Ottawa jewish bulletin 2010 09 27(inaccessible)

Plant A Tree For All Reasons

Jewish National Fund of Ottawa Tel: (613) 798-2411 Fax: (613) 798-0462

✡

ottawa jewish

To Remember • To Congratulate • To Honour • To Say “I Care” •

Yom Kippur in India

page 14

www.ottawajewishbulletin.com Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. •

bulletin volume 75, no. 1

september 27, 2010

21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9

•

Publisher: Mitchell Bellman

•

tishrei 19, 5771

Editor: Michael Regenstreif $2.00

Stephen Dubner kicks off Annual Campaign with the story of a Catholic son’s return to Judaism

By Michael Regenstreif As the youngest of eight children born to devout Catholic parents, best-selling author Stephen J. Dubner said he owes his birth to the traditional Catholic predilection for large families. As an adult, though, he returned to the Jewish religion that had been rejected in turn by both his mother and father before they met and married in the 1940s.

Dubner, whose talk combined humour and poignancy, was the

keynote speaker, September 19, at the kickoff of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s 2011 Annual Campaign at the Canadian Museum of Civilization Theatre.

The New York-based Dubner is best known as the co-author – with Steven Levitt – of the bestselling book, Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, and its sequel, SuperFreakonomics, began his fast-paced presentation with a couple of anecdotes that

made some in the audience squirm just a little bit, but ultimately put the crowd at ease.

“Raise your hand,” he said, “if you don’t wash your hands after using a public restroom.”

No hands in the nominally full house went up.

“That’s good,” Dubner contin-

ued, “because I’ve collected the data that shows that about 30 per cent of men do not wash their hands after using public restrooms, but, it seems that men in Ottawa’s Jewish community have much better hand hygiene than most.”

Dubner blamed the discrepan-

cy between observational data and hand-raising audience survey result on the survey method. No one in such an audience, he said, would ever raise their hand to admit to such a practice – thus demonstrating how surveys can be skewed to obtain desired results (Continued on page 2)

Bronfman and Solomon on The Art of Giving, October 14

Author Stephen J. Dubner speaks at the Federation’s 2011 Annual Campaign Kickoff at the Canadian Museum of Civilization Theatre.

(Photo: Peter Waiser)

Charles Bronfman (left) and Jeffrey Solomon, the chair and president of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, and co-authors of The Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan, will speak at an event organized by the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation on Thursday, October 14, 7:00 pm, at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive.

Tickets are $18 and are available by calling Erin Bolling at 613-798-4696, ext. 232.

See page 20 for a review of The Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan.

World Class Outsourcing ... and more!

613-744-6444

Publications Mail Registration No. 07519

Providing quality service to the National Capital Region since 1947!

613-744-5767

613-244-7225

613-244-4444

www.boydgroup.on.ca

Page 2 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

Archbishop helps resolve conflict with mother (Continued from page 1)

and how the truth often lies beneath the surface.

He also talked about a recent visit he made to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he learned about the rat problem they were having in Alexandra Township.

When the local authorities were unable to get control of the situation, they put a bounty on every dead rat residents could produce.

The bounty, he said, resulted in some enterprising citizens developing rat farms – an example of entrepreneurship explained by freakonomics.

Dubner then devoted most of his presentation to discussing the circumstances of his Catholic upbringing and his personal road back to the Jewish religion spurned, individually, by his parents; a story Dubner told in his book, Choosing My Religion: A Memoir Beyond

Belief (originally published in 1998 as Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son’s Return to His Jewish Family).

His father, Solomon Dubner, and his mother, Florence Greenglass, both grew up Jewish in Brooklyn. They met after each had converted to Catholicism, fell in love, married and moved to Duanesburg, New York, a small town near Albany, where they raised their family of four boys and four girls. His Catholic parents, Dubner said to laughter from the audience, would speak Yiddish to each other when they didn’t want the children to understand what they were talking about.

Dubner said he had virtually no contact with Jews while growing up in Duanesburg and while attending Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. It was only when

(From left) 2011 Annual Campaign Chairs Linda and Steven Kerzner and Campaign Kickoff Co-Chairs Avalee, Ilana, Harris and Ron Prehogan at the Kickoff.

(Photo: Peter Waiser)

he moved to New York City to do a master’s degree in writing at Columbia Uni-

versity that he began to have contact with large numbers of Jews, including

(From left) Federation President and CEO Mitchell Bellman, Stephen Dubner, Federation Chair Donna Dolansky and Annual Campaign Executive Director Jack Silverstein at the Campaign Kickoff.

(Photo: Peter Waiser)

some of his Jewish relatives whom he sought out.

“My previous experience with Jews,” he said, in reference to his parents, “was that they grew up and became Catholics. In New York City, surrounded by thousands of Jews, I found that wasn’t always true.”

Dubner eventually began to learn about Judaism and found he was attracted to the religion and Jewish culture rejected by his parents.

Dubner’s return to Judaism led to tensions with his devoutly religious mother – Dubner’s father died when he was 10 – that were resolved after Dubner recorded his interview with New York Archbishop John O’Connor who signalled approval of Dubner’s informed decision to practise another valid faith.

The Campaign Kickoff was co-chaired by Ron and Avalee Prehogan and their son and daughter-in-law, Harris and Ilana Prehogan.

Harris said he grew up watching his parents’ involvement in the Jewish community.

“My mother spent five years at Hillel Academy teaching kindergarten and Grade 2. My dad was instrumental in the capital campaign for the Soloway JCC. He eventually became chair of the SJCC and chair of the

Federation,” he said.

“I have come to recognize just how precious this community is and that it wasn’t built by happenstance. It is because of individuals like my mother and father, and many others sitting here tonight, who chose to get involved, and give of their time and resources to help shape a community of which we all should be proud.”

Ilana added that the continuity of generations was essential to the continuity of the community.

“To stand here as a family is truly reflective of the message that we wish to deliver to all of you tonight,” she said. “What is essential for our community to meet the challenges of the future is ensuring that our culture of supporting and giving is passed on from generation to generation.

“Harris and I, as are many of our peers entering into this new stage of building our lives and family together, are so excited to be part of this new generation, looking to get engaged within the community and become part of this longstanding tradition of giving in Ottawa.”

To make a donation to the 2011 Annual Campaign, visit jewishottawa.com or call 613-798-4696, ext. 232.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 3

Page 4 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

Seminar participants hope to revive Melton program in Ottawa

By Margie and Aaron Moscoe This summer, we participated in the Melton Israel Seminar, an amazing 11-day interactive, high quality text-based learning experience that took place at several locations in Israel.

Melton Israel Seminar selected some of the finest hotels for our stay: the Inbal in Jerusalem, the Ruth Rimonim in Tsfat, and Nof Ginosar in Kinneret. The seminar theme was Wrestling with the Angels: Encounters with Jewish History.

Our opening dinner was at the Faculty Club of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Mount Scopus. We were greeted by Yonatan Mirvis, international director of Florence Melton Adult Mini School (FMAMS) and Haim

Aronovich, our seminar leader.

Each day of our program had a theme. Our favourite was Fateful Decisions: The Citizen’s Perspectives. We began with a study session with Yonatan where we learned a lot about the multi-faceted population of Jerusalem and its signs and symbols. Then we were sent on our own to knock on a door in a Jerusalem neighbourhood and interview the homeowner about the citizen’s perspective of life in Jerusalem.

We used the opportunity to knock on the door of Connie Steinberg, who is originally from Ottawa. We had a really nice visit and interview with her.

Before Shabbat, our group met in the lobby and walked together through

S t a b i l i z e.

PROUD DISTRIBUTOR OF

Foundation repair Foundation underpinning Foundation replacement System Platon Weeping tile systems Waterproofing Basement & garage floors Sump pits Window well installation & excavation Structural repairs/ Engineering services

FREE ESTIMATES 10 YEAR WARRANTY TRANSFERABLE GUARANTEE

746-7300

Seal.

Yemin Moshe for candle lighting at King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion, evening services at the Kotel and Kabbalat Shabbat songs at the Kotel Plaza, followed by a traditional seudat Shabbat.

On Shabbat afternoon, we went back to Yemin Moshe for a study session, A Poet and his City: A look at Jerusalem with Yehuda Amicha, and a picnic seudat shlishit overlooking the Old City. Perhaps the best part of Shabbat was that our daughter Elana, who was in Israel on an NCSY summer program, was welcomed by Melton and joined us.

Our favourite moment was in Tsfat, sitting with our group on an outdoor patio at the Ruth Rimonim Hotel, feeling like the stars were close enough to touch, cele-

Strengthen.

ASK MR.FOUNDATION Q

In my basement, I get a lot of mold on the finished drywall. We clean it, but it comes

back. Outside the house (in front of the wall) there is a lot of moisture and moss growing. It would appear that I have a drainage problem and a basement moisture seal problem. How would you suggest that I proceed on getting both moss and the mold addressed? Can an expert determine what the problem is without having to dig up the entire area?

A

Digging up and waterproofing is the only permanent solution. This entails excavation,

waterproofing membrane, drain tile, and backfilling with a positive grade away from the house. This will solve the moisture and mold problems.

Unit 99 5460 Canotek Road

www.mrfoundation.com

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

Aaron and Margie Moscoe in Jerusalem during the Melton Israel Seminar.

brating the birthday of one of our group’s members and exploring The Fable of the Goat by S.Y. Agnon.

While we would love to return to Israel on another Melton Israel Seminar, our goal, for now, is to jumpstart a Melton School again in Ottawa. A couple of years ago, we participated in the FMAMS in Ottawa. We did not have the opportunity to complete the second year and receive a certificate from the Hebrew University or to take one of their courses for graduates as the Melton program was cancelled in Ottawa due to enrolment and funding issues, although it continues to

thrive in other cities.

The late Florence Melton founded the FMAMS in 1986 in North America. Her husband, Sam Melton, started the Melton Centre for Jewish Education at Hebrew University, focusing mainly on Jewish education for children. Florence wanted something similar for Jewish adults and the FMAMS was developed.

The Melton Israel Seminar, was another of Florence’s visions and gives adults the opportunity to tour and study classic and contemporary texts in Israel.

Rebuilding the Melton program in Ottawa will strengthen our community.

STEPHEN WEINER

Its unique and fascinating approach encourages participants to study Jewish laws, customs and history from the viewpoints of Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and other movements within Judaism.

We are sure that past participants in the FMAMS programs in Ottawa would agree with us that the amazing curriculum and wonderful teachers created unforgettable and extremely worthwhile experiences.

With the help of Barry Sohn and Maxine Miska of the Soloway Jewish Community Centre, we hope to revive FMAMS in Ottawa next year.

FIRST OTTAWA REALTY

BROKERAGE Sales Representative COLDWELL BANKER FIRST OTTAWA REALTY 219-1419 Carling Avenue, Otawa, Ontario K1Z 7L6 613-728-2664 Office • 613-293-1395 Direct Line sdw1@rogers.com E-mail

Complimentary HOME EVALUATION and HOME STAGING SERVICE Full Service Realtor Enquire about my Reduced Commission Program Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 5

Improvements announced for Bank Street Cemetery

By Lawrence Zinman Jewish Memorial Gardens The Jewish Memorial Gardens Board has announced a plan to improve the cemetery lands at Bank Street.

Since the reorganization of the cemetery operating structure in 2008, the Jewish Memorial Gardens Board has been struggling with the condition of the lands and infrastructure at the Bank Street Cemetery.

Our concern has been the difficulty of properly maintaining the lands as they are faced with sunken grave sites, footstones that are not at ground level, sink holes, grave cave-ins, overgrown cedars, overgrown poplar trees, unlevelled land, an antiquated watering system, and a quality of grass that is considered farm field.

Since taking over the operation of the Bank Street Cemetery, we have upgrad-

ed the water filtration system, flower beds and one of the wells. We will shortly fix a second well, change a water pressure tank and replace the pipes of the watering system.

As a first step to improving the lands, we will be cutting down the cedars beside the monuments.

The cedars may cause damage to the foundations, which would result in unwarranted costs to the fami-

lies. As well, the cedars are overgrown and, if pruned, would be bare and eventually die.

The work will be done south of the White Building this fall with the balance to be completed in the spring of 2011.

The board is also negotiating competitive prices with suppliers to offer a service to families to level footstones and clean monuments.

A landscape architect is developing a plan to correct all the deficiencies in the lands. The initial advice we have received on this issue is that interconnectedness of the different deficiencies, with the exception of the cedars, will require all of the remedial work to be done at the same time.

The Jewish Memorial Gardens Board will keep

you informed on further developments. Inquiries may

be directed to me at lawrence.zinman@lzco.ca.

Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw their advertisement in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin!

Garage sale organized on behalf of Rabbi Simes A group of young Ottawa Jewish Community School students devoted part of their summer vacation to organizing a garage sale on behalf of Rabbi Yehuda Simes, a beloved Judaic studies teacher at the school, who was critically injured in a highway accident in New York State in June.

The sale, which featured items donated by community members, was held Sunday, August 29 at Chabad of Centrepointe and raised $2,000 for the Simes family.

(Photo: Naomi Kirshenblatt)

What’s happening at

Congregation Beth Shalom Thursday, September 31

Ma’ariv and Hakafot

6:45 pm • followed by dinner

Wednesday, October 6

Eat • Learn • Kibbitz

12:00 pm Blake Batson from www.PerspectiveOttawa.com

Wednesday, October 13

Annual General Meeting

6:00 pm

Friday, October 15

Kabbalat Shabbat

Watch for more upcoming events Watch for more upcoming events

6:00 pm • followed by Shabbat dinner

Everyoneis is Welcome!

Welcome!

