Programs - Makom

Apr 6 – Matzah Bake in the Park!

Join us for a fun afternoon making and baking Matzah in an outdoor, wood-burning oven!

See if you can mix, knead, roll and bake in 18 minutes or less!  (Matzah won’t be kosher for Passover but it’s still a wonderful way to prepare for Pesah.) There will also be a Passover craft and stories for the kiddos.

Sunday, April 6
2-5pm @ Christie Pits Park
Only $7/person if you register by Thursday night, April 3. ($12/person after that.)
Click here to register

All ages welcome: adults, kids & teens.
There will also be a Passover craft & stories for the kiddos.
Teens & pre-teens recommended to register for 4pm shift.

Rain or shine! We have sheltered space.

Register for the time slot when you want to come to minimize wait time for the oven.

We welcome participants of all abilities. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.

Park washrooms should be open.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Presented by Makom: Creative Downtown Judaism in partnership with Miles Nadal JCC, PJ Library & Shoresh. Thank you to Sunflower Kitchen for their generous sponsorship!

Mar 28 – Friday Night Services & Shabbat Dinner

Wind down from the week and welcome Shabbat with soulful, song-filled services, in which everyone can participate. After services, we’ll enjoy a delicious, catered kosher vegan Shabbat dinner and each other’s warm company.

Thanks to Anita Shlien and Josh Soref for generously sponsoring dinner in honour on their wedding – mazal tov!!! At the end of dinner, we’ll sing birkat ha-mazon (grace after meals) with sheva berakhot – the seven special blessings traditionally said for the week following a wedding.

Friday March 28
6:30pm – 9:30pm
@ Makom (map)
Please register for dinner by Thursday, March 27 at 10am

No need to register if you’re coming just for services and not staying for dinner.
Become a Makom Member first and save 10%. We also have various price options so that finances aren’t an impediment to anyone’s participation.

Please try to come on time at 6:30 so we can start services strong with a double minyan,* especially for anyone saying kaddish.

Services

Makom is a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes participants with many different approaches to Judaism, from secular to traditionally observant. Our services blend traditional and progressive practices, so our community can join together without regard to denominational labels.

We offer men’s, women’s, and mixed (all-genders) seating sections. All genders may lead parts of services. We need an egalitarian minyan of 10 Jews and a non-overlapping traditional minyan of 10 men to start the maariv service, so we encourage you to come on time.

*As a diverse and inclusive Jewish community, Makom has mens’, womens’, and all-genders’ seating sections. Female, male, and gender non-binary Jews can lead parts of services, read and be called up to the Torah, and count in our double minyanim of both 10 Jewish men and 10 Jews regardless of gender. Makom services follow the traditional Ashkenazi liturgy (prayer text).

Accessibility

Makom welcomes participants of all abilities. Makom’s main space is wheelchair accessible; unfortunately, the washroom and playroom are not. There are wheelchair accessible washrooms one block away at the coffee shop at the corner of Bathurst and College. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.

Registration

Mar 22 – Shabbat Morning Services & Lunch n’ Learn

Join us for soulful and song-filled Shabbat morning services, followed by a delicious Shabbat lunch and stimulating learning!

Saturday, March 22
9:30am – 2:30pm
@ Makom (map)
Please register for lunch by Friday, February 7 at 12 noon

Services don’t require registration, just Lunch n’ Learn.
Become a Makom Member first and save 10%. We also have various price options so that finances aren’t an impediment to anyone’s participation.

At lunch, we’ll learn about The Five Characteristics of the Soul with Rabbi Dr. David Weiss. What is the soul? What are its characteristics? Its diseases? How can we cure our souls? The great Jewish philosopher Maimonides believed that “the improvement of moral qualities is brought about by the healing of the soul and its activities.” We’ll explore the ideas of Maimonides in the first chapter of Shemoneh Perakim (The Eight Chapters), which will enlighten your understanding of the soul and deepen your Jewish journey.

No prior Jewish learning necessary. All sources will be presented in Hebrew and English.

