Shana Tova in the Park: A Celebration of Community and Partnership!
To bring in 5786, our Reform Jewish community across the GTA came together for something truly joyful — ‘Shana Tova in the Park’. From the moment families began arriving, the afternoon was filled with warmth, celebration, and the sweetness of beginning anew. Children dove into hands-on stations: creating shofars with Holy Blossom, making Rosh Hashanah greeting crafts with Anshe Sholom, designing festive centerpieces with Temple Sinai, and enjoying s’mores with Camp George. Everywhere you looked, there was the buzz of connection and the joy of celebrating as one Reform family.
The spirit of partnership was at the heart of the day. From our opening gathering, We welcomed the crowd and lifted up the powerful collaboration between our Reform synagogues and URJ Camp George. Together, we create a seamless journey of Jewish life: synagogues nurturing learning, prayer, and community throughout the year, while Camp George offers an immersive space where those values come alive 24/7. The sound of the shofar around the fire reminded us of Torah’s timeless call to awaken our hearts, reflect on where we have been, and embrace renewal for the year ahead.
Families rotated through creative, meaningful, and fun activities — from Story Yoga with City Shul to the Tashlich ritual led by Shaarei-Beth El and Kol Ami, from Hebrew Through Movement with Temple Emanuel to Mitzvah Bingo with Temple Har Zion. Each partner synagogue brought its unique energy, making the afternoon a living example of what happens when we bring our strengths together.
The day closed around the campfire, with Camp George songleaders leading us in spirited songs – allowing us to reminisce of memories on Maple Lake. The final blasts of the shofar sent us into 5786 with gratitude, hope, and strength.
What made this gathering even more special is knowing that it has been in the works for months. A dedicated team of professionals from both the Reform Educators Council and the Camp George team dreamed up the idea back in the winter. The vision was to create an event that would showcase all that our Reform community has to offer — synagogues, camp, educators, and one big family — and weave it into one joyful tapestry. Seeing that dream come to life, with over 150 people celebrating together, filled us all with pride. And we are even more excited that this is only the beginning – looking forward to many events in the future!
From the sweetness of s’mores to the powerful blasts of the shofar, this event was a true celebration of Reform Jewish life in the GTA. Rooted in Torah, strengthened by partnership, and fueled by joy, we step into 5786 together — ready to learn, to grow, and to build a Jewish future that is vibrant, inclusive, and filled with meaning.
Shana Tova u’Metuka — may this year be sweet, joyful, and full of blessing.