Robert Bar
Specialist in alternative medicine
Licensed massage therapist
Acupuncturist
Richmond Hill
Where is your family from, and how long have you lived in Ontario?
Our family comes from Uzbekistan, in the central Asian region of the former Soviet Union, from the city of Samarkand. From there we immigrated to Israel, where we lived for 18 years, until March 2010, when we moved to Canada and recently settled in Richmond Hill.
Why did you choose to live in Richmond Hill?
We chose this area for several reasons. First of all, it is a new area with new housing and a growing community. We also liked the fresh air, peacefulness, and natural environment of the area. In addition, many of my patients live in the area. In short, the area has great potential and is not far from downtown Toronto.
What do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
I love books and I prefer to spend my free time reading. I am also a very sociable person, and have an active social life. I have many friends and acquaintances with whom I enjoy getting together with. As an immigrant to Canada via Israel, I experienced the challenges and difficulties of this process, and so I enjoy helping people in this matter.
If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose, and why?
I am interested to meeting any good person, regardless of financial, political or historical merit. We are all equal before the Almighty. He loves us all equally and we should be proud of that.
When did you begin participating in JRCC programs?
In the first months of after moving to Canada, we came to the synagogue at 18 Rockford Rd., where we were greeted warmly by Rabbi Zaltzman and Rabbi Karpilovsky. We immediately got the impression that these are good-spirited people, and a wonderful community – people who are ready to celebrate together in times of joy and to support each other in times of grief, G‑d forbid.
Do you like the program JRCC? Is important for you to participate in them?
We love everything that JRCC organizes for the community. The staff do their work conscientiously, and relate to every individual with kindness and respect, regardless of the status and position of the person. Community programs is very important for us, and all the members of my family participate in them. In the evenings we join various social events, we help organize public prayer services and Kiddush, and my son attends the JRCC@Rockford Youth Club, led by Rabbi Shuchat.
What are your future plans?
To continue developing and strengthening all that was built in this wonderful community, and try to attract more people who can benefit from our centre’s programs and activities.
