September 2012 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 3,000 in attendance at several services in nine 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. 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 all the volunteers for their invaluable assistance in making the High Holiday experience joyous and meaningful for so many in our community.
Challah Baking for Women
In preparation for Rosh Hashana, dozens of Jewish women gathered in five different locations on Thursday, September 13 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.
Call of the Shofar
The JRCC’s signature pre Rosh Hashana event is the Women League’s Call of the Shofar event, which drew approximately 250 people for an evening of community warmth and inspiration. This year’s event, held on September 10, featured respected therapist and educator Efim Svirsky from Israel, as the inspiring keynote speaker. It was an informative and inspiring evening that explored the connected between spirituality, Torah and healing. The evening also featured musical entertainment and a dessert reception. The JRCC Women’s League thanks all the staff and volunteers who made this event possible, and a special thanks to all those in attendance for making it a beautiful evening for everyone.
Kids Cook Up a Storm
Children ages three to eight were invited to come with their parents to bake together and create a beautiful honey dish in honour of Rosh Hashanah! The event was held at the JRCC East Thornhill and focused on holiday-related baking, with some baking the traditional round challahs used for the New Year, while others made honey cookies, also a high holiday custom. The events were part of a new creative and interactive cooking program for kids called Kiddie Chefs, which combines baking with arts & crafts in a funfilled evening program. 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.
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 nachas. 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. Visit www.jrcc.org/hebrewschool for a list of times and locations.
The JRCC Bar and Bat Mitzvah Clubs began their new annual session last month. Over one hundred 11-12 year-old boys registered for an exciting program that aims to connect them to their Jewish heritage in anticipation of their upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. In addition to Jewish learning, students experience hands-on workshops, field trips, and have plenty of fun together that builds friendships and creates a sense of community. JRCC Bar and Bat Mitzvah Club programs are available in the early evening every day of the week at various locations. It is still not too late to join the current session.
Contact your local JRCC branch, visit www.jrcc.org/bmc or call
416.222.7105 for more information.
700 Sweet Packages Delivered in East Thornhill
With the help of several volunteers, the JRCC East Thornhill was
able to spread the sweetness and joy of the Jewish new year to 700 households in the neighbourhood. The packages, containing apples and honey and a card wishing a Happy New Year from the community, were well received and a fitting expression of the oneness of our people, a central theme of Rosh Hashana. Special thanks to the volunteers who distributed the packages, and to Yummy Market for generously donating the apples.
