OrH Newsletter

Biweekly Newsletter

30 March 2022

The Great Refresh

Convention is over, and we are lucky enough to have recaps from Rabbi Liz and Carolyn to make us daydream about next year. There are some Passover updates, info on our first in-person service (so soon!), and a few tidbits to get you excited while we watch the trees wake up from a long sleep. Welcome, spring!

A RABBI IN RECONLAND –REPORT from B’YACHAD: RECONSTRUCTING JUDAISM TOGETHER

There were no rabbit holes, but it did indeed feel as though I had traveled to a strange and different world, in some ways that were utterly wonderful, and others that were eerie.

Two conventions back-to-back – the first for members of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, and the second for the Reconstructionist movement as a whole – took place March 22 through 27. It had been four years since the last set of “biennial” conventions. Almost every conversation included words from the following vocabulary list: overwhelmed, wonderful, weird, wow, and hugs or no hugs.

It was thrilling to see so many of my dear colleagues the first two days, especially knowing that on the first day of the full convention, the RRC classes of 95 and ’96 would be receiving our Doctor of Divinity honoris causa. The honor is one of esteem for those graduates who have served in their rabbinates for 25 years, and by great good fortunate, two other honours were being bestowed at the ceremony, for two of my greatest friends and teachers upon their retirement from the college, Rabbis Mordechai Liebling and Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer.

In keeping with our college’s approach to all our academic convocations, the ceremony was filled with personal messages and meaningful blessings. And what a thrill to be with my old pals; we are truly scattered across the globe, from Canada to Denmark and Israel and across the entire US. 

The theme of the rabbis’ gathering was Shavat Vayinafash – rest and re-ensoulment. We were beautifully led and taught by each other, inspired not only by the wisdom of our vatikim or “senior” colleagues, but by the talents and energy of the most recent graduates, whom we honoured at our own special event.

Thursday through Sunday was jam-packed with workshops, plenary session, services and other activities, including a vendors fair. It was most amusing to pass by the display created by the SAJ to mark the “original” Reconstructionist synagogue’s 100th anniversary.

There were other anniversaries being celebrated, notably the 20th year of both Ritualwell and Camp Havaya. Two of the camp’s directors, its current leader and his predecessor, Rabbis Isaac Saposnik and Jeffrey Eisenstat respectively, together led a rousing Kabbalat Shabbat, infused with the spirit of shabbats at camp. The Shabbat morning services were practically ecstatic, a culmination of the smaller services throughout the week, and I sank into the vibrations of the voices and the harmonies.

As a veteran of over 30 years of conventions, including serving on staff, on the planning committee, as service and workshop leaders, I was given the opportunity to prepare some offerings that were deeply meaningful to me. On Shabbat afternoon, in honour of Judith Kaplan Eisenstein, I led a panel exploring the Evolution of Jewish Music in the Reconstructionist Context, and then in the evening, emceed a celebration of music that spanned from Kaplan Eisenstein to the newest video creation of Solomon Hoffman (RRC ’24). In between, the ApiChorus sang again – the student choir I created back in the ‘90s that performed at so many college and movement events, offering the creative new settings of prayer and liturgy, along with classics from the choral repertoire. 

I realize that nothing I can put in writing can convey the excitement generated from being with so many other folks from all over steeped in living a Jewish life, and building a better world, infused with the progressive values and creative approaches of Reconstructionism. Take a peek at the video and audio offerings https://www.youtube.com/c/reconstructingjudaism, dip into the rich resources at https://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/ and https://ritualwell.org, sign up for the weekly Shabbat box - https://reconstructingjudaism.us6.list manage.com/subscribe?u=e8dc2f2d9405f4a028431548a&id=86482ec089 

I celebrate, and am so grateful for, our movement. It is wildly, successfully living up to its name and logo phrases: Reconstructing Judaism. Deeply Rooted. Boldy Relevant. 

Rabbi Liz

Update from the President: Convention
​​​​​​​
Folks, the convention was fantastic and I would absolutely recommend virtual or in-person attendance for OrH members next time.

On Thursday, there were affinity groups for congregation leadership (and concurrent ones for rabbinical and administrative staff). The joint workshop on participatory governance taught me that there are many ways to govern, and that ours is as good as any. That said, we do need to work out ways to engage congregants more (see below).

The Convocation which honoured several 'heavy hitters' in Reconstructionism as well as those celebrating 25ish years since graduation was very moving. Rabbi Liz was honoured for her service to aspiring rabbis in terms of voice lessons, but also her commitment to social justice and her love of music.

On Friday, the panel on creating inclusive communities began with a wonderful story about an ancient rabbi who banned all whose insides and outsides didn't match (an early reference to trans people?) and when that decision was overturned, 700 benches needed to be added and all unanswered questions were answered. There were specific ideas on inclusion but I did love that drash! The plenum didn't make any decisions but there was a good discussion of reparations and also a presentation by the Joint Israel Commission on "beyond the two-state solution" - a new set of resources. 

