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February/March 2010

Change and Changes

Changes are afoot as the DJC welcomes new board members who will oversee our continued growth in the years ahead. These new members share the same commitment to—and passion for—the DJC as those who are stepping down.

And, if commitment alone were enough to sustain us, we would be thriving. But we need financial support so that ideas can be turned into action and possibilities can become programs. So we’re asking each and every one of you: Can you spare some change? A loonie a day for a year is what we’re looking for: $360 to help cover our expenses over the next few years.

Give some thought to what the DJC means to you. Give our new board the resources it needs to help us realize our full potential. Give a daily loonie to ensure our long-term growth. Donate on-line or contact us at info@djctoronto.com about making small, monthly payments if that makes things easier.

If you want us here tomorrow, we need your support today.

AGM ANNOUNCEMENT
Danforth Jewish Circle Annual General Meeting

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will be held on Sunday, February 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Eastminster Church Auditorium, 310 Danforth Avenue.

The AGM is an opportunity to hear an update on the DJC and elect members to the Board.

We hope that you will consider coming to the AGM to learn, give your input and show your support of the DJC.

Nominating Committee Report to the Membership
The Nominating Committee consists of two Board representatives and three community members who responded to a broad call for members. We were asked to reach out to the membership for recommendations, consider potential candidates, and present at the AGM a list of nominees to fill the vacant positions for a two year term.

There are four vacancies on the Board this year.

Two calls for recommendations of nominees for the Nominations Committee to consider were sent to the membership on November 26, 2009 and January 15, 2010.

The Nominations Committee considered the recommendations and is pleased to present a strong list of nominees:

Karen Robbins (seeking a second term)
Paul Axelrod
Jacob Bali
Karen Bernstein

We have included an introductory paragraph for each of the nominees.

You also have the opportunity to nominate DJC members by contacting the Board Chair by February 14, 2010:

Daphne Woolf: daphne.woolf@sympatico.ca

We encourage all DJC members to come out to the February 28 AGM in support of members who have generously volunteered their time to serve our community by participating on the Board of Directors.

Your Nominations Committee,

Tanya Lewis, Alex Lowy, Rosie Beitel, Galina Vaisman, Pierre Gelineau

January 28, 2010

2010 Nominees Bios:

FEBRUARY/MARCH NEWS…At a glance

date	time	event/details	location
Friday, February 19	7:00 pm	Bethminster Shabbat Led by Cantor Lisa	Eastminster - Auditorium **JACKMAN ST ENTRANCE** Kiddush to follow service Free Child care provided
Friday, February 19	6:15 - 8:30 pm	DJC YG volunteers: Out of the Cold *Followed by get together/discussion at home location	Eastminster - Hurndale **JACKMAN ST ENTRANCE** Contact: Facebook group “DJCYG” or e-mail: mika.gang@gmail.com
Thursday, February 25	4:30- 6:30 pm	PURIM PARTY!	Ms Miriam’s: 538 A Danforth Ave. *ring doorbell at the left of the door for entry* See details HERE
Thursday, February 25	7:00 pm	DJCYG meets with Jewish Youth group *Critical thinking activity to follow led by Mika Gang	Location TBD Contact: Facebook group “DJCYG” or e-mail: mika.gang@gmail.com
Friday, February 26	7:00 pm	In Home Shabbat Host: Sheri Cohen	4 Austin Crescent See details in newsletter Rsvp by Feb 24: 416.516.8330
Saturday, February 27	10:00 am - 12:30 pm	Torah Study Introducing guest Rabbi Rena Arshinoff Theme: “Unveiling Esther”	Riverdale Presbyterian: 662 Pape Avenue. go downstairs to large room in basement
Sunday, February 28	3:00-5:00 pm	DJC Annual General Meeting Host: Margaret Cygelfarb	Eastminster - Hurndale **JACKMAN ST ENTRANCE**
Thursday, March 4	7:30 pm	DJC Book Club “Garlic and Sapphires: the secret life of a critic in disguise” by Ruth Reichl	Location to RSVP’S only Contact: info@djctoronto.com to RSVP or for more information
Saturday, March 6	3:00 pm	DJCYG Study Session Topic: Jewish theories on Political methodology	Eastminster - Auditorium **JACKMAN ST ENTRANCE** Contact: Facebook group “DJCYG” or e-mail: mika.gang@gmail.com
Friday, March 12	7:00 pm	Bethminster Shabbat Led by Cantor Lisa Introducing guest Rabbi Miriam Margles	Eastminster - 310 Danforth Auditorium **JACKMAN ST ENTRANCE** Kiddush to follow service Free Child care provided
Saturday, March 13	10:00 am- 12:30 pm	Torah Study Led by guest Rabbi Rena Arshinoff Theme: Jewish perspectives on healing	Riverdale Presbyterian: 662 Pape Avenue. go downstairs to large room in basement
Friday, March 19	6:15-8:30 pm	DJC YG volunteers: Out of the Cold *Followed by get together/discussion at home location	Eastminster - Hurndale **JACKMAN ST ENTRANCE** Contact: Facebook group “DJCYG” or e-mail: mika.gang@gmail.com
Monday, March 22	7:00 pm	DJC Movie Club launch Encounter Point Facilitator: Jacqueline Swartz	Bain Coop Community Centre Contact: Tanya Lewis tanya.lewis163@gmail.com
Friday, March 26	TBD	In Home Shabbat	TBD
Tuesday, March 30	6:00 pm	PASSOVER SEDER DJC joins Ve’ahavata for Community Seder with the homeless	Congregation Habonim 5 Glen Park Avenue To RSVP & more info, contact: Jackie Stein, ph: 416-964-7698 ext 14 or jackie@veahavta.org

