Ester Kashtanov
International Lawyer
Thornhill
Where is your family from, and how long have you live in Ontario?
We emigrated from Moscow in early 2010. We have lived in Ontario for almost three years, and we recently moved to the Thornhill area.
Why did you choose to live in Thornhill?
We divide our time between two beautiful synagogues: The JRCC @ Rockford synagogue and the JRCC West Thornhill, where we love to walk. Also, this area is located close to our son’s school, Cheder Chabad.
What do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
I love trekking — hiking sports. When we lived in Moscow, I used to go skiing, and I love to travel.
If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose, and why?
I would really like to see the last Lubavitcher Rebbe. We regularly seek his advice or blessings in our lives. In his answers, we find solutions to our challenges. The Rebbe’s guidance leads us through life, but personally we have never met. It turns out that the Rebbe helps us arrange our lives, and we've never seen him. So I would love to see the Rebbe.
When did you begin participating in JRCC programs?
We started participating in JRCC programs as soon as we arrived in Ontario — that is, about three years ago. We began to attend synagogue services at the JRCC @ Rockford, where we immediately felt part of a large and happy family. We found the lectures of Rabbi Yisroel Karpilovsky very interested, and our son began attending the JRCC Daycare, of which we have fond and warm memories.
Do you like the JRCC's programs? Is important for you to participate in them?
Of course, I love the JRCC’s programs JRCC. I think it is very important for people in our community to take part in them. For example, the JRCC @ Rockford has wonderful programs for children and adolescents. Why are they so important? Participate in the programs and being an active part of the community is the only way to help our children maintain their Jewish identity. Personally, I most enjoy the Rosh Chodesh gatherings for women. On these evenings,
in addition to listening to interesting lectures, we always enjoy something creative and interesting: drawing, sculpture, painting, pottery, bouquets, cooking, cosmetics, skincare, jewelry making, and things like that. These evenings always give me a boost of happy, positive energy.
What are your future plans?
Wait for Moshiach and participate in the events of that time, when he comes.