Arts & Kvetch is a monthly guide—by Lara Bulger—that keeps you informed on how to stay connected to arts & culture in the Jewish community.
The ability to stay connected to the Jewish community may not seem as easy as it once was. As the COVID-19 pandemic wages on, in-person events are more scarce than before. But no one should be worried about the future of the Jewish community—with many organizations transitioning to online platforms, their events, services, and workshops, are more accessible than ever before. Anyone from anywhere in the world can Zoom in.
Engaging in arts and culture is an important way we connect and maintain a connection to diverse voices in and outside the Jewish community. As someone who has completed two arts degrees and worked in just about every medium – predominantly film, but also music, theatre, and visual arts – the arts have been integral to informing the way in which I see the world.
In Canada, there is an incredible number of Jewish cultural institutions dedicated to championing the arts.
Even if you don’t feel a connection to the Jewish community and are simply interested in enjoying Jewish art or culture—I guarantee there is something for you.
I want to preface this by saying that Judaism looks different to everyone, as Morton Weinfeld, McGill professor of sociology, aptly summarizes:, ‘For some … these differences are a source of weakness, or of danger. My own view is that these differences and the paradoxes that spring from them are a source of strength. This diversity is a key to Jewish success.’ Take what you want and leave the rest.
So here we go: some of my favourite Jewish cultural offerings in Toronto, on the web, and worldwide.
Note: you will need internet access for most of these activities.
