OrH Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter

29 October 2019

Words of the Spirit
 
Happy “Living in Two Civilizations”
 
And now, for something completely … regular.
 
We say farewell to Tishrey 5780 the same week that we welcome (regard with annoyance? celebrate? ignore?) Halloween. Because nothing says the Jewish fall festivals are over more clearly than the proliferation of skeletons, ghosts, and the creepy spray stuff that covers doorways and shrubs.
 
My view of Halloween? Two thumbs up, because it doubles the number of times per year that Jewish children (and adults) are ritually enabled to dress in a costume. Not all my colleagues share this view. There are annual debates about whether or not to alter the schedule of the weekly afternoon Hebrew school when Halloween falls that year on the school’s day of learning, or whether or not to “permit” students to wear their costumes to the shul school that week.
 
It would be silly of me to speculate on what Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan would have said, but I can pull out one of his well-known teachings, the essence of which offers that we Jews, and those in Jewish families, live in “two civilizations.” For Kaplan in his time, Jewish civilization - the ancient heritage as it evolved into modern Jewish life – and the American culture-and-life-writ-large needed to intersect in the lives of American Jews in rich and harmonious ways.
 
Kaplan took this notion of living in two civilizations seriously. The earliest iterations of Reconstructionist prayer books included readings and newly composed prayers for a variety of secular observances, including Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Memorial Day.
 
I’m not suggesting that civil society events that are largely commercial, such as Halloween and (Saint) Valentine’s Day, long denuded of their own particular ritual roots, somehow find their way into our ritual texts or practices. Syncretism was not Kaplan’s project, nor is it ours. But regular life for Jewish families in North America in the twenty-first century does entail engaging with a wide range of customs and practices, far transcending even the limit of two. This is certainly the case in Canada. Our consciousness must not only extend to the “two solitudes” of Anglophone and Francophone heritages, but to the First Nations, Inuit and Metis civilizations of our Indigenous peoples.
 
The children of our community and our neighbourhoods already know more about the wide range of “Canadian” (multi)cultures and customs than I did growing up in the ‘60s. It is a good thing that we have a greater consciousness of what we can wear in ways that honour, and what we can wear in ways that insult. A conversation about what it means for Jewish children in Canada to “observe” Halloween can be an interesting and invigorating one, one that could lead to even more interesting and challenging conversations about all of the civilizations with which we interact. It brings to mind issues that some of our community’s parents have raised when their children’s schools have Ethnic or Cultural festivals, and their child is expected to don a “costume” of the Jewish people. We’ve been seeing a broader conversation underway in our civil society about secular as well as sacred garb, though not always in ways that are constructive.
 
So this week, a date on the Jewish calendar will go by, quietly observed in the traditional morning liturgy with a Torah reading and some special prayer insertions, and by women’s Rosh Hodesh groups: the new month and new moon of Marcheshvan, which is marked on October 29 and 30. The next day on the secular calendar will be observed enthusiastically by many, with candy, costumes, and trick-or-treating.
 
And then, things just get regular, for a little while, at least in two of our civilizations.
 
Rabbi Liz

Roots and Reflections

The first Roots and Reflections session takes place this 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 this 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.

CAMP HAVAYA – The Reconstructionist movement’s awesome summer camp in the Poconos
 
If you are considering a sleep-away summer camp for the first time, put CAMP HAVAYA at the top of your list. Both of my children thrived there and loved it, asking to go back the second they got home each summer. It’s an easy drive from here (I’ve done it, and so have a few of our member households – they’ll tell you, too!). Take a look at the short video on the camp web site, and talk to me about the summers I spent as a visiting Rabbi, back in the camp’s early days - one three-week session and 36 kids in a rented facility - through to the current thriving summer-long adventure with 1, 2, 3, and 7 week options, as well as a family camp session.
 
The immersive, inclusive, joyful Jewish experience of a summer at CAMP HAVAYA can’t be matched. I’m a believer – check it out!
 
Rabbi Liz
 
Registration is now open for Summer 2020: https://camphavaya.org/

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

*Temple Israel welcomes back Klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals. Klezmer violinist and co-founder of the Klezmantcs, Alicia Svigals, will be returning to Ottawa for another live performance of an original score to accompany the 1923 silent film, “The Ancient Law”.  Svigals and pianist Donald Sosin, both based in New York, collaborated on this project and will perform the work together at Temple Israel on November 3 at 2pm kicking off Temple’s 2019/20 Sunday afternoon Concert Series. This event is the first of five concerts that make up the series. Series subscribers have access to premium seating.  General admission seating for this event is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. The next concert in the series is on December 1 and features NAC concert master Yosuke Kawasaki along with Jessica Linnebach, Jethro Marks and Paul Marleyn.  More details can be found at http://templeisraelottawa.ca/concerts/
 
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

*“From Dachau to Cyprus”: Jewish Refugees and the Cyprus Internment Camps, 1946-1949. Photo exhibit and talk with historian Dr. Eliana Hadjisavvas; Special guest and Holocaust survivor, Rose Lipszyc will share her story. Wednesday, November 27 at 7pm, Soloway JCC, Social Hall A, 21 Nadolny Sachs Pvt. RSVP appreciated to Anne Read at aread@jewishottawa.com, or call 613-798-4696, ext. 355

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.