March 2012 News
Purim in Israel
This year’s JRCC Purim Banquet took on a Israeli theme, complete with traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, and a performance by Israeli singer Sandy Shmueli. The event took place at the Terrace Banquet Hall in Vaughan, but participants were transported to Israeli as they enjoyed a sit-down dinner, and an evening of dancing and joy befitting a festive Purim feast. Over 400 people attended the unique Purim in Israel evening, including dozens of children who enjoyed their own special entertainment and activities.
Community Purim Parties
Over 1,500 people participated in Community Purim parties at JRCC Branches, with hundreds more participating in special parties for seniors at several seniors residences.
The JRCC @ Rockford held its annual Purim festival at the Fisherville Public School, featuring the Aristov Family Circus and various art projects and activities for kids.
The JRCC West Thornhill hosted a party at its centre on Centre Street that featured music and Steven the Great, world champion magician.
The JRCC Thornhill Woods held an evening of Purim fun, entertainment and an interactive drum circle at the North Thornhill Community Centre.
The JRCC East Thornhill organized a Purim event featuring Doo Doo the Clown, a magic show, and crafts.
The JRCC S Richmond Hill held its Purim party at the Nellie McClung Public School, featuring an amazing Magic Show and other activities.
All the parties included Megillah readings and masquerades, delicious Purim refreshments, and gifts and prizes for the children.
Almost 4,000 Mishloach Manot Distributed
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of staff and volunteers, close to 4,000 festive Purim “Mishloach Manot” gift packages were delivered to homes in the JRCC West Thornhill, East Thornhil and S Richmond Hill areas. The community participation in delivering the gifts, and the festive atmosphere and joy it spreads, made it an enjoyable and meaningful community activity.
Purim Shpiel
The dedicated members of the community theatre troupe really outdid themselves this year with an unbelievable performance. Audience members could not contain their laughter, as the hilarious antics of the actors on stage became increasingly absurd as the evening progressed. Thankfully, there were a couple of intermissions so people could catch their breath and enjoy something to eat. Once again, we thank you for taking so much time and volunteering to help make Purim so much more enjoyable for the entire community.
Kiddie Holiday Chefs – Purim Edition
ou may have heard about the JRCC’s new creative and interactive cooking program for kids called Kiddie Chefs, which combines baking with arts & crafts in a fun-filled evening program. Children ages three to eight are invited to come with their parents to bake together and create beautiful crafts. For Purim, some special activities were added to the mix. At the JRCC East Thornhill, children baked Hametashen and made their own graggers (noisemakers), while participants at the JRCC S Richmond Hill created and decorated their own Purim masks. Children are much more engaged and open when they are involved with a satisfying and enjoyable activity that accompanies the learning. And it’s fun.
JRCC Opens New Branch
Last month, the JRCC opened a new Branch in Thornhill called the “JRCC South Thornhill”, operating out of the Sephardic Kehilla Centre’s Bet Midrash, conveniently accessed from the back entrance to the building. The branch is running full Shabbat and Holiday services. No membership or reservations are required to attend. Feel free to contact us to provide your input, or to inquire about how we can serve the material, social or spiritual needs of you and your family. www.JrccSouthThornhill.org.
