As the summer winds down on the year 5770, we are very excited about all the upgrades that are taking place for the coming year. (Please see our calendar of events for the coming year.) We have five Shabbatons booked, where the Shul will be exposed to a vast array of talented people from across the Jewish spectrum. This includes a Discovery Seminar, a visit from the Travelling Chassidim of Belz, and many more. We have many family social programs planned including a Pre-Chanuka Bingo night, Casino Night, Movie Night, Comedy Night, and two special Melava Malka’s for the young couples in our community.
We are very excited about the upgrades in our Youth department, as well. Our youth director, Oren Dishy B.A. Ed., has put together a jam packed schedule of exciting events. One of the highlights for the boys will be the amazing Shabbaton in Buffalo where the fathers’ and sons will see both the Hockey and Football teams play. The girls are going to have a fantastic sleepover in the building. We are very pleased to announce the establishment of the monthly Youth Chesed award being sponsored by the Orelowitz family. The Bat Mitzvah program, under the guidance of Chaya Michalowicz, is filling up quickly. Please see the newly released youth program pamphlet that highlights the years’ events. Oren will be capably assisted by our talented youth staff. Devorah Deverett E.C.E will be assisting him, by supervising the girls and pre-school programs, emphasizing warmth, love, and Torah values. We are pleased to announce that in addition to Lorne Pillemer, running the Junior congregation, the amazing tag team twin brothers, Hillel & Netanel Lichtenstein, will be leading the youth minyan, which will be having a healthy influx of 10 new boys who have turned bar Mitzvah this year. Aside from improving the quality of that service, they are very likable young men who will bond with the boys. One of the highlights will be the youth Shabbos on Parshas Yisro, where the youth minyan will have the responsibility of running the Shabbos morning adult Minyan.
Bolstered by the amazing success of our summer long “Friday Night Lively” program, we will be staffing a strong community expansion component this year. Rabbi Leib Irons has agreed to be involved with many new initiatives geared to bring in many new families to the congregation. These programs will be held both in and out of the Shul.
He will be capably assisted by Shareen Romi-Babany, who will be involved in networking and programming for these
events. Some of the new programs include: Delivering welcome baskets to new families in the area, Saturday night lively PJ’s & Havdalah, and a special mom-n-tots music program. Shareen will be calling on members to volunteer in helping to make these programs even more successful. We are planning two “Getting to Know You” dinners on Oct. 15th and 22nd for non-members who live in the neighborhood. Every night of the week, we will have classes for the beginner learners, focusing on Hebrew reading, relationships, and more.
Following the last two successful ladies missions to Israel, Rebbitzin Michalowicz will be leading another one this year, plus a “Chizuk” Mission to Israel for more advanced women. Another family trip to New York is planned. In addition, the Rabbi will be leading a large Men’s’ learning/touring mission to Israel in February.
Raphael Adams, will be bringing his creative talents in marketing and public relations as he takes over responsibility for our “new look” bulletin in October. He will also be supervising the Thursday night Kollel and energizing it with new and exciting programs for the men.
This is all in addition to our current outstanding programming during the week and especially on Shabbos. And of course, we are always focused on our members’ needs. We plan on having more Friday night dinners during the year where we can continue to bond as a community. And this is just the beginning! Indeed, with G-d’s help, 5771 is looking to become Westmount’s greatest year yet. We encourage everyone to get involved, and to grow with us this year.
Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year,
Rabbi Yossi Michalowicz Rebbitzin Gail Michalowicz Yehudis Adams Dr. Sam Friedlander
