OrH Newsletter

Words of the Spirit
Hashtag: whatrabbisdo
 
At an event recently where I am known as a rabbi but was not functioning as a rabbi, I had occasion to make fun of myself. “Don’t worry,” I joked, “I’m always ready to talk… I’m a rabbi!”

There is one big topic, though, that everyone seems to be talking about these days… and I’m not sure what to say, rabbinic-ly speaking. It’s the spate of men of status – politicians, movie producers, actors, editors, and other leaders in the public arena – who are being named as sexual predators.
 
Like some of you, I belong to several professional group lists online. Most of them have been quite active on this topic, and not necessarily in helpful ways. The most poignant has been the Jewish Women’s Clergy group. We ask, we listen, we brood:

• Should we speak about this from the bimah? Tie it into the current Torah reading (and we are not short of such scenarios in the book of Genesis)? One colleague posted: #metoo is as old as the Bible.
• Should we focus on pastoral support? How do we signal our specific availability for such support? One non-pulpit colleague posted: I wanted to talk to my rabbi but feared she was suffering too.
• What about the creepy, slow-drip of awfulness that so many still experience? I’ve read an astonishing number of stories in the past weeks of colleagues demeaned, harassed and yes, assaulted in the context of their communities and congregations.

Many of us – and by “us” I mean conscious adults! – hope and pray that this is actually a defining moment, that the hashtags and the articles and the firings are not just a flash in the momentary pop-culture pan, but a signal that real change may be upon us.
 
Hope and prayer don’t make for change on their own. In a course I’m currently taking about social justice organizing, we are learning how to understand the vital importance of self-interest, and how important it is to recognize what it is, and that it resides both in the hands of those who are motivated to organize, and those who hold power. And the foundational tool of organizing? Talking. And listening. And finding common ground.
 
So, the most important thing I can say in this moment – because it is true – is #metoo. And I’m here to listen. Far more than talking, it’s what I do.
 
- Rabbi Liz

OrH Annual Fundraising Campaign
Or Haneshamah's annual fundraising campaign is now underway. OrH is at a pivotal point in its history, playing a growing role in the lives of its members and in the wider Ottawa Jewish community. While OrH is just one of many worthy causes to support, we are encouraging our friends and members to make OrH a high priority in your charitable giving this year. Your voluntary donations are important to cover costs above and beyond annual dues and fees, and are vital to sustain our programming and meet the needs of our members.
 
The Board has set a fundraising target of $25,000 this year. We cannot achieve that ambitious goal without you, the people who make Or Haneshamah what it is. We hope to see participation from every member household, no matter how small the donation. We also encourage families to show leadership in the campaign by contributing significantly more than the $250 average household donation, and to consider making a long-term, five-year annual contribution commitment.
 
Donating is easy, and a charitable tax receipt will be issued. Pay online here or click on the green “OrH Annual Campaign” button on the OrH webpage. No convenience fees will be charged for online donations, and you may divide your payment over as many as five installments. If you prefer to pay by cheque or Interac eTransfer, the instructions for those are on the payment page.
 
On behalf of the entire membership, we thank you for giving generously to our community, and we promise to keep you up to date as the campaign progresses. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.
 
Sincerely,
 
Your Board of Directors

Shabbat Fall Fair
This Saturday, November 18, 2017, while the Unitarians hold their annual fall fair at Cleary Avenue, we will celebrate our own SHABBAT FALL FAIR – with activities for every age, heart, body and soul! – at the SJCC.
 
Following a short, camp-style musically-driven opening service, the Shabbat Fair continues with a potpourri of activities led by OrH members. Following a closing gathering that will include the opportunity to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish, we’ll enjoy a light catered lunch, provided by OrH. Activities include:

• A creative movement- and theatre-inspired workshop, with inspiration that may come from Torah, from a blessing, or from our own stories.
• Sacred Macrame! Learn how to tie tzitzit – the knots and fringes for a tallit.
• A buffet of exercise and experiences in mindfulness.
• Especially for Machaneh Shabbat (and all other eager Shabbat campers of any age!) - a three-dimensional hands-on build-out of the Shema.
• A discussion on Finding Justice Amidst Difference in our racially, ethnically, and religiously diversity society using the tools of moral philosophy borrowed from John Rawls.
• Make a Hallah cover for our use, or yours! Design and draw on fabric.