The Shabbat was really a highlight - a great discussion of tikkun olam as an environmental movement from the 3rd century onwards (!) followed by a magnificently sung "uplifting musical service". 

Our report on testing the Racial Diversity Equity and Inclusion toolkit on Sunday morning was well-received. All in all, the convention was intellectually and spiritually invigorating.

Now my challenge for the congregation: we do have some money to purchase posters and books that reflect racial diversity within progressive Judaism. Those with ideas should email me president@orh.ca.

Carolyn

Two Zoom Gatherings to Get Ready for your Seders

This year, some will gather for seders in-person, and some will continue to connect to family and friends from their homes.  To prepare our hearts and our tables, we’ll have two opportunities to join together via Zoom.

SETTING THE TABLE Saturday April  4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Whether you use the Maxwell House hagadah, A Night of Questions, or a home-made version, bring your hagadot to the table. We’ll share favourite passages, learn about some old-and-new insertions, and look at a brand new version by Marcia Falk.

BEGINNING PESACH TOGETHER   Friday April 15   5:00 pm – 5:45 pm

On the first night of Passover, with your own seder tables set, we’ll gather to light candles, sing the seder order, collectively create a unique instant version of the Passover story with a Mad-Lib maggid, and hear the four questions in five languages.

Get a PDF or order a copy of the Reconstructionist Hagadah A Night of Questions here. 

Click here for more information or to order Marcia Falk’s Night of Beginnings.

MULTI-ACCESS SHABBAT MORNING TORAH SERVICE Saturday April 2 
10:00am-12:15pm

This coming Shabbat we read Parshat Tazria, mark Rosh Hodesh Nisan, the first day of the Passover month, and celebrate the 70th anniversary (+ 2 years) of the Bar Mitzvah of one of OrH’s co-founders. We also rejoice at the opportunity to be together to sing, reflect, learn and pray while remaining connected with those currently unable to attend in person. If you are joining us in person, please bring your mask and your proof of vaccination.

Rabbi Liz at First United Church

Rabbi Liz will be a guest in conversation with Rev Brian Cornelius this Sunday morning April 3 at First United Church of Ottawa. Services are held in-person and via Zoom. Visit their website for the link and other details about their service.

Indigenous Awareness Training

In direct response to the 92nd call to action from the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa invites you to participate in a customized and comprehensive Indigenous Awareness Training program facilitated by the First Peoples Group.

The First Peoples Group will facilitate three training sessions and guide participants through the past, present and future of Indigenous peoples in Canada using a distinctions-based approach that reflects the three federally recognized Indigenous groupings. Each session will be led by a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit presenter, who will share their distinct cultures, stories and histories. Sessions take place March 24, March 31 and April 7.

Register here.

Options for support for Ukraine 

The Reconstructionist movement is part of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, which provides support for its 14 affiliated communities in Ukraine. Donate to their crisis fund here.

Ottawa’s Jewish Federation has launched a Ukraine Relief Fund, with 100% of all funds to support the Ukraine’s Jewish community.  

Recommendations from Reconstructing Judaism’s Department for Thriving Communities:

• Joint Distribution Committee’s  predominant focus is with the Jewish community in Ukraine. The initial response includes identifying and securing safe facilities for fleeing displaced Jews, providing transportation to safe locations, providing emergency medical supplies and food, providing financial assistance for the elderly and families, staffing emergency hotlines for members of the Jewish community.  Donate here.
• World Jewish Relief is working with partners across Ukraine.  
• ORT America launched a campaign to support ORT Ukraine students, teachers and families.  Donate here .
• IsraAID, a coalition of Israeli organizations working in disaster relief and international development, is sending in an assessment team to Moldova, to help all Ukrainians coming over the border. Donate here.

A New Haggadah
 
The Mordecai M. Kaplan Center for Jewish Peoplehood is proud to have underwritten the production costs of Marcia Falk’s new haggadah, Night of Beginnings. In an essay — from the Introduction to that haggadah — Falk presents her goals in writing the haggadah and surveys its unique features.
 
Night of Beginnings is available to preorder now. Receive a significant discount by ordering directly from the publisher. Save 40% on single copies by entering the promotional code: 6AS22. Save 50% on ten or more copies by entering the promotional code: 6FALK50. (This offer expires April 30, 2022 and is good on U.S. and Canadian shipments only.)

With this new haggadah in hand, or your well-worn and wine-stained red-and-yellow versions, JOIN RABBI LIZ for a late Shabbat afternoon gathering the weekend before Passover as you prepare for your seders - SATURDAY APRIL 9 - details to follow!