Everyone

For more information, please contact the synagogue at 613-789-3501 or info@bethshalom.ca www.bethshalom.ca

Page 6 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

Back to basics: The benefits of Jewish giving Shana Tova to all members of our community.

We want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to chair our Annual Campaign.

We truly do view it as an honour and a responsibility.

So, why are we, as a couple, chairing the Annual Campaign?

There are two main reasons. First, we are concerned over the future of our family’s connection to Judaism and Jewish giving; and second, we want to convince more of our Jewish community members to give, and to give more, to Jewish causes in a way that is meaningful to them.

We are determined to set a good example for our own family through our actions and decisions regarding charitable giving, and in taking our Judaism seriously. We also hope that, together with you, we can uncover solutions that work for you and for others.

We have to look at all potential solutions to generational Jewish giving in ways that will keep young people connected to our community, and to our faith, in strong, healthy and viable ways. The continuing, and thriving, financial support of our community requires our understanding that the next generation has to believe in our Jewish values as worldwide values. After all, everyone wants their life, and their charitable giv-

Federation Report Steven Kerzner, Campaign Chair and Linda Kerzner Women’s Campaign Chair ing, attached to something that is beneficial to humanity, that is serious, and that is longlasting. We need to offer more than family history and memories. We need to make Jewish giving relevant to our children’s adult lives.

Do you remember walking into your parents’ or grandparents’ home and seeing a variety of pushkes or tzedakah boxes for weekly donations to a variety of Jewish organizations on the windowsills and counter tops?

Those many containers, for charities ranging from planting trees in Israel to feeding children in impoverished countries, represent one of the highest levels of charity in our set of Jewish values because the donors do not know the recipients and the recipients do not know their benefactors. Tzedakah is at the heart of Jewish principles and is a cornerstone of the Jewish religion. Tzedakah – which means justice or righteousness – is

not limited to Jewish charities or foundations. Judaism points out, in relation to tzedakah, that we are responsible for all people. We are directed that all human life is considered sacred and that it is our obligation to save a life.

Do our children know more than onequarter of the largest donations received by general educational institutions North America wide are from Jewish donors? Or more than 70 per cent of grants from Jewish foundations for humanitarian needs go to nonJewish causes? Tzedakah, as a Jewish ethical and religious principle, has an enormous effect both on the survival and success of Jewish charities and on the health of worldwide humanitarian causes in general.

It is vital that we, as Jews, contribute to the improvement of the world – our world. It is, however, just as vital that we do not short-change Jewish institutions. We have

just come through a couple of very difficult years economically and our local Jewish charitable contributions have reflected this.

All of our local beneficiaries of campaign funds have had to take a decrease in their allocations and some have been hit particularly hard. We see it as our job, as chairs, to restore the balance and bring an appropriate level of funding back to these organizations.

In the larger world, when two-thirds of Jewish philanthropy flows to causes outside the community, and when our key institutions are starved for funds, the proportions and priorities are sorely out of balance. Our job is to re-educate our donors and future donors so they can feel very comfortable contributing as informed Jewish givers.

So, when one of us, or one of our canvassers, calls to ask for your pledge, please remember we are counting on you to support a vital Jewish community in Ottawa. A community that exists to enrich the lives of all our fellow Jews. And please share your charitable giving decisions and hopes for the future with your young adult children and other family members. Work together with us to ensure we meet all your needs, so that you all feel that your choices are relevant for today, and for the future, and that there will be continuity for the growth and stability of our community’s future.

It takes all kinds to comprise Jewish unity This issue of our Ottawa Jewish Bulletin is being published during a wonderful time in our Jewish calendar, the holiday of Sukkot, the festival of our rejoicing. The best way to sum up the message of this holiday would be ‘It takes all kinds.’ Everything about Sukkot and Simchat Torah is about Jewish unity and the value of every Jew. Let’s begin with the sukkah. There are various requirements governing the minimum and maximum height of a sukkah, but there is no maximum prescribed to the length or breadth of a Sukkah (although there is a minimum). It could be as big as a city. The Talmud teaches that “it is fitting that the entire people of Israel dwell in a single sukkah.” The symbolism of the sukkah is that despite the differences that exist between Jews, the sukkah embraces everyone equally within its walls.

Another tradition of Sukkot is the shaking of the four species. We take an etrog (citron), a lulav (date palm branch), hadassim (myrtle branches) and aravot (willow branches) and we unite them while reciting a blessing. These four species represent the various types and personalities that comprise the Jewish people, whose intrinsic unity we emphasize on Sukkot.

Each of the species has different qualities. The etrog has both taste and smell.

This is compared to those individuals who both study the Torah and do good deeds.

The date (the fruit of the lulav) has a taste

From the pulpit Rabbi Menachem Blum OTC Chabad but no smell. This represents those who study Torah but do not excel in good deeds.

The myrtle has a smell but no taste. These are the Jewish people who do good deeds but do not necessarily study. Finally, the willow has no taste and no smell. These are those Jews who neither do good deeds nor study the Torah. On Sukkot, God commands: “Let them all be bound together in one bundle and atone for each other.”

We are required to have all four species present to perform the mitzvah, and if one is missing, regardless which one, the unit is not complete. Each of the four species possesses something that the other three do not, and thus atones and compensates for that quality’s absence in the other three. True Jewish unity means to recognize that each individual Jew is important and compensates for the qualities that we may not have.

Finally, we come to Simchat Torah, a time to celebrate our precious heritage, the Torah. Yet, instead of opening it and studying its meaning, we keep it closed and dance with it. Studying is dependent on a person’s knowledge and therefore expresses

the differences that exist between Jews.

Dancing with the Torah however, is something everyone can do in the same way and it expresses how we all inherited the Torah equally. We hold hands, join in a circle and unite around the Torah.

With all this Jewish unity, it is no wonder that Sukkot is called the Festival of Rejoicing. There is a level of joy that comes only through unity. God too rejoices with us at our show of unity and embraces us in the walls of the sukkah, reassuring us that we

can enter the New Year happy and confident that our prayers have been heard and accepted.

So, this year join the unity fest by filling your Sukkot/Simchat checklist: Visit and eat in a Sukkah at least once during Sukkot; Shake the lulav and etrog during the holiday of Sukkot; Take your family to a synagogue for Simchat Torah celebration and join the dance with the Torah.

Owned by The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd., 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, K2A 1R9.

Tel: (613) 798-4696. Fax: (613) 798-4730. Email: bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com. Published 19 times a year.

© copyright 2010 PUBLISHER: The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. EDITOR: Michael Regenstreif PRODUCTION MANAGER: Brenda Van Vliet BUSINESS MANAGER: Rhoda Saslove-Miller ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Seymour Diener, chair; Anna Bilsky; Stephen Bindman; Mark Buckshon; Jack Cramer; Diane Koven; Louise Rachlis; Michael Wollock.

The Bulletin cannot vouch for the kashrut of the products or establishments advertised in this publication unless they have the certification of the Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut or other rabbinic authority recognized by the Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut.

Local subscription $30.00. Out-of-town $36.00. International $50.00. $2.00 per issue.

ISSN: 1196-1929 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40018822 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 21 NADOLNY SACHS PRIVATE, OTTAWA, ON K2A 1R9

email: bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 7

A terrorist plot in our own backyard Justin Bieber, the diminutive teenaged singer from Stratford, Ontario, who has become a pop culture phenomenon this year, was big news in Ottawa as we entered the last week of August.

On Tuesday night, August 24, Bieber sang to a crowd of 16,500 fans at Scotiabank Place and he was all over the local mainstream media, including the next morning’s Ottawa Citizen, where Bieber’s picture dominated the front page.

We were in the dog days of August, so there wasn’t much hard news to fill up the front pages. A lot of people were still on vacation, Parliament wasn’t in session and the municipal election campaign was still in the warm-up stage. So, it was big news when this year’s teen heartthrob came to town.

What a difference a day makes (to borrow an old song title).

Just as thousands of Ottawans were looking at that picture of Bieber over their morning coffee, the RCMP and Ottawa police were converging on a townhouse at 91 Esterlawn Private – only about 15 city blocks from Ottawa’s Jewish Community Campus – and on an apartment, 10 minutes away at 220 Woodridge Crescent near the Bayshore Shopping Centre, executing a search warrant and arresting the first two suspects in an alleged Islamist terror plot.

“Ottawa terror plot had al-Qaeda links: police,” screamed the headline on the front

Editor Michael Regenstreif page of the next day’s Citizen.

As the news unfolded over the next couple of days, we learned that the suspects arrested that morning in Ottawa were Misbahuddin Ahmed, an X-ray technician at the Civic Campus of the Ottawa Hospital, and Hiva Alizadeh, a former electrical engineering student. A third suspect arrested in London, Ontario was Khurram Sher, a pathologist who went to medical school at McGill University, did part of his residency at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital and once auditioned for Canadian Idol.

It was disconcerting, to say the least, to learn that an alleged terrorism plot was unfolding in our own backyard.

While the news of an al-Qaeda plot in Ottawa was disconcerting for all Canadians, it was especially so for many in the Jewish community because of the history of terrorist attacks on Jewish targets in Israel, and in the Diaspora.

The murderous 2008 attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai, India, remains fresh in our collective memory.

We have also been reminded recently of the horrific synagogue bombing in Paris in 1980, which killed four people and injured dozens more because Hassan Diab, a suspect in the case, was arrested in Ottawa in 2008. Diab, a sociologist who has taught courses at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton, is currently fighting extradition to France on the charges.

It’s a sad reality of our contemporary world that society must remain ever on guard against the threat of terrorism.

Yes, it is disconcerting to learn that there were alleged terrorists living, working and shopping among us. But, it is also comforting to learn that our police and security services are on the job and have been able to shut down alleged terrorist cells like the one busted in Ottawa last month, or the so-called Toronto 18 in 2006, before they could carry out their plots.

It’s a sad reality of our contemporary

world that society must remain ever on guard against the threat of terrorism.

Peace talks Israel and the Palestinians are back at the table, under the sponsorship of the Obama Administration, negotiating directly, and at the highest levels, for the first time in far too long. The negotiations will be difficult and trying, but, hopefully, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Mahmoud Abbas will be able to see the negotiations through to a conclusion that gives the Palestinians the state they need and Israel the security it needs.

Whenever Israel has found itself at war over the past 62 years, it has benefitted from the unwavering solidarity of Jewish communities – and the overwhelming majority of Jews – throughout the Diaspora.

Less than two years ago, the Soloway JCC in Ottawa and other facilities across Canada overflowed with Jews standing in solidarity on a January night during Operation Cast Lead.

That solidarity with Israel in times of war has not been as strong, Michael Oren, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, pointed out this month, in times when Israel has searched for peace.

The road to peace will not be easy and will demand compromises and concessions from both sides. The peacemakers deserve and need our solidarity.

Travelling alone in a massive and unfamiliar city Every so often, it’s good to travel outside your comfort zone. Or even outside your hemisphere.

With that in mind, I found myself in São Paulo, Brazil last month, journeying on my own for several days.

São Paulo is a big, sprawling, unfathomable megalopolis, one of the largest cities on earth. It is polluted and trafficcongested and extremely cultured and endlessly fascinating.

There are parts of São Paulo you’d have a hard time escaping from with your life, or at least with your watch. There are other parts of the city you’d have a hard time entering without a multimillion dollar apartment lease and a security card displayed in the windshield of your Ferrari.

It has more people than any other urban area in the Southern Hemisphere, more restaurants than any other city in the world, and a multicultural citizenry that includes the largest population of Japanese people outside Japan, a seven-generation-old Italian community, and a Jewish community with its own distinctive landmark: a huge, Torah-shaped cultural centre that houses a museum and sits atop its own metro station.

Oh, and everyone speaks Portuguese.

And no, I don’t speak Portuguese.

Alan Echenberg Visiting a new and distant place – seeing the sights, soaking in the culture, and tasting the food – can be an exhilarating experience. That was certainly the case for me. I grew blisters on top of blisters on my feet exploring for hours what was, in the end, only a small slice of a city of 20 million people.

But it was a slice that had some of the most interesting urban architecture I’ve ever seen (Torah-shaped building included). São Paulo contains block after block of generic high-rises interspersed with the occasional structure possibly designed by Martians.

And the food? Non-stop delicious.

Two handy tips about eating in Brazil: If you’re hungry, you’ve come to the right place, with single portions big enough for a family of four. But, if you’re a vegetarian, you might consider taking a break from that. Beef is big in Brazil. A vegetarian

meal could mean chicken or pork.

If you do take a break, try the flank steak.

At the same time, I have to admit that travelling alone in a massive and unfamiliar city, halfway across the planet from home – where you know nobody and can’t understand what anyone is saying to you – can also feel disorienting at times.

In three days in São Paulo, I think I spoke maybe 10 full sentences out loud to other human beings. I learned how to say “thank you,” “sorry,” and some other key words in Portuguese. Between that and pointing at items in restaurant menus, I got by.

Here was the most disorienting thing I experienced: After a couple of days exploring the city centre, I decided to venture further afield. I hopped on an intercity bus to visit a small colonial town right outside the São Paulo city limits. After an hour-long bus ride, where it never really felt as if I had left the endless sprawl of the city, I hopped off at my destination and was greeted with loud gunfire.

Or so it seemed.

I had no idea where I was or how to get to where I was going. I figured the best bet, of course, was to follow a route that

took me away from a possible shootout. I was nervous, disoriented, 7,000 km away from the nearest person I knew and, frankly, lost. As I walked under a bug-infested grove of trees, I remembered that I had neglected to get my Yellow Fever shots.

Every five minutes, the explosions sounded. And they seemed to be moving in the same direction I was going.

After about a half-hour, satisfying myself that the obvious lack of panic in the streets probably indicated something more benign than a barrage of bullets, I headed toward the sound of the blasts to investigate.

