September 2010 News

 

 

Thousands attend High Holiday Services

Continuing in the tradition of past years, this year’s High Holiday services were exceptionally well-attended, with over 4,000 in attendance at several services in eight locations in the Toronto area, including Thornhill, Thornhill Woods, Concord, North York and Richmond Hill. In addition to the large number of people in attendance, community members also purchased a record number of High Holiday tickets, which is much appreciated since it helps the JRCC offset the costs of running the services. Improvement were made at all locations, including the purchase of additional prayerbooks, new mechitzahs (partitions), and new platforms for the shofar blowing and Torah reading. The rabbis and volunteers at the various locations accommodated them with thoughtful commentary and guidance during the services, prayerbooks in Hebrew, Russian and English, and an overall atmosphere of warmth, encouragement and acceptance. Special thanks to Benny Frankel for his work on the new mechitahs and Global Office Furniture and Izy Wainberg for assistance with the new platforms, as well as all the volunteers for their invaluable assistance.

 

Pre Rosh Hashana Apple Picking

We often focus on the honey as being the archetypal symbol of the sweet new year. Its partner, the simple red apple, often gets less fanfare. But the apple is used because of its intrinsic sweetness as well, as the children of the JRCC Preschool and Daycare learened during their pre-Rosh Hashanah apple picking field trip. Students, parents and teachers spent a wonderful day outdoors at [NAME OF PLACE], and each child got to bring home some apples for Rosh Hashana. The JRCC Preschool and Daycare places much emphasis on field trips and special presentation at the school that bring the classroom lessons to life and provide children with a hands-on, tactile experience that complements and enhances their learning. For more information visit www.jrccdaycare.org or call 416.222.7105 x501.

 

You Have a New Home in Thornhill

After much planning and anticipation, the JRCC West Thornhill branch, headed by Rabbi Levi and Mrs. Nechama Dina Jacobson, opened a permanent location on Centre Street, west of New Westminster Drive. The new centre enables the branch to offer a wider variety of programs throughout the week, and serve as a central hub for all its programs and services, including a Sunday morning minyan, a Hebrew School, youth programs, classes and lectures. Many more activities are currently being planned. To learn more or make suggestions, visit www.JRCCWestThornhill.org or call 416.222.7105 x240.

 

Hebrew School Off to a Great Start

The JRCC Hebrew School is off to a great start this year thanks to the preparation and hard work of its staff. Students have already learned about the significance of the holidays through interactive activities and art projects. They have also settled into their respective levels of the acclaimed Aleph Champ reading program, which 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 Hebrew School 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. Give your child the gift of Jewish education, and to give yourself the gift of Jewish naches. Registration is still open, and a limited number of scholarships are available. The JRCC Hebrew School offers a friendly and stimulating Sunday and/or after-school program at several locations, including the new JRCC West Thornhill location on Centre Street. Contact the JRCC Hebrew School at 416.222.7105 x225 or visit www.jrcc.org/hebrewschool.

 

Challah Baking for Women

In preparation for Rosh Hashana, dozens of Jewish women gathered in five different to bake Challah together. In addition to the shared friendship, they learned how to make round Challah that are customary for Rosh Hashana, as well as other Rosh Hashana foods. In Jewish tradition, when a group of women gather together to prepare Challah, the gates of Heaven open up to receive their prayers. So imagine how open the gates were when five groups of women gather together at the same time! Women came to ask for blessings for the ill, people seeking their soulmates, those in need of livelihood. Ultimately, the overarching prayer was for the coming of Moshiach, which will herald a time of peace and prosperity for all humanity.