REFLECTING ON THE HIGH HOLIDAYS
Where to begin? Lisa Kent’s soul-stirring version of Mi Shebeirach, with Danny Greenspoon on guitar? Christel Kleitsch’s heartfelt chronicle of her conversion to Judaism? The inspirational insights offered by Willa Marcus’s journey into our local history and Lynne Raskin’s account of her ailing mother? And then there was the music — the beautiful choir voices of Lisa, Christel and Kathy Miller, joined this year by Harriet Wichin and Mitzi Zohar; Kol Nidre made magical thanks to Amy Sky, Howie Shrier and Gary Labovitz on viola (accompanied by pianist Michele Garon), with Cindy Raskin, Michael Morris, Alan Gotlib and Michael Kanter adding their vocal gifts to the mix during the services. And then there was the shofar ‘duet’ with Richard Chartash and Avrum Rosensweig. We are a community of depth and devotion, our collective strength woven together with great care by Avrum Rosensweig, who lead the services and lead the way in showing us who we are, and where we can go. Getting there takes work, and a tremendous amount of work went into making this year’s services all that they were. Laurie Stein and Carla Flamer did a wonderful job ensuring the children’s Rosh Hashanah service remains a highlight, fuelled by the music of Danny Bakan and Alan Merovitz. As for the services for us older folks, Lisa Kent and Avrum Jacobson spent several months with Avrum R., preparing the services with him, guiding him toward our collective pulse. We continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration to each other. In addition to all those listed above, the following contributed to this year’s services in invaluable ways: Myra Ehrman, Jacob Bali, Alex Lowy, Julia Mustard, Allie Lehmann, Paul Bender, Joanne Hunter, Mort Siegel, Anne Jelinek, Rosie Beitel, Alana Zucker, Justin Goldblatt Holmes, Jake Goldsbie, Susie Waldman, Mark Zaret, Rick Wilks, Emil Sher, Barbara Falk, Matt Shapiro, Ed Glassman, Lise Henlisz, Lindi Popoff, Anne Amitay, Gail Dobbs, Marlee Wyman, Diana Chastain, Elizabeth Burrell, Todd Goldsbie, Jeff Krymalowski, Brian Grebow, Harriet Chartash and Faigie Cooper. If we missed someone, please put modesty aside and let us know so we can be sure to acknowledge your contribution in the next newsletter.

SHABBAT IN AUTUMN
As leaves tumble to the ground and branches are stripped of their colour it’s difficult not to be shaped by our landscape. As winter approaches, the impulse to withdraw intensifies. Consider feathering your cocoon with the thoughts you’ll take with you after a Shabbat service. Just as animals hibernate, a few choice words from a prayer or conversation planted in November may not surface again until next spring. What you take away from of our Shabbat services may be fleeting, longlasting, or somewhere in between. You won’t know until you test the waters, and the energy that flows at our monthly services is always warm and welcoming.

Friday, November 7, 7 p.m.

Sandy Globerman
34 Aldwych Avenue
RSVP: 416-465-3205

HEBREW IN A HURRY—HOW MUCH IS THAT SHIN IN THE WINDOW?
So you know your Aleph and Bet but worry you couldn’t pick out a Gimel in a crowd? You’re in good company, and are invited to immerse yourself in an intensive Hebrew marathon that doesn’t promise the moon but will give you the basics in just six hours. The sessions will be held on two Saturdays in November (November 8 and 15) and will run from 12:30 to 3:30. Call Eve-Lynn (416) 778-4009 for the lowdown on the Lamed.

OUT OF THE COLD FUNDRAISERS
As many of you know, the Out of the Cold program offers a warm meal and a safe place to sleep at various spots across the city during the winter months. Eastminster United Church is home to our neighbourhood Out of the Cold program, which is sustained not only by goodwill (DJC members continue to volunteer) but by funds as well. Two events in November are being held to raise funds for the Out of the Cold program at Eastminster. An afternoon of stories, poems and music with Dorothy Sjöholm (accompanied by musical director Paul Coates) begins at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9. Please pre-register by contacting Andrew Cassidy at 686-0690 or andrewd.Cassidy@sympatico.ca . On Wednesday, November 12 at 8:00 p.m. George Brown Theatre School presents a benefit performance of Pride and Prejudice. The theatre is at 530 King Street (at River) and tickets are $20.00. For tickets and more info, contact Andrew Cassidy at the number/address above.

BERTOLT BRECHT’S THE JEWISH WIFE VISITS RIVERDALE
Bertolt Brecht’s The Jewish Wife is being staged locally as part of Holocaust Education Week. The play is being presented at Centennial College (651 Carlaw Avenue, south of Mortimer) on Thursday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, and a panel discussion will follow the performance. For more details, please call 416-289-5000, ext. 8849.

CONTACTING THE DJC IN CYBERSPACE
Gotta gripe that can’t wait? Words of praise you would rather not leave in the unreliable hands of Canada Post? Communicating with the DJC is just a click away. As we continue to finetune our website in the months to come, thanks to the tireless efforts of DJC member Karen Robbins and Harley Jacoubsen, please feel free to contact us via e-mail at info@djctoronto.com with your thoughts.

Next Newsletter >
Back to the Current Newsletter >

© copyright 2003 - 2012