Message from our Rabbi

There has never been a more important time to join our congregation. Our world is a complicated place. We are surrounded by so many different messages. How do we know which ones are true? How do we know which ones we can trust? Eventually, we look to actions for clarification.

Our choices and our commitments represent our true place in the world. Joining Temple Sinai is one such choice. In days of rising public antisemitism and Jew hatred, affiliating with a synagogue is no small thing. We are working together with our allies in the community to reject hatred, and to prepare and protect the next generation living with that reality. Temple has engaged in a significant building security project to keep our doors open and to keep them safe. The purpose is so that you and many others can enter them and take part in real, grassroots, value-laden Jewish programs and life.

Joining a progressive congregation that supports Israel today sends a very significant message. Our commitment to our one and only Jewish state has not wavered — especially during these complicated times with an Israeli government that is unprecedented in Israel’s political history. Being a member of Temple Sinai is to be part of a collective voice that expresses our deeply held values about what a Jewish democratic state and its society must be in order to survive and thrive. And in a world where opinion seems to have replaced facts, and where science is ignored by many as a matter of convenience, your choice to be an active part of a modern and inclusive community that is deeply committed to a Jewish and democratic state is an action that can effect positive change in our world.

Thank you for renewing your connection to Sinai and our deeply held values. Together, let’s make this new year better than the one before!

Come Together at Temple Sinai

Temple Sinai is more than just a synagogue; it’s your spiritual home where you’re among many warm, wonderful, and supportive people who make up our community. Whether at lifecycle moments, learning opportunities, during prayer, celebrations, Sinai Connections groups or Tikkun Olam programs, Temple Sinai has a place for you!

For nearly 70 years, Temple Sinai has been recognized as one of the most vibrant and innovative Jewish congregations in the Toronto area. Today, that legacy continues with our welcoming and inclusive approach to building community, which is firmly rooted in Jewish traditions and values. Your renewed commitment to our community is greatly appreciated.

Benefits of Membership

Get Involved

Our programs, outreach and services are created to bring meaning, comfort, learning and joy to our members. Designed to inspire and engage, our programs endeavour to involve congregants as active participants or contributors.

We have outlined our opportunities in four categories: Community, Learning, Spiritual, Tikkun Olam.

At Temple Sinai, contributions are received in a myriad of ways. The mitzvah of tzedakah – be that with your time, expertise, insights, or financial contributions, is appreciated greatly. We hope you will find ways to be inspired by and contribute to the strength our vibrant community.

This is your community to create; one which is yours to shape and form. Temple Sinai offers an excellent range of opportunities for you, at every age and stage, to build relationships and find your own special place in the Temple community.

Be inspired

Canasta Americana
Choir
Eco-Sinai
Gardening
Israel Connections
LOTSSY
Men’s Chat Group
NextGen (20s & 30s)
Photography
Pilates
Power of Posture
Renaissance
Sinai in the Sun
Temple Sinai Social Club
Temple Sinai Stitchers
Tikkun Olam

Contribute

Along with making new friends, learning new things and strengthening our community, we’re always on the lookout for new leaders to help with our existing groups. Temple is always interested in ideas to form new groups. We appreciate administrative or special event help, as well as technical assistance.

Lifelong learning is built into the fabric of our community, and regardless of age, there is always something new to learn at Temple Sinai. Our rabbis, cantors and educators are always here to help you connect to the wealth of Jewish wisdom, and answer your burning questions as you pursue your Jewish journey.

Be Inspired

  • Rabbinic series on relevant topics
  • Weekly Chevrat Torah Study
  • Masterclasses at the High Holy Days
  • Lewis David Katzman Book program
  • Adult Hebrew language classes
  • Torah chanting classes
  • Special learning opportunities throughout the year with guest speakers
  • Remote Shalom – online programs with our sister congregation Ramot Shalom in Israel

Contribute

Parent Advisory Group

Parent Advisory Group, Community Contributors

Kehillah, Madrichim, LOTSSY Board (League of Temple Sinai Senior Youth), Teen Israel Trip 2025 and the opportunity to receive a post-secondary scholarship through the Gordon Scholars program. 

