What's New: May 6

 

Please note holiday deadlines for What’s New. Deadline for May 21 issue is May 10. Deadline for May 27 issue is May 13. Deadline for June 3 issue is May 21. Phone 416-391-1836. Fax 416-391-0829. E-mail [email protected].

Thursday, May 6

SEPHARDI ZIONISM
Sarah Taieb-Carlen, professor in the Centre for Jewish Studies at York University, on “Sephardi Zionism: From Biblical to Modern Times.” Beth David, 7:30 p.m. Free. 416-633-5500.

Sunday, May 9

MORNING OF LEARNING
Join Torah in Motion and Tzohar at Shaarei Shomayim from 9:30-12 p.m. for a Morning of Learning in honour of Yom Yerushalayim with Rabbis Alex Israel, Eric Levy and Aviad Tabory. 416-633-5770, www.torahinmotion.org for info.

MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s Day chai tea, fashion show by Options for Her. Kol Rina choir performs. Beth Tzedec. 3-5 p.m. $36. Avital, 416-781-3511.

Monday, May 10


JEWISH AMERICAN SWING

Jordan Klapman, musician and music lecturer, on “History of Jewish American Swing.” Beth Tzedec boardroom, 1:30 p.m. $3. Coffee and cake served.

U.S.-RUSSIAN RELATIONS
Temple Emanu-El presents Sergei Plekanov, professor of political science at York University, on “U.S.-Russian Relations: Past, Present, Future.” 2-4 p.m. $10. 416-449-3880.

COMEDY EVENING
Canadian Friends of Herzog Hospital presents Laughing Matters, a standup comedy event. Featuring MC Lawrence Morgenstern, Les Aaron, Greg Eckler and Steve Levine. 7:30 p.m. Beth Tzedec. $36, $18 for students. 416-256-4222, ­[email protected].

FILM SCREENING
Po-lin: The Slivers of Memory, Beneath the Eye of Time and Painting Daddy. Commentary by Prof. Piotr Wrobel follows. 7:30 p.m. Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto. Suggested donation: $5 members, $8 non-members.

PLAY AUDITION
Medina Theatre Ensemble holds auditions for staged reading performance of There Comes a Time, written by Roselle Stone and Fran Elliot. May 10 and 11, 7-9:30 p.m. Temple Sinai. Roselle, 416-633-2057 or Morris, 416-785-0344.

Tuesday, May 11

LUNCH AND LEARN
Rose Reisman, nutritionist, restaurateur and TV personality on “The Art of Living Well.” Beth Tikvah, 12:15 p.m. $20. Reservations only: 416-221-3433 ext. 352

MOVIE NIGHT
Beth David Sisterhood’s Israeli Movie Night. 8 p.m. Guests welcome. $5 at the door.

Wednesday, May 12


MUSICAL PRESENTATION

“The Uniqueness of the Great Cantor and Composer – Leib Glantz.” A musical presentation by his son, Jerry Glantz, author of a book about his father – The Man Who Spoke to God. 10 a.m. Holy Blossom. 416-789-3219, ext. 224.

FUNDRAISER
The second annual Play Your Games fundraiser. Proceeds to Eating Disorders of York Region. Texas Hold’em, Blackjack, Scrabble. 6 p.m. Boutique shopping, 6:30 p.m. Dinner. $65. Cash bar. Door prizes and raffle. Meron Banquet Hall, 1600 Steeles Ave. W. RSVP by May 6, 905-886-6632.

FELT MAKING
Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Textiles presents Andrea Graham on “A Journey in Felt Making.” Showcase of her work. All welcome. $5. Shaarei Shomayim, 8 p.m.

 Thursday, May 13


ART SHOW

The Israeli Artists Group of Toronto presents its 2nd annual art show. To May 16. May 13-14 from 12-9 p.m. May 15-16 from 10-6 p.m. Opening night May 13 6-9 p.m. Free. J.E.H./Thoreau MacDonald House. 121 Centre St., Thornhill.

INFORMATION NIGHT
Info night for Melton Adult Mini School. Model lesson, meet the teachers and learn what Melton is about. 7:30 p.m. Beth Torah.

