Rabbi s Message Har Tikvah Congregation of Brampton www.hartikvah.org Winter 2018 As new secular year begins we start a new book of the Torah- second book Exodus, the defining story of Jewish people. The story is best summarized by Peter, Paul and Mary: All my bags are packed, I m ready to go Exodus takes us from Egypt, the home we have known for over four centuries, into the unknown wilderness on a journey to the Promised Land. The actual exodus from Egypt is not with obstacles, neither is the forty-year journey to the Promised Land though there are many highlights along the way. One of the first highlights comes within hours of the Exodus and appears as an obstacle: As we make our escape from Pharaoh and his army we come to the Sea of Reeds, also called the Red Sea. With no apparent escape route, God miraculously parts the water and we walk through the sea on dry land. Overjoyed, we sing our heartfelt gratitude to God. This event is recalled every year on Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat of Song, when we read the accompanying Torah portion Beshallach. This year, Shabbat Shira falls on January 27 and we will be celebrating with a very special musical Shabbat. We will be joined by guest cantorial soloist Aron Katz who will be leading us in song, some familiar favourites, as well as introducing us to newer songs in the Jewish world. Like our ancestors, we are not yet in our permanent home but our journey is cause for celebration. Please join us at 10:30 at the Chinguacousy Wellness Centre, rooms 1 and 2, on 995 Peter Robertson Blvd. (Please note that there will be no Tikvah Tot Shabbat until we are in our permanent location.) There will be other opportunities for celebration throughout 2018. Once our new home is ready for us to move in we will dedicate the space in a very special way. Details will be emailed to you once everything is scheduled. As we begin our journey let us keep in mind the traditional words spoken when we transition from one book of Torah to the nexthazak, hazak ve-nithazek may we go from strength to strength. Rabbi Michal Shekel
Winter 2018 Page 2 President s Message Shalom to all. Time of change and as a community we have been embracing it. It has been a very interesting time over the last few months. I would like to echo Past President Lawrie Bloom s last news letter comments to which he spoke of the openness the congregation has had with the sale of our home where we had been for so many years and the excitement as we have been looking for our new location. As an update from our Annual meeting, we have been assured that the sale is completing on the 19th of January. We have also now taken possession of our new home at 380 Bovaird Drive East Unit 22 (Former Curves location). With the diligent work of Murray Farber, we are working with 3 contractors for quoting the retrofit of the location to meet our needs. We hope to have a recommendation of one of the contractors for the board to approve within the next few days, then the permit process can start along with the demolition of the current interior. Once the permit is obtained the new construction will begin. The complete process will take between 6-12 weeks. Murray along with Ellen are working on a wow factor to make this a true home for all our members with a fresh new look with an integration of some of our old home to make us all feel at home. As I write this, with some body aches from the long morning of work on January 7 packing up almost 35 years of history at 9893 Torbram Road, I would like to thank the many families that came today to help. There was much to be done with the sorting of things to keep (pack), things to pick (take home for remembrance) and unfortunately either leave behind or throw out. In addition, I would like to thank Shelly, Mathew and Rebecca for their efforts on Dec 28th for packing up and storing the sound system that Lew was instrumental in not only acquiring but setting up. I would also like to thank the new members of the board who were elected along with myself at our December meeting. It will be a pleasure to continue to work with you during our move. We do currently have two openings on the board; Vice President and a Director position. If you think you might be interested in volunteering your services, please contact me to discuss your interest and I will take it to the board. (rkerman@bell.net With no home for a few months, we have secured a temporary location for the Jan and Feb services at the Chinguacousy Wellness Centre at 955 Peter Robertson (adjacent to the hospital). Please see details within this newsletter. On behalf of the Board of Directors, may 2018 be a great year for all. Randy Kerman President Past President s Report (December 2017) As 2017 comes to a close, it is important to see just how far forward we have moved. We have been able to resolve the Fire Department Notice to Comply and at a far more