Lectures. Talks. Ideas.
Dear Friends,
We’re off! Two exciting new courses have just kicked off in the Al Green Theatre and if you’d like join the festivities, please swing by for a drop-in ticket to “The Joy of Food,” running Friday mornings through December 12th, and “How Paris Changed the World,” running Wednesday afternoons through December 17th. Drop-in tickets can be purchased via our website within eight days of each lecture or in person on the morning of each session.
I’m also excited to share an update on our next round of courses. This winter, we will be hosting two fun new courses that start in late January:
A series on music, running Tuesday mornings, January 20th-February 24th
A series on ballet, running Wednesday mornings, January 28th-March 4th
I will be sharing all the juicy details in the next edition of this newsletter, which will coincide with the start of registration in the first week of December. If there’s anyone in your life who might be interested, they can sign up for this newsletter here (or contact me at [email protected]).
As always, please contact our Help Desk ([email protected]) with any registration questions, and please scroll below for more fun programs from our MNjcc partners and other friends in the city.
We’re having so much fun learning with you this fall!
Will Di Novi
Host and Organizer
The Speakers Annex
The Speakers Annex is proud to be presented in partnership with
OUR CURRENT COURSES
Fridays, November 7-December 12
10:30 AM-12 PM
Drop-in Tix Available:
MNjcc Members: $21.60
Non-Members: $24
| The Joy of Food: Six Delicious Dishes That Explain the Modern World
Speakers Annex favourite Dr. Laura Carlson leads this delightful survey of the history of six foods that have become staples of the modern table.
From bagels and lox and its lip-smacking journey into the heart (and stomachs!) of the Jewish diaspora to the migration of ice cream from the royal courts of Europe into your freezer at home, Laura will explore the rich histories of these iconic dishes and what they each reveal about the exchange of culture, ideas and delicious food that has shaped our modern world.
Click HERE for the full course schedule and descriptions of each of the six sessions.
Click HERE for a video greeting from Laura Carlson, previewing the series. |
Wednesdays, November 12-December 17
1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Drop-in Tix Available:
MNjcc Members: $21.60
Non-Members: $24
| How Paris Changed the World
Acclaimed writer and TV host Lisa Pasold takes us on an immersive journey through the history of Paris, exploring the city’s outsized impact on many aspects of urban life that we’ve come to cherish.
Drawing on exciting new material that we didn’t cover in her popular recent courses on Paris’s cultural landmarks and cafe society, she’ll guide us through the revolutions in art, fashion, food and politics that emerged from the City of Light, transforming our idea of the modern city.
Click HERE for the full course schedule and descriptions of each of the six sessions.
Click HERE for a video greeting from Lisa Pasold, previewing the series. |
AN EXCITING AUTHOR EVENT!
 December 1, 2025
7:30 PM
Isabel Bader Theatre | John Irving on
Queen EstherJoin us for a memorable evening with internationally acclaimed author, John Irving, as he presents his sixteenth novel, Queen Esther – a powerful return to the world of his beloved classic The Cider House Rules.
Spanning from Vienna in 1905 to Jerusalem in 1981, Queen Esther traces Esther Nacht’s extraordinary journey: from her early orphanhood and the care of Dr. Wilbur Larch, to her enduring bond with the philanthropic Winslow family, to her own reckoning with history, faith, and identity.
With characteristic depth, humour, and humanity, Irving crafts a story that confronts anti-Semitism while celebrating the enduring strength of love and loyalty.
This event is currently sold out. Click the button below to add yourself to the wait list and receive an email as soon as more tickets are released. |
SOME COOL EVENTS FROM OUR PARTNERS
| Canadian Film Premiere for Holocaust Education Week
Taking place in real-time, The World Will Tremble tells the untold true story of how a group of Polish Jewish prisoners attempted a seemingly impossible escape from Chelmo, the first Nazi death camp, to provide the world’s first eyewitness account of the Holocaust. Includes live Zoom Q&A with acclaimed Israeli-American director Lior Geller. Presented by the Miles Nadal JCC, in partnership with The Toronto Jewish Film Foundation, co-sponsored by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Toronto.
Wednesday November 26, 7:00-9:30pm, Al Green Theatre.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Register HERE. |
| Take it To the Limit: Eagles Tribute Concert
Don't miss the Epic Eagles - one of the top drawing tribute acts in North America - at our annual December holiday concert in the Al Green Theatre!! One of the most influential groups in rock music history, known for their signature sound and lush vocal harmonies, The Eagles ruled 1970s AM and FM radio with such mega hits as Hotel California, Desperado, One of These Nights and Take it Easy. So put on your dancing shoes, enjoy some Chanukah and holiday treats, and sing along with the Epic Eagles!
Thursday December 11, 1:00-2:30pm, followed by a dessert reception.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Register here. |
| Visit and Enjoy the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto
The Arts & Letters Club is a social club for people active or interested in literature and the arts. Located in its historic Toronto building at 14 Elm Street, the Club hosts literary talks, stage productions, musical performances, painting sessions and more. The Club’s lounge and bar is open to visitors every Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm. Beginning in September, the Club will be offering the Speakers Annex community an opportunity to sample its fun events.
If you are interested in learning more, please email Martin Jones at [email protected]. For more information on the Club, please visit www.artsandlettersclub.ca. |
THE SPEAKERS ANNEX READING GUIDE!
In June, I asked some of our favourite Speakers Annex contributors to share a few books that we all might enjoy over the summer months. The summer months are now (sadly) over but if you’re ever looking for something fun to read you can see the full list HERE.
And if you’ve read anything lately that totally knocked your socks off, please email me at [email protected]. I’d love to add it to the list for others to enjoy!
HELPFUL LINKS AND MORE!
For registration assistance, please contact the MNjcc customer support team at 416-924-6211 x0 or email [email protected]. You can also refer to this detailed, step-by-step registration guide.
Email me about our fall programs, or anything else on your mind, at [email protected]. I always love to hear from you!
Consult this FAQ Help Sheet for answers to common questions about our events.
Thank you so much again!
