OrH Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter

February 20, 2018

February Shabbat-Around-The-Table
We are still looking for a host for February's Shabbat-Around-the-Table this Friday, February 23. If you are interested in welcoming members into your home please contact Jan ASAP at jjottawa@hotmail.com. Shabbat-Around-the-Table, held on the fourth Friday of each month, is a chance for OrH members to host a Friday night shabbat dinner at their home. The hosts set the table and supply the challah, grape juice, and candles, and guests fill the table with their energy and pot-luck contributions to the meal. OrH Members and non-members are welcome to attend. More info at https://www.orh.ca/sat.html. 

Reconstructing Judaism with Tresa Grauer
Join us for breakfast and discussion this Sunday morning, February 25, 10-11:30 am, with Tresa Grauer, head of Affiliate Support for Reconstructing Judaism in Philadelphia. Tresa is in Ottawa to speak with OrH members about the new identity of the Reconstructionist movement and how it can generate meaningful engagement in our communities and beyond. The meeting will be hosted by OrH President Paula Speevak at her home in Westboro. Breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP to Paula at president@orh.ca.

Purim Celebration
This year we celebrate Purim with our friends at Temple Israel. Megillah reading and Purim Schpiel on February 28 at 7 pm. OrH members are welcome to attend Temple's Persian Purim Feast (shwarma or falafel dinner) at 6 pm. The cost for dinner is $18 for adults/$10 for children. If you wish to attend the dinner, please RSVP to: reception@templeisraelottawa.com or 613-224-1802.

Report on 2017 Annual Fundraising Campaign
The OrH Board of Directors is very pleased to report that our 2017 Annual Campaign successfully raised $22,776 – very close to our goal of $25,000. We are extremely grateful to all the donors for their generous support and commitment to our community and our Rabbi. Our fundraising is vital to sustaining our vibrant and diverse programming and the activities of our Rabbi. On behalf of our entire community, thank you to everyone who donated to the 2017 Fundraising campaign. Our board firmly believes that we are at a moment of great opportunity and we will judiciously deploy the resources you have made available to enrich our congregational lives.
 
If you missed our appeals late last year you can still donate to OrH any time through our website at http://www.orh.ca/donations.

June Tri-City Shabbaton
We are planning a Shabbaton for June 15-17 at a camp in the Laurentians
with participants from Reconstructionist communities in Ottawa, Toronto,
and Montreal. It would be a huge help if you could please take a minute to
answer the 3 questions through this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KXWVH2M. 
 
If you are interested in being part of the planning committee, willing to
lead a service, facilitate a program, help with the cooking, or any other
kind of logistical support, please email Paula at info@orh.ca.

Upcoming Services and Events
 
Reconstructing Judaism with Tresa Grauer
Sunday, February 25, 2018
10:00 AM – 11:30 in Westboro
Breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP to Paula at president@orh.ca. 
 
BaMa'gal B'nei Mitzvah Group
Saturday, February 24, 2018
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM, lower level Unitarians
Potluck Shabbat dinner and movie night! For more info contact timnagw@gmail.com.
 
Purim Celebration
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Dr
Celebrate Purim with our friends at Temple Israel. Megillah reading and Purim Schpiel at 7 pm. OrH members are welcome to attend Temple's Persian Purim Feast (shwarma or falafel dinner) at 6 pm. The cost for dinner is $18 for adults/$10 for children. If you wish to attend the dinner RSVP to: reception@templeisraelottawa.com or 613-224-1802.
 
Shabbat Morning Torah Service
Saturday, March 3, 2018
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. 
 
Roots and Reflections
Sunday, March 4, 2018 **Rescheduled from February 25**
9:45 AM - 11:30 AM, Member's home, RSVP required
A Jewish Mindfulness Meditation activity. For more information visit www.orh.ca/jmm.html, or email mindfulness@orh.ca.

Reconstructionist News
 
The Recon Movement has a New Name
Following a yearlong process, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College &
Jewish Reconstructionist Communities has adopted a new name: Reconstructing Judaism. Moving forward, Reconstructing Judaism will be the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement that encompasses the rabbinical seminary, serves congregations, and fosters a Reconstructionist approach to Judaism in the wider world. The rabbinical seminary will become the College for Reconstructing Judaism at the close of the academic year. Stay tuned for more about that at a later date. Click here to read the formal announcement. Click here for an FAQ about the change. More info on the new Recon website: www.reconstructingjudaism.org.  
 
Reconstructionism Today
The latest issue of Reconstructionism Today can be found at: http://bit.ly/2BrXWev. The archive of back issues are available at:  https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/article/newsletter-archive. 

In The Ottawa Community
* = New item this week

* Lorne Mallin's monthly Chanting and Chocolate gathering at Temple Israel takes place Monday, February 26, 7:30-9pm. Join in sacred Hebrew chanting with beautiful melodies and spiritual intention to open the heart and connect with the Divine. Lorne 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 Ugandan orphans to go to school. Contact Lorne at lorne.mallin@gmail.com or 604-222-3379.
 
* Sponsor a family's Passover seder. The Ottawa Kosher Food Bank is seeking donations of $72 to sponsor a family's Pesach bag. To donate contact the food bank at 613-728-3501 ext 235, or email michelle@kehillatbethisrael.com. 
 
