Deadline reminder: There is no issue on Dec. 27. Dec. 20 is the deadline for issue of Jan. 3, and Dec. 27 is the deadline for Jan. 10. All deadlines are at noon. Phone 416-391-1836, ext. 269; fax 416-391-0829 or email [email protected]. This week’s What’s New was done by Carolyn Blackman.
Saturday, Dec. 22
CASUAL SHABBAT
Shaar Shalom Synagogue invites everyone to a casual “Around Shabbat” service, 8:45 a.m., in the social hall. Kiddish following services.
ISRAELI DEFENCE
“Israel Missile Defence: Truth and Lies,” with a rocket scientist who works on a high-profile missile program in Israel, 8 p.m., Shaarei Shomayim Congregation.
Tuesday, Dec. 25
‘MISSIONARY BOMB’
“Defusing The Missionary Nuclear Bomb: Isaiah 53,” a seminar featuring Rabbi Michael Skobac, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Shaarei Tefillah. Lunch by Milk ’n Honey. Cost $20, registration required, 416-789-0020, [email protected].
Friday, Dec. 28
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Temple Har Zion program features three films about light, following Kabalat Shabbat services. Refreshments, discussion follows. Service, 8 p.m. For information, 905-889-2252.
Thursday, Jan. 3
FREE TIMES CAFE
Hear Gerry Kane, noon, “Shmooze the News,” Free Times Café, 320 College St.
Other News
PLAYERS WANTED
Temple Har Zion holds a mah-jong drop-in, Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Contact Debbi, 905-881-8025, [email protected].
Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue welcomes experienced players for mah-jong and Rummikub, Monday and Wednesday afternoons, 416-633-3838.
Shaar Shalom Synagogue welcomes people for a friendly game of bridge, Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $2 per member, $3 non-members. Call 905-889-4975 for more details.
YIDDISH LEBT
Improve your Yiddish skills at a class for adults, Sunday mornings, sponsored by Committee for Yiddish, UJA Federation, beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Yiddish culture for kids through arts and activities, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Begins Jan. 13, Beth David Synagogue. Adults $150/10 sessions. Kids, one-time $20 fee. Call Barbara, 416-631-5843. Website: www.committeeforyiddish.com.
ANCIENT WISDOM
Rabbi Berel Goldberg weaves talmudic and mystical interpretations of the weekly Torah portion. Men and women welcome. Thursdays, 8 p.m., Chai Centre, 1089 Spadina Rd. 416-271-0659 or thechaicentre.com.
BEREAVEMENT GROUPS
Bereaved Jewish Families of Ontario provide support following the death of a child. They offer eight-week self-help groups to bereaved parents.
For information, Beth Feffer at JF&CS, 416-638-7800, ext. 6244, or bfeffer&jfandcs.com.
A spousal bereavement group for ages 55+ will examine topics related to death, dying, myths of bereavement and moving forward. Runs Jan. 29 through March 5, 2-4 p.m., Circle of Care, 4211 Yonge St., 4th floor. For more information, call 416-635-2900, ext. 418 or 462.
‘BOOK OF DANIEL’
Join Mekerot and Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Beit Midrash Zichrom Dov as we study “The Book of Daniel: Exile and Redemption,” with Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner, Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Jan. 8 to May 20, Shaarei Shomayim Congregation. Call 416-877-2050 or 647-234-7299.
OPEN BEIT MIDRASH
Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Beit Midrash and Congregation B’nai Torah present Monday nights Open Beit Midrash, 8-10 p.m. Open for everyone to come and learn. For information, call 647-234-7299 or [email protected].
MELAVA MALKA CONCERT
A show under the auspices of Beth Tikvah, Beth Emeth, Beth Radom and Beth Jacob Hamilton synagogues with cantors Tibor Kovari, David Edwards, David Rosen and Eyal Bitton, accompanied by a band, Jan, 26, 7:30 p.m., Beth Tikvah Synagogue. $10 in advance, $15 at the door, children 13 and under free. Beth Tikvah: 416-221-3433; Beth Emeth: 416-633-3838; Beth Radom: 416-636-3451; Beth Jacob (Hamilton): 905-522-1351.
JOB-READINESS PROGRAM
JVS and Kerry’s Place Autism Services’ Asperger’s Job Readiness Program provides an eight-week workshop to develop job-readiness skills, weekly one-on-one sessions and a placement for up to 14 weeks with coaching for those between 18 and 30 with Asperger’s. Registration is open for Feb 11. Call: 416-649-1619; email: [email protected].
CONVERSATIONAL HEBREW
Ulpan method with Yael Lev. Beginner’s level (part 2) Tuesdays 7:30 pm. starting Jan. 8, Pride of Israel Synagogue, 10 lessons $150. Call 416-226-0111, ext. 10, or 416-225-6151.
