Side by Side with Charles Pachter Gala

By Virginia A. Solomon.

Over 200 guests were present on Wednesday evening, April 26, when Holy Blossom Temple celebrated its 160th Anniversary with a Gala cocktail party highlighting the “Heinz era”. a time from 1942 to the early seventies when Heinz Warschauer was the colourful Director of Education of the Religious School.

The event also honoured Charles Pachter, a former student during that time and a well known Canadian artist, who had donated a painting in honour of his parents Sara and Harry Pachter, long time Temple members. The painting called Side by Side, which depicts the twinning of the Israeli and Canadian flags and illustrates the close ties which bind our countries, was unveiled during the evening. Charles spoke about many of the Temple personalities who influenced both him and many of his peers.

An exhibit of his art was also enjoyed by those in attendance. Many were already familiar with these works, but to others it was a first glimpse of these iconic pieces.

A Video created by Bob Cooper captured the memories of many subsequent community personalities including Clayton Ruby, Rick Salutin and others who reminisced about the influence that HBT had upon their lives. A larger version of the Video will be available online and in the Archives.

Confirmation photos from the years 1950 to 1990 were on display. People were able to see and purchase copies of their confirmation pictures which most had not seen for many years. Smaller versions of Side by Side were also available for order during the event and will be available in the Gift Shop (framed $600 or unframed $400.).

The food and drink and decor contributed to a most memorable evening.

Thanks to the Side by Side Committee, Eleanor London, Ticket Chairman; Sandra Chapnik, Michael Cole, Jeannie Conn, Bob Cooper, Zita Gardner, Susan Garfin Grossman, Alan Gordon, Murray Hart, Bonnie Lawrence Shear, Karen Mock, Sheila Smolkin and Joyce Zemans. Virginia Solomon, Chairperson.

Net proceeds of over $8,500 from sales and from Sponsorship income will be contributed to the HBT Renewal Campaign.

Names from left to right are: Virginia Solomon, Jeannie Conn, Eleanor London, Sheila Smolkin, Susan Garfin Grossman, Sandy Chapnik, Bonnie Lawrence Shear and Bob Cooper. Absent: Michael Cole, Alan Gordon, Murray Hart, Karen Mock and Joyce Zemans

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