Pick the Right Shul for You for the High Holidays...

Hi all,
The High Holidays are fast approaching.

DATES:
Rosh Hashanah: Evening of September 8th, 2010 (Wed) to September 10th, 2010 (Friday).
Yom Kippur: Evening of September 17th, 2010 (Friday) to September 18th, 2010 (Saturday).


Given this, many of you are probably thinking about attending shul services that are inclusive, progressive, and inviting. We would like to provide you with 8 synagogues that fit this description below. We have provided you with websites for each shul so you can contact them if you would like more information about their High Holiday services.

1. Congregation Shir Libeynu: (High Holiday services held at First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto - 175 St. Clair West)

About: Congregation Shir Libeynu is unaffiliated, liberal, inclusive and egalitarian. Our participatory services combine tradition and innovation. Shir Libeynu is Hebrew for "song of our hearts," and our services include prayers and music both ancient and modern. Our diverse community is a welcoming one.

Web: http://www.shirlibeynu.ca/




2. Congregation Darchei Noam: (Bathurst/Sheppard - 864 Sheppard Ave West)

About: "Darchei Noam, Toronto's Reconstructionist Synagogue, is a close-knit community of over 400 families. Religious services are traditional in form, and progressive and egalitarian in content. Members participate in leading services, chanting Torah, or presenting a D'var Torah. Women and men participate equally in all areas of synagogue life."

Web: http://www.darcheinoam.on.ca/  




3. First Narayever Congregation: (Harbord/Brunswick - 187 Brunswick Ave)


About: The First Narayever Congregation is a warm and welcoming traditional-egalitarian synagogue located in downtown Toronto. In ritual and liturgical matters, FNC follows the traditional halacha, except that no distinction whatsoever is made in status or participation between women and men, and we have authorized our Rabbi to perform weddings between same-sex couples." `

Web: http://www.narayever.com/




4. Danforth Jewish Circle: (Danforth/Bowden – east of Broadview...283 Danforth Avenue, Suite 125)

About: "The Danforth Jewish Circle is an inclusive Jewish community centered in Riverdale in Toronto. Our community is committed to making Judaism meaningful and accessible through a wide variety of social, cultural and religious programs – nurturing Jewish life as we have interpreted it, a Judaism that is rooted in tradition yet reflective of change."

Web: http://www.djctoronto.com/ 


5. Temple Sinai: (Between Avenue and Bathurst on north side of Wilson - 210 Wilson Ave)

About: ""Temple Sinai is an inclusive, caring Reform community that aspires to a dynamic, constantly evolving Judaism, and is committed to life-long learning, traditional Jewish culture, ethics and meaningful worship. It is a spiritual home to its many congregants of diverse ages, backgrounds and capabilities. It is a dedicated supporter of the State of Israel and of the principles of tikkun olam."

Web: http://www.templesinai.net/




6. The Beach Synagogue (now known as "the Beach Hebrew Institute"): (Woodbine/Queen - 109 Kenilworth Avenue)

About: "The synagogue prides itself on being an inclusive and accessible “liberal Conservative” congregation. Services are conducted in traditional Hebrew with occasional prayers in English. Women play an active role in services and are welcome to read from the Torah and receive Aliyahs."

Web: http://www.beachhebrewinstitute.ca/


7. The Annex Shul (36 Harbord St., corner Harbord and Huron)

About: “The Annex Shul is a vibrant and inclusive grassroots Jewish community in downtown Toronto. We come together for spiritual, educational, social, ethical, and cultural engagement through lively and participatory Carlebach-style services, learning opportunities, social gatherings ranging from Shabbat dinners to holiday parties, community service projects, and cultural events. Although the majority of Annex Shul participants are graduate students and young professionals, all are welcome, regardless of age or affiliation.”
Web: http://www.annexshul.com/  

8. Temple Emanuel (120 Old Colony Road – North York)
About: “Temple Emanu-El is a vibrant, progressive, [reform] community committed to Jewish renewal at home, in the synagogue and in the wider Jewish universe. We seek to nurture the Jewish life of all of our congregants, young and old, in times of distress and in moments of joy. We are steadfast in our commitment to תיקון עולם (tikkun olam, or social justice) in the greater world around us and in Israel, and we seek to strengthen our ties of love and loyalty with Israel in all arenas. We are a warm and intimate community, one which deeply values all of its diverse members.”
Web: http://www.templeemanuel.ca/  




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