Accessibility
The Accessibility Committee is creating an inclusive community where everyone belongs and can participate to their fullest. In collaboration with other committees and with DJC and Eastminster staff, our impassioned group of volunteers strive to create a barrier-free environment by addressing potential and/or existing barriers to participation, and by engaging members’ support to ensure those with physical, hearing, visual, cognitive, learning, sensory, or emotional disabilities can positively and actively take part in our services and programs.

Interested in joining the Accessibility Committee or want to learn more? Reach out to us at DJCaccess@proton.me. 

 

Chesed Caring
Chesed refers to deeds of loving kindness. We are a group of dedicated volunteers who provides support, comfort, care, and practical assistance to those confronted by illness, crisis, or the loss of a loved one. As needed, we organize the preparation and delivery of meals to individuals and families, assist with transportation to and from medical appointments, provide guidance and assistance during Shiva, or simply make a phone call to let someone know they are in our thoughts.

It matters to us that you know we care, so if you, or someone you know, is in need of our loving support, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

The Chesed Caring Committee is always looking to expand its roster of caring volunteers. Interested in adding your name to the list of those willing to be called upon in times of need? Reach out to us at DJCChesedCaring@gmail.com.

 

Choir
Join us as we sing our way through the year, from the High Holy Days and Shabbat Shirah to Earth Hour, Pride and more. Together we’ll explore the beauty and soulfulness of Jewish music from around the world. We’ll deepen our connection to diverse Jewish cultures, singing in Hebrew, English, Yiddish, Ladino, Judeo-Arabic and more.

The DJC Choir welcomes new members. Join us to connect with community, sing together, and support Jewish spiritual life at the DJC. Interested or have questions? Contact Choir Director, Juliet Palmer at DJCsings@gmail.com.   

 

Climate Action
We are a group of DJC community members who care deeply about the impacts of climate change—and believe that meaningful action can still make a difference. The challenges are real, but so is our collective power to create change.

Every one of us has a role to play. We’re cutting fossil fuels from our homes and rides, pushing for bold policies that protect life in all its forms, and demanding a just transition to a clean energy future. Every action, big or small, moves us closer to a healthier world.

We need your voice, your ideas, and your commitment. Whether you’re just starting out or already active, we welcome your energy and ideas.

Interested in joining the Climate Action Team or want to learn more? Please email us at djcclimateaction@gmail.com.

 

Fundraising
The Fundraising Committee plays a central role in ensuring the DJC's sustainability.  The results of its efforts are integral to our Circle’s ability to deliver its extensive, innovative, inclusive, music-filled, and diverse programming.  It also allows us to fulfil our goal of never turning a person away because they cannot pay. The Jewish values of tzedakah (charity or philanthropy) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) are essential to the DJC.  The Committee develops its understanding of and applies best fundraising practices to support the DJC in meeting its financial targets.  

Committee members conduct research as needed to develop policy proposals or advise the Board and other fundraising-related committees. We prepare general communications to assist in the building of a “giving culture” at the DJC, as well as fundraising letters.  Each Fall we manage and make calls in support of the annual Fall Fundraising Campaign.  The Fundraising Committee is a working group comprised of 6-10 DJC members committed to maintaining and building a healthy, robust, liberal, inclusive, and vibrant congregation.  We are interested, energetic and fun-loving people with varying experiences.  We are always in need of new members. Come join us! Learn about fundraising, share your energy and deepen your commitment to the DJC.  For more information, contact fundraisingdjc@gmail.com.

 

East Toronto Multifaith Community
It all began early in 2008 when a small group from the DJC was inspired to build more meaningful connections with other faith communities in the area. We held our first Danforth Multi-Faith Community Walk that year, where over 200 hundred people – adults, children, families – joined together to walk from church, to mosque, to synagogue, and, since then, have joined with Eastminster and Glen Rhodes United Churches, the Pakistani Community Centre (connected to the local mosque, the Madinah Masjid), and the Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist congregation, to share many heartfelt stories that speak to the common threads which connect us all.

Our work and commitment to building a multi-faith community have continued through many other events, where we have shared uplifting songs, cuisine, and traditions from our different faiths. We’ve held women’s events –Sisters to Sisters– initially to join the Pakistani community in raising funds and relief items for women and girls affected by devastating floods in Pakistan, and then later to gather for communal meals, entertainment, and learning. In 2014, we held our first cricket match, which provided an opportunity for the Muslim members to teach one of their favourite sports to their Christian and Jewish friends and engaged us all as both players and spectators. Interested in joining the Multifaith Committee or want to learn more? Email djcmulti.faith@gmail.com. 

 

Social Justice
The Social Justice Committee (SJC) works in the spirit of Tikkun Olam—”to repair and improve the world”—to create a socially and economically equitable community that supports inclusion, diversity, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

The current key issues and themes of SJC are:

• Economic Justice – poverty, food insecurity, homelessness

• Discrimination and Anti-Racism

• Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change

• Refugee Issues

• Multi-Faith Relationship Building

• LGBTQ2S+ Rights

• Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Issues

We address these key issues and themes through:

• Awareness/education events and initiatives

• Supporting Social Justice issues at DJC services, Jewish holiday celebrations, and other events

• Advocacy activities

• Direct involvement (demonstrations, refugee sponsorship, special events, volunteering in special projects)

• Collaboration with faith groups and other organizations

• Promoting occasional fundraising efforts/donations for particular social justice causes

We are a warm, welcoming group of long-time and new social justice activists and would love to hear from you. Please contact us at djcsocialjustice@gmail.com to get involved.