Exodus Magazine - October 2019

#204 | October 2019 • Tishrei 5780

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think! again.

October 2019

Tishrei 5780

6

5 | JEWISH SOUL

The Importance of Not Labeling People

8

10

8 | JEWISH THOUGHT

The Deep Power of Joy

As a rule, it does no good to engage in a cold war, which may often turn into a hot war; nor does it serve any useful purpose to brand one as an "enemy" or an "anti-Semite."

Joy is not the first word that naturally comes to mind when we think of the severity of Judaism as a moral code or the tear-stained pages of Jewish history.

— From the Rebbe's correspondence

— by Jonathan Sacks

6 | MADE YOU THINK

10 | LIFE ON EARTH

The Liberating Power of Dance

Why Do Jews Dance With Books?

Every thing in existence is in constant motion: The changing seasons, the celestial bodies, pulsating atoms, ocean waves, our breath and heartbeats, even the flow of time itself.

On Simchat Torah we’re going around in circles, dancing wildly with books, yet nobody asks a thing. Why? Because everyone understands.

This is a Jew: Someone who dances with G‑d’s book.

— by Simon Jacobson

— by Tzvi Freeman

7 | JEWISH THOUGHT

19 | PERSPECTIVES

As people around the world return to their secure homes after a summer outdoors, the Jewish people are doing the opposite. We leave our homes to dwell in the sukkah.

The miracle of the Yom Kippur War: The Rebbe said that the way to help Israel is to be joyful, putting our full trust in G‑d's deliverance.

And so it was.

— by Shaul Yosef Leiter

— by Yoseph Janowski

Unity Among the Species

Happiness as a Military Strategy

19

editorial jewish soul made you think jewish thought life on earth ask the rabbi our community simchas perspectives guide marketplace memorials

4 5 6 7 10 12 13 17 18 20 21 25

Exodus Magazine is a project of the Jewish Russian Community Centre of Ontario Pity, sympathy, empathy, compassion. Each is received at various times by one in distress. They are the responses engendered by our misfortunes from those we encounter. And each feels different when received. Each has a different effect on those who are suffering in the midst of psychic or physical crisis.

Of the four, compassion has a unique quality, a quality so different from the rest that it connotes a certain spiritual as well as emotional characteristic.

Perhaps for this reason it is often cited in spiritual/ religious texts as a virtue to be sought and developed.

The recipient of compassion feels its superiority immediately. Unlike pity, it has no condescension.

Unlike empathy, it does not require a past or present similar experience on the part of the giver. And while sympathy is a wonderful virtue, it connotes less spontaneity and variety than compassion; one would not normally associate laughter or frivolity with sympathy, for example. And there is also a certain distance or separation inherent in sympathy, one sympathizes with the other. A very wonderful quality, still, sympathy stands at a different level than compassion.

While sympathy is a tender response to misfortune or difficulty, compassion is a way of life.

The dictionary offers the following root for compassion: Com (with) - pati (to suffer), to suffer with.

But there is another definition, one that does not limit compassion as a response to suffering, but rather to life itself, making it a quality that one would live with in every situation, with every person, rather than only with one who is in distress.

Com-passion: Com (with) - passion (strong feeling, enthusiasm); to be with another in strong feeling and with enthusiasm.

Compassion, then, does not require sadness, sorrow or even the desire to help, though it could include all these things. It simply means being fully present with someone no matter the circumstances of his or her life. Compassion suspends judgment and takes each circumstance equally -- each as a moment of life to be lived in its fullness. It . All possible emotions and feelings and behaviors of which we are capable are inherent in every moment, in every circumstance.

And so, compassion comes with no preconceptions.

It has no attitudes. It has no special face or tone of voice. It is not bound by rules of behavior, decorum, expectations, though it may be guided by all of these things.

Compassion is prepared to meet others wherever they are, recognizing that the circumstance or challenge they now face is as much a part of their life as any other part of their life. Compassion can laugh or cry, joke or commiserate, be curious and inquisitive, chatty or silent. Compassion is not afraid to be fully present, hopeful, or lighthearted.

Compassion does not turn away. It is never afraid to see beauty or find humor or share a fractured heart.

Compassion contains no pity because it does not judge one circumstance of life as better as or worse

than the next. For it comes from a place in which all things are from G‑d's hand, presented to us to be lived to its completion.

Compassion is not constricted by "rules" because it recognizes the uniqueness of each instant and each person. As compassion opens the door to visit the sick, it has no idea what lies ahead and so is prepared for spontaneity, for the unexpected -whether from the patient or from itself.

Compassion creates its own result. As it interacts with the other, a new thing happens, because compassion is prepared to yield to whatever happens next, always with the other in mind.

Compassion is a spiritual quality often written about, rarely found incarnate. Because to have compassion means to have full acceptance of each circumstance in life. And this is very difficult to achieve. Thus, those who have compassion are usually those who have a great deal of varied experience and self exploration in their own lives.

They have suffered, they have struggled with their own inner demons, they have met and known such a wide variety of people and touched the humanity in each of them in so many different situations that they can no longer judge and reject, neither person nor circumstance. They have come to realize that life offers what it offers and that each of us is all of us. Their self exploration has revealed the worst of their demons, so that when they see the demon in the other they can say hello.

And that is what compassion does: it simply says hello, with kindness and grace. And because of this compassion is never a burden to whom it is directed.

Compassion is always welcome. It relieves the sick or bereaved from the need to care for the visitor. It relieves the one who is burdened from the added burden of being a source of burden to the other.

For compassion comes simply to say hello, to be a companion in whatever circumstance presents itself. Compassion has come to simply listen or laugh, to accompany whatever is taking place without expectation or the need to make things better. Because compassion believes that things are as they are meant to be. And it believes that all circumstance can be shared. Thus, compassion, when it enters, usually banishes loneliness, and if not, it accompanies the lonely in their solitude.

Compassion can sit with the dying in silence, or with one giving birth, marveling equally in the miracle taking place. Compassion can join in suffering, accepting pain as a part of life.

Compassion can jump into action, if action is called for and desired. Compassion can give to the poor or help heal the sick, without condescension or judgment or lack of respect.

And if these qualities of compassion seem Divine, it is because they are. And the only hope of ever calling this quality one's own is to remember that it is in the image of the Divine that we are created.

And if ever you are fortunate enough to be in the presence of compassion, you will barely notice it, so natural does it seem -- as natural as G‑d's hidden presence, noticeable only if you look.

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jewish soul

The Importance

of

Not Labeling People

From the Rebbe's correspondence

F

or a number of years now, Lubavitch has been concerned about the state of education in the nation's public schools, in view of the structure of the American family and society (lack of adequate parental guidance, the influence of a permissive society, etc.). Consequently we have been trying to promote the concept that the ultimate purpose of education, especially of the young, is not the imparting and acquisition of knowledge per se, however important this is, but primarily to develop the character of the youngsters to be mentschen, decent human beings.

In other words - we are aiming to induce the upgrading of the ethical and moral foundations of education. This has become even more important in recent years in view of the rise of juvenile delinquency and violence, as has been borne out also by the recently published report on Public Education that came out of Washington, D.C. Thus, while being active in Jewish education nation-wide and world-wide, Lubavitch has been actively concerned also in general education, all the more so since many thousands of Jewish boys and girls receive their education in the public schools in a strictly G‑dless atmosphere. Indeed, the Torah requires every Jew to promote the time-honored Divinely-given moral principles in the society in which he lives.

Through consistent efforts, mostly through personal contacts, we have with G‑d's help succeeded in reaching an important milestone, namely, in that both houses of Congress have in recent years passed a joint resolution calling upon the President of the United States to designate an "Education Day, USA," with an appropriate proclamation calling upon the American people to become more closely aware of the importance of education and of its role in the national interest. In recognition of the Lubavitch movement's contribution to this cause, the annual "Education Day" has been proclaimed in conjunction with the birthday of the head of the movement.

The most recent such resolution and proclamation evinced such interest among the members of both houses that each and

September 2019

all of them signed a special scroll, bearing the text of the Resolution. I wonder how many other resolutions of the U.S. Congress had received such enthusiastic unanimous personal support of each and all Senators and Representatives.

As was to be expected, some Senators and Representatives signed the scroll in their respective offices; many others gathered for the ceremony at a special reception in the Capital. Some, indeed, wished to associate themselves more articulately, through paying a personal tribute to the cause and to its initiators. Among the latter was the Senator whose participation you found objectionable. ...

I trust you will agree that in regard to persons of influence, whether in Washington or elsewhere, the first objective should be to persuade and encourage such a person to use his influence in a positive way in behalf of any and all good causes which are important to us. We should welcome every public appearance which lends public support to the cause, especially when there is a likelihood that it may be the forerunner

of similar pronouncements in the future...

My experience with such people — though I have never personally met the said person — has convinced me that politicians are generally motivated more by expediency than by conviction. In other words, their public pronouncements on various issues do not stem from categorical principles or religious imperatives. Hence, most of them, if not all, are subject to change in their positions, depending on time, place, and other factors.

I believe, therefore, that the proper approach to such persons by Jewish leaders should not be rigid. As a rule, it does no good to engage in a cold war, which may often turn into a hot war; nor does it serve any useful purpose to brand one as an "enemy" or an "anti-Semite," however tempting it is to do so even if that person vehemently denies it. It can only be counterproductive. On the contrary, ways and means should be found to persuade such a person to take a favorable stance, at least publicly. We haven't too many friends, and attaching labels, etc. will not gain us any.

Instances abound where the approach advocated above produced good results. To cite one well-known case - the leader of the Moral Majority has at times made highly unfavorable pronouncements, especially the one about missionary activities a few weeks ago. Yet the government in Israel made special efforts to gain his support, etc. etc.

There is surely no need to point out to you that responsible Jewish leaders consistently cultivated good public relations, indeed even cordial rotations, with Pres. Carter and his predecessors going back to FDR, regardless of their sometimes openly negative feelings towards Jews and Jewish causes.

The wisdom of the said approach is borne out also by the experience in regard to helping Jews behind the Iron Curtain.

There are those who claim that anti-Soviet demonstrations and similar actions will induce the Kremlin to change its policy.

Others, myself included, are convinced that "quiet diplomacy" has been effective, and certainly not counter-productive. I urged and pleaded - behind the scenes, of course for such an approach by Jewish leaders. EM

exodusmagazine.org

5

made you think

The Liberating Power

of

Dance

Simon Jacobson

L

ife is synonymous with movement.