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

* April 17^th DJC B’Nei Mitzvah Community party

Guess Who's Turning Thirteen!
We're Turning Thirteen!

That's right! This year marks the DJC's Thirteenth year, and we're celebrating this important milestone Bar/Bat Mitzvah Style! Get your dancing shoes polished folks, ‘cause we're in for a party! Please mark the evening of April 17th on your calendar, as we celebrate our coming of age! Keep watching for details, as plans for this very special communal celebration unfold.

* April 22^nd DJC Children’s Jewish Studies Open House

* May 7^th DJC Children’s Jewish Studies, Children’s Led Shabbat

* May 15^th DJC B’Nei Mitzvah program Ceremony (grade 7 graduating class ceremony)

This year's B'Nei Mitzvah class would like to extend an invitation to the Danforth Jewish Circle community to join us in celebrating the Bar and Bat Mitzvot of the students.

* DJC Movie club dates

April6^th : Paper Clips

May 4^th : Occupation 101

June8^th : (Sing along) Fiddler on the Roof

…More details to follow in March/April news

The B'Nei Mitzvah program is seeking your help in the 'Holocaust Twinning' part of our programming.  This is a very meaningful and important part of our students' B'Nei Mitzvah year at the DJC.  The purpose of the program is to match each B'Nei student up with someone who has some connection to the Holocaust.  Usually this involves just one meeting, where the adult tells the story of someone they knew who did not survive (family member, friend, etc).  The B'Nei student then retells a small part of that story at the B'Nei ceremony, and may chose to 'dedicate' their Bar Mitzvah to the child who didn't reach Bar/Bat Miztva age because of the Holocaust.
As you know, it is getting increasingly difficult to find survivors to share their stories.  It is never an easy thing to request of people.  If you have any connections to someone you think might be willing to share their experiences (or more accurately the experiences of someone they knew) with one of our DJC B'Nei youth, we would be tremendously grateful.  The person could be a survivor themselves, or someone who is less directly connected, but still has a story to tell about someone in the Holocaust.
We are aware that the Holocaust Centre provides this service, but they are unable to help us within the limitations and context of our particular program.
If you are able to help connect us with someone, please contact me directly Alysse.rich@gmail.com
With tremendous thanks…
Alysse Rich
DJC B'Nei Mitzvah Coordinator

