OrH Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter

28 August 2018

Seeking Hosts For Shabbat-Around-The-Table 
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. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. We are currently seeking hosts for the Fall, beginning with our first SATT on September 28. If you are interested in hosting in September, or any future date, please contact our SATT coordinator Jan at jjottawa@hotmail.com. Just provide the date(s) you would like to host, and a short description that lets people know the details, such as how many spaces you have, any food specifications, the neighbourhood you live in, and anything else to imprint your own style on the evening.

August Board Report To The Community
Although the summer is a quiet time for our members in terms of OrH programming, for your Board, activity begins to ramp up after the AGM. After the handover meeting in June, Board members familiarize themselves with their new roles and responsibilities. We had a very successful Board retreat at the home of members Barb Legowski and Lew Auerbach. Halina Siedlikowski and I were vey lucky to have Ken Victor to help us plan the retreat and Hope Harris to deliver it. Our focus this year was on defining roles and responsibilities on the Board. This work will continue throughout the year. It will help us with Board recruitment, succession planning, and carrying out our work in the best possible way.
 
The summer is also an important time for us to plan our Tishrei events. Stepping up as High Holiday Co-ordinator we have the able services of Stuart Boonov.
 
Let me also thank the below mentioned people who have volunteered to do the following:
 
Machaneh Shabbat Liaison: Sarah Feldberg
BMG Liasions: Timna Gorber, Orly Lewkowicz-Kelly
Shabbat Torah reader and Set-up Recruiter: Jackie Langsner
Hesed Committee Chair: Jean Hanson
Sukkoth coordinator: Natalie Brender
Newsletter editor: Ari Rosberg
 
This is by no means a complete list of members who offer their time, leadership skills, and good heart to our community- rather a sampling of positions filled for the upcoming year. Still needed at this time is an overall Festival Co-ordinator. It is a pleasure to acknowledge their ready willingness to serve us all.
 
In other news, OrH has a new arrangement with Unitarians. In addition to our office, we now have Room 5 for our exclusive use. After the New Year, OrH groups will be able to book Room 5 as needed – stand by for more information as it becomes available.
 
Let me conclude by saying, how much I have learned, and how enjoyable it has been to step into the position as your interim president. We have a loving, lively community, and it has been lots of fun so far!
 
- Monica Rosenthal, Interim Board President

Introducing Guf Va’nefesh – Body-Mind-Spirit Integration Classes
Do you want to try something new?  Beginning in September, ORH member Tana Saler will be leading a monthly class at Unitarians that explores the connections between body and mind.
 
Guf Va’Nefesh means literally Body and Mind (Soul). Simply expressed, your mind (thoughts and emotions) affects your body (i.e. posture, breathing, muscle tension) and your body state affects your state of mind. Experiencing and truly understanding the mind-body continuum has practical life applications, Tana demonstrates, for health, well-being, creativity and more. The goal of the workshops is for participants to acquire self-awareness and self-regulation skills for more peaceful, fulfilling and effective living.
 
First class is Wednesday, September 5th, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Room 5, lower-level Unitarians. For more information, visit www.orh.ca/gufvanafesh​​​​​​​. 

Macaneh Shabbat Registration Now Open!
Registration for the 2018-19 Machaneh Shabbat is now open. An engaging and enriching program is currently being planned and we look forward to seeing you and your children in September. If you have any friends with school age children looking for a unique Jewish education experience, tell them about Machaneh Shabbat! For more information visit www.orh.ca/machaneh-shabbat or contact educator@orh.ca.

Sing in the Key of Awe for the New Year
Everyone is welcome to join the OrH INSTANT CHOIR for our Rosh Hashanah morning, Kol Nidre evening, and Yom Kippur morning services this fall. Rehearsals start August 16 on the lower level at 30 Cleary Avenue. Full schedule at https://www.orh.ca/event/instant-choir18. 

This is a soul-full and heartfelt way to contribute to our services, and has been a highlight for many. Ability to read music NOT required – just bring your joy of singing (and a pencil!). Let Rabbi Liz know if you are planning to attend at rabbi@orh.ca.

Calling all Selihot Singers
Join the cadre of singers who grace the bimah alone (or in pairs) to lead one or more of the musical liturgical passages of the High Holy Days. Rabbi Liz is eager to welcome voices new and voices old! If you just love singing Avinu Malkeynu or one of the other passages in the mahzor, please share your ruach/spirit. Email rabbi@orh.ca. 

