OrH Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter

May 8, 2018

May OrH JED Talk
Join us on Friday, May 11, at 8:00 pm (following Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6:30 and potluck supper at 7:30) for a JED (Jewish Education and Dialogue) presentation and discussion with OrH member David Brooks on "Putting water first, not last, in any Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement".
 
Also note our last JED Talk of the season:
June 8 - "Hospice Care in Ottawa" with Heni Nadel.
 
For more information visit the JED Talk page at www.orh.ca/jed.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Join us for a joint Tikkun Leil Shavuot in partnership with Temple Israel and Kehillat Beth Israel, at KBI, 1400 Coldrey Ave, Saturday, May 19, 2018, 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm. Come celebrate Shavuot with a deep dive into the Torah of Healing. We’ll sing and pray and learn. The evening will begin with a jointly-led communal evening service for the Shavuot festival, followed by an overview of the new joint Spiritual Care Training Program, and two parallel learning sessions, including one offered by Rabbi Liz: "Towards the End of Life's Journey: Deep listening through texts, songs, and stories about life and death, grief and healing." Refreshments will be provided. For more information visit: www.orh.ca/event/shavuot2018.

Shabbat Around the Table and Shira
This month's Shabbat Around the Table on Friday, May 25, will be hosted at a member's home in the Highland Park neighborhood. Dinner will begin at 6pm and will be followed by a Shira (music and singing) evening. Bring your instruments and copies (if you own one) of Rise Up Singing and Rise Again! The host has a drum, piano and guitar. The evening will include Hebrew and English songs. Feel free to come for dessert and singing if you can’t make it for dinner. Please bring a dessert contribution to share.
 
To attend either the Shabbat dinner or the Shira please email learning@orh.ca.
 
Shabbat Around the Table is a monthly Shabbat dinner hosted in a member's 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. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. If you are interested in hosting for June 22 please contact Jan at jjottawa@hotmail.com. If you are hesitant because you are not quite sure which prayers to say when, don’t worry: there is always somebody who knows the baruchas, so don’t let this stop you from the joy of hosting. For more info visit: https://www.orh.ca/sat.html. 

MHI Tulipathon
OrH is an institutional member of the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI), which helps provide and maintain affordable housing to Ottawa residents. MHI's major annual fundraising event, the Tulipathon, will take place Sunday, May 27, 2018 at 2:30 at Commissioner’s Park (across from the Dow’s Lake pavilion). See more information at http://www.multifaithhousing.ca/tulipathon.html. 
 
At the Shabbat Morning service on Saturday, May 5, Rabbi Liz and Chris Lewis will lead a discussion about the work of MHI and the Tulipathon. Or Haneshamah won the best banner award last year!
 
If you would like to make a donation in support of this year’s event, please click on this link: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/multifaith-housing-initiative/p2p/tulipathon2018, and  be sure to indicate that you are part of Or Haneshmah. If you prefer to donate directly, you can contact Chris Lewis at christina.lewis@sympatico.ca for a pledge form.

Ottawa Pastoral Care Training Course
The Rabbis Council of Ottawa (rabbis from OrH, KBI and Temple) are offering a 10-week course for those interested in providing support to those who are ill or dying. The course takes place Tuesday evenings, 7-9 pm., May 22 to July 24, 2018 at Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Drive. A Jewish pastoral care team’s role is rooted in Jewish values such as ‘bikkur cholim’ (visiting the sick) and ‘gemilut hasadim’ (deeds of loving-kindness) and caring for the weak and needy. This 10 week course will comprise six general sessions given by trainers from the Ottawa Pastoral Care Training Program and four sessions given by rabbis from the Rabbis Council of Ottawa that relate to the specific needs of Jewish patients. For more information visit: www.orh.ca/pastoral-training. Note that those who are interested in the training but require assistance in paying the course fee, please contact info@orh.ca. 

Upcoming Services and Events
 
Jewish Mindfulness Meditation
Thursday, May 10, 2018
7:15 PM - 9:15 PM, **Room 9**, lower level of Unitarians  (Note: Room change)
A learning activity open to all who want to explore, learn, grow and share a mindfulness experience with a Jewish perspective. Affiliation with a Jewish organization is not required. No RSVP required. No fee. More information at www.orh.ca/jmm.html. 
 
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, May 11, 2018
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Room 5, lower level of Unitarians
Kabbalat Shabbat followed by potluck vegetarian supper and JED Talk at 8 PM.
 
