The Big Apple Pie: Chudleigh’s Goes COR Kosher
By: Chava Fine
***–This article originally appeared in COR’s 2014 Rosh Hashanah Magazine, “The Kosher CORner”. Thank you to COR and Chava Fine for permission to post.
When you think of Chudleigh’s, you may picture fun times with your family picking an array of crisp, juicy apples at their 100-acre apple farm in Milton, Ontario. But now you can also associate Chudleigh’s with “kosher”, as their entire 125,000 square foot commercial bakery is under COR supervision.
Chudleighs’ frozen baked goods and snacks, which include signature favourites such as Apple Blossoms, Pineapple Upside Down Cakes and Chocolate Lava Cakes, use only natural ingredients and no preservatives.
“We use traditional home-style recipes,” said Brent Winterton, Vice President of Quality Assurance and Human Resources at Chudleigh’s. “We have a strong affinity towards making feel-good comfort food.”
While most commercial bakeries employ an automated manufacturing system for the entire baking process, Chudleigh’s is unique in utilizing a process that they call “handamation”.
“Our focus is to keep that hand-made traditional home-style feel to our products,” said Winterton. “There’s a significant portion of our products that are hand-made in small batches with attention to detail. We use automation for certain parts of the process, combined with the craftsmanship of traditional pastry making.”
Chudleigh’s products are sold at major grocery retailers and food service outlets across North America and around the world, including South America, Europe and Australia.
The family-owned business has evolved substantially since opening in 1957 as an orchard farm. In 1973, Chudleigh’s opened up the baking side of their business, as they started to make apple pies in the basement of their barn. However, this arrangement only worked for a short time before they had to move their operation into a commercial facility.
“Our commercial bakery started in 1991 after a series of events – the barn fire being the most notable,” said Winterton.
The site of their award-winning bakery is conveniently located just down the street from the farm orchard, so all baked goods containing apples use freshly picked apples from their farm.
As the company has been undergoing a number of exciting changes in recent years, becoming kosher certified was the next logical step in the company’s evolution.
“Our company has matured in its processes and abilities, so it seemed like a good time for us to become kosher-certified,” said Winterton. “It’s very exciting and it’s been a great learning experience.”
Transforming the Chudleigh’s facility into a kosher plant required that all of their ingredients be kosher-certified and that all of their equipment be kashered.
“Our plant is a fairly complicated one as we have multiple lines, multiple products and multiple customers,” stated Winterton. “When we sat down and did an analysis of our ingredients, we found out, to our surprise, that 99% of the ingredients we use were already kosher. There were only one or two ingredients which weren’t kosher, and we found alternatives for those.”
Kashering the plant itself was the major task. It took two-and-a-half days for COR Rabbinic Coordinator Rabbi J. Norman and COR Rabbinic Field Representative Rabbi David Lawrence to kasher the entire Chudleigh’s facility, including their test kitchen.
“The biggest challenge of switching over the facility was the sheer volume of items that needed to be kashered,” said Rabbi Norman. “We kashered close to 8500 trays, 175 racks and 18 ovens.”
Winterton described the process of kashering their facility as “pretty seamless”.
Now that Chudleigh’s is under COR supervision, they are excited about the future opportunities that are in store for them.
“As far as opportunities for us as a result of becoming kosher, we have yet to realize them,” said Winterton. “But about 80% of our business is in the US, and becoming kosher should open up some new opportunities there for us.”
Kosher consumers across Canada and beyond are certainly eager to taste the delectable high-quality kosher products offered by Chudleigh’s.
PLEASE NOTE: Chudleigh's is currently updating their packaging to include the COR DAIRY kosher logo. In the meantime, in order to verify that the baked products are kosher even without the COR DAIRY logo, the products would have to be packed in a printed box and have a lot number of 41881 or higher printed on the side of the box. All products are dairy and non Pas Yisroel.
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (Last Day!)
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
www.royalfair.org
Sat: 9am-9pm, Sun: 9am-6pm
$24/adults, $16/4-17yrs+, free/3yrs-, $52/family pass (2 adults + 2 children)
City dwellers can experience a bit of country at the largest indoor combined agricultural, horticultural, canine and equestrian event in the world. Attractions include: cavalcades of horses, superdogs, a petting zoo, kids activity centre and butter sculptures.
