Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper sported a blue kippah Thursday night as he helped cut the ribbon at a new Lubavitch synagogue in Toronto, which has been more than 20 years in the making.
The start of the Jewish year of 5748 (1988) was a monumental period for the Diaspora. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of blessed memory, declared that it would be “the year of building,” and called on his followers to construct new structures to strengthen the social and religious fabric of the Jewish people.
His words resonated with Lubavitch representative in Ontario, Rabbi Zalman A. Grossbaum and developer Ernest Manson. Shortly before the start of Yom Kippur in 1987, they forged a plan for what would become Chabad@ Flamingo in Thornhill, a Northern suburb of the city. Their vision continues to be realized with Thursday night’s opening of a stately, 600 seat sanctuary to accommodate Rabbi Mendel Kaplan’s growing congregation.
“The Ernest Manson Lubavitch Centre will serve as spiritual, social, and educational hub for this community,” Harper said to a full-house at Bathurst Street and Flamingo Road. “Thanks to the vision and leadership of the late Rabbi Schneerson, thousands of Chabad and Lubavitch centers like this have opened their doors around the world.
“Through education and outreach programs these centers are strengthening the bonds of the faith within the Jewish community everywhere. In so doing, they signify the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.” The unapologetically pro-Israel Prime Minister received an Obama-esque rock star reception.
Also at the event was Conservative MP Peter Kent, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and a veteran journalist.
“Following the Holocaust and the devastation of the world’s Jewish Community, Chabad emerged as one of the most dynamic religious, educational, and social forces in the world, small at first, but ever growing,” Kent said. “This new synagogue is a testament to this community.”
Both politicians reaffirmed their government’s support of Israel and to continue its fight against anti-Semitism, which Harper referred to as a “malignant evil.”
Canada was a global leader in its denouncement of Durban II and its refusal to recognize Hamas, Kent added.
Harper and Kaplan solidified Israel and Canada’s alliance with an embrace on the podium.
Rabbi Kaplan paid tribute to everyone who made the Flamingo renovations possible, including the late Ernest Manson.
“A Holocaust survivor who refused to be brought down by the horrors he experienced and came here with a vision and optimism,” said Kaplan. “And really it is due to his family – who did not let his dream die – that we are here today.”
Chairman of Lubavitch Headquarters, Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, invoked the blessings offered by King Solomon when he completed the construction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. “This new House of Prayer is a veritable miniature holy temple. So we beseech G-d Almighty to fulfill in this beautiful edifice the prayer of King Solomon, that this holy temple serve every man and woman, young and old, whosoever shall enter its portals, regardless of station and background.”
what kind of Mechitza is this?
we are not modern orthodox!
where is Rabbi Grossbaum he built the shul!!!! its all his!! and someone else taking credit
Mazal tov! Mazal Tov! It was a beautiful event and I was glad I was able to share this simcha with you! May Rabbi & Rebbetzine Kaplan continue to give the Rebbe much nachas.
No one is questioning the Halacha, but rather – is the Mechitza according to Chabad Lubavitch standards? The standards in Chabad Lubavitch are decided by the Rebbe.
all those asking questions, please be assured that nothing in this shul was done without first consulting a rav moreh horaah
what about the Mechitza in this Chabad Shul?
I saw Rabbi Grossbaum in Ny last night at his niece’s wedding.
Mazal tov!!
firstly, the menorah is on the outer doors which close the aron kodesh off. During tefillah these doors recess into the aron kodesh and the parochess is visible.
secondly, there is in fact a row of seats in front of the bima.
thirdly, as some one who was present last night i must say the shul is absolutely stunning and the aron kodesh is indeed a work of art.
you love all jews!
Mazel Tov.
The Aron kodesh is stunning, as is the menorah on the doors (parochess?) – if a little overdone.
The designers of such trimming know that the source of their parnossa is with Lubavitch. Who else is building shuls all over (Rabbi Kaplans cousin – Korf in S.Petersburg FL – just opened a new building on Sunday). YI? OU? Conservative are actually closing. Reform – they are now into building mikvaos.
Is there room (space) between the bimah and the steps up to the aron kodesh? Room for seating? The Rebbe was makpid on this issue.
USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA mazel tov may you cuntinue to grow with lots of mazel and brocha your cousin in montreal
if we just say that this is a support to the very influential ever expanding jewish community that could encourage resentment but if the government of canda recognizes the value that habads work WITH canada gives to canada and theyre respect for the religion pushkas mitz\vos like oirechman does with all of them and wants from the government not government recognition but governement increasing in charity and holiness then its a testament not to chabad but to goodness and a better society then anything can happen and to the goyim as well as a side point all the arabs that… Read more »
much luck and continued success.
Why don’t i see rabbi Grossbaum.
Mazel Tov! May you continue to grow, with lots of Mazel and Brocha.
Your cousin in Montreal