From the Rabbi

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Newsletter

Words of the Spirit

Elusive Words Towards Peace.
Words.
They are usually my friend. They bless me with their familiarity and function.
Now, they are elusive.

I rely on words to carry not just thoughts, but insight.
I feel bereft of insight, and so am leery of words.
And yet.

We need still to gather them up, to fill our baskets of bereavement, of fear, to do something in our wide-eyed sadness. To arrange them in ways that tell the story of our visceral pain as well as our unassailable values.

It’s deeply challenging to come to language in this moment. 

So I will call upon the poets’ and colleagues’ words to which I can say amen.

I will hold Peace in my arms,
and share my body’s breath,
lest Peace be added
to the body count.
-from Taking Sides by Rabbi Irwin Keller, October 18, 2023

We affirm what should not need to be said: Murdering civilians is a war crime, taking civilians hostage is a war crime, and targeting civilians with missiles is a war crime. There is no justification for these acts of terror. We call on all those who believe in the sanctity of human life to join us in affirming these truths.

“God, listen to my cry; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy.” (Psalm 130:2)
-from a clergy letter released on October 23, 2023 from Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights [N.B. due to a technical error, the location accompanying my signature is in the U.S.]

This is the time to stand on the side of humanity. To protect civilians. To imagine a future when Israelis and Palestinians both live in safety and with dignity.
-from an essay on Reconstructing Judaism’s Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations by Rabbi Laurie Zimmerman, October 17, 2023

Oh, my own life is all I can hope to control
Oh, let my life be lived for the good
Good of my soul
Let it bring

Peace
Sweet peace
Peace will come
And let it begin with me
-from Peace Will Come by Tom Paxton

[Click on each hot link for the full text or video]

Recent Events - Information and Resources

URGENT NEED - for knitted black toques for IDF soldiers.
 
If you knit or crochet, or if you have friends who knit or crochet, and you want to help the Israeli cause in a small yet tangible way, please follow the attached pattern(s) and knit or hook away!
 
Use 5mm needles (crochet), 5.5 mm (knit) and for circular needles, use 12’’ to 16’’ length, and black worsted weight wool. 
 
Here are the patterns: 
For crochet patterns, click here for the "Easy Crochet Hat–Free Pattern - EverythingEtsy.com"

For Knitting patterns, click here.

If you don't knit but would like to help with hats, consider purchasing and donating black yarn. Please contact Merle to order/donate wool.
To comply with the soldiers' requests and army regulations, yarn must be machine washable, plain black worsted weight yarn. Superwash acrylic works well. 
 
Contact is Merle Haltrecht-Matte (savtamerle@gmail.com)
 
Thank you for your contributions. 
Todah rabah
OrH Hesed committee

Jewish Pride and Self-Advocating in a Time of Wary
Supporting our Young People at this Challenging Time 
Thursday, October 26
@6:30pm 
 Soloway JCC, 21 Nadolny Sachs. Pvt. 
This event is for youth in Grades 7-12. Parents Welcome. 

Activist  Ben M. Freeman will offer strong, practical advice for Jewish teens on the importance of Jewish pride and identity in facing adversity and how to deal with antisemitism, ignorance, and simply living as a Jewish teen during these difficult times. Additionally, a friendly space will be available for teenagers to socialize and bond, complete with complimentary refreshments and snacks. A Q&A with parents will also take place. 
Registration is required. Click here to register.

Havdalah for Hostages
Oct. 28 at 7:30 pm
Parliament Hill 

We invite you to stand in unity and unwavering solidarity at a meaningful Havdalah ceremony this Saturday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. on Parliament Hill. Together, we will send a powerful message of hope and support for over 20 Israeli children and more than 200 adults held hostage by Hamas terrorists.
Details: Saturday, October 28, at 7:30 pm
Where: Parliament Hill

Please bring your Havdalah candles, and Israeli flags,
and let’s light up the darkness with our flames. 
Security will be present at the event. We encourage people to travel in groups. Should there be a counter-protest, we urge participants not to engage. 

For more information, please email Jodi Green at jgreen@JewishOttawa.com. 

