CULTURE & RECREATION

A Glimpse of some of our Jewish Observances

All residents are encouraged and invited to celebrate traditions in the ways that are most comforting and familiar to them. Daily minchah services at 4:00pm, Rosh Chodesh and all holidays are observed in a traditional manner within the home.

• Shabbat – Our Chava and Abrasha Wosk Synagogue has become a popular place for the community to bring in Shabbat. With singing from members of the Jewish Men’s Choir in our hamesh atmosphere, it is a spiritual service to attend. Afternoon services are held at 4:00pm every Friday.

• Our Oneg Shabbat service led by a music therapist with different Rabbi, cantor or lay leader of our Jewish community each week. The spiritual service is enriched by song, prayer and teachings. It is a beautiful community supported program.

• Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services are very popular, and deeply inspired by the powerful blasts of the Shofar, blown by our own residents and volunteers.

• Sukkot – Residents can enjoy their meals in our Courtyard Sukkah, beautifully decorated by the local Jewish schoolchildren.

• Simchat Torah – The shul is filled with celebration, song, dance and drink as once again, the community Jewish youth rejoice with the residents.

• Chanukah – Many children and families celebrate with residents at our annual Chanukah Party, where we serve the “Best Latkes in Town”.

• Tu B’Shvat – Residents enjoy a taste of Israel with fruits of Eretz Israel and traditional stories of the power and magic of trees in their country of origin.

• Purim – Our annual Purim Party is well known for wonderful belly dancers, music and hamantashen home baked by the residents.

• Passover – We hold five annual Passover seders, led by community members, volunteers and residents, in order to share the message of Pesach with all the residents.

• Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Hazikaron – Special services and celebrations are held to observe these days.

• Yom Hashoah – This day is solemnly observed in honour of the many residents and caregivers whose lives are inextricably linked to the Shoah. The memorial program includes an emotional service where residents who are Holocaust survivors share poetry, stories and prayers in commemoration of those who perished in the Shoah.