Westmount Shul & Learning Centre

Bingo Night

admin — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:15:53 +0000


		
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This past Shabbos, Oren Dishy and his volunteers organized the room for our annual pre-Chanuka bingo night. By nights end, there was a full house of happy people who enjoyed a Pizza /French fry Melava Malka, and many rounds of humorous bingo games. The Katchen family were the big winners, as they won many times, including the $300 Sobey’s gift certificate. Many other families won the numerous gift certificates, an autographed hockey stick, electronics, sports equipment, etc. And in Westmount tradition, every child left with at least one prize—so everyone was a winner. A big thank you to Oren Dishy and his family for putting together another great program. The Shul wishes to thank all of the generous sponsors, and especially Rhoda & Lenny Gelbard for donating many sports and electronic prizes. Thanks to Rick Naor for photography and for running out in the middle and picking up more pizzas. And as usual, when the festivities were over, everyone helped clean up , and things were as good as new ready for Torah learning and prayer on Sunday morning! Oren has said this many times, “The Westmount community is such a pleasure to work with, as all the members who attend the events are always selflessly looking to help out.”

Father and Son – Detroit

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:22:09 +0000


		
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Over fifty fathers and sons spent the weekend at the Metropolitan Hotel near the Detroit airport, on one of our best trips ever. A much nicer venue than last years’ Motel 6! Those who came early were able to either visit the Jewish part of Suburban Detroit and eat delicious treats from the kosher bakery or the Kosher Dunkin Donuts. Others went shopping and got some great buys. All our activities were in a spacious meeting room, and the huge hallways gave ample room for the younger boys to run around and play over the Shabbos. All the Shabbos activities were in the hotel, so no one had to brave the elements walking from your hotel room to the meeting rooms.

Thanks to Earl Nussbaum for schlepping and lending out his family’s Sefer Torah for us to use for the Torah reading. Aside from the davening, there were two sessions of father and son learning. We had a humorous group game of determining what mysterious disease we were all infected with. Stick ball was definitely the boys’ favorite activity! Rabbi Selevan gave two fascinating classes to the fathers on the topics of “Lechaim” and “Miracles.” It was most inspiring to see many of the men reviewing their Beginners’ Talmud , studying the laws of returning lost objects , over the Shabbos.
Thanks to David Tobis, Kobi Moll, Aaron Mann, David Teller, and Rabbi Michalowicz for sharing in the Torah reading; to Dani Serman, Allan Moll, Reeve Serman, Martin Levin, and Larry Tobis for leading the davening; to Allan Moll, Rick Naor, Stanley Mann, Michael Korolnek, Russel Orelowitz, Yishai Caro, Larry Tobis, Earl Nuss-baum and many more who either volunteered a Dvar Torah, inspiring story, or a Lechaim with the group, and to Mayer Michalowicz and Louis Pillemer who managed the logistics in the Kitchen. Special Thanks to Oren Dishy for helping in the planning and organizing of the entire trip.
There was definitely no shortage of food, as Jewels catering provided more than enough yummy food starting with Friday night chicken soup with matzo balls right on through to the boxed lunch for the way home. Thanks to Lynn Pillemer for supplying all kinds of goodies for the mid morning Kiddush.
After Havdalah, we all drove down to the Joe Louis Arena and watched the home team Redwings pound the vis-iting Jets 7-1. We all enjoyed a sumptuous Melava Malka delivered by the local Jerusalem Pizza. The fathers en-joyed specialty flavored pizzas such as BBQ chicken , Kishke, and pineapple flavored pizza. The night was capped off with a midnight swim in the hotel’s heated pool.
Mercifully, Sunday davening was at 9:30 AM. After a quick breakfast, we all drove to the Ford Field to watch a football game in the domed stadium. Such a pleasure to watch a game in a climate controlled environment! We had great seats, and only had to walk two minutes to get food from the kosher hot dog stand! The game was a classic down to the last play thriller, with the Lions winning 34-28. After the game, we all found a corner spot in the Stadium to daven Mincha. What a Kiddush Hashem! We were joined by other Jews in the stadium who needed a minyan in order to say Kaddish! Everyone went home tired, but very happy. It was a memorable and uplifting weekend both physically and spiritually, with lots of male bonding time.