Coming Up At ORH

Showing of the Documentary Film “Passage to Freedom”
Nov 1 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm) Unitarian Congregation,
30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa

The Joint 1st Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa and Or Haneshamah Refugee Committee are pleased to present Passage to Freedom, a 2022 Canadian documentary film, directed by Sheila Petzold. Passage to Freedom describes firsthand the dire conditions faced by Southeast Asian refugees who embarked on perilous voyages from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to Canada.
The film is produced by Hearts of Freedom, a major oral history research project based at Carleton University that includes 173 video-taped interviews of former refugees from these three countries, government officials, and Canadian sponsors who welcomed them. All the interviews are available at the project website at https://heartsoffreedom.org/

This showing is in support of the refugee work of the two organizations. A donation box will be available at the entrance. We suggest a donation of $10.00 a person. There will also be a silent auction.

The director and one of the researchers will be there to answer any questions after the showing. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch this powerful film. 

New Members Shabbat

Don’t forget to mark your calendars!

Are you a new OrH member? Join us in Worship Hall on Saturday, November 4, and let us celebrate you. Are you a long-time OrH member? Then come along and welcome our newest members. There will be activities for all, words of inspiration and insight from our esteemed Rabbi Liz, and a community potluck luncheon to follow.

Double Chai Gala
Sunday, November 26
5pm - 8pm

It’s been 36 years of Or Haneshamah/Ottawa Reconstructionist Havurah’s official presence in Ottawa. It’s been 10 years since we welcomed Rabbi Liz as our Rabbi, and 10 years since we began meeting consistently at First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. We have a lot to celebrate. Break out your fancy hats and sequins and don’t forget to mark Sunday, November 26 on your calendar. A silent auction, an elegant sit-down dinner, and musical talent Socalled! ​​​​​​​ These are just a handful of the ways we’re partying it up. 

Do you have a special item you want to contribute to the silent auction? Please reply to this email and we will forward your info to the auction coordinator. Some ideas include unique jewelry, art, pottery, tickets to something interesting, special books, handmade objects… Use your imagination!

Member News

Hesed: OrH’s Caring Committee

Hesed, often translated as “loving kindness,” is OrH’s “Caring Committee.” Hesed can provide caring, practical support to OrH members and their immediate families in times of need. We are a committee of 5 - 8 members who coordinate a database of volunteers who stand ready to assist their fellow-congregants. We offer (in part): Life Cycle Support, such as facilitating the provision of Shiva service leadership, organizing a minyan, providing meals for a grieving family, temporary Respite Support during illness, and Social Support. More information can be found on the Hesed page (found under the Connect button) of the OrH website. 

Members of the Hesed Committee rotate the co-ordinatorship every two months. The coordinator for October is Verna Schwartz. You may reach the co-ordinator by email at hesed@orh.ca or by phone, by accessing their contact information in the Member Directory, available to any OrH member logged in to the OrH website. We do not publish personal phone numbers in the OrH newsletter.

Upcoming Services and Events

Showing of the Documentary Film “Passage to Freedom”
Wednesday, November 1 
Worship Hall, 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa
7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm)

New Members Shabbat 
Saturday, November 4
Worship Hall and Zoom
10:00 am - 12:00 pm 
Potluck Luncheon to Follow

Freylekh Friday
Friday, November 10
Room 5 and Fellowship Hall 
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Teddy Bear Shabbat (in-person only)
Register Here
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Shabbat potluck, Kabbalat Shabbat, and Guest Speaker Jenny Burns (In-person and via Zoom) 
Register Here

Shabbat Limmud
Saturday, November 18
ONLY ONLY
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Double Chai Gala
Sunday, November 26
Fellowship Hall and Worship Hall
5 PM - 8 PM
Click Here to Register

Reconstructionist Events

*Indicates new items. 

* Join the MORDECAI KAPLAN CENTER FOR JEWISH PEOPLEHOOD for special programming in 5784 in honour of Kaplan’s 40th yartsayt and the 90th anniversary of his hallmark work, Judaism as a Civilization: What Remains Revelatory in the 21st Century in Mordecai Kaplan’s Thought? with Drs. David Ellenson, Arnie Eisen, and Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer (RRC '82), moderated by Dr. Eric Caplan. 

