As I sit down to write this week's d'var Torah, I am reflecting on just how fortunate we are to be living in a country like Canada, where democracy is legitimate, systematic, and creates a society where even though we are not always happy with decisions that are made or current societal conditions, we have the ability freely and openly to express ourselves through the democratic process. Last week, our Prime Minister represented these values on his visit to Israel, speaking up in support of the partnership between our country and the State of Israel. As struggles for Israel to make peace with its neighbors continue and the on-going internal conflicts in Middle Eastern countries that do not embrace democracy rage on, I am inspired to be even more appreciative of the miraculous way that Israel has been able to establish itself as a country based on democracy. A democratic Jewish state in Israel is not only a gift for the Jewish people, but also a light to the rest of the Middle East region and world. It is our responsibility as a global Jewish community - as did Prime Minister Harper - to stand side-by-side with Israel in these trying times, whether or not we fully agree with all of its domestic policy or religious decisions.

Our annual spring musical, performed by extremely talented fifth, sixth and seventh graders, will be staged on Wednesday, April 9th and Thursday, April 10th at the Norman Rothstein Theatre at the JCC. Ticket ordering information to follow in the next month.