BULLETINTH

E

Tevet\Shevat/Adar 5769 Vol. 19, No. 3 January/February 2009

Deadline for the next Bulletin is February 10, 2009This page is sponsored by Micha and Patti Puterman (nee Landa) of Tel Aviv and by Petty Landa of Toronto.

Website: www.saskatoon.uscjhost.net

Congregation Agudas Israel 715 McKinnon Ave, Saskatoon S7H 2G2 (306) 343-7023 Fax: (306) 343-1244Rabbi Emeritus Roger V. Pavey Hazzan Neil Schwartz President: David Katzman

The City of Saskatoon ProclaimsKlassiKal Meets Klezmer MusiK Week

January 11th to January 17thDetails on pages 6-7

SaskatoonPays

Tribute toDavid

Kaplan

SHABBAT FAMILYDINNER

Friday, January 23rd, 2009at the Synagogue

Shabbat Service 6 p.m.led by the Hebrew School & Sisterhood Members

Dinner to followSponsored by the Agudas Israel Sisterhood

Tickets & Reservations are a must! Call early.Seating is limited to the first 144 people.

$50 per family (up to & including high school students) $20 singleadults - $15 students - $8 children 12 & under Under 3 free

For Reservations call the Centre: 343-7023Pick up your tickets in advance from Myla.

Raoul Wallenberg ServiceFriday, January 16, 2009

10:30 am • Jewish Community CentreA Remembrance Service paying tribute to a man who is credited with saving more than 100,000

Jewish lives during the Second World War.All members and friends of the Congregation are invited to attend.

Invited guests include civic, provincial and Swedish representatives.

This page is sponsored by Mickey and Lucille Naran of Toronto and David and Cheryl Singer of Winnipeg2

Five years ago, Areivim Roni and Kfirinspired us to produce a Chanukah Musicalblockbuster based on the ever-popular musicof ABBA. On Sunday, December 14th, at theCommunity Hanukkah Fair and Book Sale,their dream was reawakened with the returnof HANUKABBA! This play had it all:fabulous music, pathos, drama, stunningvisual effects, disco dancing fight scenesand really cool costumes.

In a nutshell, the play is the telling of thetraditional Hanukkah story by a father,“ABBA”, in the coolest way he knows: 70’sdisco style. The story is brought to life bya funky cast of groovy characters, who singand dance themselves into history and intoour hearts. King Antiochus, theconsummate villain, was forcefully playedin golden boots by Ari Avivi. The audienceached with the townsfolk when they werefaced with the agonizing choice to remainJewish or follow the edictto idolize only Greek godsand they mourned thedecision by some tobecome pagans as RobinSasko sang “I’m Admittingto You, I’m no Longer AJew”. All was not lost,however, when many Jewschose to follow the Rabbiwho sings “ Gimme, Gimme,Gimme, Ten Men For AMinyan”. Mattityahyu, akaHazzan Neil, rekindled ourfaith in his moving renditionof “I Had A Dream... ToLeave Modi’in” wherein heis inspired to start theMaccabeen revolt againstAntiochus. After Mattityahu’s dramatic andslightly comic death, his son, JudahMaccabee (played by the dashing Calgaryimport, Michael Shaw) succeeds his fatheras an astounding revolutionary leader.Resplendent in purple striped bellbottomsand afro, Judah tunefully motivates the Jewsto “Take a Chance On Me.... Be AMaccabee”. Overthrowing Antiochus’sheinous troops, reclaiming the temple andrekindling the Everlasting Light were allenacted by the players in their unique andengaging style. The songs of celebration :“Super Duper”, “S.O.S.”, and “Thank YouFor The Miracle” couldn’t have said it anybetter. Religious freedom and nationalsurvival are well worth singing for! Whatjubilation for the entire cast to sing the finale“Maccabees” and close another Hanukkahtriumph.

The Arts in the Jewish Community.....

HANUKKAH WITH ABBAby Seymour Shoze

The 2008 version ofHanukABBA seemed freshand new thanks to theimprov script, spontaneousperformances and thebrilliant cast that includedShirly and Nim Solomon,Michael Shaw, Robin Sasko,Rebecca and Noah Simpson,Natasha Stubbs, MaryCameron, Linda Shaw, Ariand Rishona Avivi, DarlaBolin, Jonathan Katzman,Stan, Sophie and ClaraRubin and Neil Schwartz.Bryce Sasko did anastonishing job with thesound and lighting systems.Discerning music collectors will be thrilledto know that a limited number of digitallyrecorded souvenir soundtrack CD’s are

available for purchase, if you hurry.The whole morning was an

i n c r e d i b l esuccess. Thevery generousa u d i e n c ea p p l a u d e dlong and loudlyat the end of theplay and therewas even ao n e - m a nG o l u b o f fstanding ovation. They were boppingaround with ABBA songs in their headsall day - much to their alarm. The lunchwas delicious and “a great time was hadby all”. What can I say? AnotherMIRACLE. Cool!!!

The Mission Statement of Congregation Agudas IsraelCongregation Agudas Israel is a spiritual, religious, educational and social home com-mitted to deepening the quality of Jewish life in Saskatoon and district. We are anevolving link in the historical traditions of the Jewish people. We are a progressive,democratic and sensitive congregation responding to the widest spectrum of Jew-ish thought and practice.

Written at the 2002 Kallah by the members of Congregation Agudas Israel

Editorialby StevenGoluboff

3

This page is sponsored by Grace, Steven, Leila, Sarah & Shaina Goluboff

FROM OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY

continued on page 17

THANK YOU AND TODAH RABAH TO:Mirka Pollack who has made a major contribution to the Saskatoon Jewish Foundation whichwill be recognized on the new Special Gift Plaque. Mirka is the widow of Dr. Viktor Pollak, asurvivor of Terezein Concentration Camp, a world renowned biomedical engineer and a regular

contributor in the early years of The Bulletin.June Avivi who has made a major contribution to the Saskatoon Jewish Foundation which will

be recognized on the new Special Gift Plaque. June and her late husband Abe brought to ourcongregation the Areivim and now the Young Shlichim program which for seven years has been a

wonderful part of CAI. This gift will create the Avivi Young Shlichim Fund as part of theSaskatoon Jewish Foundation.

MAZEL TOV AND CONGRATULATIONS TO:Dr. David Kaplan who will be honoured for his many years of service to the cultural community

of Saskatoon and for the milestone of his recent 85th birthday. Planned events are noted in thisBulletin.

Susanne and David Kaplan on the birth of a great granddaughter, Shanaea Heather-Lee,daughter to Zachariah and Mariah and granddaughter to Ivor ( Susanne’s son) and Lona Mackay.

Ian and Mary Ellen Buckwold on the graduation of their daughter Laura Buckwold with aBachelor of Music Degree from the U of A and upon her brilliant recital of art songs, opera and

Broadway show pieces at Knox United Church.Gladys Rose on the wedding of her granddaughter Rebecca Rose Cooper, daughter of the late

Kathy Cooper and Gerry Cooper, to David Poster on January 24th 2009.Errol and Shawna Berenbaum on the 80th birthday of Errol’s father, Harvey of Vancouver.

Monica and Gustavo Blejers on the birth of a son, Emiliano, a brother toMatias.

Elie Fenyes, son of Heather and Les Fenyes, on the occasion of his“first” bar mitzvah on December 27, in Boca Raton. Elie will celebratewith his family at his Grandparents', Sherry and Elaine Sharfe, Florida

community.Rich and Carol Buckwold on the wedding of their daughter Micah to Jeff Zdunick, in Palm

Springs.David Kaplan for the well-deserved accolades being extended in honor of your 85th birthday. Ihave enjoyed collaborating with you on all of the occasions when we have performed together.

May you go "from strength to strength" for many years to come, together with your wifeSusanne and your extended family.- Hazzan Neil Schwartz

YASHER KOACH AND BON VOYAGE TO:June Avivi who will be travelling to Israel for six weeks volunteering with the Gideon program in

Israeli schools.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:Gustavo, Monica, Matias and Emiliano Blejers

“HELLO CAI, We are the Blejers, Matias, Emiliano, Monica andGustavo. With two Mexicans, one Argentinian and one Canadian, lunch at

home feels like a session of the United Nations. We just moved toSaskatoon in time to receive winter. Fortunately, the community has so

warmly welcomed us that we don’t feel the cold at all!! We want to sharewith everybody the joy of the arrival of our second son, Emiliano on

November 11th, especially to the great doctor and Moel Steven.Seth Shacter and wife Susan, daughter Sidney

I was born on June 10th, 1972 in Moose Jaw to Sidney and Miriam Shacter. We attended a small, conservative shul there (which has since become a dancestudio) and my father taught drafting at SIAST. I moved to Saskatoon with

my wife, Susan, to work at the University in the Computer Sciencedepartment. We have a beautiful daughter named Sidney who is nine yearsold. I enjoy playing both the violin and the viola and am currently playing

with the Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra. (Seth is a regularand valued member of the Minyan Shabbat morning.)

Dale SandsDale has recently moved to Saskatoon from Winnipeg and is a regular member of

the minyan on Shabbat morning.

