About Us

Connect, belong and be joyful with Or Haneshamah – Light of the Spirit – Ottawa’s Reconstructionist Community. We are egalitarian and inclusive, with an open door, open hearts and open minds.

If you are looking for an authentic relationship with Judaism from a place of questioning, or if you want to belong or “return” to Jewish connection and spirituality, Or Haneshamah welcomes you. You will explore Jewish identity informed by Reconstructionist philosophy and the extended network of Reconstructionist communities.

Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton is our dynamic spiritual leader serving as rabbi and cantor. With her guidance, we share traditional rituals, meaningful prayer and meditation, Torah study and joyous song. She brings wisdom and fresh spirit to the wider Jewish community and to interfaith relations .

We provide creative learning for adults, children and youth. We commit to helping others, and sharing what matters in our lives, our community and our planet. At all times, we seek to help members as individuals, and our community as a collective, to flourish as Jews in the 21st century.

We enthusiastically share the responsibilities that make our community thrive, not only through financial support but also with the intentional commitment of our time towards ritual events, community activities and leadership, each of us according to our abilities and means.

If our community values resonate with you, check us out. Send your inquiries to info@orh.ca.

Learn more about the history of Or Haneshamah and the Reconstructionist Movement here.