An Appointment with G-d / Un Rendez-Vous Avec D.ieu
02/16/2024 10:53:23 AM
Do we really need a sanctuary? Does G-d need a home in this physical world? Isn’t G-d everywhere? Isn’t G-d Omnipresent?
The basic understanding of Judaism is that G d is everywhere. In this week’s Torah reading, G-d asks the people of Israel: “Ve’asu Li Mikdash VeShachanti Betocham” (to build a Sanctuary where G-d can inhabit). The...Read more...
A NEW ARRIVAL
02/09/2024 10:33:06 AM
Dear congregants and friends,
We are overjoyed to share the wonderful news of the newest addition to our family: our beloved granddaughter Aurélie, whose hebrew name will be announced on Rosh Chodesh Adar 1, the month of joy. The arrival of this precious bundle of joy fills our hearts with an indescribable sense of awe and gratitude.
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SOMETHING NEW
02/02/2024 11:21:08 AM
This week I would like to try something new and innovative. Rather than share my thoughts on this week's Parasha, I would like to open the door for discussion. Going forward, three questions in our Shabbat newsletter will be posed and this will allow us to discover in depth the hidden meanings of the weekly Parasha.
First a brief summary of Parashat Yitro. Hearing about the...Read more...
FLORIDA S&P EVENT WITH RH DANIEL BENLOLO
01/26/2024 12:10:33 PM
*** View Photos Gallery ***
Ce dimanche et lundi derniers furent quelque chose d'extraordinaire. Le révérend Daniel Benlolo a lancé une merveilleuse nouvelle initiative et a...Read more...
PARASHAT BO
01/19/2024 12:05:03 PM
La Parasha Bo offre une perspective profonde sur la libération du peuple juif de l'esclavage égyptien, un récit qui peut résonner particulièrement fort en temps de guerre. Dans cette Parasha, les Israélites sont sur le point de quitter l'Égypte après l'impact dévastateur de plusieurs plaies.
L'idée centrale est celle de la libération, non seulement physique mais aussi...Read more...
A NEW YEAR IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER
01/12/2024 12:42:04 PM
If you think about it, there are lots of starting points throughout the year. The first of Elul, is the beginning of the tax year for animals. For Maaser (tax) purposes, all animals born after the first of Ellul are taxed the following year.
Rosh Hashana, on the first of Tishrei, begins a period of judgement for mankind.
The first of Nisan is...Read more...
STORIES OF INSPIRATION
01/05/2024 12:20:53 PM
#1
In a small village nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a revered rabbi known for his wisdom and compassion. One day, a troubled man approached the rabbi seeking guidance. "I am burdened by worries and difficulties, Rabbi," the man confessed. "Life seems unbearably challenging, and I feel lost." The rabbi, with a gentle smile, handed the man a cup and said,...Read more...
MAINTAINING CONNECTIONS
12/29/2023 12:28:38 PM
Dear friends and congregants,
Maintaining connections with congregants who travel to warmer climates in winter is vital for several reasons. First, it ensures they remain spiritually engaged despite physical distance, preventing a sense of detachment. Second, ongoing communicSave ation helps meet any spiritual or emotional needs they may have while away. Third, it fosters a sense...Read more...
"CELEBRATING THE LIGHT WITHIN:INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL ABILITIES ILLUMINATE CHANUKAH WITH MUSIC AND HOPE"
12/22/2023 10:31:02 AM
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"Pierre Poilievre's Support for Israel Shines at the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue Visit"
12/15/2023 11:28:29 AM
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, the leader of the opposition, Pierre Poilievre, recently visited our Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, reaffirming his unwavering support for the State of Israel and...Read more...
Rally for Israel, Monday December, 2023 – Parliament Hill, Ottawa
12/08/2023 12:50:40 PM
Rally for Israel, December 4, 2023 – Parliament Hill, Ottawa
The opportunity to lead and participate in a rally for solidarity for Israel at Parliament Hill in Ottawa this past Monday, with an audience of over 15,000 people, is yet again a significant and humbling experience. Singing the national anthems of both Canada and Israel adds a unique layer of cultural and patriotic richness to the event,...Read more...
SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL
12/01/2023 11:53:10 AM
Solidarity at rallies and support for Israel during wartime often involve public demonstrations of backing for the nation and its actions. This can serve multiple purposes.
Public displays of solidarity can strengthen the sense of unity among our community and Jewish communities around the world because of our shared common beliefs, values, and affiliations. It sends a message of...Read more...
HARMONIZING SOLIDARITY - NOVEMBER 20 CONCERT
11/24/2023 11:51:33 AM
Dear members of our incredible congregation,
Your unwavering support and generosity during the solidarity concert for Israel this...Read more...
THE POWER OF A SOLIDARITY CONCERTWITH ISRAEL AND THE IDF
11/10/2023 10:48:07 AM
In a world marked by numerous conflicts and disputes, the concept of unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence is becoming increasingly essential. It is in this spirit that a solidarity concert “One Heart, One Soul” in support of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emerges as a unique and powerful way to convey a message of support for our people and for our state.
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MONTREAL RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WTIH ISRAEL OCTOBER 29, 2023
11/03/2023 02:32:14 PM
Dear friends and congregants
Participating in the community rally to bring hostages home was a deeply meaningful experience that I will forever hold close to my heart. The opportunity to use my voice and join others to bring comfort, hope, and unity to our community during such a challenging time was truly an honor. It was a privilege to...Read more...
