Jewish Ottawa

Local news and updates on the Jewish community of Ottawa.

‘Blewish’ animated short highlights racial diversity

Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month activities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.

This year, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa is focusing on the racial diversity that exists within the Jewish community th…

After Texas: Moving forward without fear

On January 15, what should have been a peaceful Shabbat morning, a 44-year-old man took four people hostage at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas.

The world stood still for 11 hours while the hostage situation unfolded, ultimately resulting in the successful escape of the hostag…

Addressing biases, ableism for JDAIM

In February, we recognize Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) — a unified effort among Jewish organizations and communities worldwide to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities and those who love them.

In Ottawa, the theme for 2022 …

Women at the forefront: Lion of Judah program celebrates 50 years

Norma Kipnis-Wilson Z”L, women’s philanthropy visionary and co-founder of the Lion of Judah, (LOJ) died in December 2021, just a month before the 50th anniversary of the Lions’ program.

“At the time (1972), she had the idea that women should step up and be leaders, to give in their …

Innovation grants create endless possibilities

Each year, Federation distributes donor dollars in the form of innovation grants for capacity building to reward innovation, creativity, and help to strengthen the capacity of organizations. Grants of up to $10,000 are available and in 2021, more than $39,000 was distributed.

Some of these …