Support Jewish Community Programming at the Collingwood Libr
The Issue
As the chair of the Southern Georgian Bay Jewish Community and a mother to five children, it is my responsibility to do all that I can to create safe environments for my children and all Jewish families in this area. However, it is the policy of the Collingwood Public Library to exclude partnering to provide programming associated with any religious affiliation. Because Jewish culture and religion are so intertwined, the result is that no Jewish programming can be hosted by the library for members of the public at the Collingwood Public Library. In contrast, the Wasaga Beach Public Library and the L.E. Bruce Library in Thornbury are happy to partner with us to host Jewish public events and programming for all their patrons. I am appealing to you, the community of Collingwood, to come together to support me as I make a deputation on May 22 to the board of the Collingwood Public Library on behalf of the Southern Georgian Bay Jewish Community.
The goal of this partnership is to offer programs and educational opportunities that celebrate, educate, and better integrate our Jewish community within the larger Collingwood population. With your backing, we can work towards fostering a sense of safety and inclusion for all Jewish families who, like everyone else, desire peace and a sense of belonging in Collingwood and its surrounding areas.
By signing this petition, you are taking a stand against division, and for the unity of all Collingwood residents. We need your support to make this vision a reality. Please sign and help transform our community into a safe haven for all families.
-Rashell Feldman
Please use the link below to sign the petition.
Game Night
Game Night at Gordon’s!
By demand, we’re introducing SGBJC Games Night—a fun, relaxed space to gather, play, and connect over Mahjong and more!
Bring your Mahj set or simply just show up (we'll have some other board games, etc.) and join us every other month at Gordon’s Market & Café for an evening of friendly competition and great company.
Whether you’re a Mahjong maven, Euchre expert, or just love a good game night, there’s a seat at the table for you! We're kicking things off on the last Wednesday in May!
When: May 28th | 5-7 PM
Where: Gordon’s Market & Café
What: A casual night of Mahj and more!
No outside food or drink please, but Gordon’s has plenty of delicious options available.
All are welcome—bring a friend and let the games begin!
Jewish Heritage Month Children's Program
In honour and celebration of Jewish Heritage Month, we are excited to host, for the first time in collaboration with the Wasaga Beach Library, a children's program to celebrate Jewish heritage and culture.
This special event will take place on Sunday May 25th, from 2pm to 4pm. The program will feature storybook readings of Jewish children's books, crafting, and decorating edible mezuzahs.
This free event is open to children in our Jewish community as well as the public. Intended for children 3-12, parents are asked to accompany their children. We look forward to celebrating with you.
Not in My Name
SGBJ is proud to bring to the Wasaga Public Library May 19th-May 24th:
Not in My Name is a new exhibit by AGPI that tells of the story of the MS St. Louis.
It's an ideal education module for teaching about Antisemitism, the Holocaust and how as a result, Canada has become one of the most friendly immigration countries in the world.
The exhibit addresses historic Antisemitism and its contemporary resurgence; it informs and educates about the Holocaust through the lens of the Jewish refugees; it addresses Canada's historic apology and it brings to the fore a shameful moment that captures issues of complicity, silence and hatred concerning Canada's immigration policies of the time.
The Power of One
SGBJ is proud to bring to the Wasaga Public Library May 24th-May 31st:
The Power of One Exhibit from Dr. Neil Orlowsky from the AGPI
AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE
The Power of One is the first exhibit in our Museum for Human Rights collection. Thought provoking, it is meant to inspire and empower all people to take action to make the world a better place.
The exhibit features notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Anne Frank, Helen Keller, Mother Teresa - among others - who have each contributed to making the world a better place.
The exhibit forces its audience to ask: What would you do if you were in the same situation? What choices would you make? Would you risk your life to save others? Would you speak out? How can you help change the world for the better today?
Welcoming Raheel Raza: Standing United for Peace
Welcoming Raheel Raza: Standing United for Peace
Join the Southern Georgina Bay Jewish Community as we welcome Raheel Raza, a prominent Muslim activist, for an insightful evening on the power of collaboration in combating antisemitism and hate.
Together, lets bring Truth to Power and stand united for peace.
Purchase tickets and secure your spot through Eventbrite.
Where: Alpine Ski Club
17-242 Arrowhead Road, The Blue Mountains
When: Thursday May 15th
Time: 7:30-9:00pm - please arrive at 7:15
Please join us for The Tragic Awakening Film and Forum.
When: Wednesday May 7th at 3pm and 7:30pm
Where: Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe St, Collingwood.
About: An inspirational post-October 7th experience rethinking antisemitism’s roots, exposing the Jewish mission, and turning hatred into strength.
Featuring Rawan Osman. Born in Damascus to a Syrian father and Lebanese mother, Rawan grew up in a Hezbollah stronghold and became a pro-Israel activist overnight following the Hamas onslaught on Israel on October 7th, 2023. Since then, she has devoted herself to creating content for the Arab world, explaining the reality in Israel and challenging widespread Arab narratives.
Register online to secure your seat!
Postcards From the Past
Postcards From The Past
On exhibit at the Wasaga Beach Public Library for the month of May, Opening May 1 and ending May 18th.
Alan Stein has created a series of original charcoal drawings and paintings highlighting real and imagined events from his grandparent’s lives. Inspired by messages found in old family postcards, the exhibit is enhanced by reproductions of a selection of old photographs and the postcards themselves.
