JANUARY, 2016
One Shabbat, One World
As part of the annual international “One Shabbat, One World” event, the JRCC branches, along with 1,000 communities across the globe, hosted Friday night community dinners at seven locations on January 15. The events were part of the worldwide initiative to celebrate one Shabbat to unite the world, to bring the long awaited redemption for all mankind. In all, over 500 people attended the engaging events and enjoyed hot food, a warm atmosphere and fascinating discussions about the Messianic era and its significance in Jewish life. The festivities also coincide with the anniversary of the passing of the Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the predecessor of the Rebbe, the 10th of Shvat, as well as the day the Rebbe formally accepted the mantle of leadership one year later. More than any other Jewish leaders in history, they emphasized that attaining the coming of Moshiach is within reach and dependent on the efforts of every individual man, woman and child.
Tu B’Shvat Parties
The JRCC community celebrated the New Year for Trees with a series of programs and events exploring the meaning of nature and food, and their spiritual significance in our lives. The JRCC East Thornhill, South Thornhill and S Richmond Hill & Maple each hosted unique evenings in which participants enjoyed the sweet fruits of the Land of Israel and other refreshments, while reflecting on our physical and spiritual connection to the earth in general and Israel in particular.
Kiddie Chefs, Tu B’Shvat Edition
In preparation for Tu B’Shvat, Children ages three to eight were invited to come with their parents to prepare fruity treats and do holiday-themed crafts together at the JRCC East Thornhill, JRCC@Rockford, JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple and the JRCC West Thornhill. The Kiddie Chefs program focuses on baking traditional challahs or treats, and enjoying a fun Jewish-themed craft. It’s hands-on learning at its best, and its tastiest!
An Evening of Unity and Inspiration
In honor of Yud Shvat, the day the Rebbe became leader, and Hakhel, the year of Jewish Unity, the JRCC East Thornhill hosted a community-wide farbrengen (gathering). The evening featured renowned special guest speaker Dr. David Luchins, a professor and political advisor, who spoke on the topic “The Rebbe and Soviet Jewry:The Story Behind the Story.” Participants enjoyed the unique and insightful presentation, which sparked lively discussions, as well as the deserts and other refreshments that were served. It was an evening that truly honored the Rebbe’s commitment to the Jewish people and especially to Russian Jewry.
JRCC Women’s Events
As almost every month, women’sRosh Chodesh gatherings wereheld at JRCC Branches in honorof the new month of Shvat.Participants were happy to gettogether and enjoy their excitingand engaging gatherings to usherin the new month, which includes Yud Shvat and Tu B’Shvat, among other special dates, at the JRCC East Thornhill, JRCC SRichmond Hill & Maple, and JRCC@Rockford.
