Downtown Jewish resources-2013-14-Nov8.indd

DOWNTOWN JEWISH
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
directory of RESOURCES
Your guide to Jewish life in downtown Toronto
Table of Contents
welcome letter
Your Guide to Jewish Life in Downtown Toronto
3
about the downtown
jewish community council
4
DOWNTOWN JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION4
Coordinating Agency
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
5
Congregations
Annex Shul5
Beach Hebrew Institute5
City Shul6
Congregation Darchei Noam
6
Congregation Habonim6
Congregation Rodfei Shalom Anshei Kiev (“The Kiever”) 6
Congregation Shaarei Tzedec
7
Congregation Shir Libeynu
7
Danforth Jewish Circle7
First Narayever Congregation
7
Holy Blossom Temple8
Makom: Creative Downtown Judaism
8
Nefesh HaHayim8
Oraynu Congregation for Humanistic Judaism
8
Schools and Youth Groups
BBYO9
Camp Gesher 9
Camp Shomria – Hashomer Hatzair
9
Downtown Jewish Community School 9
Kachol Lavan: The centre for Hebrew
and Israel Studies
10
Leo Baeck Day School
10
Morris Winchevsky School: Toronto’s Secular Jewish Community School
10
Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School
11
Robbins Hebrew Academy11
Social Services and Programs
Active Seniors, Boomers & Retirees, MNjcc
11
Circle of Care11
Habayit Shelanu Senior Residence Corp. 12
Jewish Family & Child - Gordon S. Wolfe Branch
12
Jewish Free Loan Toronto
12
Jewish Information Service of Greater Toronto (JIST)
12
Mount Sinai Hospital13
Na’amat Canada Toronto 13
Reena13
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
13
Community Groups and Networks
Genesis: UJA’s Centre for Jewish Innovation 14
Hillel of Greater Toronto
14
Kulanu Toronto14
Cultural and Educational Programs
Koffler Centre of the Arts
14
Limmud Toronto 15
New Israel Fund of Canada
15
Ontario Jewish Archives15
Shoresh Jewish Environmental Programs
15
Toronto Jewish Film Festival
16
Toronto Jewish Film Society
16
Weizmann Canada16
Quick Reference Guide
17
YOUR GUIDE TO JEWISH LIFE IN DOWNTOWN TORONTO
Looking to connect with community? This guide has it all, for every stage of life and Jewish interest!
It’s a snapshot of a vibrant, growing community, including new downtown congregations as well
as ones that have just reached or are about to reach their 100th birthday. What a testament to a
community with history that continues to grow and evolve.
Our Jewish arts and cultural scene is thriving, too. Films, concerts, literary events, and art exhibits
celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of both local and international artists.
If you haven’t yet checked out the Downtown Tikkun Leil Shavuot: All-Night Jewish Learning Festival,
then you have a treat ahead of you. This annual springtime festival is truly “doors-open Judaism.”
Everyone is welcome!
The downtown Jewish community has always been about people. Social service programs support and
provide aid to the elderly and vulnerable.
Families and young children are our future and our community is there for them with schools, camps
and fitness programs. All of these organizations come together at the annual Downtown Jewish Family
Fun Fair in the fall. Plan to attend!
This directory will act as a guide to connect you with the 45 organizations that make up the Downtown
Jewish Community Council. Look inside and you will see why downtown Toronto – south of Eglinton,
east and west across the city – is the place to be for a vibrant and productive Jewish life.
We’re happy to connect you to the resources you need.
Sincerely,
Sharoni
Sharoni Sibony
Manager, Jewish Life Department, Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
Coordinator, Downtown Jewish Community Council
416-924-6211 x 154
sharonis@mnjcc.org
DOWNTOWN JEWISH community council | 3
ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN
JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
DOWNTOWN JEWISH COMMUNITY
COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Jewish schools, youth groups, religious communities,
social service agencies, cultural and recreational
programs — together, these organizations make up
a diverse, creative, supportive and inclusive Jewish
community in the heart of Toronto.
Does your organization want to join the Downtown
Jewish Community Council?
The Downtown Jewish Community Council (DJCC) is
here to support your Jewish life downtown. The DJCC
invigorates our community by promoting cooperation,
resource-sharing and partnerships among its member
organizations. Let us connect you to the resources you
need.
If you’re part of a group that offers programs or
services to the Jewish community south of Eglinton
Avenue (or if your catchment area extends well
into the downtown core), the Downtown Jewish
Community Council is a great gateway for you.
DJCC member organizations benefit from a number
of shared publicity and networking opportunities,
including:
• A full description in the Directory of Downtown Jewish Resources
• A link from the Miles Nadal JCC website to yours
• A standing invitation to quarterly meetings of the Council and an opportunity to share your group’s work with the Council membership
• Opportunities to participate in the Downtown Jewish Family Fun Fair and the Downtown Jewish Teen Task Force, as well as other working groups as they arise
We look forward to working with you.
Membership enquiries: Sharoni Sibony
416-924-6211 x 154 or sharonis@mnjcc.org
Downtown
Jewish
Community Council
4 | DIRECTORY of resources
CONGREGATIONS
Annex Shul
Yacov Fruchter, Spiritual Leader
www.annexshul.com
annexshulyacov@gmail.com
647-267-8752
36 Harbord Street
Toronto, ON
COORDINATING AGENCY
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
Ellen Cole, Executive Director
www.mnjcc.org
info@mnjcc.org
416-924-6211 x 0
750 Spadina Ave (at Bloor)
Toronto, ON M5S 2J2
Celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2013, the Miles
Nadal JCC is dedicated to serving the cultural,
educational, social and recreational needs of
downtown Toronto. Our programs and services
are guided by Jewish values and are open to all,
regardless of race, origin or religious affiliation. Our
facility features a state-of-the-art fitness centre and
saltwater pool, the Libbie Cowan Childcare Centre and
the Thomas and Marjorie Schwartz Preschool Centre,
the Al Green Theatre, the Toronto Jewish Film Society,
Jewish holiday celebrations for the whole family, an
extensive Hebrew Institute for adults, community
choirs, classes, lectures and much more. Come check
out the hub of downtown Jewish Toronto… it’s where
you belong.