Death is when this movement comes to a halt.

Every thing in existence is in constant motion: The changing seasons, the celestial bodies, pulsating atoms, ocean waves, the cycles of every organism and life form, our breath and heartbeats, even the flow of time itself. Everything natural and wholesome is always moving, except… humans. Only humans are capable of defying the natural flow of life’s movement. It is only we humans who are attempting to go against our own innate restlessness and master the “art” of becoming “couch potatoes” and “doing nothing”! Healthy life is all about flux and change, and we sadly seek to numb our movements and introduce death into our lives. As we get caught up in the minutiae of surface life, in our struggle for survival, in petty battles and concerns, we become trapped in old habits and patterns – and

6

every time we do, a small part of us dies inside. He not busy being born is busy dying. But the good news is that just as we can choose “death” we can choose life and rebirth – we can determine to plug in to the source of life’s energy, and when we do we are renewed.

Dance manifests our natural internal movement. When we freeze up, we muzzle and shackle our inner spirit. When we break out into an unbridled dance, with our hands waving free and our bodies unchained, our inherent inner rhythm is liberated and comes gushing forth.

So when you feel constrained or stifled, consider dancing.

A celebration and dance of absolute and unconfined passion is liberating. Dance with your legs — they lift your entire body and mind to another dimension. Dance: Unchained of your ghosts, unfettered by your mind, unburdened by your anxieties,

unrestrained by your limits, uninhibited by your fears. Dance away. Dance freely. Forget for a moment your pains.

Dancing is universal. There is no distinction between scholar and layperson, between intellectual and simpleton, between adult and child. All of us dance together, regardless of background, education and age. Dancing demonstrates a celebration that transcends intellect; connects us all as one, and its celebration is unlimited and absolute.

Kick off your shoes, set yourself free in an unrestrained dance.

Defy gravity. Your lightness will buoy your sagging spirit. The tug of earth has brought you down, and dragged you there. Now is time to lift yourself and others. EM Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the author of Toward a Meaningful Life: The Wisdom of the Rebbe and the director of the Meaningful Life Center (meaningfullife.org).

Elul 5779

jewish thought

Unity Among

the

Species

Shaul Yosef Leiter

T

he festival of Sukkot follows the fast of Yom Kippur by four days. It is customary to be happy and involve ourselves with mitzvot during these days to show our gratitude and connection to G‑d. This is important because the entire month of Tishrei is a "head" month. This means that every day of Tishrei has special powers and an impact on the coming year.

More specifically, although the quantity of blessings allotted to each of us is decided on Rosh Hashanah and the appeal is on Yom Kippur, we still have another chance to change this decision during Sukkot. The difference is that instead of approaching our service in a way of awe, the required service for Sukkot is joy, happiness, and unity. G-d is really the one in control…

There are two special commandments during Sukkot which make it unique among the other festivals. They are: (1) the act of dwelling in the sukkah for seven days (eight days outside of Israel), and (2) the taking of the Four Species - the lulav (date palm), the etrog (citron fruit), the haddasim (myrtle) and the aravot (willows). There are many laws concerning these two very exalted mitzvot, and although textual study is optimal, you also can ask a local rabbi if you have any questions.

As people around the world return to their secure homes after a summer outdoors, the Jewish people are doing the opposite. We leave our homes to dwell in the sukkah and are hence reminded of "who is the Boss". We can easily fool ourselves into thinking that it was our own efforts that brought about our success. Living in the uncertainty of the sukkah - knowing that if it rains, we get wet and if its chilly, we get cold - reminds us that in every aspect of our lives, G‑d is really the one in control. The idea of the sukkah is to be hugged by G‑d…

More deeply, the idea of the sukkah is to be "hugged" by G‑d. This immersion in the mitzvah, by entering the sukkah, results in a level of union to the Infinite that is only available to us after the Days of Awe. There are two advantages to hugging over other types of affectionate contact. One is that as long as the one hugging is holding on, the one getting hugged can't leave. Secondly,

September 2019

a unique aspect of being hugged is that it brings into the relationship the back of a person, a part of the body usually excluded.

This is true with the mitzvah of the sukkah as well; as long as we do not leave the sukkah, the Almighty is still hugging us. Also, by living in the sukkah we are including parts of

ourselves, i.e. sleeping, relaxing, etc., which are usually outside of our active relationship with G‑d.

Through Sukkot, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, the Jewish people have both individually and communally won against the negative spiritual forces by being signed and sealed for another good and sweet year.

Each of us will make the blessing on the Four Species with great joy. By doing this, we are sending out our own message of unity, with the traditional waving of the species in all six directions, and should see ourselves as emerging from the trial, waving the palm branch of victory. Mitzvah of the Four Species involves bringing them all together as a bunch…

The Jewish Oral Tradition speaks about the Four Species as being symbolic of four types of Jews. The etrog, which has both a taste and smell, symbolizes Jews who are both actively involved in Jewish lifestyle (i.e. conscientiously perform the commandments) and learn and think about their Jewish heritage. The lulav, which has good taste but lacks good smell, represents those Jews who are actively involved but lack proper knowledge and intentions. The haddasim, which have a pleasant smell but lack a good taste are the reverse, i.e. a Jew who might have good intentions but does not do anything actively Jewish. Lastly, are the aravot, which lack both good smell and taste, representing Jews who are both ignorant of our tradition and are not actively involved in positive actions.

The mitzvah of the Four Species involves bringing them all together as a bunch, so that, as the Almighty promises, one will help atone for the other. This is particularly important after the High Holidays, for what better ingredient for a successful new year than to break down the separations between people. What father can resist seeing his children loving one another. EM

Rabbi Shaul Yosef Leiter is the co-founder, executive director and featured lecturer at Ascent Tsfat, a spiritual discovery center in the holy city of Tsfat in Northern Israel (ascentofsafed.com, myascent.org).

exodusmagazine.org

7

jewish thought

The Deep Power of Joy Jonathan Sacks

O

n 14 October 1663 the famous diarist Samuel Pepys paid a visit to the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in Creechurch Lane in the city of London.

Jews had been exiled from England in 1290 but in 1656, following an intercession by Rabbi Menasseh ben Israel of Amsterdam, Oliver Cromwell concluded that there was in fact no legal barrier to Jews living there. So for the first time since the thirteenth century Jews were able to worship openly.

The first synagogue, the one Pepys visited, was simply a private house belonging to a successful Portuguese Jewish merchant, Antonio Fernandez Carvajal, that had been extended to house the congregation. Pepys had been in the synagogue once before, at the memorial service for Carvajal who died in 1659. That occasion had been sombre and decorous. What he saw on his second visit

8

was something else altogether, a scene of celebration that left him scandalized. This is what he wrote in his diary: … after dinner my wife and I, by Mr. Rawlinson’s conduct, to the Jewish Synagogue: where the men and boys in their vayles (i.e. tallitot), and the women behind a lattice out of sight; and some things stand up, which I believe is their Law, in a press (i.e. the Aron) to which all coming in do bow; and at the putting on their vayles do say something, to which others that hear him do cry Amen, and the party do kiss his vayle.

Their service all in a singing way, and in Hebrew. And anon their Laws that they take out of the press are carried by several men, four or five several burthens in all, and they do relieve one another; and whether it is that every one desires to have the carrying of it, I cannot tell, thus they carried it round about

the room while such a service is singing …

But, Lord! to see the disorder, laughing, sporting, and no attention, but confusion in all their service, more like brutes than people knowing the true G‑d, would make a man forswear ever seeing them more and indeed I never did see so much, or could have imagined there had been any religion in the whole world so absurdly performed as this.

Poor Pepys. No one told him that the day he chose to come to the synagogue was Simchat Torah, nor had he ever seen in a house of worship anything like the exuberant joy of the day when we dance with the Torah scroll as if the world was a wedding and the book a bride, with the same abandon as King David when he brought the holy ark into Jerusalem.

Joy is not the first word that naturally

Elul 5779

jewish thought

comes to mind when we think of the severity of Judaism as a moral code or the tear-stained pages of Jewish history. As Jews we have degrees in misery, postgraduate qualifications in guilt, and gold-medal performances in wailing and lamentation. Someone once summed up the Jewish festivals in three sentences: “They tried to kill us. We survived.

Let’s eat.” Yet in truth what shines through so many of the psalms is pure, radiant joy.

And joy is one of the keywords of the book of Deuteronomy. The root s-m-kh appears once each in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, but twelve times in Deuteronomy, seven of them in one parsha.

What Moses says again and again is that joy is what we should feel in the land of Israel, the land given to us by G‑d, the place to which the whole of Jewish life since the days of Abraham and Sarah has been a journey.

The vast universe with its myriad galaxies and stars is G‑d’s work of art, but within it planet earth, and within that the land of Israel, and the sacred city of Jerusalem, is where He is closest, where His presence lingers in the air, where the sky is the blue of heaven and the stones are a golden throne.

There, said Moses, in “the place the Lord your G‑d will choose … to place His Name there for His dwelling” (Deut. 12:5), you will celebrate the love between a small and otherwise insignificant people and the G‑d who, taking them as His own, lifted them to greatness.

It will be there, said Moses, that the entire tangled narrative of Jewish history would become lucid, where a whole people – “you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites from your towns, who have no hereditary portion with you” – will sing together, worship together and celebrate the festivals together, knowing that history is not about empire or conquest, nor society about hierarchy and power, that commoner and king, Israelite and priest are all equal in the sight of G‑d, all voices in his holy choir, all dancers in the circle at whose centre is the radiance of the Divine. This is what the covenant is about: the transformation of the human condition through what Wordsworth called “the deep power of joy.”

September 2019

Happiness (in Greek eudaemonia), Aristotle said, is the ultimate purpose of human existence. We desire many things, but usually as a means to something else. Only one thing is always desirable in itself and never for the sake of something else, namely happiness.

There is such a sentiment in Judaism. The biblical word for happiness, Ashrei, is the first word of the book of Psalms and a key word of our daily prayers. But far more often, Tanakh speaks about simcha, joy – and they are different things. Happiness is something you can feel alone, but joy, in Tanakh, is something you share with others. For the first year of marriage, rules Deuteronomy (24:5) a husband must “stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.” Bringing first-fruits to the Temple, “You and the Levite and the stranger living among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your G‑d has given to you and your household” (26:11). In one of the most extraordinary lines in the Torah, Moses says that curses will befall the nation not because they served idols or abandoned G‑d but “Because you did not serve the Lord your G‑d with joy and gladness out of the abundance of all things” (28:47). A failure to rejoice is the first sign of decadence and decay.

