HOOPS 4 ISRAEL "H4I" expands its reach

One of the most anticipated annual Jewish sporting events in Toronto is the basketball charity tournament Hoops 4 Israel or "H4I".

A volunteer initiative administered by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto's young adult engagement division, Community Connect,  H4I has raised more than $500,000 over the past six years for programs in Israel that support at-risk youths.

The competition's tremendous growth has allowed it to expand its mandate to help equally underprivileged youth in Toronto. H4I will contribute a part of its proceeds to the JCC Chai Sports and Center Camp Scholarship funds for summer programs.

The three-on-three half-court, round-robin games are fast-paced and competitive, providing great entertainment for all who attend. This year, spectators are invited to the Kimel Family Education Center at 9600 Bathurst St., Sunday May 6, starting at 9 a.m. to root for their favourite team.

Take a look at last years action:

Tzedakah through life saving missions

When communities around the world are hurting, Israel, Canada and the Canadian Jewish community are among those first to respond with organized aid missions.

Over the last 26 years, IDF (Israeli Defense Force) aid missions have sent 15 delegations to countries afflicted by various natural disasters. As you can see from the video below, IDF doctors in field hospitals dispense medical care to more than 2,300 people in affected areas, 220 of whom were saved from certain death according to the IDF.






Many of these missions have been tracked by our reporters of The Canadian Jewish News, who shine a light on the tikkun olam work performed by the IDF and Jewish individuals around the world.

For more, see the following recent related stories on cjnews.com:

UWO students captain Mitzvah missions

and

Female Jewish firefighter lives her dream

In case you missed it... PM Spins dreidel with aplomb!

Over the Hannukah holiday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper took time out to engage with the Jewish community on a serious matter... the famous dreidel spin.

Yes, the PM and his wife, Laureen, spent a few moments with kids at the Calgary Jewish Community Centre on the third night of Hannukah to play a game of dreidel. No word on how much money he put down on the famous Jewish game of chance, but rumour has it he's working on a new spin technique for next year because he got smoked by that kid with the white kippah on the right.

 

 

Stephen Harper, second from left, demonstrates his deftness with a dreidel last week in Calgary. [Photo courtesy of the PMO]

Coming up in the next 'Ask Ella'

This week's Ask Ella column dispenses advise on a possible path to take in response to a reader being upset upon seeing members of her inter-married family place a Magen David upon a Christmas tree. Inter-married families are apparently here to stay, Ella says. The sooner the community accepts them, the sooner we will likely stand a better chance of teaching them to carry on Jewish practices instead of losing them completely.

Sexual abuse of female journalists continues in Egypt

In February it was CBS reporter Lara Logan. Yesterday it was U.S. based Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahawy.

Both have now become symbols of a long-lasting, much larger problem with women's rights in the Muslim Middle East: the fact that the gender is viewed as inferior and treated as such.

Ongoing reports of brutality against women and girls – a well-known example being a case of the Taliban throwing acid into girls faces as they "dared" go to school for an education – the despicable practice of honour killings, and a general attitude of disdain for female rights are sadly all too prevalent across the region, with the notable exception being Israel.

Lara Logan

As you might recall, last February, while covering the uprising by Egyptians against their now-ousted former President Hosni Mubarak, Logan and her crew were assaulted and eventually separated from one another by a mob in Tahrir Square. And as Logan herself later revealed, during that time, she was sexually molested and violated by hundreds of men for nearly 25 minutes who shouted at her all the while, and incited each other by calling her a Jew and an Israeli spy while "raping me with their hands," she said in a CBS interview months later.

Meanwhile, yesterday Eltahawy – who writes for both The Toronto Star and The Jerusalem Post – was arrested by Egyptian security forces while covering more unrest at the square. During her detention she also claims to have been sexually assaulted by her captors.

Mona Eltahawy

In tweets she sent after her release – she spent 12 hours under the authority of Egypt's Interior Ministry – she wrote that she was sexually and physically assaulted by a half dozen men on the security force. Eltahawy also noted that her arms were now in casts and her hand severely injured. Here are some of her tweets from the last 24 hours:

"5 or 6 surrounded me, groped and prodded my breasts, grabbed my genital area and I lost count how many hands tried to get into my trousers."

 "The past 12 hrs were painful and surreal but I know I got off much much easier than so many other Egyptians."

So what did Eltahawy, Logan and so many other women in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East do? Simple, they were born girls.

What do you think?

Canada has Israel's back (again) at the UN

Canada has stood up once again for Israel on the world stage.

