OrH Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter

November 21, 2017

Work-Life Transitions
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 on Wednesday, November 29 (note new date). This is an opportunity to share experiences and resources and, if there is an interest, future activities may be planned. Please RSVP at info@orh.ca and we will send you the address and directions.

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.

Share Your Special Interests or Expertise - Give a JED Talk!
Do you have a special interest, hobby, experience, or avocation, or a particular expertise that might be of interest to OrH members? Please consider giving a JED (Jewish Education and Dialogue) talk after one of our monthly Friday night services. In the past year members have shared experiences on wide range of topics, including the life and work of Polish artist and poet Israel Lejzerowicz, genetic testing and Bill S-201, green Jewish funerals, and organ donations. If you are interested please contact Heni at learning@orh.ca.

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

Yahrzeit Reminders
We have received a number of requests from members to receive emailed yahrzheit reminders. We hope to have the capability to provide this service in the future. In the meantime we wanted to bring to your attention a number of web services that will provide yahrzeit reminders free of charge. We have compiled a list on the resources page of our website . While we do not endorse any of these services, we believe that any of those listed should meet the needs of members who are looking for email yahrzeit reminders.

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
 
BaMa'gal B'nei Mitzvah Group
Saturday, November 25, 2017
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Shabbat dinner and activities for families with children planning a bar or bat mitzvah within the next two years and youth who have recently had a bar or bat mitzvah in the past 12 months. For more information visit the BMG page or contact timnagw@gmail.com.
 
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
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 *note new date*
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, location TBA, please rsvp to info@orh.ca
An informal discussion about work-life transitions. Share experiences and resources and, discuss future activities. 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.
 
Shabbat Morning with Torah Service
Saturday, December 2, 2017
9:45 AM - 12:15 PM, Fellowship Hall, Unitarians
Shaharit service of morning blessings and songs, including Torah service, a participatory discussion of the day’s portion, followed by Kiddush/pot luck luncheon.
 
Special Human Rights Shabbat
Friday, December 8, 2017
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Room 5, lower level of Unitarians
A special Kabbalat Shabbat service in honour of International Human Rights Day: A Human Rights Shabbat. We celebrate the deep intersections between Judaism and human rights, joining a network of other communities throughout the U.S. and Canada to turn the Shabbat of International Human Rights Day into a time for learning and commitment to action​.

Reconstructionist News
 
Save the Date: Reconstructionist Convention 2018 takes place November 15-18, 2018 in Philadelphia. The planning committee is now designing a phenomenal program based on member input. Come together as a community to sing, pray, learn, eat and play. Strengthen networks and deepen connections. Mark 50 years of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Celebrate, learn, and create a Judaism that is Rooted and Relevant.
 
Reconstructionism Today
The latest issue of Reconstructionism Today can be found at: http://eepurl.com/c3bDXP.

In The Ottawa Community
* = New item this week
 
* Palestine then and now: The Balfour Declaration and its current relevance.  Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7:00 pm  at the Unitarian Congregation 30 Cleary Ave.  Film and panel discussion featuring Corey Balsam, National Coordinator of Independent Jewish Voices and Professor Nadia Abu Zahra.  FREE. Sponsored by the Global Justice Committee of First Unitarian Congregation. The minister at First Unitarians especially welcomes OrH members to attend.
 
* Chanukah Music on The Bells of the Parliament Peace Tower. On Wednesday, December 14 from noon to 12:15, Dominion Carilloneur Dr. Andrea McCrady will play Chanukah music on the Peace Tower carillon. Come to Parliament Hill for a unique Chanukah musical experience. For info, call Evelyn Greenberg 613-234-8934.
 
Holocaust Education Month Events. A complete listing of all events marking Holocaust Education Month can be found at jewishottawa.com/hem. 
 
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 dreidles.  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, 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 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.

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 M.,  communications@orh.ca
Secretary: David L.,  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.