Forbidden Desires: The Films of Alfred Hitchcock at the MNJcc

Do you have a senior in your life who is a Hitchcock fan? A perfect Christmas gift might be tickets to the lecture series Forbidden Desires: The Films of Alfred Hitchcock at the MNJcc at Spadina and Bloor.
Presented by Kevin Courrier, the series will allow someone to "learn how master filmmaker Hitchcock – with cunning intent – took the taboo subject of voyeurism and made it into an acceptable dramatic strategy. Delve into such classics as Shadow of a Doubt, Rear Window and Psycho.
Face your hidden fascination!"Prices are: Series: 5 part series: $50 +HST
Drop-in: $12 +HST
$6 +HST for students and Toronto Jewish Film Society subscribers with valid ID
To pre-register call (416) 924-6211 ext. 0.
Cheers,

Vanessa

Chanukah Concert with The Sisters of Sheynville Quartet, Thursday December 18 at MNJcc

The MNJcc at Spadina and Bloor will host a Chanukah Concert December 18th from 1 pm to 2:30 p.m.
Things will get underway at noon with a latke lunch, followed by a performance by The Sisters of Sheynville Quartet.
Here's the scoop:
"A high-energy quartet inspired by the Barry Sisters' Yiddish swing and Klezmer music from the 1930s and 1940s. This soulful ensemble features Lenka Lichtenberg, Isabel Fryszberg, Kinneret Sagee and Tony Quarrington. Book now - the 2013 concert sold out quickly!"
Tickets are $10. Pre-registration required by Friday December 12th. To preregister, please call the Information Desk at (416) 924-6211 x0."

Cheers,

Vanessa

Sukkah Decorating Day October 5th At The MNJcc

This month in particular, I'm shocked to look at a calendar and realize that September is almost over.
How did that happen?
But, on the other hand... autumn. Mmmmmm.
If you're a loyal reader of my Blog, you know that it's my favourite time of year. Colour me happy!
Autumn, of course, also means harvest festivals, such as Thanksgiving and Sukkot.
On that note, next Saturday, Oct. 5th, the MNJcc at Spadina/Bloor is having a Downtown Sukkah Decorating Day from 12:15 to 1:15 pm.
It will feature "holiday-themed crafts, stories, music and snacks."
Cheers,
Vanessa

September 7th Play at the J

Mark your calendars now: September 7th is Play at the J day.
(That is less than a month away... what? But I digress...)
Here's the scoop:

"Sunday, September 7, 2014

9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Come and Play at the J! Bring your entire family your friends and neighbours for a special day of FREE activities at the MNjcc, including:
Jungle Gym, Badminton, Nia Technique, MELT - Hand & Foot, Melt & Pilates, Pickle Ball, Karate, Children's Soccer Academy, Classic Radio Shows Workshop, Family Swim, Pick-up Basketball, Family Pick-up Basketball and more!Plus, celebrate National Grandparent’s Day with interactive, intergenerational activities like creating lasting memories with our family friendly Photo Booth and Create-A-Frame arts activity and re-enacting radio episodes, period jingles and sound effects in a Classic Radio Shows theatre workshop.Bring your children, bring your grandchildren or just come on your own!"Cheers,Vanessa

The Little Mermaid Jr.

Those with young ones take note: a "Jr." live, one-hour version of The Little Mermaid is being performed throughout August in the Al Green Theatre in the MNJCC at Spadina and Bloor.
Here's the scoop:
"'Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., adapted especially for a young audience from Disney’s Broadway production!

In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariellongs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above! But first she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking!"
Tickets are $30 to $50.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Tom's Place Warehouse Sale at the MNJcc

If you're in the market for a suit, you might want to mosey over the MNJcc at Spadina and Bloor.
Until Sunday, it's the site of a Tom's Place "pop up" sale with reduced prices on men's suits and other sundries, including some women's clothing.
Happy shopping!
Vanessa

Functional Mobility Workshop at the MNJCC April 24th

If you're getting on in years and getting in and out of cars, putting on your shoes, etc., is becoming more and more difficult, you may want to attend the Functional Mobility Screening Workshop at the MNJCC April 24th.
Here's the scoop:
"Bring your own lunch, and stay for our afternoon program (Drop-in: $6). Click here to see more details about the afternoon program on Brain Fitness!
Max 25 attendees – preregistration required."

