Thursday, Feb. 16
POWER OF SUCCESS
The Segal Centre’s Young Leaders and the Jewish Chamber of Commerce holds a forum on “Business, the Arts and Philanthropy:The Power of Success,” guest speakers are John Rae of Power Corporation and Sidemart’s Andrew Shaver, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the centre. Elise Abecassis, 514-345-2655.
‘THE BROTHERHOOD’
The Westmount branch of the Cummings Centre at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom examines the Muslim Brotherhood in a four-session course starting today and continuing Feb. 23, March 1 and March 8, 1-3 p.m. Register, Stefani Novick at 514-342-1234, ext. 7201.
GLITZ & SHPRITZ
The West Island Jewish Family Learning Centre stages a women’s only Glitz & Shpritz event, 7-9 p.m., 96 Roger Pilon in Dollard des Ormeaux. Reservations a must, Cheryl Bender, at 514-624-5005.
PING PONG WITH A TWIST
Watch the Habs play on a big screen and compete in a ping-pong tournament “with a twist,” 7-10 p.m. at a Federation CJA YAD West event, 150 Onedia Drive in Pointe Claire. Contact Stu Guttman at 514-624-5005.
Friday, Feb. 17
NEW TEMPLE E RABBI
Although Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom’s incoming new senior rabbi, Lisa Grushcow, doesn’t officially take over the reins from Rabbi Leigh Lerner until July 1 (he’ll become rabbi emeritus), she’s spending the weekend in town to introduce herself and her family to the Jewish community, beginning with a guest sermon at 8:15 p.m today. On Feb. 18, Rabbi Grushcow leads the 11:30 a.m. family service and will take part in a “meet and greet” at 5:30 p.m. followed by Havdalah at 3 Capri in Dollard des Ormeaux. On Feb. 19, 10 a.m., there will be a congregational brunch with Rabbi Grushcow speaking on “L’Dor va-Dor: Gifts the Generations Give Each Other.” Rabbi Grushcow will be accompanied on her visit to Montreal by her partner, Rabbi Andrea Myers, and their two daughters, Ariella,8, and Alice, 2. RSVP for the brunch at 514-937-3575, ext. 213.
OPERA INTELLIGENCE
Patrick Hansen, director of Opera McGill, speaks about the Multiple Intelligences of Opera, 10 a.m. at the Cummings Centre. Call Joyce, 514-342-1234, ext. 7318.
Saturday, Feb. 18
MONTRÉAL YIDDISH
Chantal Ringuet, a teacher at the University of Ottawa and author of À la découverte de Montréal Yiddish, is interviewed by host Leslie Lutsky on Jewish Digest, 8:30 a.m., Radio Centre-Ville, 102.3 FM.
Sunday, Feb. 19
OPERA SERIES
The Creative Social Centre’s opera series at Congregation Chevra Kadisha B’nai Jacob features Othello at 2 p.m. Details at 514-488-0907.
Tuesday, Feb. 21
KOLLEL AVRECHIM GALA
Rabbi Asher Benoliel’s Sephardic Talmudic and Torah learning centre in Cote St. Luc, Kollel Avrechim, is holding its ninth annual gala cocktail reception, chaired by Meir Benizri, 6-9:30 p.m. at the Montreal Torah Centre, 28 Cleve Rd. The guest speaker is Rabbi Eli Mansour of the Kehillat Bet Yaakob in Brooklyn, N.Y. Rabbi Mansour is author of the Sephardi Heritage Haggadah and operates several online Jewish outlets such as dailyhalacha.com. RSVP at 514-488-1632.
MOOD, FOOD CONNECTION
The “mood and food connection” is examined by nutritionist Myrite Rotstein , 7 p.m. at Congregation Shaar Hashomayim Sisterhood event. Reserve at 514-937-9471, ext. 139.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre is recruiting Grade 11, CEGEP, and university students considering a career in the health-care professions for its unique MISSIVE volunteer program, in which they work with and interact with residents as well as take part in lectures and workshops with professionals, visit other facilities, and get hands-on practical experience in Maimonides’ many departments. An information/registration session takes place at 3:30 p.m. Space is limited. Contact Roz Friend at 514-483-2121, ext. 2204, or at [email protected].
Wednesday, Feb. 22
MUSIC THERAPY
Act to End Violence Against Women’s FAB Group hosts Sahra Cohen, who will speak on “Music Therapy: Here, There and Everywhere,” 1:30 p.m., Loblaw party room, 6600 St. Jacques W. Reservations required, 514-487-2330.
Thursday, Feb. 22
WELCOMING ADAR
Women and children are invited to the Shaare Zedek Women’s Rosh Chodesh service for the month of Adar, 9 a.m. 514-484-1122, ext. 101.
…Et Cetera…
FRIENDSHIP HOCKEY
On Feb. 25 , the Friendship Circle holds its fourth annual Hockey Tournament – Kings vs. Knights – benefiting its programs and children with special needs, 8 p.m. at the Bill Durnam Arena, 4988 Vezina. Call 514-735-2255, or go to www.friendshipcircle.ca.
YIDDISH CULTURE COURSE
Starting March 7, 7-9 p.m., the Jewish Public Library is offering a course on the rise of modern Jewish/Yiddish culture (1918-1939), taught by Janie Respitz., exploring the height of Jewish creativity in the interwar period. Register with Karen Biskin, at 514-345-2627, ext. 3006, or e-mail, [email protected].
MORNING OF SILENCE
Romina Hassid, a Grade 11 student at École secondaire des Sources and one of only a small group of Jewish students there, recently organized a personal Morning of Silence project as part of her international baccalaureate program to help sensitize peers at her French high school about the Holocaust. Hassid contacted Federation CJA West Island and organized a screening of the film Hana’s Suitcase at the school. The students also heard from Holocaust survivor Margrit Strenge, and 50 students committed to remain silent for three hours. Hassid said some students had never even heard of the Holocaust.
BUS DONATED
The MADA Community Cente recently announced the donation of a 21-seat bus by longtime supporters Sandra and Gad Bitton (he of Holland Leasing) and organized a special inauguration dinner at the centre to mark the occasion. The donation was made in honour of Simone Bensimone Bitton and in memory of Meir Rahamim Abtan and Yermiyahu ben Yosef.
Montreal-based Alison Silcoff Events Inc. recently garnered two Gala Awards in Tampa, Fla., at the Special Event 2012, an award ceremony capping off a week of seminars and related events in the event planning industry. The first award, for best event entertainment, was for the “Russian Romance” theme of the Canadian Cancer Society’s 2011 Daffodil Ball; the second was for best event for a corporation or association, an award for events costing more than $500,000, marking the first time a Montreal-based company has won in that category. Alison Silcoff Events has won a total of 10 Gala Awards in the last 12 years.