Help lead our young family programming and encourage involvement

Live the Jewish calendar joyously at every age and stage of life. In a congregation that sings and celebrates together, our meaningful services enjoy strong lay participation, using our own siddur. Our dynamic and innovative festival services include elements of drama, music, poetry and prayer, which deepen our connection to Judaism and to each other.

Be Inspired

  • Kabbalat Shabbat services
  • Shabbat morning services
  • Morning Minyan (in person)
  • Boker Tov: our inspirational and concise daily morning service
  • Shabbat M’nuchah: our once-a-month Kabbalat Shabbat service with an emphasis on mindfulness, meditation and music
  • S’lichot and High Holy Days services
  • Festival observances and celebrations throughout the Jewish year
  • Musical programming inspired by our Jewish heritage and traditions

Contribute

  • Torah Chanting
  • Shiva Leaders
  • Choir
  • Greeters
  • Ushers
  • Sponsor a minyan breakfast/lunch in memory or in honour.
  • D’var Torah: help in the development of students writing their d’var torah.
  • B’nei Mitzvah logistics coordination: help to coordinate rehearsals, honours.

Change can happen when each of us commits to doing something meaningful with our time and resources for the sake of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). At Temple Sinai, we apply Jewish traditions and values to injustices within and beyond the Jewish world. Our varied initiatives include the collection of food and clothing for at-risk communities as well as aiding recently arrived refugees. We also provide weekly meals to vulnerable members of Toronto’s unhoused community.

Be Inspired

Serving areas in downtown Toronto, Seeds of Hope offers opportunities and support for those experiencing homelessness. Temple Sinai is proud to partner with Seeds of Hope to donate food items weekly and help feed Toronto’s homeless. There is a greater demand than ever for food security in these inflationary times, and Seeds of Hope relies on and greatly appreciates the incredible generosity and continued support from Temple Sinai and our community at large.

Operating in the Rexdale community in Toronto, this agency focuses on serving neighbourhoods and families that have been made vulnerable by factors of risk and who are disadvantaged by poverty. Temple Sinai works with them to provide clothing, food, hygiene kits, and arts and crafts supplies for their community.

Contribute

  • Make a donation to our Caring Community Fund.
  • Get involved in a leadership capacity in our Tikkun Olam group
  • Create new initiatives in our Temple community to allow more ways to give back to our greater community

Membership Contribution Levels

Family Membership

  • Find the income category that most closely reflects your family income or your age in the NextGen (20s & 30s) members section. For married members, the age of the older spouse is determinative.

  • Beside each income category is a contribution amount that matches that income category.

  • Note the income and dues level amount when you complete your membership application.

  • If you wish to make a gift through securities, Israel bonds, your fund at the Jewish Foundation or your family foundation, please contact Ann Rosenfield at ann@templesinai.net

Young Adult Membership

The next generation of Temple Sinai is leading the way forward by living Jewishly. These young adults, ranging in age from 26 to 36, have the opportunity to connect to the Jewish community through social events, networking evenings, social action projects and more!

Our contribution structure makes joining Temple affordable for young adults and young families:

For married members, the age of the older spouse is determinative.
Members’ dependent children under 26 are included in the family contribution.

Temple Sinai Connects Digital Membership

Our fabulous online options have widened our reach, allowing us to give those who live outside the Greater Toronto Area a taste of what makes Temple Sinai so special.

Through Temple Sinai Connects, our digital membership, we invite you to be part of our extended family and experience the warmth and vibrancy of our community — virtually.

In addition to your fair-share contribution, the following items will be included in your annual renewal total:

Each new member family is assessed one year’s membership contribution, payable over three years (minimum $515). New members under the age of 37 are given the option of paying the assessment either commencing in the year they join or in any year up to and including the year in which their 37th birthday occurs. Where the member chooses to defer the payment, the amount is based on the membership income category applicable to the year in which the payments commence. For married members, the age of the older spouse is determinative.

