Events

Fédération Sioniste Canadienne

Upcoming Events

CZF Kronitz Memorial Scholarship Application is now open 04/01/2024 - 06/15/2024

From: 4/1/2024 - To: 6/15/2024

CRJ Forum Presents: ARTzy Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration

From: 5/12/2024 - To: 5/12/2024

Events Archive

We’ve partnered with organizations across Canada to host a variety of in-person and online programming. Have a look at some of our past events here!

Canada – Israel Technology & Innovation Conference in Toronto. May4-5

From: 5/4/2024 - To: 5/5/2024

An engaging conversation with Yaron Dekel titled "Israel After October 7." April, 12

From: 4/12/2024 - To: 4/12/2024

Across Canada Tour in Their Own Words - a Conversation with Witnesses of October 7. April 8 - April 14

From: 4/8/2024 - To: 4/14/2024

Walk with Israel

UJA Federation’s Walk with Israel was first held in May 1970, when it was called the UJA Walkathon. The first walk was organized quickly with no advance publicity, yet it still raised $55,000. In the early years, funds raised in the walk went into UJA’s Israel Special Fund. Since then, the money has supported particular projects in Israel that often involve children, since children are the main fundraisers in the event. The Walk with Israel has grown into the largest event in the Toronto Jewish community, with over twenty thousand people participating as volunteers or walkers and funds raised reaching as high as $400,000. The event has had several name changes since 1970: Walk for Israel (1978–1993); Community March for Israel (1994–1996); Israel Funwalk (1998–2002); and the current name, Walk with Israel.

The Walk with Israel is one of the programs mounted by the Annual Campaign department of UJA Federation. It is planned by a Cabinet Committee, with one or two laypeople as chairs, and numerous sub-committees. The main UJA staff undertaking the planning and execution is the walk coordinator. Each year, sub-committees are formed for recruitment, logistics, marketing, and public relations, the festival, food, entertainment, etc. The walk also involves many outside entities: companies approached for prizes, donations or sponsorship; entertainment groups; the Toronto police force, which provides traffic control, marshalling and a parade permit; city government, for park use permits and outdoor signage; community groups mounting displays; costumed character rental companies; and manufacturers of the T-shirts, hats and buttons produced each year for walk participants.

In addition to being a major fundraiser, the walk fashioned itself initially as a fitness challenge to children and athletes, with a route as long as thirty-one kilometres in 1976. Over the years, this length has been reduced significantly, with the event evolving into a more manageable and family-oriented event. In the last decade, with periods of tension overseas, it has been framed as a demonstration of solidarity with Israel. Alongside the main event, alternative fundraisers such as a large raffle, dance-a-thon, aerob-a-thon and learn-a-thon for Eitz Chaim day schools, have been held in some years to encourage more people to contribute. Incentives for those who collect sponsors have grown over the years, from free T-shirts to a succession of prizes depending on the amount of funds raised. The grand prize draw for many years was two El Al airline tickets to Israel.

The location of the walk has moved from the Bathurst Street "corridor" of the Jewish community to a downtown route that for some years went through the historic Jewish neighbourhood of Kensington Market and, more recently, begins and ends at Coronation Park by the lakeshore and winds around the downtown streets. There is now also a kick-off party at the walk’s starting point. Since 1984, the walk has culminated in a big festival, featuring rides, petting zoos, a barbecue, musical entertainment, clowns, and other attractions. This was usually held in a park or the BJCC parking lot. When the walk route moved downtown, the festival shifted to Ontario Place, and, more recently, it has taken place on the CNE grounds by the lakeshore. Since 2007, the festival has been sponsored by RioCan, and "yogen fruz" became a major sponsor of the walk in 2008. Other walk sponsors have included Roots Canada (supplier of T-shirts), Shopper’s Drug Mart, Henry’s Camera Centre, Canada Trust, National Bank Financial Group, and the Canadian Zionist Federation.

