Our role for future generations is to ensure the survival of this community – Holy Blossom – and all Jewish communities in Israel and throughout the diaspora – for them to remain secure and strong. The future of Jewish life is dependent on that objective. And here at Holy Blossom, we have our own small but important role to play in the survival of Judaism and the Jewish people.
Mark S. Anshan, President of Holy Blossom Temple
Mark S. Anshan
Holy Blossom Temple, founded in 1856, is the oldest synagogue in Canada and the largest Reform congregation. It has a long and deep history of serving its members and providing leadership and support to the Jewish community in Toronto and throughout Canada. Our congregation has contributed significantly to the development of Reform Judaism in North America.
Holy Blossom is rooted in the three pillars of Judaism – Torah – Avodah – and Gimilut Chasadim. We strive to provide creative and meaningful opportunities for our members to come together as a community and provide them with the education and resources to create a Jewish home. Although we are a large congregation, our range of programs, education courses and variety in worship experiences allows us to see ourselves as a “community of communities” – many doors through which our members may engage with their synagogue.
We have a long tradition of social action engagement and we currently are involved in several projects including our Out of the Cold program. Once a week in the winter we provide overnight shelter for the homeless.
We have a dedicated group of lay leaders serving on the Board of Directors and on our Departmental Committees and groups that reach out to our members (e.g. Bikur Cholim, shiva and service readers), giving countless hours of time and energy to Temple life.
The strength of our community is due, in large measure, to our dedicated and wonderful staff. Under the leadership and guidance of our Senior Rabbi, John Moscowitz (who joined us in 1987 and has been our Senior Rabbi for ten years), our staff make our Jewish world at Temple come to life. They lead the way in building and sustaining the Holy Blossom community.
Mark and his wife, Brenda Spiegler – Purim 2010
Please take some time to familiarize yourself with our Congregation. As you browse our Website you will quickly learn about us and see the vast array of opportunities for one’s engagement at Holy Blossom. We are committed to building community and providing opportunities for all who wish to join with us. Our clergy set the standards of excellence that have long been a characteristic of Holy Blossom Temple.
If you are new to Toronto or looking to join a synagogue, we welcome you to our congregation and our community. Please click here to send an email to Rabbi Moscowitz, to our Executive Director Benjamin Applebaum, or to me, or call (416) 789-3291, ext. 222 to learn more about our congregation.
Mark S. Anshan
Click below to listen to the President’s Address
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Click here to download a text version of the President’s Address
