WEEKLY WISDOM

The JRCC Hilda’s weekly Torah Studies program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of enticing weekly classes in Russian. Each class introduces ideas and issues from the current weekly Torah portion and, through discussion and debate, creates a meaningful connection between the timeless wisdom of the Torah and modern-day living.
Registration is now open! For more details, email: [email protected]

ANNUAL CHECKUP TIME

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get caught up in minutiae and marvel at how time passes much too quickly. But one of the beautiful things of the month of Elul is to consciously use time for reflection, introspection and preparation in advance of the “Days of Awe” between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. One important action to take during Elul is to have mezuzahs and Tefillin checked. There are a lot of things that can happen over time. Moisture, dryness, dust, sun, temperature changes or insects can cause damage that would cause the ink to fade, crack or become obscured. Sometimes the ink just fades over time. So the parchment needs to be unravelled and carefully checked for imperfections. The JRCC offers a convenient service where you can drop off your Mezuzahs and/or Tefillin at our office, and then pick them up or have them delivered and installed by one of our rabbis after they are checked by an expert scribe.
There is a nominal fee for the inspection. To have your Tefillin or Mezuzahs checked, please contact our office, drop by during office hours, or speak to your local JRCC Branch rabbi.
(For those who don’t have Tefillin or Mezuzahs, the JRCC offers its Jewish Identity Grants for those who are part of the Jewish Russian community: A free pair of Tefillin for any man who commits to using them daily, and one free Mezuzah for those in need who have no Mezuzahs in their home. Visit jrcc.org/jig or contact the JRCC office for details.)

COMMUNITY SOUL GATHERINGS

Last month featured two significant dates on the Chabad calendar that were commemorated with special farbrengens (Chassidic gatherings). The 3rd of Tammuz was marked with Shabbat gatherings at each JRCC branch following the morning Shabbat services. The date of 12-13 Tammuz is known as knows as the “Festival of Liberation” when the Rebbe Rayatz, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson was miraculously saved from his death sentence at the hands of his Communist persecutors. By Divine providence, the date he was liberated was also his birthday. The day was celebrated with a special farbrengen at the JRCC South Thornhill, complete with food, song and words of wisdom. Participants reflected on the inspiring story of the Rebbe Rayatz, who demonstrated both in his teachings and in his actions that with the right mindset one can overcome even the most daunting challenge.

JEWISH IDENTITY VERIFICATION SERVICE

This summer saw a significant uptick in the number of people signing up for the JRCC’s internationally recognized Jewish Identity Verification Service to receive an official document attesting to their Jewish lineage. Confirmation of Jewish Identity is needed throughout life for school registration, weddings, burials and variety of events. With a JIVS certificate, instead of going through the process of proving your Jewishness each time, all you need to do is present your signed Certificate of Jewish Identity. As time passes, It can get more complicated as information, witnesses and documents become harder to track down over time. And the process itself takes time, so it’s best not to wait until it is actually needed. Apply for your Certificate of Jewish Identity at jrcc.org/jewishidentity.