PURIM IN VENICE

On Tuesday, March 7, over 500 people joined the JRCC’s annual Grand Purim Banquet. This year’s event took on the theme of “Purim in Venice.” The cuisine, decor and costumes all took on a nostalgic Venetian theme, which gave an added air of excitement that fit well with the out-of-the-box nature of the Purim holiday. Following the traditional Megillah reading, the
evening featured a three-course dinner, open bar, entertainment, including Israel singer Shlomo Nizin, live music, and a donor appreciation presentation. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community and our heritage together, especially during this special year of unity known as Hakhel, which happens once every seven years. It was an exuberant evening of delightful cuisine, fine spirits, entertainment, and a general jovial atmosphere befitting the Purim festival and a celebration of community unity.

COMMUNITY PURIM EVENTS

On the eve of Purim, on March 6, over 1,500 people participated in simultaneous community Purim parties at 8 JRCC Branches and other location in the GTA. Each of the parties included a Megillah reading, music, refreshments and a door prize for every child arriving in costume. All of the parties were warm and lively community events that focused on the children, and some included special entertainment. In addition, the week before Purim saw over a dozen Purim-themed events for children and teens.

HAMENTASH BAKE-OFF

In advance of Purim, a Hamentach Bake-Off was hosted by
JRCC East Thornhill, JRCC West Thornhill and the JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple. Participating children got to connect with the Purim holiday hands-on by making an adorable Purim-related craft and baking delicious hamentashen pastries using the fillings of their choice, both
traditional and creative.

UNDER FIRE

On Wednesday, March 15, the JRCC hosted a Chabad emissary Chabad emissary from Ukraine who gave a first-hand account of Jewish community life during a time of war. Rabbi Yossi Wolff, of Kherson Chabad, reported on life under fire in war-torn Ukraine, where communicates and families have been torn apart by the upheaval. Participants were moved by the dramatic stories and tragic circumstances, and inspired by the perseverance required to survive both physically and spiritually under such trying circumstances. Participants left with deeper insights into the nature of the reality in Ukraine, a newfound appreciation of our security and freedom that should never be taken for granted, and a motivation to help our brothers and sisters in Ukraine however we can – by engaging in Torah study and good deeds for their merit, and making charitable donations to help support them in their time of need.