Turned out it wasn’t a firefight breaking out, but rather an election campaign.

Brazilian federal elections take place next month and an afternoon of setting off loud firecrackers every few minutes as his caravan wandered through town was one local candidate’s way of soliciting votes.

I shook the guy’s hand as I passed him.

One of his supporters handed me a campaign pamphlet.

Yes, it was in Portuguese.

What else could I do at that point? I headed straight to the nearest churrascaria and buried my nerves in a flank steak built for four.

Page 8 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

Mayoral election 2010

(From left) Communications and Community Relations Committee Chair Stephen Bindman, Federation President and CEO Mitchell Bellman, Mayor Larry O’Brien, Federation Chair Donna Dolansky, and Federation Past-Chair Jonathan Freedman.

(Photo: Michael Regenstreif)

O’Brien points to security issues as top priority

By Michael Regenstreif Incumbent Mayor Larry O’Brien says it was a hard decision to stand for re-election, but he decided to put his name on the October 25 ballot after looking at the other declared candidates.

“I realized I was probably the only person who could keep that complex equation of the future and the current economic stability on one platform at one time. It wouldn’t take too much for us to slam the brakes on,” he said.

“We have projects like Lansdowne Park and light rail that I think are in jeopardy unless I continue pushing them forward.”

O’Brien was speaking at a roundtable meeting, September 15, with the Communications and Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.

The committee held meetings, over a two-day period, with each of the top three candidates vying for the mayor’s job in Ottawa’s municipal election to be held October 25. See pages 11 and 13 for reports on the meetings with candidates Jim Watson and Clive Doucet.

O’Brien said he well understands the Jewish community’s security concerns, particularly following the recent arrests of individuals involved in an alleged Islamist terrorist cell operating in Ottawa.

“As the mayor of a capital city of a G8 nation, I, too, feel personally vulnerable,” said the mayor.

“So, I can understand [the Jewish community’s] feeling of being vulnerable.

There’s no softer political target in this country than the mayor of a capital city.”

O’Brien gave full marks to the police and to security agencies like CSIS which,

he said, “have a pretty good ear on what’s going on.”

O’Brien said that should security concerns warrant increased budgets for police or other first-responders, “it would always be my number one priority.”

The mayor also said that the most important tool in guarding against homegrown terrorism is the vigilance of citizens and all community groups in detecting and reporting areas where social services, police and political leaders can focus their efforts.

When asked about the role the city could play in combating anti-Semitism in Ottawa, particularly on university campuses and in high schools, and in promoting social cohesion, O’Brien said, that as mayor, he is always open to hearing the Jewish community’s suggestions about what he could do in those areas.

When the discussion turned to the issue of housing for seniors, and the fact that little progress seems to have been made over the past three years in obtaining provincial government approval for 21 additional beds for Hillel Lodge, O’Brien admitted there was little the city could do in a jurisdiction that primarily belongs to the provincial government. The city’s priorities, he said, had to remain focused on public safety, security and basic services under municipal jurisdiction.

When it was pointed out to O’Brien that a city-owned apartment building housing a number of Tamir participants at Vanlang Private was in complete disrepair and infested with cockroaches, the mayor said there was an immense need to deal with such situations and asked that such situations be brought to his office’s attention.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 9 Advertorial

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND More than trees 613.798.2411

Brian Pearl president

Israeli summers are like Canada’s with serious forest fires, danger and damage We often read about Canadians to our west and north who face the threat of forest fires during these hot and often dry months. In recent years, that same summertime threat is also being felt by all Israelis, whether Jewish, Christian, Muslim or Druze. As in Canada, the burden of fighting these conflagrations falls on a small group of incredibly brave men and women. In Israel, these people are almost always the employees of JNF-KKL. The same people, responsible for planting, tending and preserving Israel’s forests, are being called on to risk their lives to protect and save those forests from the growing threat of fires.

Data collected by KKL-JNF for this year, up to July 26, shows that there were 1,000 fire incidents. And in those incidents, some 22,000 dunams (5,500 acres) of natural and planted woodland, holding approximately 800,000 trees, went up in flames. After exhaustive investigations, it was concluded that the majority of these fires were caused by ‘arson terrorism.’ According to a recent article in the Jerusalem Post, heavy heat dominating most parts of Israel is also a contributing factor to some of the fires. A few were the result of the extreme weather conditions, as well as hikers’ negligence. Near Jerusalem, two weeks after an enormous fire that destroyed 1,000 dunams (250 acres) of the Aminadav Forest, fire returned to the area once again. It took 13 teams of firefighters to control the blaze. And, that same day, many teams from the Israel Police, firefighting crews and KKL-JNF fought to put out the fire that broke out in the Amatzia Forest, near Kiryat Gat. The personnel on the ground were assisted by a helicopter until the fire was eventually brought under control.

The dangerous, exhausting work of the KKL-JNF’s forest rangers in extinguishing fires was described by one of them, Aharon, in an interview in the newspaper Ma’ariv. “The heat was 200 degrees Celsius within the circle of 360 trees,� he said about the large fire that raged in the Haruvit Forest at the end of June. “At that temperature trees combust. The flames are 40 metres high and they, my firefighters, are looking at me. They’re waiting for me to come up with a solution ... I look for a spot that’s already burnt and pour water around. We put on our masks and just waited for death. Suddenly, the wind changed direction, and so we were saved from the ring of fire. Miracles still do happen. When our colleagues saw us emerging from the forest, they couldn’t believe it was us. They simply burst in tears.�

It will take many long years of hard restoration work and will require a great deal of resources to re-establish the forests. KKL-JNF, in cooperation with KKL-JNF’s offices and friends around the world, has already begun restoration operations in the burnt forests side-by-side with fundraising campaigns to purchase firefighting equipment, fire engines, flame retardant materials, for the hiring of airplanes to help to extinguish fires from the air, as well as personal safety equipment for KKL-JNF foresters to use when putting out fires and for dealing with the burnt areas – pruning, cleaning and preparing to plant anew.

We Canadians understand how forest fires threaten lives and property and damage forests, and what it takes to fight them, prevent them and restore the damage. Your donations to JNF will help Israelis fight this all too familiar threat.

Sefer Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah inscriptions Noah Samuel Paul Kropp-Lazar, by his proud parents Eva Lazar and Douglas Kropp; Meredith Perci Barwin, by her proud parents, Jackie and Kevin Barwin; Noah Berdowski, by his proud father, Max Berdowski.

Golden Book inscriptions Meredith Perci Barwin, by her proud grandparents, Liz and Stan Tick and Myrna and Norman Barwin; Kieran Anderson-Barwin, by his proud grandparents, Myrna and Norman Barwin and Ursula and Roger Anderson.

On a daily basis you can plant trees for all occasions. An attractive card is sent to the recipient.

To order, call the JNF office (613.798.2411).

Malca Pass Library Book Club launches 20th season, Oct 3

By Estelle Gunner For Malca Pass Library Agudath Israel Congregation’s Malca Pass Library has announced the 20th year of our popular Book Club.

Our special kickoff session, the Henry Pass Memorial Lecture, jointly sponsored by the Malca Pass Library and the Adult Education Committee, will take place Sunday, October 3, 10:00 am following services and breakfast, when Adele Reinhartz, professor in the Department of Classics and Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa, will review Journey from the Land of No by Roya Hakakian, the tender memoir of a girlhood in revolutionary Iran.

All other sessions in the series will be held on Tuesday evenings, 7:30 pm, in the Simcha Room of the synagogue.

A variety of books will be discussed by reviewers representing varied approaches and styles.

Other sessions include: • November 2 – Deborah Saginur will review Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. • November 30 – Jack Schecter will review Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson. • February 22 – Randall Ware will review The Bishop’s Man by Linden MacIntyre. • April 5 – Sophie Kohn Kaminsky will review The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. • May 10 – Sophie Kohn Kaminsky will review 36 Arguments for the Existence of God by Rebecca Goldstein. • June 14 – Ann Matyas will review The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Membership in the Book Club is $15 per person or $25 per couple for the entire series or $5 per person for individual sessions.

For membership or further information, contact Estelle Gunner at 613-829-2455 or esgunner@rogers.com or Librarian Jack Schecter at 613-728-3501, ext. 232, or library@agudathisrael.net.

The Malca Pass Library boasts an excellent collection of fiction, non-fiction, music and movies. Membership in the Library is free and open to the entire community. There is no charge for borrowing materials.

Library hours are Thursdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and Sundays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, from September through June.

TIME TO RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? ARE YOU MOVING? Call 613-798-4696, ext. 242 to update your information or to renew.

Don’t miss one issue!

Professor Adele Reinhartz will review Journey from the Land of No by Roya Hakakian at the kickoff event, Sunday, October 3, 10:00 am, of the Malca Pass Library Book Club.

R ESPECT. T RADITION. Kelly Funeral Homes has a long tradition of respecting your traditions.

Our dedicated professionals are proud to help local families uphold a rich heritage. Learn how advance planning can ensure those traditions are carried out as they should be.

Call today for information: 613-828-2313

KELLY FUNERAL HOMES www.kellyfh.ca

~Proudly Serving the Ottawa Community ~

" &$

Page 10 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

AJA 50+ to host Bridge and Mah-Jongg Fundraiser

By Dena Speevak for AJA 50+ Did you know that AJA (Active Jewish Adults) 50+ is celebrating 10 years of filling a vital need in our community?

AJA 50+ was created in September 2000 to meet the programming needs of the Jewish senior population in Ottawa. Countless volunteer hours have been dedicated to ensuring the organization is the best it can be.

AJA 50+ provides an affordable array of social, cultural and active pursuits to more than 450 Ottawa Jewish seniors. AJA 50+ includes Creative Connections, a weekly social program for older seniors.

As the population ages, and as we are liv-

ing longer, we can expect the demands on AJA 50+ resources to increase dramatically.

One special way to support AJA 50+ is to attend our 2010 Bridge and Mah-Jongg Fundraiser on Thursday, October 14, 11:15 am to 3:30 pm at Agudath Israel Synagogue.

Enjoy duplicate bridge directed by Liz Schwartz, contract bridge, mah-jongg, wizard, Scrabble or other games. The cost is $36 per person, which includes a catered lunch by David Smith and exciting prizes. To register, call Flo Morgan at 613-224-8286.

You can also support this fundraiser by becoming a sponsor (tax receipts provided). For information, contact Steve Rauch at 613-4226766 or steve.rauch.2006@gmail.com.

(Left to right) Lorna Raskin, Brenda Rosenberg, Merle Haltrecht-Matte, Shelley Shusterman and Sharon Cohen at the 2009 AJA 50+ Bridge and Mah-Jongg Fundraiser.

Na’amat program provides school supplies for local children living in shelters

By Annette Paquin Na’amat Canada Ottawa For many children in the Ottawa area whose families have been affected by violence, returning to school this fall with a backpack full of needed supplies became a reality thanks to the Na’amat Canada School Supplies for Kids program.

Children living in domestic abuse shelters have suffered or witnessed abuse and face challenges few of us can imagine. As a consequence, they can suffer emotional and behavioural disturbances that compromise their academic performance. Not having the proper supplies for routine classroom activities would be another setback for these students.

Danielle Schneiderman heads up the Ot-

tawa area School Supplies for Kids program. She and a team of volunteers raise needed funds, purchase the supplies and pack and distribute the backpacks.

Their efforts came together, August 25, at Temple Israel when volunteers, most aged 12 and under, along with their moms and a dad, stuffed backpacks and boxed them for delivery. Everyone involved left with a great sense of accomplishment knowing that 230 children, at eight different shelters, would head off to school with new backpacks filled with the supplies they need.

Contact naamat.ottawa@sympatico.ca for more information about Na’amat Canada Ottawa or to get involved with the planning team for School Supplies for Kids.

Na’amat moms and kids display backpacks filled with school supplies for Ottawa children living in domestic abuse shelters.

Grow your Retirement income by 5 – 7% Guaranteed!

Would you like to advertise in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin?

Are you concerned about low interest rates and volatile stock markets?

Receive Guaranteed Monthly Withdrawal Payments for Life.

To learn more, contact: Brian Aarenau @ Raymond James Ltd. Brian Aarenau B.A., M.M.S. (Finance) Financial Advisor Raymond James Ltd. 750-45 O’Connor Street Ottawa, ON, K1P 1A4 Phone: (613) 369-4610 Email: brian.aarenau@raymondjames.ca Securities-related products and services are offered through Raymond James Ltd., memberCanadian Investor Protection Fund. Please read information folder for full details prior to investing.

HOUSE FOR SALE OR RENT

WESTBORO - 560 TWEEDSMUIR Magnificent, 3000 Sq.Ft.,Custom built in 1991., 2 -storey, 4+1 bedrooms, huge family room with gas fireplace, KOSHER designed kitchen with 3 sinks, 2 dishwashers, and 2 ovens, large marbled entrance, finished basement with rec. room, nanny suite and bath, Brazilian hardwood & porcelain floors, central air and vacuum, double garage, fenced yard with decks, Close to 2 synagogues, immediate occupancy.

$879,000 neg.

(OR RENT)

613-729-6369

Contact Rhoda SasloveMiller (613) 798-4696, ext. 256

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 11

Mayoral election 2010

(From left) Federation Vice-Chair Debbie Weiss, Federation Chair Donna Dolansky, Communications and Community Relations Committee Chair Stephen Bindman, Jim Watson, Federation Past-Chair Jonathan Freedman, Communications and Commu(Photo: Michael Regenstreif) nity Relations Committee member Sandra Zagon.

Watson makes pledge to keep advocating for 21 new beds at Hillel Lodge

By Michael Regenstreif “I’m embarrassed by this file,” Ottawa mayoralty candidate Jim Watson admitted when the longstanding question of approving 21 additional beds for Hillel Lodge was raised at Watson’s roundtable meeting, September 16, with the Communications and Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.

