POST-PASSOVER CHALLAH BAKE

The longstanding custom of post-Passover challah baking known as Shlissel Challah, was
celebrated simultaneously in eight JRCC Branches following Passover last month. Though
communal Challah baking sessions are organized throughout the year, and are a tremendous
source communal blessing for those in need, the post-Passover challah baking is known
to be especially auspicious for eliciting healing energy and sustenance. The custom usually
involved a key - according to some versions the key is baked into the challah, some pierce the challah with a key, and some bake a challah shaped like a key. They “key” connection is that the channel from which heavenly blessings flow is often referred to as a gate - such as, the gates of mercy, the gates of healing, the gates of forgiveness, the gates of wealth, etc. Since we are asking that the gates of blessings be open, we symbolically connect a key to the custom, as if to say that this challah will serve as a key to open the gates of blessings for the Jewish people.

11 NISSAN CELEBRATIONS

On April 2, people around the world celebrated 11th of Nissan, the birthday of the Rebbe, who was born in 1902 in the Ukrainian-Russian town of Nikolaev and went on to spark the greatest renaissance in Jewish history that inspired millions. The entire Chabad movement today, including the JRCC, as well as the personal Jewish connection of countless people, are thanks to the Rebbe’s vision and tireless efforts. To mark the occasion, the JRCC held a farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) at the JRCC Concord. Participants enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, infused with inspiring words of wisdom and soulful song, led by Rabbi Avrohom Jacks. The JRCC also participated in a city-wide mitzvah tank parade in honor of the day, marking 121 years since the Rebbe’s birth.
To learn more about the Rebbe visit jrcc.org/therebbe.

GIRLS CLUB FOR TEENS

JGirls is the coolest Jewish club for young teens. With a great group of participants from
neighborhoods around the GTA and regular gatherings, the group has proven to be a hit with
Jewish teen girls from all family and educational backgrounds. Activities include making your
own sushi, pottery workshops, sending letters of encouragement to IDF soldiers, packaging
holiday gift packages for the needy, and more. For more information and to join the club, visit jrcc.org/jgirls.

OVER 500 ATTEND JRCC COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDERS

The Passover Seder is a universal Jewish ritual observed almost identically by Jews around
the world, regardless of their affiliation or level or observance. It is the quintessential reliving
of the quintessential Jewish experience. Over 500 people attended Community Passover
Seders organized by the Jewish Russian Community Centre in 10 locations on April 5 and
6. The Seders provided people with the opportunity to experience a traditional Seder and
observe the related mitzvahs and traditions – eating the matzah and recounting the story of
the Exodus to our children – in a warm and welcoming environment with family and friends.
The insightful guidance and explanations of the presiding rabbis enriched the Seder with added meaning and depth, while the camaraderie and singing enhanced the jubilant holiday atmosphere.

THE FEAST OF MOSHIACH

While the first days of Passover commemorate the Exodus from Egypt, the eighth day of
Passover is traditionally associated with our hopes for the future redemption with the coming
of Moshiach. Towards the end of the day, while fell this year on April 13, according to a custom initiated by the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement, a Feast of Moshiach was held at all JRCC branches, together with thousands of other communities around the world. Participants gathered together, ate matzah, drank wine, sand songs, and shared insights about Moshiach – an idea that may sometimes seem unfathomable. One way to get there is to internalize the idea, to learn about it, talk about it, visualize and make it real. As the Rebbe teaches, when we open our eyes in this way, our awareness itself makes it real. Learn more at jrcc.org/Moshiach