Family Sundays at the AGO
Westin Family Learning Centre
317 Dundas St W
http://www.ago.net/family-sunday-programming
1-4pm
Free w/admission
November Family Sundays are inspired by the most faithful of pets, the dog. Enjoy the Alex Colville exhibition and stop by for fun-filled, family-friendly art and play activities.
Fun Science for Kids
Macleod Auditorium, Medical Sciences Building
University of Toronto 1 King’s College Circle
http://royalcanadianinstitute.ca/lectures/the-fall-2014-lectures/
3-4pm
Free, followed by complimentary treats
An hour of family fun and exciting science demonstrations for kids with Russell the RCI’s mad scientist
Outdoor Guided Walk: Autumn in the Valley
Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum & Arts Centre
67 Pottery Rd
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=93221d18ed7a0410...
1:30-2:30pm
$5.31adults, $2/6-12yrs, Free/5yrs-
Explore how the birds, plants and animals of the Don Valley prepare for the cold winter months ahead. Refreshments provided after the walk.
Last week was "Holocaust Education Week" This week there are still some programs, that one can attend. I attended one on the KinderTransport"
So let me tell you the story I tell to so many of my audiences,and has helped lead to this path. My Mom is a Holocaust survivor, and let me share with you how NUTRITION helped save her life.
There was not much to eat, the rations were poor and small. Most of the time old stale bread was handed out as well as old moldy cheese. None of the girls liked the old moldy cheese, my mom traded her bread for cheese.. Besides keeping feeling satiated for much longer it helped heal her. When my mom was liberated she could not gain entry to "Palestine" since she tested Positive for Tuberculosis. But she was never ill and never had any symptoms. Upon further investigations and x-ray it was apparent here lungs had healed themselves during this trying period, How? In such poor conditions? Well old moldy cheese has lot of calcium and Vitamin D a great healer transports into your body in a fat. So what you eat can save your life.
This winter we all need to be vigilant what we eat for optimum health. Here are some ideas to keep your immune system at it optimum and ward off flu.One of the tricky things about dealing with cold and flu viruses is that they do not respond to antibiotics which destroy bacteria. The best way to prevent cold and flu infections is through natural remedies that boost the immune system and help your body cleanse toxins.
Red Grapes and Blueberries:
These blueberries are a great way to boost immunity, there active ingredient-reservatrol in red grapes and pterostilbene in blueberries work to support the immune system.another berry, the little acai berry's dark color signals that it is high in antioxidants called anthocyanins. While the acai is not scientifically linked to specific disease- or illness-fighting ability, antioxidants may help your body fight aging and disease. Acai berries can be found in a powder form at your health food store, mix it in your juice or smoothie. Or find it dried and mixed with granola or cereal.
Rice bran:
A great immune booster, eat brown rice that contains the bran, ( try to soak the rice before cooking) buy just the bran and add it to your smoothies and cereal or top you yogurt.
Button Mushrooms:
Don't dismiss the lowly mushroom as nutrient poor: It has the mineral selenium and antioxidants. Low levels of selenium have been linked to increased risk of developing more severe flu. And the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin, found in these mushrooms, play a role in a healthy immune system. Animal studies have also shown mushrooms to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-tumor effects.
Broccoli:
Easy to find at the grocery store and incorporate into meals, broccoli is an immune-boosting basic. One study reported a chemical in broccoli helped stimulate the immune systems of mice. Plus, it's full of nutrients that protect your body from damage. It has vitamins A, vitamin C, and glutathione. Add some low-fat cheese to round out a side dish with immune-enhancing B vitamins and vitamin D. The common cold has been “bugging” us since ancient times. The average child catches between six and 12 colds a year and the average adult comes down with a cold two to three times a year. The flu is very contagious and is easily spread when people spend more time together during cold weather. Since flu viruses are contagious a day before any symptoms show up and a week after someone is sick, it’s hard to know when you’re exposed.
Sweet Potatoes:
Beta-carotene improves your body’s defenses. It’s instrumental in the growth and development of immune system cells and helps neutralize harmful toxins. Sweet potatoes and other orange foods like carrots, squash, pumpkin, egg yolks and cantaloupe are top sources.
