NEW TORAH SCROLL DEDICATION IN SOUTH THORNHILL
Just before Rosh Hashana, the JRCC South Thornhill community came out to celebrate and welcome a new Torah scroll that was inaugurated into the community’s synagogue. The Torah scroll was donated by members of the community who chose this special way to honor their late friend.
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 creatively themed events, 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 events included: Shakshuka in the Sukkah at the JRCC Woodbridge, where participants enjoyed the traditional spicy Israel breakfast in the sukkah on a Sunday morning, preceded by morning prayers. 
JRCC West Thornhill hosted nonstop festivities and farbrengens throughout Sukkot. JRCC East Thonhill had a Sukkot Dinner Under the Stars, an elegant community holiday meal that coincided with the birthday of Rabbi Mendel Zaltzman. JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple held a Artisan Pizza in the Sukkah evening for as part of the JRCC Young Professionals initiative. Special events were also held for teens and seniors. In all, it is estimated that over 1,500 people participated in dozens of JRCC Sukkot events.
SUKKOT CHILDREN’S EVENTS
The JRCC’s special Sukkot events for children 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. Sukkot Kids Family and Parties were held at JRCC S Richmond Hill & Maple, East Thornhill, Rockford and Willowdale. One of the more creature events was a Sukkot Onigiri (Japanese rice balls) & Escape Room evening for girls as part of the JGirls program at JRCC East Thornhill.
SIMCHAT TORAH AT JRCC-OCTOBER 7 MEMORIAL
Despite the somber memories and challenges in celebrating Simchat Torah after the tragic events of October 7 2023, the community did its best to come together joyously while also remembering the victims and those still being held hostage. Special prayers were recited, including Yizkor for the victims of last year, in addition to the general Yizkor service. Under the banner of “Simcha Breaks Boundaries,” we danced again despite the pain, following the example of our forefathers. It was a wonderful balance of living with pain and joy at the same time, and an amazing example of “Am Yisrael Chai!” Over 1,000 participants joined Simchat Torah services at JRCC branches in the GTA.