The committee held meetings, over a twoday period, with each of the top three candidates vying for the mayor’s job in Ottawa’s municipal election to be held October 25. See pages 8 and 13 for reports on the meetings with candidates Larry O’Brien and Clive Doucet.

Watson, then running for re-election as MPP in Ottawa West-Nepean, pledged his support for the 21 beds at a similar roundtable discussion in advance of the 2007 provincial election. He vowed then to work for the beds’ approval within six months. Three years later, the issue remains unresolved. And he professed to being deeply frustrated that he was not able to facilitate the 21 beds while serving as an MPP and Ontario cabinet minister under Premier Dalton McGuinty.

“I’ve been given assurance after assurance,” he said, recalling a visit he made to the Lodge with David Caplan, then the health minister. “I spoke with Deb Matthews, the new minister. The premier’s office is aware of it. They keep saying it’s in the bag, that everything’s under control. But you go over there [to Hillel Lodge] and there are still no beds.”

Watson promised to continue advocating on behalf of Hillel Lodge to resolve the issue of the 21 beds as soon as possible.

“It’s a serious issue in the community,” he

said. “We do have a severe shortage of longterm care beds, and I think the problem is more acute here [in Ottawa] because we have an aging population ... We need significantly more long-term beds than what we have.”

If elected, Watson said, he would convene a seniors’ summit within six months, with such stakeholders as housing providers, healthcare providers, social service agencies, officials from all levels of government and seniors themselves, to determine what must be done for Ottawa’s aging population.

Watson also discussed other issues surrounding housing and homelessness and pointed to his record as Ontario’s minister of housing when he signed an agreement for $1.2 billion in housing spending over two years. About $90 million of that money, Watson said, has been spent in Ottawa, including $15-17 million to repair and rehabilitate existing buildings.

“Obviously, the building on Vanlang Private has not seen that money,” Watson said, when it was pointed out to him that a cityowned apartment building there, housing a number of Tamir participants, was in complete disrepair and infested with cockroaches.

When the discussion turned to issues of security and social cohesion, Watson said that, as mayor, he would speak out and denounce acts of anti-Semitism and racism “that are inappropriate in the type of civilized society we live in.”

Watson pointed to the recently launched Jewish mentorship program for the Somali community as an exciting example of how to build social cohesion in the city. The mayor, he said, should act as a catalyst in developing such initiatives.

Page 12 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

In support of the Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge In the Joseph and Inez Zelikovitz Long Term Care Centre Card Donations Card donations go a long way to improving the quality of life for our residents. Thank you for considering their needs and contributing to their wellbeing.

On behalf of the residents and their families, we extend sincere appreciation to the following individuals and families who made card donations to the Hillel Lodge Long-Term Care Foundation between August 17 and September 1, 2010 inclusive.

HONOUR FUNDS Unlike a bequest or gift of life insurance, which are realized some time in the future, a named Honour Fund (i.e., endowment fund) is established during your lifetime.

By making a contribution of $1,000 or more, you can create a permanent remembrance for a loved one, honour a family member, declare what the Lodge has meant to you and/or support a cause that you believe in.

A Hillel Lodge Honour Fund is a permanent pool of capital that earns interest or income each year. This income then supports the priorities designated by you, the donor.

Bill and Leona Adler Memorial Fund In Honour of: Janet Kaiman Congratulations on becoming Principal of OMJS by Marilyn Adler, Neil and Daniel Blacher; and by Elayne Adler, Farley, Jordan and Benjamin Stenzler Samantha Mattin and Brian Segal Welcome to Ottawa by Elayne Adler, Farley, Jordan and Benjamin Stenzler In Memory of: Lily Tonchin by Marilyn Adler Rose Wald by Marilyn Adler and Neil Blacher; and by Elayne Adler, Farley, Jordan and Benjamin Stenzler Helen Rosenthal by Marilyn Adler, Neil and Daniel Blacher Kurt Brewer by Marilyn Adler Samuel and Jean Akerman Memorial Fund R’fuah Shlema: Irma Sachs by Sheila and Larry Hartman; and

by Dee and Yale Gaffen In Honour of: Simon Morin best wishes on your special birthday by Sheila and Larry Hartman In Memory of: Abe Davis by Sheila and Larry Hartman Jenny and Murray Citron Endowment Fund In memory of: Rose Wald by Sarah, Mich, Jared and Darren Lipski

Carol Spiro by Sarah and Mich Lipski and family Friedberg and Dale Families Fund In Honour of: Pninah Karasik and Yitzchak Sheffrin Mazal tov on your marriage by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale Rabbi Avi and Mrs. Ayala Gross and family Mazal tov on the birth of your daughter by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale Faigy and Zachary Muroff Mazal Tov on the birth of your grandson by Elaine Friedberg, Bob and Jonathan Dale Tania Firestone Family Fund R’fuah Shlema: Claire Bercovitch by Bob, Lindsay, Lola, Jack and Ellie Firestone In Memory of: Kenneth Gallagher by the Firestone family Malcolm and Vera Glube Endowment Fund In Memory of: Toby Steinhauser’s mother by Vera and Malcolm Glube Reva Weinberg by Vera and Malcolm Glube Nell Gluck Memorial Fund In Memory of: Helen Rosenthal by Henry and Maureen Molot Evelyn and Irving Greenberg Fund In Honour of: Solange and Harvey Smith Happy 25th anniversary by Evelyn Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taylor Happy New Year with love by Evelyn Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Harry Froman Happy New Year with love by Evelyn Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Irving Slone Happy New Year with love by Evelyn Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Polowin Happy New Year with love by Evelyn Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Brent Taylor Happy New Year with love by Evelyn Greenberg Mr and Mrs. Larry Hershorn Happy New Year with love by Evelyn Greenberg Moe Greenberg and Elissa Greenberg Iny Fund In Honour of: Cyril and Paul Rothman my love and best wishes on your 50 golden years by Simi Gardner

Gunner Family Fund In Memory of: Rebie Schwartz by Sol and Estelle Gunner Helen Rosenthal by Sol and Estelle Gunner Nordau and Roslyn Kanigsberg Family Fund In Honour of: Zelaine and Sol Shinder Mazal tov on your 50th wedding anniversary by Roz and Nordau Kanigsberg Dorothy and Maurie Karp Endowment Fund R’fuah Shlema: Claire Bercovitch by Dorothy Karp In Memory of: Carol Spiro by Dorothy Karp In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Samuel Saslove beloved father, 10th Elul by Dorothy Karp and family Lillian Saslove beloved mother, 2nd Mar Cheshvan by Dorothy Karp and family Morris and Lillian Kimmel Family Fund In Memory of: Rose Wald by Morris Kimmel, Steven Kimmel and family, Janet Kaiman and family and Brenda Levine and family Mary Brewer by Morris Kimmel, Steven Kimmel and family, Janet Kaiman and family and Brenda Levine and family In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Bill Adler by: Janet, Steve, Tobin and Aaron Kaiman In Honour of: Berny, Karin Fresco and family Wishing you all the best in the New Year with love by Janet, Steve, Tobin and Aaron Kaiman Debra, Ron and Oliver Mayers Wishing you all the best in the New Year with love by Janet, Steve, Tobin and Aaron Kaiman Sally and Norman and Stephen Raicek Wishing you all the best in the New Year with love

by Janet, Steve, Tobin and Aaron Kaiman Anna Heilman and family Wishing you all the best in the New Year with love by Janet, Steve, Tobin and Aaron Kaiman R’fuah Shlema: Claire Bercovitch by Morris Kimmel Levenson-Polowin Feeding Fund In Memory of: Shirley Levenson by Helen and Gerry Polowin and family; by Steve and Doris Ramphos; and by Angie and Jeff Polowin Ida and Sidney Lithwick Fund In Memory of: Sidney Lithwick by Marilyn Lithwick Irma and Harold Sachs Family Fund In Memory of: Lily Tonchin by Irma Sachs Schachter-Ingber Family Fund In Honour of: Rachel and Davida Schachter In appreciation

for your fashion moxie by Maggie Lederman Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Family Fund In Honour of: Janet Kaiman Congratulations on a well deserved honour as Principal of OMJS by Stephen and Debra Schneiderman R’fuah Shlema: Irma Sachs by Stephen and Debra Schneiderman In Memory of: Marion Atwell by Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Mary Brewer by Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Harold and Lillian Shoihet Memorial fund In Memory of: Carol Spiro by Dovid Shoihet and family Feeding Program R’fuah Shlema: John Greenberg by Mara, Isaac Muzikansky and family

*********** IN HONOUR OF: Arthur Kizell Happy Birthday & many returns

by Ann Luce.

Alan and Esther Williams Congratulations on the marriage of Zev to Estee by Arnie and Chevy Fine Ralph and Lynda Levenstein Best wishes on your anniversary and continued happiness and joy

by Bill and Laurie Chochinov Pat and Martin Marcus Congratulations on your 50th anniversary Arthur Kizell Happy 85th birthday by Aunt Lovella, Leah, Jonah and Simona Zelaine and Sol Shinder Best wishes and Mazal tov on your 50th wedding anniversary by Sylvia and Morton Pleet IN MEMORY OF: Jack Bosloy by Muriel and Horace Beilin Mervin Mirsky by Ingrid Shapiro Ethel Aronovitch’s daughter by Anne Koffman and family Leona Fleishman by Bev and Bryan Glube and family Lily Tonchin by Joyce Miller; by Lawrence Zuker Mary Brewer by Susan Greenberg; by Helen and Chaim Gilboa; by Anita and Mike Roodman Helen Rosenthal by Lynne Oreck-Wener and Bobby Wener; and by Rhoda and Mike Aronson R’FUAH SHLEMA: Celia Levitan by Etta Karp

We received a generous donation from Telus Corporation matching a gift from Michael Berger in honour of his grandmother Doris Edelstein.

THE LODGE EXPRESSES ITS SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR YOUR KIND SUPPORT AND APOLOGIZES FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, THE WORDING APPEARING IN THE BULLETIN IS NOT NECESSARILY THE WORDING WHICH APPEARED ON THE CARD. GIVING IS RECEIVING – ATTRACTIVE CARDS AVAILABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS Here’s a good opportunity to recognize an event or convey the appropriate sentiment to someone important to you and at the same time support the Lodge. Card orders may be given to Bev at 613-728-3900, extension 111, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Friday. You may also e-mail your orders to donations@hillel-ltc.com. E-mail orders must include name, address, postal code, and any message to person receiving the card; and, amount of donation, name, address and postal code of the person making the donation. Cards may be paid for by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cheque or Cash. Contributions are tax deductible.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 13

Mayoral election 2010

(From left) Federation Chair Donna Dolansky, Communications and Community Relations Committee Chair Stephen Bindman, Clive Doucet, Federation Past-Chair Jonathan Freedman, Federation Vice-Chair Debbie Weiss. (Photo: Michael Regenstreif)

Doucet’s candidacy is about preparing Ottawa for the future

By Michael Regenstreif Capital Ward Councillor Clive Doucet says his bid for Ottawa’s mayoralty is about preparing the city for the future.

“I’m running for mayor because we have to prepare for a different world,” he said.

“The 21st century will be very different from the 20th, and we have to prepare for that world.”

Doucet was speaking at a roundtable meeting, September 16, with the Communications and Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. The committee held meetings, over a two-day period, with each of the top three candidates vying for the mayor’s job in Ottawa’s municipal election to be held October 25. See pages 8 and 11 for reports on the meetings with candidates Larry O’Brien and Jim Watson.

If he’s not elected, Doucet said, Ottawa “would have to elect someone like me” in the near future.

The councillor said he entered the race to become mayor because Mayor Larry O’Brien’s current term “was four years of confusion” and because former mayor and provincial cabinet minister Jim Watson “can manage, but can’t lead,” said Doucet.

According to Doucet, Ottawa’s future will be marked by climate change and energy shortages. Climate change, he said, is already affecting the city.

“The [1998] ice storm,” he said, “was a climate change event. Now, we have to deal with periods of freeze and then thaw all winter long.”

When asked about the housing issue, in general, and about a city-owned apartment building housing a number of Tamir participants at Vanlang Private that is in complete disrepair and infested with cockroaches, in

particular, Doucet said all problems could not be solved by the mayor’s office.

“We need a task force to rethink our strategy and provide a long-term fix,” he said.

Doucet pointed to how Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has dealt with housing issues as an example Ottawa should follow.

Saskatoon, he explained, has adopted a strategy of “land banking.” The city buys tracts of land and leverages the value of the land to borrow money to create housing.”

When the discussion turned to the issue of housing for seniors, and the fact that little progress seems to have been made over the past three years in obtaining provincial government approval for 21 additional beds for Hillel Lodge, Doucet pledged, if he’s elected, to get the long-awaited approval from the Ontario government.

“I can help,” he said. “Getting the beds will be easy, but getting a new approach [to long-term care for the aged] is a bigger problem.”

Prosperity and a strong sense of community, Doucet said, are keys to dealing with issues of security, racism and anti-Semitism.

Doucet pointed to the refurbishing of the formerly run-down and now thriving Preston Street as an example of a “happy place” that provides that kind of prosperity and community which, he said, could be replicated along Carling Avenue from Preston to Kanata via his east-west light rail plan.

Doucet added that more festivals would enhance Ottawa’s sense of community.

“Not festivals like Bluesfest or Chamberfest, which play to specific audiences, but like Winterlude,” which he said, brings all of Ottawa’s communities together.

Page 14 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

Yom Kippur in India at the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth

By Ellie Shapiro I took a rickshaw to shul in India last year.

For a woman who grew up in Ottawa attending Beth Shalom with my parents, this was a far cry from what I considered my norm.