There will be noshortage ofactivities in the nextfew cold months of

winter. Our cover page brings to yourattention some of those events. Racism andgenocide are no strangers to the Jewishpeople. A unique opportunity to hear first-hand about modern-day genocide will takeplace at St. Joseph’s High School on January22nd. Carl Wilkens was one of few aid workerswho remained in the country after the horrorbegan in Rwanda. Wilkens is the formerhead of the Adventist Development andRelief Agency International in Rwanda. In1994, he was the only American who choseto remain in the country after the genocidebegan. His choice to stay and try to helpresulted in preventing the massacre ofhundreds of children over the course of thegenocide. You can google “Karl Wilkens”to see his story. It will be a compelling talk Iam sure, and is being sponsored bySaskatoon B’nai Brith and others. On asimilar sombre note, our Congregation willagain remember the work of RaoulWallenberg at a special service on January16th. Hopefully members of our owncongregation will join many dignitaries inrecognizing this brave Swede and one ofonly two honourary Canadian citizens. In ahappy juxtaposition we will revel and kvelin the honour being bestowed upon on ourown David, the Dude, Kaplan, who after 85years still composes, plays and inspiresartists a third his age. The City of Saskatoonhas declared January 11th to the 17th,KlezmerKal Meets Klezmer MusiK WeeK.There will be a cornucopia of musical eventsfor all to enjoy and a Roast for many whowould like to get back at David for his ownwit directed at others. On January 23rd,Sisterhood again hosts the usually sold outShabbat Family Dinner, an opportunity towarm up in the middle of winter with ourfellow congregants and to welcome newmembers to the Congregation. For those ofyou who would like to try a truly differentexperience, join Janet Erikson on January21st in the inauguration of the LaughterYoga Club at the JCC (see page 10 for

4This page is sponsored by Dr. Alan Rosenberg & Dr. Lesley-Ann Crone and family

From the President's Keyboardby David Katzman

Hazzan’s Notes:by Hazzan Neil Schwartz

Last Spring Ishared the basicstructure of our mainworship services, inan effort to help makeour liturgy moremeaningful to our

congregants.In this column I would like to explore how

the basic structure plays out during ourShabbat morning service. First let me reviewthe basic outline:1. Preliminary Service a. Blessings (pp. 10, 32, 50-52) b. Psalms (pp. 54, 80, 88, 334-38)2. Sh’ma Section a. Creation (pp. 340-44) b. Revelation (pg. 346) c. Sh’ma 3 paragraphs (pp. 346-48) d. Redemption (pp. 350-52)3. Shacharit Amidah a. first three prayers (pp. 354-56) b. middle prayer (pg. 358) c. last three prayers (pp. 360-64)4. Conclusion a. Torah Service (pp. 394-426) b. Musaf Amidah (pp. 428-40) c. Concluding prayers (pp. 506-14)

We begin Shabbat morning with a “warm-up” section which consists of “Morning

Blessings” (pp. 10, 32, 50)and “Verses of Song” or Psalms (pp. 54, 80,88, 334). These two sections are separatedby a Mourners’ Kaddish,and this Preliminary Service ends with aHatziKaddish.The main part of the Shabbat morningservice begins with “Bar’chu” (pg. 340) andspeaks of the Creation of light. The secondmain prayer in this “Sh’ma section”(pg. 346) speaks of the Revelation of theTorah as an expression of God’s love for us.

The “Sh’ma” itself has three paragraphs,the first of which we chant aloud together. This is followed by a prayer about theRedemption from Egypt at the timeof the Exodus (pg. 350), which includes thepassage “Mi Chamocha” and a request forfutureRedemption.

The first three paragraphs and the lastthree paragraphs of every Amidah are similar,and what changes is the longsection in the middle. The opening twoparagraphs (pg. 354) are about our Ancestorsand the Powerful Deeds which Godperforms in the world. The third paragraph,the “K’dusha” (pg. 356) speaks of God’sHoliness (Kadosh x3).

During Shacharit on Shabbat, the middle

paragraph of the Amidah speaks ofRevelation, the “Giving of the Torah toMoses” (pg. 358). This is followed by thelast three parts, ending with “Sim Shalom”(pg. 362) and a Kaddish (pg. 392).

The Concluding Section of the Shabbatmorning service actually takes longer thanthe other three sections puttogether. It includes the Taking Out of theTorah from the Ark (pg. 394-98), the Torahand Haftarah readings, and the Returningof the Torah to the Ark (pp. 422-26).

The rest of the Concluding Sectionincludes the Musaf Amidah (pp. 428-40)which has the same structure asthe Shacharit Amidah discussed above. The difference is in the middle paragraph,where the subject is ancient sacrifices whichour ancestors brought to the Temple.

The Musaf Amidah is introduced andfollowed by Kaddish (pg. 428 and pg. 506),and the Shabbat morning serviceconcludes with Ein Keloheinu (pg. 508),Aleinu (pg. 510), Mourners’ Kaddish (pg.512) and Adon Olam (pg. 514).

If you have questions about any of ourservices, please feel free to call me at thesynagogue (343-7023, ext.3) or send me ane-mail (cantorneils7@aol.com).

Our last BoardMeeting was veryrepresentative ofour thrivingJewish community.As always, we

started with a report on synagogueattendance and I am pleased to report thatwe consistently have 20 or more adultsevery Saturday morning. This is a credit toour Hazzan, to our Ritual Committee, andperhaps even to our new kitchen worker,Mary Ann. Simonne Horwitz nominatedseveral new individuals and families formembership in CAI and all were acceptedenthusiastically. Our Financial Affairs arein good order, although the market crisis of2008 will compel us to continue being verycareful. Fortunately, two of our members(Mirka Pollak and June Avivi), have chosento make very substantial contributions toour congregation so that Jewish life in

Saskatoon can continue to thrive. We havealso made arrangements so that individualscan transfer financial investments directlyto our congregation so they can enjoy thesatisfaction of making a difference to CAIand receiving substantial tax benefits. Inaddition, Myla is also able to acceptMastercard or VISA.

Myla has requested, and the Board hasagreed, that she be allowed to work fromhome up to three days a week. We knowthis will save Myla a lot of time andaggravation by eliminating a lengthy dailycommute. At the same time, Myla will bejust as accessible by phone or email. In sixmonths, we will review this change andensure that our members are receiving thesame or even better level of service.

I attended the Breakfast Club recently andwas really impressed by a movie portrayingthe adventures of an Egyptian police bandaccidentally stranded in the middle of the

Israeli “Outback”. Thanks, Nim and Shirly,for bringing modern Israeli culture to us. Iattended the Channukah ABBA productionand was once again so impressed with thewit and talent of the annual musical. TheBook Fair had hundreds of books, theSisterhood Gift Counter was well stockedand it looked like both did very well. Onbehalf of the congregation, I thank everyonewho made the event so successful. Themorning was very well attended.

Finally, please take note of the veryspecial week coming up for a very specialmember of our congregation. From January10th to 17th there will be special events tomark the 85th birthday of Dr. David Kaplanand I hope to see many of you at the greatvariety of events.

5This page is sponsored by Frances Bernbaum of Winnipeg, formerly of Saskatoon

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Among theissues that ourcommunity willbe dealing with inthe near future isthe the question

of cremation which is becoming a more andmore popular choice in Canada and whichJews will increasingly be opting for. Whatis our attitude and how do we deal withrequests that will certainly be made bymembers? This article sketches some of thebackground and information that we shallneed to be aware of when coming to makecommunity decisions.

The most popular course that I taughton Campus was one of Death and Dying inWorld Religions. In that course it wasobvious how impressed students were withthe Jewish way of death and mourning.They concurred with experts in Thanatologywho feel that we all have much to learn fromJudaism in this field. There are moral andspiritual values that are taught by Jewishtradition when dealing with death, valuesthat we must strive to preserve because theyare so important. Let us enumerate thesevalues:

Speed. It is important to hold a funeraland begin the process of mourning andtherefore healing as quickly as possible.Delay enables people to engage in denialand prevents the beginning of the mourningprocess. Provided that we allow sufficienttime for immediate family to get to the funeral,the undue delay so common in non-Jewishobsequies must be avoided.

Equality. We are all equal in death. Hencewe insist on the simplest possible coffinsand eliminate competition in flowers and,later, memorial stones.

Simplicity. The Service must be simple,consisting of Psalms, the Tsidduk ha Dinand Kaddish. Eulogies must be simple,directed at memorialising the dead withoutexaggeration, confronting loss, expressinggrief, but giving comfort to family, friendsand the community.

Healing. The mourning process, shivah,sheloshim, unveiling a memorial, yahrtseit,enables the mourner to heal. Memories andthe support of community will form scarsover the wounds of death, and gradually

lead mourners back to being able to live lifeagain. Loss remains always but memoriesof love and blessings give us a protectivecarapace. That the Jewish way actuallyworks is clear to all of us who have gonethrough it. Even saying Kaddish forces usto realise that death must be subsumed inlife, that we must praise life and its source,even as we weep.

These values have to be preserved orthe genius of Judaism is lost. How doescremation stand in relation to these valuesis the real issue.

Let us first remember that traditionforbids the burning of bodies. The reasonis basically superstitious, that there is oneparticular bone that has to be preserved asthe base from which God can rebuild thebody at the time of resurrection; but in itselfthat reason is not necessarily significant.Modern cremation is NOT burning a body.It is causing the body to disintegrate by theaction of heat. The body does not comeinto direct contact with a flame; flames arethere to heat the retort into which the coffinis placed to a high enough temperature tocause the disintegration of the body.

Orthodox authorities tend not to be upto date in their rulings. Most, therefore, justprohibit without necessarily being aware ofthe difference between modern cremationand burning a body Hindu style on a funeralpyre. But the British United Synagogue,which is Orthodox, accepts cremation in thesense that, if it occurs, they allow the ashes(not “cremains”, please!) to be buried in thecemetery, so long as a full sized coffin (not“casket”, please!) is used.

In Britain, the non-Orthodox groups have

special areas in their cemeteries for the burialof ashes, and a normal unveiling takes place.They will officiate at Synagogue member’sfunerals whether the request is made forburial or cremation.

Many Jews feel that they cannot acceptcremation because of t he experience of theHolocaust, and, in some cases, because theJapanese cremated POWs who died in theirhands. This could also work the other way.Some Jews may also feel that cremationenables them to share that experience: whatthe Nazis intended as humiliation for Jewscan therefore then become an affirmation ofshared destiny and reborn hope. To agreewith the Nazis is surely to collaborate withthe Nazis!

Whatever our own personal position maybe, we have to face the reality that, for allsorts of reasons, Jews will increasingly optfor cremation. It is not a denial of Judaism.It may in fact be a re-statement of Judaism isa new and different way. Perhaps, as acommunity we should be prepared to adoptthe British non-Orthodox view, and acceptthat both burial and cremation may beequally valid options for a modern Jew.Perhaps, too, we might consider space inour cemetery for the burial of ashes and theraising of memorials in the normal way.

Provided that we always protect,preserve and teach the moral and spiritualvalues of the Jewish understanding of deathand mourning, maybe we can come toaccommodate what at the moment may seemto many of us to be the untraditional way ofcremation. Above all, let there be nocompulsion of the conscience.

