PURIM PARTY: THE WHOLE MEGILLAH
From 101 Reasons to Love Judaism by Alistair Crenshaw (1982, Putz Press): “Reason #71 - It takes a certain je ne sais quoi to turn persecution into a party, but the Jews have done just that with Purim. Rather than simply bemoan the dastardly deeds of the nefarious Haman they have seen fit to celebrate Queen Esther’s dogged determination to save her people. There is something inspiring about turning a tale of affliction into one of affirmation, and I raise my kilt in their honour. On second thought…”

Find out what has so inspired Crenshaw by coming to this year’s Purim party. The hard-working team of R.J. Ross and Jackie Goldman, with support from last year’s team of Karen Robbins and Susan Litchen, have put a great deal of time and energy toward making this year’s party a great success, filled with laughter, lessons from our past, and hamantashen. Once again, there will be lots of booths, great games and good food. Admission is free, and tickets for the games will be an affordable 25 cents each. There will be prizes for children, pizza for everyone and a Musical Purim Show, featuring the much-loved Alan Merovitz and Danny Bakan, who have done such a marvelous job entertaining at the Rosh Hashanah children’s service. Leave your kilt at home but encourage your children to wear a costume. And consider donating a few hours of your time to ensure that this year’s party gets a mention in Alistair Crenshaw’s forthcoming book on Jewish celebrations, Beyond the Hora, Before the Sweet Table. If you can spare a few hours, please contact us by phone or e-mail and lend a helping hand setting up and cleaning up… and not simply showing up.

DJC Purim Party
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Musical Purim Show - 3:00 p.m.
Carnival 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Eastminster United Church
310 Danforth Avenue

SHABBAT IN FEBRUARY
Yes, February can be a bleak month, punctuated with a brief flurry of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Don’t surrender to lousy weather or unrequited love. Spend some time at our next Shabbat service and you’ll likely leave energized, equipped to face another cold day, warmed by the spirit of a homegrown gathering.

Friday, February 6, 7 p.m.

Janet Saunderson and Ian Werker
79 Withrow Avenue
RSVP: 416-465-9315

HAVDALLAH ON ICE
This wonderful event is not to be confused with Stars on Ice or other similar spectacles. True, some DJC members were willing to sacrifice their dignity and skate while wearing a Disney costume, and one middle-aged member (who shall remain nameless) even tried a double-axle, triple sow cow to the tune of “I Will Survive.” What you can expect is a gathering of skaters of all stripes and skill levels, out to celebrate Havdallah, the service marking the separation between Shabbat and the rest of the week, between the sacred and the secular. Last year’s Havdallah on Ice was nothing short of lovely. A group of people, bound by common values, holding candles, sharing prayers and song as the sun goes down: it’s a sight not be missed. We’ll even provide the Timbits and hot chocolate.

Havdallah on Ice
Withrow Park
Saturday, February 7
Skating begins at 4:00
Service at 5:15

COMMUNITY NEWS
The Danforth Jewish Circle extends its heartfelt sympathies to Claudia, Jacob and Simon Bali on the recent passing of Claudia’s mother, Margarita Berenholz. The DJC was born in the Balis’ living room when they lived on Logan Avenue, and anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing Claudia knows of the wonderful legacy her mother has given us…Our Jewish studies program needs a cassette/CD player. Do you have one you could donate to the school, enriching the students by expanding their repertoire? Please contact the school at 416-831-7301 or e-mail Debbie Plested at pleste1@attglobal.net .

THE FINAL WORD
…goes to Avrum Rosensweig, who you’ll recall led our High Holiday services. Avrum wrote about the experience in his column in the Canadian Jewish News. Here are some excerpts: “Everyone was received into the DJC with the warmth and inclusiveness one always hoped religion would be all about…For me, the DJC was a gulp of spiritual fresh air…It welcomed my creativity and offered me a magical and imaginative Jewish community driven by a mighty ideological passion to unearth the truth within Judaism.”

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