Sunday October 29th: rally for the 224 hostages being held by Hamas and demand to #BringThemHome.
11/03/2023 01:06:35 PM
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SEEKING PEACE PRIOR TO STARTING WAR ACCORDING TO JEWISH LAW
10/27/2023 12:22:38 PM
The Bible clearly sets out the obligation to seek peace as a prelude to any military activity; absent the seeking of peace, the use of force in a war violates Jewish law. It is apparent that while one need not engage in negotiations over the legitimacy of one's goals, one must explain what one is seeking through this military action and what military goals are (and are not) sought. Before this seeking of peace,...Read more...
"Livkot Lecha"© Aviv Geffen (composition & lyrics)
10/27/2023 09:46:02 AM
Ani holech livkot lecha tihyeh chazak lema-ala
Ga'aguai kmo dlatot sheniftachot balaila
lanetzach achi ezkor otcha tamid
Venipagesh basof ata yode-ah
Veyesh li chaverim aval gam hem kavim
El mul orcha hameshage-ah
Ksheatzuvim holchim layam
Solidarity Fundraising Concert: Music for IsraelOctober 25, 2023 - Montreal
10/27/2023 09:36:45 AM
Few of the many Vigils and Rallies I was privileged to attend for our People & the State of Israel.
10/20/2023 01:08:38 PM
FEDERATION CJA COMMUNITY WIDE VIGIL FOR ISRAEL
10/20/2023 12:26:29 PM
How long can we endure and sustain this war of hate and destruction, this war of words and demonstrations? When will the world finally help eradicate Hamas, a terrorist organization whose sole purpose is to obliterate and eradicate the Jewish people and the Jewish state? How long will reporters and news anchors turn a blind eye and refuse to convey the stark reality that Hamas uses civilians as human shields, their...Read more...
A STORY THAT TOUCHES HOME!
10/13/2023 01:53:46 PM
Dear friends,
This has been without a doubt, one of the most eventful, difficult and heart wrenching week, the people of Israel and Jews around the world have been and continue to go through. In the past few days, throughout our Montreal community Rally after Rally, vigil after vigil has been mushrooming all around us. At each one I stood proud yet shaken, stoic yet vulnerable as I...Read more...
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RESTARTING OUR YOUTH CHOIR
10/06/2023 01:42:33 PM
Enriching Shabbat and Holiday Services: The Significance of restarting our Youth Choir
Dear friends
Shabbat and holiday services hold a special place in the hearts of Jewish communities worldwide. These sacred gatherings are moments of spiritual reflection, unity, and celebration. To enhance the beauty and depth of these services, one...Read more...
LEARNING AND PRAYING IN HEBREW
09/29/2023 11:43:22 AM
In Jewish faith learning and praying in Hebrew hold significant importance. Here are 7 steps to achieve this goal.
1. **Spiritual Connection**: Hebrew is considered the sacred language of Judaism. Praying in Hebrew allows individuals to connect with their faith on a deeper spiritual level, as it is the language of their religious texts and traditions.
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Recognition of the Outstanding Choir Performance During High Holiday Services
09/29/2023 11:36:57 AM
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional work that the S&P choir delivered during our recent High Holiday services. Your dedication, talent, and hard work shone brightly and reverberated throughout our Mashaal sanctuary and I believe it...Read more...
Recognition of the Outstanding Choir Performance During High Holiday Services
09/28/2023 09:56:05 AM
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional work that the S&P choir delivered during our recent High Holiday services. Your dedication, talent, and hard work shone brightly and reverberated throughout our Mashaal sanctuary and I believe it significantly enhanced the spiritual experience for our congregation.
The High Holidays are a profoundly significant time for our community, and the...Read more...
The Importance of Visiting Loved Ones in the Cemetery During the High HolyDay SeasonL'importance de rendre visite à ses proches au cimetière pendant la période des Grandes Fêtes
09/22/2023 12:28:09 PM
1. **Honoring Tradition and Faith**: For many individuals, the act of visiting the cemetery during the High HolyDays is a deeply ingrained tradition rooted in their faith. In Judaism, for example, it's customary to visit graves during this time as it aligns with themes of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Observing such traditions helps individuals feel connected to their religious heritage.
2. **Spiritual Reflection**:...Read more...
ROSH HASHANAH MELODIES
09/14/2023 07:27:09 PM
Why the melodies of the High Holidays strike a chord like no other sacred music:
1. Historical Significance: These melodies often have a rich history, with some dating back centuries. When people sing or hear them, they’re not just experiencing music but connecting with a heritage that spans generations. This sense of continuity and tradition can be deeply moving and...Read more...
Got A Question For Reverend Hazan Daniel Benlolo?
09/08/2023 02:18:53 PM
Dear Danny, Why is blowing the Shofar such an integral part of the High HolyDays?
Dear reader, Blowing the shofar is important in Judaism for several reasons:
1. **Religious Tradition:** It is a longstanding tradition with deep religious significance, dating back to biblical times. The shofar is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as an instrument...Read more...
The message of Parashat Nitzavim as we approach the High Holy Days.
09/08/2023 02:15:14 PM
1. **Unity and Community**: Parashat Nitzavim underscores the concept of unity within the Jewish community. It stresses that every individual, from leaders to ordinary members, stands together before God. This highlights the importance of communal responsibility and support, particularly during the High Holy Days when individuals come together for prayer and reflection.
2....Read more...