It was a magical Shaare Zion moment as the Congregation embraced Sue Lewin metaphorically. Her two children, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her four siblings joined us in the Sanctuary and were honoured with Aliyot throughout the service in celebration of this wonderful lady’s 100th birthday! Many family members traveled through a fierce winter storm which battered the eastern seaboard. Two of Sue’s grandsons read the Maftir. The choir made a rare winter appearance and our Cantor Adam Stotland was at the top of his game as he and the choir sang to the melodies that the Lewin family commissioned for us in memory of Sue’s late husband Jacob. Rather than giving a sermon, the Rabbi honoured Sue and described the long and loving relationship which she has had with our Congregation for over 70 years. This wonderful celebration culminated downstairs at Kiddush when Sue was presented with an engraved silver Torah Pointer which will be used Shabbat mornings. There wasn’t a dry eye in the building.
It may be the dog days of winter but you would never know it here at Shaare Zion as there are a host of activities and programmes for all to enjoy:
- A Young Adults’ Purim Party will take place Saturday night February 23rd (dust off those costumes)
- A Single Malt Scotch Tasting Event is scheduled for February 28th in the evening. Learn together.
- The Band is Back on March 1st with special guest Boaz Davidoff and Cantor Adam Stotland
- Shira Zion, our Spring Concert (Shira meaning singing) April 28th. This spectacular event, part of our 90th Anniversary celebrations will have Cantor Adam Stotland along with a top notch Band performing Jewish music from the four corners of the World, Traditional to Rock and Roll, Klezmer and even Rap.
Our 90th Anniversary Capital Campaign has reached $318,000 and is climbing! Renovations are set to begin in the Chapel and foyer this spring. Thank you to all who have supported the campaign thus far. Those of you who have not yet made your pledge please call David at 514.481.7727 x227 to help celebrate this milestone!
The summer is not far off so let’s play together.Our 13th Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday August 5th at Elm Ridge Golf Club. If you know either of our co-chairs Miles Leutner or Ron Robins, you know to expect fresh ideas for this annual event. See our website, Facebook page or our next bulletin for more details.
It has been challenging to find 10 people to make our Minyan. Both men and women count. If you are at least a 12 year old young lady or bar mitzvah (or approaching your 100th year) check online, in the bulletin, or call the office for the times of services and join us.
Shabbat calls for us to drop everything. Why don’t you and your family take this opportunity to sit together with your Shaare Zion family. Be a part of Montreal’s egalitarian synagogue services in the brightest and most beautiful sanctuary in Canada as we pray together.
I look forward to seeing you there.