* Limmud Ottawa offers another outstanding day of Jewish learning and culture on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at the SJCC. Limmud is truly a magical recipe of art, tradition, religion, spirituality and Jewish life, sprinkled with creativity and served to participants from all backgrounds, religious affiliations and age groups. Choose from multiple sessions every hour run by educators, artists, academics, performers, experts, and enthusiasts. We offer hands-on workshops, panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and this year a very special Leonard Cohen musical tribute. Registration (Early Bird $25.00; Regular $36.00) covers all sessions, performances, refreshments, and lunch. Specials for family and children. Go to limmudottawa.ca for information, registration, and programs.
 
* Annual Passover Fair at Congregation Beit Tikvah of Ottawa,15 Chartwell Ave, Sunday, March 11, 10:30 am - 4 pm. The Passover fair will feature handcrafted items in holiday fabric by Amit chapter CHW, Designs by Sharron, Israeli jewelry, books, Passover gifts, aprons, wine bags in Passover fabric. Na'amat will have Kosher for Passover wine available for pick up for those who have pre-ordered. Extra bottles will be available. A collaboration of Canadian Hadassah-Wizo (CHW) Ottawa, Na'amat Ottawa, Congregation Beit Tikvah. Contact Marilyn Schwartz at 613-828-4488 or marilyn_sch1970@yahoo.ca.
 
* Seeing Israel Through A Feminist Lens: Ottawa Women's Tour to Israel. Trip date: April 22- May 2, 2018. Deadline to register: April 1. Limited space remains to join 20 women on an exciting and unique tour of Israel sharing fun, knowledge and adventures. Speakers include Eetta Prince-Gibson, internationally award winning journalist, former editor of the Jerusalem Report, present Israel editor of Moment Magazine; Aida Tuma Sliman, one of only two female Arab members of the Knesset who will discuss equality under the law with Estee Rieder-Indursky, CEO of Nivcharot, Haredi Feminist organization, at the Knesset. Experts will also join group from Haifa University relating to the topic of post-traumatic stress disorder effects on female soldiers, refugees and others living in Israel. Other speakers include members of Women Wage Peace and Women of the Wall. Fun activities will include: jeep tour of the Golan; a visit to Yad Be Yad, a bilingual school dedicated to bringing together Jewish and Arab children; group will also prepare and share dinner with a Druze/ Arab family, tour areas such as the Tel Dan Nature Reserve and a bio-bee centre to learn how Israelis are tackling environmental issues. And more! For a full itinerary, please email agulnikpaula@gmail.com or Yaffa at yaffa.greenbaum@gmail.com.
 
*Journey to Remember: Educational adult trip to Berlin, Poland, Israel with Holocaust survivor, guides. Join a "Journey to Remember" - a "March-of-the-Living" style trip for adults. Organized by Jewish community members, Sharon & David Appotive, Randi & Ian Sherman, Bonnie & Bruce Engel, and Cybele & Lyon Hamburg, you are invited to share a moving experience and a stimulating itinerary in the company of a Holocaust survivor, engaging guides and Ottawa's Rabbi Idan Scher - while enjoying delicious local cuisine and lovely boutique hotel accommodations. The Journey begins in Berlin, proceeds to Poland and ends in Israel. It is a 17-day trip, taking place this October 2018, with very limited space available. If you are interested, please contact Shari Silverstein at 416-315-4049 or shari@thetravelnetwork.com or Cindy Berg at 416-436-7632 or cindy@thetravelnetwork.com. 
 
* Maccabi International Youth Games. Apply Today! Do you have a child who plays soccer? Register now to take part in the Maccabi International Youth Games this summer! Join 1,500 athletes, ages 14-16, from around the world for a 10-day unforgettable Israel experience, which includes sports competitions, sports clinics, Tikkun Olam (volunteering), exciting festivities and a lifetime of memories! From July 22 - August 1, 2018. More information at https://www.maccabicanada.com/the-games/maccabi-international-youth-games/. 
 
* Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation Scholarship available! The Ilana and Steven Rubin Scholarship is valued at $1,800 and is aimed to help students who wish to attend a Canadian or Israeli post-secondary institution. Students applying for the scholarship must be graduating from high school this year with at least a B average. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need through qualification for the Ontario Student Assistance Program or equivalent. The application deadline is April 13. More information at http://bit.ly/2FiLj5B, foundation@jewishottawa.com, or 613-798-4696 x270.
 
Follow Your Heart, Sunday, March 4, 9 - 11:40 am. We know that Federation donors give from the heart with the sincere desire of making a difference. "Follow Your Heart" allows you to see that difference and visit the beneficiary agencies supported by the Annual Campaign, so you can witness firsthand, the work being accomplished because of your generosity. The morning will start with breakfast at the Soloway JCC. Then we will visit three other funded agencies; Ottawa Jewish Community School, Tamir and Hillel Lodge. You followed your heart and made a gift - now join us to see how you made a DIFFERENCE.The tour is free and includes breakfast, but space is limited. Please register with Solange at sashe@jewishottawa.com or 613-798-4696 x236.  
 
Hire an Intern to support Camp B'nai Brith student staff. Could you use an intern for May/June 2018? Camp B'nai Brith of Ottawa has recently set up a unique program whereby our staff participate in a 5-6 week internship in their field of study for May/June, and then continue their employment at camp for July/August. It enables the camp to retain staff longer, and the students (1st year university students or older) to gain a summer full of relevant work experience. Please consider offering an internship at your workplace that can be presented to staff. Our staff are hard-working, motivated, and eager to learn and contribute! We hope you will consider partnering with CBB of Ottawa to help grow the next generation of Jewish leaders. If you are able to help or would like more information, please contact Cindy at cindy@cbbottawa.com or 613-244-9210.

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). 

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.