On Cremationby Rabbi Emeritus Roger Pavey

6

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So, in cooperation with the SaskatoonSymphony Orchestra (SSO), the U. of S.Music Department, the Rotary Club, theSaskatoon Composers’ Performance Society(SCPS), the Saskatoon Jewish CulturalAssociation (SJCA), and our ownCongregation Agudas Israel, Saskatoon CityCouncil proclaimed January 11-17 to be“KlassiKal Meets Klezmer MusiK WeeK”in honour of Dr. David L. Kaplan. ThoughCity policy precludes naming a week for aperson, it’s kosher to honour an individualso deserving as our own Dr. K, a.k.a. DanielK. Laban and other aliases. Indeed, the nameitself contains a 5-fold hint as to whom isbeing honoured for his 85th birthday!! Let’ssee: “Klezmer?” “KlassiKal?” “MusiK?”“WeeK?” One “K” for each of 5—countthem, 5!—Koncerts….. Hmm… who couldit be?

The schedule for the week will be:• Grand Beginning! Sunday, January

11, 2009, 7:30 p.m., Convo Hall, U. ofS.: joint U. of S. Music Dept./ SCPSconcert of Kaplan’s music; [InPerformance Convo Series—nodiscount; IPCS tickets will behonoured]

• Monday*, January 12, Grosvenor ParkUnited Church, 7:30 p.m., Dr. WalterKreyszig, flute, and Annette Floyd,piano: music for flute and piano bySaskatchewan composers, mostlymembers of the organization DavidKaplan co-founded in 1997: the SCPS.It will feature a work of his.

David Kaplan turns 85 on December 12, 2008. As we know, all that means in his case is he’s had yet another year to accumulate yetMORE energy to do even MORE things!! Well, over the years he’s done so much for all of us in the music world in Saskatoon, forthe community-at-large, and of course, so very much for our Jewish community. For instance, he’s given us klezmer and a goodsupply of “Love and Latkes”. Who is there among us he hasn’t called “what’s-his/her-name,” or greeted with “I don’t care what

everyone else says, I like you…” and so forth.

• Wednesday, January 14, the RotaryClub hosts a Kaplan “Roast” at theParktown Hotel (details to be posted).[His Worship, Mayor Don Atchison,will be chief “roaster”]

• Thursday*, January 15, 7:30 p.m., atthe Jewish Community Centre,Kaplan’s Saskatoon Klezmer Bandpresents an evening of his klezmerarrangements!

• Friday*, January 16, 7:30 p.m.,Convocation Hall, U. of S., RobinHarrison and Rachel Anderson willgive a surprise (well—it used to be,but whoever kept a secret in THIScommunity?) performance of pianomusic, mostly19th-century Romanticstuff from Kaplan’s youth, to honourthe man Robin calls “Dave the Dude!”

• Grand Finale!! On Saturday, January17th, 7:30 p.m., TCU Place, the SSO,interim music director Earl Staffordconducting, presents a concert inhonour of Dr. Kaplan. Dr. K has onceagain been giving pre-concert lectures;but THIS pre-concert lecture will bespecial, more special than the good Dr.K could imagine. The concert itselfopens with—what else?—OpeningCredits by David Kaplan! (Hint: stickaround afterwards….)

[U. of S. President Peter MacKinnon isslated to speak at the SSO concert on the17th]

Here’s the “sales pitch:” the sub-plot of“KlassiKal Meets Klezmer MusiK WeeK”

is to spotlight the SSO and its new look. Itis a high-caliber professional orchestrawith a community touch. Dr. Kaplanconducted the SSO, taught many of thosenow in the orchestra, and is responsiblefor a good “measure” of that musicalquality that makes it what it is today.Appropriately, the SSO concerthighlighting David Kaplan and his musicculminates the week.

• Please contact the SSO office fortickets for the 17th, or better yet, forseason tickets.

• All other concerts during KlassiKalMeets Klezmer MusiK WeeK will be$15 full fare, $12 for seniors andstudents, and children under 10 willbe admitted free. [IPCS tickets will behonoured for all but the SSO concert.]

• NOW: here’s an incentive to supportthe SSO: *for the 3 concertspresented the *12th, *15th, and *16th,SSO members, donors and ticketholders (season, or single for the 17th)will receive a $5 discount!!!!! (N/A on11th.)

• So please come out to as many eventsas you can; help us honour Dr. DavidKaplan.

Remember: Grand Beginning, January 11;Grand Finale, SSO concert, January 17; andlotsa “latkes” in between~!!

Klezmer KlassiKal MusiK WeeKfrom Monte Pishny-Floyd, coordinator, KlassiKal Meets Klezmer MusiK WeeK

7This page is sponsored by Leona Wasserman

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December 12,2008, is the day thatDr. David L. Kaplan,O.C., S.O.M.., OURDavid Kaplan, theman known toRobin Harrison,d i s t i n g u i s h e dpianist, as “Dave-the-Dude,” well-known Saskatoonmusician, turned 85.

Happy Birthday, Dr. K!I am writing this while visiting daughter

Amy in Houston. It is fitting in a way,because David Kaplan was teaching inTexas before he came to Saskatchewan, andmade quite a contribution here, especiallyin the Amarillo area. There are many peoplein Texas who remember him, because amongother things he was active in festivals. Heactually worked with people who taughtAnnette as an undergraduate, and one Iknew from my days at the University ofOklahoma, a famous band director. Smallworld.

All of us know “Dave-the-Dude’s” style:my introduction to it was in 1971, when Igot a job offer from a “David Kaplan, Headof the Music Department, U. of S.”—it wasa mimeographed copy! (I should haveknown…) My introduction at my firstfaculty meeting was his remark to the music

faculty: “Well, we put some names in a hat,pulled one out, and this is what we got; sorrywe couldn’t do any better.” I liked himinstantly.

In no time at all he had a job for my wifeas an interim choir director/organist at ThirdAvenue United, and Annette was engagedto teach piano to (then) little Sarah while aschief piano-teacher chauffeur I playedbasketball with Eddie while I waited.Jonathan had already left the nest as I recall.All the Kaplan Kinder have gone ontodistinction.

In view of his contributions to Saskatoonsince his arrival here almost half a centuryago, it seems fitting to honour him. Hiscontributions would take several pages tolist, but they include just about every facetof our musical scene, his lengthy associationwith the Rotary Club, inter-faith activities,work on behalf of immigrant refugees, a termas President of Congregation Agudas Israel,multi-cultural activities, and so forth.

He has been Saskatoon’s Citizen of theYear, and a B'nai Brith "We're Proud of YouAward" winner, and as the letters followinghis name above indicate, he is a member ofthe Order of Canada and of theSaskatchewan Order of Merit.

Dr. Kaplan (his Ph.D. is in Music Theoryfrom the very prestigious IndianaUniversity) is best-known for hiscontributions to music and music education.

He is a first-rate performer on clarinet andpiano, and is a conductor, who in fact atone time conducted the SaskatoonSymphony Orchestra, and has of courseconducted numerous other ensembles andchoral groups in his career. He is a composerof national and international stature: he isan Associate Composer of the CanadianMusic Centre (a juried process), and is amember by invitation of the CanadianLeague of Composers. He was the chiefarchitect of the present-day University ofSaskatchewan Music Department of whichhe served as Head for more than a decade,and was a co-founder of our SaskatoonComposers’ Performance Society, as well asits second president. Of course, he is listedin several books and encyclopedias,including the Encyclopedia of Music inCanada (pp. 673-674). He has had variousroles—all important—through the years inshaping the Saskatchewan Arts Board, theSaskatoon Youth Orchestra, and has overthe years contributed in many ways toseveral organizations and institutions,including the Saskatoon Concert Band andthe Registered Music Teachers. He hasadjudicated music festivals and writtenmusic for the Saskatchewan Music FestivalAssociation. He has served on numerousarts juries, and is widely consulted for hisincredible expertise in all facets of music.

A world-traveller, David Kaplan is oneof the few Canadian composers to havevisited Israel, rafted the Nahanni, ANDvisited the Galapagos. (“Don’t get aroundmuch any more” was most definitely NOTcomposed by our man!)

In the early seventies, Dr. Kaplan andhis first wife, Harriet, traveled all over theworld; he did a study of music educationand collected musical instruments fromEurope through the Soviet Union, in China,Japan, and elsewhere, and having outlasted

DrDr. David Kaplan: a personal memoir. David Kaplan: a personal memoir frfrom a friendom a friendby Dr. Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd

continued on page 16

Accounting & Auditing Financial PlanningEstate Planning Mergers & AcquisitionsManagement Consulting Income Tax ReturnsBusiness Valuations Corporate Tax Returns

Saskatoon ReginaTel: (306) 653-6100 Tel: (306) 522-6500

Website www.virtusgroup.ca

8This page is sponsored by Elizabeth Brewster

On The Making of Prayer Books - Part Twoby Rabbi Emeritus Roger Pavey

THE BULLETINEditor-in-Chief .......................... Steven GoluboffAdvertising Manager ...........................Ron GitlinCirculation Manager ..................... Myla DeptuckLayout & Graphic Design .............. Janet Eklund

Cost of this issue with mailing ................. $1200Advertisements ...................................... $30/issuePage Sponsorship ........... $25/issue or $130/yearIssues Published ............................................... 110Issues/Year ........................................................... 6If you are happy with the Bulletin and enjoy reading it, pleaseconsider sponsoring a page ($25/issue or $130/year). ContactSteven Goluboff or Ron Gitlin.

E-Mail Address: s.goluboff@shaw.cajteklund@sasktel.net

jewishcommunity@sasktel.netwebsite: www.saskatoon.uscjhost.net

Printed at Saskatoon Fastprint

I have toadmit a possiblebias. I grew upwith BritishReform andpersonally know

many of those involved in the making ofthis volume, so when I say that I amimpressed by and enthusiastic about it, youshould make the appropriate adjustments!

Mishkan Tefillah is a tremendousimprovement on the Gates of Prayer: howcould it not be! But, bearing in mind theenormous investment in its production,there are nagging questions and an uneasysense that perhaps an opportunity wasmissed. I suspect that individual Templeswill be producing their own supplementsfairly soon, as they did with Gates of Prayer.I find, for example that the print is sometimesdifficult for those of us who are visuallychallenged; and perhaps the Englishalternatives on the left hand side of the pagewere not as judiciously chosen for thepurpose as they might have been. Andconsidering that it covers a basicallyrestricted liturgy, it is a bit long. There arefew notes and little guidance to custom. Isuspect that it is basically a text forprofessional Rabbis and Cantors and thatlay leaders of Services could get easily lost.

