AN INTERNATIONAL GATHERING
JRCC rabbis were among those participating in the annual Kinus HaShluchim, the international conference of Chabad emissaries from around the world. After spending Shabbat at the Rebbe’s shul at 770 Eastern Parkway (Lubavitch World Headquarters) over 5,000 Chabad rabbis and their guests joined the gala banquet on Sunday evening October 31. It was especially meaningful to gather together this year after last year’s conference was cancelled due to COVID. The banquet, held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, NJ, was an evening of inspiration celebrating the flourishing of Jewish life around the world, with many uplifting and miraculous stories shared, and included speeches, feature videos, music and dancing.
OVER THIRTY GIRLS JOIN BAT MITZVAH CLUB
The JRCC Bat Mitzvah Club is a one of a kind experience for girls ages 11-13, regardless of synagogue affiliation. Girls from across the city get together once a week for an amazing time to celebrate what is means to become a Bat Mitzvah through interactive games, discussions, arts and crafts, community projects, and field trips. Through the Bat Mitzvah Club, young women learn what it really means to be a Bat Mitzvah in the modern world. They get in touch with their Jewish self through art, creative writing and community outreach, discuss hot topics and share their interests, goals, hopes and dreams. Joining the Bat Mitzvah Club is the ultimate Bat Mitzvah present. Find our more at jrcc.org/bat.
19 KISLEV FARBRENGEN IN WEST THORNHILL
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. Stories and Torah thoughts are spoken, as participants share words of wisdom, encouragement and song, while enjoying l’chains and refreshments. On Tuesday, November 23 a large farbrengen gathering was held at the JRCC West Thornhill in honor of the 19th Kislev – a day celebrated by Jews around the world as the Festival of Liberation and the Rosh Hashana of Chassidus. It marks the day the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad, was freed from Czarist imprisonment, where he was interrogated and tortured after being falsely accused of treason in 1798. It is also the anniversary of the printing of the holy Tanya, the fundamental text of Chabad teachings, in 1796. The day is considered a milestone for the Chassidic movement, one that contributed dramatically to the flourishing of its communities and teachings since. Learn more at jrcc.org/farbrengen.
JOIN US FOR CHANUKAH EVENTS
As this issue goes to print, Chanukah is just around the corner. A wide variety of events is planned, including the annual Public Menorah Lighting held on the first night of Chanukah, Sunday, November 28 at 5:30pm at Mel Lastman Square. The even generally attracts hundreds of community members, local residents, as well as a number of passers by who were curious about the festive event, live music, refreshments and the 13-foot tall menorah in front of City Hall. The annual Chanukah Wonderland Carnival will once again be a virtual affair due to COVID. Those who register will receive a box of art and baking supplies delivered to their door in order to participate in the virtual event. Sign up for some pre-Chanukah fun for your family at jrcc.org/wonderland. There will also be dozens of local community chanukah parties for children, teens and adults. Due to COVID protocols and restrictions, RSVP is recommended. See the even listing and more Chanukah info at jrcc.org/chanukah.