A series of resolutions brought forth at the UN General Assembly’s Special Political and Decolonization Committee – which deals with a variety of subjects, including Palestinian refugee issue, human rights, peacekeeping and mine action – were voted on by member states on Nov. 10.

Canada voted “no” or abstained on all of them.

Read the full story in The CJN online and in print next week.

Sukkot preparations in song

What is a Jewish holiday these days without some form of a musical parody? Here at The CJ Shmooze on the eve of Sukkot, we thought we'd bring you this musical tale of preparing to build the holiday dwelling of the sukkah to you. Enjoy and Chag Sukkot sameach! from The CJ Shmooze and The CJN.

Shana Tova from The CJN and The Maccabeats

Jewish song-spoofers, The Maccabeats, have done it again with a parody of One Republic's hit single "Good Life". It arrived just in time to greet the Days of Awe with song.

Rabbi Korobkin and the plan for BAYT

Now that the "BAYT's" - Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto – selection committee has chosen its next head rabbi, he is currying favour with the synagogue's congregants.

At a recent young family meet and greet, the beginning of a road map was laid out on how to reinvigorate BAYT's membership. Many Toronto Jews in recent years have pulled away from the community, creating a gap in attendance to programs and even services on a regular basis. Rabbi Korobkin stressed greatly that we (the Jewish people) have a deep need to stand together and be a part of a community. It's a lesson very much present in the bible and our teachings. The parsha for this week, Matot, highlights the effect tearing the tribe asunder can have on the future of the Jewish people.

It's a beautiful thing when the community gives back

After writing a story, specifically covering charitable events, it's always a bit humbling when someone tells the reporter that as a result of their article many people contributed to a charity that will help others.

Usually, in the course of reporting, one doesn't think about the long-term impact of a specific story. It's all about getting the facts, presenting them to the reader in as unbiased a way as possible, and then moving on to the next assignment.

But occasionally, a reporter pauses in his or her tracks when confronted with how their story added some tikkun olam to society.

Last week, I had the honour of being invited to attend the Canadian Friends of Meir Medical Center's annual awards gala in Toronto. After writing an advance story on how this Israeli hospital is in need of funds to complete a children's wing, the organizers of the event contacted me to thank me for the story and tell me that it had led directly to an influx of donations from Canadian donors and philanthropists.

This was terrific news.

But there was another element to this story in The CJN.

The gala organizers also were honouring the Florence family of Toronto with a humanitarian award. Why? Because Dana and Jared Florence have been blessed with miraculous triplets, all of whom have Cerebral Palsy.

Since just after their birth, the Florence children, diagnosed with the impairment to their motor functions, have undergone various surgeries, therapies and protocols to help them progress physically as much as possible. And despite being told not to expect too much by doctors, the Florences have never given up on their children. Quite the opposite. They decided to wage war on CP in the form of their foundation "ThreeToBe".

Having had the pleasure of interviewing Dana and Jared and listening to their story, and having been told by the Canadian Friends of Meir Medical Center executive that my story had brought much-needed funding to their cause as well, I was reminded that one can and does make a difference through their work.

Here's a small video from ThreeToBe's website that tells you all you need to know.

-Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf

Facing Tomorrow Today

Facing Tomorrow 2011, the third annual conference under the auspices of Israeli President Shimon Peres, is coming to a close.

The two and a half day conference focused on vital issues and the solutions to them, all designed to bring about a better tomorrow.  Approximately 200 of the world's best minds, global leaders, international scholars and activists, scientists, entrepreneurs and industrialists, came together to take part in plenary sessions and incredibly varied panels. The decisions they come to over the two and a half days are to be implemented without delay, improving the quality of life for all mankind in addition to diaspora Jews, those within the State of Israel and the state itself.

One of the main issues deliberated at the heart of the conference is the deligitimization of Israel and the underlying fuel that powers it; the Boycott, Disinvestment Sanctions (BDS) campaign. Campaigns against Israel on university campuses around the world as well as many anti-Israel condemnations at the UN Human Rights Council are also of great concern.

Chief among the world's best minds, making a repeat appearance at the conference, Canadian Liberal MP Irwin Cotler. He asserts that of the two great evils of the 20th Century, Apartheid and Nazism, Israel is accused of both. To anyone who lifts the blinders, it can clearly be seen that Israel's vibrant democracy bears no resemblance to Apartheid-era South Africa. The BDS activists demonize Israel as the embodiment of ultimate racist evil, designed inexplicably to remove any moral grounds for the Jewish state's existence.

Perhaps from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address today toward the close of the conference, the world's brightest lights will have devised the newest, best strategies on how we can win the war against those who have made it their mission to deligitimize Eretz Yisrael.