There are other differences. Happiness is about a lifetime but joy lives in the moment.

Happiness tends to be a cool emotion, but joy makes you want to dance and sing. It’s hard to feel happy in the midst of uncertainty.

But you can still feel joy. King David in the Psalms spoke of danger, fear, dejection, sometimes even despair, but his songs usually end in the major key: For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning …

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me

with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and

not be silent.

Lord my G‑d, I will praise you forever.

(Psalm 30:6-13) In Judaism joy is the supreme religious emotion. Here we are, in a world filled with

beauty. Every breath we breath is the spirit of G‑d within us. Around us is the love that moves the sun and all the stars. We are here because someone wanted us to be. The soul that celebrates, sings.

And yes, life is full of grief and disappointments, problems and pains, but beneath it all is the wonder that we are here, in a universe filled with beauty, among people each of whom carries within them a trace of the face of G‑d. Robert Louis Stevenson rightly said: “Find out where joy resides and give it a voice far beyond singing.

For to miss the joy is to miss all.”

In Judaism, faith is not a rival to science, an attempt to explain the universe. It’s a sense of wonder, born in a feeling of gratitude.

Judaism is about taking life in both hands and making a blessing over it. It is as if G‑d had said to us: I made all this for you. This is my gift. Enjoy it and help others to enjoy it also. Wherever you can, heal some of the pain that people inflict on one another, or the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to. Because pain, sadness, fear, anger, envy, resentment, these are things that cloud your vision and separate you from others and from Me. Kierkegaard once wrote: “It takes moral courage to grieve. It takes religious courage to rejoice.” I believe that with all my heart.

So I am moved by the way Jews, who know what it is to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, still see joy as the supreme religious emotion. Every day we begin our morning prayers with a litany of thanks, that we are here, with a world to live in, family and friends to love and be loved by, about to start a day full of possibilities, in which, by acts of loving kindness, we allow G‑d’s presence to flow through us into the lives of others. Joy helps heal some of the wounds of our injured, troubled world. EM Rabbi Dr. Sir Jonathan Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi of the UK and the Commonwealth and a member of the House of Lords, is a leading academic and respected world expert on Judaism. He is a the author of several books and thousands of articles, appears regularly on television and radio, and speaks at engagements around the world.

exodusmagazine.org

9

life on earth

Why Do Jews Dance With Books?

Tzvi Freeman

O

nce a year, at the end of a whole string of holidays, there’s something called Simchat Torah.

Jews take out all the Torah scrolls in their places of worship and dance with them. In many places, they dance with them through the streets.

It’s called hakafot, which means “going around in circles.”

Scrolls are books. So, yes, Jews dance with books.

But what you really should be asking is: Is this normal?

Books are for reading. For understanding.

For discussing. Dancing? Really? Does anybody else do this?

It goes further. These are G‑d’s books.

10

Holy scrolls. Divine work.

On Passover night, we ask “Why is tonight different than every other night?”—just because we’re crunching on flat bread and dipping a veggie in salt water. On Simchat Torah we’re going around in circles, dancing wildly with books, yet nobody asks a thing.

Why? Because everyone understands.

This is a Jew: Someone who dances with G‑d’s book.

I met a Jew who told me he had searched for spirituality and Google found it. It came in the writings of a mystic teacher whose lectures opened gates of wisdom for him.

“You have found wisdom,” I told him.

“But you have not found yourself. You have found a pretty girl, but you have not found

your betrothed wife. That you can find only in our Torah. It is ours, and we belong to it, for our souls have danced with it for three and a half millennia, you and I and all these Jews around us.”

That’s what it means to dance with a book. It means, as hard as you try, as much as you would like, you can never be divorced from it. You come close, you tear apart; turn face to face, then back to back; around in circles, around and around, like two spinning magnets in constant push and pull towards each other, like two soul-mates locked in a perpetual drama of eternal romance.

So, too, a Jew dances with Torah. A teaching resonates deep within, as though

Elul 5779

his soul itself were speaking to him.

Another teaching he pushes away. There are questions unresolved, issues with which he has yet to make peace.

But it is a bond not contingent on reason or fancy. It is a marriage for which there is no other match, an eternal covenant.

The Torah and the Jew, they belong to one another.

After all, Jews are born owning that book.

It says so in the book itself, “The Torah that Moses commanded us is an inheritance of every Jew.” The Talmud takes that quite literally: Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: Anyone who withholds a teaching from a student is as though he robs him of the inheritance of his ancestors, as it is stated: “The Torah that Moses commanded us is the inheritance of every Jew.” That is the first teaching a Jewish child must learn, as the Talmud says: At what age do you start teaching your child? As soon as the child begins to speak, you teach him, “The Torah that Moses commanded us is the inheritance of every Jew.” Then you teach, “Hear O Israel, G‑d is our G‑d, G‑d is One.” Even before the child learns to say that G‑d is one, he learns that Torah is his birthright.

Yet there are different kinds of birthrights.

There are heirlooms such as jewelry and silverware. And then there’s real estate.

In Biblical law, a crucial distinction lies between them. In Biblical law, there is an institution of the jubilee year: You shall hallow the fiftieth year … It shall be a jubilee for you: each of you shall return to his holding (achuzah) and each of you shall return to his family.

Jewelry and silverware belong to their rightful heir until he sells them, gifts them, loses them or abandons them. But real estate always returns to its owner or his heirs in the Jubilee year. He can sell it, gift

it, abandon it—but it will return. If not to him, to his children, or to his children’s children.

Which is what Rashi, the most classic of commentaries on the Torah writes, explaining the inheritance mentioned in this verse. He calls it an achuzah—“heritage real estate.” And as such, it never truly abandons us.

And Rashi continues: We never truly abandon it. As far as we may distance ourselves from it, when we return, it is as though we have never left.

All said, the question still remains: It is a book after all. A wisdom. A teaching. We don’t dance with any of those. We dance with a living being, not with a book.

This I can answer best with a story.

In the gas chamber of Auschwitz stood a group of young boys, stripped of their clothes, awaiting their final demise. One boy sprang up and shouted: "Brothers!

Today is the holiday of Simchat Torah.

Before we die, let us celebrate Simchat Torah one last time.”

"We do not possess anything," the boy continued. "We do not have clothes to cover us, nor a Torah scroll with which to dance. So let us dance with G‑d Himself before we return our souls to Him.” They danced with G‑d in the gas chamber.

We dance with Him in the synagogues and in the streets.

For that is a Jew. One who embraces the Author within the book, the Teacher within the teaching, G‑d within a scroll.

And it is with Him that we dance. EM Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, a senior editor at Chabad.org, is the author of Bringing Heaven Down to Earth and more recently Wisdom to Heal the Earth. To subscribe to regular updates of Rabbi Freeman's writing or purchase his books, visit Chabad.org. Follow him on FaceBook @ RabbiTzviFreeman.

future tense

MOSHIACH MUSINGS

The Holy One, blessed is He, said to Israel: “On the day of Shemini Atzeret I and you shall rejoice together.” When Israel heard this, they exalted the Holy One, blessed is He, and they said: “This is the day G‑d has made, let us be glad and rejoice bo (on it; or in Him)” (Psalms 118:24) .

Rabbi Abin said: We do not know if this rejoicing relates to the day or to G‑d. Thus Solomon came and explained, “We will be glad and rejoice in You” (Song 1:4): “ ‘in You’ — i.e., in Your Torah; ‘in You’ — i.e., in Your salvations.”

– Pessikta deR. Kahana, section 30 The festival of Shemini Atzeret does not have special rituals as do the other festivals, except for one: extraordinary simcha (rejoicing). The mitzvah of simcha on this day is ordained by the Torah in the verse “you shall be only joyful”.

Commentators note that this verse is not only a precept but also a promise: “if you will fulfill the mitzvah of simcha, you are assured that you will be joyful forever.”

The concept of simcha is central in Judaism, and especially in the teachings of Chassidism. Chassidism explains its significance in terms of the maxim that “simcha breaks through barriers.” By means of simcha one is able to transcend all kinds of barriers and obstacles to attain sublime goals, especially in spiritual matters.

We can draw an analogy between this maxim and the fact that Moshiach, too, is referred to as “The one who breaks through” (Michah 2:13). This comes to teach us that simcha, joyfulness, has the power to break through the wallsthe barriers and obstacles-of the exile and hasten the coming of Moshiach!

ask the rabbi

Yizkor and Festivals

by Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman

Q

Can you please explain to me the background of the Yizkor memorial prayer that is recited

for departed parents in synagogue on certain festivals. Also, what is the connection between Yizkor and the festivals?

You remain connected to those you were close to, even after they pass on. Judaism sees a dynamic relationship between family members in this life and beyond. A mourner says kaddish for his loved one, to assist their soul in its journey onward. Torah advises relatives to add Charity, Torah study and Mitzvah observance in memory of their deceased. The living family’s acts propel the departed soul ever higher.

In Yizkor, the souls of the departed are remembered in prayer to G‑d and in monetary pledges to charity. It is founded upon the principle that a Mitzvah of the living affects the souls of the deceased when performed in their memory.

Yizkor was introduced after the Crusades, when thousands of European Jews were murdered. Yizkor was originally only included in the Yom Kippur service. At that time of the year, we atone not only for ourselves but for departed family members as well. Atoning for the soul reminds of its immortality- and our continued relationship with the departed. These souls rely on us to achieve atonement for them.

An important means of elevating the departed soul is through charity. With that in mind, Yizkor was later included in the services of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot.

On each of these festivals, we read of the importance of charity.

Yizkor is only recited by someone whose parent(s) passed way. It is said for a parent and other close relatives such as a spouse, sibling, grandparent, or child. The prayer appeals to G‑d to bind the departed soul in the "bond of Life”.

Certain congregations include a communal Yizkor prayer for victims of the Holocaust, which the cantor sings aloud.

People whose parents are still alive leave the shul during Yizkor. They cannot relate

12

to this experience and their presence may detract from the communion. We also don’t want to insinuate that they have reason to be in shul at that time.

