PASSOVER IN CANADA

As usual Passover occurs near our Easter week celebrations. It is a time to respect and watch our Jewish neighbours and friends celebrate their Seder dinner-honouring them. As Christians, we can understand the Passover story-Moses and his hope of taking his people to a new land. The old testament is our Bible too. Canada is a land of religious tolerance and acceptance. In Thornhill- a little community above Toronto- there are many different churches and faith institutions. A Mosque and Synagogue are side by side sharing the parking space at the back. They are located on Bayview Avenue. Near us on Yonge Street is a Hindu Temple. So as our Jewish Canadians celebrate, let us send a message of love and peace to other corners of the world. There are many challenges being culturally and religiously diverse. However, making the effort to learn and accept others can be an universal goal.

GRAFITTI- LOVE IT OR HATE IT!

I happen to like grafitti- if it is tastefully done. No swear words, no racial slurs, no provocative pictures.There is a debate locally to fine those who do grafitti. If I had a building- which I do not- I would invite local artists to compete and allow the best drawing in my mind to be done. It makes dull brick walls interesting and does draw people to your location. It started with cave paintings- perhaps they were just grafitti too! What do you think- art or nuisance? Have you ever painted a rock near a highway? The side of a building? A sandwalk? Of course, not a church, synagogue or any religious place or in a cemetery. Even grafitti artists should have class and manners! And respect!