Finding cures in a virtual space

Determined to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain cancer and other neurological disorders, the province of Ontario entered into a co-sponsorship with Israel just a little more than a year ago. Together, Israel and the province began collaborating on a virtual brain research institute.

Israel’s renowned life-sciences capabilities mesh well with the advanced neurological research being conducted in Ontario. In a recent tweet on the social network Twitter, Ontario’s minister of research and innovation, Glen Murray, said it’s “to be a global centre of excellence.” Murray was put in charge of the project by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Last October, the Ontario cabinet approved $15 million in funding for a research institute to be headed by Dr. Joseph Martin, dean emeritus of Harvard Medical School. This is the first virtual research centre to be established for multi-site research projects, which will be conducted by experts from both countries.

It is McGuinty’s deep desire to “build a dynamic social cultural and dynamic diplomatic relationship with Israel that allows it to strengthen its economy and independence,” he said.

Noam Katz - Rabbi, Musician and Dean

Hard news media seems to really be waking up to the fact that social media, used as a tool for the aggregation and dissemination of news and newsy material, is quickly becoming a go to source. Many are more easily connected now to Facebook, Twitter and Blackberry BBM's for more up-to-the-minute and up close visual coverage than they are to accessing a television set.

Recently, if not for a posting on the Union for Reform Judaism Camps Facebook page, and an announcement from the Foundation of Jewish Camps website, we would have missed out on hearing that a great artist and recently minted Reform rabbi from HUC (Hebrew Union College) Los Angeles, Noam Katz, has moved his family to Toronto.
Heebonics caught up with Katz, just after the 2009 URJ Biennial. Katz is known for leading crowds of people from teens to their 40's in traditional prayers and rhythms, inspired by Jewish communities around the world. When he was last here in Toronto, he played songs from his latest album A Drum in Hand in front of 3,500 people.

Here's a sample track Sim Shalom from his third studio album:

Starting this summer, he takes on a new dual position with Camp George and the Leo Baeck Day School, as the Dean of Jewish Living. His music – as Vicky Tobianah previously reported for us – has transcended barriers, making his audience feel like part of a global community. Now for our children, in his new capacity, he will undoubtedly and successfully, seamlessly blend together formal and experiential education.