On Yom Kippur, Yizkor is recited to ask for atonement and give charity on behalf of the deceased since even the deceased require atonement. For this reason, Yom Kippur is commonly referred to in the plural: Yom Hakippurim (The day of Atonements), to include atonement for the living as well as the deceased.

Yizkor is also recited on Shmini Atzeret, on the last days of Passover, and on Shavuot.

On these days, the Torah reading stresses the importance of charity “Every man according to what his hand can give.” The Midrash states that even departed souls require redemption. Redemption is brought about by means of charity as in the verse “Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and those who return to her with Tzedakah [Charity]”.

Another reason for reciting Yizkor: In Temple times, there was a pilgrimage to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem for these three festivals. Realistically speaking, there wasn’t enough room for all the Jews in the Temple.

Although they were compact when standing, miraculously they all had plenty room to prostrate themselves. One of the reasons for this miracle is that the souls of the righteous that were gathered in the spiritual Temple in heaven (which is not bound by material confines) would descend to the earthly Temple, blessing it with infinite properties. Nowadays, when we no longer have a physical Temple to visit, we remember souls of the departed so that their merit should bless us too and stand us in good stead. EM Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman is the Senior Rabbi of the Jewish Russian Community Centre of Ontario. You can Ask the Rabbi at jrcc.org or fax to 416.222.7812. To meet with Rabbi Zaltzman in person, feel free to call 416.222.7105 to book an appointment.

Appointments are generally available on Tuesday evenings after 7 p.m.

Rebbitzin Chiena Zaltzman is also available for private consultations by appointment on Wednesday evenings from 9 to 10pm by calling 416.222.7105.

К нам зашел читатель с газетной статьей в руках. Это была статья о 9-м Ава – Тиша Бе Ав. Обычно в такого рода статьях перечисляются беды, обрушивавшиеся на еврейский народ на протяжение истории. В данном случае речь шла об изгнании евреев из Испании и о том, как они были преследуемы королевской четой – Фердинандом и Изабеллой. После имени королевы-злодейки автор статьи добавил в скобках «да сотрется имя ее». Читатель был резко не согласен с этим выражением, мотивируя тем, что всё происходит по воле и замыслу Вс-вышнего, а значит, королева ни в чем не виновата: Б-г был недоволен проступками евреев и наслал на них королеву Изабеллу в качестве наказания. Если все свершается по воле Вс-вышнего, то тогда и фараон в Египте не был виноват в том, что не хотел отпускать евреев. Тогда за что же он был так наказан? Получается, что и убийца не ваиноват, что убил, и насильник не виноват, что совершил насилие, потому что такова была воля Вс-вышнего. Что говорит Тора по этому вопросу? Здесь на самом деле идет речь об известном парадоксе – свободе выбора и предопределенности. Вс-вышний дает нам возможность поступать по своему выбору, несмотря на то, что у Него есть четкий план относительно того, что и как должно произойти. Мудрость Творца заключается в том, что, как бы мы ни поступали, мы все равно будем двигаться в том направлении, какое Б-г запланировал. Это можно сравнить с движением парусника. Когда дует попутный ветер, тогда все очень просто: парусник плывет в нужном направлении. Но когда ветер дует, что называется «в лицо», то паруснику приходится идти против ветра. Это сложнее, но возможно! Капитан пререключается на так называемые «косые» паруса, которые при обтекании воздухом работают, как крыло самолета, и создают «подъемную силу», только направлена она не вверх, а вперед...

The article above is excerpted from the Russian edition of Exodus Magazine. To subscribe, please visit exodusmagazine.org or call 416.222.7105.

Elul 5779

‫ב”ה‬

Our

Community T H E M O N T H I N R E V I E W. U P C O M I N G E V E N T S & P R O G R A M S .

OCTOBER 2019 | TISHREI 5780 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

OCTOBER2019 23 TO 30 WED

3

8 TO 9 13 TO 20 WED

16 THU

17 20 TO 22 TUES

29 7:30pm

ROSH HASHANA Services at 11 locations Visit jrcc.org/HighHolidays FAST DAY: TZOM GEDALYA 5:46am to 7:26pm Visit jrcc.org for more info YOM KIPPUR Services at 11 locations Yizkor on Oct 9 at 12pm SUKKOT See guide on page 20 Events: jrcc.org/sukkot CHILDREN'S SUKKOT Multiple locations See ad on page 14 SUKKOT EVENTS Multiple locations See ad on page 14 SIMCHAT TORAH See guide on page 20 Hakafot Oct 21 at 7:45pm YOGA & YOGHURT JRCC East Thornhill See ad on page 15

CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES September 29, 2019

6:44pm

September 30, 2019

after 7:43pm*

October 4, 2019

6:35pm

October 8, 2019

6:28pm

October 11, 2019

6:23pm

October 13, 2019

6:20pm

October 14, 2019

after 7:19pm*

October 18, 2019

6:11pm

October 20, 2019

6:08pm

October 21, 2019

after 7:08pm*

October 25, 2019

6:08pm

www.jrcc.org * = Light from a pre-existing flame.

TWO NEW COUPLES JOIN THE JRCC TEAM The JRCC is happy to report a new addition to the team at one of its branches, as well as the opening of a new branch.

Rabbi Avraham and Chaya Mushka Weinstein joined the JRCC of Concord, while Rabbi Yisroel and Shaina Zaltzman are starting up the new JRCC Willowdale branch. The development and expansion of local neighborhood branches is part of the JRCC’s strategy of serving the needs to the Jewish FSU community and their descendants in a personal way from within the neighborhoods in which they live, and making the JRCC programs and services accessible to all.

NEW YEAR AT THE JRCC HEBREW SCHOOL The new school year is off to a great start at the JRCC Oscar Yolles Hebrew School. Thanks to the preparation and hard work of the staff at the JRCC Hebrew School, students and parents are looking forward to a great year of fun and learning. Teachers and staff warmly greeted students with great anticipation, with educational and fun-filled activities planned. Students have already learned about the significance of the holidays through interactive activities and art projects, and began using the acclaimed Aleph Champ system to learn to read Hebrew. The JRCC Hebrew School offers a friendly and stimulating Sunday and/or after-school program at six locations throughout the GTA. It’s not too late to sign up: Visit www. jrcc.org/hebrewschool for a list of times and locations.

PRE-ROSH HASHANAH KIDS PROGRAMS In the days and weeks leading up to the High Holidays and the Jewish New Year, the JRCC’s branches hosted several unique events to engage community children in preparation for this important time of year. The JRCC West Thornhill hosted a Mother & Child Challah Bake, a pre-Rosh Hashana tradition in a family atmosphere, as well as a kids-centered Honey Bee Workshop that explained the journey of one of Rosh Hashana’s finest staple foods to usher in a sweet year. The JRCC East Thornhill held a Rosh Hashana Fair featuring a variety of interactive activities and workshops designed to both entertain and educate.

PRE-ROSH HASHANAH EVENTS The High Holidays are an intense time on the Jewish calendar, brimming with beauty and depth, potential for inspiration, and so much go explore and experience. To enhance the High Holiday experience in our community, the JRCC branches hosted a variety of events to prepare and tap into the holidays. The West Thornhill hosted a workshop on preparing for the High Holidays. The JRCC East Thornhill offered a class called “Know Your Machzor” that delved into the classical High Holiday prayerbook. In addition, a special pre-Rosh Hashana Challah Bake evening, an activity that has tremendous potential to elicit profound blessings, was held simultaneously at seven JRCC branches in the week before Rosh Hashana.

CONCERT FOR WOMEN The JRCC East Thornhill hosted a Pre-Rosh Hashanah Women’s Concert featuring a moving musical program by Katya Kapelnikova, an internationally acclaimed artist and songwriter. The event coincided with the 18th of Elul, known as Chai Elul, a luminous day marketing the birthdays of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe.

It is said that this day encapsulates and draws the light into the month of Elul, the inspiring month leading up to Rosh Hashana and the High Holidays. The evening and the unique performance at its center definitely fit the bill, bringing inspiration and a feeling of connectedness to all those in attendance.

JRCC Our Community

13

HIGH HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT JRCC PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE

Photo of the Month

JSPC TRIAL & APPEAL LAWYERS

www.jspc.ca

PROBONO DAY COMMUNITY FREE 30 MIN LEGAL CONSULTATION SERVICE

SPREADING THE HOLIDAY JOY

contact: bat@jrcc.org Volunteers at the JRCC Rockford and East Thornhill branches help assemble special Rosh Hashana holiday packages containing traditional treats like apples and honey and pomegranates, along with information about the holidays and community holiday programs, to help spread the joy of the holiday season in the community.

Lawyer Jonathan Shulman,

PROBONO DAY free 30 min legal consultations.

For more information, dates, time of the free service, For terms, please visit and to schedule your appointment, please call www.jspc.ca or www.probonoday.ca 416-222-7105 ext. 254. or call 416-907-6011.

Visit jrcc.org/pictures FOR MORE PHOTOS OF JRCC EVENTS AND PRGRAMS

SUKKOT EVENTS JRCC

s

n e r d l i h C

Sukkot Parties WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 S. Richmond Hill Sukkot Discovery Lab 5:00pm West Thornhill Pizza & Drum Circle 4:00pm East Thornhill Shakes in the Shack 5:00pm Rockford Sukkah Pizza Party 5:00pm

14

September 2019 / Elul 5779

2019

THURS, OCT 17 AT 8:00PM

SUKKAH HOP

JRCC S. R-HILL & MAPLE

STARTING AT 9699 BATHURST ST.

SCOTCH & STEAK IN THE SUKKAH (FOR MEN) 1136 CENTRE ST, #2

JRCC WEST THORNHILL

SUKKAH HOP

JRCC EAST THORNHILL

STARTING AT: 1 BROOKE ST. RSVP REQUIRED

SCOTCH IN THE SUKKAH

JRCC @ ROCKFORD

18 ROCKFORD RD.

For more info: 416-222-7105 or jrcc.org/sukkot

416.222.7105

Faces of the Community ЛИКИ ОБЩИНЫ Имена: Костас

COSTAS MENEGAKIS Фамилия: Менегакис ENTREPRENEUR, POLITICIAN

- Насколько нам известно, Вы – нееврей. Что Вас свя-

зывает that с евреями?

It seems Costas Menegakis was always destined to be a supporter of the По происхождению я – грек, но Jewish иногда кажется, что мне community.

