LAG B’OMER FAMILY FESTIVAL
The JRCC hosted a beautiful all-day Lag B’Omer Family Festival on Sunday, May 26 at Earl Bales Park. The carnival-like Lag B’Omer event draws thousands of people from throughout the GTA and beyond for an afternoon of fun and unity.
This year’s event featured live festive music, an amazing children’s show, rides, and carnival games, along with a children’s rally and parade, a bonfire, and lots of awesome food. By far the greatest aspect of the event is the mere fact that some many Jewish people from different backgrounds celebrated together – a tremendous show of unity that is very much in the spirit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, for whom the day of Lag B’Omer is established. Thank you to all the participating organizations’ staff and volunteers who helped make this year’s event amazing.
POST-PASSOVER CHALLAH BAKE
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 22 and 23. 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.
2 IYAR FARBRENGEN
On Thursday evening, May 9, a special farbrengen gathering was held at the JRCC West Thornhill in honor of the birthday of the Rebbe Maharash, Rabbi Shmuel, the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe. In addition to the mystical teachings and melodies he innovated, the Rebbe Maharash is perhaps most known for his saying (known in Yiddish as “lechatchilah ariber”): “The world says: If you can't go under [an obstacle], leap over; I say: In the first place, go over!” The evening featured l’chaims, melodies and words of wisdom and inspiration gleaned from the Rebbe Maharash’s teachings. Farbrengen gatherings are a cornerstone of community and personal development. Find out about upcoming gatherings at jrcc.org/farbrengens.
NEW JLI COURSE: DECISION OF FATE
Last month, a new course of the Jewish Learning Institute began that explores Judaism’s approach to questions of medical ethics. The four-part course, delivered by Rabbi Mendel Zaltzman at the JRCC East Thornhill, explore experimental treatments, extending life, pregnancy questions, and caring for a body. Students gain an enriching perspective on how the Jewish ethical tradition helps us confidently navigate fateful decisions. The curriculum is professionally prepared by qualified academics, and received certification for continuing education credits for both doctors and lawyers. For information about this and other JLI courses, visit JrccEastThornhill.org/JLI.