Seder ha Tefillot is a remarkable product:it is not going to need a supplement formany years to come . The attempt to respondto the modern challenges to Judaism andJews is well done and honest. The anthologywill be a never-ending source of inspirationand enlightenment to the book’s users. Theproduction and the use of two colors (bluefor material that is used only on special

occasions) are exemplary. However, thepaper used will surely not stand up to regularcongregational use. And perhaps in asecond edition, Rabbi Magonet, the editor,might consider integrating into the book thevolume including the Festival Services. Toomany volumes of prayer makes life difficult(and expensive) for congregations. And thisone, in common with everything Britishtoday, is a mite pricey!

I have to ask myself, what do I want froma modern Prayer Book? It is a question thatexamination of these siddurim makes verypointed. I am looking for many things, andit is impossible to be completely satisfied. Iwant a Book that I can use in my own prayerlife with integrity and honesty; and I want aBook that is a guide to the wisdom of ourJewish tradition, an educational resource;and I want a book that opens up thepossibilities of Jewish teaching to speakinspiration and comfort to a modern andsensitive Jew. I would also like a book thatis well produced, user friendly, handsomelyprinted, a pleasure to handle and reasonablypriced. I must also admit that I love the ideaof encouraging modern Jewish art as anessential aspect of Jewish spirituality, andtherefore I respond very positively to theart work that decorates the British bookthroughout.

If I consider carefully the options we nowhave for non-Orthodox Prayer Books, I haveto say that I think that the British Reformsiddur, even though produced by such a

small group, is possibly the best availablefrom the point of view of inspiring bothspirituality and talmud torah. I also like theReconstructionist Kol ha Neshamah, mainlyfor it selections of English readings and itsartwork. I have a liking for Sim Shalom,despite its obvious imperfections, mainly Iadmit because I have a deep respect for itseditor, Rabbi Jules Harlow. I have to admitthat the liturgical work of the AmericanReform movement somehow does not speakto me, and I am not altogether sure why thatis so: the new material just seems to me ratherthin gruel, and it is rather loosely ensconcedin the traditional text, the whole somewhatdisarticulated. As I am a member of theCentral Conference of American Rabbis, Ifind that this makes me a little uncomfortableThe old Reform siddur Gates of Prayer neverreally got off the ground. Mishkan Tefillahis very much better as a book to daven with,but doesn’t even start as an educationaltool.

In prayer, alwaysassociate yourself withthe congregation andsay, "Our God, leadus."

9

Hadassah-WIZO NewsCanadian Hadassah-WIZO is a volunteer women's Zionist organization that provides material and moral supportto enhance the lives of women, children and youth in Israel through its health care, education and social servicesprojects. It fosters and strengthens Jewish ideals and highlights the role of Israel in today's world.

This Page is Sponsored by Saskatoon Hadassah WIZO

IGNITING THE POWER of WOMEN wasthe theme of the CHW 39th NationalConvention in Calgary, November 15 -18,2008. Eight members attended fromSaskatchewan, including JenniferHesselson, Dianne Greenblat and LeonaWasserman.

The Convention offered us a fun packedand informative array of activities which leftno time for shopping! Registration and aCalgary Welcome started things offSaturday evening with formal sessionsbeginning Sunday morning. Theconvention program was planned to educateand inspire delegates to work togethertowards common goals and to discuss howour organization will meet these goals in the21st century. Fundraising was a major topicfor discussion and delegates wereimpressed with the success of SaskatoonHadassah’s Silver Spoon Dinner. It wasagreed that Sponsorships are a vitalnecessity in fundraising. We also heardabout the Kidney Foundation in easternCanada using “virtual fundraising” in whichtheir Gala Dinner happens online. Apparentlyit is very successful.

We attended a workshop entitled“Change – The Only Thing That’sConstant.” And of course a Conventionmust have a business session. It was quitelengthy as we had to discuss and vote on afew constitutional changes. Voting forcandidates for office was unnecessary asall were elected by acclamation.

One evening we were entertained withlive music and dancing. A karaoke sessionwhich saw various groups (including us)performing an original convention song washilarious and much enjoyed by all.

During the convention CHW honouredthree accomplished women who areinspirations to all of us to “ignite the powerof women.” Recognized were Melissa Blake,an Ontario city Mayor whose son onceasked, “Mom, can boys become mayorstoo?”, Christine Wandzura, CEO andFounder of Kids Cancer Care Foundation,who suffered the loss of her young child tocancer, and Hayley Wickenheiser, Captainof Canada’s Gold Medal winning Women’sHockey Team. By sharing their stories aboutwhat ignites their power we delegateshopefully were motivated to find our ownpower within.

We were privileged to hear from a numberof other dynamic speakers duringconvention. Our first keynote speaker atconvention was Margaret Wente, one ofCanada’s leading columnists who spokeabout cultural values in a liberal democracy.We listened to Prof Shlomo Mor-Yosef, M.D,Director General of the Hadassah MedicalOrganization who gave a powerful speechand video presentation about Hadassah

Hospital. He spoke of their many firsts inmedicine and their need for expansion foroutpatient services. We also met two youngwomen from Israel who have benefited fromour youth programs. Another guest speakerwas Lorne Gunter who told us about theongoing actions in the Gaza strip where morethan 6000 rockets have been fired into Israelsince the settlers were removed. He reportedthat despite this the Israelis carry on a normallife but do wear flack jackets. He asked thatJewish people pass the word on what ishappening in Israel and give detailed,factual information to the media whohopefully will publish these truths.

At our “Celebrating Achievement”Dinner Gala we heard from IsraeliAmbassador Miriam Ziv, and then wereintroduced to the delightful Gail Asper,recipient of the Rebecca Sieff Award. (Whatan upbeat lady!)

Sandy Martin, outgoing president ofCHW was our special Honoree. Welcomedas new President of Hadassah Wizo wasTerry Swartzfeld.

Igniting the Power of WomenCHW 39th National Convention

by Dianne Greenblat and Leona Wasserman

Hadassah CardsGet Well Soon from Grace Goluboff to

Pauline LaimanCongratulations on birth of your Grand-

daughter from Zara Gurstein to LindaGould

Deepest Sympathy from Jennefer, JefferyHesselson and family to Linda Belak

KOACH's Two Minute Torah PodcastGot Two Minutes? Get some Torah! Click here (www.koach.org/index.htm) for KOACH'sweekly words of Torah, with guest teachers from throughout the Conservative Movement.This is your weekly parashah preview! Subscribe to our podcast via iTunes, listen rightnow or download the MP3 for later. One who studies Torah is as if they uphold the entireworld. Midrash Mishlei (Proverbs) 9:1. Below is an example.

Vayehi 5768 - January 10th, 2008by Dr. Richard Lederman

Shalom. My name is Richard Lederman. I am Director of Public Policy and Social Actionfor the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Executive Director of the SeaboardRegion of United Synagogue.

The Parasha we are reading this week is called Vayehi, from the opening words, vayehiYoseph, "Joseph lived." Yet much of the story is focused on death--the death of Jacob andthe death of Joseph. Why would a narrative of death begin with a word meaning life? In theTorah, among other challenges that death presents is the challenge of sustaining God'scovenant. God's promise to the Jewish people, beginning with God's promise to Abraham--that we would become a great and numerous nation, that we would become a blessing tothe world, that, indeed, all the world would bless themselves in our name--that promise iscalled into question whenever an heir to that promise dies.

Facing death, Jacob makes sure to pass the promise of God's covenant on to his decedents.

TORAH ONLINE

continued on page 17

10This Page is Sponsored by the United Israel Appeal of Canada

People are now getting serious aboutlaughing, and clubs are popping up all

over, providing a safe environmentfor people to come out and laugh,

just for the health of it.

•Laughter Yoga combines simplelaughter/breathing exercises with

gentle stretching.•Laughter Yoga is a workout for your

internal organs.•Laughter Yoga is fun for any age

and will bring out the spirit oflaughter in us all.

•You ll laugh like you have neverlaughed before and leave refreshed

and invigorated.

. First meeting will be January 21st. Participants might want to bringbottled water and wear warm layers, for the Center can be cold butlaughing will warm you up! For more information, contact Janet at

janeterikson@sasktel.net .

PhysicalReduces stress • Increases level ofendorphins • Protects the heart •

Increases heart rate • Lowers bloodpressure • Strengthens the Immune

system • Increases blood circulation •Strengthens muscles • Decreases anger

• Increases digestion • Decreasesanxiety • Increases respiration • Relaxes

muscles • Decreases adrenaline

MentalElevates mood • Increases energy •

Makes you feel good • Improves brainfunctioning • Increases communication •Improves coping skills • Develops sense

of humor • Increases rapport • Connectsyou to others • Facilitates learning •

Builds social skills • Increases creativity• Helps access the subconscious mind •Replaces negative emotions with positive

ones

The Jewish Community Center iswheelchair accessible.

This Laughter Club is free ofcharge .

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!This is a great form of exercise for

people that have little mobility. In respect of other participants,young children must be able to sitquietly during laughter meditation.

YES!! 10 minutes of laughter = 30minutes of strenuous rowing

SEVEN DAYS WITHOUTLAUGHTER MAKES ONE WEAK!Have you had your daily dose?

The library is open at odd and unusualtimes. I’m there early Monday afternoons.Talk to me if you want help finding somethingat other times.

I put out books after Saturday morningShabbat services. If you wish to borrowany of the items displayed, you will find alittle index box with names. Inside eachbook is a slip with the book’s information.Simply place that behind your name in thebox.

Some of you have overdue material. I

Library Newsby Patricia Pavey

might call you, but perhaps you could alllook in your homes, under couches, in yourbasements, etc., and see if you have anybooks from our library that you’d “forgottenabout”.

Sisterhood has chosen to hold bookdiscussions. The first title is The Faith Club.After September 11th, three women, aMuslim, a Christian and a Jew, search forunderstanding and mutual respect. Theyquestion Islam, God, and other religiousconcerns. This is a great book for motivatinginterfaith discussion groups, and you don’thave to be a member of Sisterhood to join.There may be some copies of the book left.Ask a Sisterhood member for moreinformation.