But, I was four months into my solo journey through India and wasn’t ready to head home yet. In fact, my trip wound up taking me through six Asian countries over a period of 15 months.

I suppose I could have walked to shul instead of taking India’s equivalent of a taxi – I had about 45 minutes to spare before Erev Yom Kippur services began – but didn’t know exactly where the shul was located. So, I figured my best mode of transportation was India’s best mode: the threewheeled motorized rickshaw.

The quaint, seaport town of Kochi is located in the state of Kerala, in southwest India. I came here specifically for Yom Kippur after reading in Lonely Planet’s India guidebook that it was home to India’s oldest synagogue, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568, it is, in fact, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.

I arrived in Kochi the day before Erev Yom Kippur following a 14-hour overnight train ride from Goa, where I had spent an all-Hebrew Rosh Hashanah with 30 Israelis.

It was an unforgettable night filled with music, laughter, and no electricity. The power had gone out early in the evening – a common occurrence in India – so we enjoyed our Rosh Hashanah meal with just the glow of a few candles. My eyes filled with tears as I processed where I was at that moment – recalling that only one week earlier I was worried I’d be celebrating the High Holidays alone eating palak paneer, an Indian dish made from spinach and cheese.

Life on the road had proven to be incredible, on every level. I lived in meditation ashrams, shared tea with monks while the Dalai Lama spoke right in front of us, saw life-altering things – some beautiful and others difficult – while learning more about myself during every step of the way. And now I was on my way to shul in India for Kol Nidre. The concept absolutely astounded me.

I was dressed in a white tunic, flowy pants and sandals. My hair was pulled back and I wore little makeup. Not exactly the look I would have put together for shul at home, but certainly one that felt appropriate for where I was, both literally and figuratively. By then, I had already discovered I needed less and less to feel more and more happy. I even traded in my large backpack for a smaller pack loaded with just the necessities.

As the rickshaw wound its way through the streets, I stuck my head out the back window to get a better look at everything around me. There was always a lot happening on the streets in India. People, animals, shops: I was fascinated by all of it.

Within in a few minutes, we came to a complete stop. As I started to get up, my driver turned to me and said, “Wait here. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

I watched as he ran into his place of worship to say his evening prayers.

I waited patiently, knowing I had time to spare before Yom Kippur services began, laughing to myself at yet another only in India experience.

Nothing in India was like home. But, I learned early in my travels that if I accepted that nothing was like home, my experiences would prove to be good ones.

Like the experience I was having at that moment. It was yet another opportunity for me to ponder where I was in my life. Here I was, a 40-something-year-old woman, alone, in India, yet somehow feeling more connected to my life than ever before.

Soon, the driver returned, thanked me for waiting, and drove me to the synagogue, a beautiful, blue, ancient structure at the end of a very narrow street.

I walked inside and was immediately taken by the antique beauty, and by the 70 or so warm faces who greeted me. I heard Hebrew coming from the mouths of many, including a family of Indians. An American man asked if I wanted to borrow one of his family’s English prayer books. Complete strangers treated me like family.

The service was Orthodox and very moving. And while I found it a bit hard to hear from where I was sitting, I took in the energy of the

place and the people, and said my prayers. Sitting in this loving place, filled with so much history, I gave thanks for my incredible journey in India, and my family and friends all over the world who I feel so fortunate to have in my life.

And, especially, I gave thanks for the memory of my loving parents who passed away a few years ago. There was no better Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur than the ones where I sat next to my mother in shul listening to my father’s beautiful voice fill the sanctuary as he conducted and sang with the choir on the bimah. I miss those days tremendously, but know how fortunate I am to have those cherished memories – alongside these new ones.

May your new year be filled with beautiful moments that become cherished memories.

Shana Tova!

Ellie Shapiro, backpack in tow, at a market in India.

The bimah of the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, India, built in 1568.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 15

Semmy Stahlhammer to read and perform at Agudath Israel

St. Louis monument (JTA) – Renowned architect Daniel Libeskind was chosen to design and create a Canadian monument to the Holocaust-era ship the St. Louis.

To mark Canada’s refusal to accept the ship and its Jewish refugees, the monument will be housed at Pier 21, Canada’s Immigration Museum, in Halifax, NS. The steamship fled Nazi Germany in 1939 with 907 Jewish passengers bound for Latin America.

No country in the region, including Canada and the U.S., accepted its passengers, and the St. Louis was forced to return to Europe just as war broke out.

Ultimately, according to estimates, at least one-third of its passengers were killed in the Holocaust.

Last year, the Canadian government announced a grant of $500,000 to help fund the project.

Titled The Wheel of Conscience, Libeskind’s proposal will be made of steel with four prominent gears turning smaller wheels etched with the words “hatred,” “racism,” “antiSemitism” and “xenophobia.”

Libeskind is the son of Holocaust survivors and the creator of a Holocaust memorial in Berlin.

The Canadian Jewish Congress, which worked closely with the museum and held the artist selection process, said the monument will serve as the centrepiece of a CJC project to educate Canadians about the St. Louis and its impact on Canada’s society and immigration history.

Semmy Stahlhammer, first concertmaster of the Stockholm Royal Opera, klezmer musician and author, will be in Ottawa, October 6, for a unique evening of klezmer music and readings from Codename Barber, his book about his father, Mischa Stahlhammer, a Polish Jew who, as a teenager, escaped from a Nazi forced labour camp to become a landmine specialist with the Polish partisans and then the Soviet Red Army. Mischa immigrated to Sweden in 1948 and became a violinmaker.

In recent years, Semmy has revived the Stahlhammer Klezmer Band in Sweden. The original Stahlhammer Klezmer Band, founded by members of his family, performed in Poland from 1920 until 1939.

Semmy, a violinist, will be accompanied by Isabel Blommé, the Stahlhammer Klezmer Band’s cellist.

The evening of readings and klezmer music takes place Wednesday, October 6, 7:00 pm, at Agudath Israel Congregation, 1400 Coldrey Avenue, and is presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden. Admission is free (donations welcome). Call 613722-6422 for more information.

(Photo: Jerry Simon)

Thanks T hank s ffor or F Fun-Raising un-R aising With W it h Us! U s!

BEST B ES T Y YEAR E AR E EVER! VER! What W hat a great great day! day! T Thanks hanks tto o our our g golfers olfers and and ttheir heir sp sponsors onsors for for supporting suppor ting our our Annual Annual Tee Tee Up Up for for Tamir Tamir E Event vent a and nd T Tamir amir Q Quality ualit y S Services! er vices!

Special Thanks To:

Hats H ats ooff ff ttoo oour ur ccorporate or porate ssponsors ponsors ffor or aall ll yyour our su support! p p or t !

Platinum (($1000 Platinum $ 10 0 0 a and nd u up) p) JJade ade K Kat at P Project roject M Management anagement TThe he M Medicine edicine Shoppe Shoppe Pharmacy Pharmacy EEmond m ond H Harnden arnden Robert R ober t Greenberg Gr e e n b e r g

Silver ($500-$999) Silver ($ 5 0 0 - $ 9 9 9) Daquin Da qu i n S Sales al e s M Midas idas M Muffler u f fl er Capital C api tal City Ci t y Luggage L uggage S Standard tandard LLife i fe Great-West G reat-Wes t LLife i fe S Surgenor urgenor National National Leasing L easing Magna M agna Foods F oods / M. M. Karp Karp

Bronze (($250-$499) Bronze $ 2 5 0 - $ 4 9 9) Creative C reative Kosher Kosher Catering C a t er i ng FFarber arber & R Robillard obillard Koffman K of f man S Signs ign s Kronick K ronick LLaw aw R.G. R .G. Packman Pack man & Associates A ssociates

Thanks to all of the very generous businesses that donated many prizes for the day!

Rideau View Golf Club and their staff for hosting such a wonderful day!

Our Celebrity Chair J.J. Clarke

Without W ithout Our Our Volunteers, Volunteers s,, This This Day Day Would Would N Not ot Have Have Been Been Possible!

Possible!

Many M any Thanks Thanks To: To: A ni t a A Anita Almstedt l m s t ed t Debbie D ebbie FFerkin er k i n Melanie M elanie Fulop F u l op Barbara Ba rbara Greenberg Greenberg

JJudi u di K Kerzner er z ner LLois ois Nudelman Nudelman V Vesna e s na S Scott cot t JJudy ud y W Wahking ah k i n g

E s t her K Esther Kwavnik w av n i k Robert R ober t Thompson T ho mp s on Dale Da le W Wyman y man Norm N orm FFerkin, erkin, C Chair hair

Page 16 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

Being Erica TV character transfixes Canadian Jews

By Renee Ghert-Zand (JTA) – A young woman with long auburn hair sits surrounded by friends and family in her mother’s living room while holding a tiny baby on a pillow in her lap.

She is the sandek at the brit of her cousin’s son, having agreed to take on this honorary role – the one who holds the baby – to please her father, a Reform rabbi who is the mohel. But, just as her father is about to perform the circumcision, the young woman faints. Her father moves in just in time, grabbing the newborn before his daughter falls to the ground.

Meet Erica Strange, a bright and attractive Jewish woman in her early 30s living in a hip neighbourhood in downtown Toronto and working in book publishing.

Erica is the fictional, time-travelling, eponymous lead character played by Erin Karpluk in the hit Canadian TV series Being Erica.

The show – airing Tuesdays at 9:00 pm – began its third season on CBC Television last week.

With much of the character derived from the life experience of Jana Sinyor, the show’s creator and executive producer, this fictional 30-something Toronto Jew is resonating with many young Canadian Jews who see something of themselves in her.

“Erica is Jewish like I’m Jewish. It’s not in your face, but, at the same time, it’s not just by the way,” said Ramona Carmelly, a professional opera singer in Toronto. “You really feel her Jewishness, even though Being Erica is not a Jewish show.”

But, some Jewish viewers are irked by the Jewish portrayal of Erica. One viewer, Pearl Gropper Berman, said the laissez-faire way in which the show treats Erica’s dating non-Jewish men and her sister’s intermarriage is not representative of Canadian Jews.

“I believe the daughter of a Toronto rabbi would be more engaged in the Jewish community,” Berman said. “Toronto’s Jewish community is much more conservative, and the decision-making surrounding dating someone nonJewish would be more prominent.”

Regardless of how accurate a portrait Being Erica paints of the contemporary Canadian Jew, it gives the larger Canadian viewing public some idea of what it’s like to be young and Jewish in Toronto – and that has inspired pride even among many of the show’s Jewish critics.

Erin Karpluk (left), who plays Erica Strange on the hit CBC drama Being Erica, with the show’s creator, Jana Sinyor, on location in Toronto.

(Photo: Temple Street Productions)

Rabbi Erin Polonsky of Toronto’s Temple Sinai said she watches Being Erica despite her disappointment with how the show handles certain Jewish topics.

Berman also admitted to liking the show despite its Jewish shortcomings.

“It’s very cool to have a character on TV who is Jewish, but

also smart, pretty, complicated and funny,” she said.

Sinyor, Erica’s creator, said this was intentional.

“I purposely make characters as specific as possible in every way in order for them to be universally appealing,” Sinyor told JTA. “Everyone comes from somewhere, and I chose to make

Erica Jewish because that is where I come from and what I know best.”

On the show, Erica deals with the ups and downs of romantic relationships, dramas with friends and lots of family mishegas. She sees a therapist who, rather than prescribing Prozac or employing standard psychoanalysis, uses time travel to treat Erica, sending her into the past, future and alternate realities to work through her issues.

Several episodes in the first two seasons of the show had heavy doses of Jewish culture, from one set on Yom Kippur to another that flashes back to Erica’s Bat Mitzvah. The way Erica’s Judaism is weaved into her identity is typical of modern Canadian Jews, some fans say.

Moshe Saadon, a sound technician in the film and TV industry who also happens to be a cantor, is one of several Judaic advisers Sinyor has used to help her stage Jewish scenes and episodes.

Saadon arranged for his historic Beach Synagogue to serve as a location set, supplied religious items, and played a gabbai and a rabbi in two different episodes. In

one, he officiated at the intermarriage of Erica’s sister.

Saadon said he is impressed by the earnestness with which the show’s actors take on the Jewish aspects of their portrayals. Jewish cast members have helped other actors with Hebrew pronunciations.

Sinyor emphasized that she is “not speaking for Jews as a whole,” but she said the show purposely addresses Jewish issues, such as interfaith dating and opposition to circumcision.

In the brit episode, Erica tells her father in an emotional outburst, “It’s awful! You’re cutting a baby without anaesthetic for no good reason. I don’t get it! I should never have agreed to participate.”

Sinyor counts herself among the small percentage of Canadian Jews who refused to have their sons circumcised.

Marci Stepak O’Connor, a Jew from Toronto now living in Montreal and married to a Catholic, says she is a fan because Erica is not complacent about her Jewishness – or anything in her life.

“Being Jewish means constantly questioning,” she said.

Savouring goulash Judaism in the Hungarian capital

By Ruth Ellen Gruber Budapest (JTA) – I always try to spend at least part of the High Holidays in Budapest, so I can sample some of the spicy mixture that characterizes the Jewish experience in Hungary’s capital.

As many as 90,000 Jews live in Budapest, the largest Jewish population in any central European city. The majority are unaffiliated.

Those who do identify as Jews, however tenuously, have an evolving choice of public and private, religious, cultural and secular ways to express or explore their identity.

Gastronomic, too. This year, one friend made challah for the first time to serve at the holiday dinner, and a downtown restaurant even offered a special Rosh Hashanah menu.

Call it goulash Judaism, a simmering mix whose disparate, and often fractious, components combine to form a highly seasoned whole.

