MARCH 2016
Purim Banquet
On Thursday, March 24, about 800 people joined the JRCC’s
annual Grand Purim Banquet, which took on the theme of “Purim
in Outer Space” for this year. The decor and costumes all took
on a galactic theme, which gave an added air of excitement
that fit well with the out-of-the-box nature of the Purim holiday.
The festive dinner was accompanied by live music and dancing,
and the evening featured a Purim Shpiel comedy performance.
A separate children’s programs, which included a show by
Vladimir the Illusionist, kept the kids busy and happy. It was a
truly well-organized and memorable evening with a real carnival
atmosphere. Special thanks to Rabbi Shua Chanowitz, the JRCC’s
Holiday Programs Coordinator, who organized the event, and to
GSR Photography for the great pictures, which can be viewed at
www.jrcc.org.
Purim Branch Parties
Over 1,500 people participated in Community Purim parties at JRCC Branches, with hundreds more participating in special parties for seniors at several seniors residences. The JRCC @ Rockford held its annual Purim festival, featuring perennial favorite children’s entertainer Doo Doo the Clown, live music and various art projects and activities for kids. The JRCC West Thornhill held a family party featuring a fascinating and unique Fire Guy Custom LED Light Show and other entertainment and great food in a festive atmosphere. The JRCC East Thornhill hosted party featuring the Clown Magician and the hilarious
Human Slinky Show at its new centre on Yonge Street in Old Thornhill.
The JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple held its Purim party at the Nellie McClung Public School, featuring entertainment by Drum Circle with Jeff, Purim art and crafts, and other activities. JRCC South Thornhill organized a Purim party for adults only, giving parents a chance to
celebrate and socialize without their kids. The JRCC Concord held a Purim party at its location in at 411 Confederate Parkway. All the parties included Megillah readings and masquerades, delicious Purim refreshments, and gifts and prizes for the children.
Mishloach Manot Distribution
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of staff and volunteers, close to 3,000 festive Purim “Mishloach Manot” gift packages were delivered to homes in the JRCC West Thornhill and East Thornhill areas. The community participation in delivering the gifts, and the festive atmosphere and joy it spreads, made it an enjoyable and meaningful community activity.
JRCC Teens at Raptors Game
Participants in the JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple and JRCC East Thornhill Bar Mitzvah Clubs and some of their friends were treated to a royal night out, riding in a limo to the Air Canada Centre to take in a Toronto Raptors NBA basketball game, and capping it off with a pizza dinner. The monthly trips are part of the Bar Mitzvah Club’s efforts to create lasting memories and friendships, in addition to the Bar Mitzvah studies that take place, and to drive home the message that being Jewish is fun.
Kiddie Chefs, Purim Edition
Dozens of children ages three to eight attended Kiddie Chefs events with their parents to bake together and create beautiful crafts in honor of Purim. They engaged in holiday-themed activities, and learned about the story and customs of the holiday. Kiddie Chefs events were
hosted by JRCC East Thornhill, S Richmond Hill and Maple, Rockford, and West Thornhill.
