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Dear Beth Radom Family and Friends,

I hope that this letter finds you and your families healthy and well. As the direction around Covid-19 precautions is constantly changing, I am writing to keep you updated on how we, the Beth Radom leadership, are working to ensure the very best for you, our congregational family.

Since our physical doors closed in March, our virtual doors have been open, providing online offerings that have been a wonderful place for our community to continue connecting through music, prayer, interviews, and good old-fashioned kibbitzing. We successfully pivoted our Hebrew School model to an online space and combined that learning with hands-on activities delivered directly to the students’ homes. And, as always, our members have had clergy available to help them celebrate joyful occasions and manage the difficult ones.

As we look forward to the High Holidays this September, the board of directors, clergy, and staff have been meeting weekly to plan an outstanding experience for all. We are hard at work upgrading our technology to include a state-of-the-art streaming system and planning innovative programming for children and adults, all while navigating the constantly changing landscape around us and remaining true to our Beth Radom identity as a warm and friendly congregation. I have also been meeting weekly with the presidents of the other Conservative congregations in the city and we are all taking guidance from our clergy, the Toronto Board of Rabbis, and Toronto Public Health on best practices during these challenging times.

As the rules in Ontario around places of worship have recently changed to allow for 30% capacity in the synagogue, we are now looking at how to open our doors in the best, safest way, beginning with our Shabbat morning services. Our reopening committee will be looking at ways to do this carefully and with many safety measures in place. This will take time and we will keep you updated with our progress. At the same time, since in-person attendance would not meet the needs of all of our Beth Radom family, we will also be live streaming our services.

Many people have asked what they can do to help support Beth Radom during this difficult time. As you can imagine, we face a financial burden due to Covid-19 which caused the postponement or cancellation of events that contribute to our revenue stream. I ask that you look at your past contributions such as High Holiday tickets and pledges and match them this year, or even increase your donation level if you are in a position to do so. In order for us to continue being here for all of our Beth Radom family for years to come, we need your help now more than ever.

While I really miss seeing everyone in person, I am very excited to see our High Holidays planning coming to life with innovative ideas, engaging content, and a community spirit. It’s everything that makes Beth Radom so special.

Thank you again for your on-going support. Very best wishes for your continued good health now and always

Mark Vernon
President
Beth Radom Congregation

We hope you had a meaningful Passover

Please enjoy the Seder video below prepared for Beth Radom and Baycrest, by our Rabbi, Geoffrey Haber and this joyful collection of Passover songs by our Chazzan, Jeremy Burko. 

Dear Beth Radom Family and Friends,

We at Beth Radom firmly believe in the importance of community and taking care of our Shul family, especially in times of need. For this reason, we will remain open for Shabbat services for all who want a place to go to engage in prayer and words of Torah.

However, as we monitor the spread of Covid-19, we feel it necessary to remind ourselves and our loved ones to be virus-smart. And while personally, it pains me to say it, we must welcome each other and love each other from a distance for the time being. This means that we will not be serving our delicious kiddush lunch for now and we ask that all congregants maintain a distance of at least one metre from one another at all times. Our seating has been spaced out in the sanctuary to help us all maintain this distancing recommendation.

And now the required reminders:

• If you have flu-like symptoms or a fever, coughing, sneezing or feeling otherwise unwell, please stay home and follow the advice of Public Health officials.
• Wash your hands regularly, remembering to soap for a minimum of 20 seconds and avoid touching your face. Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly. We also have sanitizer stations set up around the Shul.
• Let the avoidance of physical contact be your show of respect and wish for good health to those you care for. In other words, please refrain from shaking hands, hugging and/or kissing. This includes torahs, siddurim and mezzuzot.

If you are at home and feel the need for support for any reason, our clergy and staff are here for you. Please reach out to us by phone, email, or Facebook messenger and someone from our team will be in touch right away.

Thank you in advance for your on-going support and very best wishes for your good health now and always.

Mark Vernon
President
Beth Radom Congregation

At Beth Radom, we value your family’s decision to educate your children in an immersive Jewish environment and we are grateful for your contribution to the Jewish Community.

We also know that Jewish Day School can be challenging financially.

In honour of your commitment, we are proud to offer a 25% discount on synagogue membership in addition to the current promotion.

Thank you so much to all those who made our Chanukah Concert such an enormous success!  Special thanks to our guest singers, Mitch Smolkin, Cantor Marcel Cohen, Cantor Alex Stein, Cantor Lauren Phillips, Cantor Deborah Staiman, comedian Neil Naftolin, and musicians Brian Katz, David Warrack, Artie Roth and Daniel Barnes.  Special thanks to our photography and videography team Phil Naiman and Allan Newman.