An Evening to Remember
Congregation Habonim Honours: Eli Rubenstein, Esther Ghan Firestone and Larry Clements
On November 11, 2012, Toronto’s Congregation Habonim sponsored an inspirational evening at the Liberty Grand on the grounds of Toronto’s famed Exhibition Place. The event was held to celebrate Eli Rubenstein, Esther Ghan Firestone, and Larry Clements, honouring them for their years of dedication to Congregation Habonim and their outstanding service and commitment to the community.
Eli Rubenstein (left) receving plaque from Rabbi Chezi Zionce, chair of the organizing committee.
Ted Rechtshaffen, Habonim president (left) presenting award to Esther Ghan Firestone (right).
Larry Clements (left), being congratulated by Ted Rechtshaffen (right).
Danny Greenspoon (guitar), Lisa Kent (cantor), Aviva Rajsky (cantor) and Tom Bellman (guitar) performing.
Denyse and Don Green, Judy and Larry Tanenbaum, Diane Bald and Michael Budman.
Rabbi Chezi Zionce, Chair of the Organizing Committee, speaking.
Kim Doron performing.
Ted and Eli.
Eli Rubenstein and his mother, Esther, enjoying the performances.
Sally Wasserman (Holocaust survivor and hidden child) tells her story.
Pinchas Gutter (Holocaust survivor of Majdanek and other camps) shares his message.
Avrum Rosensweig, Master of Ceremonies and, Associate Religious Leader at Habonim.
Matylda Liro, granddaughter of Antonina Liro, Righteous Among the Nations, addresses the evening.
Judy Cohen, Bill & Marika Glied.
Standing ovation for Esther Ghan Firestone, the first female cantor in Canada.
Esther Ghan Firestone with her son Danny and grandson Josh.
Lisa Kent, Carla Wittes and Danny Greenspoon.
Master of Ceremonies: Avrum Rosensweig
The Little-Big Band
Jim Gelcer, drums/vocals
Paul Hoffert, piano
Justin Gray, bass
Bruce Cassidy, trumpet/flugelhorn/EVI
Pat Murray, vocals
The Cantors and Accompanists
Esther Ghan Firestone
Lisa Kent
Aviva Rajsky
Tom Bellman
Danny Greenspoon
Regina Kudnovsky
Musical Guests
Kim Doron
Moishe Posner
Mitch Silverstein
The Habonim & March of the Living Choir
The organizers (from left to right): Jeff Levy, Paula Schipper, Daphna Lorber, Fern Levitt, Rabbi Chezi Zionce (chair), Shelley Levitt, Brett Saitowitz.
Without the talent and efforts of so many people, this evening would not have been possible. Thank you to all who participated in making this a special and memorable event.