Dear JRCC

The Book of Exodus, particularly its later sections, explores the profound connection between dreams and the Children of Israel's descent into Egyptian exile. Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi suggests that exile, characterized by irrationality and injustice, represents the ultimate dream—a surreal, global reality persisting for centuries. This dream-like existence extends to the spiritual realm, allowing for a life of contradictions and hypocrisy, challenging conventional notions of reward and punishment.

In a genuine world, certain spiritual truths and consequences would be unshakable. However, the dream-world of exile offers a positive side. Unlike the real world's stringent demands, this unconventional reality permits imperfect individuals to connect with the Divine, breaking down barriers that would otherwise exist. As we eagerly anticipate the Divine redemption and the arrival of Moshiach to dispel the dream of exile, there is an opportunity to navigate this unique reality positively. By adopting a "hypocritical" and "inconsistent" approach, we can dream beyond perceived spiritual limits, achieving what may seem irrational while awaiting the dawn of redemption.

Wishing you Shabbat Shalom!



Rabbi Shmuel & Esther Neft

Directors, JRCC Rockford

Join us for a radiant celebration of Chanukah at the 3rd annual Hidden Trail Chanukah Festival, presented by JRCC Rockford! On Sunday, December 14, at 7:00 PM, we'll gather at Hidden Trail Park to light the magnificent menorah and bask in the warmth of this festive occasion.

🌟Event Highlights:

• Witness the enchanting menorah lighting ceremony at Hidden Trail Park.

• Toronto Police and Fire will be joining and handing out gelt bags to the kids!

• Indulge in the joy of hot chocolate, savor delectable donuts, and share the magic with friends and neighbors.

• Ignite the night as we kindle the flames of the menorah, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

🕯This year’s event is generously sponsored by Alan Hadida and Family, in loving memory of Yitzchak and Miriam Hadida, Michel Kadoch, Sammy Mamann, and Mitchel Sibony, of blessed memory.

🌈 Spread the Light: Remember, just a little light dispels a lot of darkness. Let's come together to illuminate the night and the world with all eight candles of the giant menorah!

📅 Save the Date:

🗓  Thursday, December 14

🕔 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

📍Hidden Trail Park

Let's make this Chanukah Festival a luminous celebration for everyone! 

This past Sunday Rabbi Shmuel and Mrs. Esther Neft , together with JRCC’s Senior Rabbi Yoseph Zaltzman and Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Igor Korenzvit were honored with the “King George III Coronation Pin” in recognition of their dedicated service to the community.

Presenting the award was Ontario Solicitor General and MPP for York Centre Michael Kerzner, who spoke at the ceremony about the value of community leadership in our current era.

JRCC Rockford Women Circle invites you for their empowering journey of "One Wow Moment," a course that explores pivotal decisions in the lives of seven biblical women. Gain insights into the psychology and strengths that propelled them courageously through moments of doubt and decision. In a world filled with mixed signals, this course serves as a guide to confidence, courage, empowerment, altruism, and purpose when facing unexpected opportunities or dilemmas. Register today for this valuable exploration.

Click here to learn more and RSVP.

The unspeakable tragedies that have unfolded in Israel recently are beyond comprehension. Our hearts shatter thinking of the countless families torn apart by grief, the unimaginable loss of life, and the deep scars left on communities that once felt safe.

At this very moment, our brothers and sisters in our homeland need us more than ever. The JRCC Israel in Crisis Campaign channels funds directly to Israel, ensuring that distressed families, soldiers, and terror victims get the urgent help they require.

For the spirit of togetherness and to strengthen our faith, we introduce a campaign to install Mezuzahs in the homes and businesses of Jews in Toronto, to support their Jewish faith. These Mezuzahs, symbolizing divine protection and connection, will serve as a daily reminder that even in the toughest times, we remain united in faith and purpose. 

We must stand firm in our resolve, ensuring that terror never prevails, and never let fear seep into our hearts. 

With the help of JRCC Rabbis, we will provide and install Mezuzahs for individuals, families, and businesses in the Jewish community who don’t have one and wish for one.

To receive your own complimentary mezuzah, click here.

Do you feel the need to make a difference? We have a solution for you!

1.Take on a daily mitzvah.

2. Adopt a hostage (your Mitzvah will be in his/her merit!).

3. Share with friends & family, let's have all the captives covered🙏🏻

May the merit of your mitzvah and our unity together have the impact and free every single one! Amen!

Click here to join the campaign.

Every Tuesday night Rabbi Yoseph Zaltzman will be delivering an insightful class on the book of Tanya, the treatise of Chabad Chassidic thought. The class will be delivered every Tuesday evening at 8:00 pm in JRCC Rockford. Class is in Russian.

Candle lighting - 4:23 pm

Afternoon Prayer: 4:23 pm

Shabbat Morning Class:

9:00 am

Morning Service:10:00am

Torah reading: 11:30 am

Kiddush: 12:30 pm

Afternoon Prayer: 3:53 pm

Evening Prayer/Shabbat ends: 5:30 pm

Join the men of Rockford and start your week right with a jolt of spirituality, followed by a stomach-filling, mouth-watering, scrumptious bagel breakfast!

Connect with your creator in a relaxed, judgment-free environment as Jews from all walks of life join together in the spirit of the Hakhel year!

Every Sunday, 9:00 AM

This Sunday's breakfast is open for sponsorship. Please consider sponsoring in honor of a personal celebration, in memory of a loved one, or just because!

The Rebbe Rashab, Rabbi Shalom Dovber, said: "Even the greatest minds must lay aside their intellect and not be ruled by reason and knowledge, for they are susceptible to being misguided by their intellect to the point that their end may be a bitter one. "The essential thing in these times of the "footsteps of Moshiach" is not to follow intellect and reason, but to fulfill Torah and mitzvot wholeheartedly, with simple faith in the G-d of Israel.