About Us

Connect with Or Haneshamah, where you will find...

an open door, open hearts, and open minds; traditional services, meditation, Torah study and chanting; discussions about what matters in our lives, our community, our world, and our planet…

Or Haneshamah, Ottawa’s Reconstructionist Community, brings together more than 100 households to explore and experience Jewish life. Through a partnership between our community leaders, rabbi, and educator, we celebrate Shabbat, festivals, and High Holy Days, and experiment with innovative approaches to enhance learning and deepen our sense of belonging.

Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton is our dynamic spiritual leader who was named by Forward in 2016 as one of North America's most inspiring rabbis. Rabbi Liz leads innovative services, offers creative learning opportunities, works with her counterparts in other congregations on community-wide programs, and provides pastoral support to individuals and families.

OrH members also offer their wisdom, skills, and energy to explore topics related to Jewish living, social issues and to provide support to one another. We offer Machaneh Shabbat Camp (ages 4-13 and their families) and BaMa'Gal (ages 11-13 and their families preparing for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah). Our inclusion of siblings, parents, and grandparents in our educational programs gives families the tools, insights, and inspiration to bring Jewish learning into family life, to reinforce what is learned in our programs. It also supports inter-faith families as parents increase their knowledge and comfort to participate in Jewish life.

Every member contributes their unique tile to our community mosaic. So, drop by, show up, connect, or join us. For more information, contact us at info@orh.ca

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