For the first time, five community partners – La Communauté Sépharade Unifiée du Québec, the Cummings Centre, the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, Israel Bonds and the Sephardi Federation of Canada – are celebrating la Mimouna and are inviting you to join them for a beautiful evening in the Sephardic tradition.

Mimouna is a North African Jewish celebration held at the conclusion of Passover, marking the return to eating leavened bread, which is not permitted during the holiday week.

The celebration will take place 10 pm Saturday April 27 at the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue (4894, av. Saint-Kevin). Savour traditional Sephardi delicacies such as mofletas, oriental pastries, sweet Israeli couscous and Moroccan mint tea. Enjoy the live Sephardic music of Henry Abittan and his orchestra.

“The Cummings Centre is thrilled to take part in the organization of Mimouna,” said Sylvia Serruya, coordinator of French programs at the Cummings Centre. “This celebration, marking the end of Passover, occupies an important place in the traditions of the Sephardic communities originating in North Africa.”

Benjamin Bitton, executive director of the Communauté Sépharade Unifiée du Québec, told the Canadian Jewish News that this year, the night of Mimouna will be a mega-event that contributes to unity within the community.

Bitton urged all members of the Cummings Centre – both Anglophones and Francophones – to take part in this event, which is of significance to the Sephardi community.

Co-sponsored by Communauté Sépharade Unifiée du Québec, Cummings Centre, Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, Israel Bonds and the Sephardi Federation of Canada, the event takes place Saturday, April 27, 10 pm. No charge. Free transportation from Cavendish Mall. Space limited. Reservation required. Info: Nicole Sebag 514-734-1762.

The Cummings Centre’s mission is to empower and enhance the quality of life of adults age 50 and over by providing dynamic and innovative programs, social services, and volunteer opportunities in a vibrant, respectful, inclusive and compassionate environment. Building on its Jewish heritage, Cummings embraces people from all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

As the hub of Montreal’s 50+ community, the Centre touches the lives of 10,000 people on an annual basis. In addition to its main campus at 5700 Westbury Avenue in Montreal, programs are offered at several off-site locations including the West Island, Cote Saint-Luc, St.LaurentWestmountChomedey and Florida.

For more information, please contact us by phone at 514-343-3510, online at www.cummingscentre.org or in person at 5700 Westbury Avenue.