FEBRUARY/ MARCH SHABBAT SERVICE DETAILS

BETHMINSTER SHABBAT - Led by Cantor Lisa

Eastminster: 310 Danforth Avenue- Auditorium

When: Friday, February 19
Time: 7:00 PM

*Free childcare; Dessert Kiddush following services

**Please use the Jackman St. entrance; Hurndale entrance is closed

IN HOME SHABBAT - Led by Emil Sher

When: Friday, February 26
Time: 7:00 pm
Location/Host: Home of Sheri Cohen: 4 Austin Crescent - north of Davenport and east of Bathurst.
Details/What to bring: Sheri will prepare a large salmon and welcomes any additions to the buffet following service. Children are welcome. Rsvps required.
Attendance cap: 20.

*Must Rsvp by February 24, call Sheri: 416-516-8330.

When we took the pulse our community through last year’s survey we learned that DJC members have a strong interest in guest adult educators. And so we are happy to announce that two guest rabbis will join us in February and March.
On February 27 and March 13, Rabbi Rena Arshinoff, will lead Torah study at Riverdale Presbyterian. On March 12, Rabbi Miriam Margles will be presenting a D’var Torah as part of our regular service led by Cantor Lisa.
Please read on for more details…

PURIM/MEGILLAH STUDY WITH RABBI RENA ARSHINOFF

Introducing guest Rabbi Rena Arshinoff

When: Saturday, February 27
Where: Riverdale Presbyterian, 662 Pape Avenue
- go downstairs to large room in basement
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Theme: UNVEILING ESTHER

PURIM FOR ADULTS!
Did you know that the famous Queen Esther's name actually means "hidden"? And that the "Megillah of Esther" that we read at Purim is actually a fascinating social commentary of the times? Rabbi Rena Arshinoff will present her workshop "Unveiling Esther". We're excited to have Rabbi Rena as a guest educator to help us uncover what the Purim story reveals about ancient social issues and how it still resonates today.

**In case you can't make it on Saturday the 27th, Rabbi Rena Arshinoff will be presenting this same workshop at Kolel on Wednesday, February 24th at the Prosserman JCC (4588 Bathurst St). Admission is free.

BETHMINSTER SHABBAT
Led by Cantor Lisa; introducing guest Rabbi Miriam Margles

Eastminster: 310 Danforth Avenue- Auditorium

When: Friday, March 12
Time: 7:00 PM

*D’var Torah by Rabbi Miriam Margles

**Free childcare; Dessert Kiddush following services

Use Jackman St. entrance; Hurndale entrance is closed

 JEWISH PERSPECITIVES ON HEALING WITH RABBI RENA ARSHINOFF

When: Saturday, March 13
Where: Riverdale Presbyterian, 662 Pape Avenue - go downstairs to large room in basement
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Theme: JEWISH PERSPECTIVES ON HEALING

We are delighted to have guest educator, Rabbi Rena Arshinoff return to lead us in Torah study on the subject of "Jewish Perspectives on Healing". Rabbi Arshinoff is an expert in the field of bereavement education and grief counselling and has worked as a chaplain at both Sunnybrook Hospital and Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. Join us for this meaningful and moving Torah study session.

ABOUT OUR GUEST EDUCATORS

Introducing Rabbi Miriam Margles:

Rabbi Miriam Margles recently returned from a year in Israel as a Jerusalem Fellow at the Mandel Leadership Institute.  A graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and alumnus of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, Miriam served as the Associate Rabbi and Director of the Family School at Kehillat Lev Shalem, in Woodstock, NY. She is also the co-founder of Encounter (encounterprograms.org), engaging American Jewish leaders from across the religious and political spectrum in face-to-face encounters with Palestinians in the West Bank.

Introducing Rabbi Rena Arshinoff:

Rabbi Rena Arshinoff was ordained as a reform Rabbi at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in May of 2008. As both a student rabbi and a fully ordained rabbi, Rabbi Arshinoff has served as Rabbi in the GTA at Congregation Har Tikvah in Brampton, Solel Congregation in Mississauga, Habonim Congregation in Toronto and at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. She is currently a chaplain at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and also does community work with the elderly with Jewish Family & Child Services.

