June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage near to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For opportunities to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, …
On Saturday, April 29th a Drag Queen Story Time (DQST) event at the Fort York Public Library in Toronto was targeted by a hate group called Save Canada. DQST events are family events centred on inclusion, acceptance and the fun of dressing up. Unfortunately, 2SLGBTQIA+ people still face violence and exclusion which these hate groups hope …
A Message from Toronto East Anti-hate Mobilization (TEAM) Read More »
The DJC is pleased to announce that our new team of three wonderful clergy leaders are in place. Please join us in welcoming: We are grateful that the Danforth Jewish Circle attracts such high-quality leaders who want to be a part of our community! We invite you to come to services and other DJC activities …
An Embarrassment of Riches: Announcing DJC’s New Clergy Leaders Read More »
March 22, 2023 As we watch with increasing alarm the existential crisis unfolding in Israel and the mass protests there and in the Diaspora against the agenda of Israel’s current hard right-wing government, the DJC Board has realized that we must assert our position and get involved. If this Israeli government’s agenda is implemented, the …
February 14, 2023 Hon. Doug Ford I Premier@ontario.ca I doug.fordco@pc.ola.org c.c. Hon. Steve Clark I Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing I Steve.Clark@pc.ola.org c.c. Hon. David Piccini I Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks I david.Piccini@pc.ola.org Dear Premier Ford: We are community and faith-based organizations and faith leaders deeply concerned by the passage …
Four years ago, the DJC Board signed onto ‘No Silence on Race’ (NSOR), an initiative of Jews of Colour in Toronto. This group’s objective is to redress the issue of exclusion across Jewish communities in Toronto. By signing this document, the DJC Board was committing us to acknowledging and working against racism in our congregation. And an Antiracism Working Group was created, reporting to …
I had the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on the topic of “Wintering: Letting Within and Without Lie Fallow” with our neighbouring congregation at NUUC this past Sunday morning. We are fortunate to share wisdom and community through this unique Multifaith relationship. A few months after my 29th birthday I was in a serious car …
Wintering: Letting Within and Without Lie Fallow Read More »
By Lorne Opler As we conclude reading Sefer Bereshit, the Book of Genesis, a reflection of this first book of the Five Books of Moses yields many momentous events. From the story of creation, to Noah’s Ark, to the “akeda” or the sacrificial binding of Isaac by his father Abraham; from Jacob’s stealing the birthright from …
“Happy New Year!” This phrase can be heard starting in December and continuing through January in every store and street, in each gathering and encounter. It is a beautiful wish for our human family: May 2023 prove to bring you much happiness and joy. May 2023 usher in greater gladness and merriment. The Jewish calendar …
