In this week’s 360, we provide updates on the current situation in Israel, where over 880 rockets have been fired at innocent civilians in Israel from Gaza. Our thoughts are with those affected by this violence, and we stand ready to assist our partners on the ground. On a brighter note, we share the release of Episode 5 of the Federation CJA 360 Podcast, and a reminder to secure your tickets for Michael Rapaport's UNFILTERED next week. Need to de-stress? Check out a delicious dessert recipe, and enjoy an uplifting Mizrahi-style Hebrew parody of Miley Cyrus' song "Flowers" by Zehava Ben. And don't forget to mark your calendars for Jewish Camps Day of Giving on Monday, May 15th. Thank you for staying connected with us, and Shabbat Shalom!

As Shabbat approaches, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a peaceful and safe weekend to all citizens of Israel and the people of Gaza suffering under terrorist groups. May this Shabbat bring an end to the fear and uncertainty, allowing innocent children to freely play in the streets without the need to seek refuge in bomb shelters. 🕊️💙

Rabbi Sacks z’’l had prepared essays for Covenant & Conversation based on his book Lessons in Leadership. Read this week’s essay: Family Feeling (BEHAR,BECHUKOTAI)

Shabbat Candlelight
May 12 | 7:56 PM

Current situation in Israel: Federation CJA monitors developments as conflict escalates

Over 880 rockets fired at Israel by a terrorist group banned under Canadian law have caused chaos and destruction, sending millions into bomb shelters, causing extensive trauma, dozens of injuries, and killing at least one Israeli in the city of Rehovot. Our thoughts are with those affected by the violence and we stand ready to assist our partners on the ground as they care for urgent needs. While strong efforts to finalize a formal ceasefire have been reported, we recognize that terror groups in Gaza threaten Israelis and Palestinians alike. Federation CJA continues to monitor the situation closely and will update our community as needed. Follow The Times of Israel for breaking news and click here for our most recent update to the community.

One killed, 10 injured after rocket hits Rehovot home

The Iron Dome suffered a malfunction on Thursday evening, allowing a Gaza rocket to hit a Rehovot building, IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari revealed, claiming one life and causing several injuries. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, providing medical aid and support to the traumatized residents. Search and rescue teams tirelessly scoured the rubble for survivors.

Tunisia’s Jewish pilgrimage and Tuesday’s shooting, explained

Tragedy struck Africa's oldest synagogue, El Ghriba, located in Tunisia's Djerba island, when a Tunisian security official opened fire during an annual Jewish pilgrimage on the holiday of Lag B’Omer, killing two Jewish pilgrims and two security guards and wounding several others. The incident shattered the day of sacred celebration for Tunisia's Jews and their compatriots worldwide, and it is the deadliest attack on the holy site in over 20 years.

Episode 5 of Federation CJA 360 Podcast: Special Guests, Powerful Discussions

The highly anticipated Episode 5 of the Federation CJA 360 Podcast is finally here. Tune in to listen to a few special guests including Michael Rapaport, who will join us in Montreal on May 16th! Yair Szlak, will also lead us in a powerful discussion on “From Tragedy to Triumph, Lessons of the Holocaust to Celebrating Israel at 75” featuring Daniel Amar from the Montreal Holocaust Museum and Paul Hirschon, Consul General of Israel in Montreal. Plus, Naomi Mazer shares valuable insights on Hillel Global Giving Week. Don’t miss a beat. Click here to listen now or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform.

Last chance to secure your tickets to Michael Rapoport UNFILTERED in Montreal!

Did you get your tickets yet?! Michael Rapaport is coming to Montreal on May 16^th to speak out against antisemitism, and we don’t want you to miss the opportunity to secure your spot for this incredible event. A staunch advocate for the Jewish community, Rapaport’s brash, unapologetic stance and unique humour are making his voice heard loud and clear. People are listening…and you should be one of them! Click here to get your tickets now!

Jewish Camps Day of Giving!

Get ready! Monday, May 15 is officially Jewish Camps Day of Giving! Let's come together for our camps, our memories, and our community as five Montreal Jewish Summer camps team up for an inspirational day of giving. Click here for more info and don't forget to donate on Monday, May 15^th!

Throwback to an incredible event, Family Mitzvah Day!

Thank you to all our volunteers, families of the Kids Mitzvah Market, all those who gave tzedakah, and donated items and their time to Family Mitzvah Day!

A special shoutout to our amazing event sponsors, SilverStar and Flagship, along with our partners Federation CJA’s PJ Library, TOV, and Good Deeds Day.

To get involved, learn more about GenMTL or make connections with other families, please reach out to [email protected].