The Annex Shul is a vibrant and inclusive prayerbased Jewish community for young professionals
and their children in the Annex. Our motto, “come as
you are, make it yours,” exemplifies our approach to
building community. There’s something for everyone:
we encourage you to get involved in a way which is
meaningful for you, utilizes your skills, expands your
comfort zone and helps build community. Propose
and plan an event. Lead part of a service for the first
time or the 50th time. Help us dream and re-dream
our community as we grow and expand.
Beach Hebrew Institute
Sharon Hershenhorn, President
www.beachhebrewinstitute.ca
info@beachhebrewinstitute.ca
416-694-7942
109 Kenilworth Ave.
Toronto, ON M4L 3S4
Beach Hebrew Institute Hebrew School
Founded in 1920, the Beach Synagogue is a small,
unaffiliated, conservative, egalitarian congregation
housed in a beautiful heritage building. Services
every Shabbat and on major holidays are
conducted by Cantor Moshe Saadon, with abundant
congregational participation. Membership and
Hebrew School (Sunday mornings, 10:00 - 12:00)
fees are reasonable and we welcome Bar/Bat Mitzvah
for non-members. The Social Hall is available for
receptions.
DOWNTOWN JEWISH community council | 5
City Shul
Congregation Habonim
Rabbi Elyse Goldstein
www.cityshul.com
tellme@cityshul.com
647-799-3557
The Clara and David Nightingale School
school@cityshul.com
Eli Rubenstein, Religious Leader
www.congregationhabonim.org
office@congregationhabonim.org
416-782-7125
5 Glen Park Avenue
Toronto, ON M6B 4J2
Jewish Heritage School
habonimschool@gmail.com
A downtown shul where tradition meets modernity.
Affiliated with the Reform movement, we draw
from its vast array of resources and its dedication
to inclusion while forging our own unique
downtown Toronto identity. Our mission is to
be: 1.) A congregation caring for each other, the
wider community, and the planet by partnering
with other Jewish organizations and the broader
general community. 2.) A place of intellectual
discourse, vibrant spirituality, meaningful rituals
and life-cycle events. 3.) Filled with joyful singing,
congregational participation as norm. 4.) A place
where every member contributes to the success of
the congregation.
Congregation Darchei Noam
Anyone who is exploring their Jewish faith and
looking for a place that is authentic, unpretentious
and accommodating, yet strong in its belief system
and deep in its convictions, should experience
Congregation Habonim. We hold evening Shabbat
services on the last Friday of the month, and
Saturday morning services when Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
are scheduled. Our Jewish Heritage School is open
to young people in grades 1-6. The program offers
Judaic studies, Hebrew language learning, and
Jewish music classes, and ensures that young people
develop strong and positive relationships with Jewish
learning and Jewish educators.
Rabbi Tina Grimberg
www.darcheinoam.ca
info@darcheinoam.ca
416-638-4783
864 Sheppard Avenue West
Toronto, ON M3H 2T5
Darchei Noam Hebrew School
Congregation Rodfei Shalom
Anshei Kiev (“The Kiever”)
Congregation Darchei Noam is Toronto’s only
Reconstructionist Synagogue, blending traditional
Jewish practice with innovative forms of Jewish
expression. It is an egalitarian, inclusive community that
values diversity and embraces people of all backgrounds;
non-Jewish spouses and partners can hold Associate
Membership. We offer programming for all ages,
including robust family programming. Our Hebrew
School draws on our students’ creativity and imagination
to foster a love of Judaism, a bond with our synagogue
community, and a connection to Jews everywhere. Our
synagogue welcomes members from across the GTA and
is committed to the vibrancy of Toronto’s Jewish life.
Since its founding in 1912, the Kiever Shul has played
a vital role in the Ward, Kensington Market and
broader downtown Jewish communities. The beauty
of our synagogue’s architecture and the warmth of
our congregation attract local visitors, international
travelers and students of all backgrounds to explore
the roots of early 20th century Jewish Toronto.
Our participatory Orthodox Shabbat morning and
Yom Tov services are open to all. The Kiever Shul is
available to families and individuals to celebrate their
Simchas, and to organizations for concerts, lectures,
and other special events. Hebrew, Torah, and other
classes are available.
6 | DIRECTORY of resources
www.kievershul.com
thekiever@kievershul.com
416-593-9702
25 Bellevue Ave.
Toronto, ON M5T 2N5
Congregation Shaarei Tzedec
Danforth Jewish Circle
J. Phillips
www.shaareitzedec.org
markstshul18@sympatico.ca
416-768-4769
397 Markham Street Toronto, ON M3H 4J8
Rabbi Miriam Margles
info@djctoronto.com
416-580-6303
Mailing address: 125-283 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, ON M4K 1N2
Danforth Jewish Circle
Children’s Jewish Studies Program
A little gem in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Established in 1902, the synagogue today acts as
a beacon of Orthodox Yiddishkeit and spirituality
in Downtown Toronto. Services held on Shabbat,
holidays and some weekday mornings.