Rabbi Dr. David S. Weiss is the coauthor of Maimonides’ Cure of Souls: Medieval Precursor of Psychoanalysis (SUNY Press) and the High Holydays Rabbi at Beth Radom Congregation in Toronto. He holds rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University, a doctorate from the University of Toronto, and three master’s degrees in education, psychology, and philosophy. David is a Certified PCC Leadership Coach with the International Coaching Federation and he leads the organizational psychology firm Weiss International Ltd., which focuses on innovation and leadership coaching. Read more about David’s professional life and innovative concepts and his daily insights on leadership.


Services

Please try to come on time so we can start services strong with a double minyan,* especially for anyone saying kaddish.

*As a diverse and inclusive Jewish community, Makom has mens’, womens’, and all-genders’ seating sections. Female, male, and gender non-binary Jews can lead parts of services, read and be called up to the Torah, and count in our double minyanim of both 10 Jewish men and 10 Jews regardless of gender. Makom services follow the traditional Ashkenazi liturgy (prayer text).

Accessibility

Makom welcomes participants of all abilities. Makom’s main space is wheelchair accessible; unfortunately, the washroom and playroom are not. There are wheelchair accessible washrooms one block away at the coffee shop at the corner of Bathurst and College. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.

Mar 13 & 14 – Purim 5785!

Please join us for a joyous Purim full of mitzvot, community & fun for all ages!

With three full megillah readings, a family puppet show with abridged megillah reading, and dedicated parties for adults, middle-schoolers, and high-school teens, we’ve got something for everyone!

See below for the full schedule.

Come in costume and B.Y.O. Gragger/Ra’ashan/Noisemaker!

Dinner registration deadline: Wed, Mar 12!

If you can’t afford regular-price tickets, please choose the reduced-rate option, or contact us.

Money from ticket sales will be put toward nearly $5,000 of Purim expenses, including venue rental, sound technician, food costs, party supplies, etc.

There are lots of great opportunities to help sponsor Purim in honour or memory of someone. Please contact Rabbi Aaron to discuss how you can help.

Volunteers needed for the door, setup, food service and cleanup. If you can help out, please check the box when you register, and we’ll be in touch.

Fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot le-Evyonim (giving Purim gifts for the poor); donation links below.

Cash donations accepted at the door for Mahatzit ha-Shekel (donations for your community).

Schedule

Purim Eve ~ Thursday, March 13
@ The Tranzac (292 Brunswick Ave)

Families (babies through grade 8)

5:15pmDoors Open
5:30Abridged Megillah Reading
6-6:30Puppet Show for families with kids in Grade 5 and under
6-7Hativah Party (grades 6-8 only)

Full Megilah Reading + Parties

7:30pm Doors Open
7:40Ma’ariv (evening service)
8:00Main Megillah Reading
9:00Main Party with cash bar & music
9:00Teen Party (high school teens only)
9:15Dinner (order food by Wed, March 12; certified kosher)
10:00Late Megillah Reading
11:30Goodnight

Purim Day ~ Friday, March 14
@ Makom (402 College St)

Morning Megillah Reading 9:30-10:30 am

Covid Precautions

Anyone who feels unwell or has symptoms of Covid-19 must not attend.

Accessibility Information

We welcome participants of all abilities. The Tranzac is wheelchair accessible. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.

Matanot le-Evyonim – Gifts for the Poor

It’s a mitzvah to give tzedakah (redistributive justice) to needy Jews on Purim itself. Here are some websites where you can donate and your contribution will be distributed to those in need on Purim:

We look forward to celebrating Purim together with you!

Register Now!

Mar 7 – Friday Night Services + Shabbat Dinner

Wind down from the week and welcome Shabbat with soulful, song-filled services, in which everyone can participate. After services, we’ll enjoy a delicious, catered kosher vegan Shabbat dinner and each other’s warm company.

Friday March 7
6:00pm – 9:00pm
@ Makom (map)
Please register for dinner by Thursday, March 6

No need to register if you’re coming just for services and not staying for dinner.
Become a Makom Member first and save 10%. We also have various price options so that finances aren’t an impediment to anyone’s participation.

Services

Makom is a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes participants with many different approaches to Judaism, from secular to traditionally observant. Our services blend traditional and progressive practices, so our community can join together without regard to denominational labels.

