OrH Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter

22 October 2019

Roots and Reflections

The first Roots and Reflections session takes place on Sunday, November 3. Roots and Reflections is a Jewish Mindfulness book club. Through prisms of Jewish values and culture, we explore how we show up in our everyday lives. Inspired by ancient wisdom and contemporary Jewish writing, our booklist includes nonfiction, fiction, memoir, and folktales. Using contemplative and experiential practices, with focused listening and speaking, we discover how our present life reflects aspects of our individual and collective past; we note how we’ve changed and grown, and actively learn from others through structured sharing in a safe, nonjudging environment. 

Activities include writing, light movement, and visualization.  Each session is held from 0945-1130 hrs on Sunday mornings. There is no required pre-reading or preparation.  Bring an open heart and the intention to share sincerely. You may attend one, any or all. 

Please indicate your intention to attend by emailing mindfulness@orh.ca. Please note that this event takes place at a member's home, so RSVP is required.

Roots & Reflections 2019-20 books include:
The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger - Nov 3, Dec 8
The Path of Blessing by Rabbi Marcia Prager - Jan 19, Feb 16
Chapters of the Heart, SL Elwell and NF Kreimer (eds) - April 5, May 3, June 7

A list of book titles from previous years can be found here. 

Chanting and Chocolate

The November Chanting and Chocolate takes place on Sunday November 3 at 7:30 pm. Chanting & Chocolate is an evening of sacred Jewish chant, followed by delicious chocolate treats!

Experience this unique opportunity to bring clarity to the mind and expansiveness to the spirit. Singing the simple, beautiful melodies repetitively leads to calming mind chatter and is a form of meditation and prayer of the heart. You will be led through the chants with the accompaniment of the Chanting & Chocolate Band. No prior knowledge of singing, chanting or the Hebrew language is required. Chant sheets are provided. All are welcome! Donations accepted at the door (suggested $10) with all proceeds supporting the education of orphans from the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda.

Upcoming Services and Events

Shabbat Morning Torah Service
Saturday, November 2, 2019
9:45- 12:15, Fellowship Hall

Roots and Reflections
Sunday, November 3, 2019
9:30am - 11:30, Member's home, RSVP required

Chanting and Chocolate
Sunday, November 3, 2019
7:30pm - 9:00, Room 5

Guf Va'Nefesh: Mind-Body-Spirit Integration Class
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
7:30 - 9:00pm, Member's home in Kanata. RSVP to tana.saler@icloud.com

Reconstructionist News

The latest issue of Reconstructionism Today can be found at: tinyurl.com/yyuz9qop . The archive of back issues is available at: https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/article/newsletter-archive

Learn to Read Hebrew in Two Weeks. Tamar Kamionkowski, professor of Bible at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, is offering a FREE online Hebrew course: you will learn how to pronounce every Hebrew letter and vowel. By the end of the course you will be reading from the prayer book and the Bible in Hebrew! Devote 10 minutes three days a week and you'll be able to sound out any Hebrew word in two weeks. Visit https://kamionkowski-bet-midrash.teachable.com/p/the-hebrew-alphabet-and-how-to-read

In The Ottawa Community
* = New item this week
 
Community Events and Announcements

Two Elections Later: An Israel Update with Dr. Michael Koplow. October 23
7:30 - 9:30 pm, SJCC, 21 Nadolny Sachs Pvt. Israel Policy Forum is dedicated to advancing the goal of a two-state solution in order to preserve Israel’s future as Jewish, democratic, and secure. Michael Koplow is Israel Policy Forum's Policy Director,. A regular contributor to Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy magazines, Michael writes the weekly “Koplow Column” and edits Israel Policy Exchange. He holds a BA in history from Brandeis, a JD from NYU, a masters in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard, and a Ph.D. in political science from Georgetown. Sponsors: Soloway JCC, Vered Israel Cultural and Educational Program, CIJA. Contact Ella at edagan@jccottawa.com

Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation presents an event for women that encourages taking on leadership roles: Sisters on Board! This fun evening features keynote speaker Erica Ehm, who will talk about courageous leadership. We hope to inspire busy Jewish women, who balance home and work well, yet want a little something more just for them, as well as those who are struggling with balance and looking for insight into how to shift their lens. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Volunteer Centre will be available to help match your passions with leadership opportunities in our community. On top of the inspiration, there will be drinks, dessert and door prizes. Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 7:15 PM, Orange Art Gallery, 290 City Centre Ave. Tickets $36.  For more information, please contact Solange at sashe@jewishottawa.com, or call 613-798-4696, ext. 252. Tickets at: https://www.picatic.com/event15652690635575.

