In a subdivision on the west side of Bradford West Gwillimbury, Rabbi Yosef Y. Nakkar runs a centre of faith called Jewish Bradford.
He has been running the centre for the past 3 ½ years and serves all members of the Jewish community.
“This is our little synagogue here,” he explained.
The centre, he said, continues to grow as more people hear about it through word of mouth.
“It’s very interesting because every two weeks there is a new family that comes in… The Jewish population and the population in general is growing.”
Jewish Bradford was inspired by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, also known as “The Rebbe.”
He is considered by some as a prophet and leader responsible for the influence of Jewish religion throughout the world. He has created various centres and schools, all around the world, to promote Jewish awareness.
The mission for Jewish Bradford is to embody what Schneerson created by welcoming all Jewish people in the community and providing them with an experience and education in their religion.
Jewish Bradford offers Hebrew classes for children, teenagers and adults, as well as synagogue services and bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah preparation lessons.
At Hebrew school, Nakkar said he believes students should attain a strong sense of love to Judaism, discover the incredible history of the Jewish people, have a hands-on experience and appreciation for all Jewish holidays, master the Hebrew skills of reading and writing, and have the opportunity to express their questions and thoughts.
Throughout the year, there are also various events the centre puts on in Nakkar’s home and at local venues in town to celebrate Jewish holidays. Nakkar said he is very happy with how much the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury has supported him with his efforts.
The most recent holiday celebrated was Hanukkah at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library in the Zima Room on Dec. 2. Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights and happens over an eight day period, usually in December.
“We had many people attend the event, including the mayor and local dignitaries, which was a beautiful event,” Nakkar said. “There were speeches, we lit the menorah and we celebrated.”
Menorahs are large eight-branched candle holder. For each night of the festival, one additional candle is lit.
The next Jewish holiday falls on Jan. 20 and is called New Year of Trees, which celebrates a new fruit bearing cycle. Jewish people celebrate by eating fruit and increasing good deeds.
“Every person is compared to a tree. Man is a tree of the field. Just like a tree that produces fruits, we must produce fruits, which are our good deeds. So that’s the message we take from this day.”
Nakkar has set up an event for Jewish Bradford Jan. 20 at 121 Mooney St. at 7:30 p.m.
On March 21, the Jewish holiday Purim will be celebrated at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Leisure Centre at 471 West Park Ave. at 6:30 p.m.
Purim reflects on the deliverance of the Jewish people from persecution in the ancient Persian Empire. Jewish Bradford welcomes anyone interested in attending.
Jewish Bradford encourages anyone interested in its programs to check out its website at jewishbradford.ca or send them an email at [email protected].
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