The URJ charge is calculated at 12% of the basic membership contribution plus $10 per family unit to support Camp George, our Canadian Reform camp.

A levy of 10% of your membership contribution will be added to your renewal total. This levy will help to defray the cost of upgrades to our security infrastructure, additional costs of health safety measures, and to maintain an appropriate level of security around our building throughout the year.

The Temple Sinai section of Pardes Chaim Cemetery is located at 11818 Bathurst Street, Maple. Plots are currently available for members and their immediate family at a cost of $3,701.88 (including HST). A down payment of $1,701.88 (including HST) is required to reserve a plot. The balance is payable in four equal installments of $500 annually per plot. Side-by-side burials are available for interfaith Temple families at Lambton Hills Jewish Cemetery on Royal York Road. Plots are currently available for members and their immediate family at a cost of $4,802.50 (including HST) per plot. A down payment of $2,642.50 (including HST) is required to reserve a plot. The balance is payable in four equal installments of $540 annually. If you have purchased a plot and are paying in four installments, your statement will reflect your current and/or your past installment.

The following items are voluntary:

Please consider a gift to our Annual Campaign for Tzedakah to support Temple’s vision of providing an inclusive and welcoming spiritual home for everyone. If you wish to make a gift through cheque, securities, Israel bonds, your fund at the Jewish Foundation or your family foundation, please contact Ann Rosenfield at ann@templesinai.net or 416.487.4161.

ARZA Canada is the Zionist organization of the Canadian Reform Movement. ARZA Canada works to increase Israel engagement and helps to create an Israel that is both Jewish and democratic. Please note that should you choose to make a contribution, your email address will be shared with ARZA Canada. For more information, please visit arzacanada.org.

($36 per family, $18 per single adult)

As part of creating Jewish leaders of tomorrow with a positive connection to our Temple home, as well as to Jewish peoplehood, we invite our youth to participate in our Jewish travel experiences, youth group events, educational trips, camp and leadership opportunities. These learning experiences are subsidized and are open to everyone. Temple would like to continue nurturing our children by remaining an inclusive, caring community. We invite you to support our youth in becoming our future leaders and in giving them the opportunity to live our Jewish traditions.

($54)

The WUPJ promotes Progressive Judaism in places where individuals and groups are seeking authentic, yet modern ways of expressing themselves as Jews. The WUPJ serves congregations and communities in nearly 40 countries, encompassing more than 1,200 Reform, Progressive, Liberal, and Reconstructionist congregations. Further information is available at wupj.org or by email wupj@urj.org.

($36)

Jewish Holiday Calendar 2023/24

*Yizkor Service
**Yizkor Service on last day of Pesach

FAQ

It takes a lot of hard work from our professional staff, working together with many dedicated volunteers to make Temple Sinai the wonderful “home away from home” that it is for our members. It also takes financial resources to keep the synagogue’s infrastructure in good working order and its administrative, teaching, caretaking and professional staff paid.

Every dollar that you contribute as part of your membership contribution is carefully spent to enable Temple Sinai to be a place where its members can either gather in person or connect online to worship, study and celebrate. To ensure that all can be part of the Temple Sinai community regardless of financial means, 38% of Temple members chose to give to the Annual Campaign for Tzedakah in addition to their membership contribution

If your family is experiencing exceptional financial challenges this year, or if the membership contribution amount seems too high for your family, please be in touch. We don’t want finances to be a barrier to your membership. Please contact Rayner Conway, our executive director, at 416.487.4161, ext. 229. She will be pleased to discuss, confidentially, an amount that works for you and your family. 

All of your contributions to Temple Sinai, including school fees, tzedakah and voluntary contributions, are eligible for a tax credit on your income tax return. The amount of credit you will receive is dependent on the total of the donations that you make in the year to all registered charities. Your tax credit could be up to 50% of the amount of your contribution depending on the total amount of all donations made during the year. Cemetery plots and some preschool programs do not qualify