TUESDAYS TOGETHER
The JRCC Women’s Circle’s “Tuesdays Together,” a series of dynamic and engaging virtual programs for women, continued in July. The events feature a various timely topics presented by a different guest speakers each Tuesday. Rona Milch Novick, Dean of the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration at YU, spoke on the topic of “Parenting in a Pandemic.” The following week Mrs. Leah Rubashkin hosted a session on “Seeing the Light in the Darkness.” The JRCC Rebbetzins co-hosted a workshop of Shabbat cooking, and in the final installment for July featured master herbalist RH (AHG), classical homeopath, a board-certified lactation consultant, Sara Chana Silverstein, presenting her groundbreaking approaches to controlling moods and stress. 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.
2,000 JOIN VIRTUAL GIMMEL TAMMUZ EVENT
Following the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions by the Government of Ontario, and barring any further developments, the JRCC and its branches are planning to re-open facilities for synagogue services and other programs. The JRCC will strictly adhere to all health regulations, as well as listening to the concerns and needs of community members. If you are interested in attending, be in contact with your local JRCC Rabbi. As the situation is unpredictable, things may change quickly. Stay in touch with the JRCC to stay informed about the latest developments. You can join the email list at jrcc.org/subscribe, and join facebook.com/jrcc.org.
JRCC SYNAGOGUES REOPENING
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.
MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE
The JRCC and YEDI (York Entrepreneurial Development Institute) hosted a virtual lecture by Dr. Marat Ressin, President of YEDI. Harnessing his deep knowledge as a PhD in Economics and his vast business experience, Dr. Ressin spoke on the topic of “Management of Change,” which is especially pertinent today as organization have to be more agile and adaptive than ever. The virtual audience was particularly engaged during the interactive Q&A session that followed the lecture. YEDI, which was recently awarded Best Business Support Organization in Canada at the CanadianSME National Business Awards, is dedicated to providing education, training and mentorship in support of businesses and not-forprofit organizations.
JRCC INCREASES VIRTUAL SENIORS PROGRAMS
As part of continued efforts to assist the most vulnerable in our community, especially seniors ages 70 and above, the JRCC is introducing additional virtual programming for seniors. In addition to the JRCC.help service that assists with grocery shopping, medications, and home welfare check-ins, the JRCC launched a series of weekly educational and cultural virtual gatherings to bring joy and alleviate social isolation, in partnership with the Bernard Betel Centre. On Wednesdays at 11am there is a live interactive virtual meeting comprised of three sessions – an engaging lecture on a timely and relevant topic by Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman, a live interactive musical concert with a professional musician, and a Russian literature session. In addition, on Mondays at 11am there is a class led by Esther Neft of the JRCC Rockford, followed by online sport exercises for seniors. Thanks in part to Bernard Betel Centre’s cooperation, over 7,000 seniors have utilized these new services thus far. If you would like to volunteer or donate to support this initiative, please contact the JRCC.
COMMUNITY ALERT: MISSIONARIES TARGETING SENIORS IN TORONTO
Jewish seniors, many of them from the former Soviet Union, who live in seniors’ residences along the Bathurst Street corridor, have recently once again been targeted by missionaries from the City of David “Messianic Synagogue.” This Christian church uses Hebrew and presents deceptive celebrations featuring “Tikvah,” their musical outreach arm. The missionaries conducted a deceptive bilingual missionary program, in English and Russian, under the guise of providing a Jewish event. Do not attend these events, and ensure your parents and grandparents are aware that this is a scam. If you see any advertisements or other materials, or encounter these missionaries, contact the JRCC or Jews for Judaism for assistance.