Lag BaOmer Celebration

From: 5/8/2023 - To: 5/9/2023

75 years of the Canadian Israel Impact: Past, Present, Future

From: 4/25/2023 - To: 4/26/2023

the Extraordinary Zionist Congress

From: 4/19/2023 - To: 4/21/2023

Canada-Israel Innovation Summit

From: 12/22/2022 - To: 12/22/2022

The New Jew

From: 12/15/2022 - To: 12/15/2022

Beit Ha’am Television

From: 10/13/2022 - To: 10/13/2022

Love Songs for Tu B’Av

From: 7/21/2022 - To: 7/21/2022

Who Owns The Sky?

From: 2/23/2022 - To: 2/23/2022

The Taste Of Israel

From: 1/19/2022 - To: 1/19/2022

Israeli Music Sounds Like Nature

From: 1/5/2022 - To: 1/5/2022

Beit Ha’am Film Series: Mercaz Canada/USA

From: 11/17/2021 - To: 11/17/2021

Israeli Music Series

From: 10/27/2021 - To: 2/16/2022

LGBTQ in Israel

From: 6/28/2021 - To: 6/28/2021

The New Pride Ivrit

From: 6/16/2021 - To: 6/16/2021

Alone in the Desert

From: 5/26/2021 - To: 6/16/2021

Cooking in Hebrew

From: 5/13/2021 - To: 5/13/2021

Jerusalem – Facts & Myth

From: 5/13/2021 - To: 5/13/2021

Tarbutime: Purim

From: 3/9/2021 - To: 3/9/2021

Wonder Women

From: 3/9/2021 - To: 3/9/2021

Hanukkah Party

From: 11/28/2020 - To: 11/28/2020

Bibliculture Beyond Time

From: 12/22/2019 - To: 12/22/2019

Zikaron BaSalon

From: 12/5/2019 - To: 12/5/2019

Beit HaAm in Ottawa

From: 5/23/2019 - To: 5/23/2019

Shabbat and The City

From: 3/22/2019 - To: 3/22/2019

Shabbatoween

From: 10/26/2018 - To: 10/26/2018

Shabbat and The City

From: 5/11/2018 - To: 5/11/2018

70th Annual Gala Concert

From: 4/18/2018 - To: 4/18/2018

Shabbat and The City

From: 1/26/2018 - To: 1/26/2018

Talk About Israel

From: 10/25/2017 - To: 10/25/2017

Israel’s Security

From: 10/24/2017 - To: 10/24/2017

5/12/2024 - Mother’s Day

5/12/2024 - Yom Hazikaron

5/13/2024 - Yom Ha'Atzmaut

5/20/2024 - Victoria Day

5/22/2024 - Second Pesach (Passover)

5/26/2024 - Lag B'Omer

6/4/2024 - Jerusalem Day

6/11/2024 - Shavuot

6/16/2024 - Father’s Day

7/1/2024 - Canada Day

Canada Day

Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday celebrating Canadian Confederation. Originally called "Dominion Day,” the holiday commemorates the unification of the three North American British colonies: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada (which consisted of Ontario and Quebec).

What Do People Do?

In many towns and cities, municipal governments organize a range of events, often outdoors. These include pancake breakfasts, parades, concerts, carnivals, festivals, firework displays and citizenship ceremonies for new Canadian citizens. The celebrations often have a patriotic mood. Canada's national flag is widely displayed and a lot of people paint their faces red and white, which are Canada's national colors. The celebrations in Ottawa, which is Canada’s capital city, are particularly exuberant.

In the province of Quebec, many home leases start on July 1 and last for exactly one year. Hence, many people in Quebec spend Canada Day moving their possessions from one house to another. In this province, Canada Day is also known as Moving Day.

In the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, July 1 is also Memorial Day. This commemorates the heavy loss of life in the Newfoundland Regiment on the first day of the Battle of the Somme during World War I. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the morning of July 1 is usually somber. Flags are flown at half-mast and memorial services are held at cenotaphs (war memorials). In the afternoon, Canada Day celebrations in the province are similar to those in the rest of the country.