Upcoming Services and Events

Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari, “Becoming an Abolitionist: Antiracism and Antizionism”
Wednesday, March 30, 8:30pm to 9:00pm
Zoom  
 
Shabbat Morning Torah Service - In Person! 
Saturday, April 2,  10:00am to noon
Multi-Access Via Cleary and Zoom  
If you are joining us in person, please bring your mask and your proof of vaccination.

Passover - SETTING THE TABLE
Saturday, April 9,  4:00pm - 5:30pm
Whether you use the Maxwell House hagadah, A Night of Questions, or a home-made version, bring your hagadot to the table. We’ll share favorite passages, learn about some old-and-new insertions, and look at a brand new version by Marcia Falk.
Zoom  
 
Rabbi David Teutsch, “History and Challenge: Reconstructionism, Zionism, and the Two-State Solution”
Tuesday, April 12, 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Zoom  
 
Passover - BEGINNING PESACH TOGETHER   
Friday, April 15, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
On the first night of Passover, with your own seder tables set, we’ll gather to light candles, sing the seder order, collectively create a unique instant version of the Passover story with a Mad-Lib maggid, and hear the four questions in five languages.
Zoom

Community News and Events
* denotes new this week

* 20th Chevrah Kadisha and Jewish Cemetery Conference
Online June 12-14, 2022
With a combination of workshops and plenary sessions focused on the Jewish approach to the end-of life continuum, conference topics range from visiting the sick (bikkur cholim), to ritual preparation of the dead (taharah) and comforting the soul between death and burial (shmirah), through funeral and burial to all aspects of grief and mourning. This conference is intended to allow every participant to immerse in the knowledge, resources, texts, and discussions vital to working in their own community.
Register here.

* JNF Families Passover Activity Book
Shopping for Passover? Visit JNF Ottawa at College Square Loblaws, during one of the times below to grab a copy of our new JNF Families Passover Activity Book for your kids or grandkids. 
Virtual activity book available at www.jnf.ca/families
Sunday, April 3: 1 - 3 PM
Tuesday, April 5: 4 - 6 PM
Thursday, April 7: 7 - 9 PM
 
* KKL-JNF World Education Conference
Network with educators from around the world in a unique experience
and opportunity to attend the KKL-JNF World Education Conference in Israel! Info here.

Donations to OrH

Donations are a significant part of the funding for activities and rabbinic support in our community. You can direct your contribution to different areas of Or Haneshamah’s activity, including: general donations to fund programming, rabbinic leadership, donations in honor or in memory of a person or event, or dedication of ritual objects. We also welcome donations to the Gita (Tova) & Zvi Taub Memorial Fund, the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund, the Or Haneshamah Endowment Fund. Federal employees or retirees can also give to OrH through the Annual Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign. Information on all these programs and how to give can be found at this link, or by clicking on the "Donate" tab on the main menu of the OrH website.

Board of Directors

Chair: Carolyn, president@orh.ca 
Treasurer: Elijah, treasurer@orh.ca
Secretary: Nicola, secretary@orh.ca
Communications: Andrea, communications@orh.ca
Membership: Myrna, membership@orh.ca
Learning: Diana, learning@orh.ca
Ritual: Shira, rituals@orh.ca
Interim Many Hands Coordinator: Caroline, caroline@orh.ca
Interim Member-at-Large: Ben, ben@orh.ca


Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton: rabbi@orh.ca
OrH Members are welcome to contact Rabbi Liz, the Hesed team (hesed@orh.ca),
or any member of the board, regarding pastoral needs.

Or Haneshamah
30 Cleary Ave., Ottawa, ON, K2A 4A1
613-239-4988
www.orh.ca
info@orh.ca

** Disclaimer Regarding Community Event Postings **

Or Haneshamah frequently receives requests to post notices of upcoming events in the community at-large.  These events run the range from cultural, educational, and in some cases explorations of topical political issues.  In the interest of providing information to our congregation about the diversity of interesting events in the Ottawa community we will post notices of these events in our regular newsletter.

We recognize also that from time to time we are requested to post notices of events which are highly controversial in nature and reflect a wide range of opinions among our congregation on particular issues.  We are, however, of the opinion that it is appropriate for us to post events taking place in the community which may challenge us, which may cause discomfort, and which may cause us to reflect on some of our beliefs.  Our openness to post notices for a wide range of community events, however, does not mean that we have abdicated our responsibility to show discernment and to distinguish between those events which demonstrate an open-minded and thoughtful approach to specific issues and those which do not appear to reflect such values.  So, we will make judgments about what notices we believe are appropriate to post and those which we believe will not contribute to a thoughtful and balanced exploration of ideas and issues.

Will we make mistakes along the way?  Probably.  But the possibility of errors of judgment does not mean that we can excuse ourselves from the responsibility to show judgment in posting notices about events in the community and we promise to do so with openness tempered by a sense of responsibility.

In agreeing to post any notice of an event in the community, Or Haneshamah does not endorse, support or promote any perspectives, positions or ideas expressed in the events which are posted in our newsletter.