3rd Annual OrH Challah Making
OrH families and individuals are invited to learn how to make Challah on Sunday afternoon, November 26, 2:30-4:00, at the Unitarians, 30 Cleary Ave. OrH Members Inger and Shlomit will be your instructors in learning how to make the dough and braid it. As ingredients will be provided for you we need to know how many will be joining us. Please RSVP to communications@orh.ca by November 24.

OrH as a Caring Community: An invitation to join a new Working Group
We at OrH have been doing our best to care for each other and have been successful in many ways. We are also aware that we may be able to do what we’re doing even better, and that there’s more that we could do. We’re launching a Caring Working Group to think about and act on this important Jewish value. Do you want to participate? Bring your ideas, enthusiasm and readiness to pitch in to our first meeting, Thursday, November 30, at 7 pm. Please call Jean at 613-314-2806 for more details and meeting location.

Get Involved! Opportunities for Community Involvement
Are you looking to get involved with OrH activities? We are always in need of helping hands with event planning and other activities. All are welcome, including High Schoolers who are looking for community volunteer opportunities. Please contact info@orh.ca or visit the OrH home page (look for the Get Involved! banner).  

Upcoming Services and Events
 
Shabbat Fall Fair at the SJCC
Saturday, November 18, 2017
9:45 AM - 12:15 PM at the SJJC, 21 Nadlony Sachs Pvt
A short and music-filled service followed by a wide range of activities led by OrH members. Followed by a catered kiddush lunch provided by OrH.
 
Shabbat-Around-the-Table
Friday, November 24, 2017
Time and location TBA
OrH members welcome new and old members, their friends and family to each other's homes for a pot-luck shabbat meal and celebration. Held on the fourth Friday of every month.
 
3rd Annual OrH Challah Making
Sunday, November 26, 2017
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
learn how to make Challah. All ingredients provided. Please RSVP to iweibust@gmail.com by November 24.
 
Work-Life Transitions
Tuesday, November 28th at 7:00 p.m.
Whether you are considering, actively preparing for, or have recently made a change in your work-life, join us for an informal discussion about all that goes with this transition. This is an opportunity to share experiences and resources and, if there is an interest,  future activities may be planned. Hosted by member Sharon, please RSVP at info@orh.ca and we will send you the address and directions.

Caring Working Group Inaugural Meeting
Thursday, November 30, 2017
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Location TBA
Please contact Jean at 613-314-2806 for more details and location.
 
Shirat Shabbat/Chanting Service
Saturday, December 2, 2017
9:45 AM - 12:15 PM, Fellowship Hall, Unitarians
Shirah is song. Following the deep structure of the Shabbat morning service, we draw our inspiration from melody, focusing on key words through chanting, or singing niggunim (songs without words). Messages, kavanot and a teaching from the weekly torah portion are drawn from the wisdom of Hasidic masters and other inspirational sources.

Reconstructionist News
The latest issue of Reconstructionism Today can be found at: http://eepurl.com/c3bDXP.

In The Ottawa Community
* = New item this week
 
* Shabbat Dinner. You are invited to a warm and tuneful Shabbat potluck dinner at the Sandy Hill home of OrH member Lorne Mallin on November 17 at 6:30pm. Lorne hosts these Shabbats on the 3rd Friday of every month. Bring a veggie or dairy dish to share and $5 for the support of five Abayudaya Jewish orphans in Uganda. Email lorne.mallin@gmail.com to rsvp and for location details.
 
* Also, be sure to mark your calendars for Lorne’s monthly Chanting and Chocolate gathering at Temple Israel on Monday, November 27, 7:30-9pm. Join in sacred Hebrew chanting with beautiful melodies and spiritual intention to open the heart and connect with the Divine. Lorne Mallin is joined by Ottawa musical friends. Hebrew knowledge is not required – chant sheets are provided. After the chanting, enjoy tea and home-baked, triple-chocolate brownies. $10 suggested donation to help five Ugandan orphans to go to school. Contact Lorne at lorne.mallin@gmail.com or 604-222-3379.
 