JED Talk: "Putting water first, not last, in any Israeli-Palestinian Peace Agreement"
Friday, May 11, 2018
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Room 5, lower level of Unitarians
Presentation and discussion with OrH member David Brooks. More information at www.orh.ca/event/jed-talk-17-18-8.
 
Shavuot - Healing Together
Saturday, May 19, 2018 • 5 Sivan 5778
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM at Kehillat Beth Israel, 1400 Coldrey Ave
A joint Tikkun Leil Shavuot in partnership with Temple Israel and Kehillat Beth Israel. The evening will consist of a communal evening service for the Shavuot festival and parallel learning sessions. More info at https://www.orh.ca/event/shavuot2018. 
 
Roots and Reflections
Sunday, May 20, 2018
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.
 
Shabbat-Around-the-Table
Friday, May 25, 2018
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, Member's home, Highland Park neighborhood.
To attend RSVP to learning@orh.ca. Details in the announcement above.
 
Shira/Music and Song
Friday, May 25, 2018
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Member's home, Highland Park neighborhood
An evening of music and song. Details in the announcement above. RSVP to learning@orh.ca. 
 
Bar Mitzvah/Shabbat Morning Torah Service
Saturday, June 2, 2018
9:45 AM - 12:15 PM, Worship Hall/Fellowship Hall, Unitarians
We celebrate a Bar Mitzvah at this morning's torah service. In honour of the occasion, members of the congregation are invited to a host-sponsored Kiddush luncheon in Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. Kindly RSVP by May 22 to gcimon@nac-cna.ca.

Reconstructionist News
 
Reconstructing Judaism Convention
Registration for Reconstructing Judaism Convention, November 15-18, 2018 in Philadelphia, is now open at: https://tinyurl.com/y86k3pbq. Early bird registration is available through June 30th at the price of $595 – only $20 more than the cost of the 2010 Convention! This price will increase to $650 on July 1st. Hotel reservations are open as well. You will be directed to the hotel site on the confirmation email that you will receive after registering for Convention. Convention 2018 hotel rates are on a first-come, first-served basis, and are among the most reasonable rates available in Philadelphia on that weekend.
 
Recontructing Judaism has has limited funds available for individuals who need financial assistance to attend convention. Information about applying for financial aid and donating to the Convention Scholarship Fund is available on the Convention website:https://tinyurl.com/y86k3pbq.
 
Reconstructionism Today
The latest issue of Reconstructionism Today can be found at: http://eepurl.com/drgFTX. The archive of back issues are available at: https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/article/newsletter-archive. 

In The Ottawa Community
* = New item this week
 
Community Events
 
* Jewish Family Services is holding two free workshps on issues related to aging. Tuesday, May 15, 7-9 pm is an expert panel on dementia. Tuesday, June 19, 7-8:30 pm is a session on planning for the future, including wills and powers of attorney. Sessions take place at Jewish Family Services of Ottawa, 300-2225 Carling Ave. To register and more information contact Tal Palgi 613-722-2555 x 481, tpalgi@jfsottawa.ca, or visit http://www.jfsottawa.com/news/aging-isnt-for-sissies. 
 
* The Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation is holding its Annual General Meeting, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at 7 pm. Please join us as we hear from guest speaker Gabi Ashkenazi, the former chief of the general staff of the IDF and current chair of the Rashi Philanthropic Foundation, and as we celebrate the grant and scholarship award recipients. RSVP by May 31 to Sara Miller at 613-798-4696, ext. 252, or smiller@jewishottawa.com.
 
* The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is pleased to announce the Community Service Award recipients for 2018: Michael Landau (Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award), Aaron Smith (Freiman Family Young Leadership Award & Lawrence Greenberg Young Leadership Development Award), and The Jewish Student Leaders at the University of Ottawa (Student Leadership Award). Awards will be presented at the OJCF annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 6 at 7. RSVP by May 31 to Sara Miller at 613-798-4696, ext. 252, or smiller@jewishottawa.com.
 
Community Opportunities

JFS Volunteers Needed. Jewish Family Services has the following volunteer opportunities:

• Client with some mobility issues is looking for a friendly visitor to spend time together working in her garden every week or two. JFS neighbourhood. Female preferred.
• Newcomer to Ottawa (Alta Vista area) is looking for a female companion to join her at AJA 50+ events and other events/outings. Companion to provide transportation. Client uses a walker.
• Elderly client who is visually and hearing impaired needs a visitor for about 45 min-1 hr every 2-3 weeks, at his home on Merivale Rd. Communication will need to be in writing, or by typing on your laptop in large print.

To take on any of these mitzvot, please contact the JFS Volunteer Desk at 613.722.2225, x315.

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.