The CJN's Sheri Shefa has been on site reporting live from the conference. Click here to see what she's seen and heard.

Canada Votes 2011 - CJPACers Blog (Part II)

The hardworking team over at the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC) continue to provide terrific insight into the minds of young, Jewish, Canadian federal party volunteers as they campaign towards the May 2 vote.

The following are four more blogs from the CJPAC members – Julien Newman, Sarah Kitai, Zach Paikin and Aaron Silver – each reveal more about their experiences with their chosen parties this election. Read on and enjoy. Oh, and don't forget to go to the polls on May 2. 

Your vote counts. 

- The Shmooze Team.

--------------------------------------------

Julien Newman – My first time:

The first time I volunteered in a large-scale political campaign was to elect Ed Broadbent in 2004. Mr Broadbent was a former leader of the NDP. He had delivered the party’s most successful electoral results and he was returning to federal politics to support of our promising new leader – Jack Layton. We had thousands of volunteers throughout the campaign and we managed to win the seat from the Liberals.

Read more at Julien's www.itsup2you.ca  blog

-----------------------------------------

Sarah Kitai – Lessons Learned:

Sometimes, it’s the unpleasant experiences in life that teach us the best lessons.

This was certainly true of my early encounters with political organizations. As a high school student, concerned about environmental issues and eager to get involved, I naively decided to volunteer with a certain left-wing environmental advocacy group which shall henceforth remain unnamed.

Read more at Sarah's www.itsup2you.ca blog

-----------------------------------------

Zach Paikin – My First Political Campaign:

This week’s topic is about our very first political campaign and what we wished we had known at that age.

My first political campaign was when I was 13 years old, and funnily enough it was working for John Tory in his race to become leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party in 2004. (I have only been a partisan since 2008, when I decided to join the Liberal Party.)

Read more at Zach's www.itsup2you.ca blog

--------------------------------------------

Aaron Silver – My First Time:

Thinking about when I was first involved in a campaign takes me back to September 2008.  I was a junior CJPAC fellow and hungry to get involved in politics.  I lived in Toronto at that time, in the riding of Eglinton-Lawrence and wanted to get involved in a Conservative campaign.  My desire to work on a campaign led me to the nomination campaign of Joe Oliver.

Read more at Aaron's www.itsup2you.ca blog

Canada Votes 2011 - CJPACers blog their party allegiances!

In case you hadn't noticed, Canada is smack-dab in the middle of an election campaign.

And what better way to honour our democratic system than to give voice to Jewish community youth taking an active part in shaping our country's next political landscape.

The Shmooze is proud to present four takes from volunteers working with the major Canadian political parties, telling you to get out and vote.

The Canadian Jewish Shmooze wishes to thank Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC) for its kind permission in reprinting and posting these four blogs from their members: Aaron Silver, Zach Paikin, Sarah Kitai and Julien Newman. We're sure you'll figure out where their party allegiances are as you read their posts.

- The Shmooze Team 

--------------------------------------------

By Aaron Silver

My vote doesn’t matter. What can one person possibly change? Elections are just hype and spin, nothing changes. My life won’t change one way or another.

Ever felt like this? Keep reading.

Read more...                 

http://www.itsup2you.ca/en/2011/03/aaron-silver-introduction/



------------------------------------------- -------

By Zach Paikin

Hi everyone! Zach Paikin here. I’m a student at McGill University pursuing a B.A. in Middle East Studies with a minor in Political Science, and am a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Read more...

http://www.itsup2you.ca/en/2011/03/zach-paikin-introduction/

--------------------------------------------

By Sarah Kitai

I’ll let you in on a little secret… I’m really not cut out for politics. I can’t regurgitate talking points, I hate spin, and I find every issue so incredibly nuanced that I tend to question my own opinions at least five times a day. Yet, here I am volunteering on a Green Party campaign (yes, you heard that right) when I should probably be focused on my upcoming exams.

Read more...                 

http://www.itsup2you.ca/en/2011/03/sarah-kitai-go-green/

 ----------------------------------------------------

By Julien Newman

I have been an active member of the NDP since the ripe age of 14 and I worked in many campaigns in my home ridding of Hull-Aylmer. Like everywhere else in Quebec at the time, the NDP didn’t have very bright electoral prospects. Over the years our results gradually improved and after Thomas Mulcair was elected in Montreal it became extremely exciting to be involved.            

