Message From the Rabbi & Rebbetzin Michalowicz:
What an amazing impact our Shul’s impact our shul has on the T h o r n h i l l Jewish community. As a shul built from the ground up, we spent the first dozen years growing as a
nascent group of dedicated members united by the common goal of
Jewish growth and community. We moved from place to place, renting
different locations, holding services, classes, and programs in
numerous welcoming homes – truly the Shul of the people.
The more that we had to move around, the stronger we became.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable physical obstacles, we did
everything that a typical Shul would do – and so much more! We
developed strong bonds with each other. Every personal simcha was a
family simcha that the entire Shul felt. Every sad occasion for a
member was a sad occasion for the whole Shul. Through all of these
growing opportunities, an incredible foundation was being created. So
many members who have moved to new neighbourhoods and cities
have lamented that they only wish to have found a new shul in their
new location with the special characteristics of the Westmount Shul. We
succeeded in doing this all because of our most amazing members,
dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors. When Hashem saw
such an amazing unity of hearts and souls, He blessed us with success
beyond our natural capabilities. People are truly amazed at how much
Over the years, our close knit congregation has reached thousands of
unaffiliated and less-affiliated Jews. Many of them have come home to
their Jewish roots, had families, and are now making weddings for their
children and seeing Jewish grandchildren. Many have made Aliya to
Israel or moved on to other cities, spreading the Westmount passion for
We have witnessed a generation of growth in our community. Endless
thousands of hours of Torah have been learned. Untold thousands of
prayers have been chanted. Innumerable thousands of unconditional
Seven years ago, Hashem blessed us with a beautiful facility on Disera
Drive right in the heart of Thornhill, and we now have a permanent
place that we all call home. We have created amazing memories from
our multi-faceted and intimate facility. There is never a visitor who is not
impressed by our Shabbos and holiday services. We have maximized
the use of this incredible venue which truly is our mini-temple, an oasis
The theme of the Westmount Shul’s 20th Anniversary Dinner is
Generation to Generation. We are exceptionally proud to be honouring
two pillars of our community Louis and Lynne Pillemer and Robert
and Alla Volfson who embody the theme of Generation to Generation
as they raise their children and grandchildren on the spiritual path.They
represent the best of what Westmount has to offer – loyalty, dedication,
and love to the Almighty and to the Jewish people. They have been with
the synagogue nearly since the very beginning. They have given so
much of themselves for our community and to the broader Jewish
community, yet they humbly never seek to draw attention to their noble
actions. No task has been too difficult or too small for them to do. Much
of the success of the Shul would not have been possible without these
two pillar families of our community. It is gratifying to see how the
Almighty has blessed them to be young, proud grandparents, and they
are seeing the “nachas” from all of their efforts coming to fruition.
We can fondly look back over the last generation, pat ourselves on the
back, and say “Job well done!” But we will not live in the past! Yes, it is
time to celebrate, yet we must look forward to the next generation of
Judaism in Thornhill. We are creating a new vision to meet the
challenges of the next generation in order to create more ‘Honor for
Heaven” during these most challenging times. We are very excited to
have the dynamic lawyer turned Rabbi extraordinaire Rabbi Josh Kaller
join the Rabbinic team. As a shul that is outward focused we are
expanding for all ages and levels with our singles and young families
programming, the Jewish Women’s Network, and the expanded
programs and offerings for our most important loyal members. The best
years of the Westmount Shul are ahead, and the future shines bright.
We are so blessed with an incredible shul family who are amazing role
models of Torah, Avodah, and gemilas chasadim, truly spiritually
minded individuals who have coalesced into a close knit family. If the
new congregants, that will become part of our next generation in our
Shul are anything like the ones we have now, we will certainly be
blessed to see the coming of Moshiach speedily in our times. Amen.
