by Denise Hansen
On Sunday, March 18th at 6 p.m., The Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish Centre and the Four Seasons Hotel welcomed members of the Jewish community to nosh the night away and experience some of the finest cuisine concocted by celebrity chefs Mathew Sutherland, Robert Bartley, and Susur Lee. However it wasn’t just any cuisine that guests were invited to sample. The challenge for these celebrity chefs was not only to create several exceptionally gourmet courses, but also to prepare a menu that was strictly kosher. And did they ever step up to the challenge. The four-course meal consisted of a fish appetizer, soup, roasted Cornish hen served as the main course, and dessert (by far everyone’s favorite!) comprising of molten chocolate cake, tangerine and mint sorbet, and orange brûlée. While the event provided delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere, and lively conversation, it also proved to be a success for The Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish Centre.
The Centre, currently located at 444 Spadina Road, has recently reached its capacity due to its growing success and is in need of a new location. With well over 100 guests in attendance at $500 per ticket, proceeds from the evening went towards the new $10 million facility that will be built in the heart of Forest Hill. The building will be modeled after the Jaslo Synagogue that was destroyed in Poland during the Holocaust. The theme for the new centre will be “Honoring the Past, Building the Future,” which will forever change the face of Spadina Road, while empowering the Jewish future in Toronto.
The Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish Centre was established six years ago and is going on its seventh year thanks to the dynamic leadership of Rabbi Elie and Rebbetzin Rifky Karfunkel. Over the past seven years, people have come to know and love the Karfunkels as well as The Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish Centre. With an unassuming yet inviting atmosphere, the goal of the Centre is to provide members of the Jewish community with a warm and welcoming environment where they will feel comfortable celebrating Judaism. Some of the events offered at the Centre currently include learning classes, children’s programs, prayer services, a weekly Shabbat Kiddush, and holiday services.
Throughout the Gala Dinner, guests listened to Rabbi Elie speak about several very important issues related not only to the Centre, but also to Jewish life. “We have a mission here at the centre,” explained Karfunkel, “and that is to be community leaders and to enrich the lives of all the people who enter the Centre. [We] want to make a community not about taking, but about giving.” A rather amusing video was played during the course of the evening that showed the Rabbi on the streets of Toronto asking the public who had greater influence over them: Rabbi Elie Karfunkel or Gandhi? While at first, most interviewees were completely oblivious of Rabbi Elie’s work with the Jewish community, it was just a matter of time before people warmed up to the Rabbi and learned of the great work he and his wife have contributed towards the community with The Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish Centre.
And so while guests enjoyed only the finest kosher cuisine, it was clear that food was not the sole purpose for such a marvelous evening. The underlying message of community is really what brought everyone together.
For more information on The Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish Centre or Rabbi Elie Karfunkel, visit the Forest Hill Jewish Centre website.
