FREE TIMES CAFÉ: A PAT ON THE BACK, A BLINTZ ON THE PLATE
They came, they talked, they ate. It sounds like your usual Jewish gathering. What made this one special was the small army of volunteers who were being recognized for their contributions to the DJC. The delicious Sunday brunch at the Free Times Café (run by DJC member Judy Perly) was the reward for their collective efforts. Other groups hand out gleaming trophies and laminated plaques; we dished out crispy latkes and luscious lox. No one complained. If we overlooked your volunteer contribution this year, we apologize and ask that you contact DJC administrator Kathy Miller (see phone and e-mail info above) to make sure you’re on next year’s list. And thanks to Judy Perly, any DJC member who indulges in the Sunday brunch throughout the year is entitled to a 10% discount. You thought only fancy shuls had perks?

PURIM PARTY
Want to be at the Free Times volunteer brunch next year? There’s a seat waiting for you. All you have to do is help coordinate the upcoming Purim party. Yes, it takes work, but it’s not as monumental as you may think. Better yet, you can share the task and be one of two co-coordinators. You’ll have the good fortune of learning from those devoted souls who helped organize our Purim parties in the past. They’ll show you the ropes, give you the names and phone numbers you need, and pretty much set you on the right path. It’s not effortless but it’s not brain surgery either. It’s essential that someone come on board to help make the party happen. Some of you may recall the year that no one volunteered and the party had to be cancelled; one child was so traumatized he’s worn the same Haman outfit ever since, 24/7. We can’t rely on the same volunteers to sustain us. We’re not asking you to give blood. A little sweat, maybe. Tears? Unlikely. Gratification? More than you can shake a grogger at. So contact Kathy by e-mail or phone ASAP, and let this year be the year you make a difference.

SHABBAT: FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT
So you’ve had your fill of office parties and were caught pouring a cup of eggnog into a pot of rhododendrons. Consider joining us at our monthly Shabbat services. They’re low-key and the perfect answer to party burnout or the winter blues. They’re good for the soul and easy on the waistline when everyone brings a little something to nosh on. They’re worth making time for.

Friday, December 19, 2003, 7 p.m.

Nicki Weiss and Mike Fox
910 Carlaw Avenue
RSVP: 416-462-1940

Friday, January 16, 2004, 7 p.m.

Karen Robbins and Michael Kanter
238 Withrow Avenue
RSVP: 416-466-5548

HEBREW CLASSES
The intensive, introductory Hebrew classes that were recently held were such a success it sparked a round of more advanced classes for those who were bitten by the bug and nipped by a Nun. Six classes - each lasting 90 minutes, and led once again by Nirit Gruber - will begin in January. A few spots are still available. Classes - which will be limited to 10 students - will be held on Tuesday nights (7:00 to 8:30) in Nirit’s home in the St. Clair and Christie area. The cost is $100.00 per person, which includes materials. If you’re interested please confirm with Pierre Gelineau at 416-651-1077.

DJC BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER
No fights broke out, no heated discussions lasted until 2:00 in the morning, but the inaugural session of the DJC book club did feature a stimulating presentation and discussion of Myla Goldberg’s “Bee Season”. One of the most frequently heard comments was how pleased the participants were to be introduced to this book. We’ll be at it again on February 19 (7:30 to 9:00PM) with a discussion of The Brothers Ashkenazi by IJ Singer, facilitated by Professor Kalman Weiser of York University. As a quick teaser, reviewer Philip Rahv called the book “the most important novel of Jewish life so far published in English”. If you would like to attend let Kathy Miller know (those who have already registered need not call). If you wish to purchase the book it is available at a 10% discount at “Another Story”, 164 Danforth Avenue.

CHILDREN IN INTERFAITH HOMES: INTERVIEWS AND INSIGHTS
A note from Josie Lalonde:
I am a DJC member, and a sociology student (and employee) at the University of Toronto. I am writing a paper on the religious identity and practice of adult children of interfaith marriages and I’m seeking people 18 years and older who would be interested in discussing their experience of being raised in an interfaith home. The interviews and the identity of ‘interviewees’ will be kept confidential. In her High Holiday talk about our local history, Willa Marcus discussed the interfaith couples that make up a large part of the DJC community and raised a question that resonated in my mind: What happens to the kids? My interest in this question is both academic and personal - I am Jewish, my husband is not, and we have two children. I’m curious about the varied paths that our children take on the journey of developing their identities. How do they define themselves? With what faith(s), if any, do they identify? What are the choices that they make in terms of religious observance? How do they navigate - a timely question - the holiday seasons? In which communities, if any, do they feel most at ease? There are so many questions and, of course, there will be diverse answers. If any fellow DJC members are interested in participating in my project, or would like any additional information, please feel free to contact me by e-mail (josie.lalonde@utoronto.ca ) or telephone (416-946-3421). If you know of someone who might be interested in participating, please pass along this message.

COMMUNITY NEWS
Many thanks to Eric Goldstein for donating a very large menorah that we plan to use in the years to come… A beautiful bag with a tallis and yarmulke inside was left at the High Holidays. If yours has gone missing, please contact Gail Dobbs at 416-484-9626…Congratulations to long-time DJC supporter Peter Holt of Mail Boxes Etc. on the birth of his second child, Madison…If you’re looking for the meaning of life but would settle for a few room dividers, we can help. The Jewish Studies program has some self-standing office dividers it no longer needs. They’re available - free of charge - to any who cares to adopt them. Contact Debbie Plested at pleste1@attglobal.net … Newsletter scribe Emil Sher is hosting a reading of Mourning Dove, a stage play inspired by the Robert Latimer story, on Sunday, December 14th (2:00 p.m.) at the Palmerston Library Theatre. Contact Emil at esher@pathcom.com for more details.

< Previous Newsletter || Next Newsletter >
Back to the Current Newsletter >

© copyright 2003 - 2012