The father of Rabbi Jay Kelman, Torah in Motion's founder.
Baruch Dayan HaEmmet - Rabbi Joseph Kelman z"l
We regret to inform you of the passing of Rabbi Joseph Kelman z"l
The Funeral service will take place Tuesday June 30, 10:30 am at Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 100 Elder Street, Toronto.
Shiva will be observed at 1 Arlstan Drive, Toronto. Shacharit at 7:30 a.m. (8:15 a.m. on Wednesday and Sunday), Mincha at 8:45 p.m.
Below is the obituary that will appear in the National Post tomorrow.
Rabbi Joseph Kelman, 82, prominent Toronto Rabbi and educator, scion of a long line of distinguished Rabbis, passed away on June 27, 2009, after a brief illness. Rabbi Kelman, son of Rabbi Zvi Yehuda and Mirl Kelman, was a graduate of Harbord Collegiate in Toronto and Yeshiva University in New York where he received his rabbinic ordination..
Beginning in 1953, Rabbi Kelman served as a Rabbi in Sherbrooke, QC, Beverly, MA and Suffern, NY before accepting the pulpit at Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue in Toronto in 1959, where he served with great impact for fifty years, building the nascent synagogue of 100 families into one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish centres in Toronto.
A pioneer in creating opportunities for the developmentally disabled and learning challenged in the Jewish community, he was the founder of the Ezra and Kadima Schools, the Kadima Centre, the Camp Tikvah Program, the Reena Foundation, Chai Tikvah and Shearim Hebrew Day School. He served for many years as a groundbreaking chaplain in Toronto hospitals and jails.
Rabbi Kelman was the recipient of numerous awards for his unique contribution to Jewish education and Jewish community service, including honorary doctorates from Ryerson University and Tel Aviv University. The Kelman School for Jewish Education at Tel Aviv University is named in his honour. Working tirelessly for both his own synagogue and the wider community, Rabbi Kelman always approached every issue and challenge with respect, dignity and optimism.
Predeceased by his first wife, Ruth, his brother Rabbi Wolfe Kelman and his sisters, Celia Silber and Tobie Silverman. Rabbi Kelman is survived by his wife Sara, his brother Rabbi Abraham Kelman, his sister Claire Goldstein, his children Tova (Allan), Jay (Ilana) and Maury (Peninah), and grandchildren Pnina (Dov), Daniel (Talya), Josh, Zahava, Ariel, Elisha, Atara, Rachel, Azaria and Elnatan.
Mentor to hundreds and beloved by all for his warmth, optimism, good cheer and constant smile, Rabbi Kelman will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing.
A funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30 at Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 100 Elder Street, Toronto. Shiva will be observed at 1 Arlstan Drive, Toronto. Shacharit at 7:30 a.m. (8:15 a.m. on Wednesday and Sunday), Mincha at 8:45 p.m. Donations in Rabbi Kelman's honour may be made to the Kelman Charitable Foundation at 116 Rosedale Heights, Thornhill, Ont. L4J 4V9. Condolence messages may be left at steelesmemorialchapel.com .
Sample Torah in Motion lectures free for download. I'm sure Rabbi Kelman would be happy if you would download one or more and listen in memory of his father, z"l.