Bibliographically yours!Patricia Pavey, Librarian

The Jewish Americans

The congregation has bought acopy of THE JEWISHAMERICANS: A Series by DavidGrubin, a PBS Home Video.

David Grubin traces 350 years ofJewish American history, from thearrival of the first Jews in 1654 up tothe present day. The video tells thestory of the struggle of a tinyminority to make their way into theAmerican mainstream while, at thesame time, maintaining a sense oftheir own identity as Jews.

It will be available for loan fromyour favourite library!

A new Laughter Yoga Club will be meetingat the Jewish Community Center on Wednesdays

from 6-6:45

The advancement of learning is the highestcommandment

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Inc., a subsidiary of CIBC and Member CIPF

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11This page is sponsored by Lois & Walter Gumprich of Vancouver

54th B'nai Brith Silver Plate Dinner a Successby David Katzman, Dinner Chairman

By every measure, the Nov. 14th Dinnerexceed our expectations. We hosted ourlargest Dinner, with 778 guests. Wecompleted our $30 000 commitment to theChildren’s Health and Hospital Foundation,a $10,000 commitment to the RoyalUniversity Hospital Future in Mind project,and another $10 000shared between thePersephone TheatreYouth Program and theSaskatoon Zoo. Inaddition, we continueour annual support toKing George CommunitySchool, the Care andShare Holiday Luncheonand the Star Phoenix’sRaise a Reader campaign.The Silent and LiveAuction, organized byRon Gitlin, Ian Buckwoldand Mike Levine, raisedfunds specifically forCongregation AgudasIsrael. The Hadassah women sold ticketsfor their annual catered dinner for eight. Theprestigious We Are Proud of You Award waspresented to Grant Kook, who delivered anexceptionally eloquent and entertainingacceptance speech. The electronic draw andaudiovisual effects directed by GordHoltslander and Bryce Sasko, performedswiftly and effectively. Steven Simpsonprepared the "We're Proud of You Display.Our new ticket chair, Joe Dawson, and ArnieShaw teamed up to ensure that we had all ofour data properly recorded so that we cando even better next year. Of course, thegentlemen are there to be entertained andSteven Goluboff was fabulous at themicrophone. Finally, while we do give a greatdeal of financial support to worthy charities

in our city, we also use thesefunds to support our ownBBYO, JSA and a host of ourJewish community projects. Asalways, we need more help fromthe men of CAI.

The Head Table

John Green and Doug Hodsonpresenting the We're Proud of YouAward to Grant Kook

The "We're Proud of You"Honour Display

MC Steven Goluboff

Draw MasterArnie Shaw

HazzanNeil

A happy winner of $2500.

Chan Katzman, attendee from thebeginning

Youth - the future of the dinner

B'nai Brith President,Randy Katzman

B'nai Brith Scotch Servers

This page is sponsored by Zora Gropper of Vancouver

12

This page is spsonored by Effie (Brook) & Harry Gordon of Vancouver

Israel has achieved so much throughoutits sixty years of existence. This country has“bloomed the desert” creating cities andeven agriculture in what seemed to beinfertile soil. Israel has fought many warsand its mere existence is an enormousachievement. Through all of these triumphs,none has affected the world like theinvention of the cellular telephone. Since2005, there have been 2.4 billion peoplesubscribing to cell phone carriers and thisnumber has increased exponentially. Almostevery child, teenager and adult in developedcountries has these hand held devices.Cellular phones are a convenience foreveryone, essential to business, and evenlife-saving for those who are lost or in peril.The cellular telephone has shaped ageneration. Fifty six percent of teenagerscarry cell phone for talking, texting, playing

“Israel At Sixty”by Jonathan Katzman

games and even surfing the web. Israel hasand continues to develop this kind oftechnology with the biggest Motorolaresearch center in the world. The cell phone,among other very important breakthroughsin technology, is now starting to be used inother countries replacing the credit card andholding very important personal informationthat is easily accessed with the touch of abutton. Israel will forever be known for thisinvention, because not only has it made lifeeasier for many around the world, it hasglobalized the earth bringing people closertogether.

Presently, Israel has a multitude ofchallenges which it is facing with greatdetermination; terrorism, the constant threatof war, shortages of water, the settlement ofimmigrants, and political turmoil quickly

come to mind. The greatest challenge,however, is for Israel to achieve fairtreatment in the world media. Israel needsthe support of the world as she fights forher existence and to eliminate terrorism.Israel is unfairly synonymous with war andhurting the innocent. This could not be

farther from the truth, yet this is howthe media has portrayed thismisunderstood country. In January,2002, two different examples of thiswere perfectly displayed. First, aPalestinian terrorist took a machinegun and shot at Israeli civilians indowntown Jerusalem while Israeliforces killed four Hamas terrorists in abomb factory in the West Bank. Theheadline in the Associated Press read“Israel kills 4, Palestinian wounds 8”making no distinction betweeninnocent civilians and those makingbombs. Secondly, a Palestinian in astolen car rampaged through Tel Avivrunning over police, soldiers andpedestrians. The Associate Pressheadline for this incident read“Palestinian Shot Dead in Tel Aviv”.These misleading headlines leadpeople to believe Israel has hurt oreven killed innocent individuals.Such biased headlines encourageterrorists, knowing that they will besympathetically portrayed in thepress.

Honest reporting would createbetter informed citizens around theworld, who would demand an endto the support for terrorism. A fairpress would hasten a peace thatwould benefit everyone.

MERCAZ-CANADA

December 3, 20086 Kislev 5769

Jonathan Katzman223 Lakeshore PlaceSaskatoon, SK S7J 3T7

Dear Jonathan:

On behalf of the Officers, Board and Staff of MERCAZ-CANADA, we wish to thank you

very much for entering the Israel Essay Contest that was sponsored by MERCAZ-

CANADA, MERCAZ USA and Women’s League for Conservative Judaism.

We had many excellent entries, which made choosing the winners very difficult. We were

so impressed with the calibre and thoughtfulness expressed by everyone who submitted

an essay. Though you were a runner up, we were very impressed with your essay and will

be sending it to your synagogue. Steven Goluboff, a member of our MERCAZ-CANADA

Board asked that we send your essay to him for publication.

Wishing you continuing success in your future endeavors!

Yaasher Koach!B’Shalom,

Marion Mayman, Marilyn Cohen,

PresidentExecutive Director

c.c. Steven Goluboff, Mercaz-Canada Board Member, David Katzman, President

The Zionist Organization of the

Conservative Movement

YYYYYOUTHOUTHOUTHOUTHOUTH

Mah Chadash (What's New)by Shirly and Nimrod Solomon

13

YYYYYOUTHOUTHOUTHOUTHOUTH

This page is sponsored by Alan, Linda & Sam Goluboff of Toronto

Breakfast ClubOn the menu: Coffee, Bagels and the Israeli movie The Debt– Themovie follows two parallel stories, one takes place in 1964 in Berlin,

where three Mossad agents, are on a mission to capture the “Surgeon of Birkenau”, amonstrous Nazi war criminal.

The second is 30 years later...when the events of the past suddenly arise.

Movie length: 93 minutes.

Sunday, February 1st • 10 am - at the Centre

Shalom to you all,

In February we will celebrate Tu B’Shvat(15th of the Hebrew month of Shvat).

Tu B’Shvat was mentioned for the firsttime in the Mishna as “Rosh Hashanah forthe trees”.

It became a holiday of Netiot (planting)just with the first Aliyah wave to Israel in1881. The Jewish people arriving to Israeltook very seriously the phrase fromLeviticus saying: “and when you shall comeinto the land, and shall have planted allmanner of trees for food…” (Leviticus 19,23).

Theodor Herzl the father of modernpolitical Zionism also saw the need to plant

trees in the land of Israel. In his utopiannovel The Old New Land (or Altneuland inthe original German) published in 1902 Herzlwrote: “there is a lot to do here, it isnecessary to afforest it” – talking about theland of Israel.

In 1908 the Israeli teachers uniondeclared Tu B’Shvat as the holiday ofplanting. The Zionist movementsinstitutions and especially JNF (JewishNational Fund) brought seedlings to pre-school and school students encouragingthem to plant all over Israel. We rememberas kids growing up in Israel what an excitingday it was that in the middle of the winter(an Israeli winter – meaning 15 plustemperatures but rain) we used to go withall the students in our school to plant treesin the closest forest. Every kid got to puthis name next to the tree he planted andtook a picture of it. Years after we went tosee how “our” trees had developed andgrown like we grew in the years that hadpassed. Today with the global world andtechnology you can plant a tree in Israel

It is almost the end of December, whichmeans we are already half way through theBBYO year. It seems like time has just flownby, but looking back much has happened inBBYO and I thought I’d take this chance togive a quick update. First of all, I willintroduce our chapter’s board. Thepositions are as follows: Jonathan Katzmanas Godol (president) and Gizbor (treasurer),Lauren Scharfstein is S’Ganit (vice-president), Jardena Gertler-Jaffe is Mit Momand Slichah (Judaism), Dylan Lambi as

Mazkira (secretary), and Mayah Holtslanderas Orechet (newspaper). We started the yearoff with installations and chapter bondingat the farm of one of our member’sgrandparents. Not only did we learn moreabout each other, but had a fun time in natureas well. Since then, we have had some otherprograms including: sukkah building, aShabbat dinner, and cookie baking. Chapterinvolvement has been very high the yearand we have been very lucky to get a lot ofmembers out to each program and

BBYO REPORTby Jonathan Katzman

convention. There have also been threeregional conventions this year: RegionalLeadership Training Convention (RLTC),Mit/Ait and Leadership Training Institute(LTI). Much has happened, but we still havea lot planned for the rest of the year. Wewould like to hold a fundraiser to donateproceeds to charity. There will be a falafelmaking program in the near future and weare leading services on the 27th of Februaryand hope to see you all there! HappyChanukah!

while being thousands of kilometers awaythrough the internet. It can be an actual treeon many websites like the JNF one or avirtual tree like in the Knesset.

In the recent years Tu B’Shvat hasbecome more and more a “green” day ofenvironmental awareness, stimulating adiscussion about the future of ourenvironment and our life in it.

