Commemorating the Life and Work of Rabbi Arthur Bielfeld - by Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow

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The decision

2026-06-24 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on June 24 and 25, 2026, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Manager, in collaboration with relevant divisions, to identify opportunities to commemorate the life of Rabbi Arthur Bielfeld in Ward 15, Don Valley West, in consultation with the local Councillor and community stakeholders, in a form deemed appropriate by the local Councillor.

The vote

Adopt Item · Carried, 25-0

Absent (1)Anthony Perruzza

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On the agenda

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Rabbi Arthur Bielfeld served as Rabbi and Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Emanu-El for 58 years, and was well established as a community leader for his work in the City of Toronto. Rabbi Bielfeld was known for his commitment to social justice, advocating compassionately on issues of poverty, hunger and peace, and for his contributions to interfaith projects and community building initiatives. For his efforts, Rabbie Bielfeld was awarded the Order of Canada in 2013.

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As a faith leader and community builder, Rabbi Bielfeld has left a profound impact on the lives of those he supported. His work will live on through the congregants of Temple Emanu-El, and through the numerous organizations whose missions he helped advance as a founding contributor including the Leo Baeck Day School, MAZON Canada - a Jewish response to Hunger, KOLEL - The Adult Centre for Jewish Liberal Learning, and The Campaign Against Child poverty. Rabbi Bielfeld's passing earlier this year was a significant loss for Don Valley West, and Toronto as a whole. His contributions to the betterment of our City deserve recognition, and work to determine the form of commemoration should be undertaken in consultation with his community.

Staff recommended

Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Manager, in collaboration with relevant divisions, to identify opportunities to commemorate the life of Rabbi Arthur Bielfeld in Ward 15, Don Valley West, in consultation with the local Councillor and community stakeholders, in a form deemed appropriate by the local Councillor.

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