Given the current situation in Israel and the increased need for material, spiritual, and emotional support for our brothers and sisters in Israel and our local community, JYN requests support from those who have annually supported the JYN Gala. This year, we will allocate all funds from donations and auction items to our initiatives to strengthen Jewish identity amongst our teens and to support Israel during these challenging times. This is especially important in light of the rising antisemitism and the support our local community needs in order to be strong — we need to stand with Israel.
We won’t be hosting the Gala in its usual grand fashion, and we won’t be spending funds on the journal and other extras as before. However, please save the date for Tuesday, November 21, as we plan to gather, celebrate our activities, support Israel, and provide an evening of much-needed inspiration. More details to come.
While we are still in shock and pain, the time for action is now. Many ask what we can do, and our JYN teen ambassadors have outlined an action plan below. Through the guidance of our staff and teen leaders, we will continue to expand and develop resources and campaigns as needed to support our youth, community, and Israel through these trying times. All funds raised for the annual gala will support the initiatives below.
Thank you.
13 Initiatives for Israel — A Call for Support
Rabbi Jacobson, author of “Toward a Meaningful Life” and leader of The Meaningful Life Center, is a renowned scholar who applies Jewish thought to modern life. He’s a sought-after speaker, with appearances on over 300 radio and TV shows. Jacobson also chairs and publishes The Algemeiner Journal, America’s fastest-growing Jewish newspaper.
Please note for added security, YRP will be present at this event.
Tefillin represents the spiritual ammo of Am Yisrael. Upon hearing the news on Simchat Torah, a commitment was made to obtain 36 new pairs of mehudar, top-of-the-line tefillin, to send to the most affected communities. This way, thousands of soldiers and community members can use these tefillin. We’re delighted to share with you that 22 out of the 36 pairs have already been sponsored. You can participate at any level, whether $18, $36, or even by fully dedicating a pair on tefillinsupreme.com Your support is greatly appreciated.
Project Coordinators:
Jaren Kruger, Zack Fisher, and Hudson Worth
Let’s perform a daily mitzvah starting today and continuing for the duration of this war. A mitzvah strengthens our connection to Hashem and brings more spiritual light into a dark world. A mitzvah can be as simple as putting on tefillin, saying the Shema, or dropping a coin in your charity box at home before you start your day. It makes a significant difference. Please share pictures or a video of you doing a mitzvah so we can include it in our social media Mitzvahs for Israel reels.
Project Coordinators:
Jesse Anbar, Noa Harroch, Seth Kasimov, Moshe Lomiansky, Ethan Negin-Shecter, Jamie Weinstein, Eithan Yagudaev
JYN started writing a youth torah for the future JYN centre at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This Torah will be complete once the building is open and available for all things youth in our community. Buying a letter in the Torah provides exceptional merit for personal and communal safety.
Project Coordinators:
Amanda Binbihy, Nathan Colomby, Julia Goizman, Talya Kibel, Evie Majeski, Ethan Okorofsky, Rory Sederoff, Hailey Smadja, Zoey Yack
While not everyone always wears tzitzit, many soldiers have requested tzitzit as they head out to the battlefield. This is a common phenomenon during times of war in Israel. However, Israel was overwhelmed with requests. We are in contact with an approved army tzitzit distributor in Israel, and the ambassadors have committed to raising funds for 180 pairs. Each pair costs $8.
Project Coordinators:
Tal Kastroyano, Beni Kleiman, Shane Naiman, Thomas Shvekher
Don’t leave your Jewish Pride at home.
But do display it at your door.
Affix a Mezuza to your doorpost to display your Jewish pride loudly and proudly!
Take action and get your mezuzah today!
Project Coordinators:
Leo Bartal, Jack Mandel, Liam Shvekher, Ethan Spiegelman, Zoey Yack
For the next month, all proceeds from food purchases made at the Kosher Pickle at high schools will support JYN initiatives for Israel. Gather your friends, meet the truck, put on tefillin, give tzedakah, get Shabbat candles, and buy food to support Israel. Micayla Levy will be managing and organizing this tasty fundraiser!
