Guest Column: How letters from fellow students helped my grandfather
However, in this article, I would like to focus elsewhere. Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, I have paid attention to a variety of TV specials, messages from celebrities and official messages…
Guest Column: Judaism versus racism
Moshe retorts to the angels by declaring that the very laws that make up the Torah are designed for people and not angelic figures. The angels then relent and declare God’s mastery over the…
Modern Mishpocha: Great technology debate and modern communication
They ruin a child’s ability to focus and concentrate and have a detrimental impact on our ability to communicate with one another. Have you heard that the inventors of all of this technology…
Israel and United Arab Emirates agree to normalization
President Donald Trump, Israel will pause its plans to annex areas of the West Bank, according to a joint statement released Thursday by the White House. “Israel will suspend declaring…
Modern Mishpocha: Teshuva is not always easy to teach or model
Focus shifts from shame and punishment to understanding, restitution and connection. It is equally important to remind ourselves and teach our kids how to forgive. Forgiveness is not an…
Ottawa glass artists create mural for Kingston synagogue
It is made of 97 individually designed, hand-cut and hand-crafted glass art panels and depicts three pomegranate trees, as well as “sun-kissed rolling Jerusalem stone, flowering meadows, and…
Avi Marcovitz: new head of Jewish studies at Ottawa Jewish Community School
He was also a teacher for adult education, and for elementary and high school-aged students. In Israel, Marcovitz served as director of the International School of Holocaust Studies, World…
Jewish Federation of Ottawa announces new microgrants and Jewish Jumpstart
This is an incentive grant for unaffiliated individuals and families to join the Soloway Jewish Community Centre and Ottawa’s Jewish congregations. Jewish education is another key area of…
National Monument ceremony to mark Warsaw Uprising
The role that young Jews played in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising will be the primary focus of this year’s commemoration event. Please join us on April 18, at 11 am – either in person at the…
From the Pulpit: Let’s make this a year of listening
Let’s focus our attention on listening and working together. Even when we don’t always like what we hear, let’s still find space to integrate these words of opposition. This will likely be…
From the Pulpit: A reason to dance
We do not miss and reflect on the lives of our loved ones because of what they have done for us, rather we focus on our internal bond that transcends logic. I would suggest that the ultimate…
From the Pulpit: Tazria – the rabbi says I’ve got Tazria!
Tazria, with its focus on skin ailments and bodily emissions, is certainly not among the topics I would imagine a young teen eager to talk about in front of her new congregation. I was…
The headlines of the times: service, education and an inclusive community
This is something we should be proud of. When reviewing my opening remarks at the Federation AGM in June of 2013, I shared my thoughts on where I wanted our Board of Directors to focus…
Modern Mishpocha: Finding the way to say ‘dayenu’ as a parent
(Modern Mishpocha, September 18, 2017) At the time, I reflected on how parents get so much advice and instruction it is challenging not to feel like we’re always doing the wrong thing, and…
Emerging Generation names co-chairs for 2021 Annual Campaign
“I focus on foresight, emerging trends and exploratory research.” Elyssa explained that the Glebe Shul – the JET Ottawa program for young professionals – was their starting point for becoming…
Summer Reads
Moonshot was written by the Pfizer President and CEO and I’m moved by the story of inspiring leadership during a trying time.” Deep Work by Cal Newport Description: Deep work is the ability…