April 2014 News
Passover Seders
The Passover Seder is a universal Jewish ritual observed almost identically by Jews around the world, regardless of their affiliation or level or religiosity. It is the quintessential reliving of the quintessential Jewish experience. Over 700 people attended Community Passover Seders organized by the Jewish Russian Community Centre in 12 locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario on April 14 and 15. The Seders provided people with the opportunity to experience a traditional Seder in a warm and welcoming environment with family and friends. The insightful guidance and explanations of the presiding rabbis enriched the Seder with added meaning and depth, while the camaraderie and singing enhanced the jubilant holiday atmosphere. In addition, Dozens more families were able to make traditional Seders at home - many for the first time - thanks to the assistance and instruction of JRCC staff and rabbis. Special Seders were also organized by volunteers for youth and seniors.
Matzah in Your Mail
Thanks to JRCC staff and volunteers, and in some cases the local mailman, 15,000 households in the GTA and beyond received a hand-baked Shmurah Matzah package from the JRCC. The goal was that every individual in our community has the opportunity to experience this special mitzvah of matzah. Many thanks to all the staff, volunteers, community members and supports who made this campaign a success.
Model Seder at JRCC Hebrew school
The JRCC Hebrew School prepared its students well for the Passover Seder by conducting an entire reenactment of the Seder. After learning about the significance of Passover and what the Seder is all about, each of the five Hebrew School branches held its own Model Seder, during which they went through the entire Seder experience. This enabled the students to feel more ready the Seder since they know what to do and what to expect, and in some cases the children took leadership roles in their family Seders.
Women’s Pre-Passover Event
In preparation for Passover, the JRCC East Thornhill hosted a Women’s Pre-Passover Evening to explore some of the themes of the Exodus and what we can learn from them to experience greater freedom in our persona lives. Participants enjoyed a tasty and healthy soul buffet, and also created their own silk matzah covers to use for the holidays.