Asсуждено a kid, hisстать family owned an eight-общины. В всегда было другом еврейской годы моего детства моей восьмиэunit apartment building nextсемье to the принадлежал Jewish People тажный жилой дом в Монреале, располагавшийся School in Montreal — all the tenants were Jewish.рядом с еврейской школой. Соответственно, все жильцы The Menegakis family naturally became part ofбыли евреями. Моя семья органично влилась в еврейскую общину, the Jewish community, “participating in Jewish участвуя в еврейских праздниках, наслаждаясь Шаббатом. Мы полюбили еврейскую holidays, Shabbat, loving any блюда, food that had ‘Manischewitz’ кухню и сenjoying удовольствием елиand традиционные особенно гефилте фиш и даже on the wrapping and baby eggplant.” для себя покупали кошерные продукты.

FILM SCREENING SCREENING AND AND FILM REAL CONVERSATION CONVERSATION REAL BEN STERN STERN

WITHBEN WITH

Holocaust survivor survivor ,,aaHolocaust forwhom whomthe thepast pastisis never never past past and and whose whose courage, courage, for kindnessand andfaith faithremain remainintact, intact,isis tested tested once once again, again, kindness fiercelypublic publicbattle battleagainst against the the Nazis Nazis inin Skokie, Skokie, ininaafiercely Illinois.

Illinois.

Near Normal Normal Man Man isis aa half-hour half-hour documentary documentary film, film, Near told toldininaafirst-hand first-handaccount accountby byBen BenStern, Stern, aa Polish Polish Jew, Jew, who whosurvives survives22ghettos, ghettos,99concentration concentration camps camps and and 22 death deathmarches. marches. The TheNazis Nazis identify identify him him as as one one of of the the dangerous dangerousJews Jewsofofthe theWarsaw WarsawGhetto.

Ghetto.

Годы, проведенные в общине вместе с евреями, повлиялиwere на формирование Costas’ early experiences with the Jewish community formative. моего мировоззрения. Чем больше я узнавал о еврейской истории, о тех бедах и трагедиHe said it exposed him, first-hand, to the burden that the Jewish people ях, которые перенес еврейский народ, тем больше во мне крепло желание помогать carried, aroused inсебя him a desire help.

“I felt that carried it too. евреям.and Я чувствовал одним изtoних, ощущал груз Iнесчастий, доставшихся My life was being a Greek Jew who hadn’t converted, and whatever my просто на долю этого героического народа. Мне казалось, что я греческий еврей, friends had to deal with, so did I.” не проходивший процесс гиюра, и что мне приходится иметь дело со всем, с чем имеют дело мои еврейские друзья.

THURSDAY

NOVEMBER 14

7:30 PM 7608 YONGE ST., #3 #3

A businessman and entrepreneur, Costas is currently President and - Чем Вы сейчас занимаетесь?

C.E.O. of Tilwood Inc. – a national marketing and logistics company Я - бизнесмен предприниматель, в настоящее время John являюсь based in Ontario.иBut he came from humble beginnings. and президентом Tilwood Inc. - национальной маркетинговой и логистической компании. Но начало Panagiota, Costas parents, were born in a poor village in southern было весьма скромным. Мои родители, Джон и Панагиота, родились в бедной Greece that decimated by the were able to деревне на was юге Греции, которая во Nazis. время Eventually, войны былаthey уничтожена нацистами. В escape to Montreal, Canada where Costas and his two brothers were конце концов им удалось сбежать в Канаду, в Монреаль, где родились я и два моих born. брата. Поначалу было очень тяжело. Мой отец не отказывался ни от какой, даже самой But the early going was tough. John was forced to worked 18 hour тяжелой работы и трудился по 18 часов в день, чтобы содержать свою семью. Но days at any job he could find in order to support his young family. With со временем усилия и тяжкий труд принесли результаты: он смог купить многоtime, his efforts work paid off.я He was able to purchase the которому квартирный дом,and тот hard самый, о котором упоминал раньше, и благодаря apartment building that deeply contributed to the life-long connection образовалась моя тесная связь с еврейской общиной. between Costas and the Jewish community. Прошло время, я вырос и переехал в Онтарио, женился на самой замечательной женщине по имени Гейл. У нас двое детей. В настоящее время у них уже свои дети,

Costas grew up and eventually moved to Ontario, married Gail – who и я – счастливый дедушка, которого некоторые друзья называют «Зайда Грек». he describes as “an extraordinary woman” – and they had two children.

- Как Вы оказались в политической Today, he is a grandfather, known as среде?

“Zaidy Greek” to some friends.

RSVP: RSVP: $5 $5 online/ online/ $10 $10 at at door door www.jrcc.org/NearNormalMan www.jrcc.org/NearNormalMan or or 416-222-7105 416-222-7105

В 2011 году меня избрали в Палату общин, и я стал Членом Парламента. Я был

Inпарламентским 2011, Costas entered theминистра political realm when he was elected to секретарем по делам гражданства и иммиграции, а также членом постоянных комитетов Палаты общин по вопросам гражданства the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament.

He’s served as и иммиграции, процедурных и бытовых вопросов, языков, а также правительParliamentary Secretary to the Ministerофициальных of Citizenship and Immigration, ственных дел и оценок. as well as been a member of the House of Commons Standing В политике, как в жизни, я всегда старался использовать любую найти Committees forиCitizenship and Immigration, Procedure andвозможность House точки соприкосновения с еврейской темой. Так,Affairs я сопровождал премьер-министра Affairs, Official Languages, and Government and Estimates. Стивена Харпера во время его поездки в Израиль. Кстати, в этой же поездке также

участвовали 2 раввина JRCC –ways рабби Зальцман рабби Мендел He Зальцман.

Yet even in politics he found toЙосиф seek out Jewishи connections. accompanied Prime Minister Stephen Harper on his trip to visit Israel.

A Мое посещение Музея Холокоста явилось для меня ужасным шоком. Помню, что заплакал прямо на входе. Я былMendel простоand ошеломлен, видяZaltzman лица детей, trip in which JRCC’s own Rabbi Rabbi Yosef alsoгоревших заживо. Ужас Холокоста глубоко затронул мою душу, и я решил для себя, что преparticipated.

LESSON 1

CHANGING OF THE GARDEN

L E S S O N дотвращение 5 любого повторения антисемитизма в Канаде станет для меня одной

жизненных целей. поездка укрепила Израилю из главных Costa’s recalls the visit to theЭта Holocaust Museumмою as aприверженность powerful, и всем моим друзьям и“Iколлегам в еврейской общине. impactful experience. burst out crying when I went into the Holocaust Мои многолетние взаимоотношения евреями явились для меня своеобразным With the Rebbe’s outstanding, indefatigable optimism, he taught that all that transpires in the universe are Museum during that trip. Seeing theсfaces of those children, each one чувств, и мне сталиme.” небезразличны людей, которым не хватает expressions of G-d’s beautiful “garden.” How can we dig beneath the surface and uncover that wellspring of litвоспитанием with a candle, overwhelmed The horror судьбы of the Holocaust deeply goodness and virtue? Gain поддержки, расширения возможностей и ощущения равенства. Я очень обеспокоен L Einsight S S Ointo N a2different view of the world.

L E S S O Naffected 6 him, and he talks about preventing any kind of recurrence позицией Джастина Трюдо и его солидарностью с Агентством Организациии Объof anti-semitism in Canada as one of his major life goals. “It only Nov. 4 - 8:00pm at JRCC West Thornhill / Nov. 5 - 7:30pm at JRCC East Thornhill единенных Наций, занимающимся помощью палестинским беженцам в Сирии, reinforced my commitment to Israel andи all my friends and colleagues Ливане, на Западном берегу реки Иордан в секторе Газа (БАПОР). Трюдо ускоряет inстатус the Jewish community.” чтобы они могли голосовать, и он сбрасывает миллиозаявителей-беженцев,

Yoga Yoga & & Yogurt Yogurt LESSON 3

LESSON 4

L E S S O N ны 7 долларов в Онтарио с той же целью, в то время как наши ветераны едва зараба-

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 Tuesday,7:30 October p.m. 29, 2019 7:30 p.m.

Stretch, relax and meditate in a yoga session certified Stretch,with relaxKinneret, and meditate in ayoga yoga instructor teachers trainer.yoga session withand Kinneret, certified trainer.

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health to participate) (PS. women need to be in good physical health to participate) www.JrccEastThornhill.org/yoga

His relationship the законопослушные Jewish people has also translated intoлишь a care тывают на жизнь,with а наши пенсионеры получают крошечную and concern all kinds ofвсю people who lack support, opportunity, and пенсию послеfor того, как они жизнь выплачивали государству налоги. equality. am so concerned about Justin Trudeau and hisпредлагающие support of услуги Я считаю“I необходимым активно поддерживать программы, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine семьям, а также нашей молодежи и пожилым людям. В связи сRefugees этим я консультирую (UNRWA).

Heобщественных is speeding up the status of refugee claimants so they в нескольких организациях. can vote and he’s millions of dollarsнезамеченными. into Ontario for the - Мы знаем, что dumping Ваши усилия не остались Выsame награждены purpose – while our veterans barely eke out a living and our law-abiding золотыми и алмазными юбилейными медалями Ее Величества Королевы Seniors onlyII, get a tiny pension a lifetime of paying taxes.” Елизаветы а также получилиafter признание Организации Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow.

He is an ardent supporter of programs that offer services to families (Справка для наших читателей: «Ротари» - это глобальная сеть, состоящая из 1,2 particularly to our youth and elderly, and has served in advisory roles миллиона соседей, друзей, лидеров и тех, кто может решать и решает проблемы, toлюдей, several community-based organizations.

And Costas has been объединившихся для того, чтобы менять мир к лучшему). recognized and awarded for his dedicated efforts. He was awarded Her От имени читателей журнала «Эксодус» хотим пожелать Вам успеха в Вашей Majesty’s Queen Elizabeth II Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals, and is a деятельности на благо нашей общины. recipient of Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow recognition.

