Thursday, May 31
BRIDGE/MAHJONG GALA
Congregation Shaar Hashomayim holds its annual Open Gate bridge/mahjong gala at 6 p.m. Buffet dinner, prizes and trophies included. Proceeds support non-sectarian seniors’ programs. Tickets, Marlene, 731-0415.
PROSTATE CANCER
Radio-oncologist Dr. Rob Rutledge of Dalhousie University lectures on “Complete Prostate Care,” 7-9 p.m. at the Jewish General Hospital, room A-139. Registration, [email protected].
EXPERIMENTAL FILM
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, the Segal Centre’s CinemaSpace presents The Road Less Travelled By: Three Decades of Experimental Film at Concordia, 7:30 p.m. The best of student short films will be screened. Daichi Saito, 739-2301.
COMEDY NIGHT
Mike Patterson headlines The Laugh Pack Late Show at the Segal Centre’s ArtLounge at 9 p.m. Also on the bill, which carries the warning of extremely mature content, are Eddy King and Nick Brazao. Tickets,739-2301.
Friday, June 1
EGYPTIAN SHUL
Albert Herscovitch speaks on “The Modern Story of the Synagogue of Maimonides in Egypt,” at the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors at 10 a.m. Joyce, 342-1234, ext. 7318.
SOULFUL SHABBAT
The B’nai Or Montreal Community Shul holds a “Soulful Shabbat” in the YM-YWHA’s Kellert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Affiliated with the Jewish Renewal movement, the congregation and its services are egalitarian, participatory and joyously musical. Rabbi Sherril Gilbert, [email protected].
Monday, June 4
ACCESSIBILITY FORUM
The Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors hosts an Accessibility Forum for anyone with a long-term or progressive physical disability who wants to learn about social programs and rights. It’s being held at the Gelber Conference Centre 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Relatives,caregivers and professionals are also welcome. Keynote speaker is Gazette columnist Brenda Shanahan. Stefani Novick, 342-1234, ext. 7201.
TEEN EXCHANGE
Jewish students in grades 10 and 11 are invited to an information session on the Diller Teen Fellows at the Ben Weider JCC, room J1, at 6:30 p.m. Twenty teens will be selected for their leadership potential and commitment to Jewish learning and community service. Program includes a three-week summer seminar in Israel, support ed in part by Federation CJA. June 15 is the deadline to apply for the program, which runs from September this year to November 2013. Yamit Ochayon, [email protected].
PREVENTING BULLYING
Expert Rosalind Wiseman speaks on “Raising a Generation Against Bullying,” at Shaare Zion Congregation, 7:30 p.m. She’s the author of Queen Bees and Wannabes, the basis of the movie Mean Girls. 481-7727.
Tuesday, June 5
HELPING MADA
Masterpieces 4 MADA, a benefit for the MADA Community Centre, takes place at the Arena Montreal Nightclub in the old Forum at 7 p.m. Reflecting the theme “Light Up a Life,” candlesticks, lampshades and chandeliers made by artists, designers and local students will be on the auction block. Proceeds will go to Shabbat to Share, a weekly program in which volunteers deliver meals to more than 350 poor or isolated people. A highlight is live painting by artist Jessica Gorlicky. Tickets,Miriam Sebbag, 342-4969,ext. 227.
ARMY SERVICE
Jack Bordan of Sar-El Canada talks about volunteering as a civilian in the Israeli army, at a Beth Ora Seniors meeting, 1:30 p.m. 342-1234, ext. 7318.
HELPING SOLDIERS
Beit Halochem Canada presents a Celebration of Life Concert, benefiting Israel’s disable veterans and terrorism victims, at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. David Azrieli is honoured in recognition of the major gift made on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Four Israeli heroes will be joined on stage by three young Israeli performers, including Israeli Idol Liron Lev. Tickets, 484-2151.
SHOPPING GURU
Sandra Phillips, author of Smart Shopping Montreal, speaks to Na’amat Canada Montreal on “How to Shop Smarter,” at the Midtown Le Sporting Club Sanctuaire, 7:30 p.m. Reservations, 484-0252.
Wednesday, June 6
EATING WELL
Biochemist Richard Béliveau, author of Foods that Fight Cancer, speaks at the Gelber Conference Centre on “Eating Well, Living Well,” 7:30 p.m., sponsored by the Sépharade Campaign of Combined Jewish Appeal. In French with English translation. Tickets, Nina Assado, 345-2645, ext. 2660.
…Et Cetera…
OUTSPOKEN RABBI
Outspoken British Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet speaks at Chabad of Westmount at a Shabbat dinner June 8 at 7:30 p.m. on “The Challenge of the Jew in the 21st Century.” He delivers a sermon followed by an open forum on Shabbat morning at 10:30 a.m. His name has been touted for the position of U.K. chief rabbi, despite his “rebel” image. www.chabadwestmount.com.
OMETZ BENEFIT
More than 1,200 people attended the first annual fundraiser for Agence Ometz: the premiere of Le Petit Prince, performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens at Place des Arts. They included 300 children and their families who are served by the agency. The evening, held under the patronage of Herbert Black, raised $360,000 to support programs for at-risk youth. The chair, Arlène Abitan, said young people living in poverty, dealing with abuse or coping with learning disabilities will benefit. To donate or for more information, [email protected].
SIMON & GARFUNKEL
Following on the success of its Bob Dylan tribute last year, Congregation Adath Israel will stage a live concert devoted to Simon & Garfunkel, June 10 at 7 p.m. Some of the same musicians are back, including Craig Morrison, Alex Nesrallah, Patrick Mastey and Gerry Kandestin. Tickets, 482-4252.
STE. SOPHIE CENTENNIAL
A planning meeting for the celebration of the century of Jewish life in Ste. Sophie and New Glasgow will be held June 10 at 2 p.m. at 750 Marcel Laurin Blvd., suite 450, St. Laurent. Reservations, Howard Gontovnick, 450-686-2440. Gontovnick says eastern European Jewish immigrants first settled in these villages north of Montreal in 1905, and there is still a community in these places today. The celebration is being planned for next year with exhibitions, tours and other activities.