Congregation Shir Libeynu
Aviva Goldberg, Ph.D., Ritual/Spiritual Leader
Daniela Gesundheit, Cantorial Soloist & Music Director
www.shirlibeynu.ca
shirlibeynu@yahoo.ca
416-465-5488
Mailing address: P.O. Box 73509
Toronto, Ontario, M6C 4A7
Shir Libeynu (“song of our hearts”) is a liberal,
unaffiliated and participatory congregation that is
truly egalitarian. Our services include prayer and
music -- both ancient and modern -- in an inclusive,
innovative and intellectually challenging environment.
Our LGBTQ-positive community is diverse and
welcoming. Our Shabbat services at the Miles Nadal
JCC, usually held on the first Saturday morning of
each month (check www.shirlibeynu.ca for dates),
include free childcare. Other events include High Holy
Day services, educational and cultural activities, and
holiday celebrations.
The Danforth Jewish Circle is an independent
downtown community committed to nurturing Jewish
life and traditions through family-oriented holiday and
life cycle celebrations, Shabbat services, education
and social action. We are a progressive egalitarian
community, inclusive of interfaith and alternative
families. We hold High Holiday and monthly, Rabbi-led
Friday Shabbat services at Eastminster United (310
Danforth Ave.) and monthly member-led services in
DJC members’ homes. DJC provides a variety of yearround programming for all ages including our Children’s
Jewish Studies Program (JK/SK-6) and our B’Nei
Mitzvah program (grade 7). Our doors are open to all.
First Narayever Congregation
Rabbi Ed Elkin
www.narayever.ca
admin@narayever.ca
416-927-0546
187 Brunswick Ave.
Toronto, ON M5S 2M4
Chalutzim Youth Group
A warm and welcoming, traditional egalitarian
synagogue, located in downtown Toronto. Services are
held every Shabbat and Yom Tov at 9:00 am and Erev
Shabbat and Yom Tov at 6:00 pm. Babysitting and youth
programs as well as family services are offered Shabbat
mornings. Every year, we welcome the entire community
to join us for the High Holy Days at the Miles Nadal JCC.
The Shul is a vibrant and active congregation made
up of singles and families and offers a Social Action
Committee, Adult Education programming and other
opportunities for participation for young and old.
DOWNTOWN JEWISH community council | 7
Holy Blossom Temple
Nefesh HaHayim
Rabbi Yael Splansky
www.holyblossom.org
templemail@holyblossom.org
416-789-3291
1950 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5P 3K9
Holy Blossom Temple Pre-School
and Religious School
Michelle Katz, Founder
nefeshhahayim1@gmail.com
50 Oriole Road
Toronto, ON M4V2E8
Holy Blossom Temple is a vibrant, liberal religious
community, built on the foundational pillars of
Torah, Avodah, Gemilut Chasadim and identity with
K’lal Yisrael – a community where our members can
realize their personal goals as Jews.
Makom: Creative Downtown Judaism
Rabbi Aaron Levy
www.MakomTO.org
info@MakomTO.org
416-546-6043
Makom Downtown Jewish Playschool
Makom is a creative, joyous, grassroots, downtown
community, building traditional and progressive
Jewish life in Toronto. Makom is inclusive and
diverse, committed to Jewish learning, arts,
spirituality and social and environmental activism.
Makom meets every other Friday night to welcome
Shabbat with soulful and song-filled services. We
also organize many other programs each month,
such as meditation, family programs, women’s Rosh
Hodesh gatherings, holiday celebrations, classes, arts
workshops and potluck dinners. Makom’s Downtown
Jewish Play School is an alternative, after-school
program with Hebrew immersion and creative Jewish
content for ages three to seven. All are welcome!
8 | DIRECTORY of resources
Nefesh HaChayim is a participatory Shabbat minyan
which meets twice monthly in the warmth of our
living rooms. We provide the framework and feel of
the traditional service with the spirit and spark of
great singing and communal davening. We’re open
to all who seek good learning, moving prayer and
the satisfactions of community. On Shabbat morning
we begin with Torah learning and then move into
our prayers before we eat together. We are most
fortunate to have the unique leadership and learning
of Rabbi Adina Lewittes, Rabbi John Moscowitz and
Aviva Chernick.
Oraynu Congregation for
Humanistic Judaism
Rabbi Karen Levy
School and Youth: Steve Shabes
Life cycles: Rabbi Eva Goldfinger
www.oraynu.org
info@oraynu.org
416-385-3910
Mailing address: 156 Duncan Mill Rd. Ste 14
Toronto, ON M3B 3N2
At Oraynu we celebrate the story of the Jewish
People and affirm our deeply held belief in individual
dignity and social responsibility. Music, philosophy
and poetry make up our rituals, rather than prayer.
Our educational and community service programs
for adults and youth nurture strong Jewish identity
based on Jewish culture and ethics. All who wish
to participate with us in building a Humanistic
Jewish congregation are welcome, regardless of
ethnicity, lifestyle or sexual orientation. Oraynu’s life
cycle services and cemetery are especially helpful
to intermarried couples and to those seeking a
meaningful secular Jewish experience.
SCHOOLS AND YOUTH GROUPS
Camp Shomria – Hashomer Hatzair
Congregational schools and youth groups are listed
with their congregations in the previous section of
this guide.
Carmi Daniel, Shaliach
www.hashomerhatzair.ca
mail@campshomria.ca
416-736-1339
4700 Bathurst St.
Toronto, ON M2R 1W8
BBYO
Kevin Goodman, Executive Director
www.bbyo.ca
info@bbyo.ca
416.398.2004
4588 Bathurst Street #1-22
Toronto, ON M2R 1W6
BBYO – the world’s leading pluralistic Jewish teen
movement – offers middle school and high school
students the opportunity to connect with one
another, volunteer in the community, celebrate their
Jewish heritage, prepare for leadership roles and
travel the world together, all within a Jewish context.