Active 55+: Fitness staff will guide you through a three-step process designed to target mobility issues."
Cheers,
Vanessa

A Klezmer Purim Celebration with The Yiddish Swingtet Duo March 6th

What are you doing Thursday afternoon? If you fancy, you can catch a Klezmer Purim Celebration featuring The Yiddish Swingtet Duo.
Here's the scoop about the concert, which takes place at 2 pm at the MNJcc:
"Music that will set your toes tapping and your heart on fire! Klezmer clarinetist, Jonno Lightstone - known for his chamber klezmer group “Hu Tsa Tsa” - combines forces with stride pianist, Jordan Klapman ... (to) explore classic tunes from the golden age of jazz, hits from the Yiddish theatre, and heymishe down-home klezmer music.
This musical fusion is not without precedent. During the big band era of the 1940s, many klezmorim (klezmer musicians), played in the great dance bands of the day. Players such as Dave Tarras, Sam Musiker and Ziggy Ellman performed Jewish songs arranged in swing rhythm. Songs like “Bei Mir Bis Du Sheyne” by the Barry Sisters became popular hits of the day. “Tants” an album released by Sam Musiker in 1955 featured songs that combined Jewish melodies with Jazz harmonies.
Out of this tradition, the Yiddish Swingtet adds their own twist to the music; from the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt to the Jewish jazz of Sammy Musiker, the Yiddish Swingtet takes you on a cross-cultural musical journey that you will want to take again and again."
It's $4 to attend this drop in event.
Cheers,
Vanessa

MNJcc Features Klezmer Purim Celebration March 6th

It promises to be toe-tapping! Here's the scoop:

"A Klezmer Purim Celebration
Thursday, March 6, 2014

Program: 2:00 pm (doors open at 1:30 pm)

Celebrate Purim with music that will set your toes tapping! The Yiddish Swingtet Duo featuring clarinetist Jonno Lightstone and Jordan Klapman on keyboard-infuses the heartfelt emotion of Eastern European Klezmer with the smooth grooves of American swing. Traditional Purim cookies, hamentashen, will be served.

Drop-in: $4"

Cheers,
Vanessa

Workshop Reading of Tough Jews March 1st at MNJcc

Criminals... rum running... the Crime of the Century. Sounds like the plot of a mafia movie, except it's the description of Tough Jews, a play that is getting a "special workshop reading" this Saturday at the MNJcc.
Here's the scoop:
"The Miles Nadal JCC Between Stages series, with the generous support of Caplansky's Deli, invites you to a special workshop reading of: 
TOUGH JEWS by Michael Ross Albert
Directed by David Ferry
Featuring: Claire Armstrong, Ben Clost, Natasha Greenblatt, Luke Humphrey, Tanja Jacobs, Adam Pettle and Jordan Pettle
Set in the crime-filled Jewish ghetto of prohibition-era Kensington Market, TOUGH JEWS follows a family of criminals who try their hand at rum-running. As the family's fortunes begin to spiral out of control, they find themselves implicated in the Crime of the Century.
Please note: this play reading takes place in room 318 (and not in the Theatre)
Admission $10 at the door. No advance tickets. Tickets on sale from 6 pm - on, Saturday March 1st."
Cheers,
Vanessa

Free Workshop About Financial Planning & RRSP & TFSA

See that headline? I had to look up TFSA. (Tax-free savings account).
If you're as financially unsavvy as I am, you might want to head to the MNJCC January 18th for a free financial planning seminar.
Tessa-Marie Shillingford, a personal financial planner, promises to give your financial know how a boost if you show up at room 218 between 1 and 2 pm.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Al Green Theatre

The Lower Ossington Theatre is presenting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Al Green Theatre in the MNJCC.
Performances begin tomorrow and run until Jan. 5th (Holidays not included, of course.)
Ticket prices start at $19.50.
Enjoy!
Vanessa

Tango, a Story with Jews and Rio Klezmer Screening at the MNJcc

On December 8th, The MNJcc screens two films about Jewish immigration's impact on Argentina: Tango, a Story with Jews and Rio Klezmer.

Here's the scoop:

"Tango, a Story with Jews and Rio Klezmer

Presented by Toronto Jewish Film Society and Koffler Centre of the Arts

Sunday, December 8 - 4:00pm and 7:30pm

Argentina, 2009, Gabriel Pomeraniec director, 70 minutes

Guest Speaker: Musician, Ashkenaz Festival Director Eric Stein

Jewish immigrants forever changed the music of Argentina, home to one of the world’s largest Jewish communities. Tango uses archival footage and interviews with musicians young and old to transport you through the rhythms of this rich tradition.

Rio Klezmer

Argentina/France, 2012, Thomas Bouët director, 40 minutes

Rio Klezmer draws you into the heart of Buenos Aires’ vibrant contemporary Klezmer scene. Canadian premiere. A co-presentation with Koffler Centre of the Arts

To view the trailer for Tango, A Story with Jews click here."

And here is the ticket info:
"$15 General Admission$10 Ages 18 - 35 (7:30pm only)Individual seats on sale 15 minutes before each screening, no advance ticket sales.

