SOUL GATHERINGS

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, sharing stories and Torah thoughts, words of wisdom, encouragement and song, while enjoying l’chains and refreshments. There were several farbrengens at the JRCC in the last few weeks to commemorate special days during the month of Kislev. The highlight was a large gathering at the JRCC West Thornhill on December 13 in honor of the 19th Kislev, with special guest speaker Rabbi Avrohom Sternberg, from New London, CT and member of the Executive Board of JLI International. This day is 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. 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.

JUDAISM: THE SOUNDTRACK

On Saturday evening, December 3, the JRCC East Thornhill hosted a special musical event and dinner called “Judaism: The Soundtrack” – an evening of Chasidic song and the soul stories it tells. It was a great way to experience a meaningful post-Shabbat melaveh malka meal with good food and a great atmosphere. Participants were touched by the soulful melodies and enjoyed a full presentation of the journey of the soul and its struggles through an innovative musical video presentation. This is the beginning of more programs and events to come that harness the power of music for personal growth.

ART & SOUL COURSE

The JRCC East Thornhill’s Rosh Chodesh Society hosted the second session of its fascinating
“Art & Soul” course, together with a wine and cheese evening. The course, led by Rebbitzin
Chanie Zaltzman, examines the meaning of art in our lives. But art is not only for artists. It’s
for anyone who craves to know how to live more creatively, more deeply. The recent session
focused on music, “The Pen of the Soul,” exploring how music communicates ideas that cannot
be put into words, and evokes feelings that defy description. Unlocking the secret of music
enables us to access that well of transcendent wisdom we each possess in our souls. The
seven-part journey continues. as we explore Judaism’s insights into the arts and how they
beautify and transform our lives, one brushstroke at a time. For more info and registration visit
JrccEastThornhill.org/RCS.

34TH ANNUAL PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING

The JRCC’s annual Public Menorah Lighting, one of over thirty JRCC Chanukah events, was held on Monday, December 19 at Mel Lastman Square. The even attracted over 300 community members, local residents, as well as a number of passers by who were curious about the festive event, concert, kids entertainment, refreshments and of course the 13-foot tall menorah shining brightly in front of City Hall. Several dignitaries and public figures were in attendance, including members city council, as well as provincial and federal representatives, who honored the celebration and the community with their.

18TH ANNUAL CHANUKAH WONDERLAND

The eighteenth annual JRCC Chanukah Wonderland Carnival brought an exciting day of activities to the Lebovic Campus in Maple to the delight of over 2,000 participants. As in past years, the event was held at the Schwartz/Reisman Centre. The event featured a series of entertaining performances by local clowns, magicians and jugglers, and a variety of animal shows. Parents and children enjoyed an afternoon full of different activities: A crafts area, menorah making and olive press workshops, rides, carnival game booths, and live music. Special thanks to the staff volunteers and partner organizations who helped make this a successful, memorable event for the whole community.

CHANUKAH COMMUNITY EVENTS

All JRCC branch and program held their own unique Chanukah parties for their participants, complete with a menorah lighting and Chanukah refreshments like doughnuts and latkes.
Several branches hosted evenings especially for adults, including: “Menorah Festivity” at JRCC Woodbridge; “Bistro Chanukah” at JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple; “Radiant Night” at JRCC Concord; “Wine and Cheese” at JRCC West Thornhill; Chanukah Cafe at JRCC East Thornhill and South Thornhill; and “Chanukah Event” at JRCC Willowdale & the City. In addition, community events were organized by the JRCC for local residents in North York, Etobicoke and Scarborough and Burlington. These festive evenings, billed as “An Adult’s Night Out,” giving parents in the community the opportunity to get together and meet new friends in a relaxed setting while enjoying refreshments and entertainment, lighting the Menorah together, and enjoying the festival atmosphere. For children, there were special Chanukah parties just for kids, featuring activities and crafts focused on “edutainment”
to teach kids about Chanukah in a fun way, including: “Doughnut Fry Off” events at JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple and a “Mother and
Child Paint Party” at JRCC West Thornhill.