ANNUAL TRIP TO THE REBBE

The annual Trip to the Rebbe in honor of “Gimmel Tammuz” took place on June 28-30. Several hundred people from our community, including a few dozen on an organized JRCC trip, joined tens of thousands of people from all walks of life and from around the world visited the Rebbe’s synagogue and Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York, and the Ohel, the Rebbe’s holy resting place in Queens. This year’s trip was led by Rabbi Yisroel Zaltzman of the JRCC Willowdale. It began with a stop in Rockaway, New Jersey, hosted by Rabbi Osher Herson, before preparations – including immersion in the mikvah, morning prayers and writing personal letters to the Rebbe – before heading to the Ohel. The participants of the trip also spent some time exploring the Crown Heights neighborhood, enjoying a grand lunch meal together, and took in words of inspiration and personal stories highlighting the living legacy of the Rebbe – all while traveling on a new, state-of-the-art coach bus. Thank you to all the organizers and hosts for making it a rewarding a meaningful experience.

 

GIMMEL TAMMUZ KIDS RALLY INSPIRES YOUNG HEARTS

Around 100 children gathered at JRCC South Thornhill for a   vibrant and uplifting Gimmel Tammuz Kids Rally in honor of the   Rebbe. The program featured inspiring stories, fun activities, and lively singing. Children learned about the Rebbe’s special “mivzoim” campaigns, the power of doing mitzvahs, and adding   acts of goodness and kindness – all of which add light to the world and help bring Moshiach closer. Thank you to all who participated!

 

JRCC COMMUNITY FAMILY BBQS BEGIN

Community barbecues are a popular seasonal tradition for Torontonians looking to socialize while enjoying the summer weather. This year’s first JRCC Community BBQs to start the season took place at JRCC Woodbridge. Throughout the summer, each JRCC branch will host its own event, providing a casual setting for community residents to meet, connect, interact and enjoy an informal family experience. These types of events are a great way to get to know one another, and a great opportunity and the perfect environment in which to feel a sense of community. The barbecues generally feature music, activities for kids, and, of course, cold beer and great marinated food on the grill. Some neighborhoods have local connoisseurs that have become legends on the grill, providing unique culinary treats that draw a crowd around the barbecue. For a list of upcoming barbecues visit jrcc.org/bbq or get in touch with your local JRCC branch.

 

ROSH CHODESH SOCIETY WRAPS UP A MEANINGFUL YEAR

The JRCC’s Rosh Chodesh Society has concluded another inspiring year of monthly gatherings for Jewish women. Held across JRCC branches in West Thornhill, South Thornhill, East Thornhill, and S. Richmond Hill, the series explored topics such as “The Power of Speech,” “Living with Purpose,” and “Balancing Body and Soul.” Thank you to all who participated and made this year so special. We look forward to welcoming you back for another uplifting season in the fall.

 

12-13 TAMMUZ FARBRENGEN

The date of 12-13 Tammuz is known as the “Festival of Liberation” when the Rebbe Rayatz, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson was miraculously saved from his death sentence at the hands of his Communist persecutors. By Divine providence, the date he was liberated was also his birthday. The day was celebrated with a special farbrengen at the JRCC South Thornhill, complete with food, song and words of wisdom. Participants reflected on the inspiring story of the Rebbe Rayatz, who demonstrated both in his teachings and in his actions that with the right mindset one can overcome even the most daunting challenge.