Voices

Submissions from members of our community. (Archived columns from Bulletin columnists).

Shaped by community - Reflections on 90 years of the Jewish Federation

By Ron Prehogan

Let me start by wishing the Jewish Federation of Ottawa a happy 90th birthday!  It is no small feat to have been in business that many years and most successfully so.  We are a strong and united community and should all feel very proud of our accomplishments over the years…

The power of singing to create belonging

In remembrance of Yom Hashoah, the E-Bulletin met with a Holocaust survivor to hear her story of survival and thriving in our community. For Dora Goldman, it was through synagogue music that she found her place before and after the war.

Dora Goldman (nee Neumann) never felt like she belong…

Rabbi Menachem Blum and Dr. Aisha Sherazi fight against hatred and racism

During this time of increased hate and antisemitism, there are two community members who have been working for the past 14 years to break down stereotypes and help students see that there is more the unites us than divides. Their work is even more meaningful now. 

Rabbi Menachem M. Blum an…

Ottawa couple helps children in Israel with toys, books

For more than 30 years, the Eisenbergs have been fundraising and supporting projects to improve the lives of children in Ottawa and in Israel. They are sharing their story now in hopes of inspiring others: ‘Who would not like to see a sick or traumatized child’s face light up after getti…

Canada to China – Jewish-Chinese connections unite a family

by Valerie (Chan) Hum

Little did we realize when our son, Jeffrey, married Sharon Szmuilowicz in August 2008, that we would find ourselves visiting China nine months later as a family and visiting all our ancestral homes. 

My family comes from the village of Sui Nam, Toi San district, Gua…