Local programs take place across Toronto, Thornhill
and Vaughan in partnership with the JCCs of Greater
Toronto.
Camp Gesher
Dr. Shaul Zobary, Director
www.campgesher.com
416-633-2511
1-877-443-7437
272 Codsell Avenue
Toronto, ON M3H 3X2
Camp Gesher provides informal education in
leadership, Jewish identity and Israel with dedicated,
experienced youth counselors. Interactive programs
include: “The Israeli Menu,” “Jerusalem by the
Quarter,” and “Jewish Communities around the
World.” Camp Gesher provides hands-on participation
in organizing Jewish holiday celebrations using
tailored, age-appropriate programs in partnership
with the Miles Nadal JCC. A great way to meet new
Jewish friends.
Hashomer Hatzair Canada works with youth to build
progressive Jewish values, links to Israel, community,
and a commitment to social, environmental and
economic justice in a setting based on youth
leadership and responsibility. Through year-round
programming and summer activities at Camp
Shomria, each age group, led by youth leaders,
learns and grows together in a setting that promotes
and models youth leadership, individual excellence,
mutual responsibility, social, environmental and
economic justice, respect and cooperation.
Downtown Jewish Community School
Belinda Keshen, Principal
www.djcs.org
principal@djcs.org
416-924-6211 x 112
750 Spadina Ave.
Toronto, ON M5S 2J2
Located in the Miles Nadal JCC since 1979, the
Downtown Jewish Community School is a pluralistic
supplementary school for students ages 4-16. We
embrace our community’s diversity. Children learn
that there are many ways to be a Jew and feel proud
to be Jewish. Featuring: Sunday and/or Wednesday
options for Grades 2-7; expert, dedicated professional
staff; enrichment options, including Judaic art,
drama, music, Israel studies, etc.; Grade 7 Mitzvah
Program; high school monthly Sunday Brunch
Program; tuition fees are fully tax deductible and you
get a FREE MNjcc Child’s Membership.
DOWNTOWN JEWISH community council | 9
Kachol Lavan: The Centre for Hebrew
and Israel Studies
Morris Winchevsky School: Toronto’s
Secular Jewish Community School
Ariel Zaltzman
www.kachol-lavan.com
info@kachol-lavan.com
905-303-5025
9600 Bathurst Street unit #240
Vaughan, ON L6A 3Z8
Frances Handlarski, Education Director
www.mwstoronto.org
info@mwstoronto.org
416-789-5502
585 Cranbrooke Ave.
Toronto, ON M6A 2X9
Kachol Lavan is a unique Israeli centre with a
focus on Modern Hebrew and contemporary Israeli
subjects, serving all ages. We offer a wide range of
programs including a Sunday School, Hebrew credit
programs for high school students, Hebrew lessons
for adults, Israeli folk dancing (the Rokdim Kachol
Lavan Juniors), choir for adults and children (Sharim
Kachol Lavan), chess club, a leadership program,
and a Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. We operate in three
locations, including the Wolfond Centre (36 Harbord
Street). Kachol-Lavan was initiated by UJA Federation,
Schwartz/Reisman Centre and The Israeli Forum.
A progressive secular Jewish Sunday School with
a focus on social justice – our arts-based program
explores Jewish culture, holidays, history and ethics
from a humanistic perspective. Kinder Kapers:
for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups. Themes
include holidays, peace and justice through Hebrew
and Yiddish songs, crafts and stories. Grades 1
to 6: Jewish studies highlighting culture, history,
holidays and values including labour history, human
rights, environmental justice and tzedakah (charity
and justice). Grade 7: B’nai Mitzvah Program - an
alternative to traditional Bar/Bat Mitzvah, students
mark this important milestone in a personal and
humanistic way. From preschool to Bar/Bat Mitzvah
– your gateway to a meaningful, inspired progressive
secular Jewish education. Classes held at 918
Bathurst Street, at Bloor.
Leo Baeck Day School
Eric Petersiel, Head of School
www.leobaeck.ca
info@leobaeck.ca
416-787-9899
501 Arlington Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M6C 3A4
Leo Baeck is the only Jewish International
Baccalaureate World School and the largest Reform
Jewish day school in North America. Committed
to providing academic excellence in a nurturing
community, its home is a beautiful new campus
bordering the Cedarvale Ravine, with a second campus
in Thornhill. Preschool teaches social skills and early
literacy and numeracy. Hallmarks are innovative best
practices to cultivate critical thinking, a commitment
to to Tikkun Olam, and schedule divided into thirds:
English, Math-Science-Social Studies, and Hebrew.
French, Music, Art, Drama, Computers & Physical
Education enhance our curriculum.
10 | DIRECTORY of resources
Paul Penna Downtown
Jewish Day School
Dan Goldberg, Principal
www.djds.ca
info@djds.ca
416-928-3537
750 Spadina Ave.
Toronto, ON M5S 2J2
The only Jewish day school in downtown Toronto,
Paul Penna DJDS is driven by its values: inspiring
curiosity, honouring diversity, and creating
community. Our unique integrated curricula weave
together the Jewish and general facets of children’s
lives to develop a meaningful Jewish identity,
commitment to social justice, and respect for the
environment. Students receive a strong academic
foundation as they are encouraged to question,
collaborate, think critically, and act with confidence.
In our arts-enhanced approach, creative expression
becomes a tool for learning. Jewish students of all
backgrounds and family configurations are welcomed
and celebrated. Registering now for SK to Grade 6.