As we all know trees and planting requirewater and this year like the last few ones isa very dry year in Israel. We know that itcan seem weird to someone who lives inCanada but there is a shortage of fresh andsweet water in Israel, based on the fact thatthe Sea of Galilee (lake Kinneret) is the onlysource for it. Last week there was a specialjoint prayer for rain led by Rabbi ShlomoDidi the Rabbi of the Jordan Valley, Ian Clark,the Priest of the Scottish church andMuhammad Dahamshe, the Imam of KfarKana on the Kinneret shoreline. We all jointheir prayers for rain and coexistence in Israeland around the world.

Lehitraot,Shirly & Nim

This page is sponsored by Cliff & Ellen Hendler and Family of Toronto14

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From Our Tel Aviv Deskby Keren-Or and Lior

Dear Congregation,After a short absence from the last

Bulletin – due to a trip to Brazil duringOctober visiting Lior’s family (and havinglot’s of fun…) – we’re back, hoping youdidn’t miss us too much.

There’s a lot going on here in Israel lately,especially on the political scene. Municipalelections took place in November (a newmayor in Jerusalem), general elections againare scheduled for February, PM Olmert’spending indictment over the “Rishontours”scandal (in which he is suspected of fraud,breach of trust, falsifying corporate records,failure to report an income and receiving illicitbenefits), and how can we forget – the Gazaissue.

Let’s begin with Jerusalem’s new mayor,Nir Barkat, the “secular” candidate who wonthe November municipal elections with asolid 9% margin over the “religious” haredicandidate, Meir Porush. Barkat, a successfulbusinessman, began his political career fiveyears ago as a candidate in the formerelections, which he lost to the haredicandidate Uri Lupoliansky. Since then, hehas been active in Jerusalem’s city counciland its public life. The two major candidatesBarkat and Porush represent more thanthemselves, or their parties. They reflect onwhat the city’s image is all about: secularversus religious, modern versusconservative. That’s without evenmentioning the Arab population, whoconsist of almost one third of the city.Jerusalem is by all means Israel’s mostdisputed city. Its inter-religious importanceput aside, the city is divided into religiousand secular, rich and poor. It is one of thepoorest cities in the country, well employed

and unemployed, Jew and Arab, and so on.Definitely it is a micro cosmos which reflectstoday’s Israel. There’s also a lot of talk aboutthe city’s residents becoming older, as theyoung find themselves “unwanted”, unableto find a job or just unhappy with the“atmosphere”. More so, the religious(orthodox) and the Arab population have aconsistently higher growth rate than thesecular population. Add to that the fact thatwithin the religious population there is a highunemployment rate, low tax payments and atendency for segregation, the result is twodistinct groups within the Jewish populationwho have very different views on how andwhat the city should be. During the last fiveyears, the haredis had their opportunity torun the city for the first time. But nowBarkat’s election seems to indicate themajority want change. Easier said than done,of course. We’ll have to wait and see.

With the general elections just aroundthe corner, the three major parties and theirleaders are almost done forming their list ofcandidates to the Knesset. Tzipi Livni, leaderof Olmert’s ruling party Kadima, is strugglingto keep up with Netanyahu, the Likud partyleader, who enjoys so far a relativelycomfortable winning margin. Livni is in anextremely awkward position being Kadima’sleader, but not being Prime Minister, a factthat might cost her the election. Ehud Barak,current Security Minister and leader of the“Avoda” (Labor) party, is heading,according to the polls, for an all time low forthe once omnipotent left wing movement.However, it is still too early for celebrationsor farewells, as around 30% of the votersmake their minds up days before the election.So far, the main issue at stake was theeconomic crisis and its effects, an issue inwhich Netanyahu is considered to have anadvantage, but the Gaza ordeal may onceagain head the agenda, and that can changea whole lot, especially if the IDF is sent on alarge scale mission in the south. Add theupcoming end of Mahmoud Abbas’ term asPalestinian Authority chairman, and you endup with a bunch of unanswered questionsas to what the Israeli political scene will looklike in two months. Israel’s political historyhas shown that almost anything is possiblearound here – right wing governments signpeace treaties and withdraw from occupiedland (Sinai), left wing leaders permit

settlements in the West Bank (Peres andRabin), and as far fetched as can possiblybe, Ariel Sharon, the “father of the Jewishsettlements in the West Bank and Gaza”,withdrew from Gaza, including dismantlingsettlements and evacuating thousands ofsettlers. Anything is possible.

Speaking of Gaza, we are days away fromthe deadline of the “tahadiye” – a kind ofcease-fire in Arabic (of course, by the timeyou read this, it will be old news). Both sidesare accusing each other of violating thecease-fire, up to a point that it doesn’tactually exist. The truth is Israel is in a verycomplicated situation, with quite a fewoptions and a lot at stake. First, the Qassamrocket strikes on the Southern towns, makinglife pretty much a nightmare for theirresidents, needs a solution of some sort.Second, IDF abducted soldier Gilad Shalitis still in the hands of Hamas, and might beunder a life threatening situation if a strikeon Gaza takes place. Third, what is the besttactical and strategic action: engage in a fullscale assault, reoccupy Gaza, and defeat theHamas government by force, air strikeswithout ground assault, and so on? Fourth,how to keep Abbas’ and Fatah’s leadershiprelevant. The list goes on. Hamas, for itspart, has its pros and cons regarding thecease-fire. On one hand, the relative quietthat Gaza’s citizens have felt in the last fewmonths assures its political stand fromwithin. They have also reinforced their armssupply, especially rockets, quite easily,through underground tunnels from Sinai. Onthe other hand, many young Hamasmilitants see the cease-fire as a weakness,and find it hard to swallow a non-militantpolicy against “the Zionists”. More so,Hamas wishing to gain political strength inthe West Bank, where Fatah rules, has toconsider the most efficient way of doing so.Now, try and find a reasonable solution.

On a more optimistic note, we wish youall a Happy Chanuka, and (“civilian”) NewYear. We hope you have a bearable winter!

Lehitraot for now.

YYYYYOUTHOUTHOUTHOUTHOUTH

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Not too long ago, Orthodox shuls werethe only religious institutions consideredlegitimate by the secular Israeli majority. But,according to a poll conducted shortly be-fore the High Holidays, Israelis are increas-ingly citing a Masorti kehilla as “the shul Idon’t attend.” Believe it or not, this is goodnews. Now, becoming more familiar with –and comfortable in – a Masorti kehilla, evennon-observant Jews in Israel, evidently, wantto identify with the movement that embracesthe core Jewish values of tolerance, Zionismand democracy withina traditional, halakhicframework.

This encouragingtrend was the topic of arecent op-ed by YizharHess, Executive Direc-tor and CEO of theMasorti movement inIsrael, in YediotAcharonot, one of Is-rael’s largest circulationdailies. We share with you excerpts from hisessay, “The Death of Orthodox Secularism”:

There are “sacred cows” it is a pleasureseeing brought to slaughter, especially whenwe are speaking of kosher slaughter – aslaughter that heralds the death of “Ortho-dox Secularism,” [best defined as] a secularJew for whom the synagogue that he doesnot attend is Orthodox.

On Rosh Hashanah eve, the Panels Insti-tute published a poll reporting on where Is-raelis planned to go on RoshHashanah….Forty-six percent said theywould visit a synagogue during the holiday,

A Message from the Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel: Promoting Religious Pluralism and Building CommunityThrough Inclusive, Traditional, Egalitarian Judaism

Harbinger of Change: More Secular Israelis Call Masorti Kehillot“The Shul I Don’t Attend”

with 69% of that figure intending to pray inan Orthodox synagogue. Neither number wassurprising. What was striking was the fol-lowing: 22 percent who planned to attendRosh Hashanah services said they wouldpray in either a Masorti (Conservative) orReform kehilla

This translates into more than half a mil-lion Israelis who would be in a Masorti orReform High Holy Day service.

This is an amazing finding because it isimpossible. True, non-Orthodox synagogues

were filled to capacity, but there were nothundreds of thousands of worshippers….Sowhat gives?

The old myth that if secular Israelis aregoing to attend synagogue it will have to bean Orthodox synagogue, simply no longerholds true. Secular Israelis may have endedup, at some point, at a Masorti kehilla for aholiday prayer and saw that family seatingwas kind of nice for them. They may haveparticipated in a wedding conducted by aMasorti rabbi. Perhaps they participated ina Masorti bar or bat mitzvah where the boys

and girls were honored in an equal manner.They peeked at Masorti-style worship andfound they weren’t injured, but instead theysaw something truly good. This did not im-pel them to attend synagogue regularly, butit did alter their perceptions. They are stillhilonim, secular, but they are now Masorti-hilonim.

It is no surprise that Orthodox syna-gogues are less attractive to the secular pub-lic; the disgust over the Orthodox establish-ment in Israel is well deserved….

But there is reason for optimism. Just takea look at what has been happening at thenon-Orthodox synagogues in the last fewyears. That which politics and official policycannot bring about, the street [ultimately]will.

To learn more, please contact:Masorti Foundation for ConservativeJudaism in Israel475 Riverside Drive, Suite 832New York, NY, 10115-0122(212) 870-2216; 1-877-287-7414info@masorti.org; www.masorti.org

The old myth that if secularIsraelis are going to attendsynagogue it will have to be anOrthodox synagogue, simply nolonger holds true.

Israel's most cherishedideal is the universalbrotherhood ofmankind.

- Samson Raphael Hirsch

SASKATOON810 Circle Dr. E 2105 8th St. E.

at Millar Ave at Grosvenor933-1986 955-1989

This page is sponsored by Dr. Syd & Miriam Gelmon of Vancouver16

This page is sponsored by Dr. Joe & Colleen Golumbia of Sidney, BC

the Soviet Union, put together a hugecollection of instruments from all around theglobe, which has since gone to theUniversity of Saskatchewan. Now housedin the Diefenbaker Centre, it is a world-classcollection, easily comparable to, for example,such famed museums as the stringinstrument museum in Mittenwald, Germany.

As President (and a co-founder) of theSaskatoon Jewish Cultural Association, hehas for the past few years presented an

David Kaplan... from page 5

annual Jewish Music Festival. He alsoconducts his own klezmer band, theSaskatoon Klezmer Band, which is well-known to all of Saskatoon, and indeedthroughout Saskatchewan. His annualcontributions also include the Festival ofFaith, and have included the drum festivalheld outdoors in the summer, as well asnumerous other activities which he, with hisrare combination of talent, knowledge,energy, and enthusiasm, has generated andnurtured for the benefit of all of us.