Public Life

July 1 is a holiday in Canada. If it falls on a Sunday, it is moved to July 2, except in Nova Scotia and in Newfoundland and Labrador. All provincial governments observe this day. Many organizations, businesses and stores are closed, although some book stores, pharmacies and gas stations may be open. Post offices are closed. As Canada Day falls in the Canadian summer holiday period, all schools are closed.

Public transport services may operate to their usual or a reduced timetable. In some areas, extra services are provided for large scale events. Street closures due to concerts, parades and festivals may cause some local disruption to traffic.

Background

On July 1, 1867, the British North Americas Act created the Dominion of Canada as a federation of four provinces. This event is known as the confederation of Canada. The four original provinces were created from the former British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada, which was divided into the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Canada's boundaries have been extended since 1867. The country now consists of 10 provinces and three territories.

On June 20, 1868, the Canada's Governor General proclaimed that Canadians should celebrate the anniversary of the confederation. July 1 became a holiday, known as Dominion Day, in 1879. However, no official celebrations were held until the 50th anniversary in 1917 and the 60th anniversary in 1927. After World War II, Dominion Day was celebrated more frequently and more events were organized by the national government. After the centenary of the confederation in 1967, Dominion Day events became more widespread. July 1 became popularly known as Canada Day. The date was also officially known as Canada Day from 1983 onwards.

Since 2006 Canada Day celebrations were also held at London's Trafalgar Square in the United Kingdom. It is expected that these celebrations will be held annually. Depending on the availability of Trafalgar Square, these events may be held just before, on or just after July 1.

Symbols

Canada's national flag is seen on Canada Day. This consists of two vertical red rectangles separated by a white square. The white square contains a red image of a maple leaf. Canada’s national colors are red and white and are used in many ways on Canada Day. Some people wear red and white clothing and others paint their faces in these colors.

8/19/2024 - The 15th of Av

9/2/2024 - Labour Day

10/2/2024 - Rosh Hashanah

10/11/2024 - Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur,is the Day of Atonement, communal prayer and self-deprivation, the observanceof the holiday is centered within the community.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year—theday on which we are closest to G‑d and to the quintessence of our own souls. Itis the Day of Atonement—"For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you,that you be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d”.

For nearly twenty-six hours—from severalminutes before sunset on 9 Tishrei to after nightfall on 10 Tishrei—we "afflictour souls”: we abstain from food and drink, do not wash or anoint our bodies,do not wear leather footwear, and abstain from marital relations.

Symbolizing the spiritual purity toward whichwe strive, it is traditional to wear white clothes on Yom Kippur. In addition, Yom Kippur is the only day of theyear when one wears one’s tallit (prayershawl) all day, rather than just in the morning.

History of Yom Kippur: Just months after thepeople of Israel left Egypt in the year 2448 from creation (1313 BCE), theysinned by worshipping a golden calf. Moses ascended Mount Sinai and prayed toG‑d to forgive them. After two 40-day stints on the mountain, full Divine favorwas obtained. The day Moses came down the mountain (the 10th of Tishrei) was tobe known forevermore as the Day of Atonement—Yom Kippur. That year, the peoplebuilt the Tabernacle, a portable home for G‑d. The Tabernacle was a center forprayers and sacrificial offerings. The service in the Tabernacle climaxed onYom Kippur, when the High Priest would perform a specially prescribed service.Highlights of this service included offering incense in the Holy of Holies(where the ark was housed) and the lottery with two goats—one of which wasbrought as a sacrifice, the other being sent out to the wilderness (Azazel). Whilethe High Priest generally wore ornate golden clothing, on Yom Kippur, he wouldimmerse in a mikvah and don plain white garments to perform this service. Thispractice continued for hundreds of years, throughout the time of the firstTemple in Jerusalem, which was built by Solomon, and the second Temple, whichwas built by Ezra. Jews from all over would gather in the Temple to experiencethe sacred sight of the High Priest performing his service, obtainingforgiveness for all of Israel. When the second Temple was destroyed in the year3830 from creation (70 CE), the Yom Kippur service continued. Instead of a HighPriest bringing the sacrifices in Jerusalem, every single Jew performs the YomKippur service in the temple of his or her heart.

