents about François Mitter-
rand’s last meal, about the high-wire walker who crossed from Palestine to Israel, about a mad missionary,
about birds, about Borges and Darwish and a vast chorus of others who comment, however obliquely, on the
situation in Palestine.
For all its grief, “Apeirogon” is a novel that buoys the heart. The friendship of Bassam and Rami is a thing of
great and sustaining beauty. There’s a picture of the two of them, asleep together on a train in Germany, trav-
elling from one speaking engagement to the next. They lean against each another, Rami – the older man –
supporting the smaller Bassam as he sleeps. This, the novel suggests, is the solution to the conflict: something
as simple and easy as friendship, as the acknowledgement of a shared experience, as love. I kept thinking as I
read it about all the ways that “Apeirogon” could have failed, about the ammunition it might have provided
to all of those who claim that no one should write a novel that reaches beyond their own particular experi-
ence. It could have been maudlin, tawdry, exploitative, trite.
Instead, it’s a masterpiece, a novel that will change the world, and you don’t hear that very often.
Congregation Beth Shalom
11916 Jasper Ave. NW
Edmonton AB T5K 0N9
Phone: (780) 488-6333
Fax: (780) 488-6259
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.edmontonbethshalom.org
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM — 4:30 PM
Friday 9:00 AM—2:30 PM
Board of Directors 2020-2021
Laurence Abbott President
Lana Black Past President
Jerry Sorokin VP Ritual
Sylvia Alpern Secretary
Adam Merrick Treasurer
Debbie Anson Director
Boris Belkin Director
Sam Fialkow Director
Drew Hanson Director
Marvin Karrel Director
Anna Linetsky Director
Seth Glick Director
Shelley Weinstein Director
Colleen Paull Women’s League President
Synagogue Staff
Rabbi Steven Schwarzman-Spiritual Leader
ext. 302
Cantor David Mannes — Ritual Assistant
[email protected], ext. 303
Helena Khazanovsky — Office Manager
[email protected], ext. 301
Dorothy Turner — Bookkeeper
[email protected], ext. 304
Bikkur Cholim: If you would like to be contacted by
Rabbi Schwarzman please contact him at 780.4886333/302
Scent Free Shul: Out of respect for your fellow congre-
gants who may suffer from allergies, please reduce your
use of scented products when you are in the synagogue.
A Reminder from Beth Shalom Catering: Presently our
catering services are closed and will reopen when it is safe
to do so.
Important Kehila Reminders
Accuracy of Information: We do our best to ensure
the accuracy of all the information in the Bulletin, but
despite our best efforts, sometimes an error appears.
Please accept our sincere apologies for any errors.
Please let us know so that we can correct them as soon
as possible or update our records where necessary.
Mishebeirah—prayer for the sick: If you would like us
to include the name of someone who is not well during the
Mishebeirach prayer when services begin again on Shabbat
morning, please either call 780.488-6333/301 or email
[email protected], with their Hebrew or English name/s.
Traditionally we include the person's Hebrew name(s) and
their mother's Hebrew name(s), for example, “Moshe ben
D'vorah” or “D’vorah bat Miriam” (ben or bat means son or
daughter of). If, however, you do not have a Hebrew name for
this person or they are not Jewish then an English name will
do. If a name on the list should no longer be listed, can you
kindly let us know so we can remove the individual from our
list?
Due to the Canadian privacy of information laws we
require that congregants get permission from the ill
person(s) to have their name(s) read aloud from the Bimah
on Shabbat.
July 2020—Tammuz/Av 5780
BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE BULLETIN - www.edmontonbethshalom.org
Todah Raba to our Publishing Volunteers
Thank you to Sharon Abbott & Ruth-Ellen Shafir
for editing our Beth Shalom Publications.
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