October 2010 News
Saturday Night Live
On Thursday evening, September 30, the joyous dancing of Simchat Torah was celebrated at six separate JRCC Simchat Torah events. Combined, about 2,500 participants enjoyed buffet dinners and l'chaim, followed by uplifting hakafot and dancing. Special programs and prize giveaways were organized for the children to help get them into the holiday spirit. The energy at the JRCC's Simchat Torah was electrifying as always. All you had to do was walk into the room, and you were automatically swept up into the joyous spirit and just couldn't help but join in the dancing.
Sukkot Celebrations
Sukkot is referred to in Judaism as "the time of our rejoicing," and hundreds of men, women and children of all ages participated in JRCC Sukkot celebrations. With the unusually mild weather cooperating nicely for the most part, many pleasant afternoons and evenings were spent outdoors - a nice change for October in Ontario. At the JRCC @ Rockford, participants enjoyed a terrific family sukkah party, "Pizza in the Hut," with music, crafts, and incredible magic show, as well as a special sukkah party for teens. There was also an "International Sukkah Hop" where despite the rain a busload of people joyously visited sukkahs in the community and tasted foods from different parts of the world. In Thornhill Woods, even the rain could not stop 50 people from reveling in the holiday spirit by participating in a "Sukkah Hop" in which they travelled as a group to various sukkahs in the neighborhood. In addition, over 200 people attended a family-focused afternoon Sukkah Party that featured an entertaining magic and juggling show, prizes, crafts, and refreshments. The JRCC West Thornhill hosted a "Soup in the Sukkah" evening," where participants got to taste a variety of homemade gourmet soups as they celebrated together. There was also a "Sushi in the Hut" celebration at the JRCC East Thornhill, and JRCC S Richmond Hill hosted a "Pizza in the Hut" event. Next up: Chanukah in a few weeks!
New Courses Delight and Inspire
When you take a course at the JRCC, the question is not only which course to take but also where the course will take you. Several new courses at the JRCC are exploring unchartered territory, to the delight of many. Rabbi Levi Jacobson leads a monthly lecture and discussion titled "This Month: The Zodiac & More" at the JRCC West Thornhill. This course will continue each month, with a fascinating journey through the spiritual energy of each month and the connection to the Jewish holidays and other events in the month. At the JRCC Thornhill Woods, Rabbi Chaim Hildeshaim tackled the controversial topic of "Can Anyon Study Kabbalah?", which opened up new dimensions of understanding regarding what Kabbalah is really all about and why we can and should study it today. Rabbi Yisroel Karpilovsky of the JRCC @ Rockford lead a two-part class on "The Evil Eye," discussing everything you wanted to know about the evil eye but were afraid to ask - including how to avoid it. To stay informed about upcoming courses, stay tuned to www.jrcc.org/ijs, or subscribe to the email updates of the JRCC branch near you.
The Power of the Pen
The Women's Circle of JRCC Rockford, West Thornhill and East Thornhill hosted an evening exploring the deeper significance of handwriting with graphologist Elaine Charal. In addition to the usual monthly refreshments and spirited atmosphere, participants were treated to a special workshop on handwriting analysis. The JRCC offers several monthly gatherings and other programs for women throughout the year. Visit www.jrcc.org/womencircle for more information, or call 416.222.7105.
Bat Mitzvah Club off to a Great Start
The JRCC @ Rockford and JRCC Thornhill Woods Bat Mitzah Clubs launched their new sessions last month, bringing girls together twice a week for exciting educational explorations and fun-filled activities. The girls discuss interesting topics, make new friends and develop their Jewish knowledge and pride in becoming Jewish women. For information and registration, contact:
Henya Karpilovsky 416.222.7105 x235 or [email protected].
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.
