Holy Blossom Temple

I'm too afraid to share details. Really get to know a place before you commit a moment of your time or money. Remember: Big and powerful is only good under good leadership.

Although it pains me to write this unusual review, further to deep reflection, it is in my view imperative the Jewish community is made aware of my recent experience with the shuls senior Rabbi Splansky.I wrote to the Rabbi weeks ago requesting guidance and assistance with a deeply personal spiritual matter. While admittedly I am not a member of her congregation - I carry a unique history with the synagogue - which I explained to the dear Rabbi in respectful detail.To my great dismay and disappointment she failed to respond - not even a simple I’m sorry I cannot help you. Nothing. Bubkas. Invisible.As the senior spiritual leader of one of Toronto’s and North America‘s largest oldest organized Jewish communities - her failure to reply to a cry for help at all, never mind with compassion - is not just rude or exclusionary - it’s in direct violation with the most basic tenement and teachings of the Talmud and Torah.This type of spiritual bypassing and creating ones own reality - instead of serving a daughter of a Holocaust survivor during Holocaust education week no less - from a Rabbi running a workshop called “faith in crisis” - was not just hypocritical - it was hurtful given there was zero nachas and it left a less than kosher taste in my mouth.My membership is clearly not welcome. And I have no desire to join a community with a leader who isn’t capable , compassionate, cares or competent enough to respond to an email reaching out appealing to her humanity.Side note - colour me old fashioned but I prefer my Rabbi to kippah up near the Torah. While this is yet another choice Rabbi Splansky is free to make - imo the optics are questionable given a virtual audience on social media may not understand her “ways” and view this personal expression as a reflection on the Temple and membership she represents.I want to give Holy Blossom Temple zero stars based on their senior Rabbi but felt that is unfair towards Cantor Rivers and Rabbi Helfman who did a wonderful job (and wore kippahs) with the Kabbalat Shabbat services I observed . Not as opulent as Beth Tzedec but a very modern nice looking Temple.TL;DR - The congregation and any new potential members - should be alerted to who’s at the helm.

I went to a Pax Christie concert here. The music was amazing. The Temple was a beautiful place to enjoy this. Very hospitable people.

Nice place for the Arts event. Friendly people.

Very delightful place that welcomes homeless too stay for dinner and get a mat provided too sleep on also serves a hot breakfast. Although if your not homeless you seriously should not sleepover (rules)!

Top notch shul with top notch service. Highly recommended! Well worth the trip from Mississauaga to North York.

Beautifully renovated. I don't think I ever saw what it looked like before, but it's really, really nice now!!

Love the Rabbi, Yael Splansky. So caring and spiritual, with wisdom beyond her years. Very warm and welcoming congregation. Highly regarded school on site. Sought after wedding venue. Kosher kitchen and Judaica store with unusual and interesting treasures.

The rebuilding of the physical structure and of the community itself is proceeding in a most extraordinary and positive way.

Stunningly beautiful on the inside and the office staff were very helpful!