Joel Schwartz: Our inspiration

Written by: Dave Goodman


About 27 months ago I had the privilege of leading one of the most significant Taglit-Birthright Israel CIE buses of my life with my good friend Jodi Katzeff.  Before we started to get the participants organized with logistics and information in the fall of 2008, we were informed that one participant, Joel Schwartz (25), would be joining us with a shadow staff member, Emanuel Flatt (22) from a unique initiative within Reena Foundation, supported by UJA Federation of Toronto and it's Canada Israel Experience division.

Joel lived with Asperger syndrome and was greatly encouraged by his parents, Julie & Larry, and younger brother Jonathan, who was attending McGill, to join our group of 39 other young Jewish adults from across Canada.  I don't think I knew that this trip would change my life, but I learned very quickly that this would be one of my most profound experiences.  The experience itself is currently becoming an inspirational story for our community.  A symbol of inclusiveness and support for those who live with developmental disorders.

This is becoming Joel Schwartz's great legacy, and it is also, our inspiration...

Michelle Cohen & Joel Schwartz

From the beginning of the trip, our young professionals bus quickly accepted Joel into the fold.  Although I had gathered some insights before the trip about how things would play out, I came to understand that people with Autism are very self aware of their capabilities and how they are accepted into society on a social level.  I think part of what made this group so special and mature, was that they accepted Joel for who he was from the start. 

The major challenge was our ability to enable Joel with the mindset that he could get through the 10 days.  In Joel's mind, putting himself in social situations with other Canadian Jews for ten straight days, the physical challenges of intense hikes, heat and long hours...well I guess you could say that aside from managing the group, Jodi, Emanuel, our incredible trip medic Adam Miller and our tour guide Yossi, had our hands full.  But it was worth every second of attention Joel required.

Joel after conquering the Jillabun hike on Day 2

Caleigh Rykiss and Adam Miller (Trip Medic/Guard)

But Joel was a teddy bear!  He had an outgoing personality and was a sponge for information.  His timely wit and his 'gentle giant' presence made him the most loveable guy on our bus.  Challenging trip elements that seemed like mountains were overcome on a daily basis.  Although it was a roller coaster for Joel, he and we pushed him to experience everything the amazing C.I.E. itinerary offered.  We knew from that point on, that Joel was recognizing his true self-worth in his young life.

You could see it unfold before your very eyes, and everyone who embraced Joel throughout the Birthright Israel experience knew that they had a small piece of making this time of his life that much more significant and meaningful.  For one of the few times in Joel's life, he was truly accepted by his peers for who he was; a kind, caring, funny and beautiful young man.

I remember many times during the trip, watching his love for Israel and his love for life being shaped by his Jewish peers.  I can only hope it enhanced the experience for everyone else, as much as they enhanced the experience of Israel for Joel.

Tragically, we lost Joel just 2+ short months later in early March 2009.  The community lost Joel, but I can safely say that our December C.I.E. bus, lost a dear friend.

The Birthright Israel trip that is heavily supported by UJA Federation, UIA Canada and Taglit Birthright Israel,  changed this young man and his 50 new friends from the trip, Israeli & Canadian participants alike.  It changed the way others see young Jewish adults with developmental challenges.  It strengthened the Jewish community and characterized our people hood.

Since Joel's passing, I have only learned to embrace other young Jews who seem 'different', with the same respect and appreciation I would have for anyone who wants to experience a more meaningful Jewish life through our events and initiatives in the community.  For it is people like Joel who make our community a vibrant and interesting place to want to support and spend time.

Although Joel and his experience in Israel is only but a microcosm of the incredible work that is being facilitated by organizations within UJA Federation such as Reena Foundation; my new volunteer partners that have created The Joel Schwartz Memorial Hockey Tournament now use Joel's story as our inspiration.

In the spring of 2010, Jonathan Schwartz, Joel's younger brother came to me with a vision to commemorate his older brother in an effort to help other young Jewish adults have the same experience in Israel that transformed Joel.  Jonathan's ability to drive change was evident in his extensive and effective volunteer work of Hoops 4 Israel 2010.  Devising a model that could find the right leaders to form a leadership committee and make this initiative a reality was welcomed with enthusiasm and dedication by Jon, Jesse Abrams, Zack Belzberg, Corrie Pollock, Asher Kirshenbaum, our project chairs.

Jon Schwartz, Co-Founder & Volunteer Chair

Jesse Abrams, Co-Founder & Volunteer Chair

Zack Belzberg, Co-Founder & Volunteer Chair

Corrie Pollock, Co-Founder

Asher Kirshenbaum, Volunteer Chair

Jason Finestone, Volunteer Chair

Ari Diamond, Volunteer Chair

It has been amazing to witness the momentum that this initiative has picked up in the past few months after several chair meetings and now 3 full committee meetings with several dedicated young adults who have all banded together to actualize this grassroots initiative.  Incredible awareness for Reena Foundation and the Birthright Israel Shadow Program, along with necessary funds that will enable the shadow staff member to accompany the C.I.E. bus to Israel for 10-days will be realized.  

