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Please come on Friday evening this week – as we celebrate Simchat Torah and celebrate two individuals who have contributed greatly to Kolot Mayim over their years with us: Morris Bleviss and Neomi Summers. Simchat Torah is an occasion when we honour a kallah (a bride) and a chatan (a groom) with a special Aliyah. We […]

What a wonderful Yom Kippur we had – beautiful singing, Pamela and Yariv playing extraordinary music to open Kol Nidre, Anabel chanting the Kol Nidre for over 90 people in the room, and more on Zoom. So much gratitude for all who came and participated. I have put a special request in for some sunny days […]

When I first spoke last October 10th, I opened with ein milim – no words, there are no words. Of course, words followed, many words, then thousands more have followed since that evening. This evening, I want to highlight just two words: Courage and Hope. What does the concept of courage mean to us? I think […]

This is such an intense time of year, and this year we are also marking the first anniversary of October 7th. I will see many of you at the Gorge Pavilion, where the commemoration is taking place on Monday evening. It is a heart-breaking time as we know 101 hostages are still deeply hidden in […]

Shavua tov, dear friends, 5785 is virtually here. We pray that the year will be a year of greater peace and security throughout the mid-East and particularly for Israel. We pray for the health of our congregants and family members who are suffering in body and soul. And we pray for our capacity – each […]

I am back home after being out of town all weekend. I had a truly inspiring weekend with the Beth Tikvah community, and their Chevra Kadisha members, and I was able to teach, answer questions, and demonstrate techniques with them.   We are all blessed to be in this Jewish world where denominations can work together for the greater good […]

I will be across the pond in Richmond leading a workshop on Chevra Kadisha practices with the Conservative shul, Beth Tikvah, at the invitation of Rabbi Susie Tendler. It is always my honour to be called upon to teach about this most precious of mitzvot. And it does mean I will not be at services. […]

Shavua tov, everyone.  I am still filled with the sunshine that poured over us Sunday at the rally for Israel. People spoke with such insight and determination; that the light we were standing in would begin to fill the consciousness of those who would prefer to live in darkness. Thank you especially to Shelley Evans, […]

Shavua tov, everyone, This week we begin the month of Elul – Rosh Chodesh Elul begins Tuesday evening and through Wednesday, bringing us closer to Rosh Hashanah. This is also the week of Shoftim, Deena Vladar’s Bat Mitzvah portion. Not to give away her d’var, but this parasha is meant to be. I hope you […]

A week can bring so much joy and sadness, anticipated and surprises abound when living in a community such as ours.  Friday night we celebrated with Gilda Good – she and David have been married 51 years now!  Mazal tov. This Shabbat, Karen and Doug Davidson will be called to Torah for their first time. […]