Admittance is restricted to persons 18+. All foreign language films have English subtitles.
For more information click here or contact Esther Arbeid at 416-924-6211 x606 or esthera@mnjcc.org"

Cheers,
Vanessa

MNJcc Happenings: Downtown Jewish Fun Fair and Bake and Book Fair

There's always a lot going on at the MNJcc at the corner of Bloor and Spadina.
Just two upcoming events are the Downtown Jewish Fun Fair on Sunday and a Bake and Book Fair to raise money for the United Way on October 29th.
Sunday's Fun Fair runs from 1 to 3 pm and features carnival games, crafts and prizes.
Here's the scoop about the Bake and Book Fair:
"Every year, the Miles Nadal JCC joins many other organizations in raising money for United Way. Here are some events we're holding this year! All proceeds go to the United Way. Please help us exceed our goal of $6,500. 

Bake and Book Fair in support of United Way Toronto Campaign

October 29, 2013

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

MNjcc, Main Lobby

Feed your belly and your brain with a wide range of yummy treats and books! 

We're accepting book donations! You read it, you liked it, but there's just no room on your book shelf. Donate your previously loved books to our Bake and Book Sale. Don't forget, we also accept children's picture books! Donations are currently being accepted by the staff at the information desk."
Cheers,
Vanessa

Learn To Appreciate Opera

I admit it: I know squat about opera.
If you're the same, but you've always wanted to learn, the MNJcc's Opera Appreciation series might be for you.
Part of the community centre's active seniors/boomers program, Opera Appreciation with Iain Scott will include "Previews of Canadian Opera Company and Live in HD from the Met 2013-14 productions.Enhance your knowledge of upcoming COC and Metropolitan Opera productions. View video excerpts of great opera companies and singers."
The five-part series begins September 24th and costs $50.
Cheers,
Vanessa

MilesNadalJCC Profiled in The Star

I told you in the winter that community stalwart MNJCC turns 60 this year.
The community centre is a sponsor of today's Festival on Bloor and I spied this recent Toronto Star article, Jewish Community Centre led Toronto Toward Tolerance, so it seemed a good time to mention it again.
They sure lucked out with the weather today, given our non-existent Spring.
Can you believe that the beginning of summer is less than two weeks away?
Cheers,
Vanessa

Laughter Through Tears screening at the MNJCC This Sunday

Now, here is an event that you don't get to attend every day. And some neighbours will know Jordan Klapman from our area.

Here's the scoop:

"Sunday June 2 | 4 and 7:30 pm

See a rare silent film gem on the big screen with live piano accompaniment!

Toronto Jewish Film Society with Toronto Silent Film Festival present

LaughterThrough Tears

(1928, USSR)

Guest Speaker: Professor Kalman Weiser

Skillfully interweaving three classic Sholom Aleichem short stories, Laughter Through Tears personalizes the struggle to survive in the shtetls of pre-revolutionary Russia. Featuring powerful, nuanced performances by the finest actors of the Moscow Art Theatre. Live musical performance by Jordan Klapman.

Al Green Theatre

Miles NadalJCC | 750 Spadina Ave. at Bloor St.

Tickets available at the door 15 minutes before screenings:

$15 | $10 for 7:30 pm show only, ($10 is for for ages 18 – 35 only) (no advance ticket sales)

info: esthera@mnjcc.org (416) 924-6211 x 0."
Cheers,
Vanessa

Tom's Place Sale at MNJCC This Weekend

If you have any spare time after attending Mayfest and Doors Open and you're in need of some new clothes, you might want to check out the Tom's Place sale at the MNJCC this weekend.
It's an especially good place to buy men's suits at a good price, though they have lots of other clothes up for grabs, as well.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Festival on Bloor June 9th

Despite the recent snow (!), you know that we're edging from Spring into Summer when the Annex Festival on Bloor looms.
Be sure to head down to Bloor Street West Sunday, June 9th from 11 am to 6 pm to stroll the road, traffic-free, from Bathurst to Spadina.
Jointly run by the BloorAnnexBIA and MNJcc, the festival features "family-friendly programming -- over 80 artisans, neighbourhood businesses, specialty food vendors, musicians, theatre performers, buskers and lots more.
The Festival Mainstage at Bloor & Brunswick will feature a roster of local musical acts curated by The Tranzac Club and broadcast live on CIUT 89.5 FM. A selection of top Toronto Fringe performers will also be entertaining the crowds while some of Toronto's mesmerizing Buskers work the street.
The Children's Village will be full of activities for children of all ages and the MNjcc Fitness will keep you moving all day."See you there!
Vanessa

Yogathon at MNJCC May 19th

Want to dip your toe into various Yoga styles? The Miles Nadal JCC Yogathon May 19th is the perfect opportunity.
"A unique opportunity to experience various styles of yoga, including Hatha Flow, Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga and featuring children’s yoga.
The practice will bring peace, health and joy to all, through physical movement and awakening consciousness."
The cost is $25, it runs from 10 am to 3 pm and you can register at the centre's fitness desk.
Namaste.
Vanessa