Machatunim: A Suite of Stories About Making Queer Jewish Family  

Written and performed by

Shir Libeynu member S. Bear Bergman, Machatunim explores family -- how we create it, nurture it, and are nurtured within it; whether our family is original, chosen, or a hearty blend. Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors below, this is a FREE show.

Machatunim is a 90-minute, one-person show.

Its content is appropriate for all ages.

Congregation Shir Libyenu is delighted to present

Machatunim in conjunction with Hillel of Greater Toronto and the following University of Toronto departments and organizations -- The Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies, The Ecumenical Chaplaincy, The Multi-Faith Centre, The Sexual and Gender Diversity Office and The Women's and Gender Studies Institute -- as well as the generous co-sponsorship of our member, David Townsend.

 

---------  

 

Meditation Through a Jewish Lens

 

Wednesdays, October 16 to November 27

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Led by Elaine Cooper and Lorne Blumer 

 

During this seven-week program, we will apply a Jewish lens to meditation practice. Using silence, Jewish chants and prayers, and other techniques, it is our hope that you will acquire tools to live with greater awareness, gratitude and compassion, and more easily access the Divine, however you conceive of it.

 

Jackman Room, Eastminster United Church
310 Danforth Avenue
(just west of Chester subway)

 

Click here for pricing and registration information

 

Co-presented by Congregation Shir Libeynu and the Danforth Jewish Circle

 

 

Downtown Family Fun Fair

Sunday, October 27, 2013

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Miles Nadal JCC

750 Spadina Avenue (@ Bloor)

  

 

Kids can enjoy special activities while their grownups explore a variety of Jewish organizations (like Shir Libeynu!). Drop  by, say hello and see what downtown Toronto has to offer.

 

Preceding the Fun Fair, there will be a workshop for parents and grandparents, Shabbat GPS, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (childcare is available). To register, contact Belinda Keshen: [email protected].

 

Help Wanted

 Kiddush Helpers for Shabbat Morning Service

 

Several volunteers are needed to help with this unique performance. We need two or three people to help with the setup and take-down of the event (seating, tables, etc.) and someone to pick up light refreshments.

 

---------

  

 Ambassadors for the Downtown Family Fun Fair

Afternoon of Sunday, October 27th

 

 We need two or three Shir Libeynu enthusiasts to represent our shul at the Downtown Jewish Fun Fair. Recent post bar/bat mitzvah young people and/or high school students are especially effective ambassadors. .

To sign up for the Fair, please email us.

  

All Shir Libeynu volunteer opportunities include credit for volunteer hours for high school community service requirements. Students, please bring your forms with you when you help out.

 

Other Items of Interest 

(Items listed in this section have been included at the request of Shir Libeynu participants and/or are considered to potentially be of interest to our congregation. Listed items are not necessarily endorsed by Congregation Shir Libeynu or its members. Listings appear at the discretion of the newsletter editor.)

Ready for the Ultimate Mitzvah?

Contrary to common belief, Judaism permits organ and tissue donation.

YES YOU CAN:

Jewish Perspectives on Organ Donation

Organizers from nine downtown Jewish congregations and community groups -- including Congregation Shir Libeynu -- have joined forces with the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada - Toronto Section to invite Toronto Jews to an event that will offer important insights into one of the most difficult, misunderstood aspects of Jewish life. 

Organ donation saves lives and is considered a mitzvah by all of the movements within Judaism. Yet, many Jews have concerns both within Judaism and more generally. Rabbi Miriam Margles (Danforth Jewish Circle) and Rabbi Aaron Levy (Makom) will each share a brief, unique perspective on Judaism's views about organ donation. They will be joined by Dr. Jeffrey Zaltzman of St. Michael's Hospital and three donors and recipients who will each discuss how a person's decision to donate changed lives.

Click here to see more.

Save the date (and you could save a life!)

Monday, October 21, 2013, 7.30 p.m.

Wolfond Centre, 36 Harbord Street

This program is presented free of charge as a community service and is co-sponsored by Congregation Shir Libeynu. 

Proceeds from the fund will go towards ensuring that Shir Libeynu continues to thrive while ensuring access to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Click here to donate to the Shir Libeynu Fund (please note that we do not have credit card capability - just PayPal). 

Alternatively, you can make out a cheque to Congregation Shir Libeynu (please write "Shir Libeynu Fund" in the "Memo" or "Re" section on the cheque) and mail it to: 

Congregation

Shir Libeynu, 

The congregation holds Shabbat services one  Saturday morning of each month, in the Michael Bernstein Chapel, on the 3rd floor of the Miles Nadal JCC, followed by a Kiddush. A free Shabbat program is offered for children during services. We also offer adult education workshops and programs, the possibility to participate in our choir and chanting events, as well as holiday celebrations and Oneg Shabbat dinners throughout the year.

Join Shir Libeynu's New Facebook Group