LOSS, GRIEF AND HEALING
Bereaved Jewish Families of Ontario presents “Loss, Grief and Healing in the Book of Ruth” with Rabbi Rena Arshinoff, chaplain at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.  7:30 p.m. Congregation Habonim,  5 Glen Park Ave. RSVP 416-638-7800, ext. 202.

AT SHAAREI TEFILLAH
Spring lecture series continues with Rabbi Michael Skobac. “The Mystical Meaning of the Hebrew Alphabet.” 7 p.m. Free. Register at 416-789-0020 or ­[email protected].

Other News

LEMONADE 4 HEART
Amanda’s 12th Lemonade Stand and Joshua’s 2nd Cookie Counter for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. New location at 33 Post Rd. May 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Pony rides, Bulldog Fitness games, pizza and more. Meet Dora from 11-12:30. Dan the Music Man performs.  Auction includes Las Vegas David Copperfield tickets, Chris Bosh jersey, items from Donald Trump, Larry King, Argos, Maple Leafs and Harlem Globetrotters. ­www.lemonade4heart.org or 416-898-4556.  

MIDDLE EAST LECTURE
Beth Isaiah Synagogue presents the Richard C. Youngman Memorial Lecture, May 16, 7:30 p.m. Rev. Majed El Shafie, founder of One Free World International, tells a story of the struggle for human rights and religious freedom in the Middle East. Free, all welcome. 47 Surrey St., Guelph. ­www.guelphsynagogue.ca.

SUPPORT GROUP
Baycrest Holocaust resource program is opening a new support group for child survivors of the Holocaust. Contact Shoshana Yaakobi, 416-785-2500, ext. 2271, or [email protected].

GENERAL MEETING
The Association of Jewish Seniors general meeting, May 15 9:45 a.m. Shaarei Shomayim. David Zimmer, MPP, Willowdale, will discuss “What Your Government Is Up To.” Members free, guests $2. Tammy, 416-635-2860 ext. 458.

ISRAEL LECTURE
Registration is open for the summer session of Melton Mini School on Israeli Society Seen Through the Eyes of Modern Hebrew Literature. In English. Five sessions at Beth Tzedec. 416-789-7400 for information.

ALUMABrunch
National Council of Jewish Women, Toronto section, holds their 2nd annual brunch in support of ALUMA – Israel Family Counselling Association Tel Aviv. Guest speaker is Shira Herzog, co-host of Our Jewish World, on “Keeping Israel Strong: Changes from Within.” Women and men welcome. 4700 Bathurst St. May 16, 11:00 a.m. $54 and up. RSVP, 416-633-5100 or 905-737-0607.

CHARITY BOOK LAUNCH
“An Evening with Anita Diamant.” The bestselling author discusses her new book Day After Night. May 27. Cocktail reception 6:30 p.m., main event 8 p.m. Tickets  $40 and up. Proceeds to Canadian Hadassah-WIZO projects. Jodi, [email protected], 416-873-6902.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Hospice Thornhill is looking for people interested in joining their organ and tissue committee. Volunteers needed for community outreach, admin work, serving as interpreters and assisting at an organ-and-tissue-donation information evening in September. Jon Levy, 905-764-0656, ext. 224, [email protected] or Heather Lamasz, 416-409-4080.

CULTURAL CONCERT
Juno nominee Aviva Chernick performs at Pride of Israel with Aaron Lightstone, Ernie Tollar and Adam Campbell. May 16. Silent auction 7:00, concert 7:30. 416-226-0111, ext. 10.

SINGLES DANCE
Shaar Shalom Singles, in conjunction with the Intersynagogue Singles 45+, has a Spring Fever Dance featuring James Regan of Tapps, with dance cards for prizes.  May 23, 7:30 p.m. Shaar Shalom Synagogue. $8, includes coffee and cake. David, 416-224-9494.

FITNESS CLASS
Exercise for Your Body and Brain. Tuesdays, 10:15-11 a.m. Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. Baycrest. For adults 60+. Aerobic and strength exercise to enhance physical well-being and enjoy brain benefits of exercise. Class appropriate if you are well or have challenges like diabetes, osteoporosis or mild to moderate arthritis. Balance should be good. Fee will apply. Dianne, 416-785-2500, ext. 2341.

