September 2009 News
The JRCC Hebrew School, offering a stimulating Sunday and/or after-school program, is off to a great start this year thanks to the preparation
and hard work of its staff. Students have already learned about the significance of the holidays through interactive activities and art projects. They have also settled into their respective levels of the acclaimed Aleph Champ reading program, which creates an individualized program of study that enables each student to progress in his/her Hebrew Reading skills by graduating to different levels using various colored “belt” levels like in Karate. The Hebrew School program is focused on education through hands-on experience and fun, where Judaism comes to life with a variety of creative art projects, educational games and interactive seminars. Give your child the gift of Jewish education, and to give yourself the gift of Jewish naches. Registration is still open, and a limited number of scholarships are available. Contact the JRCC Hebrew School at 416.222.7105 x224 or visit
www.jrcc.org/hebrewschool.
The JRCC’s signature pre Rosh Hashana event is the Women League’s Call of the Shofar event, which drew approximately 300 people for an evening of community warmth and inspiration. This year’s event, held on
September 13, featured Shimon Waronoker as the inspiring keynote speaker. Mr. Waronker became somewhat of a celebrity lately, featured in The New York Times and on The Today Show, after he successfully turned around one of the most violent and dysfunctional public schools in New York City. He spoke about the attitude that enabled him, as an observant Jew and a Chassid, to forge such incredible success against overwhelming odds. It was a fascinating, eye-opening and empowering presentation on the power an individual has when s/he follows a version that is based on truth with conviction. If you missed it, or if you want to watch it again, you can catch it on www.KosherTube.com. The evening also featured a vocal duet by Rabbi Avrohom Zaltzman and Yudi Matusof, who sang some classic Jewish songs to the delight of the appreciative audience. The JRCC Women’s League thanks all the staff and volunteers who made this event possible, and a special thanks to all those in attendance for making it a beautiful evening for everyone.
Continuing in the tradition of past years, this year’s High Holiday services
were exceptionally well-attended, with over 3,000 in attendance at several services in seven locations in the Toronto area, including Thornhill, Thornhill Woods, Concord, North York and Richmond Hill. With Rosh Hashana falling on the weekend, attendance at some locations was even greater than usual. Among the participants were a growing number of people who were attending High Holiday Services for the first time. The rabbis and volunteers at the various locations accommodated them with thoughtful commentary and guidance during the services, prayerbooks in Hebrew, Russian and English, and an overall atmosphere of warmth, encouragement and acceptance.
In preparation for Rosh Hashana, dozens of Jewish women gathered in their local centres to bake Challah together. In addition to the shared f
riendship, they learned how to make round Challah that are customary for Rosh Hashana, as well as other Rosh Hashana foods. In Jewish tradition, when a group of women gather together to prepare Challah, the gates of Heaven open up to receive their prayers. So imagine how open the gates were when four groups of women – at the JRCC at Rockford, Thornhill, Thornhill Woods and Yonge & Clark – gather together at the same time! Women came to ask for blessings for the ill, people seeking their soulmates, those in need of livelihood.
The JRCC @ Rockford Kids Club began its fall session with an exciting and engaging series of programs, picking up exactly where it left off last session. With a focus on programs that are as entertaining as they are educational, the children enjoyed classes in Hebrew, art, sewing, knitting and chess. The weekly Kids Club program is a stimulating and educational way for children to spend their Sunday mornings in a wholesome, Jewish environment. Each week features a different amazing activity and includes a delicious pizza lunch. For information and registration, simply join is on any Sunday morning at 10:30, or call 416-222-7105 x235.
If you live in the Yonge & Clark area, you received a little gift to add some sweetness to your New Year. Rabbi Mendel and Chanie Zaltzman delivered gift packages of apple and honey to over 500 families residing in the vicinity of the JRCC of Yonge & Clark. They would like to thank the volunteers who participated in delivering the gifts. For more information about the JRCC of Yonge & Clark and its activities, please visit www.jrcc.org/yonge_clark.
Laughter & Tears at Monthly Gathering
Last month’s Rosh Chodesh gathering for women at the JRCC @ Rockford was an especially moving event in preparation for the High Holidays. The evening included the usual warmth and friendship that comes with the monthly gather, a palpable warmth felt by regular attendees and newcomers alike. The activity for the evening centered on learning to make centerpieces made of silk flowers. Afterwards, the women were treated to a moving musical performance by Luba, who made them laugh and cry with her beautiful rendition of songs in both Russian and Yiddish. To register for upcoming women’s programs, call 416.222.7105 x235.
See You in the Sukkah
As this edition goes to print, Sukkot and Simchat Torah are quickly approaching, and the JRCC staff and volunteers are hard at work preparing a variety of programs, culminating with the ultimate holiday party – Simchat Torah on October 10. We hope to see you there!