Of course, in terms of our ownCongregation Agudas Israel he has beenactive in all facets, from B’nai Brith toFolkfest, playing key roles in these,providing the music for our annualHolocaust Service, and on severaloccasions, as this past November 23rd,providing concerts that have a Jewish corebut, typical Kaplan, provide indispensableoutreach to all of Saskatoon. He hasfaithfully served as Gabbai for many, manyservices, and among other things, at onetime directed a small choir. Of course, therehave been many collaborations on his part

with his second wife, Susanne, an importantand highly-gifted artist in her own right, forwhom he has written songs she hasperformed and in terms of her designingmarvelous programs for his many concerts.It is only fair to mention that as far as ourcongregation is concerned, the Kaplans areone up on the Clintons, because as we allknow Susanne was ALSO a President ofCAI!!

In light of all his contributions, it is morethan fitting that the City of Saskatoon hasproclaimed January 11-17 “KlassiKal MeetsKlezmer MusiK WeeK” in honour of Dr.David Kaplan, “Dave-the-Dude,” a livingcultural treasure of our community. Whocould imagine a more valued friend, fellow-congregant, colleague, and mentor? He hasbeen all of these, and more, for most of us inone way or another and for almost a half-century. To me, and I suspect to all whoknow him, the single most accurate anddescriptive title one could bestow uponDavid Kaplan is that he is the epitome of “areal Mensch!”

One ofthe difficultchallenges inlife we face,is that oftrying please

people. Of course it is impossible to pleaseeveryone, but we try - when placed in aposition where solutions to a problem mustbe found. Our Sisterhood challenge oftrying to reverse a downward trend ofminding kashrut in the kitchen has givensome good challenges. Part of the reason,is that many of us in the community are notreligiously kosher, while others are tryinghard to live that journey in thier homes -and are counting on their Synagogue to bethere for them when they come to enjoy ameal or tea social. We are a Synagoguewhich is home to a broad spectrum of Jewishthought and practice, so it is important tofind an acceptable balance between all ofus.

In the last Bulletin, when guidelines forbringing food into to the synagogue werelisted, there was some feedback fromconcerned members who felt the policy wastoo strict, too inconvenient andunreasonable. Therefore these members

were not willing to bring in their excellentfood and baking.

It has been a work in progress, andSisterhood is confident to be on the road toa solution which everyone in the communitymay rest easily with. Our committee hasmodified the first round of kitchen policysuggestions to respectfully encompassthese concerned members. For thoseindividuals, and families who want to bringin baking or participate in the sharedShabbat pot luck, please keep theseacceptable guidelines in mind:

When bringing in baking, a containermay be foil or glass/pyrex. If the containerisn’t foil or glass/pyrex (ie: Tupperware),please completely line container with foil.Please do baking in/on a pan that hasn’ttouched meat. If the baking pan is a cookiesheet that has had meat on it, please linethe sheet with foil before baking.

Metal bowls and utensils may be usedfor mixing, as long as they have beensanitized in the dishwasher.

As long as we are mindful of where weare bringing our food, I am confident mostof us will respectfully do what is required athome, and in the Synagogue.

Other news - The Flower Fund is in need

of supplement this year. Sisterhood usesthe fund to purchase the lovelyarrangements for High Holy Days. If anyoneis looking for a good place for some lazymoney - the Sisterhood Flower Fund wouldwelcome your donation!

Please be advised as well thatmembership dues of $30.00 will be due bythe end of December.

The next Sisterhood Meeting will be atCAI Synagogue on February 01, 2009 at1:00.

Our first meeting for the Sisterhood BookClub will be announced at that time, andalso a discussion to choose a Judaica Hamsacraft day in late Winter/Spring.

The Shabbat Family Dinner is scheduledfor January 23, 2009. Many of us are pleasedthat Linda Shaw’s delicious brisket is on themenu again this year! (Vegetarians will havea choice as well.)

We would love to see some new facesthere - won’t you join us?

‘It is never too late to study again. Itdoesn’t have to be formal study. It doesn’tneed any time limit. Study life. Study thethings which fascinate you. Learn newskills, update old ones. Explore.”

Sisterhood Newsby Karen Dawson

17

The Saskatoon Jewish Foundationgratefully acknowledges the following contributions:As my father

planted for me

before I was born,

So do I plant for

those who will

come after me.from the Talmud

Your contribution, sent to:Saskatoon Jewish FoundationCongregation Agudas Israel,

715 McKinnon Avenue, SaskatoonS7H 2G2

will be gratefully received andfaithfully applied.

TO GREETING FROMSEYMOUR BUCKWOLD CULTURAL FUND

Ian Buckwold In honour of your birthday Gladys Rose & Family

GLADYS & GERRY ROSE FUNDGrant Scharfstein Best wishes for your recovery Gladys Rose & FamilyElizabeth Brewster In honour of your acheivements Gladys Rose

in poetryAlan Goluboff In honour of receiving the Gladys Rose

Don Haldane Distinguished ServiceAward of the Director’s Guild of Canada.

NATHAN & GRACE GOLUBOFF FUNDElizabeth Brewster Mazel Tov on receiving the Steven Leila &

Saskatchewan Order of Merit Grace GoluboffEli Bornstein Mazel Tov on receiving the Steven Leila &

Saskatchewan Order of Merit Grace Goluboff

AVIVI YOUNG SHLICHIM FUNDElizabeth Brewster Mazel Tov on receiving the June Avivi

Saskatchewan Order of MeritDavid Kaplan In recognition of being honoured June Avivi

by the City of Saskatoon'sdesignation that the week of January11-17 be declared "KlassiKal Meets Klezmer Musik Week."

BREAKING THE FAST/YOM KIPPUR FUNDNed GarstadJanet EriksonRuth and Lou HorlickJean ScharfsteinDean and Arlene DeobaldArnie and Linda Shaw

This Page is sponsored by Toby Rose, Les Klein, Jonathon, Solomon and Benjamin of TorontoThis page is sponsored by Dr. Jeff Stein

NEW OFFICE HOURSEffective January 1, 2009 the office hours here at the building will be changing.

Myla Deptuch will be working from home on Mondays and Tuesdays and as suchwill not be in the building. She will however be reachable by e-mail:

jewishcommunity@sasktel.net and will be checking her office voice mail regularly343-7023 ext.1.If access to the building is required on Monday or Tuesday

arrangements will need to be made in advance.Office hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays will remain 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The office will be closed on Fridays.

In a familiar theme of reversal, a theme wellknown to Jacob from his own experience withhis brother Esau, Jacob crosses his armswhen blessing his grandsons, placing hisright hand on the younger child Ephraim,thereby elevating him to a higher status thanhis older brother Menashe. That is why, weare told, we bless our children with the bless-ing, "May God make you like Ephraim andManashe," placing Ephraim, the youngerson, first in our blessing.

I wonder why this theme is so common inthe Torah. What does this reversal of theyounger over the older tell us about the Jew-

ish character and the Jewish conscious-ness? Do we perhaps have something ofan inferiority complex, or is there someother message?

I believe there is another message. Ourancestors looked at themselves and theworld much the way we do. We are a smallpeople, few in number. We often despair ofthis, seeing our declining numbers as a cri-sis. But our Torah teaches that size is notwhat counts, that the younger child canobtain the birthright; that the smaller na-tion can receive God's promise, God's cov-enant. As long as we remain focused on

Torah on Line... from page 9

the mission to be a people in covenant rela-tionship with God, to be a holy nation, a peo-ple determined to bring the blessings of jus-tice and well being to the world, then we willsurely remain heirs to God's promise.

Shalom uvrakhah--may we all enjoy God'speace and God's blessing

Jenny BobowskyElizabeth BrewsterGerald and Dianne GreenblatHerschel DavidnerKayla HockLeona Wasserman

Steven and Leila GoluboffGrace GoluboffFranci and Gord HoltslanderJolene ShifDavid and Susan KatzmanZoe Litman

details). Rabbi Emeritus Roger Pavey with theencouragement of our Cemetery Chairman,Ralph Katzman introduces the concept ofCremation in Jewish funeral rites. It is a topicthat is receiving more attention in the Jewishworld and we would be wise to begin adialogue about how it might fit into ourtradition in Saskatoon. The Board andCongregation have already been forwardthinking by ensuring that non-Jewishpartners can now be buried in our Cemetery.Finally the Congregation owes a debt ofgratitude to B’nai Brith for their mostsuccessful Silver Plate Dinner ever. 782 ticketswere sold and some of the proceeds go tosupport the daily activities of CAI.

Editorial... from page 3

This page is sponsored by Myrna H. Levin of Winnipeg

YahrtzeitsJanuary 2/3 Tevet 5/6Israel Katzman Jan 2 (6)Leopold Edison Jan 2 (6)Labe Katzman Jan 2 (6)*Joseph Donen Jan 3 (7)Annie Handelman Jan 4 (8)*Lillian Gitlin Jan 4 (8)Ida Gamm Jan 5 (9)Arthur Singer Jan 5 (9)*Julie Singer Jan 5 (9)Moses Filer Jan 6 (10)*Michael Davidner Jan 8 (12)Mary Davidner Jan 8 (12)Solomon Shaw Jan 8 (12)

January 9/10 Tevet 13/14Baby Trager Jan 9 (13)Jacob Trager Jan 9 (13)*Joseph Caplan Jan 10 (14)Morris Ames Jan 10 (14)*Estelle Gladstone Jan 10 (14)Anne Goldstein Jan 11 (15)Sadie O'Fallon Jan 11 (15)Leon Dragushan Jan 11 (15)*Anne Shore Jan 11 (15)*Joe Schachter Jan 12 (16)*Gertrude Bricker Jan 13 (17)*Harry Spector Jan 13 (17)*S.B. Levin Jan 14 (18)*Minnie Cramer Jan 14 (18)*Tsilav Gutner Jan 14 (18)Essie Flikshteyn Jan 15 (19)