Robbins Hebrew Academy
Michele Viner, Director of Admissions
www.rhacademy.ca
mviner@rhacademy.ca
416-224-8737 Ext. 137
1700 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5P 3K3
At RHA students learn to think critically, both at
school, and in their everyday lives. Our commitment
to best practices in all areas of education has
granted us status as the only Jewish day school in
Ontario to be a candidate for accreditation from
the national organization, Canadian Accredited
Independent Schools (CAIS). Your child will learn to
view the world through a global lens. Our teachers
and staff understand the importance of creativity,
collaboration, and innovation, and strive to give
students a passion for life-long learning. Call us today
to discuss your family’s future in the RHA community.
SOCIAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Active Seniors, Boomers & Retirees
Phyllis Fien, Coordinator
www.mnjcc.org
phyllisf@mnjcc.org
416-924-6211 x 155
750 Spadina Ave. Toronto, ON M5S 2J2
Active engagement in meaningful activities
contributes to positive aging. We offer opportunities
for seniors, boomers and retirees to keep active,
stimulated and engaged, as well as to meet and
connect with others, at enjoyable afternoon programs.
Hear outstanding speakers on social and cultural
subjects - early Jewish Toronto, Iain Scott’s opera
appreciation, influential Jewish artists, Broadway’s
great composers... Enjoy musical performance
from Bach to Broadway and at Chanukah/Purim
celebrations. Join the discussion group on positive
aging. Informative talks feature experts who provide
insights into wellness and healthy aging, addressing
diverse subjects from nutrition and brain functioning
to memory and aging.
Circle of Care
Revital Shuster
www.circleofcare.com
416-635-2860
4211 Yonge Street, Suite 401
Toronto, ON M2P 2A9
Circle of Care is dedicated to supporting
independence and quality of life of individuals in
their homes. Over 450 staff and more than 300
volunteers are available to provide assistance in your
home. Offering a wide range of home and community
programs, including homemaking and personal
support, social work and volunteer supported
services, we strive to help clients live as comfortably
as possible in their own home environments, and
reduce the challenges they face due to physical,
emotional, cognitive or mental health issues. At Circle
of Care we know that it’s good to be home.
DOWNTOWN JEWISH community council | 11
Habayit Shelanu Senior
Residence Corp.
Arnold Foss
www.circleofcare.com
afoss@circleofcare.com
416-635-2860 x 463
530 Wilson Ave., 4th Fl.
Toronto, ON M3H 5Y9
Habayit Shelanu, located at 155 Kendal Avenue, is a
59-unit housing project conceived to meet the needs
of Jewish seniors living in downtown Toronto. Habayit
Shelanu provides a setting for independent living,
designed to enable aging in place and to encourage both
formal and informal social interaction. All areas of the
building are fully accessible and several one-bedroom
suites have been designed for independent wheelchair
living. Drawing on Circle of Care’s extensive knowledge of
special needs, supportive housing services, homemaking,
personal care, shopping, security checks and social work
services are available as required by tenants.
Jewish Family & Child - Gordon S.
Wolfe Branch
Dr. Richard Cummings, Executive Director
Janice Kaiman, Branch Manager
www.jfandcs.com
info@jfandcs.com
416-961-9344
35 Madison Ave.
Toronto, ON M5R 2S2
For help in addressing life’s challenges, look to Jewish
Family & Child, every step of the way. Supporting
the healthy development of individuals, families and
communities in Greater Toronto and York Region,
through prevention, protection, counselling, education
and advocacy services, within the context of Jewish
values. Jewish Family & Child has served the emotional,
social and physical needs of Toronto’s Jewish population
with integration programs and services for children,
adults and families. While we remain firmly rooted in the
traditions and experiences of the Jewish people, many
of our services are open to the general community.
12 | DIRECTORY of resources
Jewish Free Loan Toronto
A. Michael Freedman, Executive Director
www.jewishfreeloan.ca
info@jewishfreeloan.ca
416-635-1217
340-4600 Bathurst Street
Toronto ON, M2R 3S7
Do you know a single parent struggling to raise his
kids, or a friend who wants to go back to school,
or an unemployed woman hoping to start a small
business? Jewish Free Loan Toronto is here for
them. We lend money, Interest-Free, in accordance
with the Bible, our traditions and our mandate. With a
lending format that features guarantors rather than
collateral, JFLT loans are an interest-free alternative
for those in temporary financial need. Our personal,
education, and small business start-up loans are
available to Jewish residents of the GTA who are
Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
Jewish Information Service of Greater
Toronto (JIST)
Barbara Barak, Senior Coordinator
www.jewishtoronto.com
jinfo@ujafed.org
416-635-5600
Sherman Campus, 4600 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M2R 3V3
JIST is the gateway to the Jewish Community in
Greater Toronto. Call, email, drop by our community
information desk, or log on to the website and follow
the links on ‘Community Resources’ to find out about
all aspects of Jewish Life including dates of holidays,
synagogues, organizations, daycares, kindergarten
programs and scholarships. JIST also provides
a housing registry (a free community service of
accommodations mainly for singles and couples),
listings of retirement homes & long-term facilities;
daycares; preschool programs and more. Restitution
Services assists Holocaust survivors to apply for
compensation and pensions from Germany; contact
Dora Elzbet at 416-630-2920.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Reena
Simone Atungo, Director of Community
Development and Integration
www.mountsinai.on.ca
satungo@mtsinai.on.ca
416-586-4800
600 University Ave.
Toronto, ON M5G 1X5
Sandy Keshen, President and CEO
www.reena.org
skeshen@reena.org
905-889-2690 x 2222
927 Clark Ave.
Thornhill, ON L4J 8G6
Mount Sinai Hospital brings together “Bright Minds and
Big Hearts to provide The Best Medicine.” Our Centres
of Excellence include the Frances Bloomberg Centre
for Women’s and Infants’ Health, Christopher Sharp
Centre for Surgery and Oncology, Daryl A. Katz Centre
for Urgent and Critical Care, Centre for Inflammatory
Bowel Disease, Centre for Musculoskeletal Disease
and the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute. We
offer special services to our Jewish patients and the
community: kosher food for inpatients and for sale;
daily Mincha services in winter months; and our on-site
Jewish Chaplain provides support and answers medical
Halachic questions.
