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ABOUT

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SHALOM AND WELCOME!

Beth Lida Forest Hill Synagogue, affectionately known as just “Beth Lida” or “the little Shul on Gilgorm Road”, is the oldest Orthodox synagogue in Forest Hill Village.  It has been in existence for over 100 years.  Our small, warm and friendly congregation is open on Shabbat and festivals to all visitors and residents of the community – and we look forward to welcoming you.

Beth Lida is situated at 22 Gilgorm Road, just north of Eglinton Ave West and east of Chaplin Crescent.

         

The Synagogue sees to the needs of the community by providing regular services on Shabbat and festivals. Our sanctuary accommodates 150 congregants and conforms with Orthodox traditions. Our reception hall accommodates 50 – 80 people and hosts our weekly Shabbat morning Kiddush ("the best hot kiddush in town"). 

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Our spiritual leadership is headed by Joshua Schwartz (see bio below).  Services on Shabbat (Friday night and Saturday morning) and most major holidays are led by Joshua, as well as willing and dedicated volunteers, where the emphasis is on congregational participation and singing.

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We look forward to you visiting our Shul and joining our happy family for a Shabbat and Yom Tov service to remember!

photo by Aaron Rotenberg

LEADERSHIP
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JOSHUA SCHWARTZ

SPIRITUAL LEADER

Joshua's role as mashgiach ruchani (spiritual leader) includes serving as shaliach tzibbur (prayer leader), delivering divrei Torah, and bringing song, spirit and soul to the community.  He is also available for pastoral counseling, as well as life-cycle events. 

 

Joshua is the co-author of The Torah of Music, as well as the bencher Seder Oneg Shabbos, and the editor of the Illustrated Pirkei Avot, the first Talmudic graphic novel.  Joshua received a master's degree in Jewish studies, with a concentration in Jewish mysticism, from NYU, is a Wexner Graduate Fellow, and an alumnus of the Machon Pardes Kollel.  He is currently completing his semichah via a yeshivah in Jerusalem.

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If you want or need to connect with him directly, please click the icon.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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JOE GOLDMAN

PRESIDENT

MARK BLACK

VICE PRESIDENT

JOE FRIED

1ST PAST PRESIDENT

ESHAI HIRSHBERG

2ND PAST PRESIDENT

DEBBIE MENDELSON

SECRETARY

AIDEN BENARROCH, STEPHEN GRANOVSKY, MARVIN NUSSBAUM, MICHAEL SEFTON, MINDY TAYAR 

DIRECTORS
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