January 2010 News
Winter Camp
A contingent of boys from our community attended a weeklong Winter Camp in the Laurentian Mountains near Montreal, led by Rabbi Zalman Shuchat, JRCC @ Rockford’s Youth Director. They enjoyed an extraordinary winter break experience that included meeting new friends, skiing, skating, and go karting. Ultimately, it was a unique and fun Jewish experience that bolstered the spirits and Jewish identity of those who participated. "My son had a great experience. I don’t know if he realized it, but he learned so much in one week, it’s unbelievable." To find out more about youth programs, please call 416-222-7105 ext 238 or email [email protected].
New shabbat minyan in S. Richmond hill
On December 26, the JRCC of South Richmond Hill hosted its first weekly Shabbat morning service at its synagogue at 555 Carrville Road on December. Twenty-five participants joined the traditional, guided prayer service lead by the shul’s rabbi and aspiring cantor, Rabbi Avrohom Zaltzman. Services were followed by a sumptuous kiddush and shabbat lunch, where the warmth of the cholent was only matched by the atmosphere of camaraderie among those present. Shabbat services are now held weekly at the JRCC of S. Richmond Hill at 10am. Visit www.jrccsrichmondhill.org for details.
Got Learning?
The JRCC Institute of Jewish Studies offers a dizzying array of featured courses and ongoing classes for adults. Recent course by Rabby Yisroel Karpilovsky (JRCC @ Rockford) on Living a Meaningful Life and Rabbi Levi Jacobson (JRCC of Thornhill) on Superstitions were exceptionally well attended and well received.
There are also dozens of classes taking place throughout the week. If you work in the Downtown core or in the Yonge and Eglinton area, you can even catch a class and a meal during your lunch break at one of our Lunch & Learn sessions, where you can also spend an interesting lunch hour with friends and colleagues discussing meaningful and relevant topics. Who said there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Visit www.jrcc.org/ijs for a up to date schedule of classes.
Thornhill Shabbaton to New York
Despite the balmy weather, a contingent of Thornhillniks from the JRCC Thornhill made their way south, caravan style, to spend Shabbat together in New York. Lead by Rabbi Levi Jacobson, the group enjoyed Shabbat meals in Crown Heights, p rayers and learning at 770, the Rebbe’s shul, and a visit to the Ohel, the Rebbe’s holy resting place. Plans are in the works to make such trips every few months. Call 416.222.7105 x240 or [email protected] to register.
Rosh Chodesh Parties
Ladies from the JRCC @ Rockford, Thornhill, and Yonge & Clark gathered at the Gallanough Library in Thornhill for a warm and friendly evening making their own jewelry while enjoying around coffees and fruit cakes. A similar event in Thornhill Woods focused on an interactive discussion on tips for stress-free Shabbat preparations, with refreshments and fresh wraps. For information on women’s programs in your neighborhood, contact your local JRCC Branch, or call our office at 416.222.7105 x221.
>>> Photos of Jewels & Java
>>> Photos of 'Stress free Shabbat'
Not Youtubing – Real tubing
Participants in the JRCC Thornhill and JRCC @ Rockford Boys Youth Group went on an exciting tubing trip together. The boys earned the privilege through earning points for their participation in their synagogue youth group. Keep up the good work, and stay tuned for our upcoming trips and prizes.
Thornhill Torah 4 Teens
Hang our with friends. Enjoy discussions with a rabbi with whom you can ask anything. And get school credit for it. What could be better? A new semester is starting now, with a weekly meeting at the Eligor School with Rabbi Levi Jacobson and the Torah 4 Teens crew. Call 416.222.7105 x240 for details, or find Rabbi Jacobson on Facebook.
What do you know?
The season Jewish Trivia Night at the JRCC @ Rockford last month drew its usual boisterous crowd of trivia buffs and curious onlookers. Participants were divided into teams that faced off in the best tradition of Russian competitive trivia. To find out about the next Trivia Night, get on the mailing list by visiting www.jrcc.org/rockford or call 416.222.7105 x 235.
Teen Scene
Are you part of the Teen Scene? High School students in the Bathurst & Steeles area are invited to be part of a safe, casual weekly happening, where they can hang our with friends, play air hockey and PS3, enjoy a food buffet and weekly theme (chess, game shows, etc.). Teen Scene meets Thursday nights from 8-9:30 at 3 Cany Courtway. For info 416.222.7105 x238 or [email protected].
Challah braiders at JRCC Yonge & Clark
At the recent JRCC Yonge & Clark Challah Braiders session, kids got a hands on (and sometimes sticky) feel for Shabbat. Kids enjoyed braiding their own Challah. Boys also made their own kiddush cup, while girls made a designer candlesticks. Looking forward to the next time. For information visit www.jrcc.org/yonge_clark.
Not Sunday School
The JRCC @ Rockford Kids Club got its new fall/winter session off to a great start,
with an assortment of different classes and activities, including Hebrew, chess, art, sewing, knitting. Session cater to different ages, and includes a pizza lunch. This creative and exciting multidisciplinary program is definitely not your typical Sunday School program. Bring your child this Sunday and see for yourself! The Kids Club program runs every Sunday morning from 10:30am to 12:30pm for boys and girls ages 5 to 10. For more information, call 416.222.7105 x235.
