ПРАЗДНОВАНИЕ ЛАГ БА-ОМЕР
В этом году праздник Лаг БаОмер — вторник 5 мая — пришелся на пасмурный день: дождь все время собирался, но, правда, так и не пошел. Но веселый праздник для семей общины, организованный Центром JRCC, полностью изменил атмосферу: детский парад и замечательное представление, яркие аттракционы, игры с призами, традиционный костер и, конечно, дымящийся барбекю — никто просто не обращал внимания на погоду.
Пикник-карнавал длился весь день и проходил на двух площадках — в Earl Bales Park («Юг») и Pioneer Park («Север»). Но самым важным стала возможность увидеть, как множество семей — тысячи евреев со всего Большого Торонто — собираются вместе, чтобы отметить этот день.
Это подлинное единение, в котором особенно ощущается дух Раби Шимона бар Йохая, в честь которого отмечают Лаг БаОмер. Сердечно благодарим все организации, сотрудников и добровольцев, которые приняли участие в подготовке и помогли сделать этот праздник таким особенным.
ANNUAL LAG B’OMER FAMILY FESTIVAL
The JRCC hosted a vibrant all-day Lag B’Omer Family Festival on Tuesday, May 5, in two locations — the “South” event at Earl Bales Park and the “North” event at Pioneer Park. The carnival-style celebration drew thousands of people from across the GTA and beyond for an afternoon filled with fun, excitement, and unity.
This year’s festival featured a game truck, carnival fair with prizes, inflatables, festive live music, an amazing children’s show, rides, a children’s rally and parade, a traditional bonfire, and plenty of delicious food.
By far, the most meaningful aspect of the event was seeing so many Jewish people from diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate — a powerful display of unity that truly embodied the spirit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, in whose honor Lag B’Omer is celebrated.
A heartfelt thank you to all participating organizations, staff, and volunteers who helped make this year’s event so special.
CREATIVE PRE-SHAVUOT EVENTS
In the lead-up to Shavuot, the JRCC hosted a variety of engaging and festive programs across the community, bringing families together to celebrate the holiday in a meaningful and joyful way.
The events featured Torah learning, music, crafts, treats, interactive activities, and fun games for children and parents alike. Designed to combine education with excitement, the programs created a warm and uplifting atmosphere where families could explore the themes and traditions of Shavuot while celebrating their Jewish heritage together.
Held throughout JRCC branches across the city, these hands-on experiences gave participants the opportunity to connect with the spirit and joy of the holiday in an engaging and memorable way, strengthening both community bonds and Jewish identity.
YACHAD PROGRAM CONCLUDES INSPIRING YEAR
The 2025–26 cycle of the JRCC’s Yachad program for young Jewish professionals concluded on a high note, capped off by an exclusive international Yachad trip to Brazil for select participants.
Throughout the year, young Jewish professionals ages 18–28 gathered weekly at JRCC West Thornhill with Rabbi Levi Jacobson and at JRCC South Richmond Hill & Maple with Rabbi Avrohom Zaltzman for engaging classes, meaningful discussions, and community events.
The program’s atmosphere could best be summed up by its spirit: “Come for the inspiration, stay for the community. Discover, connect, and grow.”
In addition to the weekly learning sessions, participants enjoyed monthly Friday night Shabbat dinners and community gatherings, creating lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
Students who attended regularly qualified for the exclusive international Yachad trip, joining nearly 1,000 young Jewish professionals from around the world for an unforgettable experience of Jewish pride, unity, and inspiration.
For many participants, Yachad became far more than a weekly class — it became a community, a source of personal growth, and a meaningful connection to Jewish life and identity that will continue long after the program’s conclusion.
Stay tuned for announcements about the upcoming 2026–27 Yachad program cycle and trip.
