Monday March 26, 2018 – Senior School

How The Other Half Lives

As Jews residing in Canada we are spiritually and emotionally connected to our fellow Jews in Israel.  We are bound by a common tradition, narrative and set of values.  We are much the same; but by virtue of life in Israel versus the rest of the Jewish world, we are also different.  

Last night, the students of Holy Blossom Temple’s Grades 6, 7, post-B’nai Mitzvah and Confirmation classes gathered in the Philip Smith Hall for a special program guided by the Shinshinim – the young Israeli adults in our Greater Toronto community serving Temples, synagogues and other Jewish organizations during the 2017-2018 school year. 

The program – which involved videos, small and large group discussion – focused on Israelis engaged in high-stress occupations, kibbutz life, Arab-Israeli relations and the complex dynamic involving Israel’s secular and religious Jews.   It was an evening of reflection, conversation and engagement.  It was an evening of discovery as it pertained to how our ‘other half’ – our brothers and sisters in Israel – live their lives. 

Todah Rabbah – thank you so much  – to the shinshinim for an excellent learning experience.   

 Rabbi Bill S. Tepper