AN EVENING OF SOLIDARITY AND PRAYER

On October 10th, just after we got news about the horrible attack that took place in Israel, the JRCC quickly organized an evening of Torah, prayer and charity for our brothers and sisters in Israel. Dozens of people joined the event live at the JRCC East Thornhill and remotely via Zoom. Prayers and Psalms were led by Rabbi Yoseph Zaltzman. Words of inspiration in English by Rabbi Levi Jacobson and in Russian by Rabbi Menachem Wolff, with a focus on what we can do to support Israel, especially by adding in mitzvahs and good deeds to spread the light in a time of darkness.

SUKKOT COMMUNITY EVENTS

Hundreds of people of all ages participated in dozens of events and celebrations during the week-long Sukkot festival, referred to in Judaism as "the time of our rejoicing.” JRCC Branches hosted several events, parties for children, as well as special events for adults. The children’s Sukkot events featured music, prizes, children’s entertainment, and holiday-themed crafts and activities that made the holiday spirit palpable – including, of course, eating in the Sukkah and shaking the lulav and etrog. In addition to the family parties, JRCC branches also hosted evenings specifically for adults to focus on their own spiritual growth and social activities, and to experience the joy of Sukkot and “Simchat Beit HaShoeva” in their own way. Some of the Sukkot-themed events included Sushi & Soup in the Sukkah, Pizza in the Hut and a Sukkah Hop where people travel as a group from sukkah to sukkah in the neighborhood. Special events were also held for teens and seniors. In all, it is estimated that over 1,500people participated in dozens of JRCC Sukkot events, with even more coming out to dance together in the culminating festival of Simchat Torah in ten locations.

WOMEN’S TRIP TO THE REBBE

On October 22-23, several women from the community enjoyed an an uplifting journey of inspiration and connection to the Rebbe, traveling to Brookly, New York together. Participants prayed in 770, the Rebbe’s shul, visited his personal study, his library, his home and the Ohel. They also took in some lively lectures and gatherings, toured an art gallery, enjoyed local shops and tasted NY kosher cuisine. It was a short but intensive and engaging experience full of inspiration.

NEW PARENTING COURSE BEGINS

As parents, we worry about the well-being of our kids; about their future, and about our role in shaping it. A new course, The Art of Parenting, offered via the Jewish Learning Institute explores the challenges we face as parents and explore timeless insights from Jewish wisdom to instill values, foster independence, and ensure the longterm success and emotional well-being of our children. The course runs on Thursday evenings through November 16. Contact the JRCC for exact time and location.

JRCC FURNITURE DEPOT

The JRCC Furniture Depot assists individuals with limited resources by providing access to donated furniture, aiding them in establishing their homes. Consider various scenarios: a student couple requires a crib for their newborn; a newly immigrated family struggles to afford furniture on top of rent; a budget-conscious college student needs a desk; an elderly woman, having relocated from abroad to be near family, can't furnish her apartment; and a woman leaving a shelter needs assistance to set up her new residence. The JRCC Furniture Depot is their go-to resource. Moreover, furniture donors can take satisfaction in knowing their gently used furniture supports those in need. Remarkably, since its inception in 1985 as a community network connecting furniture donors with recipients, the JRCC Furniture Depot has evolved significantly. It now stands as Canada's second-largest furniture bank, bolstered by funding from various municipal and provincial government agencies, as well as the Charitable Gaming Community Good, which expands its giving through a partnership with Bingo World & Gaming. Collaborating with over 60 partner social service agencies across the GTA, the JRCC Furniture Depot refers clients to provide free furniture to those in need. Over the past decade, the Furniture Bank has served 14,000 clients and nearly 4,500 households, most of whom live below the poverty line. Should you wish to donate your used furniture for those in need, please contact us at 416-222-7105 ext. 500.