AN INTERNATIONAL GATHERING
JRCC rabbis were among those participating in the annual Kinus HaShluchim, the international conference of Chabad emissaries from around the world. After spending Shabbat at the Rebbe’s shul at 770 Eastern Parkway (Lubavitch World Headquarters) over 5,000 Chabad rabbis and their guests joined the gala banquet on Sunday, November 12. Due to the war in Israel and tensions around the world, a major focus of the weekend was on the situation in Israel and the rising antisemitism in cities and on university campuses around the world. The vast majority of Chabad emissaries in Israel did not travel to New York for the Kinus. Many of them are called up for reserve duty in the army and the rest are busy serving the many needs of their respective communities, victims of the October 7 massacre, families evacuated from their homes in security zones, and supporting active duty soldiers. This who were able to joined a parallel gathering in Jerusalem that was timed to coincide with the banquet on New York. One of the most moving scenes from the gathering was the singing of “Ani Maamin,” (“I believe with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach”).
AN INTERNATIONAL GATHERING
The Rosh Chodesh Society’s upcoming course, One Wow Moment, takes a scholarly peek at pivotal moments of personal decision within the lives of seven women of biblical fame, and investigates the psychology and internal strengths that propelled these women,
with remarkable effectiveness, across chasms of doubt and timidity. Recognizing that modern life rears a rapid series of crossroads
bearing mixed signals, this course is a valuable and intriguing guide to exerting confidence,
courage, empowerment, altruism, and deeper purpose when faced with unexpected opportunity, personal dilemmas, and moments of consequential decision. The course began last month with an in-depth look at our matriarch, Sarah, and continues this month by delving into the live of Rebecca. More info at JrccEastThornhill.org/RCS
CHALLAH BRAIDERS
On Thursday, November 9, the JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple hosted a Challah Braiders evening, inviting children ages 2 to 10 and their parents to make challah in merit of our brothers and sisters in Israel. In addition to baking their own challah, participants also made a Shabbat-related craft and learned about the beauty and meaning of Shabbat – in the spirit of the saying of our Sages that “Just as the Jewish people safeguard the Shabbat, the Shabbat safeguards the Jewish people.”
STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
In order to address mental health issues and help cope with the elevated levels of stress during times of tension and war, the JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple hosted a stress management workshop in Russian in conjunction with the Canadian Forum of Russian- Speaking Jewry. The workshop, led by Sabina Mezhibovsky, licensed social worker, therapist, lecturer and motivational speaker, gave participants practical tools to help understand and manage stress during this difficult time.
