Beth Torah Congregation

What a wonderful and joyous first Rockin' with Rach we had on Saturday morning in our sukkah.

So many adorable little munchkins showed up with their families to sing, dance, laugh, and celebrate together. The weather was perfect, the sukkah was cozy, and the morning was filled with so much joy!

It was truly wonderful to see so many of our member families and community come together and experience the magic of Shabbat and Sukkot in such a fun and meaningful way.

We can't wait for Rockin' with Rach to return on Saturday, November 7, and we hope you and your little ones will join us again! Invite your friends and neighbours too for a super fun and movement centered interactive program focusing on music, singing, and storytelling and anchored in Shabbat and holiday themes once a month. Stay and enjoy a family friendly kiddush luncheon following.

The more the merrier!!

THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER!!

Beth Torah is super excited to welcome "Rockin' with Rach" this Saturday, Sept 26, from 10:45 am. to 11:45 am. in our sukkah (weather permitting) for our new Shabbat morning program. Our program is geared towards children ages: 0-6, and their parents, grandparents, and caregivers. (siblings welcome)

Invite your friends and neighbours to get “Rockin’ with Rach” once a month (future dates in flyer or on our website). It is certain to be a super fun and movement centered interactive program focusing on music, singing, and storytelling and anchored in Shabbat and holiday themes.

Enjoy a family friendly kiddush luncheon following.

# shabbat

BLOG- The Courage to Forgive Ourselves
Written by: Kim Fluxgold

Yom Kippur is a time for forgiveness, atonement, and reflection. We reflect not only on the wrongdoings we may have caused others, but also on the ways we may have wronged ourselves.

Yom Kippur asks us to look inward, to examine not only our actions, but our mental and emotional state as well. To be honest with ourselves about what we carry, what we regret, and what we may need to let go of.

Too often, the person we find we need to atone to or ask forgiveness from the most is staring right back at us in the mirror.

Forgiving others can be incredibly difficult. But learning to forgive ourselves may be even harder, and perhaps one of the most courageous things we can do.

I struggle with self-forgiveness every day. There are things I wish I had done differently, words I wish I could take back, and moments I continue to carry with me. But I am learning that self-forgiveness does not mean forgetting, excusing, or ignoring our mistakes. It means acknowledging them, learning from them, and allowing ourselves the grace to heal.

Maybe true strength is not in continuing to punish ourselves for the mistakes we have made, but in having the courage to put down the weight we have been carrying.

This Yom Kippur, may we look honestly into the mirror, not with judgment, but with compassion. May we forgive those we have hurt, those who have hurt us, and perhaps most importantly, ourselves.

May we find the strength to heal, the courage to let go, and the faith to begin again.

Shabbat Shuvah and G'mar Chatima Tova

*Beth Torah wishes everyone an easy and meaningful fast, and may we all be sealed for a year of health, peace, and blessing. May this sacred day be a time of reflection, prayer, renewal, and connection.

May this New Year bring you health, happiness, peace and all that you are hoping for.

From all of us at Beth Torah Congregation we want to wish you and your loved ones a sweet and prosperous year 🍎

Shana Tova

A Gift of Words for the High Holy Days Ahead

As we prepare to welcome the High Holy Days, we are honoured once again to share, not one, but two beautiful poems written by one of our wonderful members.

Through her words, Sharron offers us a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace the meaning and spirit of this special time of year.

We hope you enjoy these heartfelt reflections and that they help bring a little warmth and inspiration as we enter the New Year.

Rabbi Jen was given a front-row seat at the first Mayoral event last night. Journalist Jesse Brown of Canadaland Media interviewed candidates Chris Alexander and Brad Bradford.

What a beautiful Selichot service shared between three Congregations and Clergy last night to get us in the mood for the High Holy Days.

BLOG: September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, and honestly, I can’t think of a better time of year to be reminded to take care of ourselves.

September can be a lot. Summer is winding down, the kids are heading back to school, routines are changing, schedules are filling up, and before we know it, we’re preparing for the High Holy Days. There are meals to plan, services to attend, family to coordinate, school lunches to pack, work to juggle, and somewhere in the middle of all of it, we’re expected to pause and reflect.

Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming. And perhaps that’s exactly why the timing of the High Holy Days is so meaningful.

The month of Tishrei invites us to slow down and look inward. We reflect on the year that has passed, think about where we want to grow, ask for forgiveness, offer forgiveness, and consider the person we want to be in the year ahead.

But while we’re busy taking stock of our lives, we shouldn’t forget to take stock of ourselves. Self-care isn’t selfish. Sometimes self-care is as simple as saying no when our plate is already full. It might be taking a walk, getting enough sleep, sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, spending time with someone who makes us laugh, or simply giving ourselves permission to breathe.

Judaism reminds us that caring for ourselves matters, too. We are taught pikuach nefesh; the importance of protecting and preserving life. And caring for our emotional, mental and physical well-being is part of that responsibility.

So as we enter this busy and meaningful month, perhaps we can make a little room on our to-do lists for us. Before we rush from school drop-offs to work, from holiday preparations to services, let's remember to pause.

Take a breath.
Be gentle with yourself.
And remember that you don't have to do everything, be everything, or have everything figured out.

As we prepare for a new year, may we give ourselves the same compassion, patience and kindness that we so freely offer to others.

May this be a year of health, peace, renewal and a little more time to take care of ourselves.

Shabbat Shalom,❤️
Kim Fluxgold
www.youareenough712.wordpress.com