Sunday, November 12, 2023 @ 3pm ET |  Register here
The first of a three-part series in honor of the 40th Yahzeit of Mordecai Kaplan and the 90th anniversary of Judaism as a Civilization!

Co-sponsored by Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Reconstructing Judaism, The Jewish Publication Society, Linda Rich and Ittai Hershman, Rabbi Jeffrey Weill, and RRA Members Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben (HUC '76), Rabbi Dennis Sasso (RRC '74), Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso (RRC '74)

Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 3pm Eastern
The Hanukkah Gift to the Jewish People and World that Keeps on Giving with Drs. Rabbi Deborah Waxman (RRC '99) and Elias Sacks on the significance of Judaism as a Civilization as we approach the 90th anniversary of its publication in 1934. Co-sponsored by Reconstructing Judaism, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, & The Jewish Publication Society

Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 3pm Eastern
The Great Kaplanian Report Card: Valley Beth Shalom as a Kaplanian Playground with Rabbis Ed Feinstein and Jeffrey Schein (RRC '77) on the successes and challenges of implementing the Judaism as a Civilization program. Co-sponsored by The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and The Jewish Publication Society

* Ritual Well Courses 
Looking online for creative Jewish learning, inspiration, and connection? Check out these UPCOMING CLASSES on ritualwell.org :

Spiritual Revolutionaries: The Ba’al Shem Tov
with Rabbi Daniel Raphael Silverstein
Mondays, Oct. 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 20, 27 @ 1 p.m. Eastern

Honoring Heirloom through Words: Writing to Discover & Declutter
with Ellen Blum Barish & Gari Julius Wilbacher
Wednesdays, Oct. 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8 @ 12 p.m. Eastern

Community Events

Make A Will Month Presentation
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
1:00 PM to 2:00 pm AND 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Are you prepared for life’s unexpected twists and turns? Discover the critical importance of having an up-to-date Will and Powers of Attorney by joining us on Wednesday, November 15th at 1:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. for an informative presentation hosted by Merovitz Potechin LLP, a local full-service law firm.

Presentation Highlights:

• Learn the fundamental principles of estate planning and why it is crucial for everyone, regardless of your age or wealth;
• Understand why having an up-to-date Will is the cornerstone of any comprehensive estate plan. Discover how it ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are taken care of; and
• Explore the critical role of Powers of Attorney in safeguarding your financial and healthcare decisions. Find out how these documents provide peace of mind during life’s unexpected turns. 

Presentation Speakers:
Yasmin M. Vinograd, Managing Partner and Estate Litigation Lawyer at Merovitz Potechin LLP.
Patrick R.J. Fontaine, Wills & Estates Lawyer at Merovitz Potechin LLP.

The presentation is free.
Please register in advance @spotechin@jccottawa.com  

The Dybbuk - movie and discussion - IN PERSON
In this mystical tale of lovers and supernatural possession, two friends tempt fate by betrothing their unborn children only to be thwarted years later. Chonen the young lover (Leon Liebgold, Tevye) turns to the dangerous power of Kabbalah to win back his love (Lili Liliana, Kol Nidre). Made in 1937 in Yiddish with English subtitles, this “Hasidic Gothic,” The Dybbuk, shines a light on Poland on the eve of WWII. Discussion and Q & A after the film. In partnership with the Vered Jewish Canadian Studies Program at Ottawa U.
Wednesday, November 22 from 7:00 - 9:40 pm
Cost: $10 per person

Board of Directors

Chair: Andrea, president@orh.ca 
Vice President: Gabrielle, gabrielle@orh.ca
Past President: Carolyn, carolyn@orh.ca 
Treasurer: Janice, treasurer@orh.ca
Secretary: Emmet, secretary@orh.ca
Communications: Andrea, communications@orh.ca
Membership: TBD
Volunteer Coordinator: TBD
Interim Member-at-large: Sarah, sarah@orh.ca  
Interim Member-at-large: Ari, ari@orh.ca
 

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.