Submitted by event organizers. Edited by BradfordToday staff.
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The Jewish Community Centre (JCC) Branching Out - Northern Lights event took place Nov. 25 to bring the light of Hanukkah to residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury, Aurora, Newmarket, Innisfil and Barrie.
This initiative brought regard and recognition of numerous Jewish community members, who reside north of the Greater Toronto Area.
The event was seamlessly executed by those who volunteered their time to benefit the Jewish community.
The event space at the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre was beautifully decorated with blue and white drapery, lights, and stars of David, and a display of an electric menorah, with gift boxes set up on stage.
Kids and adults were posing for pictures with various Hanukkah accessories, while a JRoots Supplementary Hebrew School Choir was preparing for their performance.
Guests were greeted by Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Rob Keffer, Deputy Mayor James Leduc, and Coun. Raj Sandhu, followed by a warm welcome from Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin.
Everyone had a chance to participate in a menorah-making workshop, and the audience watched and listened carefully while the olive-oil-making workshop was underway.
The JRoots choir melted the hearts of kids and adults alike with their repertoire of traditional Hanukkah songs, as well as a classic song Ani Ve’ata (meaning me and you), by Arik Einstein, a pioneer of Israel rock music.
Guests enjoyed delicious sufganiyot, or jam-filled donuts.
Guests and organizers were equally thrilled with the outcome of the JCC Northern Lights event. Many guests commented on the significance of having access to community events outside of the GTA, and thanked the JCC for bringing the light of Hanukkah closer to home.