Wild-caught salmon:
In a recent study, participants with the lowest levels of vitamin D were about 40 percent more likely to report a recent respiratory infection than those with higher levels of vitamin D. Increase your intake with salmon. A 3.5-ounce serving provides 360 IU, and some experts recommend as much as 800 to 1000 IU each day.
Yogurt:
The digestive tract is one of your biggest immune organs, so keep disease-causing germs out with probiotics and prebiotics, found in naturally fermented foods like yogurt. One serving a day labeled with “live and active cultures” will enhance immune function according to a study from the University of Vienna in Austria.
Almonds:
Heart-healthy almonds provide the immune-boosting antioxidant vitamin E, which can reduce your chance of catching colds and developing respiratory infections according to researchers at Tufts University. You’ll need more than a serving of almonds for your daily dose though, so try fortified cereals, sunflower seeds, turnip greens and wheat germ, too.
Strawberries:
Even though vitamin C-rich foods (hello, oranges!) are probably the first thing you think of when you feel a cold taking hold, Grotto says the illness-preventing power of that antioxidant is debatable. That said, some studies show it can reduce the intensity and duration of cold and flu, so it’s worth a try. One cup of strawberries provides 160 percent of your daily needs.
Dark chocolate:
Nutrition experts agree that dark chocolate deserves a place in healthy diets, and a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition says it can boost your immunity, too. High doses of cocoa support T-helper cells, which increase the immune system’s ability to defend against infection.
Spicy Foods:
We all know the strong flavor of foods like garlic, ginger, horseradish, onions and cayenne pepper when they’re eaten raw. The chemicals that give these hot and spicy foods their kick are also responsible for their immune boosting power. These foods act as antiviral remedies, enhancing your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight viral infections. These antiviral foods work best when consumed throughout the year to keep your immune system in top form.
Garlic:
Garlic is well known throughout history as a food that fights infections from bacteria and viruses. The BBC reported in 2007 that garlic can help prevent and fight the common cold. Allicin is one of the immune stimulating nutrients in garlic that is released when you cut, chop or crush the cloves. Garlic stimulates the activity of immune system cells that destroy cold and flu viruses. An added bonus from eating fresh garlic is that your strong breath can discourage sick people from wanting to get too close!
Onions:
Purple and white onionss contain quercetin, a nutrient that breaks up mucus in your head and chest while boosting your immune system. When the smell of raw onions makes your nose run and your eyes tear up, this stimulates your immune system to fight infection. Onions also contain allicin which slows down and kills a variety of viruses and bacteria. The pungency of onions increases your blood circulation and makes you sweat. This effect is helpful during cold weather to prevent infections and to sweat out a cold or flu. Consuming fresh raw white onion within a few hours of the first symptoms of a cold or flu is when you’ll get the strongest immune effect.
Ginger:
Ginger reduces fevers, soothes sore throats, and encourages coughing to remove mucus from the chest. The chemicals shagaols and gingerols in ginger give it that spicy kick that stimulates blood circulation and opens your sinuses. Improved circulation means that more oxygen is getting to your tissues to help remove toxins and viruses. Research from the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan indicated ginger has the ability to help prevent and treat flu infections.
Horseradish:
Horseradish strengthens your immune system and increases blood flow to parts of your body irritated by cold and flu infections to remove wastes. This pungent food encourages you to flush out infected fluids through sweat and increased urination. Horseradish is known to stimulate your lungs to cough out mucus from colds and flus while heating up your body. This powerful plant is also antibacterial which prevents other problems like sinus infections from taking hold while you’re sick.
Cayenne Pepper:
Cayenne pepper contains the chemical capsicum, a rich source of vitamin C that aids your immune system in fighting colds and flus. The powerful effect of vitamin C comes from bioflavinoids that help your body produce white blood cells, especially the white blood cells of your lymphatic system that cleanse your cells and tissues of toxins. Cayenne pepper, also full of beta carotene and antioxidants that support your immune system, helps build healthy mucus membrane tissue that defends against viruses and bacteria. Spicy cayenne peppers raise your body’s temperature to make you sweat, increasing the activity of your immune system.
