TUESDAYS TOGETHER
The JRCC Women’s Circle introduced a series of dynamic and engaging virtual programs for women, under the banner of “Tuesdays Together,” featuring interesting and inspiring guest speakers. On Tuesdays in June, a different event was hosted. One June 2, the program was “Unorthodox - Judaism’s perspective on marriage” with Miriam Lipskier from Chabad at Emory University. June 9 featured a screening of the documentary film “The Time in Between” Benzti Avzon, followed by a discussion – an even open to men as well. On June 16 women got energized with a “Pump it Up” session led by Dance with Shira. One June 30, women got to tap into their creative side with a “Jewish Pop Art” virtual workshop and discussion with Yitzchak Moully, aka the Pop Art Rabbi. This series is part of the JRCC’s efforts to keep people connected and maintain a sense of community during these times of (physically) social isolation.
KIDDIE CHEFS & STORY TIME
Children and parents have been missing the JRCC’s engaging Kiddie Chefs events since they were suspended due to COVID-19. So the JRCC decided to make them happen virtually, sending people a list of ingredients so they could follow along and participate in the baking workshop from the comfort of their own home. The virtual event is held every Sunday at 2pm, hosted by JRCC rebbetzins, and features a story time component in addition to the baking session. More info at jrcc.org/KiddieChefs.
SHAVUOT ACTIVITIES
If you can’t bring the people to the party, the next best thing is to bring the party to the people. Shavuot is generally a time of communal celebration, especially focused on children, commemorating the giving of the Torah over 3,300 years ago at Mount Sinai. Since we couldn’t get together, the JRCC distributed over 500 do-it-at-home Shavuot kits to families in the community. The packages included a Shavuot guide detailing the meaning of the holiday and how to observe it, together with traditional Shavuot dairy treats like cheesecake and blintzes. Some even received a custom face mask. In addition to the packages, the JRCC Woordbridge organized a virtual gathering the day before Shavuot, to give the holiday a communal feel (since use of technology and electronics is forbidden on the festival itself). Thank you to all who participated and all the organizers who helped create a festive holiday under unusual circumstances!
ALONE WITH G-D
On Tuesday, June 9 the JRCC hosted an evening in honor of the Rebbe with a screening of “Alone With G‑d,” a deeply moving, inspiring and reflective documentary film by Betzi Avtzon. The film features readings from the personal journal the Rebbe kept during his time living in France under Nazi occupation. At once poetic and tragic, the journal entries bring to life a mind grappling with the horrors of surrounding world events while finding faith and solace in the sacred texts and ideas of his people. The file intersperses the journal entries with historic footage from that time and place. Over 450 people participated in the virtual event via Zoom and Facebook Live.
VIRTUAL HEBREW SCHOOL GRADUATION
Like many educational institutions, The JRCC Hebrew School continued operating live via Zoom over the last few months. To celebrate this year’s graduation, students were treated to a creative program that included a short film called “Hebrew School on Mars 2070,” which distilled many of the lessons learned during the times of Coronavirus – namely, that the Torah is eternal, and its study and the observance of mitzvahs continues under any circumstances. Parents and students shared their perspectives and gratitude, enjoyed a video retrospective of the current school year, and were treated to a surprise ventriloquist performance and greetings from Chuck and Ziggy. Special gift packages were delivered to each students home, containing the certificates, medals and awards celebrating their achievements over the past year, including the acclaimed Aleph Champ program. The evening ended with a music video, “Forever One,” which reinforced the feeling of unity with Jewish kids around the world and the sense of belonging to the eternity of the Jewish people.