Shirley Berman z"l Lecture Series #3, Jewish Legal Minds. October 24, 7:30 - 10:30 pm. Please contact Ross Baylin at 613-218-5436 or rbaylin1661@rogers.com for information. Donations appreciated. Soloway JCC, 21 Nadolny Sachs Pvt.
 
Polish - Yiddish Cinema Yesterday and Today, October 27, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. This talk presents two Yiddish films; Classic 1937 avant-garde Dybbuk and the 2015 drama Demon and discusses the uses of the Jewish supernatural before and after the Holocaust. Contact Roslyn Wollock at 613-798-9818 x254 or rwollock@jccottawa.com 

Kol Miriam Choir New Season, October 29, 7 - 8:30 pm weekly until June 9, 2020 at Hillel Lodge, 10 Nadolny Sachs Pvt. Kol Miriam begins its new season under the musical direction of Aura Giles, MMus. We are a diverse group of women united by our love of music, singing together and being Jewish. We perform a variety of music from traditional to contemporary. The ability to read music is not essential. A willingness to learn and participate in a shared choral and social experience is. We look forward to greeting new friends. Contact katherine.moss@sympatico.ca or 613-276-6289

Registration is now open for the 2020 March of the Living trip. Join other Jewish high school students, April 18 - May 3, 2020, for this incredible experience. Visit here for details. Please note deadline for online registration is Nov. 1 For more info, contact Anne at aread@jewishottawa.com, or call 613-798-4696, ext. 355

*Deborah Lipstadt, Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies, Emory University, will be giving the 2019 Holocaust Education Month keynote address, “Antisemitism: Old Wine in New Bottles,” on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 7pm, at KBI, 1400 Coldrey Ave. Free Admission. RSVP required by Nov 3 to HEMrsvp2019@gmail.com. For a full listing of all Holocaust Education Month events visit: carleton.ca/ches/events/2019-events/
    
Renowned Art Photographer Yuri Dojc, “Last Folio, Cultural Memories of Jewish Life in Slovakia” November 3, 7 - 9 pm, Kehillat Beth Israel, 1400 Coldrey Avenue. Since the late 1990s, Yuri Dojc has been documenting Slovakia’s last living Holocaust survivors, the country’s abandoned synagogues, schools, and cemeteries. His journey was the inspiration for this multidisciplinary project of photographs, a book, and a video. The evening will include a documentary film by Katya Krausova and an illustrated talk by Yuri Dojc. Free and open to the public. Reception sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovakia. RSVP to HEMrsvp2019@gmail.com by October 25. Presented by CHES, in cooperation with the Slovak Embassy, the Azrieli Foundation, Kehillat Beth Israel Congregation, and the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies at Carleton University. 
 
Tamir Fashion Show - Stepping Out in Style 2.0. November 4, 6:30 - 10 pm. Join us for Tamir’s one-of-a-kind fashion show – together, let’s be fiercely fabulous for inclusion!  A fashion show featuring diversely-abled models with over 400 guests in the Grand Hall. Visit steppingoutinstyle.ca for more info and to purchase tickets: VIP $120 or regular $60. Contact Francesca at fdavila@tamir.ca or 613-725-3519 x104
Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St., Gatineau.

*Expanding the Circle: A program for interfaith families at the Soloway JCC. Join us for a series of discussions, hands-on workshops on holiday traditions, and social events. Explore ways that your family can be part of the Jewish community, puzzle over how the different traditions in your family co-exist, and share experiences with other families. Sunday, November 24, 4-5:30. Free. Babysitting available. For more ino contact Maxine Mirska at 613-798-9818 ext 263 or mmiska@jccottawa.com

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 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.

Wearing of Scented Products
Out of concern for our fellow members and guests who have chemical sensitivities, and out of respect for the commitment of the First Unitarian Congregation to ensure that the space we share be fragrance-free, the Board respectfully requests that OrH members and visitors refrain as much as possible from wearing scented products, such as perfume, cologne, and hair or body sprays, at OrH services, events and activities. We appreciate your attention to this issue and for supporting our commitment to be an inclusive and welcoming 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

October Board Chair: Michael, learning@orh.ca
​​​​​​​
Treasurer: Ari, treasurer@orh.ca
Communications: David, communications@orh.ca
Learning: Michael, learning@orh.ca
Membership: Barbara, membership@orh.ca
Member-at-Large: Sharon, member-at-large.sharon@orh.ca
 Member-at-Large: Timna, member.at.large-timna@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.