Events and observances this year bore witness to the growing array of Jewish options, both inside and outside traditional settings.

The week leading up to Rosh Hashanah, for example, saw the conclusion of the city’s 13th annual Jewish Summer Festival, a 10-day series of performances and other events, including a book and crafts fair, that drew thousands of visitors. Also that week, an ambitious Israeli Cultural Institute opened in a refurbished building at the edge of the main old downtown Jewish quarter.

And further afield, in the Obuda district in the northern part of the city, a 190-year-old

synagogue, which had been used for decades as a state TV studio, was rededicated as a Jewish house of worship.

Rented from the state and restored by Chabad, the synagogue will form part of Chabad’s growing local network.

Foreign VIPs were in town for all three occasions.

The Jewish Summer Festival culminated with a well-publicized concert by the Chasidic reggae rapper Matisyahu.

Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky affixed the mezuzah to the doorpost of the Israeli Cultural Institute, which was largely funded by the agency.

And Israel’s Ashkenazi chief rabbi, Yonah Metzger, joined Chabad rabbis in cutting the ribbon at the Obuda synagogue.

“This is the best possible answer to what the Nazis did,” Rabbi Metzger told the crowd of 1,000, including Hungarian government and religious leaders, attending the ceremony.

“Fifty years after the last time Rosh Hashanah was celebrated here, it will be celebrated here once again.”

My own holiday observances also reflected new choices.

I usually attend High Holidays services at one of the 15 or so mainstream synagogues active in Budapest, or sometimes I ‘synagogue hop’ to two or three shuls.

This year, I chose to avoid the mainstream.

I sampled Rosh Hashanah services at two small alternative groups – Bet Orim, one of Bu-

dapest’s two American-style Reform congregations, and Dor Chadash, a young people’s minyan associated with the Masorti, or Conservative, movement.

Bet Orim celebrated a formal service in the auditorium of the Budapest JCC, while Dor Chadash held a more informal gathering in the living room of the local Moishe House, a downtown apartment that serves as a combination residence and centre for Jewish educational encounters.

Each group numbered about 30 or 35 people, and both offered an American-style egalitarian Jewish prayer experience that is alien to mainstream Hungarian Jewry.

At Bet Orim, in fact, a young woman named Flora Polnauer served as the cantor for High Holidays services.

“It’s the first time that a Hungarian Jewish woman has fulfilled this role,” Bet Orim’s rabbi, Ferenc Raj, told me proudly.

Rabbi Raj, a native of Hungary, moved to the United States decades ago and is rabbi emeritus of Congregation Beth El in Berkeley, California.

“We are making history tonight,” he said.

I had met Polnauer before under quite different circumstances. The daughter of a rabbi, she sings with several local music groups, including hard-driving Jewish hip hop bands.

During the service, dressed in white, she chanted the familiar melodies in a lilting voice.

But she looked a little nervous and was clearly moved by the experience.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 17

Breaking the taboo of dance classes for young boys When I was a kid, my friends and I worshipped a range of onscreen idols. When I make a mental list of some of them – John Travolta in Grease, Kevin Bacon in Footloose, Michael Jackson in his game-changing video Thriller, and Mikhail Baryshnikov in White Nights, I see that they had two things in common. These men were cool. And they could move.

For decades, being able to tear up the dance floor has held high social currency. Think of Fred Astaire, Patrick Swayze, breakdancers – or even the Cuban baby boy gyrating to a fast samba on a kitchen table, wearing nothing but a diaper, who’s now gone viral on YouTube.

In my run-of-the-mill high school, in 1980s Vancouver, with its locker cliques and jocks and preps and nerds, getting a lead in the high school musical was considered pretty nifty, for both girls and guys. Singing was key, but having some dance skill meant that you’d actually look good on stage too.

In Winnipeg, which I left at 12, teenage girls and boys continue to be attracted to the Chai Folk Ensemble, a Jewish dancing and singing troupe.

I want my kids to be well rounded. I want them to have secure and meaningful friendships. And, though I would deny it if they asked, I would be pleased if they were even considered popular.

So, why do I feel socially subversive by enrolling my fouryear-old son in – dance classes?

At his preschool, he tried out a weekly afternoon dance program, which he loved, until he noticed that most of the boys were down the hall taking gym. At our neighbourhood community centre, he took a ballet class with his big sister and seemed to enjoy it.

So, this fall, I’m enrolling him in musical theatre kinder-

Values, Ethics, Community Mira Sucharov dance. He’ll also do swimming, skating, skiing, drama, sportball and soccer (he’s busy). But, I admit that the end-of-year roundup I’m most excited for is his dance recital, where I think I shall positively melt.

I’m not the first to say that gender stereotypes are problematic and constraining in our society. It irks me to think that it may have taken a song – Marlo Thomas’s haunting and beautiful “William Wants a Doll” – in the 1970s to get parents to realize that boys could play with plastic babies, and that girls could play with metal fire trucks without the world caving in.

But, the last holdout seems to be boys taking dance. This parental resistance baffles me.

I picture these same parents curled up on the sofa with their teenage daughters glued to So You Think You Can Dance, an American television series that has averaged between five and 10 million viewers over its five-year run. Not that I necessarily aspire to have my son sweating and skewered on international TV, but how do they think these men got there, tris, pecs, glutes and all?

Might the low number of boys in dance classes have some-

Need Help with Your Pets?

Animal Trainer/Adviser/Sitter/Walker

Ottawa/Gatineau area With a positive and different approach, as a dolphin/animal trainer with 15 years of experience, I can help.

From Dolphin Reef, Eilat, Israel

Call Delecia Tel: 613-407-8848 E-mail: deleciousli@gmail.com

Letters welcome Letters to the Editor are welcome if they are brief, signed, timely and of interest to our readership.

The Bulletin reserves the right to refuse, edit or condense letters.

The Mailbag column will be published as space permits.

Send your letters to Michael Regenstreif, Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9; or by e-mail to bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com.

thing to do with worrying that enrolling one’s son in a program that encourages musical and kinesthetic awareness will make them – gay? Let’s lay it on the table, folks.

If this really is a fear, I suggest that we, as a society, need to do two things: one is to address the absurdity, and the other is to address the homophobia. Where did this bizarre notion come from? I have yet to see any scientifically based evidence that extracurricular activities shape sexual orientation in either direction, in any way.

But, more problematically, there is a hidden – and sometimes not so hidden – homophobia still lurking within many of us, even though being gay is now as much of the mainstream as Glee (another hit TV series). The true test of Jews having made it in America was not when anti-Semitism was eradicated, but when it became impolite to articulate hateful comments about Jews. The same is now – thankfully – happening for gays.

In other words, why should it matter?

Who out there has young sons – who aren’t yet boxed in by social conventions that only harden with age and self-consciousness – who wouldn’t have a blast shaking their groove to good music?

The Jewish parental imperative is Torah, chuppah, and good deeds. As to the second of these, our children – sons and daughters, gay or straight – are certainly going to need to know how to dance at their own wedding. We might as well give them the tools early so they look and feel good on the parquet floor – horas, hip-hops and all.

Mira Sucharov, an associate professor of political science at Carleton University, is writing a book on nostalgia and political change.

Page 18 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

SAY IT WITH TREES 613-798-2411

●

To remember

●

To congratulate

●

To honour

●

To say I care

TREES HAVE BEEN PLANTED Condolences to: Yossi Amor in memory of your sister Batsheva by the Pascoe family Claudio Apostu & family in memory of Adina Apostu by Robert & Zelda Freedman Leah Benedek & family in memory of Cecil Labow by Brenda & Marvin Segal Tania Blumenthal in memory of your mother

by Erica Sher & family Dona Carriere in memory of your mother by Norean Taller-Harris Bruce Cooke & family in memory of Doug Cooke by Laura & Gord Spergel Norman Daitchman in memory of your father William by Brenda & Marvin Segal, by Susan & Charles Schwartzman Andrea Davis in memory of your brother Trevor by the Ottawa Shers Jane Ehrenworth in memory of your father Mervin Mirsky by Marion Silver, Alan Brass, & family, by Rochelle & David Greenberg Fred and Julie Fetchuk in memory of Auntie Polly Fetchuk by Ginger & Saul Jacobson Janice & Doug Forgie in memory of Scott Douglas Wilson Forgie by Rona Schaenfield & family Yuri Frenkel in memory of your father by Diane Koven Betty Gittens in memory of your brother by Barbara & David Slipacoff The family of the late Betty Feller by Gladys & John Greenberg The Fenster family in memory of Coral Fenster by Brenda & Marvin Segal Anna Frescura & Neil Bellack in memory of Marina Frescura by the Rossman family & Jodi & Doug George Goldman in memory of your mother Sally Goldman by Barbara & David Slipacoff Shirley Grossman in memory of your sister Elly Brown by Shirley & Philip Teitelbaum Pearl Halpern & family in memory of William (Bill) Halpern by Beverley & Abe Feinstein, by Ken Kavanat Rozzi & Nordau Kanigsberg in memory of your father Mr. A. Davis by Carol & Laurie Pascoe Vivian Konigsberg in memory of your husband Alex Konigsberg by the Schwartzman & Segal Families Diane Koven in memory of your father Jerry Koven by Alan, Margo, Scott, Matt & Amy Blostein, by Susan & Charles Schwartzman, by Lorna (Liba) Bernbaum Marilyn Lazar in memory of your sister Evelyn Lazar by the Rivier family Mark Lyons in memory of your father by Noreen Taller-Harris The Menesee family in memory of Gail Patton Menesee by Barbara & Pinchas Pleet Joseph Nadas in memory of your wife Elizabeth by Eva Gelbman, Coti & Gaby Justice Heidi Levenson Polowin in memory of your mother Shirley Levenson by Charlie & Susan Schwartzman Maxine Rabinovitch in memory of your mother Lenora “Barney” Weiner by Margo & Alan Blostein

Lois Rich in memory of your son Gregory Charles Rich by Louis, Deborah, David & Simone Davis Glenda Rosen in memory of your mother Shilly Rosen by Susannah Dalfen Gerry Schneiderman in memory of your sister Shilly Rosen by Susannah Dalfen Irwin Schweitzer in memory of your father Simon Schweitzer by Marion Silver, Alan Brass, & family Felice Patrontasch & family in memory of your father Paul Seiler by Susan & Charles Schwartzman Anne Simon in memory of your sister Beatrice Morris by Bert Garber & Kathryn Palmer Sandor Steinderger in memory of your wife Vera by Eva Gelbman, Coti & Gaby Lorraine Strasbourg in memory of Cecile Strasbourg by Dr. Norm Barwin The Suliteanu family in memory of Anne Suliteanu by Marla & Danny Seller The family of the late Morton Taller by Rosie Goldstein & Mark Hardy, by Noreen Taller-Harris Linda Wakter in memory of your father Morton Taller by Lisa & Lawrence Tepper & family Harvey Wasiuta in memory of your father by Diane Koven The Yachnin family in memory of Marcia Yachnin by Nancy, Hal, Kacie & Carrie Shuster, by Lily Tobin Muncie Zaid and Barry Zaid in memory of Naif Zaid by Tom & Alannah Grossman David & Eric Zinman in memory of your mother Fuzzi by Philip & Shirley Teitelbaum Wishing Speedy Recovery/ Refuah Shleima to: Carolyn Katz by Alan & Margo Blostein Mary Mortimer by Ruth Katz Cheryl Siegel by Barbara & David Slipacoff In Honour of: Ursula & Roger Anderson on your 80th birthdays by Myrna & Norm Barwin Sheila and Don Bayne on your special birthdays by Laraine & Victor Kaminsky Cantor Shneur Bielak on your special birthday by Rochelle & Brian Pearl Ellen Caplan on your special birthday by Fern Goldman Wally Cherun on your special birthday by Peter & Minda Wershof, by Marcia & Barry Cantor Susan Diamond on your special birthday by Sheryl, Harvey, Mallory & Ryan Kardish Connie Drescher on your special birthday by Sara Shabsove Ralph N. Emanuel on receiving an honorary Dr. degree at Sussex University by Ruth Katz Dr. Andre Engel with thanks and appreciation from the Globermans Raymond Fine on your special birthday by Sara Shabsove, by Reuben Fine & Lori Loeb Helen Gilman on your special birthday by Ken Kavanat Gord & Paula Garshowitz with appreciation

by David Granovsky

Sidney Goldstein & Rose-Anne Prizant with thanks & appreciation by Maureen & Jeff Katz Beatrice Greenberg on your 90th birthday by Dorothy & Bernie Tonchin Jeff Greenberg on your special birthday by Margo, David, Aaron & Gail Kardish John Greenberg with best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery from Bram Bregman Drs. Mamta Gautam & Kiran Rabheru on your marriage by Rosie Goldstein & Mark Hardy Seymour Hecht on your special birthday by Zelaine & Sol Shinder Anne & Irving Huss with best wishes for a fond farewell from Betty & Irwin Itzkovitch, Carolyn & Sid Katz, Esther & Irving Kulik, Leah & Morris Melamed, Annette Millstone, Ady & Julius Moses, Leona & Bernie Ship, Rhoda Zaitlin Dorothy & Jacob Huyer on your marriage by Maurice & Evelyn Young Avraham Iny on your special birthday by Linda & Archie Cogan, Sunny & John Tavel, Sandi & Eddy Cook, Ricki & Barry Baker Janet Kaiman “just because” by Anna Heilman Norm Leckie on your special birthday by Ester Leckie Cathy Levine on your 60th birthday by Marcia Cantor Edwin Merkur on your special birthday by Elissa & Avraham Iny Toby & Tedd Nathanson on your 45th anniversary by Debbie & Lloyd Rossman Lynn & Noral Rebin on your 25th anniversary

by Sheila & Morton Baslaw & Phyllis Gunther Marsha Saper on your special birthday by Joy & Eric Weisbloom Noah Shack with thanks by Ben Rich Jack and Lucille Sassoon on your diamond wedding anniversary by Maurice & Evelyn Young Mark & Kim Shapiro with best wishes for the New Year by Linda & Archie Cogan Sol & Zelaine Shinder on your special anniversary by Barbara & David Slipacoff Shayna Shuster on your special birthday by Jill & Allan Bellack Judith Stoler on your special birthday by Laraine & Victor Kaminsky John Tavel on your 70th birthday by Linda & Archie Cogan Ron & Francoise Vexler on your anniversary

by Debbie & Lloyd Rossman Milton Viner on your 90th birthday by John & Gladys Greenberg Maurice Young on your 90th birthday by Noreen Taller-Harris, Beth Roodman Philip Zunder with thanks for your effort on the Cycle for Sight by Sandra & Sam Zunder Mazal Tov To: Marilyn & David Akman on Rob’s law school graduation by Susan & Charles Schwartzman Sharon Allentuck on the birth of your granddaughter by Frayda Raber & Charlie Wiseman & family David Berk on your special birthday by Margo, David, Aaron & Gail Kardish Gloria Berkowitz on your special birthday by