We offer men’s, women’s, and mixed (all-genders) seating sections. All genders may lead parts of services. We need an egalitarian minyan of 10 Jews and a non-overlapping traditional minyan of 10 men to start the maariv service, so we encourage you to come on time.

Please try to come on time so we can start services strong with a double minyan,* especially for anyone saying kaddish.

*As a diverse and inclusive Jewish community, Makom has mens’, womens’, and all-genders’ seating sections. Female, male, and gender non-binary Jews can lead parts of services, read and be called up to the Torah, and count in our double minyanim of both 10 Jewish men and 10 Jews regardless of gender. Makom services follow the traditional Ashkenazi liturgy (prayer text).

Accessibility

Makom welcomes participants of all abilities. Makom’s main space is wheelchair accessible; unfortunately, the washroom and playroom are not. There are wheelchair accessible washrooms one block away at the coffee shop at the corner of Bathurst and College. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.

Feb 21 – Friday Night Services + Shabbat Dinner

Wind down from the week and welcome Shabbat with soulful, song-filled services, in which everyone can participate. After services, we’ll enjoy a delicious, catered kosher vegan Shabbat dinner and each other’s warm company.

Friday February 21
6:00pm – 9:00pm
@ Makom (map)
Please register for dinner by Thursday, Feb 20 at 10am

No need to register if you’re coming just for services and not staying for dinner.
Become a Makom Member first and save 10%. We also have various price options so that finances aren’t an impediment to anyone’s participation.

Services

Makom is a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes participants with many different approaches to Judaism, from secular to traditionally observant. Our services blend traditional and progressive practices, so our community can join together without regard to denominational labels.

We offer men’s, women’s, and mixed (all-genders) seating sections. All genders may lead parts of services. We need an egalitarian minyan of 10 Jews and a non-overlapping traditional minyan of 10 men to start the maariv service, so we encourage you to come on time.

Please try to come on time so we can start services strong with a double minyan,* especially for anyone saying kaddish.

*As a diverse and inclusive Jewish community, Makom has mens’, womens’, and all-genders’ seating sections. Female, male, and gender non-binary Jews can lead parts of services, read and be called up to the Torah, and count in our double minyanim of both 10 Jewish men and 10 Jews regardless of gender. Makom services follow the traditional Ashkenazi liturgy (prayer text).

Accessibility

Makom welcomes participants of all abilities. Makom’s main space is wheelchair accessible; unfortunately, the washroom and playroom are not. There are wheelchair accessible washrooms one block away at the coffee shop at the corner of Bathurst and College. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.

Feb 13 – Hativah (Grades 6-8) Tu bi-Shvat Seder (RESCHEDULED to Feb 20)

Note: Due to snow, this event was rescheduled to Thursday, February 20!

Celebrate Tu bi-Shvat ~ the Jewish New Year for Trees ~ at a special evening with other middle school kids (grades 6-8).

Thursday, February 20
6pm – 7:30pm
@ Makom (map)
Register by Tuesday, February 18

We’ll have a Tu bi-Shvat seder – a meal with multiple courses of symbolic foods and drinks – and learn brief Jewish teachings on our relationship with the natural world. We’ll:

  • Drink four cups of red & white grape juice
  • Eat a variety of fruits & nuts with mystical significance
  • Enjoy dinner of pita, dips, carrots, soup & dessert
  • Learn nature Torah (Jewish wisdom)
  • Hang out with new & old friends

Feel free to invite your friends! Kids in grades 6-8 of all Jewish identities are warmly welcome, including from interfaith/intercultural families and LGBTQ+. No Makom affiliation necessary.

Please note that this is for kids in grades 6-8 only, not for parents.

Any Qs? Please contact Sarah English, Director of Education and Youth Programs.

Accessibility

Makom welcomes participants of all abilities. Makom’s main space is wheelchair accessible; unfortunately, the washroom and playroom are not. There are wheelchair accessible washrooms one block away at the coffee shop at the corner of Bathurst and College. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.

Feb 12 – Teens’ (Grade 9-12) Tu bi-Shvat Seder

Celebrate Tu bi-Shvat ~ the Jewish New Year for Trees ~ at a special evening for high school teens.

