Updated: 3 May, 2012
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Check back for updates. See full calendar.

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to join us at all
of these events. For more info, contact the main office
at [905] 849-6000 or email us, .

What makes us happy?

Count your blessings.
Practice acts of kindness, intentionally.
Nurture optimism.
Learn to forgive.
Increase flow experiences.
Invest in relationships.
Avoid over thinking.
Take care of your body
Commit to your goals.
Take care of your soul.

Parent and Tot Drop In Program
Wedensday 16 May, 10:30am - 11:30am
This year SBE is trying a new model for early childhood Jewish education. Families with children under the age of 4 are invited to join us on an alternate weekly basis Wednesday mornings at the synagogue. The drop in program will provide parents with an opportunity to mingle with other families with small children and give your little one a safe place to crawl, sing, play, and meet other children their age.

Once a month Rabbi Wise and Cheryl will lead an education program for the parents but the structure of the weekly drop in will be informal.

If you have any questions about the program please contact Cheryl Wise by email, . Toys, snack, and music will be provided.

This is the last gathering until the fall. Have a great summer!

HOOCHY Trip to New York City
18-20 May
Trip deposits due in December, with final payment due in April.

Ongoing / Historic

Calling all Bowlers
The Hamilton B'Nai Brith Men's Bowling League will begin another year early in September. Bowling takes place at Burlington Bowl, east of Walkers Line on Harvester Road. It's an informal league, bowling every Wed night as Jewish holidays permit. Little experience is necessary as weekly score is based on your average. If interested [you don't have to be a member of B'Nai Brith] in joining, please contact Gary at [905] 257-9043 or email We have been selected to help work on the interior finishing�s of a home that has already been completed by Mattamy Homes in Milton (no outside work). Group size is limited to 8 volunteers but volunteers also welcome for lunch preparation. Participants are expected to make a donation, or collect sponsors, for a total of $100. Training is required as well as safety boots, but can be borrowed from the site (they need to know shoe sizes well in advance). Please contact Frimmy, if you would like further information and are interested in this project taking a vacation day in the spring to help with this worthy cause, and spend some time bonding during this Social Action project with your fellow SBE members!
Sponsoring a Kiddush
Would you like to sponsor the Shabbat Kiddush on Saturday mornings. Perhaps you would like to remember a loved one on their yahrzeit. Is there a special person or event you want to honour -- a birthday, an anniversary, a milestone.

Sponsoring the Kiddush ranges from $50-$500.00 depending on what type of food and desserts you would like to have on the table. These can all be arranged through our office. Please fill in an event form, and send it to our office.
Women of the Wall
Women of the Wall URJ updates. Download Rabbi Wise's Sermon
ALLERGY AWARENESS
Food allergies are on the rise and many people [most of them children] that spend time in our synagogue building suffer from life-threatening food allergies. While a person can be allergic to any food at all, the most prevalent allergens that affect our congregation are peanuts and tree nuts [examples: walnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, etc.]. Some people are so highly allergic to peanuts and tree nuts that they react to even the smell; airborne particles; or residues left on surfaces. In an effort to help keep food-allergic people safe, the following motion was passed at our AGM on December 7, 2008: "We request that all food brought into the synagogue contain no peanut / tree nut ingredients." Your understanding and cooperation in this important health and safety matter are very much appreciated.

All School and Youth Group focused events, are now on the Religious School & Youth Programs page. All events, are on our main calendar.
Men's Poker Group
A few of us would like to play poker on a semi-regular basis. We invite interested members of the shul to join in. We generally rotate amongst players houses, usually on Sunday nights. If you are interested, please call Arnie. At the first game we can make any decisions regarding the frequency of play.
Board Meetings Second Wednesday each month - 8 PM Regular updates will be bi-monthly, with the alternating month focused on governance

Remembering Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut z"l

Talk paves way for harmony

Volunteer wanted to help occasionally in the office, even on Sundays - please email

Real plants wanted for planters by stairs going up to the office - please email

Rabbi Wise brings the following Internet Jewish Study options to your attention:

JTA provides comprehensive, global coverage of the Jewish community. Check out their Website.
Would you be interested in learning about Judaism for 10 minutes a day? Sign up for 10 minutes of Torah.

SHOFAR Deadline for each bimonthly edition is 15th of previous month
For the September/October Shofar, please submit material before August 15. If you have anything that you would like to have appear, please send it to

Petition to Protest Intimidation Against Progressive Judaism in Israel

Several weeks ago Nofrat Frenkel, a member of the prayer group Women of the Wall, was arrested for wearing a tallit and carrying a Torah at the Kotel [Western Wall]. This occurred at a time when the ultra-Orthodox minority in Israel continues to influence the government to take actions in their favour. Other recent issues include segregated bus routes [women in the rear], the closing of municipal parking lots on Shabbat and broader issues on conversion and rabbinical status. I ask you to join the Reform community in Canada in expressing our concern about Haredi coercion and to encourage the Israeli government to promote religious pluralism - the recognition of different streams of Judaism. Please sign this petition to Her Excellency Miriam Ziv, Israel's Ambassador to Canada.

ALLERGY AWARENESS
Food allergies are on the rise and many people [most of them children] that spend time in our synagogue building suffer from life-threatening food allergies. While a person can be allergic to any food at all, the most prevalent allergens that affect our congregation are peanuts and tree nuts [examples: walnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, etc.]. Some people are so highly allergic to peanuts and tree nuts that they react to even the smell; airborne particles; or residues left on surfaces. In an effort to help keep food-allergic people safe, the following motion was passed at our AGM on December 7, 2008: "We request that all food brought into the synagogue contain no peanut / tree nut ingredients." Your understanding and cooperation in this important health and safety matter are very much appreciated.

An Evening with Amir R. Gissin, the Consul General of Israel in Toronto
Amir Gissin came to our synagogue, in a joint-event with Anshe Sholom of Hamilton. This was part of a series of lectures on Israel for our two communities, especially for those who are planning to travel to Israel this year.

Amir has been working diligently on re-branding Israel, especially in light of the often negative light that Israel faces in the world press and severe threats to national security, especially from Iran. Despite all this, Israel is a beacon of hope and justice, a thriving democracy in the Middle East and committed to its vision of contributing positively to Judaism and the world.

Our successful Channuka Candle Lighting at Halton Regional Centre. We had a wonderful turnout! A big thank you to Aviva and our Choir for making the night so special.

Good evening.

I am pleased and honoured to be able to join you tonight for the celebration of Chanukah and to light the Chanukiah.

Halton Region is a vibrant and diverse community, made up of individuals from many beliefs. Our diversity is a source of strength and pride, and adds depth and character to our community. I have always said that the best part of Halton is its people and it's clearly demonstrated by events like these that show the diversity of our residents.

Last spring, Halton Region launched our Inclusion Strategy. This strategy will help make Halton Region more inclusive to diverse communities, by making it easy for all citizens, including those from diverse ethnic, cultural, language, religious, and faith communities to access our programs and services. With this strategy we hope to have sustainable communities aimed at improving Halton Region's quality of life.

I would like to thank Rabbi Wise for organizing this event today, I believe it is the first time this event has been held at Halton Region, and I hope this tradition is continued.

On behalf of Regional Council, I want to emphasize that we are committed to our relationship with the Jewish community, as well as other diverse communities within Halton Region, to share resources and best practices that benefit us all. Religious and cultural events like celebrating Chanukah tonight, are what makes Halton Region a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.

Thank you for sharing this event with us, and to all of you here today, Happy Chanukah and happy holidays.

Thank you.

Gary Carr,
Halton Regional Chair