OCTOBER 2015
Over 1,500 People at JRCC Sukkot Events
Hundreds of people of all ages participated in JRCC Sukkot family celebrations all week long. Sukkot is referred to in Judaism as "the time of our rejoicing," so JRCC branches at Rockford, South Thornhill, East Thornhill, and S Richmond Hill & Maple all held family Sukkot parties featuring music, prizes, children’s entertainment, and holidaythemed crafts and activities that made the holiday spirit palpable. The entire family was also invited to engage in the Sukkot experience by eating pizza in the Sukkah and shaking the lulav and etrog. In addition to the family parties, JRCC branches also hosted evenings specifically for adults to focus on their own spiritual growth and social activities, and to experience the joy of Sukkot and “Simchat Beit HaShoeva” in their own way. The JRCC West Thornhill held daily Sukkot gatherings each night of the week hosted by a different family in the neighborhood. Special events were also held for teens and seniors. In all, it is estimated that over 1,500 people participated in JRCC family Sukkot events.
Sukkah Hop at East Thornhill
The JRCC East Thornhill organized an exciting “Sukkah Hop” evening during Sukkot, bringing the joy of the festival to the streets of Thornhill. Participants travelled as a group by classic horse and buggy, singing songs and celebrating as they carried the warmth of the holiday and community feeling into the brisk autumn air. They travelled from sukkah to sukkah in the community, spending some time at each stop before proceeding to the next destination. “In addition to the unique experience of a Sukkah Hop as a holiday celebration,” explains Rabbi Mendel Zaltzman, director of JRCC East Thornhill, “it is also a unique opportunity to emphasize the sense of community here, as we tie all our sukkas together through this event.” Special thanks to the organizers and all the gracious hosts who opened their sukkas and provided refreshments.
Simchat Torah Events Draw 2,500 Participants
On Monday evening, October 5, brought the joyous celebration of Simchat Torah to Jewsh communities around the world. The joyous dancing of Simchat Torah was celebrated at six separate JRCC Simchat Torah events. Combined, about 2,500 participants enjoyed buffet dinners and l’chaim, followed by uplifting hakafot and dancing. Special programs and prize giveaways were organized for the children to help get them into the holiday spirit. The energy at the JRCC’s Simchat Torah was electrifying as always. All you had to do was walk into the room, and you were automatically swept up into the joyous spirit and just couldn’t help but join in the dancing.
Shloimele's Library Grand Opening
On October 7, the JRCC East Thornhill celebrated the grand openening of its library, which will be an integral part of its newly constructed JRCC East Thornhill Community Centre on Yonge Street in Old Thornhill. The library is named Shloimele's Library, dedicated in memory of Meir Shlomo Zaltzman OBM, and was officially dedicated on his birthday – a meaningful gift and tribute to his precious soul. Children and adults can enjoy and borrow books from the library, and also participate in the activities planned to take place there, including the newly formed Book Club. For more information please visit www.JrccEastThornhill.org/ShloimelesLibrary.
