NEW COURSE EXPLORES THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS
Jewish thought has long emphasized the importance of living with joy. But how? And can you really choose to be happy? Last month, the JRCC’s Rosh Chodesh Society launched a new seven-part course called “Code to Joy: The World’s Happiest Kept Secret” that synthesizes timeless Jewish wisdom and the latest findings from the field of positive psychology, exploring how wealth, meaning, trust, optimism, regret, faith, introspection, mindfulness, relationships, and ritual all interrelate with our outlook on life. The course began last month at the JRCC East Thornhill, and all are welcome to join the upcoming sessions. More info at JrccEastThornhill.org/rcs.
JRCC WOMENS CIRCLE EVENTS
Last month, the JRCC Women’s Circle hosted “Fashion for the Soul,” a unique virtual evening of inspiration and music. The event featured designer Joyce Azria, Creative Director at BCBGeneration and Founder of Avec Les Filles. Dozens of participants joined the interactive virtual event via Zoom, as Joyce shared her moving story of growing us as the daughter a billionaire, being a fashion icon, and the pull of her Jewish soul. In addition to featured events like this one, the Women’s Circle also organized a variety of intriguing programs and events for women, including the weekly Torah & Tea sessions that bring together a group of women to socialize, learn and discuss a variety of topics based on interest. These classes are geared to all levels of knowledge, and are held in Willowdale and East Thornhill, with an additional virtual session each week. More info at jrcc.org/womenscircle.
KISLEV FARBRENGENS
The JRCC hosted two farbrengen gatherings last month. In honor of 9-10 Kislev, the day of liberation of the Mitteler Rebbe from czarist prison, a gathering was held at the JRCC Rockford. In honor of 14 Kislev, the anniversary of the Rebbe’s wedding, a gathering was held at the JRCC Woodbridge. Farbrengens, or “informal gatherings,” are a regular and central part of community life, where friends and neighbors get together, usually to mark important collective and personal dates and milestones. Farbrengens generally feature one or more persons leading the gathering with stories and Torah thoughts, as participants share words of wisdom, encouragement and song, while enjoying l’chaims and refreshments. More info about upcoming events at jrcc.org/farbrengen.
HEBREW SCHOOL DURING COVID-19
As we transition back to in-person learning at the JRCC Hebrew School, several safety measures have been put in place at all branches. Only students enrolled in the program will be allowed entry, with a contactless pick-up/drop-off system for parents to sign their children in/out. Every person entering the campus is required to complete a health screening questionnaire to ensure that no ill or exposed individuals attend. Student movement will be planned to limit congregation in the hallways, and congregation of teachers/staff will also be limited. Students in class will sit at least two meters apart, and group activities will be planned to ensure that distancing remains in effect. The premises, furnishings and equipment will undergo frequent cleaning and disinfecting. The measures are aligned with the Ministry of Education in Ontario, will remain in place for the duration of the 2020/2021 school year, and will be updated according to the situation. The Virtual Hebrew School is still available for those who prefer it. More info about virtual learning and COVID-19 policies at JrccHebrewSchool.org.