* Please join the Multifaith Housing Initiative on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Ottawa City Hall, the Jean Pigott Place, to celebrate National Housing Day. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Lindy Samson, Chief of Staff and Chief Medical Officer at CHEO. The celebration will start with sacred Aboriginal drumming, followed by presentation from Muslim, Jewish, Baha’i, Hindu and Christian traditions, including our own Rabbi Liz Bolton, and presentation of awards for the winning Tulipathon banners. The afternoon will end with a lively performance by the Colour of Diversity Marimba Players and refreshments.
 
* Rescue in the Philippines, November 19 4:30 pm at Centrepointe
Chamber Room, 101 Centrepointe Dr. A screening of a documentary that tells the story of how 1,200 Jews escaped the Nazis and immigrated to the Philippines with the help of an unlikely coalition: five cigar-making brothers from Cincinnati; Manuel Quezon; the charismatic first president of the Philippines; Paul McNutt, U.S. High Commissioner; and an ambitious U.S. Army Colonel named Dwight Eisenhower. Presented by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa in partnership with the City of Ottawa and Embassy of the Philippines and with support from the Azrieli Foundation. Light refreshments to follow. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, or for more info, please contact Natalie at nabenhaim@jewishottawa.com or 613-798-4696 x 355.
 
Federation Members' Meeting, featuring Multifaith Panel Discussion, Wednesday, November 15, 7 - 9 pm. Soloway JCC, 21 Nadolny Sachs Pvt. Stay informed on issues affecting Ottawa's Jewish community. Members Meetings are an important tool to ensure agency representatives and community members are up to date on the Jewish Federation of Ottawa's key deliverables, priorities and outcomes. See www.jewishottawa.com for full meeting agenda. Meeting is open to the public. Featuring a multifaith panel discussion on the Importance of Interfaith in Advocacy. Moderated by Rabbi Reuven Bulka. Contact: Solange Ashe at 613-798-4696 x236
 
Holocaust Education Month Events. A complete listing of all events marking Holocaust Education Month can be found at jewishottawa.com/hem.
 
Tamir’s Fashion Show. TAMIR is staging a FASHION SHOW, featuring its participants, showing off their grace and style on the runway, with the generous support of companies in the fashion world. The event will be held at the CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM, on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, with cocktails at 6:30, the show at 7:30, followed by desserts, all catered by Creative Kosher Catering. TAMIR will also honour Cantor Daniel Benlolo that evening, to thank him for all his wonderful work with participants over 15 years. Tickets can be purchased or donations can be made at Tamir.ca or by contacting Krystal at Tamir at kvalencia@tamir.ca or 613-725-3519  ext. 104.
 
The Nazi Titanic. Join us as acclaimed author and speaker Robert Watson tells the lesser known story of a German luxury liner that during the Second World War was transformed from a barrack transport, to the star of a "Titanic" propaganda film, and finally bombed while housing thousands of prisoners in the final days before liberation. Unearthing forgotten documents, Watson's riveting account of this tragic story is becoming known as one of the last major tragedies of the Holocaust. His book on the topic, The Nazi Titanic, will be available for sale following the talk. Wednesday, November 29, 7 - 9 pm, Soloway JCC 21 Nadolny Sachs Pvt. Contact: Natalie Abenhaim at nabenhaim@jewishottawa.com or 613-798-4696 x 355.
 
Musica Ebraica. As days get shorter, thoughts gradually turn to candles, latkes and dreidels.  And to put you in the mood, Musica Ebraica presents a Chanukah concert of songs light and darkness, blessings and gratitude under the baton of Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton, its new conductor. Join the choir on Sunday December 3rd at 3pm at Temple Israel for an afternoon of musical delights. Tickets ($20 for adults and $10 for students) are available at the door or by calling 613-224-7073 or emailing pmwershof@gmail.com or from choir members.
 
