May 2010 News
Over 6,000 Attend City-Wide Lag Baomer Fair!
The forecast called for heavy rain and thundershowers. But it turned out to be a beautiful, warm, Sunday afternoon for the over 6,000 people who attended the City-Wide Lag BaOmer Fair at Earl Bales Park.
“When this many Jews get together to celebrate a special occasion like Lag BaOmer,” commented one participant, “it doesn’t matter what the forecast says.”
The massive event, sponsored by the Chabad organizations of the GTA, including the JRCC, brought together all kinds of Jews from across the city for a fun-filled day. The festivities began with a children’s rally in the amphitheatre, which included presentations by students from schools around city, as well as awe-inspiring stunt bike and martial performances.
The performances were followed by a parade in support of Jewish education, with students from many city schools marching in unison around the park and up Bathurst Street. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing carnival games, riding amusement rides, and enjoying the barbecue and music. As evening approached, a traditional Lag BaOmer bonfire was lit for people to gather around.
“This was one of the nicest events I’ve seen in this city,” expressed Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman, Senior Rabbi of the JRCC. “The event itself was so warm and well organized, and seeing so many Jews of all colors coming together is a wonderful feeling.”
Lag BaOmer “After Party”
After participating in the massive city-wide event at Earl Bales Park, a more intimate Lag BaOmer barbecue was held at the JRCC @ Rockford. The community vibe, great food and improvised music by community members toting guitars kept people huddled next to the fire until early morning. For more about the JRCC @ Rockford, visit www.jrccrockford.org or call 416.22.7105 x235.
400 Students Party at Lag BaOmer Party
Lag Baomer festivities continued into the night at Earl Bales Park with a bonfire and BBQ for students and young adults, organized by the JRCC’s Gen J, in association with other local student organizations. The party featured live music and words of inspiration. For more information about programs for students and young adults, call 416.222.7105 x240 or visit genj.net.
JRCC Yonge & Clark Torah Dedication
Hundred of people joined in solidarity as the JRCC of Yonge and Clark, together with Rabbi Mendel and Chanie Zaltzman, dedicated a new Torah Scroll in memory of their son, Meir Shlomo, OB”M. The writing began on the day of his first birthday at his home, according to Jewish custom, and was completed in a special ceremony on his first yahrzeit on May 16. Community members participated by “buying” letters, verses or portions in the new Torah, and men at the event had the opportunity to write a letter themselves. A lively procession escorted the newly completed Torah from the Zaltzman residence to its new home at the JRCC Yonge & Clark synagogue.
Shavuot
Hundreds of children and adults attended the annual reading of the Ten Commandments on Shavuot at the various JRCC community synagogues on Wednesday, May 19. The children were treated to the now famous Shavuot Ice Cream Party, while the adults enjoyed words of wisdom while celebrating the receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai over 3,000 years ago, along with a light buffet. On Tuesday night, mass insomnia hit as several dozen people turned up for the traditional all night learning sessions, joining Ask the Rabbi sessions and delving into Jewish teachings until the break of dawn.
2010-2011 Hebrew School Registration Open
The JRCC Hebrew Schools provide a Jewish environment within the child’s own neighborhood, with his/her own friends, and is a convenient after-school activity for the parents. The JRCC Hebrew School currently operates at various times and days of the week in six locations in Thornhill, Thornhill Woods and North York.
The opportunity to learn what it means to be Jewish through engaging in Jewish history, Hebrew language, and becoming familiar with Jewish holidays and other observances, solidifies the Jewish identity in the child’s mind. The acclaimed Aleph Champ program creates an individualized program of study that enables each student to progress in his/her Hebrew Reading skills by graduating to different levels using various colored “belt” levels like in Karate. The program is focused on education through hands-on experience and fun, where Judaism comes to life with a variety of creative art projects, educational games and interactive seminars. The children become a conduit of Jewish information for their families, and a source of Jewish pride for their parents and grandparents.
To give your child the gift of Jewish education, and to give yourself the gift of Jewish naches, contact the JRCC Hebrew School at 416.222.7105 x224 or visit www.jrcc.org/hebrewschool. Registration is now open for September 2010, and a limited number of scholarships are available.