The inaugural Joel Schwartz Memorial Hockey Tournament will take place at Chesswood Arena for a full day of hockey and other entertainments on Sunday, March 13th, 2011.

Although this is the first of several other personal updates I will bring to the table regarding The JSMHT, please address any inquiries or offer support to: info@jsmhtournament.com, or visit our event site, or facebook page. 

Breaking up or getting married...




Written by: Shira Webber

 
Is there really such a thing as the 2 year itch? If you make it past the two year mark in your relationship have you reached the point of no return? The zero hour? Is it smooth sailing from there to the aisle?

I have actually heard that the hormones and endorphins that enter your brain when you fall in love (and make you feel all happy and euphoric) actually wear off after two years. So does that mean it's actually pretty normal to feel a change in your relationship at around two years in?

All of a sudden it seems that everyone around me is either getting married or breaking up (i guess it's not really all of a sudden...but it just seems that way because it's everywhere...) So with that being said, what does it take in order to take that final plunge and decide if you are going to break it or make it?

With out a proper therapist/love doctor on hand, I am going to do what most people do when they are looking for advice...I'm turning  to celebs. I mean really where else could I get better love advice then from high profile celebs who have no choice but to have their love life plastered all over the cover of every magazine...so lets see who made it in 2010 and who caught a bout of the 2 year itch....

 

Colin and Alicja got together in 2008, In October 2010 rumors spread that the two had split up, because Colin still wasn’t ready to settle down. Seriously? Colin Ferrel  a perfect example of a man who will never be able to settle down, ummm, look at her!?

Kelly Osbourne and her younger male model fiance didn’t even make it down the aisle this year. They ended their 4-month engagement amidst affair rumors in July, after 2 years together...itch?

 

Mel Gibson and Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva got together in early 2009 and had a a very public breakup in May 2010. but I'm not going to call that one a 2 year itch...more like a laps in judgement on her part from the very beginning...but it didn't even take a full year for her to realize../



Reality star Kim Kardashian had two significant breakups this year. She called it quits with beau Reggie Bush after dating on-and-off since 2007 (just over 2years,,,), and then  moved on to dated another NFL star, Miles Austin, from June to September of this year, pour guy didn't even make the 6mth mark....

And then there was Tiger. This was not a case of the 2 year itch,(although Tiger may have actually contracted an itch of sorts) it was  really just stupidity on his part...but bright side for her I guess is that she at least walked away $110 million richer.....

My final thoughts...

2 years in a relationship isn't relatively long at all in the grand scheme of things Some couples can get married and stay together for 20+ years and still be happy, not bored. My answer is if you're bored at 2 years then it probably isn't meant to be...but then again, who really knows, Cortney and David split after 11 years of marriage...and I thought they were so in love?!

8 Crazy Nights

Written by Dean Medina 

Three days til my favourite holiday.... CHANUKAH!!!!!!!!!!

Can't you just smell the holiday season among us? Lights are everywhere, snow has started to fall, everyone is scrambling to buy gifts and there is awful music on the radio... Love it!

Fitting with the craziness of the holiday season, Community Connect is teaming up with organizations all over the city to bring YOU 8 insane nights of fun.

So if you are looking to have some good times this holiday season there is something for everyone. Do one do two, or do all eight!

Check this out: 

Wednesday December 1

SoCalled: Live, Intimate and Unplugged

Wednesday December 1 7:30pm- 10:30pm

The House: 469 Eglinton Ave. We. #203 Toronto, ON

http://www.thehousetoronto.com/EventDetail.aspx?id=416

Thursday December 2

Hip Hop Hanukah featuring Socalled
Thursday December 2nd, 2010, Mod Club
Doors 9pm, Show 9:30pm
Co-Presented by Ashkenaz and The Annex ShulTickets
$20 in advance, $25 at the door.
www.ashkenazfestival.com

Friday December 3

Chanukah  Shabbat Dinner @ JUMP

$15.00

Visit www.jumponline.ca for more info

Saturday December 4

The Craziest of 8 Crazy Nights Party @ LOL Lounge

718 College Street Toronto

Live Performances by The Apollo Effect and One Fell Swoop

9pm-2am

Monday December 6

Dinner of Miracles (Sold Out) 

Be a part of Living History at the 6th Annual DINNER OF MIRACLES!

