Home

Rabbi's Message

As of this writing there seems to be a lot to talk about, from the hostage deal and ceasefire to the inauguration of Donald Trump in the U.S., to the Liberal leadership race and our own upcoming elections here in Ontario and later at the federal level. All of these stories will have an impact on our lives as Jews living in Canada. Instability in the Middle East and in our traditional alliances, our relationship with the State of Israel and the United States, the continued experience of anti-Semitism in our community, and feelings of uncertainty and anxiety over what the future holds for us.

Ten hostages are now home, and we pray that more will come. If you would like to clarify the details of the deal, this is a good resource - https://www.ajc.org/news/israel-hamas-hostage-deal-what-you-need-to-know

This week, we read Parshat Bo, completing the plagues against Egypt. After the final plague—the death of the firstborn—the Exodus begins, and bit by bit, our people will move in stops and starts towards redemption.

My colleague, Rabbi Chayva Lehrman, writes, “I do believe that we will also move towards redemption. I believe that our story is not over and that we have an active part to play in it.

But that does not negate the fact that we need tools to navigate the journey. Perhaps you already know what some of your navigation tools are. Is it limiting your news intake? Regularly taking a walk with a friend? Resuming your meditation practice? In Torah, I look towards our last two parshiyot: two weeks ago, we were given the instruction to carry Joseph’s bones to the promised land, thus carrying our connection to history and our people's past. And last week, when the bush burned, but was not consumed, we saw that even when the world is on fire, there is some essential core to each of us that can withstand the heat. Let us begin to draw on those resources, those fundamental truths.”

Of course, there is one more navigational tool to help us through these uncertain times. Being in community and celebrating Shabbat. On Friday, February 21, I will return to City Shul (after my own brief winter Exodus) and I invite you to come to a joyful Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by a pot-luck dinner (please register to contribute to the dinner online). The following morning, February 22, join Hazzanit Abrams and me for a peaceful and meditative Shabbat service. No matter what happens in the world, Shabbat always comes, offering “Shabbat Shalom”—the gift of peace.

Rabbi Danny Gottlieb
rabbigottlieb@cityshul.com
www.cityshul.com

Click HERE to view the first video, as Rabbi Gottlieb introduced himself to City Shul.

Click HERE to view the second video, for the High Holidays.

Click HERE to read/view the High Holiday sermons from Rabbi Gottlieb.

Click HERE to read the Kol Nidre sermon from our President, Barbara Wade Rose.

For our Shabbat service dates and times please click here 

All Event Info can be found here.

See Service Schedule.