OrH Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter

4 September 2018

Words of the Spirit

Joy for the New Year
How many of us contemplate the Jewish date as we go about our lives? At some times of the year it becomes more relevant than at others, of course. These fall holy days, Passover in the spring (or late winter, depending upon the local weather), remind us of the various ways our ancestors determined the “head of the year,” a literal translation for Rosh Hashanah.
 
I’m contemplating the year aspect of the date – 5779. At the same time that we launch the year, concluding the Tishrey month of holidays with the scrolling back to the beginning of Torah on Simchat Torah, we mark a series of themes. The big ones on Rosh Hashanah, malkhuyot/sovereignty, zikhronot/remembrance, shofarot/calling, all have significant liturgical components that put their stamp on our yontif experience.
 
There’s a sleeper theme, though, that is reflected quietly in that number. The rabbis of yore determined that the world’s birthday was the 1st of Tishrey. After each of the shofar blasts that accompany the Rosh Hashanah themes, this text is traditionally pronounced:

Hayom harat olam - Today, the world is born! Today shall stand before you all the beings of the cosmos, whether as your children or your servants … be gracious, rendering judgment for the good on our behalf, as clear as light …

[Kol Haneshamah: Prayerbook for the Days of Awe, p. 651]

This is our “Happy Birthday” song to Creation! We put ourselves right into the picture. Imagine a child-like drawing of a set of humans, like the one you (I!) drew in kindergarten, pasted over an image of the cosmos. That’s how we understand our use of the imagined year-since-Creation date that we put on our Jewish calendars, in our Jewish new year greeting messages, and to pair with the dates of those who will be born - or will die – in the year ahead.
 
Our joy and our solemnity are bound up in the shift from 5778 to 5779. Birth! Newness! A Change to Start Again! … Death. Memories. Regrets. Atonement … and then … Our People’s Sacred Narrative, Told, and Interpreted, Again!
 
What a party is this month we are about to enter, with all its ritual drama – candles; cake (ours was a particular style of apple cake); something new to wear; family, friends and synagogue – and that birthday song. When we gather to sing Hayom harat olam this Rosh Hashanah, imprint on your heart your own wishes for the year 5779. Let the song, the shofar calls, the messages, and the community in which we are delighted to gather, fill you with hopefulness for all that is possible in the year to come. Happy New Year – Shana Tova!
 
-Rabbi Liz

Tishrey Visitor Registration for High Holidays
Rosh Hashanah is less than a week away. If you plan to join us for High Holiday services, please note that online Tishrey Visitor registration closes on Friday September 7, 2018. Please be aware that for security reasons, advanced registration is required to attend our High Holiday services, including those for which there is no cost (Erev Rosh Hashanah). After that date, you may register in person at the door on September 9 or 10. Please ensure you arrive with cash or cheque payment and photo ID. To register to attend OrH High Holiday services please visit www.orh.ca/tishrey-high-holy-day-visitors.html. 

September Shabbat-Around-The-Table 
Our first Shabbat Around The Table for the New Year will take place on September 28 at the home of OrH member Miriam Michelle. Her theme is:

"Allowing ourselves to fall into the period of gratitude and celebration of the harvesting time of year. What does this look like in our personal and family lives?  Please bring as much locally and naturally grown foods as possible, especially foods purchased directly from producers!!"

Please contact Miriam Michelle at: meyernd@drmmeyernd.ca if you would like to attend. She lives in the west end. Thanks, Michelle!
 
For more information about Shabbat Around the Table visit: www.orh.ca/sat.html. 

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, relationships, 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.

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. 

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 15-week course taught by Rabbi Liz for Inquisitive Jews, Their Significant Others, Those Considering Adult B’nei Mitzvah or Conversion, and Seekers of Knowledge of Jewish Life.
 
This 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
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
 
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 (note new date). 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. 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.