Na’amat Canada Toronto
Lori Nusbaum, Senior Fundraising
and Development Officer
www.naamat.com
lori.nusbaum@naamattoronto.ca
416-636-5425
272 Codsell Ave.
Toronto, ON M3H 3X2
NA’AMAT is the largest Women’s Movement in Israel.
Our top priority is to advance the status of women
in the workforce and society by striving to achieve
equality between the sexes and full participation
in social, economic and political spheres. NA’AMAT
mobilizes and leads women to bring about social
changes by initiating campaigns to influence public
opinion and increase public awareness. Funds raised in
Canada go towards the creation and maintenance of
daycare centres accommodating approximately 18,000
children, 5 women’s rights centres, 30 legal aid bureaus
and 20 technical high schools for all denominations.
Reena believes that people with a developmental
disability should live in their community close to
family and friends, integrated with full participation
in all aspects of social life. Reena provides a wide
range of supports including residential, life skills,
day programming, respite, and staff training, as
well as a day program for older adults and a full
range of family support and recreational programs.
Reena places a unique emphasis on providing Judaic
programming and a Jewish environment for people
with developmental disabilities, which enables them
to develop spiritually and feel a connection to their
roots, culture and community.
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
www.jewishtoronto.com
info@ujafed.org
416-635-2883
4600 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M2R 3V2
UJA Federation’s mission is to preserve and
strengthen the quality of Jewish life in Greater
Toronto, Canada, Israel and around the world through
philanthropic, volunteer and professional leadership.
The strength of Toronto’s Jewish community is its
commitment to core Jewish values, including our
deep commitment to Israel, and our dedication to
Tikkun Olam, serving the most vulnerable in our
community. UJA Federation touches so many of
the lives of our diverse and vibrant community,
celebrating Jewish life, standing up for the Jewish
homeland and inspiring younger generations to
explore their connection to their roots.
DOWNTOWN JEWISH community council | 13
COMMUNITY GROUPS AND NETWORKS
Genesis: UJA’s Centre for
Jewish Innovation
Alexandra Kuperman
www.cjitoronto.org
Alexandra@cjitoronto.org
416-255-2325
36 Harbord St.
Toronto, ON M5G 1G2
Genesis, a program of UJA Federation of Greater
Toronto, aims to enhance Toronto’s Jewish community
by nurturing Jewish non-profit initiatives as well as the
personal career mentoring of young adults. Genesis
draws on the expertise of our diverse and multi-talented
community members to accomplish these goals. To this
end, Genesis provides growing Jewish non-profits with a
collaborative office space located at the Wolfond Centre
along with mentorship, increased organizational profile,
capacity building workshops, and technical assistance.
In addition, Genesis hosts a community conversation
around Jewish innovation and entrepreneurship
through an ongoing speaker series.
Hillel of Greater Toronto
Kulanu Toronto
Justine Apple, Executive Director
www.kulanutoronto.ca
kulanutoronto@gmail.com
416-819-7431
30 Holly Street, #1706
Toronto, ON M4S 3C2
Kulanu Toronto (meaning “All of Us” in Hebrew) is the
city’s pre-eminent Jewish LGBT social, educational, and
cultural group whose programming is geared towards
people of all ages, from 18-75. Our community includes
people of various Jewish affiliations, from secular to
religious. All our catered events are Kosher and have a
Jewish flavour to them. Our events include but are not
limited to Shabbat dinners, Chanukah parties, Passover
seders, Holocaust Education Week programs, plays,
films, participating in the annual UJA Walk With Israel,
and marching in the Toronto Gay Pride Parade. Friends
and allies are always welcome at our events.
CULTURAL AND
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Koffler Centre of the Arts
Rabbi Aaron Katchen, Associate Executive Director
www.hilleltoronto.org
info@hilleltoronto.org
416-913-2424
36 Harbord Street
Toronto, ON M5S 1G2
Valentine Moreno, Curator of
Multidisciplinary Programs
www.kofflerarts.org
vmoreno@kofflerarts.org
416-638-1881
180 Shaw Street
Toronto, ON M6J 2W5
Hillel of Greater Toronto is the address for Jewish student
life in downtown Toronto. Through exciting and creative
programming and events, Hillel promotes Jewish identity,
student leadership and religious and political diversity
in a dynamic and inclusive environment. In addition to
university services for students, the Wolfond Centre has
quickly become a major venue for downtown Jewish
communal life, working in partnership with community
groups – including Kachol-Lavan, City Shul, Annex Shul,
and Genesis: UJA’s Centre for Jewish Innovation – to
host religious services, Hebrew-language programs for
children, Jewish entrepreneurial projects, and more.
The Koffler Centre of the Arts is Canada’s only
multidisciplinary, contemporary Jewish cultural institution,
with a broad mandate to welcome all and present a wide
range of artistic programs through a global lens in a distinctly
Canadian context. The Koffler explores contemporary
Jewish and world culture, with art exhibitions, art classes,
programs in music, literature, film, and theatre. Our mix of
programs examines the arts across disciplines and cultures
in a way that strengthens identity while encouraging an
appreciation of difference. In 2013, the Koffler is expanding
downtown to Artscape Youngplace, while we continue to
offer multidisciplinary programs across the GTA.
