Home, Country and Identity: Marking Yom Haatzmaut in Canada

This month’s Shabbat mini-fair features a short and lively musically-driven Shabbat service, and the choice of two contrasting related activities marking the date in the calendar that celebrates the founding of the state of Israel. We’ll explore notions of Home, Country, and Identity through word, as well as through song and play.

When did you first feel Canadian? Jewish? Or connected to Israel? Do you? Sarah Waisvisz will lead an open writing activity. Participants can use any form they choose – haiku, acrostics, a six-word story, creative prose – to explore the experience of attachment to place and identity.

Guitarist Howard Kaplan, along with Rabbi Liz and all of you who play instruments (bring them along, please!) will sing-along to a list of Canadian and Israeli song favourites. As the song-circle gets going, a three-dimensional board game, led by Rabbi Liz, will challenge participants to get to-and-from either Israel or Canada. No previous cross-Atlantic travel experience required!

Communal pot-luck lunch to follow. **Note that kiddush lunch will take place downstairs in Room 5. Please drop off your pot-luck contributions to the lower-level kitchen**