High Holy Days Schedule
The full schedule of this year's High Holy Day services and events is now available on the OrH Website. We will shortly be sending out invitations to our past Tishrey visitors and guests to join us again this year. If you have immediate family members who are not covered by a household membership or have friends or family visiting from out-of-town, they may attend our services for only $36 per person per holiday. Registration should be done online at www.orh.ca/form/tishrey-guest-2018.html (member account login required).

Rosh Hashanah Potluck
If you are planning to attend the lunch on Rosh Hashanah, we would appreciate if you could bring a food offering. A link to the electronic sign-up sheet can be found on the High Holiday information page (www.orh.ca/high-holy-day-events.html)  or directly at https://tinyurl.com/y8hbrexu. Please note that as is our custom, we welcome vegetarian, dairy, egg, and fish contributions for potlucks, and ask that you bring enough for your own party and 4-5 others.

Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Text Study: Our Questions about Death and its Arrangements
Our text study on the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah will be led by Judith Wouk, and focus on the question:  what does it mean to have a “good death?” Starting from texts of the death stories of Biblical and Talmudic figures, we will consider: Did s/he die a “good death?” What is the role of preparation for death on each of the four planes: physical (advance directives, will, list of bank accounts, passwords), intellectual (funeral plans, Chevra Kadisha, burial, cremation, new technologies, donating to medical schools), emotional (speaking with family about one’s wishes) and spiritual (teshuvah, making amends, bringing more simplicity into death planning)?

Exploring Judaism
A Course for Inquisitive Jews, their Significant Others, Those Considering Adult B’nei Mitzvah or Conversion, and Seekers of Knowledge of Jewish Life

This 15-week course is designed for those hoping to deepen their understanding of their Jewish heritage, for those exploring Judaism as a spiritual and religious tradition, as well as for those considering conversion to Judaism. The full curriculum is covered in 30 classes, and participants are welcome to join at the beginning of any fall session.

Participants will learn about Jewish values and practices through primary text study and seminar-style classes. Highly interactive, the course explores the major value concepts of Judaism, and offers a chance to wrestle with fundamental questions while learning and interacting with others, and with the tradition’s texts and practices. 

Classes begin October 4, 2018 and meet mostly on 1st and 3rd Thursdays through May 19, 2019. Cost is $360 (50% discount for full members of ORH). Register at www.orh.ca or for more information email learning@orh.ca. 

Upcoming Services and Events

Guf Va'Nafesh: Mind-Body-Spirit Integration Class
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 • 25 Elul 5778
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Room 5, lower level Unitarians

Shabbat Morning with Torah Service
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Shaharit service of morning blessings and songs, including Torah service, a participatory discussion of the day’s portion, followed by Kiddush/pot luck luncheon

Erev Rosh Hashanah
Sunday, September 9, 2018 
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Fellowship Hall

Rosh Hashanah Day 1
Monday, September 10, 2018 
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Sanctuary, followed by Potluck lunch in Fellowship Hall.

Tashlich
Monday, September 10, 2018
5:30 PM - 5:45 PM, location TBA

Rosh Hashanah Day 2
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
9:30 AM, Room 5, Lower level Unitarians

Reconstructionist News
 
Exciting Opportunity for Emerging Reconstructionist Leaders
The Shapiro Fellowship for Emerging Reconstructionist Leaders is designed to engage young adults (ages 22-35) in the Reconstructionist movement and to enhance their ability to shape the future as the next generation of community leaders. Over the next year, participants will study together, share ideas and create meaningful opportunities for ongoing connection.
 
Applicants selected as 2018-19 Fellows will come together, in person, at the November movement-wide convention in 2018, and will continue meeting virtually throughout the year to deepen their shared identity, support each other's local projects and work together to identify the collective needs of their cohort. Convention attendance by Fellows is required for participation in the program and will be subsidized.
 
Established through the generosity of Don and Arlene Shapiro, this pilot fellowship project will cover the full price of Convention registration for ten Reconstructionist-identified young people, as well as the cost of a shared hotel and a travel allowance. During the 4-day convention, participants will convene as a cohort for facilitated conversations and in-depth learning, with access to the opportunities of the full Convention.
 
Who can participate? If you're a layperson or staff member between the ages of 22-35, identify as a Reconstructionist, and are committed to offering your talent and energy to your Jewish community, you are invited to apply.
 
Apply online at https://reconstructionistevents.wufoo.com/forms/p1s4j1og13tccvu/? by August 31, 2018. Applicants will be notified by September 7. 
 