Read more...

http://www.itsup2you.ca/en/2011/03/election-2011-making-gains/

 

BAYT screens a new rabbinical candidate

In December, 2010 Rabbi Baruch Taub, founding rabbi of Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto Congregation (BAYT), now rabbi emeritus of the synagogue, retired and made aliyah.

Stepping up to the bimah this week at BAYT is Rabbi Daniel Korobkin Rosh Kahilla of Kehillat Yavneh in Los Angeles, where he writes on Jewish philosophy and a myriad of other Jewish topics. Korobkin is the first of three candidates for the vacated rabbi position. He will be speaking on Friday night and Shabbat morning, meeting with the BAYT's young families group on Saturday night at 8 p.m. in the Simcha Suite and will also give the Daf Yomi shiur Sunday morning.

In Los Angeles Korobkin also serves as spiritual leader of the Kehilla's minyan and Yeshivat Yavneh, a large yeshiva elementary school on Yavneh's campus. He is director of community and synagogue services for the Orthodox Union's West Coast Region and a doctoral candidate in the area of medieval Jewish thought at UCLA. (Full profile found on the RCA (Rabbinical Council of America) website.)

Tikkun Olam תיקון עולם‎ and Technion

The accomplishments of Technion graduates have been recognized largely only within the industries they serve. Now with its "Spotlight on Success" The Canadian Technion Society, through its website is providing these graduates public exposure on their accomplishments.

The Canadian International Auto Show, the country's largest showcase of new and concept model vehicles, held annually at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the SkyDome opens its doors for its 2011 event tomorrow. It seems fitting then, to make mention the work of Toronto's Gil Hadar. 

The Technion grad is making strides to advance Canada's greater adoption of "Mild Hybrid", "Hybrid", and "Electric Cars", that might soon utilize his "IEP" (Integrated Electric Pump), as well as the work being done by the company Better Place in Israel. Technion alumnus Shai Agassi is the founder and chief executive of Better Place, the leading electric vehicle services provider. Agassi and his company have been focused on one of this century's biggest challenges: moving the world from oil-based to sustainable transportation. The result of the work completed by Better Place so far is an infrastructure and intelligent network, delivering a range of services to drivers, enabling widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and optimizing energy use.

A glimpse into their accomplishments can be seen in the video below.



The Shmooze is proudly helping to follow the accomplishments being made by Technion graduates. You too can learn more on all that The Technion is offering to world-wide scientific exploration.

Join the Canadian Technion Society at their event being held March 31st with the great Canadian philanthropist and entrepreneur, Seymour Schulich.

Tickets for the event can be obtained today by calling 416 789 4545.

McMaster University: The New Jew U?

Most students move through their elementary school days to the local high school with a bit of familiarity. They take with them others they know, likely their friends and continue to forge an identity over the 12 year span. Once the high school days end a good part of that carefully crafted social identity falls away.

Constructing the balance between learning and socializing, starts to an extent from the beginning again. It can once more be a solo journey through the gates to higher learning in a post secondary college/university setting.

Richard Moline, Director of Koach, in his article Choosing a College writes,

"The college selection process, while opening doors to unparalleled growth and exploration, can also be very stressful and trying. Scores of books are published each year providing students and their parents with information on various schools... Most families explore these areas quite carefully while neglecting to consider the availability of any Jewish programming or community...

Frustrated, students may spend a miserable semester or year, or even find themselves transferring to another school where they might feel more comfortable being Jewish."

At McMaster University, Richard Moline has been heard and YES is the new answer to the critical questions:

Can I have both a great University experience while living in a Jewish friendly atmosphere?

Can I get an unbelievable university education while being who I am?

Is there a kosher food option?

Is there a community that will support my needs?

McMaster Center for Jewish Life. Coming fall 2011.

Stay tuned to this channel. A preview of new the center will be available soon.

Couple Wants to Bring Jewish Warmth to Canadian Cold

By Reuvena Leah Grodnitzky

One of the first Chabad-Lubavitch centers to be established in the coming year might soon be known as a “Little (Jewish) House on the Prairie,” its location so remote that it would take nine hours to cross its region by car.

Nevertheless, Raphael and Sarah Kats are approaching their impending move and establishment of the first-ever Chabad House in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan with excitement. They point out that the Midwestern region has both a lengthy Jewish history and a bright future: Because of its vast natural resources, it’s the fastest growing province in Canada.

“We’re looking forward to our move very much and are very grateful to be given this responsibility and opportunity,” says Sarah Kats, who will soon travel with her young family to the region – her first trip there ever. “We want to serve every Jew, no matter who or where.”