The images in this exhibit take us on a trip through time, with a young woman in St. Petersburg, Russia during the Russian revolution, and a young man in Lodz, Poland. From the invasion of Poland, inside the Lodz ghetto, immigration to Toronto and New York City, and a joyful marriage. How did they meet? What secrets were never told? What happened to the families left behind? We will never know but perhaps we can imagine. There were dreams of youth, tragedy, war, and finally love.
Last year the images were projected during live performances of classical music at the Collingwood Music Festival, and at the Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound.The music featured renowned Canadian musicians performing an array of works to complement the narrative thread. Including heart-warming Yiddish songs, profoundly moving children’s poems set to music, stirring works by a variety of Jewish composers, and Yiddish narration of the postcards.
A short video of highlights from the performances will be on display.
Bookclub
Book Club
Introducing the SGBJC Book Club!
Join us every other month for an evening of meaningful conversation as we explore books that highlight Jewish history, resilience, and storytelling.
Our first gathering is happening April 30th from 5-7 PM at Gordon’s Market & Café, and we’ll be discussing The Postcard by Anne Berest—a gripping family mystery that uncovers the impact of the Holocaust across generations.
This is a casual drop-in format—whether you read the book or listen to it, you’re welcome to join the discussion! No outside food or drink, but Gordon’s has great options available.
When: April 30 | 5-7 PM
Where: Gordon’s Market & Café
What: A welcoming space to reflect on powerful stories
No matter your background or faith, we’d love for you to be part of the conversation.
Ask a friend who’d love this, and let’s read together!
Women's Luncheon
Women's Luncheon: Connect, Socialize & Enjoy!
Join us for an afternoon of great conversation, new connections, and delicious food with the amazing women in our community!
When: Thursday, April 3rd
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Katherine's Chateau, 243 Sainte Marie Street, Collingwood
Each attendee is responsible for covering the cost of their own meals and drinks.
RSVP by emailing shalom@sgbjc.ca and let us know if you'll be attending.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Shabbat Potluck Dinner
Join us for our First Shabbat Potluck Dinner!
We are excited to gather with our SGBJC community for a meaningful evening of celebration and togetherness.
Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Wasaga Stars Arena, 544 River Road West, Wasaga Beach
This will be a sit-down meal, so please arrive on time to enjoy the full experience. We’ll light the candles, bless the challah & wine, and share a delicious meal together with family and friends.
Cost:
- $30/household (max 4 family members)
- $15 per additional family member/single person
- $10 surcharge for non-members
What to bring:
- A dish to feed 10 people (Scan QR code to sign up)
• Let us know what dish you're bringing and how many are attending.
• RSVP is a must to be added to the guest list!
• Please send e-transfer payment to: shalom@sgbjc.ca
Everyone is invited! Whether you're an existing member or a new face in our community, we can't wait to celebrate Shabbat with you.
Purim Party
Come Dressed in Costume for the Ultimate PURIM PARTY!
Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon with games, skating, food, and festivities for the whole family!
When:
Sunday, March 9th | 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
(Party from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Skating from 5:30 pm to 6:20 pm)
Where:
Wasaga Stars Arena- 544 River Road West, Wasaga Beach
Cost:
•$ 30/household (up to 4 family members)
•$15 for each additional family member or single person
•$10 surcharge for non-members
Activities include:
- Arts & crafts & colouring sheets for the little ones
- Balloon twisting (4-5:30 pm)
- Open skating from 5:30 pm to 6:20 pm (Bring your skates & helmet!)
- Mini stick rink for kids & teens
- Delicious pizza, snacks, beverages & hamantaschens!
Also, please note:
This is a costume party, so come dressed in your best Purim attire!
Please RSVP to be on our guest list. To do so, pre-pay and e-transfer the admission fee to shalom@sgbjc.ca.
This will confirm your spot on the guest list and help us track attendance numbers.
We will be checking attendance upon arrival, but walk-ins are welcome, though payment will be taken at the door.
Thank you for supporting our community and celebrating together! We hope to see everyone there!
Tu B'Shevat Jewish Learning Kids Meet Up
Join Us for a Tu B’Shevat Celebration!
We’re kicking off our Jewish Learning Kids Meet Up on Sunday, February 9th, 2025 at the Collingwood Library (FreeSchools Room).
From 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, children ages 3-12 will have a fun learning about Tu B’Shevat through crafts, games, and fun activities. Parents must attend and accompany their child.
$10 per child (e-transfer required to secure spot)
Only 5 spots left! RSVP ASAP at shalom@sgbjc.ca
Can’t wait to see you there for a tree-mendous time!
Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony
01/26/2025 12:00PM - 2:00PM
Simcoe Street Theatre - 64 Simcoe St, Collingwood
In Honour of Holocaust Remembrance Day please join us for a special afternoon as Samuel Buckstein shares his conversation with his grandfather, Oscar Zaretsky, a Holocaust survivor.
This moving presentation will honour the memory of those lost, as well celebrate the resilience and survival of those who endured.
Let us not forget.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Please RSVP to shalom@sgbc.ca
Women's Luncheon
01/23/2025 12:00PM - 2:00PM
Pur & Simple 2 Mountain Rd Building B Unit 002, Collingwood
Base on popular demand, we're excited to host another Women's Luncheon to kick off the new year! What better way to start 202 then by coming together to socialize, connect and enjoy a delicious lunch with amazing women in our community.
Each attendee is responsible for covering cost of their own meals and drinks.
Please RSVP to shalom@sgbc.ca