Susan & Charles Schwartzman Sara & Leslie Breiner on the birth of your grandson by Reisa & Allan Glenns Marc & Morli Bissell on the birth of Shiley Bissell by Toby & Tedd Nathanson The Caytak family in honour of the marriage of Bluma & Avi by Diane Koven Archie Cogan on your special birthday by Barbara & David Slipacoff Eva Dykstein on your 90th birthday by Cynthia & David Blumenthal Julie & Jeff Fine on your 30th wedding anniversary by Susan & Charles Schwartzman The Fishman family on the engagement of Lionel to Sarah by Sylvia Greenspoon, Rick Levine & Aaron Barbara & Robert Grossman on your new home by Susan & Charles Schwartzman Avery Horovitz on your Bar Mitzvah by Diane Koven, by Linda & Allan Sand Maureen & Jeff Katz on your wedding anniversary by Frayda & Charlie Wiseman The Klaiman/Fine family on the engagement of Sara and Miki by Diane Koven, Jeremy & Zahava Howard & Rose Krakower on Emma’s graduation from Lakehead University & Jordan’s graduation from University of Waterloo by Marcia & Barry Cantor Joan & Russell Kronick on the birth of Noah

by Barbara & David Slipacoff The Labib family on the engagement of Sarah to Lionel by Sylvia Grenspoon, Rick Levine & Aaron Gail & Stu Lawrence on your 35th wedding anniversary by Susan & Charles Schwartzman Jacob Melamed on your Bar Mitzvah by Carol & Laurie Pascoe, by Hildy, Steven, Maya & Dahlia Lesh Blanche Osterer on winning the Shem Tov award by Alan, Margo, Matt, Scott & Amy Blostein Carol & Laurie Pascoe on your new home by Susan & Charles Schwartzman Shelley Rothman on Stuart’s law school graduation by Marcia & Barry Cantor, by Susan & Charles Schwartzman Stephen & Brenda Saslove on the birth of your grandson by Norean Taller-Harris & family,

by Maureen & Jeff Katz Linda Slotin on your retirement by Linda Rossman Sandra Levine Slover & Norman Slover on David’s engagement by Peggy Kleinplatz Charlie & Jenya Srour on the birth of your son Samuel Lee Srour by Maureen & Jeff Katz Sam & Tita Srour on the birth of your grandson Samuel Lee Srour by Maureen & Jeff Katz Lisa Tedeschini on being ordained as an interfaith minister by Betsy Rigal Marlene & David Wolinsky on your new home by Susan & Charles Schwartzman Tree purchases are $18 and are fully tax receiptable.

JNF thanks you for your generous contribution.

Please accept our apologies if we misspelled or omitted anyone’s name or contribution.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 19

Meet Hillel Ottawa’s executive committee It’s already late-September. For students, school is back in session. We’re past Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot is upon us and, very soon, Simchat Torah will mark the end of the holiday festivities. The new year on campus is in motion and Hillel Ottawa, often referred to as “the centre for Jewish campus life,” is fully open for business.

The organization runs for the purpose of “supporting Jewish community life through programming that facilitates recreation, social action, Jewish identity, as well as educational and interfaith work,” explained Chelsea Sauvé, Hillel Ottawa’s city-wide president.

Here’s an introduction to Chelsea and the rest of Hillel Ottawa’s executive committee.

As mentioned, Chelsea Sauvé is the city-wide president.

She is a fourth year political science honours student with a specialization in international relations. Her favourite Hillel event is the annual Holocaust survivor Shabbat dinner because it promotes intergenerational interactions and seeks to facilitate dialogue between two generations with two very different sets of life experiences. Chelsea is looking forward to this year’s strong, diverse, and inspirational executive.

“Each member of the team has something unique to offer to the Hillel Ottawa family. Their individual passion and group synergy will provide the Jewish student community with a successful year,” said Chelsea.

Leah Labib is city-wide vice-president and chair of media and communications. Leah is entering her final year at the University of Ottawa and is an honours student specializing in biochemistry with a minor in classical studies. She enjoys Hillel’s Shabbat dinners, as they are the best opportu-

Campus Life Ilana Belfer nity to catch up with old friends and meet new people.

“I look forward to making improvements in Hillel Ottawa’s organization and seeing Hillel in a new light, as a member of the student board,” said Leah.

Alexandra Izso, Hillel’s Carleton University president, is in her third year studying international relations and economics. She feels every Hillel event is a great opportunity to meet students on campus, as well as become involved in the Jewish community and maintain a strong Jewish identity. Alex is excited about the programming that Hillel has worked hard to create for the upcoming year. Some are new ideas, while others are old favourites, such as the Purim party and the opening barbecue.

“Hillel is fun and educational. Jewish students from all backgrounds feel at home and make lasting friendships,” said Alex.

Sam Levine, the Carleton vice-president, is a fourth-year student doing a bachelor of commerce with a concentration in accounting. He loves Hillel’s Shabbat dinners because after a long week at school, it is nice to enjoy a good meal,

schmooze with friends and take advantage of Shabbat’s restful nature. Sam enjoyed the Hillel retreat on Labour Day weekend, which was the first leadership retreat Hillel has ever done, and is looking forward to Hillel’s continued growth.

Jennifer Hadad is Hillel’s University of Ottawa (uOttawa) president. Jen is in her third year of the human kinetics program at uOttawa, “though it might be fair to say my real major is Hillel Ottawa,” she joked. The Manischewitz Party last April stands out as one of Jen’s favourite Hillel events. There were more than 60 students hanging out and jamming in the backyard of the Hillel House. She has been listening to students’ ideas for programs they’d like to see or initiatives they want to start on campus and looks forward to seeing these ideas develop.

Adam Moscoe, the uOttawa vice-president, is a psychology major in his second year. For 2010-2011, he also holds positions as co-chair of social justice and Jewish identity for the Canadian Federation of Jewish Students and CJPAC (Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee) fellow. Adam loves Hillel’s massive, extravagant, themed Shabbat Dinners.

“I count down the days until each one,” Adam said. “It is a wonderful opportunity to see friends, meet all sorts of new people, and update everyone about initiatives on campus.

The end-of-year Gala Shabbat is not to be missed.”

Adam is looking forward to lending his passions for social justice, volunteerism, interfaith work and peace education to Hillel, as well as collaborating with other groups on campus to maximize impact.

African American artists perform Jewish music Various Artists Black Sabbath: The Secret Musical History of Black-Jewish Relations Idelsohn Society for Musical Preservation Idelsohnsociety.com This fascinating compilation was conceived when members of the Idelsohn Society for Musical Preservation – a group named for Abraham Zevi Idelsohn, the composer of “Hava Nagila” – chanced upon a 1958 recording by Johnny Mathis, the African American singer mostly known for his romantic, smooth pop songs, of “Kol Nidre,” the prayer traditionally sung on Erev Yom Kippur.

Singing in the original Aramaic, Mathis, sounds like a veteran cantor on this powerfully stirring interpretation, which provides the finale for Black Sabbath: The Secret Musical History of Black-Jewish Relations. The album explores Jewish music, or music composed by Jews in non-Jewish styles or even by gentiles in Jewish styles (or with Jewish cultural references) and performed by African American artists between the 1930s and 1960s.

That there would be a history of musical interaction between Jews and African Americans is hardly surprising.

There are examples that stretch across the entire history of 20th century popular, jazz and folk music.

A few of the 15 tracks included on the CD are well known, some are surprising.

Perhaps the most surprising is the version of “My Yiddishe Momme” by the great jazz singer Billie Holiday that opens the album. On this private recording made at the home of a friend in 1956, and accompanied just by pianist, Holiday strips the song of its usual nostalgic sentimentality, offering instead a poignant, plaintive lament.

One of the most astounding tracks is Aretha Franklin’s 1966 recording of “Swanee,” a song written by Jewish songwriters George Gershwin and Irving Caeser and made famous by Al Jolson, who sang it in blackface, a performance style abandoned many decades ago in recognition of its inherent racism.

Franklin – who was yet to record the soul classics that made her a huge star – turns in a soaring, powerful performance that makes Jolson’s version seem completely irrelevant.

Several numbers are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a tap in your toes. Johnny Hartman’s 1966 version of “That Old Black Magic,” by Jewish composer Harold Arlen, incorporates verses from “Matilda,” the calypso song, and then, more relevantly for this compilation, the Yiddish song “Di Grine Kuzine.” There’s a 1939 version of “Utt Da Zay,” performed by Cab Calloway that Jewish songwriters Irving Mills (Calloway’s manager) and Buck Ram adapted from the traditional Yiddish folksong about a tailor. Calloway, one of the swing era’s great wits, sings the opening verses almost with reverence, interspersing them with some scatting that seems to sound like a Chasidic nigun. Soon, though, the band is in full swing mode and his scats let us know that it’s all in fun. And Slim Gaillard’s 1945 recording of “Dunkin’ Bagel,” is a musical hipster’s guide to such Jewish foods as bagels, matzo balls, gefilte fish, pickled herring, etc.

Fiddler on the Roof provides material for two tracks, including a spiritual-sounding instrumental version of “Sabbath Prayer,” recorded in 1964 by jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley. Later in the CD, the Temptations do a 10minute, Las Vegas-style medley drawing on many of the musical’s hits.

A most interesting combination of composer, lyricist and performer comes in African American singer Jimmy Scott’s

Music Michael Regenstreif 1969 version of “Exodus.” The music was composed in 1960 as the theme for Exodus, the film based on Leon Uris’ novel about the founding of the State of Israel. The lyrics Scott sings, easily interpreted as being from the perspective of a Jew in his homeland, were written later by American pop singer and religious Christian Pat Boone. Another fascinating combination of song, creators and performer is Lena Horne’s 1963 recording of “Now,” a civil rights song written

by Jewish songwriters Adolph Green, Betty Comden and Jule Styne to the melody of “Hava Nagila.”

In a similar theme, “Where Can I Go,” translated by Leo Fuld from a Yiddish song that longs for a Jewish homeland, also became a civil rights anthem in its English-language version. It’s included here with Marlena Shaw’s 1969 recording.

Other highlights include “Sholem,” a wild version of “Hevenu Shalom Aleichem,” recorded in 1959 by Eartha Kitt; the Yiddish love song “Ich Hob Dich Tzufil Lieba,” performed by Alberta Hunter, a 1920s classic blues singer, on a 1982 album at age 87; a 1963 version of the Hebrew folksong, “Eretz Zavat Chalav,” by the great Nina Simone; and a collaboration of Jewish singer Libby Holman and African American folk and blues legend Josh White on a 1942 recording of “Baby, Baby,” a variant of the traditional “See See Rider.”

These tracks just begin to illustrate the possibilities inherent in a musical history of black-Jewish relations. Let’s hope this is just the first in a series of volumes.

Page 20 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

Bronfman and Solomon offer advice on effective charitable giving The Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan

By Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon Jossey-Bass 276 pages As two giants in the world of charitable giving, Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon have written a book about values, justice, recognition, power, vision, ideals and meaning. In short, this is a book about how to engage in effective and satisfying philanthropy, or “the art of giving,” as they call it.

The book is a highly readable labour of love, drawing the reader in with anecdotes – many taken directly from their own experiences with the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, a group of charitable foundations founded by Bronfman and his late wife. Solomon, previously the chief operating officer of UJA Federation of New York, is president of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies.

While much of the advice offered by Bronfman and Solomon is aimed at those with serious dollars to invest, almost all of the ideas are apt for those looking to maximize their impact, even with a modest sum, as well as for anyone who staffs, fundraises or serves on a board of a nonprofit organization.

The book is divided into the why, what and how questions of giving. Why am I motivated to give? Which causes deserve my dollars? And how best can I go about making change?

Drawing on the meaning of tzedakah (justice), the Hebrew word for philanthropy, Bronfman and Solomon suggest that philanthropy is, at its core, aspirational: How do I wish the world to be?

For the why question, they do not address the fascinating psychological research surrounding the question of why some give and others don’t. But, they do acknowledge that giving is also getting. While they occasionally touch on the idea of altruism, they emphasize that donors are naturally motivated by a range of quite specific values. In consultation sessions with donors trying to decide where and how to give, they encourage individuals to rank their values. They provide donors with a list from which to choose, ranging from power and recognition to risk to tradition and loyalty to compassion and equity.

They note that donors never acknowledge that power and recognition are motivating factors, a point on which they

openly prod donors.

For the what question, the authors ask donors probing questions to help ascertain which causes he or she is most passionate about. They suggest that there are around 150 different types of causes – including medical services, the arts, religion, poverty relief, education, women’s empowerment, etc.

