Traditional (Orthodox) Shabbat services are held at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings in two locations:

• The Wolinsky Synagogue (2nd floor, Posluns Building)
• The Beth Abraham Jacob Synagogue (1st floor, the Terraces)

Liberal (Reform) Shabbat services are led at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning in the Beth Chaverim Synagogue (Common Room, lower level, the Terraces).

We also hold special religious services for the High Holy Days and other Jewish holidays throughout the year.

The Apotex Centre is shomer Shabbat. This means we respect the Sabbath from Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown in the following ways:

• All shops are closed, except for the W. A. Café.
• Each resident room has electric Sabbath lights that are controlled centrally, so residents can “light the candles” on Friday night if they wish. (Please do not use real wax candles, as they are a fire hazard).
• Special Sabbath elevators stop at every floor.

Holiday celebrations enrich the lives of our clients by honouring Jewish traditions, fostering community connection and bringing joy and meaning to each special time of year.

We hold special religious services for the High Holy Days and other Jewish holidays throughout the year. Patients, residents and families can ask their care team about upcoming holiday services.

In addition to religious services, we celebrate holidays with music, decorations, storytelling and visits from community members and students.

The following are examples of some of the ways we celebrate Jewish holidays at Baycrest:

• Rosh Hashanah is welcomed with L’Chaim parties and the sounding of the shofar across Baycrest.
• Sukkot is marked with visits to our beautifully decorated main floor Sukkah.
• On Simchat Torah, we celebrate the Torah with a parade.
• Chanukah celebrations include daily menorah lightings in the Sharp Family Atrium and a family day with latkes, dreidels and chocolate gelt.
• Tu BiShvat includes a special program and the opportunity to plant trees and plants.
• Purim is celebrated with Megillah readings and a parade.
• During Passover, special seders are held for hospital patients and families while traditional seders are open to residents and visitors in the Apotex.
• Shavuot includes visits from rabbis and community leaders who bring Sefer Torahs from room to room.
• Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) is marked with a concert, slide show and festive foods.
• We mark Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) with a picture presentation on the main floor.
• On Lag B’Omer, we build an artificial campfire in the Sharp Family Atrium and musicians lead a sing-along.

Baycrest strictly follows Orthodox Jewish dietary laws, known as kashrut, to be as welcoming as possible to all forms of Jewish practice.

We ask all clients, families and visitors to respect these rules.

Kosher food areas

The food in these areas is prepared under kosher supervision:

• The Nosh (meat)
• W.A. Café (dairy)
• Hospital dining rooms (except 6W)
• Apotex dining and recreation room
• Wortsman Hall
• Loftus Hall
• Exton board room
• Lederman board room
• Centre of Excellence
• Nursing conference room

Note: The Nosh and Bayrest Terraces dining room serve meat and pareve meals. The W.A. Café serves dairy meals only. Apotex and Day Centre dining areas serve residents only, with meat and dairy on separate days.

Non-kosher eating areas

Outside food may only be eaten in these locations:

• Staff lunchrooms
• Student Centre lunchroom
• Private offices
• Outdoor areas (except for the W.A. Café courtyard)
• Family Apotex dining area
• 6W dining room

Bringing food into Baycrest

Any food that is brought in for programs, meetings or parties must be approved by the mashgiach who ensures that it is kosher.

Food can be brought in for personal use in the following circumstances:

• Baycrest Terraces residents can bring food into their own apartments.
• Staff and volunteers can eat outside food in non-kosher areas, using disposable dishes and cutlery.
• Do not use Baycrest microwaves, fridges, dishes or utensils with outside food.

Medical needs and kashrut

The preservation of life is the highest value in Judaism. If medical instructions conflict with kashrut laws or other forms of observance, the medical instructions must be followed. For example, if a client wants to fast on Yom Kippur but their health would be at risk, they should follow medical advice and not fast.

The Morris and Sally Justein Heritage Museum is a welcoming space for Baycrest residents, families and community members to explore our Jewish culture and history. It is generously supported by the Austin family for people of all ages.

The museum houses a permanent collection of over 1,000 Jewish items, and all exhibits are designed with older adults in mind.

Cultural experiences enrich daily life, keep memories alive and strengthen our connection to our community. We are proud to be one of the first long-term care homes with a museum on site.

If you have an artifact related to Jewish life that you think may be of interest, please contact us at [email protected].

Location
Ground floor, near the Bathurst Street entrance

Admission
Free

We offer a wide range of programs and events that celebrate Jewish culture. These programs include music, storytelling, holiday celebrations and educational activities that bring Jewish traditions to life.

Many of our activities are intergenerational and bring older adults and youth together to share experiences and learn from one another.

The Holocaust Resource Program provides services for clients, families and survivors who live at Baycrest, in other long-term care facilities or in the wider community.

Learn more about our support groups and socials for child survivors and children of survivors.