OrH Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter

19 December 2018

OrH Annual Appeal Update
We are happy to report that we have now raised just over $18,500 from 23 households. That puts us just over half-way to our goal of $30,000. We need every member and supporter of OrH to contribute whatever they can to support our community. The funds we raise from our annual appeal are absolutely critical to sustaining our programming and activities. This year we have experienced an unexpected decline in our received revenues. After taking into account fee reductions that we offer people in need, it is critical that we reach our fundraising goal.
 
For those who are able, we ask that you consider a donation significantly above the $300 average household donation that we need in order to meet our funding target. We also ask you to consider making a longer-term commitment by agreeing to an annual donation for the same amount or more for at least five years. 
 
You will receive a charitable tax receipt for your donation. That receipt will earn you a 40% tax credit, regardless of your personal income level, if you have already donated at least $200 to charities in this income tax year.
 
To donate please visit: www.orh.ca/annual-fundraising-drive.html.

Calling All Musicians! Make A Joyful Noise For Shabbat Shirah!
On January 19, when the Song of the Sea is read from the Torah, congregations mark Shabbat Shirah – Sabbath of Song. Let’s make a traditional, contemporary and joyful noise together. Singers and instrumentalists let’s put together another one of our famous Instant Choirs along with an Instant Band. Bring your voices, instruments and spirits – and let Rabbi Liz know you plan to come – after Shabbat Kiddush on Saturday January 5, to sing, play and plan!

Upcoming Services and Events
 
Chanting and Chocolate
Sunday, December 23, 2018
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Room 5
 
Shabbat-Around-the-Table
Friday, December 28, 2018
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM,
 
Guf Va'Nafesh: Mind-Body-Spirit Integration Class
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Room 5
 
Shabbat Morning Torah Service
Saturday, January 5, 2019
9:45 AM - 12:15 PM, Fellowship Hall

Reconstructionist News

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
 
Jewish Bereavement Support Group. Second Wednesday of each month, beginning December 12, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, at Kehillat Beth Israel, 1400 Coldrey Ave. Free and open to everyone. More information at info@kehillatbethisrael.com.
 

Community Opportunities
 
* The Thelma Steinman Seniors Support Unit of Jewish Family Services provides several services to Ottawa Jewish Seniors, including friendly visits and Kosher Meals on Wheels. Our Volunteer Recruiter George Sladowski invites you to call him to learn more about our services and programs, and to explore volunteer opportunities. Call 613-722-2225 ext 350. Currently we have an immediate need for a Russian speaking ESL teacher.
 
* The Tikvah Unit of Jewish Family Services assists members of our Jewish Community who are struggling with poverty. A member of our community has recently become homeless and is determined to avoid entering the shelter system. He receives Ontario Disability Support Assistance and is able to afford a modest basement apartment or similar private accommodation. We are looking for temporary accommodation through the winter. For more details please call Tikvah caseworker Tal Palgi, 613-722-2225 ext 481.

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 Taub 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.

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: Ari, 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 (Hesed/Caring Committeee): Jean, member-at-large.jean@orh.ca
Member-at-Large: Sharon, member-at-large.sharon@orh.ca
Interim Member-at-Large (until Dec 2018): Halina, member-at-large.halina@orh.ca
Interim Member-at-Large (until Dec 2018): Sarah, member-at-large-sarah@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.