JEWISH&
Half Jewish? Part Jewish? An eighth Jewish on your grandfather’s side?
You don't need to quantify or qualify your Jewishness! We welcome you and everything you bring to the table at Jewish& - a program that explicitly gathers multi-faith, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic folks and families for Jewish exploration, education and celebration.
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For questions about any of these programs, please email laurens@mnjcc.org.
WHAT IS JEWISH&
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
SUPPORT JEWISH&
We’re so proud of the outstanding programs and events we offer. Now we’re hoping we can count on you to support us!
Any amount helps. Please click here to donate!
JEWISH& RESOURCES
18Doors (Formerly Interfaith Family)
18Doors empowers people in interfaith relationships— individuals, couples, families and their children—to engage in Jewish life and make Jewish choices, and encourages Jewish communities to welcome them. https://18doors.org
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Jews of Colour Canada
Jews of Colour Canada is a social group and online community for Jews of Colour and our allies in Canada.https://jewsofcolour.ca
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No Silence On Race
No Silence on Race is born out of the necessity for racial equity and inclusivity in Jewish spaces in Canada. https://www.nosilenceonrace.ca
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The Jews of Color Initiative
The Jews of Color Initiative is a national effort focused on building and advancing the professional, organizational and communal field for Jews of Color.https://jewsofcolorinitiative.org
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Global Jews
Be’chol Lashon (Hebrew for “in every language”) strengthens Jewish identity by raising awareness about the ethnic, racial and cultural diversity of Jewish identity and experience. https://globaljews.org
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Danforth Jewish Circle
The Danforth Jewish Circle is a joyous & inclusive, accessible & inspiring, egalitarian & independent Jewish community. Our members include singles and families of all ages who come from diverse Jewish backgrounds and cultural traditions, interfaith and intercultural families, and the full spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities https://djctoronto.com ​
​Synagogue Scouts
Interested in exploring congregational life in Toronto, but unsure of what might be a good fit for you/your family? Together we will scout out different services, experience what they have to offer, and hear directly from their leadership about how they are welcoming Jewish& (interfaith/mixed heritage/multicultural) people and families into their communities. Bring your curiosity and your questions!
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Upcoming Dates:
May 3 - Temple Emanu-El
Threads of Spadina: Our Interwoven Stories - Sunday, April 27, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Let’s pull back Spadina’s rich tapestry, revealing a world of seamstresses and sweatshops, tinkers and tailors, pushcarts and pamphlets, bagels and bushel baskets. Step back in time to when this neighborhood was the vibrant heart of a bustling Jewish community, with Spadina Avenue serving as its “cosmic spine.” As we walk through history, we’ll recapture the essence of what novelist Matt Cohen described as “an infinity of delectable possibilities, an adolescent theme park throbbing with folk music… protest marches, idealists of all ages.” Discover how Spadina's Jewish community wove itself into the broader fabric of the city, paving the way for new waves of immigrants and emerging countercultures.
Judaism 101 - Thursdays, May 1 - June 19, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Judaism 101 is an intro to Judaism class for everyone! It welcomes those who identify as Jewish or not, and those who have prior knowledge of Judaism or don't. The eight-part class explores the "Jewish bookshelf" and foundational topics of Jewish living, including Shabbat, the year cycle, lifecycle events, synagogue, and spirituality. Classes are held on Zoom. For questions please contact: LaurenS@mnjcc.org
Reflecting Together: Interfaith Families & the Holocaust - Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Join the Toronto Holocaust Museum and Jewish& at the MNJCC for a unique program designed for interfaith, multi-faith, and multi-heritage individuals, families, and couples. Jewish& (interfaith/intercultural) partners and families often delight in sharing each other’s cultures and traditions, but discussing the more challenging aspects of personal or cultural history can be difficult. A Jewish partner might feel unsure of how to bring up painful topics without making their loved one uncomfortable, while their partner may hesitate to raise these issues for fear of causing distress. Nevertheless, we all want to understand, honor, and value each other’s experiences.
Rabbi Denise Handlarski will lead a reflective discussion, guiding participants through how we process history from our unique perspectives in the context of today. Attendees will be introduced to the Toronto Holocaust Museum’s approach, exploring powerful liberation and immigration stories, especially as we reflect on the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. There will also be time to explore the Museum independently, providing space to reflect on and discuss the Holocaust in a supportive environment. This program aims to be a safe space for individuals, families, and couples from diverse backgrounds to learn and share together.