A Dream Fulfilled

Scene 50

For the last few years, I’ve had this dream.

A dream that a community would push past red tape, egos, endless meetings, obstacles, and just help another community. A community whose members they likely have never met but might have seen. A community in dire need as local government does the absolute minimum to help.

I dreamt that a community would just step up.

Today, I got this message from the Miles Nadal Jcc—an organization that I have been a part of for 20 years and which I have aptly nicknamed The World’s Greatest J.

Dear Friends,

As the MNjcc evolves and grows, we are taking strides to meet the real needs of our community. We will do this through action, participation, and shared responsibility. This is a moment that asks more of all of us and we are committed to offering opportunities for your and your families to give back to our community.

Here you will find ways to gather, learn, volunteer, and give back - all helping to shape a downtown Jewish community where values are lived, not just named. Over the next month, we’re calling our community to action and offering many ways, big and small, to make a difference, from assembling 1000 Mishloach Manot through the Great Purim Project to volunteering at our Community Tax Support Clinic, knitting for unhoused neighbours, and making sandwiches for those in need. With many ways to give back, every person - regardless of age, ability, identity, or experience - has a role to play.

There is something here that needs you. Bring yourself, and help build what matters.

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Did you cry reading this? Did you have tears reading phrases like:
-where values are lived, not just named
-This is a moment that asks more of all of us
-There is something here that needs you. Bring yourself, and help build what matters.

This is what caring community needs to look like in the 21st c:
-the breaking down of Us vs Them
-stepping up when others step down
- involving all ages, colours, religions, and genders in the name of higher purpose work.

If you live in Toronto, please come to the World’s Greatest J at the corner of Bloor and Spadina and get involved!
And if you don’t, this is what your community can and should aspire to.