November 2010 News

What Do You Know? 
The season opener of Jewish Trivia Night at the JRCC @ Rockford last month drew its usual boisterous crowd of trivia buffs and curious onlookers. About 40 participants were divided into teams that faced off in the best tradition of Russian competitive trivia, resulting in a unique blend of laughter and learning. It’s not too late to join for the upcoming session on DATE?? For more information visit www.jrcc.org/rockford or call 416.222.7105 x 235.

Creative Rosh Chodesh Events
Last month saw two unique Rosh Chodesh Events take place at the JRCC.
    - The JRCC Rockford, West Thornhill & East Thornhill hosted a Wine & Cheese Tasting at the East Thornhill branch. The casual atmosphere was conducive to socializing and meeting new people, while learning about and tasting various wines and cheeses. The evening culminated with the inspiring personal story of NAME, a Chabad emissary in India, who spoke about her personal journey and her work with Jewish residents and travelers in India.
    - The JRCC of S Richmond Hill hosted its own event called "Coffee, Baking, and Candle Making."  Participants designed unique decorative candles for Chanuka gift giving, and enjoyed an inspiring Chanuka presentation called "Listen to the Light!" An eclectic array of gourmet coffees and pastries were served, and participants had the opportunity to design their own doughnut.
    Each month, different gathering are planned for women that focus on connecting to our Jewish roots and to one another through a creative activity or presentation, and meaningful evening. For more information on upcoming events, visit www.jrcc.org/womencircle.

  Community-Wide JRCC Shabbat Dinners
Over 200 people participated in Friday evening Shabbat Dinners last month. The JRCC West Thornhill inaugerated its new centre on Centre Street with a warm and uplifting evening, with plenty of table talk, singing, and words of wisdom from the rabbi. The JRCC at Rockford also celebrated a community Shabbat dinner together, with the typical camaraderie and ambiance that participant have come to expect. Community Shabbat Dinners are a chance for families to get acquainted with one another, and to meet new people in their community. Find out about upcoming events in your community by visiting www.jrcc.org.

  Expand Your Mind
    We often speak about taking courses to sharpen our minds and further our knowledge. Those who are taking courses at the JRCC are themselves being taken to interesting places - on a captivating journey of exploration into fascinating topics. 
    The Evil Eye with Rabbi Yisroel Karpilovsky at the JRCC at Rockford explored everything you would want to know about the Torah's view of the evil eye, but were afraid to ask, including how to avoid it.
    At the JRCC West Thornhill, a Hebrew Course by Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein is introducing beginner students to the basics of Hebrew reading. Rabbi Levi Jacobson continues his monthly lecture series called “This Month,” exploring the zodiac sign and unique energy of each month.
    The JRCC at Rockford also hosted a two part seminar with education expert Doron Kornbluth teaching powerful techniques on the topics of "How to Raise Your Kids to Love Being Jewish" and "Why Marry Jewish?” 
    For information on upcoming courses and lectures, as well as dozens of ongoing classes, please visit www.jrcc.org/ijs.

  Bar Mitzvah Club Update
The JRCC of S Richmond Hill launched its Bar Mitzvah Club last month with an orientation evening in which parents and bar mitzvah boys came together to set the stage for a successful program. In one evening, participants were able to register for the program, hear an outline of the goals and curriculum, and a rundown of the fun activities in store in the months ahead. To register contact Rabbi Avrohom Zaltzman at avrohom.zaltzman@jrcc.org or 416-222-7105 x247. 
    The JRCC at Rockford Bar Mitzvah Club went go karting at the Nascar Speedway for its annual field trip. The trip is part of the Bar Mitzvah Club program, and its purpose is to create a social environment in which participants can make and strengthen Jewish friendships.
    Ten to thirteen year old boys can sign up for their nearest Bar Mitzvah Club by calling the JRCC at 416.222.7105 or visiting www.jrcc.org.

  First Challah Braiders in S Richmond Hill
Many readers have heard about or experienced the acclaimed Challah Braiders interactive challah making programs held at various JRCC centres for both kids and adults. The first ever such event was just held at the JRCC of S Richmond Hill, with challah braiding, crafts with jewish theme, and lots of fun!

The Torah: Up Close and Personal
Students at the JRCC West Thornhill Hebrew School were given a special treat when they joined Rabbi Levi Jacobson for a close inspection of a Sefer Torah – a Torah Scroll. Rabbi Jacobson explained the making and significance of the holy Torah. HE emphasized that just as the Torah needs every letter to be intact for it to be complete and usable, so too our people needs every single individual to do their part to complete our collective mission to make the world a better place. 

Art & Soul
The JRCC West Thornhill hosted an evening titled “Art and Soul” in its new centre in Thornhill, featuring the work of acclaimed artist Haim Sherff. In the gallery setting displaying the art, those in attendance discussed the meaning behind the various paintings among themselves and with the artist, and enjoyed light refreshments, sushi and a wine bar. The JRCC West Thornhill has many interesting and creative programs coming up. Visit www.JRCCWestThornhill.org to learn more.