Holy Blossom Temple

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We are told that, before they began their formal prayers, the rabbis of old would pray. For what would they pray? For the ability to pray properly.

This teaching reminds us that prayer is not easy. It takes practice. Many who come only occasionally for prayer find that “it doesn’t work.” Prayer is like exercise — only when done regularly do we begin to move past the stiff and awkward sensations and start to see the benefits. Routine and commitment make both prayer and exercise effective and comfortable.

Here at Holy Blossom Temple, we are proud to provide our congregants, neighbours and visitors with worship services throughout the week. The services mark the rhythm of the Jewish calendar and help us to carve out time for prayer and reflection at the beginning or end of a busy day.

Become a regular part of our morning or evening Minyan — stand in God’s presence, mark the passing of a sacred time, study the weekly Torah portion, sing the comforting melodies of tradition — what better way to start or end the day than with exercises for the soul?

Our approach to worship

Communal worship must engage both the spirit and mind, and we endeavour to do just that at every service at Holy Blossom Temple. Our services contain a mix of musical styles, from less formal communal singing, which binds us to each other, to more traditional chazanut (the theory and practice of synagogical liturgy), which connects us to other communities, and to our past. This mix of ‘the Music of Meeting’ and ‘the Music of Majesty’ helps to promote a common Judaism — a Judaism that feels familiar to all Jews, liberal and traditional.

In addition to music, every service contains a D’var Torah or sermon — a piece of intellectual substance that engages the mind. When the mind and spirit come together, in our warm and welcoming environment, we create the perfect environment for getting closer to God.