AN EVENING OF INSPIRATION

Farbrengens, or “gatherings,” are a regular and central part of community life, where friends and neighbors get together, usually to mark important collective and personal dates and milestones, sharing stories and Torah thoughts, words of wisdom, encouragement and song, while enjoying l’chaims and refreshments. There were several farbrengens at the JRCC in the last few weeks to commemorate special days during the month of Kislev. The highlight was a large gathering at the JRCC West Thornhill for a full dinner with live music on December 19 in honor of the 19th Kislev, with special guest speaker Rabbi Yossi Lew, renowned speaker and director of Chabad of Peachtree City, Georgia. This day is celebrated by Jews around the world as the Festival of Liberation and the Rosh Hashana of Chassidus. It marks the day the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad, was freed from Czarist imprisonment, where he was interrogated and tortured after being falsely accused of treason. The day is considered a milestone for the Chassidic movement, one that contributed dramatically to the flourishing of its communities and teachings since. Learn more at jrcc.org/farbrengen.

36TH ANNUAL PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING

The JRCC’s annual Public Menorah Lighting, one of over thirty JRCC Chanukah events, was held on Wednesday, December 25 at Mel Lastman Square. The event, sponsored by Questrade, attracted over 300 community members, local residents, as well as a number of passers by who were curious about the festive event, concert, kids entertainment, refreshments and of course the 13-foot tall menorah shining brightly in front of City Hall. Several dignitaries and public figures were in attendance, including members city council, as well as provincial and federal representatives, who honored the celebration and the community with their presence and their warm words.

20TH ANNUAL CHANUKAH WONDERLAND

The nineteenth annual JRCC Chanukah Wonderland Carnival brought an exciting day of activities to the Lebovic Campus in Maple to the delight of over 2,000 participants on Sunday, December 29. As in past years, the event was held at the Schwartz/Reisman Centre. The event featured a series of entertaining performances by local clowns, magicians and jugglers, and a variety of shows. Parents and children enjoyed an afternoon full of different activities: A crafts area, menorah making and olive press workshops, rides, carnival game booths, and live music. Special thanks to the staff volunteers and partner organizations who helped make this a successful, memorable event for the whole.

OVER 30 CHANUKAH COMMUNITY EVENTS!

All JRCC branches and programs held their own unique Chanukah parties for their participants, complete with a menorah lighting and Chanukah refreshments like doughnuts and latkes. Several branches hosted evenings especially for adults, giving parents in the community the opportunity to get together and meet new friends in a relaxed setting while enjoying refreshments and entertainment, lighting the Menorah together, and enjoying the festival atmosphere. There were also unique events and evenings for women, teens, and young professionals – providing opportunities for focused social networking and friendships, coupled with activities to suit the respective ages and interest of the participants. For children, there were special Chanukah parties just for kids, featuring activities and crafts focused on “edu-tainment” to teach kids about Chanukah in a fun way. In total, the JRCC community hosted and organized more than thirty Chanukah events!