reasonable cost than was originally estimated thanks to the efforts of Mike Silbermann, Paul Brannan and especially Barak Marcos. Barak was instrumental in reinterpreting the issues to our advantage. We have successfully sold our property, after numerous attempts, at a fair market price. We originally looked to rent space at the plaza on Vodden Street, but thankfully, that deal fell though and we have been able to find an even better new home for our congregation that will meet all our needs in the future years. Thanks to all who have been involved in the process, especially Randy Kerman, for his guidance in negotiating the lease on the Bovaird property, of which we will take possession in a short time. I want to thank the members of the congregation who came forward to work on the Board with me over the past 8 months. The time prior to this was extremely difficult and as we have now come through these difficult times, our congregation will move on. My only wish is that we are able to increase our membership. I want to also thank all our members for your support in coming to see Fiddler on the Roof. It was a great experience, one that I will never forget. I have attached a picture of myself and grand daughter Caitlyn. I am extremely confident that our congregation is in great hands under Randy Kerman s leadership and I have every confidence in the future of the Board and our congregation. Lawrie Bloom Past President
Winter 2018 Page 3 Sunshine News & Special Announcements Maughan and Melissa's husband of some three to four years,her grandparents in Canada, Linda Heaton, Melissas mother, Randy Kerman, Melissa's father, Tammarishka Kerman, his wife, See pictures below of Lawrie but the most joyous people in and his grand daughter Cait- the world at that time were lyn in the Fiddler on the Roof Martin and Sally-Ann Kermusical. They were both man, the great grandparents awesome! of this new arrival to the Kerman family. Martin prefers to be called Poppy and SallyAnn wishes to be called GG A Year s News from the (for her new title-great Kerman Family Grandmother) You will have (by Sally-Ann) to ask the others what they wish to be called as I have The Events that shook the forgotten and really think elders even Eliyah will sort it all out December 13, 2016, Cam- herself. Sufficient to say, bridge, Ontario, Melissa Ker- little Eliiyah was born with a man and Craig Maughan be- smile on her face and she came the parents of 'Eliyah offers it to everyone who Hannah, the most precious approaches her. baby girl to delight her arrimarch 10, 2017, Israel, Ziv val to her grandparents in Rumack, daughter of Debbie England, Karen and Jim and Mike Rumack was marmaughan, parents of Craig ried to Erez Cages. Ziv is the granddaughter of Martin and Sally-Ann Kerman. Since many of us could not travel to Israel for the wedding, a lovely joyous celebration in Canada was enjoyed by many on July 23rd at the home of Dr Eric and Susan Rumack in their l home in Toronto. Eric and Susan were gracious hosts to many people and their hospitality continued with the Israeli couple at their cottage in the summer. It was considered part of their honeymoon. the newlyweds. October 6, 2017 in Fredericton NB Tammarishka s daughter Kailie was married to Alex d Entremont (Dent). Both are Medics in the Armed Services with Alex stationed in Fredericton and Kailie currently in Winnipeg. Were all hoping that they can be moved together soon. December, 2017, in Israel, Noam and Irit have announced their engagement June 17, 2017, Orillia, On- but have not decided on a tario, Captain Liam Field and wedding date yet as Noam is probably the busiest tour Becky Healy were married guide in all of Israel. They and have settled in Ottawa where Liam is serving in the are searching for an apartrcaf and Becky is teaching ment at present. Debbie and Michael Rumack elementary schoolchiland Debbie's parents Martin dren. Liam is the son of and Sally-Ann Kerman are Tammarishka Kerman and Ronald Field. Randy and par- all awaiting another chance to attend a wedding in Israel. ents have proudly enjoyed Liam's career as well. Martin, Right now, the happy couple is searching for a place to who attended the wedding, and Sally-Ann congratulated live in Tel Aviv.
Winter 2018 If you guys keep putting the egalitarian books in the wrong boxes, you re OUT OF HERE! Page 4
Winter 2018 Page 5 Calendar Saturday January 27, 10:00 am Saturday February 17, 10:00 am Saturday March 17, 10:00 am Shabbat service - Shabbat Shira NOTE: Located at Chinguacousy Wellness Centre, 955 Peter Robertson Shabbat service NOTE: Located at Chinguacousy Wellness Centre, 955 Peter Robertson Tot Shabbat and Shabbat service Saturday April 7, 10:00 am 8th Day Pesach, Shabbat service with Yizkor Friday April 20 Yom Haatzmaut Shabbat family dinner Saturday May 19, Evening Erev Shavuot service with Yizkor Board Members Committee Chairs and Board Liaisons