Rabbi’s Bio:
Rabbi Dan Selsberg joined Beth Jacob Synagogue in 2006, upon his ordination at the Conservative Movement’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California. Rabbi Selsberg brings both a serious focus on core Jewish issues, both spiritual and social, while maintaining a light, warm, and welcoming atmosphere. His focus on engaging deeply with issues and ideas in an accessible way is also evident in the classroom and in his activities in the larger community. Rabbi Selsberg earned a Master’s Degree in rabbinic studies from the American Jewish University and a Bachelor of Science in Education, with majors in History and Political Science, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He lives in Hamilton with his wife, Karen, and their three sons.

If you have a question, or would like to contact the rabbi, please write to: rabbi@bethjacobsynagogue.ca.

Letter from the Rabbi:
Synagogues are the oldest institutions in Jewish life, but we are living in an age where many institutions have to change rapidly to survive. What does this mean for synagogues, institutions which are committed to teaching and practicing the millennia-old traditions of the people Israel?
Here at Beth Jacob Synagogue, we seek a balance. Our lovely new chapel is designed to facilitate comfort, a peaceful feeling, and ease of participation. Our services are designed to engage all who want to be engaged, to leave alone those looking for a break. The chapel is fully accessible and beautiful, clad in Jerusalem stone quarried in the Land of Israel. We offer a service faithful to the long-held traditions of the Jewish people, while allowing for full participation by both men and women, so that our religious life is no less ethical than our lives outside the synagogue.

Beth Jacob has a nice mix of people, reflecting our society: believers and doubters, the learned and just learning, old and young, committed Jews and those just looking to dip their toes in the water, singles and families, families with non-Jewish members and those without, locals and those who travel to enjoy our programs and services, new arrivals alongside folks who are new to our corner of the world. Here we meet face-to-face, just as we have for thousands of years, and re-commit ourselves to building a more Godly world.

Please feel free to stop in, and spend some time getting to know us. I look forward to meeting you.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Dan Selsberg
rabbi@bethjacobsynagogue.ca

Rabbi's Blog
Rabbi's Sermons

Cantor Eyal Bitton brings a dynamic, lively, and creative flavour to services, employing Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions, original compositions, and unique adaptations of popular melodies. He is a composer and lyricist who has penned several musicals and oratorios. His theatrical works have been produced in Canada, The United States, Kenya, and China. He has also directed a number of adult and children's choirs in Montreal and Toronto and is the Musical Director of Toronto's Zimriyah, a Jewish children's choral festival. Cantor Bitton has composed over 100 liturgical pieces - which have been sung by cantors and choirs in Canada, the States, and in Israel. He is married to gifted singer and actress, Michèle Tredger. Please visit www.eyalbitton.com or contact the Cantor by email at eyal@bethjacobsynagogue.ca.

Hanna Schayer has been at Beth Jacob since March of 2009. She has a Masters Degree in Sociology and has spent much of her working life engaged on issues of social justice, human rights and the environment. Her tenure at Beth Jacob is the embodiment of that focus, and she feels privileged to work in an environment in which tikkun olam has such profound resonance. Asked to summarize her responsibilities, she would simply say, “Whatever needs to get done”. Practically speaking, you can contact her with regards to any shul related issue, other than those financial, educational or rabbinical, and she will happily assist or provide direction. You can reach her at hanna@bethjacobsynagogue.ca, 905 522-1351 ext. 10. She is generally in the office Mondays through Thursdays though you’ll find her wandering around other days as well.

Ira Greenspoon & Cindy Richter

Lorne Gaffe
Ira Greenspoon
Benson Honig
Benjy Katz
Denise Levinson
Dan Levy
John Levy
Martin Levy
Philip Price
Cindy Richter
Ron Richter
Wendy Schneider
Clareta Schoenberg
Mark Scholes
Hilton Silberg
Shirley Silberg
Cindy Smyth

Co-Presidents: Ira Greenspoon, Cindy Richter
Finance: Martin Levy, Benjy Katz
Membership: Hilton & Shirley Silberg
Religious School: Allan Fein, Benson Honig, Cindy Richter
Cemetery: Dan Levy
House & Kitchen: Elliot Biro, Denise Levinson
Religious Affairs: Philip Price
Social Programs & Fundraising: Ira Greenspoon, Denise Levinson
Israeli Film Festival: Benson Honig, Wendy Schneider
Chesed: Ron Richter
Immediate Past Presidents: John Levy & Wendy Schneider