Here are the locations and times:
• Westmount Mondays 11:15 – 12:20 PM
• Stephen Lewis Tuesdays 11:45 – 12:45 PM
• CHAT Wednesdays 11:30 – 1:30 PM
Project Coordinators:
Rory Bloom, Yoni Brosh, Jake Fisherman, Jordan Fortis, Lior Kastoryano, Micayla Levy, Zach Lipschitz, Hayden Waiser, Zoey Yack
Highten tensions anti semitism and amateur antisemitic incidents in some local high schools, including a troubling swastika drawn in a bathroom, have raised concerns among local Jewish teens. In response, we have resolved to establish Jewish Pride Day on Friday, October 27. On this day, Jewish students in all GTA high schools will proudly display their Jewish identity by wearing a kippah, tzitzit, a star of David, a chai chain, an Israel tee shirt, or any symbol they choose. Let’s support and stand in solidarity with our fellow students, sending a strong message that we live in a country that values democracy, religious freedom, and tolerance, including for the Jewish community.
Project Coordinators:
Leo Bartal, Erika Barkel, Max Feldman, Noa Fishbain, Lexi Gelman, Jake Fortis, Tal Kastoryano, Shiri Levy, Shira Livchin, Rory Sederoff, Emma Smulowitz, Paige Torch, Hayden Waiser, Eitan Zolotorev
In today’s world, hashtags and merchandise profoundly impact our youth. That’s why our teens have taken the initiative to provide everyone with something to wear and display as a symbol of strength and unity during these challenging times. We will be producing thousands of bracelets featuring Am Yisroel Chai. These will be distributed by our teen ambassadors to anyone who wants one.
Project Coordinators:
Emily Barak, Zack Fisher, Aiden Hagshi, Tal Kastoryano, Beni Kleiman, Jaren Kruger, Micayla Levy, Yoni Scutaru, Jamie Weinstein, Hudson Worth
Now is the time to pause and consider the content you consume on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Assess how absorbing these messages benefits you your community, or Israel. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, it’s unnecessary. We’re committed to sharing and resharing positive content about Israel and supportive messaging. We’re steering clear of news, opinions, and politics. Instead, we focus on creating supportive content for distressed families and bringing joy to our youth and the Jewish nation. Join our ambassadors and support us in crafting positive social media content.
Project Coordinators:
Erika Barkel, Brady Barkin, Lexi Gelman, Noa Horroch, Tal Kastroyan, Micayla Levy, Shiri Levy, Rory Sedoroff, Emma Smulowitz, Adira Swartz
In 2021, JYN developed three educational materials concerning Israel — Israel’s Roots and The History of the Land of Israel; Debunking Falsehoods About Israel; and A Simple Guide to Understanding the War. These materials are designed to be straightforward, concise, and easy to comprehend. They aim to assist you in reading, teaching, and understanding the facts of our history while providing clarity and perspective on the Middle East conflict. We encourage you to explore and utilize this content to engage in conversations with your children and friends and, most importantly, to empower yourselves with knowledge of the connection between and the history of the Jewish people and the Jewish Land.
We will collaborate with organizations that facilitate the shipment of essential supplies to Israel to determine the required items and spread the word to collect and purchase these supplies in advance. This proactive approach ensures that when shipping opportunities arise, the items will be well-organized and readily accessible.
Project Coordinators:
Noa Fishbain, Ryann Rosenblatt, Kiara Vigilanti
Our doors are open.
We understand that many people are going through incredibly challenging times right now. At JYN, our social workers and psychotherapists are here to provide the support and guidance you need to navigate these difficult moments. You don’t have to go through it alone – we’re here for you. Reach out for one-on-one consultations or inquire about our group support groups.
Jewish Israeli Identity Seminar
Take a 9-week course and get educated. Meet the movers & shakers behind Israeli & Jewish advocacy in Toronto. Learn about your heritage and homeland. Hot Dinner & Lounge included.
It is time to reaffirm and strengthen the bond and connection of the Jewish people to the Jewish land. JYN will officially launch an Annual Israel immersive experience for our teens. Today, we commence the fundraising to ensure its accessibility and to develop a profound teen Israel experience. We reach out to all donors, requesting you to step up and help us facilitate this integral part of JYN’s mission and responsibility to our youth.
