Lavender Grace, founded by Faye Bielak, welcomed guests to Muskoka’s first formal community Shabbat dinner this past Friday evening with the inaugural Breaking Bread fundraiser, bringing together Jewish and non-Jewish guests in support of The Canadian Shaare Zedek Hospital Foundation and the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka.
Set against the backdrop of cottage country, the evening celebrated the timeless traditions of Shabbat while creating a welcoming space where neighbours, friends, families, and allies could gather around one table. More than a fundraiser, Breaking Bread was an opportunity to foster community, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate the power of shared experiences.
A particularly moving highlight of the evening was the presence of three remarkable individuals whose lives embody extraordinary resilience.
Howard Chandler, now in his late nineties, survived forced labour camps before enduring Auschwitz and Theresienstadt prior to liberation. He continues to dedicate his life to educating audiences about the devastating consequences of antisemitism and the importance of preserving Holocaust memory.
Rita Starkman, a child Holocaust survivor, spent the war hidden by a Catholic family under a false identity before eventually being reunited with her parents.
Joining them was Mia Schem, who survived 54 days in Hamas captivity following the October 7 attacks. Since returning home, she has devoted herself to advocating for the remaining hostages and supporting those who continue to recover from unimaginable trauma.
“These three individuals have experienced the very worst of humanity,” said Rafi Yablonsky, National Executive Director of The Canadian Shaare Zedek Hospital Foundation. “Yet each of them continues to choose hope, courage, and compassion. Having them together at one table was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.”
While the evening was rooted in Jewish tradition, organizers emphasized that Breaking Bread was designed to welcome the broader Muskoka community.
“What made this evening so special was that it wasn’t just a Jewish event,” said Yablonsky. “Faye has created something truly meaningful by bringing together people from different backgrounds who share a commitment to friendship, understanding, and community. At a time when the world often feels divided, evenings like this remind us how much we have in common when we simply sit down together.”
For Bielak, the event reflected Lavender Grace’s vision of creating meaningful experiences that connect people while giving back.
“Breaking bread together is one of humanity’s oldest traditions,” said Faye Bielak, Founder of Lavender Grace. “Whether someone grew up celebrating Shabbat or was experiencing it for the first time, our hope was that everyone would leave feeling welcomed, connected, and inspired. Community begins around the table, and we’re excited to make Breaking Bread an annual Muskoka tradition.”
Proceeds from the evening will support the lifesaving work of The Canadian Shaare Zedek Hospital Foundation and the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka.
Following the success of the inaugural event, Lavender Grace plans to continue Building Breaking Bread into an annual summer gathering that celebrates community, hospitality, and philanthropy in Muskoka.
