Yahav Barnea:
A Kibbutz in the City - Intentional Communities and Immigration
In an era marked by social injustice, rising racism and antisemitism, widening economic gaps, and a growing loneliness epidemic, many of us are searching for new ways to live, connect, and belong. As individualism increasingly replaces collective responsibility, meaningful community can feel harder than ever to sustain.
This session invites participants to explore Intentional Communities—and in particular, the Urban Kibbutz—as a bold, values-driven response to today’s social and economic challenges. Drawing on text study, lived experience, and contemporary examples, we will examine how shared living, mutual responsibility, and collective organizing can offer practical and hopeful alternatives to the status quo.
Together, we’ll imagine what Urban Kibbutzim could look like in the Canadian context and consider their potential to rebuild social bonds, address economic realities, and re-envision community life for the 21st century.
Yosef Benarroch:
Why I live in Israel
We will explore the Jewish indigenous claim to israel in Jewish sources. Why Israel is vital to the Jewish people and why I live in Israel
Yaron Deckel:
Crossroads for Israel and the Middle East & Israeli Society After October 7 and the Iran War: Between Unity, Polarization, and the Road Ahead
In these sessions, Yaron brings current events to life through thought-provoking and engaging discussions, enriched with information relevant to the audience. All subjects relate to his areas of expertise — as a senior Israeli journalist and the head of the Jewish Agency delegation in Canada. The sessions combine deep knowledge with questions and themes designed to spark dialogue and reflection. The goal is to challenge the audience intellectually while addressing issues that are both timely and meaningful.
Atarah Derrick and Achiya Klein:
Independence Unleashed: A Guide Dog’s Impact in Israel
In this session you’ll hear directly from Achiya Klein, a young Israeli who lost his vision in the 2013 Gaza tunnels, and from Atarah Derrick, Executive Director of Canadian Friends of the Israel Guide Dog Center. Together with Joy, Achiya’s loyal guide dog, they will share the powerful story of how a highly trained dog transforms daily life for someone who is blind or visually impaired.
Nina Eilberg:
Jewish Hymns to Carry with you!
Come learn about and sing 3 z’mirot (Jewish hymns)! We will start the session letting go of our fear with Kol Ha'Olam Kulo, a song based on words from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. Then we will discuss a core idea in Judaism – teaching and learning from generation to generation – and we will sing V’zakeini L’gadel. This is an excerpt from one of the prayers typically said after lighting the Shabbat candles. The word for “Judaism” in Hebrew shares the same root as the verb “to thank”, so we will end our time together by thanking G-d with Tov Lehodot. Song lyrics will be provided in Hebrew and English, as well as transliterated from the Hebrew into English letters for accessibility.
Jane Enkin:
Creative Midrash -- Writing in Response to Sacred Text
Thoughtful. emotional, playful – midrash is an imaginative response to the words of the Bible. In this workshop we will read some contemporary midrash and take time to write spontaneously. If you would like to draw, please feel free to bring materials.
Morissa Granove:
Healthy Boundaries and a Strong Jewish Identity
Join Morissa and discover the wonder of a strong Jewish identity paired with clear healthy boundaries.
"These current times are challenging us as Jews in ways that many of us had never personally experienced before October 7th, 2023. I, for one, certainly didn't imagine that Israel would still be at war or that the explosion of antisemitism that was sparked on that day would still be spreading around the world 2 years later. And yet, I also never expected to find such peace, healing, and belonging within our Jewish community along the way and am grateful for every opportunity we have to come together as one."
Join Morissa to explore some simple mindsets and easy techniques that can support us all through life's challenge while preparing us for life's blessings.
Haskel Greenfield:
The story behind Purim: an archaeological odyssey
The Story of Purim takes place during the height of the Persian Empire when it stretched from Indian to the Balkans. This session will outline the historical basis of the Story of Purim within the context of developments within the ancient Persian Empire.
Belle Jarniewski:
Teaching About Antisemitism in a Polarized World
At a time when we are witnessing unprecedented antisemitism both locally and around the world, education has become more important than ever. However, how do we approach this subject with individuals and groups who have little to no understanding of its history and current mutations? How do we talk to groups who have preconceived and even negative notions about Jews, Judaism, and Zionism? Belle Jarniewski has been providing tailored training sessions to students, educators, and a wide variety of professional groups and will talk about her approach and experience.
Emily Kroft:
I attend UN meetings. Ask me anything.
Many members of the Jewish community have questions lately about the UN, international politics, and what’s happening there in relation to the Jewish community. This session will be an opportunity to get honest answers from someone who has attended multiple UN negotiations in person. Ask me anything!
Anibal Mass:
Israel at Eurovision - 1973 to 2025
Join Rabbi Aníbal Mass for a dynamic journey through Israel’s history on the Eurovision stage. Through short video clips and commentary, we’ll explore how Israel’s entries reflect changing music styles, political controversies, and hidden cultural messages woven into performance. From iconic ballads to bold pop anthems, Eurovision has been more than entertainment — it’s a mirror of Israel’s evolving identity and its dialogue with the world. This session blends music, history, and storytelling for an unforgettable exploration of song and society.
Dan Ronis:
Did Judaism begin with Adam and Eve?
