Rabbi Howard Morrison

Margo Grosbein, of blessed memory, died during the saddest time on the Jewish calendar, known as the Nine Days. Ironically, Shiva will conclude Thursday morning, the day of Tisha B'Av, when Jews around the world mourn and fast for all the sadnesses which have befallen the Jewish people. Perhaps there is meaning that the last day of Shiva coincides with Tisha B'Av.

As I reflect on my relationship with Margo, I also think of her husband, Norman, of blessed memory. He too died during this time of year. Norman picked me up at Pearson Airport when I was interviewing for the Senior Rabbi position over twenty years ago. The mantle, breastplate and yad on our Haftarah scroll were envisioned and crafted by the Grosbeins.

Over the years, Margo was a true leader. She served as past president of the shul and sisterhood. She was actively involved in the Women's League for Conservative Judaism. She attended the Tuesday morning sisterhood study class. She came to Shabbat morning services, and did so much more.

Margo was a true Eishet Chayil, Baalabusta, and a "mentsch." In traditional Jewish fashion, her home in Bathurst Manor was always open. I had the pleasure of visiting and being invited many times before she moved downtown to be closer to her children and granddaughter. A few years ago, I saw Margo shine at the Bat Mitzvah celebration of her granddaughter. It was a day of pure joy.

While many of us did not see Margo as often after she relocated, she will always be synonymous with Beth Emeth - a synagogue with a heart. She believed in those words about our beloved shul, which were part of our promotional literature during her leadership years.

On Tisha B'Av eve, we will sit low as mourners and recite the words, "How alone dwells the city that was once full of people."

With the sadness of Margo's loss, coupled by Covid-19, synagogues will be closed or sparsely attended this Tisha B'Av.

How alone dwells our Beth Emeth community without the physical, spiritual, and moral presence of Margo Grosbein. May Margo's memory be for a blessing.

Rabbi Howard Morrison