BAYT screens a new rabbinical candidate

In December, 2010 Rabbi Baruch Taub, founding rabbi of Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto Congregation (BAYT), now rabbi emeritus of the synagogue, retired and made aliyah.

Stepping up to the bimah this week at BAYT is Rabbi Daniel Korobkin Rosh Kahilla of Kehillat Yavneh in Los Angeles, where he writes on Jewish philosophy and a myriad of other Jewish topics. Korobkin is the first of three candidates for the vacated rabbi position. He will be speaking on Friday night and Shabbat morning, meeting with the BAYT's young families group on Saturday night at 8 p.m. in the Simcha Suite and will also give the Daf Yomi shiur Sunday morning.

In Los Angeles Korobkin also serves as spiritual leader of the Kehilla's minyan and Yeshivat Yavneh, a large yeshiva elementary school on Yavneh's campus. He is director of community and synagogue services for the Orthodox Union's West Coast Region and a doctoral candidate in the area of medieval Jewish thought at UCLA. (Full profile found on the RCA (Rabbinical Council of America) website.)

Tikkun Olam תיקון עולם‎ and Technion

The accomplishments of Technion graduates have been recognized largely only within the industries they serve. Now with its "Spotlight on Success" The Canadian Technion Society, through its website is providing these graduates public exposure on their accomplishments.

The Canadian International Auto Show, the country's largest showcase of new and concept model vehicles, held annually at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the SkyDome opens its doors for its 2011 event tomorrow. It seems fitting then, to make mention the work of Toronto's Gil Hadar. 

The Technion grad is making strides to advance Canada's greater adoption of "Mild Hybrid", "Hybrid", and "Electric Cars", that might soon utilize his "IEP" (Integrated Electric Pump), as well as the work being done by the company Better Place in Israel. Technion alumnus Shai Agassi is the founder and chief executive of Better Place, the leading electric vehicle services provider. Agassi and his company have been focused on one of this century's biggest challenges: moving the world from oil-based to sustainable transportation. The result of the work completed by Better Place so far is an infrastructure and intelligent network, delivering a range of services to drivers, enabling widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and optimizing energy use.

A glimpse into their accomplishments can be seen in the video below.



The Shmooze is proudly helping to follow the accomplishments being made by Technion graduates. You too can learn more on all that The Technion is offering to world-wide scientific exploration.

Join the Canadian Technion Society at their event being held March 31st with the great Canadian philanthropist and entrepreneur, Seymour Schulich.

Tickets for the event can be obtained today by calling 416 789 4545.

Paul Godfrey: Toronto's Leading Man

If you heard the name Paul Godfrey what image would pop into your head? For the 25 or so young professionals who attended the first Bay St. Breakfast of 2011, most could not wait to ask the former owner of the Toronto Blue Jays about his thoughts on Roberto Alomar being named the first Blue Jay to be entered in the Hall of Fame, the use of HGH (Human Growth Hormones) by top athletes in all sport and what Toronto's chances are of getting an NFL team.

(From left Community Connect’s David Goodman, David Spiro, JUMP’s Ali Silverberg and Paul Godfrey)

Hosted by Toronto Federation's community connect in joint partnership with JUMP (Jewish Urban Meeting Place). Godfrey the long time businessman and former politician, took us on a retrospective journey from his modest beginnings to his present status as CEO of the PostMedia Network and chair of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

The top tips given that most people walked away with from the breakfast were as follows:

If Godfrey ever had to choose between being smart and being lucky he would choose being lucky every time.

Fortunately when he was a North York alderman and Chairman of Metro Toronto, the economy was in a balanced state and all across the board performing well. "Anyone can be a good politician when the economy is right" he said. It's when the economy takes a major hit you discover which politicians can really manage the hardest of times. All in all, it takes a real thick skin to be a public servant, he said.

Finally, with the majority of his life spent running major publications, Godfrey admits he is excited to see what the future holds, as the media landscape keeps its physical embodiment largely still at the forefront, while building up it's cyber audience online.

Bummed Out Bubbie

Dear Ella,
I’m a 75-year-old widow who has raised three children. I am blessed with eight wonderful grandchildren whom I love dearly and equally.
But what kind of bubbie dreads having her grandchildren visit for a week in her Florida condo? When my son, Adam, his wife, Susan, and their two boys, Lucas, 4, and Dylan, 7, come to visit, it’s like a tornado ripping through, destroying everything in its path.

Adam and Susan believe discipline means a “time-out.” When one of the boys misbehaves, which means they have already done irreparable damage, he’s forced to sit at a table for a few minutes, but with access to an electronic gaming device. This is a consequence? There was an incident in which I grabbed Dylan’s arm as he was jumping on my living room couch and I smacked his bottom. The way Susan berated me, you would have thought I committed the worst crime. I love those two boys, but not in my home. They’re planning to visit during their spring break. How do I get out of it without being a shrew? I’m feeling very guilty.

Bummed Out Bubbie

Dear Bummed Out Bubbie,

Adam and Susan have put you in an unfortunate position. There’s no proven method of disciplining a child. Many of us grew up being spanked from time to time and have not turned out too badly. However, many experts feel physical discipline is a form of violence acted out when a parent has lost control.

Discipline without physical punishment can be very effective if it’s done properly, but many parents have not mastered this method. A time-out during which a child is playing a game or watching TV isn’t much of a deterrent from committing the same unacceptable behaviour in the future.

Adam and Susan have made a decision on how to raise their children, and you must respect their choice. If you feel their method is ineffective and your solace and personal property are being damaged because of it, you have every right to protect yourself.

At 75, you’ve done your time and it’s your turn for enjoyment and relaxation. You need to communicate your feelings. Don’t lecture them on whether their method is working. It’s not your place. However, as you respect their choices, they must respect yours. You have earned the right to a peaceful, safe home without the whirlwind of two unruly children. Tell them how much you love them and how you would enjoy spending time together, just not under your roof. Suggest that they rent something nearby, and maybe offer to help them find something. Let them know that at this stage in your life, you don’t have the patience to live with two rambunctious, albeit adorable, boys.

Adam and Susan need to take responsibility and accept the repercussions when their disciplinary methods don’t work. If they’re smart, they’ll realize that time with Bubbie is more important than where they stay during their visit.