Babytime Show
Nov 7-9
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front St W
www.babytimeshows.ca
10am-6pm
$16/adult, Free/12yrs-
Shop, try and buy from over 250 manufacturers, retailers and artisans. Talk to and learn from top pregnancy and parenting experts. Children’s shows include Barney and My Little Pony.
$2 coupon for baby show - http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=92a7cfa24efb237edc9b48601&id=5f1c38c48f&e=c2e313b293
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Nov 7 - 16
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
www.royalfair.org
Sat: 9am-9pm, Sun: 9am-8pm
$24/adults, $16/4-17yrs+, free/3yrs-, $52/family pass (2 adults + 2 children)
City dwellers can experience a bit of country at the largest indoor combined agricultural, horticultural, canine and equestrian event in the world. Attractions include: cavalcades of horses, superdogs, a petting zoo, kids activity centre and butter sculptures.
The Austins During The Great War
Spadina Museum
285 Spadina Rd
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=7899606b4d301410...
11am-3pm
$7.96/adults, $4.87/children
In many ways the Austin family typified Toronto's Great War experience; they lived the terrors of the front, saw first-hand the horror of modern warfare and struggled with the demands and sacrifices of the conflict at home. This unique program follows the Austin family during the Great War.
Family Day at the Gardiner Museum
Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
111 Queen’s Park 416-586-8080
http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/events/family-days/event/family-days
1-4pm
Free w/admission
Paint a poppy on a tile to in honour of Remembrance Day.
Power Kids: Industrial Sculpture
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Harbourfront Centre, 231 Queen’s Quay W 416-973-4949
http://www.thepowerplant.org/ProgramsEvents/Programs/Power-Kids/Industri... 3-5pm
Free, call to reserve a spot
Drawing inspiration from Pedro Cabrita Reis’ use of found and manufactured objects, participants will learn sculptural building techniques to create their own abstract sculptural artworks.
Family Sundays at the AGO
With events for little kids, big kids and the whole family, there is fun for everyone. Our interactive, innovative family activities change on a monthly basis and are inspired by our ever-changing exhibitions and collections.
Nov 2, 2014 to May 31, 2015
1:00 pm until 4:00 pm
http://www.ago.net/family-sunday-programming
Monday will see the Yahtzeit of Rachel Imeinu
Once again, Nachal Torah centre is inviting you to our annual big event for women only :
the celebration of Rachel Imeinu Hillula
Monday November 3rd, 2014 at 8pm
DANI Centre, 501 Clarke Ave. W, west door of Garnet A Williams Community Centre, in Thornhill
$20 at the door
great silent auction, delicious sweet table by Orli, music w DJ,
Direct link with the Kever in Israel
for auction donations please contact Reb. Rachel Levy or Sylvie Ouzzan
Monday is election day and this is a friendly reminder to please come out and vote. There are so many close races. A strong turnout by our community can make a big difference, with historical voter turnout between 36% and 51%!
Below is a list of candidates we are pleased to recommend, based on our meetings and research of the candidates and their positions.
John Tory (Mayor)
Mr. Tory is a credible, thoughtful person who deserves to be elected for all the right reasons, even leaving aside his strong support for our schools in the previous Provincial election.
James Pasternak (Councillor) Ward 10 (North of the 401 and south of Steeles)
James won the last election because of our community's support and he is a prime example of how having a friend on Council is beneficial. He has helped numerous schools, Synagogues, other Jewish institutions and many local residents over the last 4 years. He has become the "go to" person when municipal issues arise and he is extremely responsive. www.jamespasternak.com james@jamespasternak.com (416) 398-VOTE (8683)
Elana Metter - Councillor Ward 16 (North of Eglinton, South of 401, East of Bathurst)
Elana Metter is smart and energetic and will be a great advocate for our issues on Council. Her work with Karen Stintz has given her experience and she is ready to join James on Council to help advocate for our community. elana@elanametter.com cell 416.545.7672 www.elanametter.com
Chani Aryeh Bain - Councillor Ward 15 (North of Eglinton, South of 401, West of Bathurst)
We were remiss in not mentioning Chani Bain in our last e-mail. She has solid policies on transit and will be a strong advocate of our communal issues in this significantly Jewish ward. http://chaniaryehbain.ca, info@chaniaryehbain.ca, 647-340-2127
Tibor (Anshel) Martinek (Trustee, Toronto District School Board)
Tibor is in one of the more important battles in this election for our community. His major opponent, the incumbent, Howard Kaplan, simply does not share the same values with us. His previous actions with respect to Israel (eg. signing a petition against "the occupation" still up on a Canadian Palestinian website) are consistent with his recent statement to the Jewish Tribune that "...it's unjust for a people to be occupied militarily by another people against their will." See http://www.jewishtribune.ca/news/2014/10/21/trustee-for-tdsbs-ward-5-tries-to-deflect-criticism for some of his shocking comments.
