HIGH HOLIDAY EDITION

“The DJC changed my life. I lost 30 pounds, visited my mother, and now I have God on speed-dial”-- Bernie S. Lifshitz, Langley Avenue.

“My life was a spiritual desert without a rabbinic roadmap. I found the DJC and now I know someday I will find myself.” -- Running Feather Moscowitz, Bain Co-op.

“I had no friends, no lovers, and was dreading high school. The DJC Jewish Studies program is better than drugs – and cheaper.” -- Joshua McDougall-Feinbaum, 12

Yes, the DJC has touched us all, but at what cost? Very little.
In the early years of the Danforth Jewish Circle, we were subsidized through the generosity of organizations like the Jewish Outreach Institute and the UJA.
Unfortunately we can no longer rely on institutional support. We have grown tremendously, but so have our costs.

Our expenses continue to be greater than the income generated from your membership fees, but we were able to defray some of those expenses thanks to those who donated to the Rabbi Fund.
We have had to raise fees this year, but we will still incur a deficit. Rather than charging yet higher fees that go against our values of inclusiveness and accessibility, we are asking you instead to reach into your pocket and make a donation over and above your fees.

Membership fees only cover our most basic needs; your generous donation will support our Jewish Studies program, enrich our adult education, pay for our Shabbat Services, bankroll our holiday parties, and help build a vibrant, progressive Jewish community unlike any other.
Think of Bernie, Running Feather, and Joshua. This time next year, you could be giving us your testimonial.

In the meantime, give us your money. Please.

REGISTRATION - Our Doors are open to all…
Here you will find an invitation to this year’s High Holiday services, as well as a registration form. As a convenience, you can now pay your fees online at here. As affordable as we believe our fees to be, we are deeply committed to welcoming all who want to join our circle, regardless of financial circumstances. Our invitation says “Our doors are open,” and we mean what we say. Please do not hesitate to contact us if the listed fees are simply too much to bear at this time: we will ensure that you are part of the fold. Anything less would be a mutual loss. Please send your queries to our administrator, Kathy Miller, who can be reached at info@djctoronto.com or 416.580.6303.

FOR THE CHILDREN AMONG US…AND WITHIN US
Our Children’s Rosh Hashanah Service has gained a well-deserved reputation for making the High Holidays engaging and entertaining for our younger members. This year’s service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the first day of Rosh Hashanah in the auditorium at Eastminster United Church. Alan Merovitz and Danny Bakan will return to blend their exuberant voices, irresistible music and passion for Judaism into a service that lifts the spirits of young and old alike. The tireless and radiant Diane Wise is back to organize this year’s services, and she’s looking for children and adults who would like to add their voice to the festivities. Please contact Diane at wisetill@rogers.com to volunteer - either your time or your voice for the service.

CHILDCARE AND PRETEENS
We will continue to offer childcare for children between the ages of 2 and 11. All children ages 12 and up are welcome to join us for services in the Sanctuary. Once again our Day care will be run by the experienced and dedicated staff from the Children’s Circle Day care.

GO GREEN!
Environment was identified as one of the major issues of concern to our congregation, during the DJC “Listening Campaign”. This resulted in the formation of the Go Green! Group, who have met to discuss how we in the DJC can address green initiatives. The Green Bayit/Green House represents the launch of our awareness campaign, with the focus on replacing our household incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL). Our message is as easy as changing a light bulb: If you could conserve energy and help stop global warming in one simple step, wouldn't you? A CFL uses up to 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs, while lasting approximately eight times longer. Take this first step and join us in our campaign. To download the CFL Order form, please contact Lorraine Diment: ldime@sympatico.ca. We will have some bulbs and more information on display during the High Holiday services.

Still Listening…

Shema Yisrael! At the heart of Jewish liturgy is the command to listen, to pay attention.

For the better part of a year, the DJC has taken this quite seriously. Through the Listening Campaign you have been listening to one another in an effort to shape the vision of this community in a way that reflects both diverse voices and a collective story.

As we move this week into the Hebrew month of Elul, we are presented with yet another opportunity for listening. Though Elul signifies the end of the Jewish year, it is the beginning of an important time of reflection in preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

During Elul, we are charged to pay attention to ourselves, to turn the ear inward to listen for the answers to difficult questions. We may ask: In what ways have I let myself and others down this past year? In what manner do I want to change during this coming year?

Each morning our focus is aided by a single shofar blast.

But Elul is not about introspection alone. Having searched our neshamas, it is then time to take action. During the month of Elul it is tradition to call family and friends to say “I’m thinking of you,” or perhaps, “I’m sorry.” And it is customary to visit the graves of loved ones who have passed. It is also a time, in anticipation of the holidays, that we begin to greet each other by saying, “Shanah Tovah- A Good Year.”

As we listen carefully to the stories we tell ourselves, may we find the courage and strength to let Elul be a period of healing and of growth.

Shanah tovah-see you soon!

Melissa

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