Following her Ordination from rabbinical school, Rabbi Arshinoff was awarded the Robert S. Alter prize in recognition of her contributions to the community of Cincinnati and the Women for Reform Judaism Centennial Prize in recognition of her contribution to the role of women in Judaism.

FEBRUARY/MARCH EVENT DETAILS

DJCYG

The DJC Youth Group has continued to participate in many fun activities over the past month. Going to Out of the Cold has been a great way to get involved in the community and meet other youth. Skating was also a lot of fun and a fantastic way to get to know each other better. Lots of brainstorming has been accomplished and the Youth Group has some very exciting new events coming up, so stay tuned!
- Kaitlyn Axelrod

DJCYG ACTIVITIES for February/March:

• Friday, February 19, 6:15- 8:30 pm Volunteering “Out of the Cold”, Eastminster (310 Danforth), Jackman St Entrance. Discussion/get together following at home location.
• Thursday, February 25, 7:00 pm location TBD. Meeting with a religious Jewish youth group looking at different ways the groups express their Judaism. DJCYG will have a critical thinking activity run by Mika Gang on some Jewish communities throughout history and how they expressed their Judaism in a political way.
• Saturday, March 6, 3:00 pm YG study session, Eastminster Auditorium, Jackman St. entrance. Reviewing political methodology, studying human nature (necessity of governance?) and Jewish theories on Political hierarchy.
• Friday, March 19, 6:15 - 8:30 pm Volunteering “Out of the Cold”, Eastminster (310 Danforth), Jackman St Entrance. Last session for this winter! Get together/ discussion to follow (Torah text and applying it to our lives today) at home location.

**Check out Facebook group “DJCYG” or e-mail mika.gang@gmail.com for more details and if you want to join us!

PURIM PARTY!

The DJC Purim Carnival is coming up and we’re planning another exciting Carnival to celebrate.
Everyone is welcome!

When: Thursday February 25
Where: Ms Miriam’s, 583A Danforth Avenue
Time: 4:30-6:30pm

We invite you to get creative and dress up as your favourite Purim character!

This year’s lineup includes…

4:30- 5:30 pm: Purim Shpiel (Fairy Tale Puppet Theatre)
5:30 - 6:30 pm: Games, crafts, food and festivities!

BOOK CLUB NEWS

—ANNOUNCEMENT—

Dear DJC Community,

After a number of years on the book club organizing committee, three of us have decided it is time to move on.  Diana Chastain, Christa Marvy and I have very much enjoyed the opportunity to devise interesting, educational and enjoyable evenings of shared reading pleasure. But now it's time for a change of leadership.
Many of you are stalwart and keen participants in the book club. We are hoping that you will step up now to take our place by assuming a more proactive role.
Because next year's schedule needs to be organized this spring, we would like to hear from volunteers as soon as possible. Of course we will meet with you to help in the transition of the committee. And one of the committee members, Sheila Miller, will be staying on and provide continuity.
The book club has become a beloved tradition at the DJC. Please help it continue by volunteering! Contact Kathy Miller, at info@djctoronto.com, and she will forward your e-mails to me.
With the hope of many more years of happy reading at the DJC!

- Jill Solnicki
Chair, the Book Club

*Please note: Book Club meetings are not reserved exclusively for book club members; sessions are open for all DJC members to Rsvp.
Please Rsvp: info@djctoronto.com

