November 2011 News
Kids Cooking Up a Storm
The JRCC offers a variety of unique and creative children’s programs. Among the most popular are the Kiddie Chefs events, which utilize the pleasure of culinary arts and other crafts to provide an enjoyable educational experience. Participants are treated to a hands on experience that celebrates the beauty and joy Shabbat, and learn how to bring the spirit of Shabbat into their homes. Last month, at the JRCC East Thornhill, children made chicken soup and matzah balls from scratch and created a Shabbat craft. The JRCC Thornhill Woods held its monthly Challah Braiders event, in which children prepared and baked their own challahs.
Tasting the Tree of Life
The JRCC’s Institute of Jewish Studies launched its fall-winter semester to much acclaim. 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 delighted and inspired participants of all backgrounds. Rabbi Levi Jacobson lead a series titles “Judaism 101: Know What We Believe” at the JRCC West Thornhill, which explored the fundamental concepts of Judaism. Also at the JRCC West Thornhill, Nechama Dina Jacobson delivered a course for women called “Real Jewish Living” that focused on the laws and psychology of living a happy and meaningful life. Rabbi Yisroel Karpilovsky delivered a lecture on “The Evil Eye: Fact or Myth” at the Gallanough Library in Thornhill, as well as a lecture on “Reincarnation: You Only Live Once?” at the JRCC@Rockford. In addition, a weekly course called “Torah Studies” that tackles contemporary issues based on thoughts from the weekly Torah portion was launched at four JRCC branches in S Richmond Hill, Thornhill Woods, West Thornhill and East Thornhill. All of this is in addition to the dozens of ongoing weekly and daily classes offered by the JRCC. For up-to-date information, visit www.jrcc.org/ijs.
Got Shabbat?
Over 80 people joined in the most recent Community Shabbat Dinners at the JRCC @ Rockford and the JRCC West Thornhill. Participants gathered to celebrate Shabbat together. They shared a traditional Shabbat meal, complete with a warm atmosphere and friendly table talk, along with words of wisdom from the rabbi, and singing. For information on upcoming Shabbat Dinners and other events in your neighborhood, get on the mailing list of you nearest JRCC Branch through our website, www.jrcc.org.
Bar Miztvah Bull’s Eye
The right of passage into Jewish adulthood wouldn’t be complete without the requisite Paintball experience. Participants of the JRCC Bar Mitzvah Club embarked on a field trip to the Paintball experience, one of several outings throughout the program that build camaraderie add an element of fun and excitement to the program in addition to the educational component. “While it may seem like a simply entertaining activity, there are actually several life lessons we can learn from the Paintball experience,” explains Rabbi Zalman Shuchat, who heads the program. “First of all, you have to focus on your goal if you want to achieve it. And if you want to avoid getting hit, you need to duck, which teaches us that a little humility can go a long way toward avoiding unnecessary difficulties in life.”
Art & Soul
The JRCC West Thornhill hosted an evening titled “Art and Soul” in its new centre in Thornhill, building on the success of a similar evening held last year. This year’s event featured the work of several Jewish artists. 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.
Bat Mitzvah Club Session Begins
The JRCC Bat Mitzvah Clubs began their 2011-2012 session, helping young girls discover the meaning and significance of being a Jewish woman in a friendly and engaging atmosphere. All three branches of the Bat Mitzvah Program, the JRCC @ Rockford, Thornhill Woods, and the JRCC Hebrew School focus on making friends, interesting discussions, and exciting activities to make this a memorable experience that your daughter won't forget. The girls learn not just to celebrate their Bat Mitzvah, but bring the spirit of what it represents into their lives.