Statement by MP Anthony Housefather on the guide 'Studying Genocide'

MP Anthony Housefather calls for a change in high school education that could make a real difference. Watch as he passionately advocates for the study of genocide using the new pedagogical guide 'Studying Genocide', developed by the Quebec Education Ministry in collaboration with The Foundation for Genocide Education, the UQTR, the U de Sherbrooke, and the Montreal Holocaust Museum.Click here to watch this important statement on the power of education to create a better future.

This Holocaust survivor from Montreal will have her testimony preserved thanks to hologram technology

Montreal's Marguerite Élias Quddus is not just a survivor of the Holocaust but a trailblazer too. She's the first survivor in Montreal to use groundbreaking Dimensions in Testimony technology to create a hologram of herself that will answer questions from viewers. The system uses natural language processing to create a virtual, interactive biography that can answer just about any relevant question, in real time, in the survivor's own voice. Quddus's hologram will be housed at the Montreal Holocaust Museum and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, ensuring that her story will be preserved for future generations to learn from and remember.

This Hebrew parody of Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers’ will give you joy

Mizrahi singer Zehava Ben has given us all a gift - a Mizrahi-style parody of Miley Cyrus' song "Flowers" that will give you all the feels. Ben's soulful voice, coupled with the song's simple and relatable lyrics, makes for a perfect match. The lyrics are easy to follow, and some Hebrew slang thrown in adds to the song's charm. The one-minute-long cover is a must-listen for anyone looking to brush up their Hebrew or simply enjoy a feel-good tune and a good laugh.

De-stress with this chocolate chip babka crunch recipe

If you're looking for a stress-relieving activity that results in a delicious treat, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Babka Crunch recipe. Baking, according to therapist Jack Hazan, can be a great way to reduce stress by focusing on small, easily accomplished steps that put you in control. And what better way to enjoy the fruits of your labour than with this delectable dessert that combines bread and sweets into one scrumptious treat? The knots are simple to make and give the babka a sophisticated touch. Plus, it freezes well, so you can make extra and store it for later. Trust us, this babka crunch is a win-win all around.

Source: Federation CJA

Immersive Guided Tour Connects Ukrainian Jewish Newcomers with the City's Vibrant Jewish Community

Last Sunday, 51 recently arrived Ukrainian Jews explored Montreal's neighborhoods on a guided tour. They discovered the city's character, work opportunities, and leisure options. The tour delved into Montreal's rich Jewish history, including the old Jewish district and the story of Canada's first Jewish immigrants. The day ended with a delicious lunch and engaging discussions, connecting the newcomers with local volunteers and deepening their understanding of Montreal's Jewish community.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Federation CJA, Agence Ometz, and RSJ community leaders, these newcomers are warmly welcomed and integrated into the Montreal Jewish community.

Registration for CIJA’s Face It, Fight It conference is now open! Join CIJA for the Face It, Fight It conference on October 16-17, 2023, in Ottawa, Ontario! This conference is the official launch of a sustained campaign to face, fight, and push back against the single-most important challenge we confront today: antisemitism. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn effective advocacy strategies, network with like-minded individuals, and engage with key policy- and decision-makers on the Hill. Let's come together and show our collective support for the people and land of Israel. Click here to register now.

Looking for the Israel trip of a lifetime? Look no further than Federation CJA’s GOTEENISRAEL! Federation CJA proudly offers GOTEENISRAEL vouchers to ensure more teens can experience Israel. Jewish teens in grades 9 and 10 registered with one of our Israel teen trip providers are eligible to receive $2,500 CAD towards their trip and may also be eligible to access an additional RootOne voucher worth $3,000 to the existing GO@TEENISRAEL voucher of $2,500! Speak to your trip provider for more details. Click here to apply for this incredible opportunity. Don't miss out! Deadline: May 31, 2023.

Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal Scholarships: Are you a CEGEP or University student who could use some financial help? Thanks to our donors, you can apply to over 50 scholarships of your choice. Click here to APPLY TODAY! Deadline: May 31, 2023.

Kehilla Montreal's Rental Assistance Program is here to help! Are you living on a low income AND struggling to pay rent every month? Kehilla Montreal’s Rental Assistance Program may be the key to getting the help you need. Kehilla Montreal is a not-for-profit organization providing quality, affordable and safe housing solutions to individuals and families in need in Montreal. The Rental Assistance Program provides immediate relief to those who are spending their income disproportionately on rent. Click here to apply today.

Game Day – Mah-Jongg Tournament and Canasta Tournament

Women’s Philanthropy

Date: Monday, May 15