The Thornhill Woods Shul

Who we are

Formerly called The Jewish Centre for Learning and Living (JCLL), the Thornhill Woods Shul is more than a synagogue – although we have prayer services 7 days a week, plus a growing and active membership.
It's more than a Jewish social-service agency – albeit we have programs and resources to help Jewish families deal with many of life's challenges.
It's more than your local "Y" - notwithstanding you'll likely meet some very nice Jewish people here, singles seniors and families alike.

So what exactly do the sum parts of the Thornhill Woods Shul add up to? They add up to an organization committed to developing an interpersonal, dynamic and meaningful Jewish community in Canada's fastest growing Jewish neighbourhood. A wide range of events, programs, learning and socializing, plus, a warm and un-intimidating shul and rabbis, a beginners and interactive High-Holiday service. in additon to classes in Judaism delivered in a contemporary and relatable way, have helped make this community so successful and so special.

The Thornhill Woods Shul is presently located at 23 Zola Gate in Thornhill Woods. With plans to build a permanent synagogue and Child and Adult Learning Centre in the middle of Thornhill Woods, our membership and community is steadily growing.

Enjoy our virtual community website, and please, by all means let us know how we can improve serving you better, whether here on our site, or on location in our emerging Thornhill Woods community.

Our Mission

Our mission is to turn Thornhill North/Richmond Hill, a neighbourhood of 5,000 Jewish families into a Jewish community whereby the local Jewish population will become more connected to their Judaism and to each other.

THORNHILLWOODS, HOME TO 10,000 JEWS – AND GROWING

Thornhill Woods, Ontario, the neighbourhood bordered by Bathurst St., Highway 7, Dufferin Rd. and Rutherford Rd., already boasts 3,000 Jewish families – more than 10,000 individuals.

Located within Canada’s fastest growing municipality, Thornhill Woods will see its Jewish population continue rise. In the past five years alone, more than 5,500 Jewish families have moved into the Bathurst corridor between Highway 7 and Elgin Mills, most of whom are detached from Jewish community involvement. UJA projections suggest that this number will more than double in the next five years.

Our Team

	Ezriel and Orit Sitzer Founders and visionaries of the THW Shul. Ezriel Sitzer and Orit work tirelessly to build the Jewish community of Thornhill Woods. Ezriel Sitzer, a native Torontian, inspires with classes for all levels, fundraises and tells great jokes!
	Moishe and Shelly Krokotsky Moishe Krokotsky the inhouse Torah authority together with his wife provide spiritual guidance for all with their immense Torah knowledge. In addition Moishe Krokotsky tells a story like no other and plays a mean "air-guitar"!
	Moish and Dini Gottlieb Moish, a South African, and Dini, a New Yorker, are a dynamic team involved in teaching and event programming. Moish will take you on a journey from everyday Jewish Law to Jewish Mysticism!
	Da-vid and Rachel Rosenthal Da-vid, born and raised in Sydney Australia, and Rachel, born in Israel, and spent her teen years in Toronto. This youthful couple and their 3 children, focus on outreach, and integrating new members into our shul. Approachable and open, they welcome one and all into their warm, Torah home. Their expertise is in Self Development and Growth.
	Andrea Raisin Andrea is the Administrator at our office and makes sure everything is running smoothly. An invaluable member of the team, her warm demeanor is felt by everyone who interacts with her.