Following the opening of Jerusalem: Unfolding Layers at Baycrest on October 28, HaMiffal Co-Directors Neta Meisels and Doron Gallia-Kind spent several days in Toronto meeting artists, cultural leaders, community members, and supporters of the Jerusalem Foundation of Canada.
Wednesday, October 28 | Opening of Jerusalem: Unfolding Layers at Baycrest
The visit began with the opening of Jerusalem: Unfolding Layers at Baycrest, an exhibition presenting HaMiffal’s creative vision and work in Jerusalem. The opening brought together members of the Baycrest and Jerusalem Foundation of Canada communities.
Baycrest Foundation CEO Josh Cooper offered introductory remarks, followed by comments from Jerusalem Foundation President and Chair Joel Reitman, who also screened a film introducing the Jerusalem Foundation of Canada to the Baycrest community. The exhibition will remain on view at Baycrest through April 2027 before travelling to other Canadian cities.
Friday, October 30 | Shabbat at Baycrest and Adath Israel
Hamiffal’s Friday began with a special afternoon Kabbalat Shabbat gathering at Baycrest. Neta and Doron joined residents for a lively conversation about art, culture and Jerusalem, followed by the community Kabblat Shabbat. It was a meaningful opportunity to share HaMiffal’s work and creative spirit with Baycrest’s resident community.
Later that afternoon, Neta and Doron joined Adath Israel Congregation for an intimate pre-Shabbat gathering hosted by Associate Rabbis Yerach and Nava Meirsdorf, two Jerusalemites leading the Adath Israel community in Toronto. Rabbi Yerach shared his personal connection to HaMiffal as a Jerusalemite, speaking about his family and friends in Jerusalem. Neta and Doron followed with a conversation about HaMiffal’s work, its role in Jerusalem and the importance of creative community spaces. The afternoon continued with a Shabbat dinner, bringing together Adath Israel members and other community members interested in learning more about HaMiffal.
Sunday, November 1 | Conversations, Contemporary Art and Future Collaborations
Sunday began with a brunch gathering hosted by Jerusalem Foundation of Canada board member Dr. Cheryl Rosen at her home. Neta and Doron joined fellow board members and interested community members for an extended and thoughtful conversation about connection, advocacy, identity and the relationship between Jerusalem and the Diaspora. The discussion explored the importance of maintaining meaningful connections across communities and the role of cultural exchange in strengthening those relationships.
The day continued at Art Toronto, Canada’s leading international art fair. Its 27th edition brought together more than 100 Canadian and international galleries, showcasing contemporary and modern art through exhibitions, installations and special projects. Neta and Doron met with the leadership of Koffler Arts, opening an exciting conversation about shared interests and possibilities for future collaboration. On Sunday, they also visited Koffler Arts’ gallery spaces at 180 Shaw Street, exploring the exhibitions throughout the building, including Kamiphony by Cybèle Young and Lessons in Objectology by Gord Peteran.
Looking Ahead
By the end of their visit, Neta and Doron had become much better acquainted with Toronto, its people and its cultural landscape. They shared HaMiffal’s vision, discovered new opportunities, established promising relationships and participated in meaningful conversations.
Photo credit: Gary Beechey