A Message From URJ

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We made History on Wed November 2nd

Photo Credit: Rabbi Nir Barkin

For the first time, men and women prayed together and read Torah in the main plaza of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Forcing ourselves past those who, literally, tried to rip the Torah scrolls from our arms, we brought 14 Torah scrolls to the Kotel, which Women of the Wall proudly used for their prayer in the women's section. We then brought the scrolls to an egalitarian service.

Our actions were an undeniable step forward in realizing our commitment to creating a place for all Jews at Israel's holiest site. To continue the momentum, please help us demand equality at the Kotel.

 The Israeli government is watching. Your email counts.

Go to: http://www.urj.org/join-campaign?utm_source=KotelEmailCampaignMessage&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Israel

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

President URJ

Sukkot Celebration with Peter Sundborg of Barrie Food Ban

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Tour for Humanity Brings Message to Barrie

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By Ian McInroy, Barrie Examiner

Monday, November 16, 2015

This bus is taking a trip to a more enlightened world. 

The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies tour bus made a stopover at Am Shalom in Barrie during its Tour for Humanity.

It's intended to engage Canadians of all ages and backgrounds in discussions around freedom, democracy and human rights. 

Three rows of chairs line the length of the bus that has also been fitted with backlit screens, making it a mobile communication centre.

While the horrors of the Holocaust are discussed, the Tour for Humanity is about much more. 

It aims to empower Canadians to raise their voices and take action against hate and bullying and to promote justice and human rights, according Rosa Ringhofer, of Am Shalom. adding injustices such as slavery and the treatment of First Nations peoples need to be brought to the fore. 

Read more: Tour for Humanity Brings Message to Barrie

From Our Kitchens to Yours - 20th Anniversary Cookbook

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The Am Shalom Cookbook is ready. It will be available for purchase starting Saturday, Sept. 12, for only $20 each.

Get yours while they're HOT!

Makes a great gift.

Country Shul to close its doors after 25 years

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Jodie Shupac, Staff Reporter, CJN, Tuesday, July 21, 2015 

For hundreds of Jewish cottagers in the Muskoka area, this summer marks something of an end of an era.

The Orillia Country Shul, which has run for 25 years out of the private, Orillia-area cottage of Toronto businessman and philanthropist Leslie Dan, will close its doors at the end of August.

“There’s a beginning and an end to things,” Dan, 85, said pragmatically. “My wife and I would like to travel a bit in July and August.”

Read more: Country Shul to close its doors after 25 years

Photos from Am Shalom's annual golf tournament

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Barrie synagogue welcomes new spiritual leader

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One doesn’t normally equate Simcoe County, just north of the Greater Toronto Area, with Jews.

But Barrie’s Am Shalom Congregation, in existence since 2004, is about 75 families strong, and, as the only synagogue in the area, it also serves Muskoka, Collingwood, Newmarket, Innisfil and Beaton. 

Since Jan. 1, the Reform congregation has had its first full-time cantor and its first full-time spiritual leader, Audrey Kaufman.

Read more: Barrie synagogue welcomes new spiritual leader

It's Birthright Israel - for Jewish Moms

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JERUSALEM (JTA) – On the surface, the tour looked much like a standard Birthright Israel trip: Participants celebrated Shabbat in Jerusalem’s Old City, swam in the Dead Sea and ascended the ancient mountain fortress at Masada. The trip was mostly free and organizers were prepared with follow-up programming after the participants returned home.

Read more: It's Birthright Israel - for Jewish Moms

Am Shalom presents cheque to Gilda's Club

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