New program for young adults to travel to Israel: Urban Kibbutz Social Change
Reconstructing Judaism has asked us to share with you information on a new program for young adults (ages 20-30) that provides financial subsidies for all participants: Urban Kibbutz Social Change. The program is run by Ameinu in cooperation with Dror Israel, the largest urban kibbutz movement in Israel. Participants live communally in Haifa, volunteer in a range of social action settings alongside their Israeli counterparts, study Hebrew and tour around Israel. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/y8rmtd62 or contact Kenneth Bob at kennethbob@gmail.com (and let him know you heard about the program from your shul by way of Affiliate Support at Reconstructing Judaism).
 
Reconstructionist Learning Networks
Reconstructing Judaism offer unique learning opportunities around three core topic areas: Innovation and Growth, Education and Administration, Spirituality and Justice. Learning Networks are free to members and staff of the affiliates of Reconstructing Judaism and members of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA). Learn more or register at: https://tinyurl.com/y9q9yuhf. 
 
Announcing Network Immersions in collaboration with Ritualwell.
Network Immersions are new, in-depth, fee-based courses that require some coursework and a willingness to bring your creative energy and commitment. This year we are offering courses in Food Justice, Seasons of Our Earth, Death and Mourning, Writing Contemporary Liturgy, Ritual for Trauma and Healing, Jewish Queer Ritual, Forgiveness and Spirituality for Therapists. Members and staff of Reconstructionist affiliated communities and Network subscribers receive a 10% discount. Learn more or register at: https://tinyurl.com/y9q9yuhf. 

Reconstructionism Today
The latest issue of Reconstructionism Today can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/ydce3wxy. 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 and Announcements
 
Learn to Read Hebrew. Have you always wanted to learn to read Hebrew? Now is your chance! Join Rabbi Deborah Zuker for a 6-week crash course in Hebrew reading. Designed for beginners with no previous knowledge of Hebrew, this course will walk you through each of the letters and vowels, and develop your ability to successfully read and decode Hebrew. Meetings will be Tuesday mornings, October 9th through November 13th, 9:30-10:30am at Kehillat Beth Israel. Cost: $18 for Hebrew workbook. To register or for more information, please e-mail Rabbi Zuker at rabbizuker@kehillatbethisrael.com . Registration deadline is August 31st; the course will only take place with minimum of 8 students, so if you are interested please be in touch soon.
  
Community Opportunities

* Jr. High Our Whole Lives (OWL) Parent Info Session. Our friends of at First Unitarians have brought this important session to our attention, It is highly recommended by Rabbi Liz: Parents are invited to come learn more about the Sexuality Education opportunity available at First Unitarian this year! OWL for 12-14 year olds is a comprehensive and progressive sexuality education program that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. Come learn more about this holistic program, meet some of this year’s facilitators, and find out if OWL is right for your family this year!
 
Parent info session: September 9th, 2018 12:30pm in Room 2, Unitarians. Orientation and Program Opening Weekend: September 30th, 2018 **Note new date***. Registration coming soon. Contact ourwholelives.ottawa@gmail.com with any questions!

The Gamliel Institute has announced a new course being offered this October. It is the Nechamah course (“Comfort” – both of the sick and of mourners), which is Course #4 in the series. The class begins on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 and meets on Tuesdays for 12 weeks, with the last class on December 25. You can sign up at: http://www.jewish-funerals.org/gamreg​​​​​​​. 
 
The goal of the course is to provide practical skills for some of the more difficult situations we encounter in our Chevrah Kadisha work. For example, we have a session for practical skills for nichum aveilim (comforting mourners) and bikkur cholim (visiting the sick). Other topics discussed include “aging Jewishly,” challenging situations, and some issues around cremation. We will discuss how we relate to families, and how we use prayer and song in the work of comforting. The practical facets of advance directives and organ donation are covered. One of the most important elements of our Nechamah course is the opportunity for each student to examine his/her feelings and ideas about death, and to share them with other students. Our work with our Chevrah Kadisha groups will have more meaning, and will be more effective, if we have come to terms with our personal mindsets about death.

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
Interim President (until Dec 2018): Monica, president@orh.ca
Treasurer: Jacob, treasurer@orh.ca
Interim Secretary (until Dec 2018): Martine, secretary@orh.ca
Communications: David, communications@orh.ca
Learning: Michael, learning@orh.ca
Membership: Barbara, membership@orh.ca
Member-at-Large (Shabbat-Around-the-Table): Jan, member-at-large.jan@orh.ca
Member-at-Large (Hesed/Caring Committeee): Jean, member-at-large.jean@orh.ca
Member-at-Large (Membership): Sharon, member-at-large.sharon@orh.ca
Interim Member-at-Large (until Dec 2018): Halina, member-at-large.halina@orh.ca
Past President: Paula, 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.