LOCATION DETAILS WILL BE SENT TO THOSE WHO Rsvp

Thursday, March 4, 2010 GARLIC AND SAPPHIRES: THE SECRET LIFE OF A CRITIC IN DISGUISE, BY RUTH REICHL; FACILITATED BY ANDREA MOST Ruth Reichl, world-renowned food critic and editor-in-chief of "Gourmet Magazine", knows a thing or two about food. In her third memoir, Reichl focuses on her life as a food critic for "The New York Times", dishing up a feast of fabulous meals enjoyed during her tenure. Determined to review the "true" nature of each restaurant, Reichl dined incognito, aided by wigs, make-up, costumes and various credit cards. Each chapter of the book highlights a new disguise (including her deceased mother, Miriam), a different restaurant and a fresh culinary adventure. Reichl is a wonderful memoirist - a funny, poignant and candid storyteller. "This wonderful book is funny...smart and wise" (The Washington Post). Andrea Most, associate professor of English at the University of Toronto, is the 2004 recipient of the Polyani Prize for Literature. Among her many published writings, her recent book Making Americans: Jews and the Broadway Musical won the Kurt Weil Prize for distinguished scholarship on music theatre. Last year she facilitated a terrific discussion of Maus for the DJC Book Group.

DJC MOVIE CLUB LAUNCH:

encounter point

Encounter Point tells the story of Israeli and Palestinian families (who have lost children in the conflict) who risk their safety and public standing to press for an end to the conflict. They forge a new consensus for nonviolence and peace. This is a film about hope and courage.

A discussion facilitated by DJC member Jacqueline Swartz from Peace Now will follow the showing of the film Encounter Point.

When: Monday, March 22, 2010
Where: Bain Co-op Community Centre*
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served. Donations would be appreciated to help cover the costs.
If you have questions contact tanya.lewis163@gmail.com

*Directions/location: The Bain Co-op community Centre is at the corner of Logan and Sparkhall opposite Withrow Park. Parking is best on Sparkhall (not in the parking lot adjacent to the community Centre - that is for residents) though the walk from Chester subway is only 10 minutes down Hampton. The Gerrard streetcar has a stop at Logan and it is a 10 minute walk north on Logan.
If driving from the Danforth, drive south on either Hampton Ave (opposite the Carrot Common) and take a left on Sparkhall and park just before reaching Logan or come south on Broadview and take a left on Sparkhall and drive all the way to the end (just before Logan). If driving from Gerrard, go north on Logan, left on Albemarle, left on Hampton and another left on Sparkhall. 

DJC JOINS VE’AHAVTA IN A COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER FOR THE HOMELESS
(Tuesday, MARCH 30^th - 2^nd night of Passover)

For this year's community Passover Seder we will be joining Ve'ahavta: The Canadian Jewish Humanitarian and Relief Committee who each year hosts a community Seder* for the homeless at Congregation Habonim (5 Glen Park Avenue near Bathurst & Glencairn).
Event organizer Jackie Stein welcomes DJC members to participate in two ways:

 
1. As Volunteers — both before and during the Seder to help set up and serve
 
2. As Seder Participants — $30/pp will get you a seat at this very special Seder table that welcomes Toronto's homeless and Jewish community members into this timeless and moving exodus storytelling feast.

To volunteer and/or book your Seder seats, contact Jackie Stein at Ve'ahavta: Phone 416.964.7698 ext 14 or E-mail jackie@veahavta.org

Please click here to view the flyer in PDF format.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Torah Queeries

Continuing Discussions on Queering the Text
Tuesdays,
7:30 - 9:30 PM

What does it mean to “queer” sacred text?
What are the moments in the Torah that speak to building more inclusive communities?

Feb 23 Identity Mosaics: Gender politics in selected Torah texts

Instructor: Dr. Aviva Goldberg, PhD
Spiritual Leader of Congregation Shir Libeynu
Miles Nadal JCC - 750 Spadina Avenue
$50/$35 students and seniors (plus $40 book/materials fee)

To Register: 416.638.1881

Kulanu Toronto Private Pre-Screening of Pride 2009 Documentary

Documentary Title: Reclaiming Our Pride: Anti-Semitism in the Gay Pride Parade
Written, directed, and produced by Martin Gladstone
Running time: 1 hour

Date: Sunday, February 28
Time: 2:00-3:00pm (Q+A to follow)
Place: The Wolfond Centre - basement (36 Harbord St., corner Huron)
Cost: Requested donation of $10
Refreshments served.

Rsvp by Thursday, February 25 to kulanutoronto@gmail.com.
Advance sales only.

To become a Facebook fan of this film here.

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