Fee: $15 www.JrccEastThornhill.org/yoga

Fee: $15

www.jrcc.org

ОКТЯБРЬ 2019 | НАША ОБЩИНА | 1

JRCC Our Community

15

e?

ited ess to

416-222-7105 | www.jrcc.org Jewish Russian Community Center of Ontario

JRCC FURNITURE DEPOT BENEFITS FROM SENECA 360 SERVICE FOR NONPROFITS

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JRCC BRANCHES JRCC of Ontario: 5987 Bathurst St., #3 Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman x278 Roi Aftabi, COO x257 JRCC S. Richmond Hill & Maple: 9699 Bathurst St. Rabbi Avrohom Zaltzman x247 JRCC Concord: 411 Confederation Parkway, #14 Rabbi Avraham Weinstein x 249 JRCC Affiliate CRC of Thornhill Woods: 8808 Bathurst St. Rabbi Chaim Hildeshaim (416) 818-8492 JRCC West Thornhill: 1136 Centre St., #2 Rabbi Levi Jacobson x240 JRCC East Thornhill: 7608 Yonge St., #3 Rabbi Mendel Zaltzman x227 JRCC South Thornhill: 1 Cordoba Dr., Party Room Rabbi Levi Blau x288 JRCC Steeles & Hilda: 175 Hilda Ave., Party Room Mr. Melekh Brikman x282

FURNITURE DEPOT

The JRCC Anne & Ed Mirvish Furniture Depot was selected to receive creative support from the talented team at Seneca College through its Seneca 360 program. Seneca 360 provides access to a range of professional services by helping your organization utilize our student and alumni expertise to deliver better services to the community. The Seneca team collaborated with the Furniture Depot to create a professional and engaging promotional video to support the important work of the Furniture Depot.

The video, created by students who were guided by their experienced professors, outlines the work and contributions that the Furniture Depot makes in the community. The professors and students were extremely committed to creating a professional and informative promotional video outlining the services the Furniture Depot provides to its clients. This video is being shared on the Furniture Depot’s Facebook page and through other channels to promote the JRCC Furniture Depot | 1416 Centre St | Vaughan, ON 416-222-7105 ext. 500 | www.jrccfurnituredepot.org

organization, and spread word about the important work of helping families in our community establish stable homes.

“The Furniture Depot team is so grateful for having had the opportunity to partner with the dedicated member of Seneca 360, who truly assisted us in creating meaningful content that generates awareness and promotes out work,” expressed Dikla Yogev, the Director of the Furniture Depot. “We hope that such an attractive and engaging presentation will raise awareness so that more families Пожертвуйте will benefit from свою our service, and more people мебель will appreciate and be нуждающимся! inspired to support our work in the community.”

The video can be viewed and Звоните shared нам on the Furniture Depot’s @ Facebook 416-222-7105 page: ext. 248 facebook.com/jrccfurnituredepot.

ПЕРЕЕЗЖАЕТЕ? РЕМОНТ?

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JRCC@Rockford: 18 Rockford Rd. Rabbi Shmuel Neft x235 JRCC Affiliate Jewish Gorsky Assn.: 465 Patricia Ave. Rabbi Dovid Davidov x255 JRCC Willowdale: 5700 Yonge St. Rabbi Yisroel Zaltzman x231 JRCC Sheppard & Bathurst Senior’s Building 4455 Bathurst St., Party Room / Mr. Roman Goldstein x221 JRCC Lawrence & Bathurst Senior’s Building 3174 Bathurst St., Party Room / Mr. Mordechai Natarov x221

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tment*)

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Relève du gouvernement de l’Ontario.

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JRCC Directory

JRCC Program Spotlight

L&M Gelfand Daycare JRCC Daycare and Preschool x501

JRCC Hebrew School Sunday and after-school program x225 Institute of Jewish Studies Classes & Lectures for Adults x221 Exodus Magazine Monthly Publications in Rus & Eng x222 JRCC Bookstore & Library jrcc.org/bookstore x221

SOCIAL PROGRAMS Furniture Depot: 1416 Centre St. #6 x500 jrccfurnituredepot.org Hospital & Jail Visitations x221 Family Counselling & Legal Advice Holiday Programs x234 Events, Parties & Holiday Awareness Jewish Identity Verification x237 Mazal Makalski jewishidentity@jrcc.org Simcha Gemach x234 Chanie Zaltzman chanie.zaltzman@jrcc.org Volunteering x254 Get involved in your community!

JRCC Furniture Depot | 1416 Centre St | Vaughan, ON 416-222-7105 ext. 500 | www.jrccfurnituredepot.org

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September 2019 / Elul 5779

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SHARE THE JOY! t he ex odus ma g azine sim cha sectio n

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BAR-MITZVAH!

on his birthday!

Yoseph Chaim Hakak

ENGAGEMENT! Boris Virine & Dasha Migounova Jonathan Segal & Danielle Serfaty Eric Gelman & Yael Stern

May Hashem send you an abundance of blessings materially and spiritually

MARRIAGE! Mendel Lerman & Chana Kantor Stanislav Guletsky & Elana Khaykin Josh Herman & Elise Kopman Gregory Tcherniak & Anna Sak Eitan Amaev & Jsessica Sara Benhaim Laurence Spektor & Veronica Vekselshtein

With best wishes, the JRCC Staff

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perspectives

Israel and Hizbullah on Verge of War? Dr. Jacques Neriah

F

or 26 years, the State of Israel has been tolerating Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Hizbullah, the Iranian terrorist organization founded in Lebanon in 1982. Still, the man remains an enigma in the eyes of many in Israel. Nasrallah is the Shiite leader who has transformed the historically persecuted Shi’ite community in Lebanon into a power that dictates the political and military agenda of the Land of the Cedars.

Nasrallah’s defenders see him as a man of his word who stands behind his policy declarations, “a rare Arab politician” who has proven that he means what he says, and a man of deep understanding of Israel.

The truth is quite different: Nasrallah, who has declared himself and his terrorist organization to be Lebanon’s “Resistance Movement,” has managed to penetrate and inject Hizbullah into the Lebanese nationstate because of its inherent weakness and sectarian paralysis. He has exploited Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 as well as the Second Lebanese War in 2006 to present Hizbullah as the alternative shield to the Lebanese national army that has been relegated to military parades and domestic police duties.

Having paid a painful price for its military involvement, Hizbullah is concentrating on rebuilding its units after withdrawing a significant part of its fighting forces from Syria. Lebanon’s economic crisis together with sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran and Hizbullah have resulted in a severe cut of Iranian financial aid and revived the rival political forces in Lebanon – some Maronite Christian and some Sunni Muslim – against Hizbullah’s intervention and paralyzing of the Lebanese body politic.

Since August 2006, the State of Israel has opted not to target Hizbullah in Lebanon and concentrated on intelligence gathering and following closely Iran’s massive efforts to rearm and update Hizbullah’s arsenal.

Hundreds of attacks were carried out with great success and generally without great fanfare by the Israeli Air force in Syria.

According to unconfirmed sources in Iraq, the attacks against missile depots, supply warehouses, and convoys coming from Iran

18

by land, sea, and air damaged Hizbullah forces. The Israeli campaign extended to targeting the Iranian-Hizbullah process of missile upgrades, but did not prevent the build-up of a huge array of more than 120,000 rockets and missiles of various types.

Notably, Hizbullah did not respond or retaliate to any of those attacks against targets in Syria since it was clear that Israel was dictating its terms on the ground. Even targeted attacks attributed to Israel against Hizbullah military commanders resulted in limited military responses by Hizbullah.

A sort of equation was created over the years: Israel would target and hit outside of Lebanon, and Israel would continue to overfly the Lebanese airspace for its own purposes. Under the cover of this equation between Israel and Hizbullah, the terrorist organization was emboldened day after day.

Recently, the intensity of the Israeli attacks in Syria and the destruction of high-value targets on its soil brought a transformation in Nasrallah’s attitude. His rhetoric changed radically when he suddenly heralded a new formula according to which a new axis had been established between the different forces on Israel’s fronts. Thus, any Israeli attack on Syria, Gaza, or Lebanon would automatically provoke Hizbullah’s response against Israeli targets.

On August 30, 2019, Nasrallah claimed that Israel had carried out a night attack with two drones in the Dahiyeh neighborhood, targeting undefined targets (according to the London Times, the target was a sophisticated mixing machine used for the production of solid fuel for missiles). He promised to retaliate. Nasrallah declared that from now on, he would target at his discretion any drone or aircraft penetrating the Lebanese airspace.

Moreover, by attacking an Israeli military vehicle with anti-tank missiles (and missing) in the Avivim area (on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon), the Hizbullah leader declared his resolve to establish new rules of engagement according to which Israel will be prohibited to overfly the Lebanese airspace and act in Lebanon under any circumstance.

Nasrallah further warned that Hizbullah’s retaliation will be no longer be limited to the Shab’aa farms area (an area contested between Israel and Syria, not Lebanon, according to the UN) but will encompass the whole border area between Israel and Lebanon as well as Israel’s interior.

Nasrallah has thrown down the gauntlet toward Israel only to see Israel returning it to the sender by making clear again and again that it would not allow Hizbullah’s program to develop into a precision missile project.

Judging from the reactions of the body politic in Lebanon against Hizbullah and Nasrallah (and Iran) intending to drag Lebanon into a superfluous and costly war that would bring havoc on Lebanon, as well as the mockery of the Arab press which presented the Hizbullah action in Avivim as a fiasco, it seems likely that Hizbullah would blink first. Both Israel and Hizbullah are interested at this time to contain the events, but any skirmish can suddenly turn into a major military confrontation, with Israel focused on destroying the existential threat created by the precision missile program. EM Col. (ret.) Dr. Jacques Neriah, a special analyst for the Middle East at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, was formerly Foreign Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Deputy Head for Assessment of Israeli Military Intelligence.

Elul 5779

perspectives

Happiness as a Military Strategy Yoseph Janowski

I

t happened fourty-six years ago on Yom Kippur, 1973. The Egyptians broke through Israel's fortifications along the Suez Canal on Yom Kippur, and an empty dessert was all that stood between the Egyptian army and Tel Aviv.

At the time I was a yeshiva student spending the holy day with the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Brooklyn. The entire Jewish world was intensely worried. I later read that Israel's defense minister, Moshe Dayan, reportedly felt that the situation was hopeless.

Towards the end of Yom Kippur, the Rebbe stood on a chair and clapped vigorously urging and conducting the Chassidic victory song called Napoleon's March. Though this had become an annual ritual at this point, this year it seemed the Rebbe was clapping much more vigorously than usual.

A day or two later, the Rebbe said that the way to help Israel is to be joyful, putting our full trust in G‑d's deliverance.

He related the teaching of the Baal Shem Tov on the verse, "G‑d is your shadow," explaining that just as a shadow mirrors the person, so too G‑d’s actions reflect ours. So when we are happy and confident and trust that all will be good, G‑d responds in kind.