Only $36 - Tickets are VERY Limited 

www.dinnerofmiracles.com

or call: 416.636.4719

Tuesday December 7

LATKAS! Hannukah Cooking Class

7:00-9:00pm

Prosserman JCC

$10.00

Wednesday December 8

Games Night at JUMP

7:30-11:00pm

FREE

Poker, Foosball, Air Hockey, Prizes and Drinks!!!

visit www.jumponline.ca for more info

Thursday December 9

Green Juice & JET Present: ‘Sustainable Entrepreneurs’ Panel of speakers @ JUMP

Doors open: 7:30pm

$5 @ Door

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! 

Shakshuka: An energy boost with a twist? Cheese, eggs, and tomatoes have never gone together so well.

Written by: Dean Medina

When looking up the origins of this bowl of tomatoey deliciousness I found its origins in Tunisia, Greece, Kiev, and Libya to name just a few (each claiming ownership of the original recipe).

Regardless of its beginning, shakshouka (meaning “all mixed up” in Hebrew) has become a staple of Israeli cuisine. Essentially at its core shakshouka mixes tomatoes, tomato paste, eggs and olive oil. It is an extremely filling (and oh so delicious!) dish (make sure you’re hungry!) and today comes in endless varieties ranging from cream cheese to goat cheese and salmon to tuna shakshouka (you can pretty much add whatever you want to the basic mixture).

About four months ago I tried what was probably the most delicious shakshouka I have ever tried in a quaint restaurant off the beaten path on Ben Yehuda street, Shilshom something, in Jerusalem. It was the basic deal with the addition of goat cheese and eggplant with labaneh (yoghurt cheese) on the side and was enough to feed two people. Since I’ve been back I have made many attempts to try and replicate what I ate that night, but have failed miserably. After a number of attempts I decided to look up some recipes online and came up with this basic recipe which didn’t quite match the true Israeli taste but came pretty damn close (sort of).

Here it is for your eating pleasure, enjoy!!!

Ingredients

·         1 tablespoon vegetable oil

·         1/2 yellow onions, finely chopped

·         1 tablespoon tomato paste

·         2 tablespoons harissa paste or 1 tablespoons smoked paprika

·         3 medium garlic cloves, minced

·         4 medium jarred roasted bell peppers, small dice (about 1 cup)

·         1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes with juices

·         1 tablespoons kosher salt

·         1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

·         4 large eggs

·         Pita bread or baguette, for serving

Directions

Heat oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. When it shimmers, add onion and cook until just softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, harissa, and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add peppers and stir to coat. Add tomatoes and salt and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 30 minutes.

Stir in half of the parsley, break the eggs over the tomatoes. Cover and continue to cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, until the eggs are set. Sprinkle remaining parsley, season with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately with pita bread or baguette

Recipe courtesy of the Food Network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aida-mollenkamp/eggs-in-purgatory-shakshuka-recipe/index.html

Or if you are more of a visual learner, check this different recipe out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiC4BplQkkY

While most of the recipes call for vegetable oil, I think you’re better off with extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to add pretty much whatever you want to it. I think goat cheese and some hot sauce top it off, but I’ll leave it up to you.

Happy eating!

Stumbling Upon Hanukah...

Written by: Dave Goodman

So I'm minding my business, goin for a nice kosher breakfast at one of my favourite eateries in the city, Seniors in the Yonge and St. Clair neck of the woods, and after leaving my bacon and eggs, I stumble upon one of my favourite 'gimmicky' stores as well, Paperboy Cards & Gifts.  Now I am not opposed to Christmas, the store decorations, the incessant carols that you will hear in every major retail store during this time of year, but a part of my Jewish soul longs for some Hanukah 'Dap' (as us street folk like to refer to it as - please see urbandictionary.com) in the very stores we peruse in our leisure time.

Upon popping into my gimmick shop for a gander I was more than pleasantly surprised to find not only some Hanukah options that spiced up the store next to the requisite Christmas decorations that every retail outlet must have, but some real practical pieces that would make latkas feel cool and menorah's shine proud.

What was even more encouraging about this stumble upon would have to be the locale.  We were definitely over a kilometer away from Bathurst St., so I figure you don't get too much Jewish foot traffic in that area (one block south of St. Clair on the East side of Yonge), yet this proud Jewish store owner (I think) had the courage to put up a Hanukah display like this, off the beaten Jewish track in TO...as Alana Kayfetz would say...Yasher Koach Paperboy Cards & Gifts!

 So this holiday season, as you walk through aisles of Christmas decorations and are sad about the lack of Hanukah rep, remember about the few and the proud south of St.Clair off of yonge.  And I swear, I have NO special allegiance or pre-existing relationship with the store owner, this is pure 'dap' for a proud Yid in the city!

Why Do Jews Volunteer?

There is an old Hebrew phrase I have engraved on a necklace; Tikkun olam, תיקון עולם‎

http://www.oneofakind.co.il/

which means "repairing the world." In Judaism, the concept of tikkun olam originated in the early rabbinic period. In modern times, we seen that Jews LOVE repairing the world- we are citizens of humanity which makes us responsible for helping our community and the world at large.

