February 2010 News
Purim 2010 (Pictures)
Almost 4,000 Mishloach Manot Distributed
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of staff and volunteers, almost 4,000 festive Purim “Mishloach Manot” gift packages were delivered to homes in the JRCC @ Rockford, Thornhill, Yonge & Clark, and S Richmond Hill areas. The community participation, including children, in packing and delivering the gifts, and the festive atmosphere and joy it spreads made it an enjoyable and meaningful community activity.
Purim Banquet
This year’s JRCC Purim Banquet was even warmer than usual. Perhaps it was the Hawaiian theme of the event, with people dressed in the tropical finest and colorful decoration and murals making for great photo ops. Most likely it had more to do with the crowd of over 400 people who came out to have a great, friendly time and a meaningful experience, which gave the event a true Jewish community atmosphere.
Community Purim Parties
Over 1500 people participated in Community Purim parties at JRCC Branches. The JRCC Thornhill and Yonge & Clark Branches threw a party together that featured the well-loved children’s entertainer Doo Doo the Clown with his famous clown and magic show.
The JRCC Thornhill Woods hosted its annual Purim party at Le Parc, as in past years. The 450 people in attendance had lots to take in: Kids loved making the original purim graggers with characters from megillah and enjoyed jumping and sliding in inflatables, while the ventriloquist storyteller Judy Shier-Weisberg enthralled the crowd with her entertaining rendition of the Purim story.
The Thornhill Woods Branch also held its third annual Purim Horse & Buggy ride through the neighborhood that included costumed characters reenacting parts of the Purim story.
The newly established JRCC of S Richmond Hill held its first Purim part at its location on Carville Road, treating people to an array of Purim treats, a master juggler and live music. More than a few heads poked out their windows to see what all the excitement was about on what would usually have been a quiet Sunday morning, and some even joined the fun.
The JRCC @ Rockford held its annual Purim festival at the Fisherville Public School, and entertained the large crowd with a circus show, art projects for the kids, and a special presentation by the JRCC daycare.
All the parties included Megillah readings and masquerades, delicious Purim refreshments, and gifts and prizes for the children.
Purim Shpiel
The dedicated members of the community theatre troupe really outdid themselves this year with an unbelievable performance. Audience members could not contain their laughter, as the hilarious antics of the actors on stage became increasingly absurd as the evening progressed. Thankfully, there were a couple of intermissions so people could catch their breath and enjoy something to eat. Once again, we thank you for taking so much time and volunteering to help make Purim so much more enjoyable for the entire community.
Hebrew School
Purim really came to life this year at the JRCC Hebrew School. It began with leaning the story through traditional methods, and using our acclaimed hands on learning techniques using art, music and multimedia to learn about this storied holiday, its history and its customs. The Hebrew School Purim experience culminated in a Purim party with a masquerade, exchange of Mishloach Manot, and arts & crafts. For more information about the JRCC Hebrew School or to register your child, call 416.222.7105 x225 or visit www.jrcc.org/hebrewschool.
Teens Scene Purim Concert
The JRCC @ Rockford Teen Scene program sponsored a concert by the Pardes Rock Band, together with several other Toronto area youth organizations. The Purim event at The Factory Lounge featured a Chinese food buffet and costume contest, as teens from around the city gathered to hear the Megilla, celebrate Purim, and have a great time.
To find out more about youth programs, please call 416-222-7105 ext 238.
Jewish Russian retreat
This year’s Jewish Russian Retreat was held last at the end of January in Niagara. Over 300 people came together at the Quality Hotel Parkway Convention Center to enjoy a wide variety of lectures and presentations, relaxing meals, and a Shabbat weekend retreat together. Thanks to the staff and volunteers who worked so hard on the retreat, it was a very well organized weekend, with a variety of separate educational and recreational activities for adults and children, as well as family programs. The separate children’s programs and babysitting service enabled parents to enjoy their lectures and activities undisturbed. “This Shabaton was done with such a personal touch,” writes one respondent to our survey. “Everyone was treated as a family and I really felt like a part of it. All lecturers were very personable and approachable.” Another informs us that, “It was a great experience overall. Very well organized. Warm atmosphere, varied topics and great speakers. We'll be coming back next year.” If you would like to receive information about upcoming retreats, contact the JRCC office at 416.222.7105 x221 or [email protected].
What's Sushi Got to do With It?
The Women's Circle of the JRCC @ Rockford, Thornhill and Yonge & Clark hosted an evening celebrating the month of Adar. The sign falls under the astrological sign Pisces, so it was fitting that the theme of the evening was sushi. Chef Dima demonstrated different types of sushi techniques and tips for making sushi, and then participants got to try their hand at art (or is it a science?) of rolling their own sushi. Entertainment was provided by a choir of ladies from the community. For information about upcoming women's events, call 416.222.7105 x221, or visit www.jrcc.org.
Daycare Events
In celebration of Tu Bishvat, the New Year for Trees, students at the JRCC Preschool & Daycare prepared fruit salad as they learned about various fruits and how they grow.
Last month, the JRCC Preschool & Daycare took a field trip to the famous McMichael Art Gallery in Kleinburg, where they learned about nature, Canadian art and were given art materials to create their own artistic masterpieces.
For more information on the JRCC Preschool & Daycare for kids ages , call or visit www.jrccdaycare.org.
Passover Food Drive
Over 700 families registered for this year’s JRCC Passover Food Drive to receive food packages for Passover courtesy of the National Council for Jewish Women and the JRCC. Thanks to improved office procedures, better spacing and coordination of various staff and volunteers, registration went more smoothly than ever, and the JRCC office was able to comfortably accommodate the over 700 families who registered over a four day period.
Trivia Finale
The final game of Jewish trivia season culminated an exciting and stimulating series with lots of learning, thought, debates, and, most of all, great fun and a good time for all participants. “10 seconds left! Can we look in a Torah? Sorry, time’s up!!” These evenings were thoroughly enjoyed by all! Congratulations to the teams "Papashi," "Shalom," "Chochma," and "Eidelman and Co" for participating. You are all winners!
See you all back next season! 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.
