Bram Eisenthal – the Monitor
The Jewish world is still rocking in shock following the heinous massacre of innocents in Mumbai by Islamic fundamentalists who, as is typical for these monsters, murder in the name of Allah. I have to believe that Allah is not very pleased with them, at least I hope not. What HAS to be pleasing to the Jewish world is that the Chabad movement, which was specifically targeted by these thugs in India, isn’t in the least bit uncertain whether to continue recruiting emissaries worldwide, to spread their word of peace and spirituality to Jews and non-Jews alike.
Rabbi Yisroel Bernath just opened a spanking new Chabad House on Monkland Avenue, in our West End. How I heard this news leads me to believe something Godly is at work here. I had skipped the final lecture on the Tanya, a sacred tome written several hundred years ago in Europe that utilized Kabbalistic precepts to enable one to think in a more Godly fashion. I missed the class, put on by Chabad’s educational arm, Jewish Learning International (this class, my second such experience in the last few years, was at Chabad’s Snowdon location, led by the much beloved and respected Rabbi Ronnie Fine) because I had an appointment with Chassidic reggae singing sensation Matisyahu, in concert at Metropolis. And I bumped into Rabbi Bernath there.
Keeping within the mission of Chabad International, Chabad of NDG and Loyola Campus, the new centre is a warm and secure base for all Jews, regardless of affiliation or background. “We offer vibrant social, recreational and spiritual programming for NDG’s students, young adults, professionals and families,” Rabbi Bernath told me. “We’re best known for our captivating courses, which promote cooperative learning, discussion, spiritual exploration, motivation and the practice of Jewish ritual and celebration.
“Walk through our doors and you’ll encounter a friendly, welcoming home to Jews of all ages. Young, old and in-between are valued, active contributors to each other’s growth, discovery and happiness. Here, the spiritually thirsting find fulfillment.”
Chabad Monkland’s current programs include Chanukah Dreidels Live, a Singles Mingles Chanukah Party (held last evening, but keep your eyes open for more singles events, I am told), Shabbat (Saturday) morning services “with a twist,” weekly at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush, which includes a light meal and beverages. Beginning Wednesday, January 7, 8:00 p.m., you can experience Ten Steps to Happiness: The Spirituality of Being the Best You Can Be. Other programs will include Rabbi Yisroel’s Book Club (Oprah, watch out!), movie screenings, game nights, motivational courses, Friday Night Live and the Jewish Comedy Festival. The rabbi is already a known promoter on the local Jewish comedy circuit.
There’s a reason I am proud to be a Jew, that my late mother survived the Holocaust, that we are still here following thousands of years of persecution. We may not be better than anyone else – and certainly Jewish advances in so many fields come via education and hard work, not anything sinister or supernatural, despite anti-Semitic claims arising from downright jealousy – but we survive. We do so because we won’t cave in to the intimidation of killers around the world, who believe we will run and hide. I have NO doubt whatsoever that we certainly are better than them.
Mazel tov Yisroel!!!