To participate in any of our virtual offerings, you will need to have a Zoom account and register for the program.
Finding Home: Accessibility in the Jewish View of the World
Guided by Rabbi Bill S. Tepper
Wednesday, June 24, 7:30 pm
“Am I welcome here?”
“Is there a place for me?”
“Is this community my spiritual home?”
Such are questions asked by those possessing physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual challenges. And such are questions encountered by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons. For millennia, our Jewish tradition has endeavoured to respond to the needs of those in search of spiritual embrace; persons seeking accessibility; persons on a quest for the religious community they will call home.
In our program, we will explore both sacred texts – Torah, rabbinic commentary, codes of law – and contemporary perspectives. We will examine where the different movements in Judaism position themselves on the subject of accessibility. We will ask questions, while striving – if not always successfully – to acquire answers. The thought, opinion, feeling and experience of all participants is warmly invited.
Rabbi Bill S. Tepper was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati in 2008. For eight years he served Mizpah Congregation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, followed by three years, on a commute-basis, with Temple Shalom in Winnipeg. Currently, Rabbi Tepper is a Jewish educator and guest rabbi with communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area. A former high school Drama and English teacher, Rabbi Tepper resides in Toronto – his native city – with his wife Deborah and son Max.
Strengthening the fabric of community through cultivating Resonance
Harvey Weisfeld
Monday, June 29, 7:30-9:00 pm
This session is being led by Harvey Weisfeld, a long time Shir Libeynu member and choir participant. Harvey has been a student and practitioner of Zen meditation in its various forms for the past 13 years. Professionally Harvey’s work aims to bring a deeper consciousness to the role of business in supporting social change.
Through the practices of Resonant Breath and Storytelling we weave the fabric of community. Each thread holding its own vibrant energy coming together to bring forth the light that we want to live in through the resonance of our voices.
Through the use of breath, resonant sounds and gentle movement, this virtual session aims to offer an experience of spaciousness and calmness, cultivating a sense of oneness in community. This simple practice of resonant breath supports us to interrupt thoughts and habits that create harm and separation. Breathing from a place of an open stance/open heart, recognizing habits of the body, and syncing into the rhythm of the universe. Together building resonance as we sync our energy through the rhythm of breath.
“As we breathe deeply from the earth’s core
And breathe out to the distant stars
that we may all breathe into our collective freedom.”
We will then build connection by sharing personal reflections, stories or poems exploring themes of gratitude related to the difficult times that we are currently in. You are invited to bring a poem that speaks to you around what you are grateful for during these challenging times. Some guidance and a prompt will be offered to help shape the themes of our contributions.
We will end raising our voices together by singing a Hebrew song celebrating community.
Queer Arts & Crafts: All Ages Zine Workshop
Presented by Miles Nadal JCC
Sunday, June 21, 1:30-3:00 pm
Join Saul Freedman-Lawson for an all-ages zine-making workshop! Read some zines and comics, and talk about how to share your own stories and interests. Each person needs at least one sheet of paper, a pair of scissors (you can share) and whatever supplies you use to make art. Kids, families and people of all ages are welcome. Pay-what-you-can. No one turned away for lack of funds. In partnership with Machane Lev.