January 16/17 Tevet 20/21Sarah Goldenberg Jan 16 (20)*Harry Buckwold Jan 16 (20)*Sarah Epstein Jan 16 (20)*Irvin Nisenholt Jan 16 (20)Samuel Wiss Jan 17 (21)*Samuel Meyers Jan 17 (21)Modechai Avivi Jan 17 (21)*Margret Cohen Jan 17 (21)Jacob Laimon Jan 18 (22)Fanny Landa Jan 18 (22)*Esther Pentol Jan 19 (23)Clara Milavsky Jan 20 (24)*Morris Claman Jan 20 (24)Faige Bernbaum Jan 21 (25)*David Avol Jan 21 (25)*Avraham Abelevsky Jan 22 (26)*

January 23/24 Tevet 27/28George Meyer Jan 23 (27)Irving Schulman Jan 23 (27)

18

Charlotte Fine Jan 24 (28)Solomon Katzman Jan 24 (28)*Bessie Trager Jan 24 (28)*Bert Scharfstein Jan 25 (29)Isador Singer Jan 26 (Shevat 1)Joseph Sugarman Jan 26 (1)Michael Sklar Jan 27 (2)Chaim Reznick Jan 28 (3)*Edward Burns Jan 28 (3)William Shear Jan 28 (3)*Shimon Tzalkovich Jan 29 (4)Mizal Isaakov Jan 29 (4)

January 30/31 Shevat 5/6Chaye Goluboff Jan 30 (5)Reuben Gitlin Jan 30 (5)*Sonny Ludwig Jan 31 (6)Walter Zion Jan 31 (6)*Benjamin Tadman Feb 3 (9)*Rebecca Shore Feb 3 (9)*Joseph Switzer Feb 4 (10)Neumann (Girl) Feb 4 (10)Ethel Scharfstein Feb 4 (10)Sadie Brand Feb 4 (10)Charles Feinstein Feb 5 (11)Jacob Waldman Feb 5 (11)*Sondra Resnick Feb 5 (11)*Chaim Friedman Feb 5 (11)*

February 6/7 Shevat 12/13Annie Golumbia Feb 6 (12)*Joseph Bender Feb 6 (12)*Clara Adilman Feb 6 (12)*Rose Gonick Feb 6 (12)*Pearl Gurstein Feb 7 (13)Lillian Friedman Feb 7 (13)*Louis Spector Feb 7 (13)*Louis Shore Feb 7 (13)*Saralee Plachte Feb 7 (13)Seco Resnick Feb 9 (15)Abe Avivi Feb 9 (14)David Claman Feb 10 (16)Harris Holzberg Feb 10 (16)*Sam Raisen Feb 10 (16)Nathan Goluboff Feb 10 (16)*Susan Cherry Feb 11 (17)*Lida Isaakov Feb 12 (18)Albert Viner Feb 12 (18)*Sam Hearn Feb 12 (18)*

February 13/14 Shevat 19/20Gitta Gootnik Feb 13 (19)Nathan Siskin Feb 14 (20)Isadore Korber Feb 14 (20)*

H. Glick Feb 15 (21)Hyman Tabachicoff Feb 15 (21)Meyer Gurstein Feb 16 (22)Morris Burtnick Feb 16 (22)Ethel Katzman Feb 16 (22)*Baruch Levington Feb 16 (22)Sarah Laimon Feb 18 (24)*Joseph Dunn Feb 18 (24)Abraham Guttmann Feb 18 (24)Joseph Gonick Feb 18 (24)*Vera Rabinovitch Feb 19 (25)Freda Katz Feb 19 (25)*Male Tzalkovich Feb 19 (25)

February 20/21 Shevat 26/27Bertha Kuenstler Feb 20 (26)Percy Shore Feb 20 (26)Sol Freidin Feb 20 (26)Esther Freidin Feb 20 (26)Jessie Kay Feb 20 (26)Sam Rabinovitch Feb 21 (27)Perl Kleyman Feb 21 (27)*Abraham Trager Feb 21 (27)*Fanny Sugarman Feb 22 (28)*Jack Schwartz Feb 23 (29)Morris Danenhirsch Feb 24 (30)Benjamin Faibish Feb 24 (30)Fanny Nisenholt Feb 24 (30)*Harriett Kaplan Feb 24 (30)*Herman Mahlerman Feb 24 (30)*Sarah Altman Feb 25 (Adar 1)*William Adilman Feb 25 (1)*Vera Schlucker Feb 25 (1)*Bill Katz Feb 25 (1)Elaine Friedman Feb 26 (2)Lily Salz Feb 26 (2)

February 27/28 Adar 3/4Ronald Trute Feb 27 (3)Millie Diamond Feb 27 (3)*Hazel Buckwold Feb 28 (4)Gitman Chertkow Feb 28 (4)*Rose Selchen Feb 28 (4)Marcia Sarlin Feb 28 (4)Wolf Meth Mar 2 (6)*Charna Gersher Mar 2 (6)Bressler (Boy) Mar 2 (6)Shirley Scitz Mar 2 (6)Rose Wolfe Mar 3 (7)*Frances Melamede Mar 3 (7)Raisa Mondros Mar 3 (7)Dana Unknown Mar 4 (8)Annie Altschul Mar 4 (8)*Sadie Chertkow Mar 5 (9)

19

This Page is Sponsored by Clarice BuckwoldThis page is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Jewish Council

Our own Jewish Community Centreplayed host to the “Festival of the MiddleEast” on Sunday November 23rd – and theevent was a success from beginning to end.

This special program was sponsored bythe Saskatoon Jewish Cultural Associationand supported by a well-deserved grantfrom the City of Saskatoon. FestivalCoordinator and Event Host, David Kaplan,is to be congratulated for putting togethera musical feast for the eyes and the ears.Like the participants, the audience of youngand old was drawn from the many culturalcommunities that call Saskatoon home.

The full house was treated to theinnocent voices of the young students fromthe Islamic Arabic Weekend School, theinstrumentals from the older students ofthe University of Saskatchewan SaxophoneQuartet and the vocals and instrumentalsfrom the young-at-heart members of TheSaskatoon Klezmer Band, the Chaverinand the Meewasin Brass Quartet.

More of the wealth of Saskatoonmulticultural talent was on display eachtime one of the many dancers and dancegroups took to centre stage. These includedthe folk dancers from the Saskatoon HighSchools, the Tzahalah Dance Group, theDance Egypt Dance Company and the groupfrom Oriental Dance Arts. TheirCandelabra Dance, witheach dancer balancing asix-pound candelabra ontheir head, looking likesomething from a FloZiegfeld movie, brought thehouse down—Just don’t trythis at home!

Not to be outdone by thedancers, vocalists likesoprano Donna Slusar andthe Ladino FolksongSingers, serenaded thecrowd with haunting Ladinomelodies. Our own Hazzan,Neil Schwartz alsodemonstrated his vocalskills to the appreciativeaudience.

The afternoon ended on a high note(pardon the pun), as audience members tookto the floor in a group hora to the music ofthe Saskatoon Klezmer Band.

Let me close with a warning—don’t sitnext to Steven Goluboff at the next event,unless you’re prepared to be the next personto “volunteer” to write a piece for thisnewsletter!

Festival of the Middle Eastby Helen Bernstein

16

1 Tevet 5 2 Tevet 6 3 Tevet 7

4 Tevet 8 5 Tevet 9 6 Tevet 10 7 Tevet 11 8 Tevet 12 9 Tevet 13 10 Tevet 14

11 Tevet 15 12 Tevet 16 13 Tevet 17 14 Tevet 18 15 Tevet 19 16 Tevet 20 17 Tevet 21

18 Tevet 22 19 Tevet 23 20 Tevet 24 21 Tevet 25 22 Tevet 26 23 Tevet 27 24 Tevet 28

25 Tevet 29 26 Shevat 1 27 Shevat 2 28 Shevat 3 29 Shevat 4 30 Shevat 5 31 Shevat 6

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

January 2009 • Tevet/Shevat 5769

1 Shevat 7 2 Shevat 8 3 Shevat 9 4 Shevat 10 5 Shevat 11 6 Shevat 12 7 Shevat 13

8 Shevat 14 9 Shevat 15 10 Shevat 16 11 Shevat 17 12 Shevat 18 13 Shevat 19 14 Shevat 20

15 Shevat 21 16 Shevat 22 17 Shevat 23 18 Shevat 24 19 Shevat 25 20 Shevat 26 21 Shevat 27

22 Shevat 28 23 Shevat 29 24 Shevat 30 25 Adar 1 26 Adar 2 27 Adar 3 28 Adar 4

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

February 2009 • Shevat/Adar 5769

This page is sponsored by B’nai Brith Lodge #739

* Bema Roster

Birkat Hahodesh

Vaera

Breakfast

Club

10 am

“The Debt”

Breakfast

Club

10 am

“Live and

Become”

*Ron Waldman

OFFICE CLOSED OFFICE CLOSED Vayacash

Cafe Ivrit

7pm

Vayehi

Shmot

Bo

Cafe Ivrit

7pm

Shabbat Family Dinner

6 pm

Board Meeting

7pm

Shabbat Shirah

B’Shaloh

Yitro

Birkat Hahodesh

Shabbat Shekalim

Mishpatim

Terumah

Cafe Ivrit

7 pm

Hebrew School

Tu B’Shevat Seder

OFFICE CLOSED

Board Meeting

7 pm

Shared Shabbat

6 pm

Shared Shabbat

6 pm

BBYO

Traditional Service

NO HEBREW SCHOOL

Let another man praise you,

and not your own mouth.

- Proverbs

Klezmer KlassiKal MusiK

7:30 U of S

Klezmer KlassiKal

MusiK

Grosvenor Park

United Church - 7:30

Klezmer KlassiKal

MusiK

Rotary Club hosts a

Kaplan “Roast”

Klezmer KlassiKal MusiK

7:30 - JCC

The Saskatoon Klezmer

Band

Klezmer KlassiKal

MusiK

7:30 U of S

Convocation Hall

Klezmer KlassiKal MusiK

TCU - 7:30 with the SSO

*David Katzman

*Michael Gertler *Lou Horlick

*Steven Goluboff

*Karen Dawson

*Randy Katzman

Sisterhood Meeting 1pm

Silver Spoon Work Bee

*Heather Fenyes

*Marsha Scharfstein

*Grant Scharfstein

*Randy Katzman *Jan Gitlin

I will never be an old man. To me, old age is always

fifteen years older than I am.

- Bernard Baruch

*Franci Holtslander