10/14/2024 - Thanksgiving

10/16/2024 - Sukkot

10/23/2024 - Simchat Torah

11/11/2024 - Remembrance Day

12/25/2024 - Chanukah

12/31/2024 - New Year

New Year

New Year's Day is the first day of the year, in the Gregorian calendar.

New Year's Day is a public holiday in all countries that observe the Gregorian calendar. This makes it the world's most widely observed public holiday.

Some countries may also have January 2nd as an additional New Year holiday.

Countries who still use the Julian Calendar observe New Year's Day on January 14th.

Novy God is also a major holiday in other countries of the former Soviet Union, marked by a massively produced Novogodni Ogonek (New Year's Party, literally: New Year's light): a televised celebration that includes performances from favorite pop singers and professional dance troupes, not unlike the Oscars or the MTV VMAs, with famous personalities and celebrities as presenters. It remains popular in many countries that formerly formed part of the now-defunct Soviet Union and in Soviet emigrant communities worldwide.

Israel

In Israel, the holiday is referred to by the Russian name "Novy God" (נובי גוד) and differs from New Year's Eve, which is considered a Christian celebration (as Israel officially only recognizes the Jewish New Year). Since the celebration is nonreligious, it is celebrated by many Israeli Jews who are first- or second-generation Russian-Speaking immigrants. Novy God celebrations and merchandise are common wherever there are large populations of USSR emigrants (e.g. Ashdod, Ashqelon, Beersheba, Netanya, and Haifa).

Some customs have been adapted for Israeli environs, like the use of palm trees for the New Year tree.

It is common to allow soldiers of Russian-Speaking heritage serving in noncombat facilities to go on leave on the night of the 31st to allow them to celebrate the holiday; however, this is not enforced by official order, as it is sometimes seen as an example of discrimination (as with the custom of allowing Ethiopian soldiers vacation time to celebrate Sigd).

History of New Year's Day

It is such a part of our lives, that it might be surprising to learn that celebrating the first day of the new year on January 1st is a relatively modern practice

With the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC, supreme power resided in two consuls, who were elected annually. From 222 BC they assumed office on March 15th (the Ides of March). In 153 BC, consuls began to assume power on January 1 (the Kalends of January), which now marked the beginning of the consular or civil year as well as the calendar year.

When January and February were added during one of the many attempts to clean up the calendar, they were actually added to the end of the year. The month was named Janus after the name of the Roman god of doors and gates. Janus had two faces, one facing forward and one looking back, a fitting name for the month at the start of the year.

Despite this, the traditional springtime opening of the growing season and the time for military campaigns was still observed as the popular New Year celebration.

During the Middle Ages, a number of different Christian feast dates were used to mark the New Year, though calendars often continued to display the months in columns running from January to December in the Roman fashion. In the 11th century, William the Conqueror decreed January as the official start of the year in England, but outside of the Royal Court, nobody paid much attention.

For some parts of Europe, New Year's Day was determined by Easter, which meant a different New Year’s Day date every year.

It wasn't until 1582 when the Roman Catholic Church officially adopted January 1st as the New Year.

Most countries in Western Europe had officially adopted January 1st as New Year's Day even before they adopted the Gregorian calendar.

Having broken with the Roman , Great Britain and the English colonies in America continued to begin the year on March 25th in accordance with the old Julian calendar. It wasn’t until 1752 that Britain and its possessions adopted the New Style (Gregorian) calendar and accepted January 1st as the beginning of the year.