There's more to the story see it Here

Courtesy of Chabad.org News

Yehoram Gaon in Toronto

Getting a chance to see one of Israel's iconic showbiz personalities is a treat. And two nights ago, I was able to do just that when I took in the larger-than-life personality that is Yehoram Gaon performing at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

He was brought in by the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University. (CFHU) who are also helping give exposure to one of the university's major initiatives: the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), which is on the forefront of "unlocking the mysteries of the genes and proteins that control fundamental processes in living cells." A truly amazing project.

Now, I'm not Israeli nor am I very fluent in Hebrew (to my shame), so a lot of Gaon's banter with the audience in between songs would have been lost on me had it not been for my wife's ongoing translating, bless her. And while he's a very charismatic story-teller, his greatest talent is his singing voice.

Above, from left: CFHU National President Nathan Lindenberg, Yehoram Gaon and CFHU National Director, Rami Kleinmann pose post-event in Toronto this week.

The man who starred in Casablan and made the song "Kol HaKavod" an integral part of Israeli culture was in fine form on Tuesday night. The mostly Israeli crowd sang with him, clapped along and kibbitzed with the star as he belted out tunes as the 71 year old entertainer enthralled his audience over the course of two hours.

And while I wasn't able to sing along, the feeling of being part of Israel for a night was worth every moment. Thanks to CFHU for their hospitality and their efforts to bring this giant of Israeli entertainment to Toronto for a night of magic.

Makom makes the Slingshot cut

Courtesy of a posting found on ejewishphilanthropy.com the sixth annual edition of Slingshot: A Resource Guide for Jewish Innovation, has been released. The guide features 50 inspirational organizations in Jewish life found in North America. Some of the major highlights of the release focus on:

A cautiously optimistic Jewish innovation sector, a number of organizations have stabilized in today's economic environment via philanthropic support as well as mergers and strategic alliances; though many organizations that have been around for five years or more are struggling to find further support for growth.

In past editions, the guide focused on inspirational Jewish leaders, especially among the next generation of professionals. This year, the attention is given more to the organization’s missions and activities. Still believing in the importance of entrepreneurs, founders and leaders, recognition is being given collectively to the community within the organization in that all are responsible for ensuring its success.

Words from the post to live by: "Individualism may abound, in fact, may be the catalyst for change, but the community must share the responsibility for its own success."

According to Will Schneider, the director of Slingshot, in company with this year's most notable 50 was Makom. That's right Shmooze readers, Makom, the grassroots, downtown community, building traditional and progressive Jewish life in Toronto. Like its contemporaries JUMP, The House and the Annex Shul, Makom creates an inclusive and diverse space, committed to Jewish learning, arts and culture, spirited prayer and ritual, and social and environmental activism.

Members of Makom meet every-other week at The Kiever Shul (25 Bellevue Avenue, Toronto) to welcome Shabbat with soulful and song-filled Friday night services. Both men and women participate in leading services. All are invited and children are welcome. You can walk in as you are. That is to say, no need to dress up and jeans are acceptable. If you would like to check them out on a Friday night, a minyan of 10 women + 10 men to start the ma’ariv service is required, so they ask that you please come on time.

To see which other organizations made the list just click here.

Re: Israel A Difference of Opinion

Reported in print and online this week, Israeli Opposition leader Tzipi Livni position made clear that "Israel should pursue peace talks with the Palestinian Authority (PA) so that its future as a Jewish democratic state can be assured. ...Only peace can ensure that Israel will remain Jewish as well as democratic". The comments were made while addressing a large audience at a United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto function held at Events on the Park. This is typical of many news reports on re-newed Israeli peace efforts made despite escalating attacks by members of Hamas and Hezbollah.

What message does this continuously re-enforce on campuses across Canada? Is there nothing more to focus on than the political and military positions within the country? Coming next week in The CJN's opinion section, columnist Seymour Epstein asks "Is militant campus advocacy the solution?" He investigates the conventional wisdom these days that young Jews don’t know enough about Israel to defend against anti-Zionists. While he recognizes there are many different kinds of Jewish education: schools, yeshivot, women’s study centres, Jewish Studies programs on campus, summer camps, Birthright, Masa and adult study groups, he omits centres like JUMP (Jewish Urban Meeting Place), The House and The Annex Shul. These environments, and the programming they provide, enable young jews to absorb more positive aspects of Israel's cutlure, and provides oppotunities to celebrate the country's achievements.

So, is the solution to cram Zionist data into the minds of young Jews so that they can fight back with knowledge? Read why Epstein believes it's problematic from the perspective of an educator.

Have your say here! For Epstein's full opinion on the matter, check your next edition of The CJN.