The Rebbe instructed that we should all redouble our efforts to rejoice on Sukkot, a festival of joy. Borrowing from the verse, "The world will be filled with the knowledge of G‑d," the Rebbe said that the world should be filled with farbrenging (joyous gatherings) with G‑d. He instructed all the older Chassidim to lead farbrengens, which increased the joy of us students, as we soaked in the teachings and songs. The Jewish world was awash in worry, while we rejoiced.

As the war progressed, one elderly and respected Chassid spoke in public, that because Israeli soldiers are in such a dire predicament, that the Chassidim need to approach the Rebbe and ask him to pray.

A group of Chassidim then did so. I later heard that upon reading their petition, the Rebbe’s mood went from joyous to solemn; but when Chassidim give a petition, one must accept it.

September 2019

These interactions seemed to emphasize even more the importance of continuing with the rejoicing as a means of combatting the darkness. By the time that Simchat Torah came, the war was still in full swing, but Israel was now winning. The Israeli army was about thirty kilometers from Damascus. At the hakofot (dancing with the Torahs) I saw how two Israelis stood next to the Rebbe. The multitude of Chassidim who had gathered to celebrate hakofot with the Rebbe stood there, watching quietly, while the Rebbe conversed with the two guests for over an hour. I later found out that the Rebbe told his guests, one of whom was the Israeli consul for New York, that Israel should march into Damascus, Syria's capital city. But Israel never did so.

After the war, the Rebbe pointed out that the big miracle of the war was that instead of marching to Tel Aviv, the Egyptians waited for three days, giving Israel the opportunity to regroup and counter-attack.

The Rebbe said that it didn't make any sense. Why did Egypt wait? There was nothing stopping them from marching on.

This was an open miracle – G‑d confused them so that Israel could regroup, attack, and win the war.

The second Israeli who conversed with the Rebbe on that fateful Simchat Torah

was a historian by the name of Arie Morgenstern. In subsequent interviews and letters he relates the following: The Rebbe referred to a Talmudic passage, “If someone tells you that Kisri and Jerusalem are both settled, don't believe him. And if he tells you that both cities are in ruins, don't believe him. But if he says that one of these cities is in ruins, and the other is settled, believe him.” The Rebbe brought sources to demonstrate that Kisri refers to Damascus. The Rebbe went on to explain to his two guests, that if Israel marches into Damascus, it would demoralize all the Arab nations, and as a result there would be peace for many years. The men relayed the Rebbe's message to the top echelons in Israel, but they decided to not march into Damascus for fear of Russian intervention.

Fast forward to 2010 and the events up to today. The Arab Spring turns the Arab world upside down. In Syria a civil war lays waste to much of the country. Recent reports describe Damascus as "lifeless."

The economy is in ruins, and the currency has devalued drastically. People can't get basic needs; they wait in line for nineteen hours just to get a rationed supply of gasoline. And the Syrian regime is no longer the threat it once was to Israel.

Israel, on the other hand, has emerged as a superpower in the Middle East. Nations all over the world want to benefit from Israel's technological innovations, and from Israel's newly discovered reservoirs of natural gas. Jerusalem has been recognized by the United States as Israel's capital.

Numerous Arab countries, afraid of Iran, have now forged alliances with Israel.

“If someone tells you that Damascus is in ruins, and Jerusalem is settled, believe him.” Indeed. Seeing the tremendous miracles that G‑d is doing for Israel and the Jewish people should encourage us that we will very soon see the complete rebuilding of Jerusalem, with the complete Redemption, when we and all humanity will experience true and unlimited joy, as the water covers the sea. EM

Yoseph Janowski lives in Toronto, Canada.

exodusmagazine.org

19

Sukkot

Shmini Atzeret &

Simchat Torah OCT 13–20

What is Sukkot?

What is Shmini Atzeret?

Of all the Jewish holidays, Sukkot is the only one whose date does not seem to commemorate a historic event. The Torah refers to it by two names: Chag HaAsif (“the Festival of Ingathering,” or “Harvest Festival”) and Chag HaSukkot (“Festival of Booths”), each expressing a reason for the holiday.

The first day, Shmini Atzeret, features the prayer for rain, officially commemorating the start of the Mediterranean (i.e., Israeli) rainy season, and the Yizkor prayer. We no longer take the Four Kinds, and we no longer mention Sukkot in the day’s prayers; in the Diaspora, however, we do still eat in the sukkah (but without reciting the blessing).

In Israel, crops grow in the winter and are ready for harvest in the late spring. Some of them remain out in the field to dry for a few months and are only ready for harvest in the early fall. Chag HaAsif is a time to express appreciation for this bounty. The name Chag HaSukkot commemorates the temporary dwellings G‑d made to shelter our ancestors on their way out of Egypt (some say this refers to the miraculous clouds of glory that shielded us from the desert sun, while others say it refers to the tents in which they dwelled for their 40‑year trek through the Sinai desert).

What is Simchat Torah?

For seven days and nights, we eat all our meals in the sukkah and otherwise regard it as our home. Located under the open sky, the sukkah is made up of at least three walls and a roof of unprocessed natural vegetation—typically bamboo, pine boughs or palm branches. The goal is to spend as much time as possible in the sukkah, at the very minimum eating all meals in the sukkah—particularly the festive meals on the first two nights of the holiday Another Sukkot observance is the taking of the Four Kinds – an etrog (citron), a lulav (palm frond), three hadassim (myrtle twigs) and two aravot (willow twigs) – on each day of the festival, except Shabbat.

The highlight of the second day, Simchat Torah (“The Joy of the Torah”), is the hakafot, held on both the eve and the morning of Simchat Torah, in which we march and dance with the Torah scrolls around the reading table in the synagogue.

On this joyous day when we conclude the Torah, it is customary for all the children to be called to the Torah. This, together with the dancing and celebratory spirit, makes it a true child‑friendly time to come to synagogue.

After the final aliyah of the Torah, we immediately begin a new cycle from the beginning of Genesis (from a second Torah scroll); this is because as soon as we conclude studying the Torah, G‑d’s infinite wisdom, on one level, we immediately start again, this time to discover new and loftier interpretations.

In the Land of Israel, the celebration and customs of these two days are compressed into one day

Life After the Holidays

The seventh day of the holiday is known as Hoshanah Rabbah. This is the day when our fates for the coming year—which were signed on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur—are finalized.

So, now what? We are approaching a long stretch on the Jewish calendar with not a single holiday until Chanukah, and this is an indication of our challenge: To carry the spiritual accomplishments and excitement of the High Holidays into the rest of the year. The spiritual highs are beautiful, but the real purpose is to bring it down to earth.

Sukkot To Do List

Shmini Atzeret & Simchat Torah To Do List

Light Holiday Candles (Oct. 13: 6:20pm, Oct. 14*: after 7:19pm) Women and girls light up the world.

See calendar or prayerbook for blessings.

Light Holiday Candles (Oct. 20: 6:08pm, Oct. 21*: after 7:08pm) Women and girls light up the world.

See calendar or prayerbook for blessings.

Eat in the Sukkah (from Oct. 13 until Oct. 21) On Sukkot it is customary to eat all meals in a sukkah.

Consult a prayerbook for blessings and kiddush text.

Hakafot: Dance with the Torah Oct. 21 and 22 See information below.

Lulav & Etrog Bless the four species on each day, except Shabbat. For blessings and customs, consult page 240 of the Tehillat Hashem Prayerbook.

Yizkor: Remeberance of the Departed Light Yizkor candles at home before 6:08 pm on Oct. 20.

Recite the special Yizkor prayer in synagogue at 12 pm on Oct. 21.

It is customary to begin preparing for Sukkot immediately following the end of Yom Kippur by purchasing the Four Species and begining the construction of the Sukkah.

For a complete Shmini Atzeret & Simchat Torah schedule including locations: please consult the JRCC Calendar, call our office: 416.222.7105 or visit us online at jrcc.org.

JRCC SUKKAH PARTIES & CELEBRATIONS! — SEE PAGE ?? FOR A LIST OF EVENTS.

DANCE ALL NIGHT! MONDAY, OCT. 21: 7:45 PM The floorboards will be shaking as we dance together all evening.

Join the JRCC’s Simchat Torah celebration at your local Community Synagogue. Call 416.222.7105 for more information.

The dancing continues the following day as well.

* From a pre-existing flame.

20

OCT 20–22

* From a pre-existing flame.

Elul 5779

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Bus: (416) 640-2600 Fax: (416) 640-2601 Cell: (416) 294-4469

5799 Yonge St., Suite #1107 North York, ON M2M 3V3

gsaprikin@northwoodmortgages.com H.O 7676 WoodbineAve., Suite 300, Markham, ON L3R2N2

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Gregory and Basya Rabkin are Proud Supporters of Exodus Magazine.

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Shana Tova!

LUXURY PRIMROSE Approx 1400 sq. f., 2 exits to balcony, 2 bdrm, 2 wshr, All windows panoramic, window in ktchn & breakfast area, steps from shops and TTC ASKED PRICE: $268,800

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Wishes the entire Jewish Community a Happy Rosh Hashana!

Visit your local NO FRILLS store to find a large variety of fine Kosher products Carlo’s NoFrills: 6220 Yonge St. North York, ON M2M 3X4 Vince’s NoFrills: 1631 Rutherford Rd. Vaughan, ON L4K 0C1 Justin’s NoFrills: 1054 Center St. Vaughan ON L4J 3M8 Pat’s NoFrills: 270 Wilson Ave. North York, ON M3H 1S6

Tishrei / Cheshvan 5780

marketplace

The EUROPEAN FURNITURE Our qualified sales staff will help you select the style of furniture that suits your taste, lifestyle and decorative needs.

Our store features a wide selection of fine European furniture and the best furniture around the world.

Наши квалифицированные продавцы помогут вам правильно подобрать мебель, со вкусом полностью обставить ваш дом.

Contact us: 416-736-7558

Visit us: 4699 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 2N8 (1 Block South of Steeles) Open daily 10 am to 8 pm

Большой выбор европейской мебели и гарнитуров лучших дизайнеров.

Visit www.TheEuropeanFurniture.ca ‫ב״ה‬

Help Shape The Future Of Your Community

The upcoming federal elections will take place on

OCTOBER 21, 2019 Election Day is on the Yom Tov of Shemini Etzeret.

