DJC Blog

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will soon be upon us and, like so many of you, we continue to watch with despair the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We ask ourselves, what can we do that reflects our commitment to the DJC value of standing against injustice and to seek ways to repair the world (Tikkun Olam)? How can we stand with and support the global Jewish community to end the violence, loss of life, starvation, and devastation? Our tradition teaches us that our lives

As we enter into the month of Elul, we may find ourselves soaking up and embracing the last sweet weeks of summer. We may also find ourselves acknowledging how privileged we are to enjoy this experience while so many others continue to face the most excruciating circumstances. At this moment we want to recognize Rabbi Glickman, who, on behalf of The Danforth Jewish Circle, has just signed onto the Open Letter from Canadian Jewish Leaders: Gaza Humanitarian Crisis led by New I

Dear Friend of the DJC, As we prepare to welcome 5786, we invite you to reflect with us on the heart of our community – and to renew your DJC membership on July 1st at djctoronto.com/membership. This past year has tested us all – emotionally, politically, spiritually. In a world increasingly divided, we’ve stayed true […]

Join the Danforth Jewish Circle, a vibrant and inclusive community committed to accessibility, social justice, and meaningful Jewish life. Renew your membership today and support our mission of radical inclusivity and communal growth.

Celebrating Deliverance The way the Jewish calendar falls this year, we celebrate both Purim and Passover in March. Though these holidays seem very different in mood, there are actually some significant links between them. Both holidays are focused on deliverance; Purim is about deliverance from the threat of annihilation during the Jews’ period of exile […]

Data for the future This month, we would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has filled out our membership survey. Now what are we going to do with all this data, you might be asking? We use it to determine the future of the DJC! With your responses, we can see […]

Survey says… Happy spring/Pesach everyone! Remember that community survey that we did a few months back? Well, 159 of you responded, and here are some highlights of what you told us: Who are we? Most survey respondents (84%) were over 40, many of whom have adult children captured under their family memberships. One half of […]

The month of May is all about celebrating the diversity in our community and encouraging inclusion in all our activities. Our annual Shabbat Itanu on May 4th hosted by the DJC Accessibility Initiative will feature Talia Johnson as a speaker talking about reducing mental health stigma and welcoming people with mental health challenges into community. […]

Bring on the snowy new year! We can learn a lot about ourselves and our community when harsh winter weather hits us. Neighbours brave the cold to assist one another with shoveling walkways and digging out buried cars, or head to the parks to slide down hills, make snow angels and snow balls. Others take […]

Bringing Light, Finding Warmth at the DJC At this time of year, some of us crave the sun, others the comfort of community. While we can’t do much about the weather, we hope that you will find warmth at the DJC this month. We begin to light the Chanukah candles this year on December 12 […]

It is 5778 and the DJC’s annual calendar of activities is in full swing! We have moved through the High Holy Days, welcomed friends and the harvest in the Sukkah, sang and danced for Simchat Torah, begun Rabbi Miriam’s Radical Wisdom Workshops, and embarked on training more ritual leaders. We have also strengthened our multifaith […]

With the sweetness of apples and honey on our lips, and the energy that comes with a new year and united old and new members, now is the time to recommit ourselves to the difference the DJC can make in the world. As we spoke about at the High Holy Days, the DJC is stepping […]

The High Holy Days are a time for renewal; a time to shake off the bad, to apologize or forgive, and to focus on the year ahead. Remember the solar eclipse experienced in the western hemisphere last week? The sun experienced a period of darkness but returned again to its full glory. We are capable of […]

The Yiddish word naches (נחת \näKHəs\ NAKH-es) can be translated as pleasure, delight, or proud enjoyment. One might be heard saying, “What naches it gave us to see the whole gymnasium of the JCC filled with people of all types, from all over the city, gather for Erev Shavuot. And our own Rabbi Miriam among […]

One of the things we are proud of at the DJC is all the different ways there are to be part of our community. In the past month alone we’ve had Shabbat services and an UnService for those more or less inclined to ritual. Perhaps you helped us fund raise by coming to see Emil […]

“Oh, spring! I want to go out and feel you and get inspiration.” ~ Emily Carr As our ancestors survived the transition from slavery to freedom, we have made it through the winter (and a week of eating matzah) to the sweet season of cherry blossoms and magnolias — and things are looking up! We […]

As we approach Passover this year, the DJC’s role as a force for expression, engagement, freedom, and inclusivity has never felt more crucial. As so much of the world closes its doors, our Social Justice committee has at last welcomed the Syrian refugee family of seven whose arrival DJC volunteers have been preparing for for […]

Over the past month, the actions and rhetoric of those in the world who wish to divide, harm, and incite people has felt unbearable. Yet, as the year rolls toward Purim and Passover, we are reminded of the struggle against injustice so inherent to many of the stories and historical figures that form our Jewish […]

If trees could talk, what would they teach us? This question comes to mind as we prepare for Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish holiday known as the New Year for Trees. At the DJC, we observe the holiday with our annual Tu B’Shvat Seder, an opportunity to celebrate trees, nature, and our connection to Life with […]

We may be up to our knees in snow, but our homes are lit with Chanukah candles and our stomachs are full of potato latkes. Winter is not so bad! In December, Rabbi Miriam shared with us the historical, national, and spiritual reasoning behind Chanukah being eight days long and led prayer and learning at […]