One Chill Day- Nov 28th, 2010

Here are some of the best reasons to get off your tushies and do something for the betterment of the world!

1. "It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!" ( Zeller, Melissa: 2010)

2. "To meet new and exciting people, wink wink" (anonymous)

3. "I get alot out of helping the vulnerable, its a chance to give back to the community," (Ekstein, Steven, Chair of Volunteerism for Impact Toronto)


4. "To make a difference in the world, giving the world a big hug, we have to be socially responsible!" ( Madina, Dean: 2010)

5. " I volunteer to be apart of something bigger than myself ; and because I look cute in my volunteering gear ;)" ( Webber, Shira: 2010)

Do you Want to volunteer? Here is your chance to try it!

One Cool Day. Nov 28th, 2010.

http://www.feduja.org/evites/2010_onechillday/

Green Jews or Green Juice...or both

Written by: Dave Goodman

So a lot of people have been coming up to me the past couple months asking what Green Juice is.  Perhaps the branding is a little ambiguous, but you're all just going to have to deal with it.  Let's see, it is overtly 'Green' so it has to do with the environment.  Check.

Is it a juice company, like 'Booster Juice'?

We haven't thought that far ahead, but I see no reason why an organic juice event could not fit under the Green Juice chain of happenings.

Is 'Juice' referring to energy?

Well that's funny you should ask Dave, Jews, along with the rest of the North American population use entirely too much 'Juice' or energy for their daily habits, so maybe providing green or clean 'Juice' is part of what Green Juice aims to achieve.

Wait, wait, wait...are you trying to say that Green Juice is a play on words for 'Jews'...kind of like the sign this idiot is holding up?

Well that guy is just confused about how to spell 'Jews' right?  I mean, the high vitamin C content in most Juice cannot possibly be cause for concern.  But he does have a funny play on words going there.  I say to you, Islamic fundamentalist...cute sign.

So if we could all just move past the branding for a second and look at how Green Juice can serve as an effective platform for promoting the Green in our Jewish community.  After a couple great hands on social action visits to UJA Federation's Kavanah Garden on the CHAR campus with Risa Straus, we finally got our speaker series going last week.

Dr. Ron Dembo, founder of Zerofootprint was the keynote speaker of our kick-off networking event, graciously hosted by Tory's LLP on Wellington, and Chaired by volunteer Adam Banack.  Now I didn't do a head count, but we had a 110 person RSVP list!  Based on the number of left over name tags from those who did not come, we can estimate that 70+ were at Tory's beautiful boardroom stocked with plentiful alcohol (organic Mill St. was even served) overlooking a city using peak energy!

Don't worry!  Zerofootprint and Ron Dembo have figured out how to curb this peak energy dilemma.  Better yet, they are on to a theorem of how to curb energy consumption by the sheer power of allowing people to measure what they use.  They have currently rolled out the 'Zero Challenge' to 300 schools across the GTA in an effort to curb consumption based on their mantra: 'Measure. Compare. Change'.  Genius!

So why are Jewish schools not in the top 10 eco-schools?  Surely we as a people know the importance of leading by example right?  Green Juice is interested in making this happen.  If you are a teacher in the Jewish community, or an aspiring teacher - might not be a bad idea to do some exploring - http://canada.zerochallenge.org/  (Check out results map and leader board).  So that's partly what Green Juice is about.  Jewish community leading by example.  Just what Dr. Ron Dembo is doing, taking his career from risk analysis in the finance sector to pursue his passions in the Green sector and find practical solutions to mitigate climate change through energy efficient technology.

Young Jewish leaders who have taken it upon themselves to make their vocation a socially responsible endeavor deserve our attention.  Not only must they be recognized, we must learn from them.  Finding lucrative opportunities, saving the planet, and enhancing the image of Jews who want to better the world...Green Juice might be on to something.

Join us in under one month on a Thursday evening @ JUMP for special JET panel presentation of 'Sustainable Entrepreneurs'.  Young Jews who are involved in start ups in different sectors of 'Green' industry. 

We are still looking for a tagline.  We are still looking for great event concepts, prospective speakers, cost-effective venues, or long-term projects that involve volunteer committees and large-scale impact. 

If you know of a Green Juice worthy happening or opportunity, please do not hesitate to comment below or reach out to dave@greenjuice.net.

The 'Green' juice IS worth the squeeze.

The Best of CoCo

Written by Dean Medina

Here is a list of 6 CoCo's who have changed my life:

The beautiful Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel

Coco the Monkey providing us with a healthy breakfast option

Conan "Coco" O'Brien,  the nickname was given to him by Tom Hanks on the Tonight Show

TEAM CoCo

Coco the Dog

and last but not least.....

Nicole Austin aka Coco, (Ice T's wife)

I read somewhere that she's a swimmer, hmmm... She probably floats quite well