Rabbi Kessin

admin — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 03:03:45 +0000

The ever popular Rabbi Mendel Kessin was the scholar in residence for our first Shabbaton of the 5772 season. As in the past, he “blew everyone away” with his incredible scholarship and his application of it to a diverse range of topics. A full house of dinner participants heard him present R’ Moshe Chaim Luzzatto’s paradigm of the purpose of creation, and how it applied to current events in Western Civilization. He followed that up on Shabbos morning with its application to current events in the Middle East. He continued to share his wisdom before Shabbos ended at Shalosh Seudos.
For those who were unable to come to shul on Shabbos, the Shul had a Melava Malka at the home of Earl Nussbaum & Debbie Singer. R’ Kessin spoke to a full house about the psychological damage of speaking Loshon Hora and its spiritu-al repercussions. One participant called it “overwhelmingly scary.” Everyone came away understanding how important it is to learn the laws of Loshon Hora, and avoid the negative consequences that come from it. But the best was yet to come. Back at the Nussbaum—Singer home on Sunday morning, R’ Kessin gave a very thorough 6 hour Seminar to over 30 men on the topic of what methodology to use in order to master one’s Torah learning. His ideas were all based on the learning methodology advanced by the Ramchal. R’ Kessin demonstrated how students should be trained in thinking, and how they can master the Torah they learn without forgetting it. The 8:00 AM Talmud Kesuvos group is already using his method, and hope to master the first chapter over the winter. For those of you who missed the Semi-nar, you can hear it on line at our website. We will soon be posting it in the “Guest lectures” section.

22 Days @ Westmount

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:12:40 +0000

The Kabbalists tell us that the foundation for the coming year is determined by our actions during the first twenty two days of the year, beginning with Rosh Hashana and ending with Shmini Atzeres / Simchas Torah. Just like the 22 letters to the Alef – Beis are the building blocks for our holy Hebrew language; so too are the-se 22 days the building blocks for the coming year.
Without a doubt, this was the most outstanding twenty two day period in the history of the Shul. The pray-ers, led by our inspiring Chazzanim, were said with lots of spirit and heart-felt devotion. The Chazzanim and the congregation’s group singing seem to get better year after year. The Rabbi’s talks, especially prior to the two Yizkor services, were thought provoking and comforting. Many of the guests and first time attendees commented on how much they enjoyed the services. People who returned to the Shul, after trying out other Shuls, told us that they missed our services, and were happy to be back. Many people used the word “meaningful” to describe how they felt about the services during this time, and how they felt they received “Chizuk” *encouragement+ for the coming year.

High Holiday Information

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:05:10 +0000

Schedules, guidelines and audio classes related to the High Holidays have been compiled into two collections.

In the Online Learning you can find the audio classes. (Just follow this link)

In the Upcoming Events you find the schedules and guidelines. (Just follow this link)

Golf Day

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:25:02 +0000

Last Thursday, in sweltering, record‐breaking heat when lesser people would be staying in air‐conditioned safety, a group of intrepid golfers came out to beautiful Silver Lakes Golf and Country Club for the sole purpose of supporting Torah. Not only did they have to give up work for a day, they weren’t able to wear business clothes or answer emails. And for as
long as they had to play this little game, they were forced to drink beer, water, pop take a mid‐afternoon refreshment stop at the 14th hole where mojitos were served by the
Majito King (Roberto Hausman) and chicken wings and kugel were served by the Rabbi (among others). And once their round of golf was finished, they were not able to go home.
Instead they had to stay for barbecued steaks, male camaraderie and the chance to win some prizes. Nebuch. Profound thanks go to our duo of Ian Raskin and Gary Hyde who were gracious enough to take on the organization of the tournament for yet another year. These guys put their jobs and, to some degree, even their families on the back burner in the weeks before the tournament. Thanks also to arm‐twister extraordinaire, Robbie Volfson, who helped make this our best fundraiser ever.
Thanks to a team of volunteers who also had to endure the weather but didn’t have the pleasure of spending time in the rough or the sand and living in a world of multiple bogey.