14 | DIRECTORY of resources
Limmud Toronto
Ontario Jewish Archives
Peter Sevitt, President
www.limmud.ca
info@limmud.ca
416-925-7600 x 1
45 St Clair Ave. West, Suite 200 Toronto, ON M4V 1K9
Dara Solomon, Director
www.ontariojewisharchives.org
ojainquiries@ujafed.org
416-635-5391 4600 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M2R 3V2
Limmud is Jewish learning without boundaries:
it inspires Jewish life, learning, diversity and
volunteerism by bringing together Jews of
all backgrounds and ages to create an annual
festival of Jewish Learning and Culture. Young
and old, traditional and alternative, religious and
secular, affiliated and unaffiliated, mix in a spirit
of free inquiry and exchange. Festival sessions
span the breadth of Jewish life, from history and
contemporary issues, to Israel, text study, philosophy,
art, music, literature, environment and film.
Volunteers are invited to join the planning team.
Established in 1973, the OJA acquires, preserves,
and makes accessible the documentary sources of
the province’s Jewish community. The collections—
thousands of photographs and records documenting
community organizations, prominent individuals
and families, synagogues, unions, schools, leisure
and entertainment, athletes, businesses, artists,
and much more — illustrate the vibrancy of the
community from its earliest days to the present.
Through exhibitions, programs, research assistance,
and walking tours, the OJA tells the stories of the
Jewish community. Our stories are your stories.
New Israel Fund of Canada
Shoresh Jewish Environmental
Programs
Orit Sarfaty, Executive Director
www.nifcan.org
orit@nifcan.org
416-781-4322
401-801 Eglinton Avenue West
Toronto, ON M5N 1E5
The New Israel Fund of Canada supports projects and
programs in Israel that strengthen and safeguard civil
and human rights, bridge social and economic gaps,
and foster tolerance and religious pluralism for all
of its citizens. It helps advance the development of
Israel as a Jewish and democratic state as envisioned
in her Declaration of Independence. New Israel Fund
of Canada hosts frequent educational events for the
Canadian community, as well as New Generations
Canada programming for people 20-40.
Risa Alyson Cooper
www.shoresh.ca
risa@shoresh.ca
416-805-8382
Shoresh Jewish Environmental Programs is leading
the Jewish environmental movement in the Greater
Toronto Area. Through educational programs and
grassroots initiatives, rooted in Jewish social and
environmental values, Shoresh’s mission is to build
a more connected and ecologically sustainable
Jewish community. Shoresh runs the Kavanah
Garden, an organic educational garden that models
Jewish agricultural laws and environmental ethics,
and facilitates Jewish environmental programs for
congregations and schools and offers environmental
consulting services. Shoresh is creating Bela Farm, a
rural centre for sustainable, land-based Judaism in
Southern Ontario. and hosts its annual Shoresh Food
Conference in partnership with the MNjcc.
DOWNTOWN JEWISH community council | 15
Toronto Jewish Film Festival
Weizmann Canada
Debbie Werner, Managing Director
www.tjff.com
debbiew@tjff.ca
416-324-9121
19 Madison Ave.
Toronto, ON M5R 2S2
Marni Brinder Byk
Development Manager
416.733.9220
marni@weizmann.ca
www.weizmann.ca
The Toronto Jewish Film Festival has grown to
become the largest Jewish film festival of over
100 worldwide, presenting the best in feature film,
documentaries and shorts from around the world on
themes of Jewish culture and identity. TJFF offers
year-round film screenings and event. For more
information please go to www.tjff.com.
Toronto Jewish Film Society
Esther Arbeid
www.mnjcc.org/arts
esthera@mnjcc.org
416-924-6211 x 606
750 Spadina Ave.
Toronto, ON M5S 2J2
Where curiosity, creativity and serendipity flourish!
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel,
is one of the world’s top-ranking multidisciplinary
institutions. Weizmann Institute researchers are
searching for new ways of fighting disease and
hunger, examining leading questions in mathematics
and computer science, probing the physics of
matter and the universe, creating novel materials
and developing new strategies for protecting the
environment. Canadian supporters are part of a
worldwide network created to support the Institute’s
work. Weizmann Canada also helps nurture future
scientists by stimulating the study of math and
science at all levels.
Founded in 1978, the Toronto Jewish Film Society
is the longest running Jewish Film Society in North
America. Our mandate is to show unique, excellent
films of Jewish content, interest or composition,
presented in an annual year-round subscription
season. The TJFS also offers an educational
component to its screenings, through engaging
noted speakers, Q & A and film notes. All of our films
are screened at the Al Green Theatre. The TJFS is a
program of the Miles Nadal JCC.