I contend that the Jewish faith began with the creation of Adam and Eve in Eden. Now traditionally, the Jewish faith is said to begin with Abraham and Sarah and then re-established under the leadership of Moses. However, there is biblical evidence of the establishment and continuation of a relationship and faith with God starting with Adam and Eve and continuing down through the lineage. In the ten generations from Noah to Abraham in the Bible, there is no further mention of anyone in the lineage “walking with God” or being a person of faith. But if there is evidence of faith being passed on from Noah to Abraham, then Abraham was taught faith in God, monotheism, and did not create it. Information from unofficial sources (channeled books) will support the thesis that faith was passed on from Noah's time to Abraham that helped him fully develop his religious beliefs.
Carnie Rose:
The highest and deepest meaning of Torah
Join Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose for a text study session focused on the “why” of Talmud Torah, engagement with the most sacred of our holy texts. No previous experience required; only an open mind and and even more open heart are required!
Kliel Rose:
What are Gilgulim? Reincarnation in Torah
The idea of gilgul neshamot—the “rolling” or reincarnation of souls—has long captured the Jewish imagination. But what does Torah and Jewish tradition actually say about it? In this class, we’ll explore the origins, meanings, and evolution of gilgulim from early Biblical hints to the rich mystical teachings of the Kabbalists. Drawing from sources such as the Zohar, the writings of Isaac Luria (the Ari), and Hasidic thought, we’ll examine how reincarnation helps explain personal destiny, spiritual growth, and the soul’s journey across lifetimes. Together, we’ll consider how these mystical ideas intersect with core Jewish beliefs about free will, repentance, and the world to come. No prior background in Kabbalah is required—just curiosity and an open mind.
Neal Rose:
The Hasidic Humanism Of I.L.Peretz
An encounter with the retold Hasidic stores of the Yiddish writer I.L.Petetz that create a form of humanistic Judaism which encompasses the mystical without the presence of God.
Carol Rose:
Harnessing The Imagination: exercises in preparation for Passover
Mental Imagery exercises in preparation for Passover.
No previous Meditation experience necessary - all are welcome.
Myriam Saitman:
Tikkun Olam from the reform Judaism perspective
Join us for an engaging study session exploring tikkun olam—the Jewish concept of repairing the world—from the perspective of Reform Judaism. Together, we'll delve into how Reform values inspire action for social justice, inclusion, and environmental stewardship, making a real difference in our communities. Whether you're curious or committed, this session offers fresh insights and an open discussion for anyone eager to transform intention into impact.
Joanne Seiff:
Jewish Parenting: positive, practical ways to raise Jewish kids & How did your ancestors make those clothes?
Join Joanne, a mom and former teacher, to boost your kids’ Jewish learning and identity with practical, family-friendly ideas. Perfect for parents, grandparents, or anyone helping raise Jewish children.
Explore the Torah’s textiles and hands-on spinning. See how a distaff and spindle work, feel wool and flax, and learn the skill behind these ancient fabrics.
Ralph Stern:
The Oldest Known Portrait of a German Jew
Today the portrait of Sußkind Stern, marked with the date 1671, is prominently displayed in Frankfurt’s Museum Judengasse. It is placed within the archaeological remnants of several houses of Frankfurt’s Judengasse, for many hundreds of years the central street of the city’s Jewish Ghetto. The website of Frankfurt’s Jüdisches Museum presents the portrait within the framework of the Frank Family Center and the explanation that ‘The history of the Frank Family goes back to the time of the Frankfurt Judengasse. … The ancestors of the Frank family lived in the Judengasse from the 16th century at the latest. They were not called Frank but had the surnames Cahn and Stern. Süßkind Stern who was highly respected in the Jewish community of the 17th century was also one of the Frank forefathers. Today his portrait is on view in the Museum Judengasse.’ However, for almost 300 years, the portrait was not at all in Frankfurt. This talk will present the long journey made by the oldest known portrait of a German Jew.
Terri Wolfe:
From Mennonite to Modern Orthodox: Being a Jew by Choice
TBA
Rimon Art Collective:
Cyanotype Challah Covers with Rimon Art Collective
This workshop will provide a beginner-friendly, mess-free breakdown of the cyanotype, an early print process that produces Prussian blue images through exposure to UV light. In this session, you'll learn to create your own custom challah cover using this creative, hands-on technique. From designing your composition to the exposure and chemical fixing process, we'll cover all the basics you need to know to create these bold, customizable prints. All materials will be provided, including pre-treated fabric, pressing boards, and various materials and templates for creating your designs. By the end of this workshop, you'll have your own unique print and the skills to create many more!
Ron and Yam - Shinshinim from Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Israel - How to be a local tourist?
We usually only travel for one or two weeks, so why not make the most out of it?
In this session, we’ll explore Israel beyond the usual tourist attractions and dive into places most visitors never get to see. Everyone knows about the main tourist attractions, but Israel has so much more than that to offer!
Together, we’ll uncover the experiences that don’t usually make it into guidebooks.
We’ll talk about traveling Israel like a local - the best places that feel authentic.
We’ll talk about the best places to eat, the best burgers, hummus and beaches, and much more!