New Year's Resolutions

Many people take the opportunity of the new year to make resolutions. According to a survey by ComRes, the most common New Year's resolutions included exercise more (38%), lose weight (33%) and eat more healthily (32%).

The tradition of setting New Year's resolutions began some 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians, although for them the year began not in January but in mid-March on the first moon after the spring equinox. According to historians, returning that rusty rake you'd borrowed from your neighbour was top of the Babylonian resolution list, along with the timeless promise to pay off debts.

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Events

Fédération Sioniste Canadienne

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Upcoming Events

CZF Kronitz Memorial Scholarship Application is now open 04/01/2024 - 06/15/2024

CZF Kronitz Memorial Scholarship Application is now open 04/01/2024 - 06/15/2024

In order to qualify for the scholarship the following criteria must be met:

CRJ Forum Presents: ARTzy Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration

CRJ Forum Presents: ARTzy Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration

Events Archive

Canada – Israel Technology & Innovation Conference in Toronto. May4-5

Canada – Israel Technology & Innovation Conference in Toronto. May4-5

An engaging conversation with Yaron Dekel titled "Israel After October 7." April, 12

An engaging conversation with Yaron Dekel titled "Israel After October 7." April, 12

Across Canada Tour in Their Own Words - a Conversation with Witnesses of October 7. April 8 - April 14

Across Canada Tour in Their Own Words - a Conversation with Witnesses of October 7. April 8 - April 14

For International Women’s Month - Solidarity Rally

For International Women’s Month - Solidarity Rally

The Leah Shopsowitz Fund Film Festival Against Antisemitism - February 18, 2024

The Leah Shopsowitz Fund Film Festival Against Antisemitism - February 18, 2024

Displaced Israelis: Webinar Update on Evacuees from the North and South

Displaced Israelis: Webinar Update on Evacuees from the North and South

Systemic Antisemitism at the United Nations

Systemic Antisemitism at the United Nations

Hear Stories from Our Soldiers

Hear Stories from Our Soldiers

Join Mizrachi Canada on a Mission to Israel

Join Mizrachi Canada on a Mission to Israel

Solidarity Rally

Solidarity Rally

Consulate General of Israel in Toronto - Hanukkah Celebration

Consulate General of Israel in Toronto - Hanukkah Celebration

Mevie Or - Sharing the Light

Mevie Or - Sharing the Light

Canadian Rally for the Jewish People

Canadian Rally for the Jewish People

Solidarity meeting in Israel

Solidarity meeting in Israel

Rabbi Ressin. Interview with Yoni Kempinski, Israel National News, Arutz Sheva

Rabbi Ressin. Interview with Yoni Kempinski, Israel National News, Arutz Sheva

Solidarity Rally for the Hostages

Solidarity Rally for the Hostages

International Memorial Ceremony

International Memorial Ceremony

Camp Adventures with Israeli Heroes!

Camp Adventures with Israeli Heroes!

2023 Gala Event

2023 Gala Event

Walk with Israel

Walk with Israel

Lag BaOmer Celebration

Lag BaOmer Celebration

75 years of the Canadian Israel Impact: Past, Present, Future

75 years of the Canadian Israel Impact: Past, Present, Future

the Extraordinary Zionist Congress

the Extraordinary Zionist Congress

Canada-Israel Innovation Summit

Canada-Israel Innovation Summit

The New Jew

The New Jew

Beit Ha’am Television

Beit Ha’am Television

Love Songs for Tu B’Av

Love Songs for Tu B’Av

Who Owns The Sky?

Who Owns The Sky?

The Taste Of Israel

The Taste Of Israel

Israeli Music Sounds Like Nature

Israeli Music Sounds Like Nature

Beit Ha’am Film Series: Mercaz Canada/USA

Beit Ha’am Film Series: Mercaz Canada/USA

Israeli Music Series

Israeli Music Series

LGBTQ in Israel

LGBTQ in Israel

The New Pride Ivrit

The New Pride Ivrit

Alone in the Desert