From the Editor: Three people I knew have been lost to COVID-19
Until he retired in 2015, Gene was one of the deans of folk music radio in North America and a mentor to me and to many other folk music radio hosts around the world. “Everybody focuses on…
‘Always choose life,’ says cancer and traumatic brain injury survivor
not only to help improve our community, but to hone your management skills,” he said. “I learned from my battle in licking cancer to focus on things that you can control, like your mood and…
Advice for Passover 2020: ‘Just do your best’
We are trying to look at the positive side of things and want to give ourselves a positive report card at the end of all of this.” Since everyone is home, Devora said, we have more time to…
A great summer at Ottawa’s Jewish summer camps
“You still get to have the camp experience, but with a leadership role at the same time,” he said. Aaron Kaiman, associate director of JCC Day Camps, said his primary focus was working within…
Black Jewish Women – In their own words
Register here. The discussion will focus on how being Jewish informed and supported their rise to success and the challenges they faced. Expect to be awed, empowered, and motivated to…
The B’nai Mitzvah Club launches a life of giving
Most years, Israel is a focus. We may have secular causes that we care about both nationally and in the community where we live. We make sure to include our children in those conversations,…
A conference of Israeli immigrant community leaders in North America
Participants learned about self-leadership in a time of crisis, with a focus on strengths, peer learning, developing meaningful work plans for their communities, connecting with the Jewish…
Federation plays historic role in defending Jews worldwide
The rally will focus on what we can do to support Israel and prayers for peace. Gerald Levitz, president, Jewish Community Council of Ottawa says, ‘From time to time, we as Jews are required…
Painful symbols on our city streets; Learn how Federation responded
Lastly, remember that Federation is here for you. If you experience or witness antisemitism, or are looking for support, please contact us. I can be reached directly at…
Thoughts on Returning From Israel
Photo: Since 1988, “Women of the Wall” has fought for women's right to pray collectively and aloud with Torah scrolls, tallitot, and tefillin at the Kotel. The women in Rabbi Mikelberg's…
From the Pulpit: We all beat with one proud Jewish heart and soul
Many of our youth today have very little idea of what it even means to be Jewish, let alone to live Jewish. That is why I was particularly heartened to witness a group of 10 local teens who…
In honour of our mothers
Every year my list gets longer, and once someone is on the list, tradition is, they are there for good! This tradition I share with my mom is symbolic of so many of our mutual and cherished…
Tu B’Av – The Jewish day for love
While not a religious holiday anymore, it has become an occasion for social gatherings, parties, and declarations of love. “During Tu B’Av, Israelis often dress in their finest clothes...…
Temple Israel’s ‘hanou-ski-ah’ inspires holiday spirit
We have risen to the occasion in a host of ways.” Primarily, Temple Israel has embraced technology and moved outdoors. But with Chanukah on the way, Temple opted to have a drive-in experience…
Our community must become ‘hearing accessible’
This is far from the truth. Being excused from a mitzvah means a deaf person could not count in making up a minyan, could not lead grace after meals, or act as a witness in legal proceedings…
A gift of a Sefer Torah: From Jews in Ottawa to Jews in Africa
Yehudah, in particular was visibly touched by the proceedings. For myself, it was a great privilege to be a witness and participant in this important moment of great joy for this small but…