This past spring and summer season has seen our Young Adult Group scale new heights in exciting and dynamic activities.
The season kicked off after Passover with one of our most ambitious and successful events, the Indian Shabbat Dinner and Shabbaton. For the first time in the city, an Indian themed kosher dinner complete with exotic cuisine and décor was offered on a grand scale. And grand it was, with an attendance of over 300 Young adults participating in a capacity filled and very memorable evening. Many participants have told us it was their largest and most enjoyable Shabbat dinner in recent memory. It was not only the size of the event that we recall, but the many new faces who came in from all parts of the community to enjoy the warm ambiance of the Spanish till the early morning hours. Due to the significant preparation involved for this event, we were assisted by 14 volunteers who joined in to help us the previous evening, and we offer them our sincere gratitude.
To further branch out and innovate on an International level, our Young adults group joined with the European Jewish young adult group (ECJS) for a special and unique Shabbaton and weekend in New York city. More than a dozen Spanish young adults participated, and thoroughly enjoyed the event in the company of other 200 attendees. Interestingly enough it was also found, , that the Spanish has an impressive international following, as several Europeans already had a Spanish connection through friends or family.
We are also very pleased to note that as a result of this trip, the vast majority of Montreal participants became new Members of the Spanish and we offer them a very welcome them to our Spanish family; They joined our other NY trip participants who were already members of the Spanish. A truly win win situation for all involved.
Our outdoor activities included a the always popular scenic hike to Mont St Hilaire and a canoe-kayak trip to the nearby nature reserve park of the Milles Isles river. Other activities are also planned for the fall. We appear to be the only organization in the city that offers ongoing outdoor activities for young adults, a fact which many have expressed appreciation.
Our committee continued its support for education and learning for the congregation and community, with the 8 part series course “Israel a modern History”. It was quite interesting and informative series and was appreciated by all those in attendance.
Our Summer Shabbat activities also included the ever popular Carlebach Shabbat services followed by a relaxed Oneg Shabbat under the stars, in the intimate outdoor patio/succah of the Spanish. Quite a few participants make a long trek to the Spanish from all parts of the city to join us for these festive Shabbat evenings and we are impressed with their enthusiasm and dedication.
As part of our ongoing cooking series, we conducted a Challah baking class at the Spanish. Solange of nearby Pizza Gourmetti gave a fantastic demonstration and insight on making challah from scratch as well the tips on how make it great every week. A very educational and fun evening indeed.
Other organizations in the city have come to recognize the success of the Spanish and have even asked us for guidance and suggestions to best address their clientele. We feel this reflects well and a result of the hard work of our Rabbi, Committee and the entire Spanish organization.
Our committee wishes to acknowledge the Spanish Office, Staff, and Executives for the ongoing generous support.
Our current success would also not be possible without the continued guidance, leadership and inspiration of Rabbi Orenstein, along with the wonderful and dedicated committee and help from Alain Abdoo and Tania Korin. We take pride in helping maintain the warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere which the Spanish is famous for. We also wish to thank all those who participated in past events and who have encouraged others to also partake.
We look forward to continue conducting various activities and gather the next generation in becoming more active in the Spanish. All members are encouraged to have their young adults participate in upcoming activities. We also welcome your input to further enhance our events.
Please read the Bulletin, check Facebook for more details on our future events. Thanks to Rabbi Orenstein, we have also created an on-line presence
On behalf of our Committee, I would like to extend our sincere wishes to all for a Shanna Tova U’metuka. May the Almighty provide you with blessings filled with heath, simcha , shalom and success in all your endeavours.