Israel Mission Highlights

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:17:21 +0000

On Sunday July 3rd, a group of 25 women from Toronto, led by Rebbetzin Gail Michalowicz, departed for Eretz Yisroel on the 2011 Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project. The Westmount group was joined by approximately 160 other women from various cities across North America. The program afforded all the women an amazing opportunity to discover and deepen their Jewish identity. This was enhanced by daily inspiring shiurim and lectures by world renowned speakers. Learning about the heritage and history of
Eretz Yisroel was brought to life by visiting many significant sites across the country, including Tsfat, Masada, Yad Vashem, the Dead Sea and of course Yerushalyim and the Kotel. As with all things Jewish, the food was delicious and the spirit, electrifying! The
trip was undoubtedly a tremendous success. Yasher Koach to our Rebbetzin for leading another remarkable women’s mission. We look forward to having these women share their energy with our Kehillah throughout the year.

A number of them were inspired enough to share their thoughts:
“Dear Friends…..Hope all is well with you all. I have just returned from my WOMEN”S MISSION to Israel. At the end of the trip we were asked to describe our experience in a single word I chose Enlightening – Inspiring !!!!!! This is the best way to have expressed the experience.

Quickly to sum up it was a wonderful experience to travel Israel with 180 other women all from different observance or our religion. Reflecting back on the past 9 days not only did I have an intensive course on Jewish history but also a journey of self-growth as a woman.
I am thrilled that I had chosen to go on this trip not knowing anyone for the outcome is that I have made new, everlasting wonderful relationships….!!!! (which I am making a personal commitment to maintain).”

“Although Toronto is my home, when I return from Israel , there is something missing. The Air in Israel breathes holiness and something so special. I love to walk the streets in Israel and hear only Hebrew. I love to look around and see Kippot everywhere. I love the fact that the majority of restaurants are Kosher. You can walk in the streets and the
malls, even in Tel Aviv, and eat from the vendors offering samples, because it is all Kosher.
This mission is the most organized, women focused tour that I can imagine. We climbed the heights of Masada, and toured the lows of the tunnels under the old city. We saw ancient ruins and modern technology. The history told by the tour guides was fascinating and we felt as if we were accompanied by the forefathers and mothers themselves, as we wandered the country. The meals that were arranged for us were healthy and delicious and served in the most wonderful locations; at Decks on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, in Abrahams tent in the middle of the Negev desert, in Gavna, Gush Etzion overlooking the countryside and Seudot Shlishit in the centre of Jerusalem, on the roof top at
the home of Pamela and Abba Clayman overlooking the Holy of Holies. The classes were given by amazing speakers and the information was delivered in a fun and informative way. Now if only I could be able to tell it all over. I guess I have to go back to hear it all again.“
“How do you describe something for which there are no sufficient words? I will try my best. My apologies if I do not succeed…. Imagine a trip to the Holy Land where your every need and want is catered to. Fantastic tours, knowledgeable, talented, first-class tour guides; and incredible restaurants where all you need to do is sit down and the delectable
food just keeps coming. From the minute you step on the plane, all thoughts of planning, organizing and coordinating become a distant memory.
Sound good? Well that’s not even the best part. This trip nourishes the soul. It is a spiritual infusion into our hectic lifestyles. Lori Palatnik and her team are masters at revealing what is truly important in life, and where our priorities should lie. They leave us with a new appreciation of Hashem’s love for us, and a love of Eretz Yisrael and her people. It was my honour and privilege to go on this trip with a group of fabulous women, and a look forward to nurturing the many wonderful experiences and friendships we all shared.”
“I found my first trip to Israel to be an incredible and inspiring experience.
From the first time I stepped out of the airport, to dancing at the Kotel on Shabbos, to dipping in the dead sea, to boiling on top of mount Masada, even shopping on Ben Yehuda street ‐ this trip was one of my best life experiences!! I can’t wait to take my family to Israel in the near future G‐d willing. I also am having a problem coming back to earth:”