Community Volunteers Needed. Your community agencies are in need of specific volunteers. For a full list of current needs visit https://jewishottawa.com/volunteering. For further information please contact Natalie at nabenhaim@jewishottawa.com. 

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:

Donations toward ongoing congregational operations:

• General donations, which fund programming, rabbinic leadership, and essential administrative costs.
• Donations in honour of, or in memory of, a person or event. All such donations are acknowledged through the Or Haneshamah card program, which sends notices of donation and a personalized message to a designated recipient.

Targeted donations:

• Dedication of ritual objects and books. We are currently seeking donations of $54 for each new copy of our Machzor (high holiday prayer book). Donations will be recognized by bookplates that may be in honour of, or in memory of, a person or event.
• The Gita (Tova) & Zwi Taub Memorial Fund, provides the OrH community with funds for Jewish cultural and educational opportunities that align with Reconstructionist principles and values, and contribute to Jewish continuity.
• ​​​​​​​Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund. Donations that the Rabbi gives to people in need or to support charities the Rabbi deems important.

Please make any of the above donations through the website by clicking on the "Donate" menu item.

Or Haneshamah Endowment Fund

• Established in May 2016, the Endowment Fund is a pool of financial assets that is invested to provide a reliable and ongoing source of income for our community's activities. Annual payouts from the fund go into Or Haneshamah's general revenues. Donations are made through the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF) online at www.ojcf.ca or by telephone at 613-798-4696 ext 274.

• OrH members and supporters who are federal employees or retirees may designate Or Haneshamah as a recipient of GCWCC donations during their annual campaign (September - December). All the information you need to do so (including OrH’s charitable registration number) can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/ycacf8tp.

Thank you for your generosity and support of OrH!

Potluck Protocol
Our community’s long time practice is to welcome egg, dairy and fish on the potluck table. Please label your meal contributions with all ingredients to help people with food allergies or sensitivities; also advise kitchen staff whether dish is to be served hot or cold.

Rides to Services and Events
Will you need a ride to services and OrH events? Are you able to offer a ride to services OrH events? We encourage members to be generous with their offers of rides. Please contact  info@orh.ca  with your name and area of the city you are coming from.

Visiting or Studying in Toronto or Montreal?
If you or your children will be in Toronto or Montreal, they are very welcome at our sibling congregations. We have reciprocal memberships with both Darchei Noam (Toronto) and Dorshei Emet (Montreal). Likewise, we welcome their members to our services, programs, and High Holy Day services. For security reasons we ask to call ahead to make arrangements for the High Holy Days.

A Caring Community
Members are encouraged to contact the rabbi or any board member to let us know about your pastoral care needs, or the needs of another member, whether related to a new or an ongoing circumstance. These may include such situations as a pending hospitalization, a change in health, relationship, or employment status, other life transitions, or the death of a loved one. Through knowing what is happening in each other’s lives, we give each other, including our rabbi, the opportunity to perform acts of gemilut hasadim/loving kindness, the hallmark of a caring community.

We Are Listening
How do you feel things are going in our community? Do you have ideas about programs or events that we should pursue? What aspects of Or Haneshamah do you feel are working well, and what do you think can be improved?  In the interest of making OrH the best community that it can be, the board and rabbi invite you to submit comments and feedback at any time. Please send your thoughts to  feedback@orh.ca  or directly to any member of the board (email addresses below).

Board of Directors
President: Paula,  president@orh.ca
Treasurer: Jacob,  treasurer@orh.ca
Education: Heni,  learning@orh.ca
Communications: David,  communications@orh.ca
Secretary: David,  secretary@orh.ca
Membership: Janet,  membership@orh.ca
Member-at-Large: Jean,  member-at-large.jean@orh.ca
Member-at-Large: Jan,  member-at-large.jan@orh.ca
Past President: Mark,  past-president@orh.ca
 
Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton:  rabbi@orh.ca ​​​​​​​
Members are welcome to contact Rabbi Liz, 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.