AROUND OUR REGION : CAPE BRETON & MONCTON
Flora and Fauna with Merry Weather (couldn’t resist the pun on Disney’s little fairies in Sleeping Beauty) is a subject of which she is quite adept on the island. She has led a few of us on trails around the Bras D’Or we had no idea existed. The Atlantic Jewish Council online newsletter is rather impressive. It announces sundry virtual programmes with streaming ability, such as Remembrance Day. But a very special one shines in my mind... Light Across The Middle East was historic in that ambassadors to two Arab countries celebrated the lighting of the chanukia with Israel! It was a little bridge that I did not think I would see in my lifetime. Indeed, Chanukah was quite creative this year with many “Viral” messages passed around... the one with the vaccine injections taking the place of the candles in the menorah definitely marked the miracle we have been awaiting... Photos of different families across Canada lighting the candles for a distinct day was requested by JNF. We were asked to light the sixth....and... Another organization, TimeBank was making a DVD for Seniors who would be spending the holidays alone; they asked participants of different faiths to describe their particular holiday of this season. We were asked to talk about Chanukah! Moe Lieff constructed his own Magen David and Menorah on his property in Englishtown! It was imposing! A few visitors made it to the Island. Matthew Jacobson drove from Boston to a “Work from Home” situation here in Mira. After quarantining, he hopes to stay about 4 months. Susan Shore Abramovitch made it from Toronto to visit her mother, Bella Shore. Her stay encompasses a month including self-isolating. She is also working from home. I believe Elin and Ella Dubinsky moved here awhile ago? Apparently, this “rite” of return” is quite popular and may have been spurred on by COVID. Also, to note, we suspended services as the 2nd Wave of COVID washed over us. Hopefully sometime next year, we shall resume. This brings me to what some may describe as “the watch that ends the night”. The tumultuous US election. I can only end with a quote from Rumi, a Persian poet, “There is a field beyond right and wrong And I will meet you there...” To a brighter, safer 2021. S
MONCTON NEWS
BY FRANCIS WEIL
SHMUSH FROM MONCTON As everybody else, the greater Moncton Jewish community (it includes Sackville, Dieppe, Woodstock, Riverview, Miramichi, and Johnston Point) is living with the COVID-19 rules imposed by the provincial government. Luckily, we were in “zone yellow” during the High Holidays and were able to hold services. Our ‘Hazzan was Pinny Yagod. Rabbi Yagod and Pinny were able to enter Canada 14 days earlier. They spent the quarantine in their Moncton’s house. Due to COVID-19, the services were shortened to reduce the amount of time people were together. But all the essential prayers were made. Rabbi Yagod and Pinny have remained with us ever since. *** ‘Hanukah was well celebrated except somewhat differently. We could not light the Menorah at the Hospital, but the ceremony at City Hall took place, although in a different way: Rabbi Yagod was at the Menorah while everybody else was on Zoom. Her Worship, Dawn Arnold, Mayor of Moncton, said a few words and everyone sang Maoz Tzur. Then, on Sunday December 13, we had a beautiful virtual ‘Hanukah gathering on Zoom, featuring Neri Harris a young violin virtuoso from Bangor, Maine, preparing his Bar-Mitzvah. We also had the pleasure to hear two beautiful songs from well know ‘Hazzan Shlomo Brummer, from London, England. It was a pleasure to see the many members come on Zoom, some from the Moncton area, some others from different cities. Many had not seen each other for a while and rejoiced in being able to hear and see old acquaintances. *** Mazal Tov to Betty Rubin and Victoria Volkanova for organizing (with the help of a whole crew—too numerous to mention) a successful ‘Hanukah event: distribution of beautiful and delicious kosher cookies from Mothers Bakery. Thank you, Darlene and John. *** theAJC .ca
We have a special thought for all who are in senior care homes, Rubin, Ann, Max and Ruby. Thank you very much Victoria, Rebbetzin and Anne for taking care of those who need help and supplying them with delicious meals. *** Cheder has continued, interrupted only by the vacations. Rebbetzin Yagod has weekly online lessons with some of the kids. She also has a weekly Yiddish class with a few members. Rabbi Yagod continues to give Dvar Torah and lessons to various members of the community using the Zoom media. To participate to these Zoom gatherings, please send a message to rabbiyagod1@ gmail.com. We are very sad to have lost three great members: Bella Rose, z”l, on August 21: www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com/ obituaries/148311; Gordon Rinzler, z”l, on November 4: necrocanada.com/ obituaries-2020/gordon-rinzler-2020/; Joseph Kohn, z”l, on November 29, the eulogy for Joseph Kohn, said by Irwin Lampert, can be found at: www.tiferesisrael. com/Docs/BulletinHanukah5781.pdf Our most sincere condolences to the families. They all will be missed dearly. S
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