Please help defeat Howard Kaplan, who is backed by some of the public sector unions. We need to prevent Howar Kaplan from winning this race simply because his name sounds Jewish and his views are not well known. Please urge everyone to come out and vote for Tibor. http://www.ifrresh.com/ Tiboranshel.martinek@gmail.com; 416-402-5384
Ward 8 (North of Eglinton; south of the 401;)
Aaron Grinhaus (Toronto District School Board)
Aaron grew up in our community, lived and worked in Israel and wants to give our community a voice on the school board. He is an excellent candidate to do this and we are fully supportive of his efforts. If Tibor and Aaron are successful, they will make a formidable team on the TDSB and we could move forward on several fronts that were put on hiatus thanks to Howard Kaplan. trustee.grinhaus.ca, trustee.grinhaus.ca/ Meeting@grinhaus.ca; 647-497-6872
The Last Day - Sunday Oct. 26 - How you Can Help?
All of the candidates can use help on the last day of the election. You can make phone calls, drop off leaflets and campaign literature and put up signs. The final push can sometimes make all the difference to a candidate, so if you can spare a couple of hours on Sunday, please contact any of the above candidates and they would be very grateful for any help you could provide.
Election Day - Monday Oct. 27
Beyond the obvious of coming out and making sure you vote and that your family and friends vote, you can also help out candidates by calling residents and urging them to vote. Any time you can give on election day will be a huge boost for any candidate!
We wish each of you a good Shabbos!
Aaron Blumenfeld and Ira Walfish
--
Ira Walfish, CPA, CA
PASS
T: +1 416 224 9929
F: +1 416 224 9099
Email: iwalfish@passufe.ca
PASS
300 Sheppard Ave. W., Ste. 100, Toronto ON M2N 1N5
http://www.passufe.com
Twitter - @pass_ufe
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What great EASY dough I made Sugarless and no eggs, and no nut butter and no sugar substitutes. It looks and feels amazing.
Here it is.
Oven at 400
1-1/2 cups cubed sweet potato or squash or pumpkin.
fine sea salt
2 1/3 cups unbleached bread flour
1 1/4 cup semolina flour- looks like farina...you can use farina or look for it at no frills
1 envelope dry yeast
2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup lukewarm water
Olive oil or grapeseed oil for brushing
Bake sweet potatoes cut in cubes. Mash 1 cup of sweet potato and the rest leave in cubes
In large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon salt- I used less
Bread flour and semolina flour and yeast.
Add mashed sweet potato, coconut oil... 1 cup water. form a soft dough turn out onto table smooth until elastic about 10 minutes.
Flatten dough with palm of hand sprinkle dough with some potato cubes incorporate and repeat 2 more times.
Brush a bowl with oil place dough to rise to double in bulk. about 1-1/2 hours.
Shape dough into 2 loaves...let rise to almost double in bulk
Bake at 400 at middle rack until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on bottom about 45 min. Transfer to rack to cool.
Any questions feel free to call
Surie Weinberg RHN 416-890-4928
Pre Yom Tov Clothing Sale and Giveaway!
Men's and Women's New and Gently Used Clothing - including Maternity Wear!!
In conjunction with the Couture Consignment Closet (there will also be a rack with couture consignment with high end labels for up to 80% off list prices!)
This sale is for everyone! Don't miss it, 2 DAYS ONLY - this SUNDAY AND MONDAY!
Dresses, Skirts, Tops, Suits, Ties, Shoes and more!
Beautiful Pieces ready to wear for Yom Tov!
