The Dorot Legacy Reception took place at the end of May, connecting the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s various donor societies for an evening of celebration, connection, and learning.

The purpose of the evening is two-fold: to honour a person who has made a monumental impact on Ottawa’s Jewish community and to catch a glimpse of the community’s bright future through hearing the innovative projects of Federation’s J-Fellows, a young professional leadership program that connects young Jewish adults with mentors to help guide them in their careers.

At last year’s event, Sara Vered z”l was recognized with the Meyasedet HaDorot (Generational Founder) Award for her decades of leadership and innovation. 

This year, Stephen Greenberg received the Meyased HaDorot Award for his decades of philanthropy and impact, both in the Jewish community and beyond. He spoke about the importance of hard work to create the Jewish community we want and deserve.

“The beautiful tone of the Ottawa Jewish community has been set in many ways by Stephen’s perspective and … impact,” said Rabbi Idan Scher of Machzikei Hadas in a tribute video. “There are many people in our city that are not a part of the Jewish community that have not just become allies but have taken on leadership roles within the Jewish community because of his inspiration.” 

“Ottawa should feel very fortunate in looking ahead to its future,” said Ron Prehogan, past chair of Federation’s Board of Directors.

Beyond the Jewish community, Stephen has been active with the Ottawa Hospital, having fundraised to acquire a da Vinci Surgical System to help with the treatment of prostate cancer. He also has been involved with such organizations as United Way, the Queensway Carleton Hospital, and the Ottawa Jewish Community School.

As the evening transitioned from honouring the Stephen to showcasing the emerging generation, participants from J-Fellows, Federation’s premier leadership program for young professionals, presented their projects.

The three groups, introduced by J-Fellows alumni Elisabeth Levin and Thierry Lafontaine- Chicha, presented their ideas followed by a question-and-answer period. Attendees then voted on which idea to fund.

The groups were Club 613, a social club for Jewish young adults that would provide a space for greater socialization and networking; the Volunteer Menu, which would allow interested Jewish young adults individuals in getting matched with the perfect volunteer opportunity for them; and J-Collective Shabbaton, a young adults’ retreat that would create an environment where people can connect in a way similar to the Birthright experience.

In the end, Club 613 won the vote, with their project receiving the funding to start gaining momentum. Through the efforts of Alex Dolansky, Aliza Itskovich, Amina Loum, Dalia Feldberg, and Noah Hamburg, they aim for their project to help provide a space for young Jewish adults to make friends and find a sense of belonging while living authentically. They hope that Club 613 will also inspire young Jewish adults in this city to make Ottawa their permanent home.

You can read more about this year’s J-Fellows cohort here (add link to J-Fellows follow-up story).

Click here to see pictures from this year’s celebration.