photographed by Marcine Linder
16 | DIRECTORY of resources
Quick Reference guide
CONGREGATIONS
*Annex Shul www.annexshul.com 647-267-8752
Anshei Minsk Congregation
www.theminsk.com416-595-5723
*Beach Hebrew Institute
www.beachhebrewinstitute.ca 416-694-7942
Chabad of Midtown Toronto
www.chabadmt.com 416-516-2005
Chabad of Danforth-Beaches
www.chabaddb.com 416-809-1365
Chabad at the University of Toronto
www.utjews.com 647-722-3188
Chabad-Lubavitch of Downtown Toronto
www.chabad.org 416-546-9770
*City Shul
www.cityshul.com 647-799-3557
*Congregation Darchei Noam
www.darcheinoam.on.ca 416-638-4783
*Congregation Habonim
www.congregationhabonim.org 416-782-7125
*Congregation Rodfei Shalom Anshei Kiev (“The
Kiever”)
www.kievershul.com 416-593-9702
*Congregation Shaarei Tzedec www.shaareitzedec.org 416-768-4769
*Congregation Shir Libeynu
www.shirlibeynu.ca416-465-5488
*Danforth Jewish Circle
www.djctoronto.com416-580-6303
*First Narayever Congregation
www.narayever.ca416-927-0546
*Holy Blossom Temple
www.holyblossom.org
416-789-3291
Knesseth Israel Congregation (Junction Shul)
www.junctionshul.org 416-961-5556 x 216
*Makom: Creative Downtown Judaism www.MakomTO.org 416-546-6043
Michael Bernstein Chapel at MNjcc
www.mnjcc.org 416-968-0200
*Nefesh HaHayim nefeshhahayim1@gmail.com
*Oraynu Congregation for Humanistic Judaism
www.oraynu.org416-385-3910
Reichmann Minyan at One First Canadian Place
info@rhcp.ca 416-862-6040
Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish Centre www.foresthilljewishcentre.com 416-483-0883
SCHOOLS AND YOUTH GROUPS
*BBYO
www.bbyo.ca416.398.2004
*Camp Gesher www.campgesher.com 416-633-2511
*Camp Shomria - Hashomer Hatzair
www.hashomerhatzair.ca416-736-1339
*Clara and David Nightingale School
www.cityshul.com 647-799-3557
*Congregation Habonim Jewish Heritage School
www.congregationhabonim.org 416-782-7125
*Darchei Noam Hebrew School
www.darcheinoam.on.ca 416-638-4783
*Downtown Jewish Community School
www.djcs.org 416-924-6211 x 112
*Kachol Lavan – The Centre for Hebrew and Israel Studies
www.kachol-lavan.com 905-303-5025
*Leo Baeck Day School www.leobaeck.ca 416-787-9899
*Morris Winchevsky School: Toronto’s
Secular Jewish Community School
www.mwstoronto.org 416-789-5502
*Oraynu Children’s School
www.oraynu.org/school 416-385-3910
*Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School
www.djds.ca 416-928-3537
*Robbins Hebrew Academy
www.rhacademy.ca 416-224-8737
*Thomas and Marjorie Schwartz Preschool Centre
www.mnjcc.org436-924-6211
*Members of the Downtown Jewish Community Council.
DOWNTOWN JEWISH community council | 17
SOCIAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
COMMUNITY GROUPS/NETWORKS
*Active Seniors, Miles Nadal JCC *Genesis: UJA’s Centre for Jewish Innovation
www.mnjcc.org 416-924-6211 x 155
www.cjitoronto.org 416-255-2325
Baycrest
*Hillel of Greater Toronto
www.baycrest.org 416-785-2500
www.hilleltoronto.org416-913-2427
Canada-Israel Experience
*Kulanu Toronto
www.canadaisraelexperience.com 416-398-6931
www.kulanutoronto.ca416-819-7431
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Mothers Circle
www.cija.ca 416-925-7499
www.motherscircle.org 416-658-5261
*Circle of Care
www.circleofcare.com 416-635-2860 x 463
CULTURAL/EDUCATIONAL
*Habayit Shelanu Senior Residence Corp.
PROGRAMS
www.circleofcare.com 416-635-2860 x 463
Ashkenaz Foundation
Jewish Addiction Community Services
www.ashkenazfestival.com416-979-9901
www.jacstoronto.org 416-638-0350
Centre for Jewish Studies, University of Toronto
*Jewish Family & Child - Gordon S. Wolfe Branch
www.cjs.utoronto.ca 416-978-1624
www.jfandcs.com 416-961-9344
Harold Green Jewish Theatre
*Jewish Free Loan Toronto
www.hgjewishtheatre.com 416-932-9995
www.tjflc.com416-635-1217
*Koffler Centre of the Arts
Jewish Immigrant Aid Services
www.kofflerarts.org416-638-1881
www.jiastoronto.org 416-630-6481
*Limmud Toronto *Jewish Information Service of Greater Toronto
www.limmud.ca
416-925-7600 x 1
(JIST)www.jewishtoronto.com
*New Israel Fund of Canada
416-635-5600
www.nifcan.org 416-781-4322
Jewish Vocational Services
*Ontario Jewish Archives
www.jvstoronto.org
416-787-1151 x 1
www.ontariojewisharchives.org 416-635-5391
Kashrut Council of Canada
*Shoresh Jewish Environmental Programs
www.cor.ca416-635-9550
www.shoresh.ca
416-805-8382
*Mount Sinai Hospital *Toronto Jewish Film Festival
www.mountsinai.on.ca416-586-4800
www.tjff.com 416-324-9121
*Na’amat Canada Toronto
*Toronto Jewish Film Society
www.naamat.com416-636-5425
www.mnjcc.org/arts
416-924-6211 x 606
*Reena
*Weizmann Canada
www.reena.org905-889-2690
www.weizmann.ca 416-733-9220
Toronto Board of Rabbis
www.torontoboardofrabbis.org 416-849-1004
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Canada
www.jgstoronto.ca 647-247-6414
*UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
www.jewishtoronto.com416-635-2883
*Members of the Downtown Jewish Community Council.
18 | DIRECTORY of resources
DOWNTOWN JEWISH community council | 19
DISCOVER YOUR
@ Spadina and bloor
WORLD CLASS FITNESS CENTRE • SALT WATER POOL • THEATRE • camPS
after School care • SENIORS PROGRAMS • PreSchool and childcare
ACTIVE 55+ FITNESS • CHOIRS • TORONTO JEWISH FILM SOCIETY
JEWISH CELEBRATIONS • YOUTH FITNESS • POTTERY • GALLERY
HEBREW INSTITUTE • FAMILY JUNGLE GYM • SUZUKI MUSIC PROGRAM
Miles Nadal JCC
750 Spadina Ave
(at Bloor)
mnjcc.org
celebrating 60 years