Prices will range from $2-$20 and there will be a FREE GIVEAWAY table as well.
Sephardi Minyan for High Holidays for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Neitz Minyan for Shacharit each day, Mincha and Arvit at standard times.
All are welcome, we do not sell tickets but would appreciate notification of intention to come so we can make sure we can accommodate everyone.
Location is at Shomrei Shabbos
For more information contact Dr. Jack Hakoun by preferably by email jackhakoun@gmail.com
or
Assaf Elharar at assaf@roboticm.com or 416-858-4622
www.TorahAnytime.com 5774 Tisha B'av Webcast: 100% free, night and all day LIVE streamed shiurim from multiple locations PLUS exclusive content from top maggidei shiur. Visit www.TorahAnytime.com Aug 4-5 for a deeper and more meaningful T isha B'av - All from the comfort of your own home/office. R Zecharia Wallerstein, R Fischel Schachter, R Noach Isaac Oelbaum, Mrs. Esther Wein, Mr. Charlie Harary, R Bentzion Shafier, R Benzion Klatzko, R Yossi Mizrachi, and many more!
1. The Shmira Project: an ongoing, grassroots program that pairs IDF combat soldiers with Jews around the world who do acts of kindness, prayer or Torah learning to increase the soldier's spiritual merit and protection. The Shmira Project is under the auspices of Rav Simcha HaCohen Kook (The Hurva Synagogue and Rav of Rehovot) and Rav Aharon Feldman (Rosh HaYeshiva, Ner Israel).
2. In Their Merit: a campaign established by Project Inspire under the guidance of haRav Yitzchok Dovid Grossman shlita, Chief Rabbi of Migdal Emek, to bring the Jewish People together by learning the Torah of Unity and Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself, in the merit of Eyal Yifrach, Naftali Frankel and Gilad Shaar HY”D, may they rest in peace. Short emails will be sent each day in which you will receive insight and inspiration about developing unity and love for our fellow Jews, in their merit.
3. In this time of need in Eretz Israel we feel as though we need to do something, Tzedaka is a very powerful mitzvah. My husband (posted by Rachel Jakubovic) and close friends have spearheaded an organization, that the focus is the power of one, Echad. Take a minute to look and join us in the beautiful mitzvah and together make a big difference through only ONE DOLLAR!
4. Special z’chus for the Yidden in Eretz Yisroel: The Kids Torah Projectis a special Sefer Torah being written in Eretz Yisroel to promote Jewish unity as protection for Yidden in Eretz Yisroel (and around the world.) Every Jewish child worldwide under Bar/Bas Mtizva can purchase one letter at the cost of $1 (of their currency.) VisitKidsTorah.org, and fill out your children's names and mother's name, and contact info. For $1, your children will be given the zchus of a letter in the Torah for each of them and a beautiful certificate will be mailed to you with each child's name stating "I bought a letter in a Sefer Torah".
Where flowers and grass grew, a shul would sprout, and, with Hashem's help, last week, Moshav Roie celebrated 37 years since its establishment with a grand celebration escorting its first Sefer Torah dedicated by Prof Fein and his wife of Karnei Shomron to its newly built synagogue.
Dedicated to the memories of the murdered young boys Eyal Yifrach, Gilaad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel, Rabbi Raanan shared his proposal with the local council who accepted it and visited the grieving families to comfort them. The families themselves could not be present as they were still within the week of mourning.
Israel's Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Rabbi Eli Ben Dahan was among the 200 dignitaries and participants present at the ceremony. This included Kurt Rothschild, President of World Mizrachi, Member of Knesset Moshe Faiglin, Rabbi Ephraim Laniado of the Beit Yaakov Safra Congregation in San Paulo as well as Chief Rabbi Menachem Glitzenstein and David Alchayani of the Jordan Valley.
It was a scene of mixed emotions but, in typical Jewish optimism, it affirmed the belief that Jewish life must continue and blossom in spite of, and sometimes because of our tragedies. Orit Harel told the large crowd that this was the second shul she'd helped establish in a place where there had not been one for probably 1900 years. She assisted and encouraged the building of building one in the secular town of Timrat together with Ayelet Hashachar.
