The beautiful artwork displayed in our banner depicts a shtetl (village) scene, and was created by the late progressive labour artist Avrom Yanovsky for the Toronto Jewish Folk Choir's production of 'Oyfn Fidl' (On the Fiddle) in the early 1970's.

WELCOME TO THE WINCHEVSKY CENTRE

Greetings from our Executive Director Maxine Hermolin
Sholem! It is my pleasure to welcome you to our website and to the virtual Winchevsky Centre.

How many groups can boast a history that spans eight decades and four generations with a strong sense of community and a depth of cultural richness... from the shtetl to cyberspace!

Our mosaic of institutions - the United Jewish People's Order, the Morris Winchevsky School, Camp Naivelt and the Toronto Jewish Folk Choir - are guided by a celebration of secular Jewishness and Yiddishkayt, anti-racism and social justice principles, a respect for other cultures and a progressive outlook on world issues. It is this philosophy that has kept our institutions an enduring and vital part of Toronto's Jewish scene since the 1920's, and we are proud to continue to offer a home, a community and a voice for Toronto's progressive, secular humanistic Jews.

Our roots are connected to the labour history and worker consciousness inherited from the 1920's and 1930's, the internationalism of the 1940's and 1950's, the civil rights and peace movements of the 1960's, and the women's movement of the 1970's. Our survival and strength is a testament to the enduring sense of community rooted in the Eastern European immigrant experience of poverty, oppression, struggle and protest.

So...

  • if you're looking for a community within which to celebrate your Jewish heritage in a non-theistic and humanistic way - have we got a Centre for you!
  • if you're looking for a progressive Jewish school for your children - have we got a Shule (school) for you!
  • if you're looking for stimulating Adult and Family Education programming - have we got lectures and classes for you!
  • if you're looking for a summer cottage community - have we got a Camp for you!

We hope that through your exploration of our website, you will glean some insights into our long and rich traditions. New members and participants are always welcome. We'd love to meet you and welcome you to our Community Centre, and have you participate in our diverse programs, cultural events and educational opportunities.

We invite you to be part of our future.