The Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation is introducing a meaningful new way to honour and remember its cherished fundholders who have passed away this year. This initiative not only celebrates their enduring impact but also provides an accessible way for donors to continue supporting the causes these individuals cared about.

The Foundation, which has long been dedicated to securing the future of Jewish Ottawa through philanthropy, plays a vital role in ensuring that the community thrives for generations to come. By establishing and managing endowment funds, the Foundation enables donors to leave a legacy that supports the causes they value most.

On the Foundation’s website, under the “We Remember” tab, visitors can find a list of names of fundholders who have passed away in this calendar year. Each name links to a page where donors can learn about the memorial fund created in their memory, as written by the families themselves. From there, they can make a donation directly through the site, choosing options such as an eCard, printed tribute card, or online payment.

“This page is a way for us to acknowledge and ensure that the fundholders are remembered and cherished — not only through their generous donations, which continue to support the community, but also through their stories,” said Michael Reznick, Director of Development at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation. “We wanted people to know who these remarkable individuals were and how they have allowed this community to continue thriving.”

Legacy giving is rooted in the Jewish value of tzedakah, or charitable giving, and reflects a commitment to future generations. As the Talmud teaches, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing” (Proverbs 10:7). By preserving the memory of those who have given so much to the community, the Foundation ensures their contributions continue to inspire and create positive change for years to come.

Reznick highlighted that this new feature also makes it easier for donors to give in honour of someone who has passed away and to support their families.

“This is a more streamlined way of donating to a memorial fund,” he explained. “The website allows people to make donations independently from home, whether they choose to send a virtual card or a physical card by mail. Those who prefer the traditional method of donating via telephone to the foundation cards can still do so, but the website offers a more convenient and immediate alternative for both options.”

While currently in its pilot phase, there is hope to expand the We Remember initiative to Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s main website, making it even more accessible for those wishing to honour the legacy of donors and community members, and support Jewish Ottawa.

To learn more about this initiative and explore the We Remember page, visit the Foundation’s website at ojcf.ca/we-remember.

By supporting these memorial funds, donors ensure that the legacies of those who came before continue to strengthen Jewish Ottawa, allowing the community to flourish and grow for generations to come.