Wednesday, February 12
6:30pm – 8:30pm
@ Makom (map)
Register by Monday, February 10

We’ll have a Tu bi-Shvat seder – a meal with multiple courses of symbolic foods and drinks – and learn brief Jewish teachings on our relationship with the natural world. We’ll:

  • Drink four cups of red & white grape juice
  • Eat a variety of fruits & nuts with mystical significance
  • Enjoy dinner of pita, dips, carrots, soup & dessert
  • Learn nature Torah (Jewish wisdom)
  • Hang out with new & old friends

Feel free to invite your friends! High school teens of all Jewish identities are warmly welcome, including from interfaith/intercultural families and LGBTQ+.  No Makom affiliation necessary.

Please note that this is for high school students only, not for parents.

Any Qs? Please contact Sarah English, Director of Education and Youth Programs.

Accessibility

Makom welcomes participants of all abilities. Makom’s main space is wheelchair accessible; unfortunately, the washroom and playroom are not. There are wheelchair accessible washrooms one block away at the coffee shop at the corner of Bathurst and College. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.

Feb 9 – Tu bi-Shvat Family Tree with You and Me!

Calling all grandparents, parents, and kids! Join us for an intergenerational afternoon of meaningful fun.

Sunday, February 9
4:00pm – 5:30pm
@ Makom (map)
Register now!

Celebrate Tu bi-Shvat ~ the Jewish New Year for Trees ~ by creating a family tree and sharing family stories!

  • Learn about Tu bi-Shvat
  • Create kid-friendly family trees
  • Share family stories
  • Enjoy special snacks for Tu bi-Shvat

Grandparents encouraged, but not required, to attend. Kids and parents are welcome!

Geared for kids in JK through grade 5; younger siblings are welcome.  This is designed to give grandparents, parents, and kids a chance to do a hands-on activity and talk together (not a drop-off program).

Our family histories are what link all of the generations of our families together, and all of the Jewish people as a whole. Understanding where we come from is a hugely important part of our personal stories. Grandparents build the foundations of our families and help us to understand what makes us…us!

We hope that you’ll join us for this wonderful opportunity to pass on family wisdom and a sense of connection to each other!

Any Qs? Please contact Sarah English, Director of Education and Youth Programs.

Accessibility

Makom welcomes participants of all abilities. Makom’s main space is wheelchair accessible; unfortunately, the washroom and playroom are not. There are wheelchair accessible washrooms one block away at the coffee shop at the corner of Bathurst and College. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.

Feb 8 – Shabbat Morning Services & Lunch n’ Learn

Join us for soulful and song-filled Shabbat morning services, followed by a delicious Shabbat lunch and stimulating learning!

Saturday, February 8
9:30am – 2:30pm
@ Makom (map)
Please register for lunch by Friday, February 7 at 12 noon

Services don’t require registration, just Lunch n’ Learn.
Become a Makom Member first and save 10%. We also have various price options so that finances aren’t an impediment to anyone’s participation.

At lunch, Rabbi Aaron will teach us on “The Gift of Fire. Through interactive text study and lively discussion, we’ll explore the origins of fire in Torah, Midrash, Talmud, Greek myth, and Sasha Semidotski’s new artwork gracing Makom’s front window. No prior Jewish learning necessary. All sources will be presented in Hebrew/Aramaic and English.


Services

Please try to come on time so we can start services strong with a double minyan,* especially for anyone saying kaddish.

*As a diverse and inclusive Jewish community, Makom has mens’, womens’, and all-genders’ seating sections. Female, male, and gender non-binary Jews can lead parts of services, read and be called up to the Torah, and count in our double minyanim of both 10 Jewish men and 10 Jews regardless of gender. Makom services follow the traditional Ashkenazi liturgy (prayer text).

Accessibility

Makom welcomes participants of all abilities. Makom’s main space is wheelchair accessible; unfortunately, the washroom and playroom are not. There are wheelchair accessible washrooms one block away at the coffee shop at the corner of Bathurst and College. If you have an accessibility need or require any accommodations, please reach out to us.