Take time to plan how you will vote.

THERE ARE MANY ALTERNATIVES TO VOTING ON ELECTION DAY: • BY MAIL. You must register by phone or online by October 15th in order to receive a vote-by-mail kit.

• ADVANCE POLLS. Advance polls are open on October 11-14. We encourage people to go on the 11th or 13th as the other dates coincide with Shabbat and Sukkot.

• ON CAMPUS. You can vote at some 115 campus offices across the country from October 5 to 9. You do not need to be a student to vote on campus.

Jewish Russian Community Centre of Ontario

October 2019

• ELECTIONS CANADA OFFICE. Electors can register and vote at any Elections Canada office until October 15.

• KIOSK VOTING CENTRES. Kiosks will be set up in communities with a large Jewish population.

For more information on how and where to vote visit elections.ca or call

1-800-463-6868

Use your democratic right!

Vote for the party that will have the most positive influence on Jewish life in Canada and the people of Israel.

www.exodusmagazine.org

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marketplace vwwc

SEFER TORAH JOIN US IN WRITING A

IN HONOR OF THE WORLDWIDE CAUCASIAN JEWISH COMMUNITY !!!

Fulfilling the Mitzvah - biblical commandment - of ”write this song for yourselves and teach it to the children of Israel“.

To buy a letter, a paragraph or a parsha please contact Rabbi David Davidov at 647.706.7708 or 647.836.0007 rabbi.david.davidov@gmail.com

Now a days this company with more than 118 years of history holds a leading position among the manufacturers of alcoholic beverages in Moldova. Unique climate, fertile soil, hilly terrain and vicinity of the river Dniester created most favorable conditions for growing best grapes; modern equipment, advanced technologies, original recipes, respect to ancient traditions and passionate work of KVINT professionals – all these factors allow to produce admirable beverages, which compete with world renowned brands.

Locals consider KVINT a national treasure and a symbol of their country.

Its factory is shown on the 5 Transnistrian ruble banknote.

Kvint distillery is the oldest enterprise still in operation from 1897 in the region. KVINT is one of Transnistria's largest exporters, to Italy and China as well as Russia and Ukraine; its brandy has gone to the Vatican and into space.

Kvint XO brandy was first produced by the Tiraspol Wine & Cognac Distillery KVINT in 1967 as a dedication to the jubilee of the October Revolution. It is made from the premium quality “eaux-de-vie” spirits seasoned in oak barrels not less than 20 years according to classical “French methode”.

KVINT (acronym for Kon’iaki, vina i napitki Tiraspol’ia ("divins, wines, and beverages of Tiraspol") is a winery and distillery based in Tiraspol, the administrative center of Transnistria. Even though it underwent through many difficulties, being twice destroyed by

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Exodus Magazine

wars, becoming a part of prohibition law in the 80s, the company is now an important economic player in a region, producing more than 20 million bottles of alcoholic beverages per year.

Although the distillery's roster includes an assortment of wines, gins, and vodkas, by far the most famous of its products are its award-winning brandies. Like all top-notch spirits, the high quality of this liquor begins with the region's grapes. Occupying the land east of the River Dniester, Transnistria is in the heart of the ancient Bessarabian wine region, a gem of viniculture perched above the Black Sea that has also survived the many ups and downs of centuries of Russian rule.

Plucked from the Bessarabian vine, the grapes fortunate enough to make their way to Tiraspol are transformed into brandy using a process identical to that used to make Cognac in France—double distilled in copper pots, aged in oak barrels, and then carefully blended with water and sugar. The grapes are of a typical Cognac variety, an assortment that includes Colombard, Riesling, and Ugni Blanc. Despite the company's rigid adherence to the French production methods, Kvint is not located in Cognac, France and therefore cannot formally call their products "Cognacs." Instead they use the Moldovan word divin, hence Kvint's name, which is an acronym for the Russian phrase "divins, wines, and beverages of Tiraspol." But in a land where international laws don't seem to really apply, most local people still refer to Kvint's products as Cognacs, and it is called Brandy everywhere else in the world.

Also Kvint is focusing their efforts on making a wide assortment of wines. Along with ordinary table dry, semi-sweet and dessert wines, the KVINT’s portfolio can boast of some excellent varietal and blended wines matured in oak barriques, according to traditional production process from 9 months to 3 years.

Shop for the best selection of Kvint Wine : KVINT CABERNET SAUVIGNON KOSHER 2015, LCBO #455138 This wine is made under control of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of New York (USA), OU, it has the status of Kosher for PASSOVER, Mevushal (approved for Passover, pasteurized). This wine is made from the selected grapes grown in own vineyards of KVINT. It features pleasant astringency and harmonious acidity. Its bouquet is complex with aroma of nightshade berries enriched with hints of morocco leather.

KVINT MERLOT KOSHER 2015, LCBO # 455112 Bright berry aromas: hints of cassis, and delicate nuances of prunes and cherry.

It is velvety on the palate, with barely perceptible astringency and freshness.

BRANDY KVINT KOSHER and DIVIN KVINT KOSHER FOR PASSOVER are now available at LCBO stores, Vintage # 577817 and # 540039.

It is made under control of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of New York (USA), OU, it has the status of Kosher for Passover (approved for Passover).

It is made by special production process with eauxde-vie and wine-distilled spirits aged in oak barrels not less than a year. It features fine golden color, harmonious taste and bright floral aroma with light tones of maturity.

Tishrei / Cheshvan 5780

Sponsored by:

memorials

350 Ste­e­les Ave. West, Thornhill (416) 733-2000 • (905) 881-6003 • www.steeles.org

Our Deepest Sympathies to the families of: Gourevitch Lev Gordin Ida Bast Genya Flier Julia Yuhudit Tsamov Sofia Sonya Winer Arie Mandeleeva Lioubov Luba Olifson Natalia Chava Bantchik Leonid Vitsas Rachel Zlatin Faina Faiga Adler Betsy Yehudit Kravtsova Ninel Sigidinova Maria Miriam Dvortsan Anna Hannah From the rabbis of the Jewish Russian Community Centre Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman (Senior Rabbi) Rabbi Levi Blau Rabbi David Davidov Rabbi Chaim Hildeshaim Rabbi Levi Jacobson

For all your family bereavement needs (funeral, Rabbiservices, Shmuelshiva, Neft yahrzeit and unveiling, kaddish memorial plaques) the JRCC rabbis are here to Rabbi Mendel Zaltzman assist you, 24 hours a day. Services available in Russian, English and Yiddish.

RabbiHebrew, Avrohom Zaltzman 416.222.7105 x221

October 2019

www.exodusmagazine.org

25

Sponsored by:

350 Ste­e­les Ave. West, Thornhill (416) 733-2000 • (905) 881-6003 • www.steeles.org

B”H

In loving memory of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Your legacy of unwavering devotion to family endures, as does our love for you.

You will always be the crown jewel of our family and our everlasting guide through life.

Forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Your loving wife, children, grandchildren and sons-in-law

HAIM (HENRY, YEFIM) KULBATSKI Z”L

Toronto, Canada

JANUARY 22, 1944 - AUGUST 27, 2018 26 TEVET, 5704 - 16 ELUL, 5778

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Fill out the form below and mail it in or order online at www.exodusmagazine.org.

Mail to: Exodus Magazine, 5987 Bathurst St., #3, Toronto, ON M2R 1Z3 Canada.

Slava Shelepin and MoveUp Realty team would like to express their sincere condolences to the Winer Family

Subscription Type (choose one): q Canadian subscription — $18 per year q US/International subscription — $36 US per year

Mailing Address: Name: ___________________________________________ Address: _______________________ Postal Code: ______ Tel: ____________________ E-mail: __________________ Gift Subscription: q I am purchasing this subscription as a gift for: Name: ___________________________________________ Address: _______________________ Postal Code: ______ Tel: ____________________ E-mail: __________________ Sponsorships: q I would like to be an Exodus Sponsor: Amount: $_________ (Sponsorships are tax deductible) Payment Method (select one): q Cheque — payable to JRCC Exodus Magazine q Bill me q Credit card:

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We can only pray to God to give you and your family the strength and courage to cope with this loss.

You are in our prayers.

Tishrei / Cheshvan 5780

FIERA FOODS COMPANY IS HIRING! As one of North America’s largest, privately-owned large-scale bakeries, Fiera Foods Company and affiliated companies has an incredible history of expansion, innovation and quality over the past 30 years.

We’re looking for outstanding people to join our outstanding team.

• Production (Mixers, Scalers, Oven Operators, Production Line Operators,

General Production Staff, Forklift Operators, Shipper/Receivers); • Skilled Trades (Electricians, Mechanics, Refrigeration Mechanics, PLC Technicians) • Sales (Canada and US); • Management (Lead hand, Supervisory, Management, Project Engineers)

Our commitment to quality, excellence, and responsiveness are critical to our team and our success. Superior communication, teamwork and attention to detail are expected of everyone.

Please submit your resume and your compensation expectations to jobs@fierafoods.com or call 416-707-9424.

We thank all in advance for their interest, however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

vwwc

Jewish Russian Community Centre of Ontario Еврейский Центр Русскоязычной Oбщины

S MCHAT

TORAH

L VE OCTOBER 21 | 7:45-9:00pm

Join the JRCC branch near you for all-night dancing with the Torah on this most joyous holiday.

RICHMOND HILL/MAPLE Rabbi Avrohom Zaltzman 9699 Bathurst St.

THORNHILL WOODS Rabbi Chaim Hildeshaim NTCC, 300 Pleasant Ridge

SOUTH THORNHILL Rabbi Levi Blau 1 Cordoba Dr. (Party Room)

GORSKY COMMUNITY Rabbi David Davidov 465 Patricia Ave. (Downstairs)

CONCORD Rabbi Avraham Weinstein 411 Confederation Pkwy., Unit 14

WEST THORNHILL Rabbi Levi Jacobson 1136 Centre St., Unit 2

STEELES/HILDA Melekh Brikman 175 Hilda Ave. (Party Room)

WILLOWDALE Rabbi Yisroel Zaltman 5700 Yonge St. (N of Finch) (Questrade)

EAST THORNHILL Rabbi Mendel Zaltzman 7608 Yonge St., Unit 3

NORTH YORK Rabbi Shmuel Neft 18 Rockford Rd.

More information: 416.222.7105 www.jrcc.org Address correction requested

PM 40062996