December 2009 News
Chanukah Comes to Life
With 23 events in 8 days, an estimated 2,100 people attended the JRCC’s Chanukah programs this year. Special thanks to all the JRCC staff and volunteers who made these community events happen. Here is a brief rundown of the events:
Chanukah Wonderland Carnival
The seventh annual JRCC Chanukah Wonderland Carnival brought a dizzying array of family activities to the CHAT campus in Richmond Hill. Parents and children enjoyed an afternoon full of different holiday themed crafts and activities, including menorah making, donut cooking, an olive press demonstration, and Chanukah-themed rides. Children were also able to win prize tickets at various activity booths and then redeem their tickets for toys and other prizes. Every hour featured a difference show, including an ancient olive press demonstration, a magician, a clown show, a Chanukah performance and a children’s rally.
Public Menorah Lighting
This year’s Grand Public Menorah Lighting took place at Mel Lastman Square with a dozen local dignitaries participated as in previous years, and hundreds of participants turned out for the annual public community celebration. Those who braved the frigid temperatures were treated to warm latkes, donuts, and dancing, as well as a generally warm and festive air, and a positive public display of healthy Jewish pride. The JRCC apologizes for the last-minute cancellation of the planned appearance by the Moscow Male Jewish Choir due to unforeseen circumstances.
Community Chanukah Parties
Each JRCC branch held its own unique Chanukah party, complete with a menorah lighting and Chanukah refreshments like donuts and latkes. The JRCC @ Rockford celebrated with a Melave Malka (post-Shabbat meal) with an exciting, Chanukah-themed game, delicious latkes and sushi, and entertainment by our talented members. The JRCC Thornhill Woods’ Chanukah Café evening for adults at the Richmond Hill Country Club attracted over forty couples and some singles for an elegant evening featuring gourmet flavored coffees, a buffet dinner, desserts, as well as a menorah lighting and interactive games. The JRCC Thornhill Woods Chanukah Bowl family party at Woodbridge Bowl drew a large crowd for an evening of activities for family and children, including the lighting of a menorah made of bowling pins. JRCC of S. Richmond Hill & Maple hosted a family Chanukah party with a delicious latke bar and a children’s program at its center on Carville Rd. The JRCC Yonge & Clark held its Chanukah party and served an impressive selection of home-made Chanukah treats, including latkes and sufganiyot that had guests begging for the recipes. JRCC Thornhill held an intimate evening graciously hosted at the Bulman residence to light the menorah, enjoy fresh, hot latkes with various toppings, and experience the depth of Chanukah together.
Chanukah @ the JRCC Hebrew School
At the JRCC Hebrew School we not only learn about the beauty and meaning of or heritage – we live it! Each Hebrew School branch held special Chanukah sessions and programs, including a party in each class with parents participating, bringing the excitement and history of Chanukah to life for its students through a series of educational activities through which students celebrate with true Jewish pride. Students learned about the holidays immense historical significance, and were treated to a series of workshops and video presentations connected with the observance of Chanukah, including menorah making and dreidel making – and, of course, some donut eating. At the Yorkhill Public School location, the hit of Chanukah was an awesome party with a dreidel spinning contest. For information about how JRCC Hebrew School can enrich your child’s life, visit us at jrcc.org/hebrewschool or call 416.222.7105 x225.
Bat Mitzvah & Post-Bat Mitzvah Chanukah Parties
Bat Mitzvah and post-Bat Mitzvah girls got together to make latkes from scratch, play exciting and riveting Chanukah games that tested their skills and knowledge, have a menorah lighting, and most importantly, pack toys and gifts to be given out in hospitals for sick children – bringing the light of chanukah to those who are unfortunately less fortunate. To join the Bat Mitzvah Club or Teen Club in your area, contact:
JRCC @ Rockford: [email protected].
JRCC Thornhill Woods: [email protected]
JRCC of Thornhill Woods GirlsTeen Club
JRCC of Thornhill Woods Teen Club, which is geared for girls ages 13 –16, got off to a great start, with sushi making and an interactive workshop on how to understand and empathize with children who have special needs. The girls will be getting together 2-3 times a month and enjoying exciting hands on activities, great food, crafts and workshops, as well as trips and Shabbatons, while they explore their jewish heritage with a special curriculim entitled, "The 10 Steps to Becoming a Jewish Woman" and a Social Awareness component reaching out to those in need, including sick children, women’s shelters, the elderly. If you would like your daughter to join this amazing program, please contact Chanie at 416.222.7105 x224 or [email protected].
JRCC @ Rockford Melave Malka
Over 40 people attented a Saturday night melave malka get together, the traditional meal eaten upon the conclusion of Shabbat, hosted by the JRCC @ Rockford at Mizrach Restaurant. The delicious food, beautiful hall, wonderful company and interesting stories made it a truly enjoyable evening that everyone hopes to repeat very soon.
Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen
Over 100 men and women participated in an inspiring Farbrengen (a communal gathering) celebrating the festival of Yud-Tes Kislev, known as the "Rosh Hashana of Chassidus." The day commemorated the release of the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad, from Czarist imprisonment, and the ushering in of a new era in Chassidic though and the resulting Jewish renaissance we are privy to today. The event featured a full meal and a guest speaker, Rabbi Galperin who traveled from New York for the event and addressed the crown in Russian. The even was sponsored in honor of Rabbi Boruch Landa’s grandfather, R’ Yitschok Ben R’ Dov, A’’H, who passed away Shabbat morning, 18 kislev 5770.
