Dec. 2025
Rabbi Beni Wajnberg

As the days get darker, we gather with our families to invite more light into our lives. Remembering miracles of old, we raise our awareness for the many miracles of our time. Community, too, is miraculous. In that spirit, we look back to the ways that our own congregation was enriched recently. At the same time, we look forward with great excitement for what lies ahead.

Beth Jacob was honoured to have Cantor Faith Steinsnyder for the High Holidays, completing our bimah. In a short time, she has inspired our congregation with her depth of knowledge, musical skills and abundance of smiles. She inspired those who came to services, and left them with a feeling of joy and meaning. She embodies the way in which our congregation practices Judaism: tradition and modernity hand in hand. 

Beth Jacob is pleased to announce her return for a musical weekend. Cantor Faith will be joining us for a congregational dinner on Jan. 30 with an engaging service. On Saturday, Jan. 31, we will have a special and musical Shabbat Shira service. The Torah portion that week contains our ancestors’ crossing of the sea and Miriam’s song — Miriam, Moses’ sister, who both sang and led the people in dance. Men and women danced together, played instruments together and were led by a woman too! This is an excellent opportunity for us to celebrate Jewish joy in all of its diversity and inclusivity. Last but not least, on that Sunday Feb. 1, we will gather for a wine tasting/Tu Bishvat seder. We will of course offer non-alcoholic options for those who don’t drink and to make this event friendly to all generations. We are pleased to open this to the community at large. 

Whether you have been a member of the synagogue for a long time, whether you have never stepped into our sanctuary, or whether you are somewhere in between, please know: our doors are open. And we would be honoured to have you join us! To express your interest, please reach out to the Beth Jacob Synagogue at [email protected].