LEARN N' EARN
Torah study is one of the greatest avenues toward personal growth and a greater appreciation of and connection to our Jewish heritage. The challenge is that it can be difficult to dedicate the concentrated time required, especially for those without extensive independent Torah study experience. To support and encourage young men who are still completing their studies or just starting their careers carve out time for Torah study, the JRCC West Thornhill is piloting the Learn and Earn study program, where teens and young men receive a stipend for participating in a daily study session at 6am, followed by morning services. Space is limited. To sign up or for more information, contact Rabbi Levi Jacobson at [email protected].
HIGH HOLIDAY PREPARATIONS
The 20th of Av (August 10, 2020) marked the yahrtzeit of the Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, a kabbalist and activist who devoted his life, and ultimately gave up his life, to preserving Judaism in the FSU. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was Chief Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (currently Dnepropetrovsk), and was arrested and exiled to Kazakhstan by the Stalinist regime as a result of his work to preserve Jewish life int he Soviet Union. The day was celebrated with a farbrengen, a Chassidic gathering for a special occasion, at the JRCC West Thornhill. The gathering was sponsored in honor of the birthday of Rabbi Levi Jacobson, director of the JRCC West Thornhill, making it even more auspicious since Rabbi Jacobson is named after the Rebbe’s father and his birthday falls on the 20th of Av.strong>
NEW YEAR BEGINS AT JRCC HEBREW SCHOOL
The new school year is starting at the JRCC Oscar Yolles Hebrew School, with new locations added in Woodbridge and Willowdale, as well as a Virtual Hebrew School operating exclusively online. Thanks to the preparation and hard work of the staff at the JRCC Hebrew School, students and parents are looking forward to a great year of fun and learning. Teachers and students anticipate another year filled with educational and fun-filled activities. Students will learn about the significance of the holidays through interactive activities and art projects, and use the acclaimed Aleph Champ system to learn to read Hebrew. The JRCC Hebrew School offers a friendly and stimulating Sunday and/or after-school program at eight locations throughout the GTA, and online. It’s not too late to sign up: Visit www.jrcc.org/hebrewschool for a list of times and locations.
20 AV FARBRENGEN
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.