FRUMBA-LITE
A cardio dance program for women. Easier on mature joints, slower options demonstrated. Mondays 1:30 p.m. or Thursdays 10:30 a.m., Pride of Israel Synagogue, $50 for four lessons beginning the week of Jan. 7. Info: [email protected] or call 416-226-0111, ext. 10.
CHABAD CLASSES
Women & Wisdom bat mitzvah class with Goldie Plotkin is an adult bat mitzvah class for women of any age, 8-10 p.m., beginning Jan. 21, 905-886-0420, ext. 227, or chabadmarkham.org.
New Talmud class for women with Rabbi Avraham Plotkin, Mondays, 8-9 p.m., begins Jan. 21. Six-week course is $40. To register, 905-886-0420, ext. 221.
MINI-PROGRAMS
Sign your child, age 12 months to five years, to one of Temple Sinai’s mini-programs, starting in January, and running for eight weeks. Includes Mini Chefs at Work, Super Scientist, Junior Circuit, puppetry and sportball. Morning, lunchtime and afternoon programs. Call education office, 416-487-3281; email: [email protected]; visit templesinai.net.
Registration is required for all programs. Groups and workshops are open to all members of the community and fee reductions are available. All classes at Lipa Green Centre, 4600 Bathurst St., unless otherwise noted. Call Shawna Sidney, 416-638-7800, ext. 6215, or www.jfandcs.com.
Effective Parenting: A 4-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 to 10 years. Topics include: how to nurture self-esteem, encourage problem solving, increase communication and setting limits. Jan. 21 from 7- 9 p.m.
When You’re About to Separate – What to Tell the Kids: A workshop for parents about to separate or in the early stages of separation. How and when to tell the children, how to handle moving day, as well as ideas and strategies to best meet your child’s needs will be discussed. Jan. 24, Promenade Mall, Suite 313, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
FOR SENIORS
Charming Earl Bales Seniors Club in the Park. (60+). Valerie, 416-395-7881. Tuesdays, seniors gentle fitness with personal trainer, 10 a.m.; Wednesdays, social bridge, 12:30 p.m.; Thursdays, social bridge, 12:30 p.m.; Membership registration now open for 2013.
Seniors Cultural Club meets Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Borochov Cultural Centre, 272 Codsell. 416-630-9444.
New Horizons is a Jewish Hungarian seniors club that offers kosher food, card games and casino trips. 416-256-1892.
Bridge Club at Forest Hill Library has reopened and is looking for new members. Call Lea, evenings, 416-487-7630.
Adath Israel Congregation. Wednesday afternoon socials. Bridge, mah-jong, Rummikub. Refreshments $2. Call Sheila, 416-665-3333, or Marcia, 416-932-1229.
Miles Nadal JCC, info/registration: 416-924-6211, ext. 155, “United Bakers 100th Anniversary with Ruthie Ladofsky,” Jan. 17, 1:30 p.m., refreshments, 2 p.m., program. Cost: $4, pre-pay by Jan. 10.
Register now for Iain Scott’s opera appreciation programs January and February.
Baycrest’s Fall Prevention Program is accepting registrants for the session starting Jan. 14. The 12-week Monday and Wednesday program provides education, exercise and treatment for adults who have had a fall or have a fear of falling. OHIP covered. 416-785-2500, ext. 2488.
Sherman Campus, 4588 Bathurst St., 416-638-1881, www.prossermanjcc.com.
The Jack and Pat Kay Centre Camp presents Winter Camp, to be held at the Schwartz Reisman Centre, 9600 Bathurst St., Dec. 24-Jan. 4, for ages 2 ½-12 years. Featuring indoor swimming, hot lunch program and bussing. For information, contact Lauren, 416-638-1881, ext. 4039, or register online at Centrecamp.ca/register.
750 Spadina Ave. 416-924-6211, www.mnjcc.org.
Registration now open for the following courses and more:
Winter Hebrew courses begin the week of Jan. 7. Adult Hebrew courses from beginners to advanced. Email: [email protected].
Toronto Jewish Film Society: eight movie nights, Al Green Theatre, January to December, $100. Email: [email protected]; visit: www.mnjcc.org.
“Woody Allen Past and Present” with Kevin Courrier, Jan. 14-Feb. 11. Info: [email protected], Ext. 606.
“The Singer’s Body,” with Orville Heyn, Jan. 13, 2:30-4:30 p.m., $25. Presented by MNJCC’s Institute for Lifelong Choral Wellness and SING! Info: [email protected]. Register: www.torontovocalartsfestival.com
Play in the MNJCC Klezmer Ensemble led by Eric Stein of Beyond the Pale, Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Info: [email protected].
Join the Women’s Chorus, Mondays 7:30-9:30 p.m. No audition. Email conductor Gillian Stecyk, [email protected].
Join our adult daytime choir Tuesdays 1- 2:30 p.m., with conductor Gillian Stecyk. $5 drop-in. No audition or experience required. Info: [email protected].