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.

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‘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.

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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. 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.

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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.