JF&CS GROUPS
Call Shawna Sidney, 416-638-7800, ext. 215, or go to www.jfandcs.com.
Note: registration required for all programs.
Social Networking in the 21st Century: Workshop for parents on the dangers and realities of what kids may be sharing with the world. With Chris Vollum. May 13, 7-9 p.m. Lipa Green Centre. Space limited.
Surviving Divorce: Avoiding Financial Disaster: Explore the common financial mistakes made in divorce and how to avoid them. For those thinking of divorce, currently in the process of, or living with a finalized divorce. May 18, 7-9 p.m. Lipa Green.
Effective Parenting: A four-session group to help parents learn what they can do to raise a happy, motivated and well-behaved child. For parents of children ages 2-11. May 25, 7-9 p.m. Lipa Green.

 

Active Seniors Miles Nadal JCC: May 13, 1:30 p.m. “The Rise of the Early Toronto Jewish Community,” a talk with Bill Gladstone, journalist, writer, publisher. 416-924-6211, ext. 155, for info.
Earl Bales Seniors Club in the Park. Casino Rama, May 12, departs 10 a.m. Sunday dance, May 16, new time: 6-8:30 p.m. Line dancing Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Social bridge Thursdays, 12:30-3 p.m. Bingo Tuesdays, 12:30-3 p.m. Valerie, 416-395-7881.
Bernard Betel Centre, 1003 Steeles Ave. W., 416-225-2112
May 11, lecture: “How Golden Was the Jewish Golden Age of Spain?” Loretta Tanenbaum, adult educator, speaks. 10-11:30 a.m. $3 members, $6 non-members.
May 12, health fair. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Speak with representatives from different agencies about health and wellness. Free.
May 13, wellness lecture: “Insight into Alzheimer’s.” 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free.
Beth Sholom Synagogue, 1445 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-783-6103
Lunch and a movie, The Blade of Constantine’s Sword, May 12. Lunch at 12 p.m. Movie and discussion following. $10.
Games afternoon, May 26. Mah-jong, bridge and bingo. 12 p.m. Lunch served. $10.

 

Sherman Campus, 4588 Bathurst St., 416-638-1881, ­www.prossermanjcc.com.
Kolel offers a mini semester of short courses through the month of May. “Jewish Paths into Understanding Illness and Healing,” “Dollars Incensed,” “Jewish Food for Thought” and Conversations about Conversion.” Ext. 4235 for information.
May 11, 1-1:30 p.m. Ages 3-5. Register for the Living Rhythm Drumming program. Drum to the beat, stomp your feet! $10. Space filling up fast.

 

750 Spadina Ave., 416-924-6211 or www. mnjcc.org.
May 6, author James Sturm on his new graphic novel Market Day. Special guest Miriam Libicki. Free. [email protected] or [email protected].
May 10-13, 7:30 p.m., Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company presents “In the Beginning: A Jewish Playwright’s Festival.” New plays selected from an open call will be presented as staged readings. Free. [email protected], ext. 606, or visit the website to see which plays will be featured.
May 13, 7:30 p.m., at Holy Blossom. Stagecraft Company of Holy Blossom Temple presents Gideon, a play about what happens when a man runs into the overwhelming and all-consuming love that is the Angel of the Lord. Also on May 15, 7:30 p.m., at MNjcc. Starting at $18. Proceeds go to future Stagecraft productions. ext. 511, [email protected].
May 16, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Toronto Jewish Film Society is screening Two Lovers, with Gwyneth Paltrow and Joaquin Phoenix. Guest speaker Adam Nayman, Eye Weekly film critic. Al Green Theatre. $15 general admission, $10 ages 18-29 (7:30 screening only). Rush seats on sale 15 minutes before each screening. ext. 606, [email protected].
May and June 2010. “Jason Schwartz: Fragments,” CONTACT Festival of Photography. Jacobs Lounge Visual Arts Space, MNjcc.