Upcoming Services and Events
Erev Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre
Friday, September 29, 2017
5:45 PM - 8:15 PM, Worship Hall of Unitarians
Beginning with the haunting Kol Nidre on cello and piano, followed by the three repetitions offered by Rabbi Liz and members of the community, we greet the most solemn day of the year garbed in white garments and tallitot/prayer shawls, fasting (if able), attuning to the ancient intervals and preparing to lead ourselves through a day of repentance and remembrance. (Please note that we begin Kol Nidre service promptly with the instrumental rendition: Please be in your seats to allow service to start at 5:45 sharp!)
Yom Kippur morning service
Saturday, September 30, 2017
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Worship Hall of Unitarians
The morning of Yom Kippur sustains our engagement with the themes of individual and communal repentance and commitments through prayer, song, chant, the reading of Torah, and the deep bowing of the Grand Aleynu.
Yom Kippur afternoon service and breaking fast
Saturday, September 30, 2017
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Worship Hall of Unitarians
We reconvene for the afternoon Minhah Service, once again featuring a father-and-son chanting of the story of Jonah along with our alternative Torah reading. We reconstruct the traditional Avodah service to consider a member’s presentation of a thoughtful reflection on a challenging issue or concept in our tradition, with the opportunity to respond. The always meaningful Yizkor service follows, which will also feature a personal reflection on loss from an OrH member, along with the honouring of the memories of our dear departed. Finally Neilah beckons us, through song and silence, before the open ark or at our seats, towards the final great blast of the shofar, and the conclusion of our full day with havdallah. We share a communal breakfast meal immediately following.
Shabbat Limmud
Saturday, October 7, 2017
9:45 AM - 12:15 PM, Fellowship Hall, Unitarians
An abbreviated complete service without chanting from the scroll, followed by extended study on the Torah portion, exploring traditional and contemporary interpretations, as well as the insights of participants. Also, to mark the upcoming holiday of Sukkot, we will welcome Sheldon Leong of Ottawa's Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI), who will talk about current MHI projects, as well as the upcoming National Housing Day events. The holiday of Sukkot reminds us of the years when the Israelites wandered in the desert without a home. Today, in Ottawa, over 10,000 households do not have the blessing of safe, secure and affordable housing. The Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) is a local faith-based organization that provides affordable housing to 400 individuals.
Sukkot - Family and Friends Sukkah Party
Sunday, October 8, 2017
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Room 5, lower level and outdoors at Unitarians
Decorate our temporary, airy, fragile “home,” sing-a-long to the “home”-ey sing-down, learn the lulav dance, welcome all – including our ancestors - into our midst, and enjoy the sweet and savory treats we bring to share. On Sukkot, the holiday when we are told to be especially joyful, celebrate the season, and our community.