Under the Stars 2

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:08:21 +0000

Last week, the women of Westmount had their second annual talent show. Organizer and main source of energy behind the show, Liora Openheimer, submitted the following report:
It was greatly appreciated that so many Westmounters came out this year to see the talents of local Thornhill ladies. A special thank you must go out to Leanne Goodman and her girls for all the hard work transforming our Shul into an intimate candle‐lit cafe/cabaret setting. Liora and Sari hilariously hammed it up with a dramatic song and dance while guest performers Christine and Zoe of BBK Showstoppers were
just that…SHOW STOPPERS! Their lyrical and jazz pieces impressed everyone.

Rabbi Yagen at Westmount

admin — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:03:36 +0000

Last weekend we had one of our most successful Shabbatons ever. Rabbi Yaakov Yagen enthralled us with powerful stories and messages, especially about Shavuos. On Friday night, we had over 140 come for a Shabbos meal, including a group from the NCSY Earn ‘n Learn program. This was the most we have ever fit into Disera for a meal. The ruach and great food more than made up for it being a tad crowded. Shabbos afternoon featured Sheva Brachos for Gabriella and Shalom Wise. And there was also a bonus Melave Malka with Rabbi Yagen.

Lag Ba’Omer 5771

Raphael Adams — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:10:10 +0000

In years gone by, one of the highlights of the Westmount year was the annual Lag Ba’omer celebration at the King City home of Jackie & Larry Garber. The setting was perfect – with a lake and trees all to ourselves. But since King City Garber-style is no more, we needed to find another venue.


		
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The challenge was given to our fearless Youth Director, Oren Dishy. And his energy and vision made it happen. The idea was beautiful in its simplicity. As opposed to a city-wide event , we would have something intimate - just for our kehillah. Instead of balloon rides and jugglers, we would have old-fashioned games like three-legged races, potato sack races and tugs of war. We would involve all the kids at their levels and give them all prizes and glow sticks. Rather than commercial food vendors and line-ups, we had the staple of all family get-togethers—hot dogs. And it worked. Everybody has commented about how special it was.
It’s hard to explain why. For sure it had to do with the basic appeal and simplicity of the games and the hot dogs. Seeing the kids of all ages having a great time with each other was a pure delight. Perhaps it was also that with so many other people in the park, we naturally drew closer together. And perhaps it was because of the pride we felt in showing how great our kids were, in showing that we were a fun community and of course in showing that we had the best fireworks of anybody at G. Ross Lord that evening. Whatever the reason, it was an evening to be treasured.
Yasher koach to Oren Dishy who, almost single-handedly, conceived and ran the evening. He arranged for all the kids to get basketballs or soccer balls. We all saw his jovial, friendly demeanour, which makes him so beloved to the children and adults. Thanks also to Marni Dishy and the Dishy kids. Do you know how long it takes to pre-barbecue 250 hot dogs? Thanks to Devorah Deverett for coordinating the prizes and races. Thanks to the Rabbi for arranging the weather (see below). And a special thanks to the Lerners who noticed that we needed water and cups and plates and so Hopalong went to SuperCentre to get huge supplies, including barbecued chicken. In fact , It was moving to see how everyone who brought food shared it with those who were less prepared.
And thanks to everyone who came out for making it a memorable Westmount moment.