4 years ago…When Rabbi Shlomo Raanan, Director of Ayelet HaShachar received a phone call from the Moshav Roie over four years ago, he was swift to move into action. Leaders of the community turned to him with a request. Could he help them establish a regular Shabbos minyan? This lit a red light in his head – no minyan, no Shabbos? His Jewish heart ached. Something had to be done to help them infuse the community with a spark of yiddishkeit.
Moshav Roie nestles on the Northern side of Habika, the Jordan Valley, the white stoney Israeli desert forming its backdrop.
Setting out from Jerusalem, he began his journey from the built up golden city of Jerusalem on the road towards the Dead Sea. Descending swiftly signs declare how close to Sea level finally reach Sea level itself. This area is the lowest place in the world. Home to natural fauna and flora not found anywhere else on the planet.
Continuing on the road one takes a left at the Jericho junction, traveling north towards Beit Shean. This region boasts vast sweeping lengths of Banana and Date trees plantations. Their palms showing off their prowess, these trees not only bear fruit for the locals and for export, but also provide the population with lulavim (palm branches) just in time for the Succoth festival.
Approaching the Adam Junction a left turn onto route 57 down a deserted 15 kilometer treck. Arab villages swathe the area; the threat of the unknown in the air.
Roie, a jewel in the 'midbar' shines in the sunlight even from afar, the tent-like arches that protect its growing produce resemble the white cloth sails on a windy ship. The description is apt for Roie whose green beauty rivals the empty spaces it calls home. This oasis filled with promise, mushrooms out of the land like a desert island in the ocean.
45 families, a population of 300 residents, dwell on Roie, named to commemorate a fallen Israeli Paratroop Commander Uzi Yairi, who gave his life attempting to rescue the trapped occupants of the Savoy Hotel in Tel Aviv in a showdown in 1975. The building had been overtaken by terrorists, threatening the lives of those inside, and the Israeli Defense Forces, made a brave evacuation attempt.
Founded in 1976, the moshav was established by Jews whose vision was to make the desert bloom, and bloom it does.
Greeted by workers on tractors with ruddy sun-baked textured skin, they are quick to offer to show Rabbi Raanan around. With justified pride they show him their achievements, a thriving, beautiful cooperative settlement.
But for all these achievements; homes and flowering gardens, kindergartens and schools, a community centre building, the Moshav has existed for almost 35 years without a synagogue.
After being shown around and some in depth discussions, Rabbi Raanan was overjoyed to receive another call some months later informing him that, with his encouragement, they had applied, and been allocated a shul building, by the Israeli government. Now their needs had changed. They required furnishing; an ark (aron kodesh), Bima, benches and basic library, plus a mechitzah for the women's gallery.
Rabbi Raanan and his trailblazing organization Ayelet Hashachar is in the ‘business’ of building synagogues, but his dream is Jewish unity and understanding and the synagogue is the outcome of his endless efforts, acting as a 'meeting place' between the secular and the religious. There is a new awareness in the land of Israel, a great awakening, and it is his privilege to be able to harness this enthusiasm and turn it into a great and wonderous reality.
It will be his joy and privilege, to watch the desert bloom, in more ways than one.
Hagalas Keilim for all metal utensils - kiddush cups, cutlery, etc., taking place at the Boat Shul, Bathurst and Coldstream, during the following times:
Tuesday April 8 - Thursday April 10, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 11- 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Under the guidance of Horav Sofer, shlita.
For more information, please call: (647) 831-4901
Pesach Waste and Recycling Depot
From Wed Apr 9 - Mon Apr 14
Open daily from 7am - 9pm ( Close at 5pm on eruv Pesach Apr 14)
Garnet A. William Community Centre North West Parking North
Please note that this is a staffed disposal facility for Peasch related household waste and recycling. Green bin, blue box and waste will be accepted.
"Help save the world" by ensuring that whenever possible anything being discarded that is recyclable is directed to either a blue box or green bin!
Change clocks and smoke alarm batteries this weekend
Daylight saving time starts this weekend, when we need to turn our clocks ahead one hour. Toronto Fire Services reminds residents that it's also time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms – and carbon monoxide alarms if you have them.
Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every level and outside all sleeping areas. By providing early warning and critical extra seconds for escape, working smoke alarms can cut in half your family’s chance of dying in a fire.
"By installing and maintaining a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, you are ensuring that your family is equipped with the best defence against the devastating effects of fire,” said Toronto Fire Chief Jim Sales.
Smoke alarm tips:
- When installing a smoke alarm, read the manufacturer’s instructions on proper placement, testing and maintenance.
- Test your smoke alarms monthly using the test button.
- Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year and whenever the low-battery warning chirps.
- Replace smoke alarms if they are 10 years and older.
- Avoid removing the battery as response to the activation of a smoke alarm from cooking or steam. Instead of removing the battery, move the smoke alarm or purchase a smoke alarm with a hush-button feature that will temporarily silence the alarm.
Homeowners have a responsibility to install and maintain their smoke alarms. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their rental properties comply with the law.
Tenants whose rented properties do not have the required number of smoke alarms should contact their landlord immediately. It is against the law for tenants to remove smoke alarm batteries or to tamper with their alarms in any way.
Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could, upon conviction, result in a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for individuals, imprisonment, or both, and up to $100,000 for corporations, imprisonment, or both.
More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention.
Topsy-Turvy Purim Carnival
Miles Nadal JCC
750 Spadina Ave
http://www.milesnadaljcc.ca/jewish-life/holidays-celebrations/149-topsy-...
10am-2pm
$15/family (up to 5 People)
Calling all princesses, superheroes, ballerinas and monsters! Dress up in your finest costumes and enjoy a bouncy castle, face painting, crafts, a dance party, balloon animals, games, jungle gym and more. Kosher lunch and Hamentashen included!
Multiple Munsch (3-10yrs)
Solar Stage Children’s Theatre
4950 Yonge St, The Madison Centre
http://www.solarstage.on.ca/now.html
11am, 2pm
$16
A very popular series of Munsch stories done as one play. Enjoy this new collection: 50 Below Zero, Roar, I’m So Embarrassed and No Clean Clothes, presented in skillful and comic Solar Stage fashion.
Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival
The Kortright Centre & Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area
www.MapleSyrupFest.com
9:30am-5pm
$10/adults, $6.50/children, Free/4yrs & under
Don't miss a drop! Come out and 'tap into nature'. Demonstrations, wagon rides, activities, crafts and maple syrup.
At the CBC building, 250 Front St. W
Feb 6-12 and 14-23
Celebrate all things Olympics at our house - come to the CBC in Toronto to watch our athletes take on the world during the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games! Cheer on Team Canada, channel your inner athlete and be on-site for our giveaways!
http://www.cbc.ca/toronto/community/mt/2014/02/celebrate-the-winter-olympics-at-the-cbc.html
McMichael’s Winter Carnival
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
10365 Islington Ave
http://www.mcmichael.com/apps/index.cfm?page=program.detail&programEvent...
11am-3pm
Free w/admission, $15/adult, $30/family (2 adults & up to 3 children 18yrs-), Free/5yrs-
Art and nature come together in perfect harmony at the McMichael. Participate in exciting drop-in art workshops, enjoy the famous Motus O Dance Theatre’s 1:30pm performance of Circus Terrifico, and take part in the annual snowshoeing hike facilitated by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority.
Winterfest and Festival of Ice
Heritage Park and Memorial Square
Downtown Barrie
http://www.barrie.ca/Culture/Festivals/Pages/Winterfest.aspx
10am-5pm
Embrace winter at Barrie's annual Winterfest & Festival of Ice. Winter adventure and entertainment for all ages including: ice sculptures, dog sled rides, lumberjack shows, polar bear swim (if you dare), horse-drawn wagon rides, an ice maze, snow slides and crafts.
PINE Project: Tracking & Nature Club
Kings Mill Park
https://www.facebook.com/thepineproject?ref=ts
1-4pm
PWYC
The Tracking and Nature Club runs every three weeks or so, it’s purpose is for families to spend time together connecting to nature and learning about wildlife, and tracking.
Toronto Reptile Expo
Downsview Park
40 Carl Hall Rd
http://www.reptileexpo.ca/toronto-reptile-expo-sunday-february-2nd-2014/
9am-4pm
$10/adults, $5/7-14yrs
Love snakes and lizards? Here’s your chance to see them up close and personal.
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