The rest of the book is devoted to the ins and outs of how to maximize your charitable impact. While they acknowledge that some donors are more passive (in response to various pleas), they gently encourage a more thoughtful sort of giving.

One area where philanthropy has become more donor-directed is in the area of restricted versus unrestricted gifts.

This has its pros and cons, they argue. They acknowledge that recipient nonprofits most appreciate unrestricted gifts, particularly since there is a common aversion by donors to fund the overhead costs of an organization. But, they note, restricted gifts are increasing in popularity because donors tend

Overcoming my case of breastophobia I was an unfortunate young boy of 10 when I developed an unreasoned fear of breasts.

It started in Grade 6. At the end of the year, when we had a few weeks of spares and replacement teachers, the girls in the class would sometimes get up from their seats, go down an aisle to their chosen male victim, then hug and kiss him. While this may seem like a pleasant fate to some, I was a year younger than most in the class and the girls were generally taller and more imposing than the boys.

One bright sunny afternoon, Patsy O’Shea, the largest girl, loomed over me as I did my math exercises. In fear I heard her whisper my name and then, ominously, “Give us a kiss.” She moved in for the kill as I bent more studiously over my desk. She grabbed my head and I struggled. She had me in a headlock while I pretended that the arithmetic was fascinating me. I could hear everyone laughing. Then, wanting to get the whole thing over with, I stopped resisting. In some surprise, she then pulled up my face, not to her waiting lips, but into the soft mounds below her neck. I was buried in a soft sweater, surrounded by smothering warmth, and I could not breathe.

Then, she bent over and kissed me a wet smack as I turned beet red. She gave me a look that I could not deci-

pher. It was as if she had just had a bite of a delicious sandwich and was waiting to finish the whole meal. The class burst out into laughter. Patsy moved on to Duncan, the prospective school dropout who was 14, taller than the rest of us, and sporting a ducktail haircut slathered in Wildroot Cream Oil. He stood up and French kissed Patsy Hollywood style. Everybody cheered. I sat mortified, sinking lower in my seat and hoping everyone would forget me. Of course, they did not. I was just lucky the next year when Patsy and I went to different schools.

Just a year later, at summer camp, Miriam, the first girl I slow danced with, was very impressed with my style; or so she told her friends. She did not realize that my dancing style was entirely due to my futile attempts to avoid her large breasts.

I held her at arms length, unsure of whether it was permissible to let them touch my chest as we danced. She was trying to make conversation by asking me about what I liked while I was entirely concentrated on avoiding any contact with those two large objects directly in front of me.

It was to no avail. As we moved, they kept on swinging from side to side. I watched in horror as they brushed one arm on the inside, then the other. I thought she would never

Book Review Mira Sucharov to want to have an impact on areas they are most passionate about. This can be positive, as when donors help encourage innovation, but can also be problematic, as when the intended program no longer needs the funds, whereas another program in the same organization could now use them.

Not only are dollars important in the world of giving and nonprofits, so is serving on an agency’s board of directors.

Bronfman and Solomon devote a chapter to how to be a good trustee, suggesting various pathologies that can overtake nonprofit boards. They outline the types of trustee-staff-donor relations – even things as basic as good humour – that can help nonprofits succeed.

Another useful governance insight is the idea of aiming for a two-thirds supermajority when boards vote on contentious issues. This may serve to stave off factionalism while avoiding the paralyzing desire for conformity that can stymie organizational growth. Despite being a book about philanthropy, Bronfman and Solomon provide the sober reminder that organizations must follow “the mission rather than the money,” or risk crippling their program and service delivery. Here, some reference to the social psychological research on organizational pathologies such as groupthink would be useful to round out the analysis.

The authors provide an appendix of resources, and a chapter focused on how to navigate the tax implications of charitable contributions. Canadian readers may wish to skim this chapter to see what sorts of questions they should ask an investment adviser about Canadian tax law.

With the seemingly endless list of causes vying for our dollars, The Art of Giving may help dull the occasional stress of being solicited. It can help empower each of us to maximize our vision, impact and sense of personal satisfaction – all while engaging in Tikkun Olam.

The Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation presents an evening with Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon, Thursday, October 14, 7:00 pm, at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive. Call 613-798-4696, ext. 232 for information or tickets.

Humour me, please Rubin Friedman forgive me. And although I smiled with some sort of deathlike grin, I couldn’t for the life of me remember anything I said.

Thankfully, the dance ended and I returned safely to the boys’ side of the room. I noticed that the other boys did not dance much with Miriam either. I avoided her off the dance floor, too afraid to meet her gaze. I thought she would hate me because her breasts had touched my arms.

Imagine my shock when I overheard her telling her friends she thought I was cute, and such a gentleman.

That night, I felt like I was tossed on a giant ocean with large looming waves and that I could do nothing as the water rushed toward me.

That was then. Now, after painful therapy and diligent effort, I have learned to overcome my fear and approach the previous objects of my phobia with equanimity.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 21

JewishGen is the first stop on the Internet for Jewish genealogy Over the past decade, the Internet has become a major component of our lives and is probably the main reason for the increased popularity of genealogy in recent years. Traditionally, those of us who were into family tree research had to make trips to the archives and to libraries, whether local or far away, and spend hours digging through dusty documents or reels of microfilm for something we were not even sure of finding. This kind of tedious searching did not appeal to the masses.

As Internet usage has grown, so too has the number of genealogy websites and online databases as genealogical societies collect information and organized it into searchable databases. Companies like ancestry.com saw the potential to market this type of information and began collecting and organizing immigration lists, census records, birth, marriage and death records, and much more. Even government institutions began putting records online. All of these are valuable resources, and will be discussed in future articles, but there is one website that should be your first step when doing online research. It is JewishGen (jewishgen.org).

JewishGen was born more than 20 years ago as a genealogical discussion forum for its 150 members. It expanded with the Internet and is now the most important website for those researching their Jewish roots. JewishGen hosts more than 14 million Jewish records and provides a variety of tools and resources that are treasured by its members. While it is completely free of charge, you do have to register. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

Here are a few of the highlights at JewishGen. • Family Finder – Enter the town name or surname you’re interested in and you’ll get a list of other people who are researching the same names. There is a capability to contact those people through the website.

• Databases – There are thousands of searchable databases, or lists of people, mostly categorized by region. So, if you are researching a particular area, you may find a relative on a list.

Sensational Sandwiches

by Janis specializing in party sandwiches (minimum order 4 dozen pieces)

lunches, meetings, shivas, office parties, clubs, showers, conferences Janis King

(613) 237-9494

• Discussion Groups – You can join Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that deal with a specific area of research, either geographical, such as the Ukraine SIG, or related to a theme, such as the DNA SIG. You can ask questions of the group and receive a copy of the discussions on a daily basis. The discussions are all archived, so if you have a question, you can easily see if it has been asked or answered before, be it last week or 10 years ago.

• JewishGen Online Worldwide Burial Registry lists of Jewish burials around the world.

• Tools – There are great aids to help with date conversions, locating towns and calculating distances between two towns. This is very valuable when trying to determine if someone with your surname lived close to where your family lived.

• Info files – JewishGen is filled with information on many topics related to genealogy, from where to find records for different countries, to how to plan a trip to the ancestral shtetl.

• Family Tree of the Jewish People – Many genealogists have already submitted their family trees to JewishGen. You can see if your family is there and connect with the submitter if you suspect a match.

• Yizkor Books with translated excerpts from memorial books of many towns and cities.

Rather than offering a step-by-step tour of JewishGen, I encourage you to jump right in and give it a try. It is easy to navigate, and full of great information and surprises. I recommend starting with the beginner’s link on the main page. You never know what you will find.

Coming event The Jewish Genealogical Society (JGS) of Ottawa has announced that several of the speakers from the annual conference of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, held in Los Angeles in July, will make presentations in Ottawa over the coming months.

The first is Robert J. Friedman, who will give a talk called A Tailors Tale: From Transylvania to Tennessee on October 5.

Friedman was director of the Genealogy Institute at the Center for Jewish History in New York from 2003 to 2007 and now does genealogical research for individual clients. He is also a frequent guest speaker and workshop leader at synagogues, Jewish community centres, Jewish genealogical societies, public libraries and other community organizations.

The program guide to the July conference describes Friedman’s lecture: “Just over 100 years ago, apprentice tailor Samuel Friedman left his bucolic surroundings in rural Transylvania (then part of Hungary), and began making his way to America. Undeterred by his father’s disapproval, his mother’s anguish, and the efforts of the Austrian police to arrest him for evading military service, Sam travelled by boat and train to Hamburg, where he boarded ship for New York. How Sam weathered the voyage and ended up in Knoxville, Tennessee, his difficult adjustment there, his anguished decision to marry a Christian

MARK S. BORTS Insurance & Financial Services Mark S. Borts, B. Comm., CFP, CLU, CH.F.C, RHU Telephone: 613 565 6275 Facsimile: 1 866 267 5635 Cell: 613 851 1198 mark@bortsfinancial.com Suite 950-130 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6E2

Connecting the branches John Diener woman, and his return visit to see his parents in Romania in 1929 are all chronicled in a memoir dictated to his daughter in 1954. Sam’s cousin, Bob Friedman, will provide social-historical context and read excerpts from the manuscript, with slides of photos and documents to illustrate the journey.”

Friedman will be speaking at Congregation Machzikei Hadas, Tuesday, October 5, 7:30 pm. While this story is of his family member, the problems and issues in his presentation were common to most of our ancestors from Eastern Europe.

Members and non-members of JGS Ottawa are welcome to attend.

For further information on the event, or on anything genealogical, contact Hymie Reichstein at reichstein@magma.ca or me at johndiener@ymail.com.

Page 22 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 23

FOUNDATION DONATIONS Our future is in your hands

Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation

BRIAN AND DEBBIE AARENAU ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Lenore Weiner by Brian and Debbie Aarenau.

Condolences to: Mark Seigel on the loss of his father Jack by Brian and Debbie Aarenau.

To make a donation and/or send a tribute card, call Erin Bolling (613-798-4696 ext. 232) e-mail: donation@ojcf.ca • website: www.OJCF.ca

Join us in building our community by supporting these local agencies SHIRLEY AND SHIER BERMAN FUND FOR OTTAWA JEWISH ARCHIVES New Year wishes to: Milton and Sarah Shaffer by David Kimmel and family.

JEWISH YOUTH LIBRARY OF OTTAWA ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Dr. Josef and Devora Caytak on their daughter Bluma’s upcoming marriage to Avi Michaan by Roger Greenberg and Cindy Feingold.

OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In appreciation to: Steven Kimmel by Bram Bregman.

SARA AND ZEEV VERED ISRAEL CULTURAL PROGRAM FUND Speedy recovery to: Dorothy Hymes by Sara Vered.

Birthday wishes to: Avi Iny by Sara Vered and family.

AJA 50+ ENDOWMENT FUND AKIVA EVENING HIGH SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND ADINA BEN PORAT MACHON SARAH TORAH EDUCATION FUND DORIS BRONSTEIN TALMUD TORAH AFTERNOON SCHOOL FUND BARRY FISHMAN OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND MARTIN GLATT PARLIAMENT LODGE B’NAI BRITH PAST PRESIDENTS’ FUND MENDEL AND VALERIE GOOD HOLOCAUST CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND GREENBERG FAMILIES LIBRARY ENDOWMENT FUND HILLEL ACADEMY ENDOWMENT FUND HILLEL ACADEMY CHILDREN OF THE BOOK AWARD FUND HILLEL LODGE LEGACY FUND

The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of August 31, 2010.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CEMETERY HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY FUND JEWISH MEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE FUND JEWISH STUDENTS ASSOCIATION HILLEL FUND DAVID “THE BEAR” KARDASH CAMP B’NAI BRITH MEMORIAL FUND OTTAWA JEWISH CEMETERIES ZICHARON FUND OTTAWA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY FUND OTTAWA LODGE B’NAI BRITH #885 PAST PRESIDENTS FUND OTTAWA LODGE B’NAI BRITH #885 PRESIDENTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND OTTAWA MODERN JEWISH SCHOOL FUND OTTAWA POST JEWISH WAR VETERANS FUND OTTAWA TORAH INSTITUTE TORAH EDUCATION FUND RAMBAM MAIMONIDES JEWISH CONTINUITY FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE ENDOWMENT FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE YOUTH SERVICES FUND TORAH ACADEMY OF OTTAWA TORAH EDUCATION FUND YITZHAK RABIN HIGH SCHOOL FUND IN MEMORY OF EVA WINTHROP

MARJORIE AND BEN ACHBAR COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Marjorie and Ben Achbar on their 65th wedding anniversary by Dorothy Nadolny; Blossom Read and by Lewis and Penny Leikin and family.

ANNETTE ALBERT ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Jackie and Burt Gorenstein by Annette Albert.

IRVING AND BETTY ALTMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Speedy recovery to: Joe Hochberg by Betty Altman.

APPOTIVE FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Zalman Chiel Szczercowski by Stephen and Carolyn Appotive.

Shirley Levenson by David & Sharon and Howard and Sharron Appotive and families.

ABRAHAM AND RACHEL BAROOK MEMORIAL FUND New Year wishes to: Phyllis and Ab Flatt by Cynthia and Max Weinstein.

Celie and Ron Goldstein and family by Cynthia and Max Weinstein.

CAYLA AND MICHAEL BAYLIN ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Cayla and Michael Baylin on their son Maxwell’s engagement by Marilyn and William Newman.

IRVING AND ESTHER BELLMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Paul Seiler by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer.

Marion Atwell by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer.

CLAIRE AND IRVING BERCOVITCH ENDOWMENT FUND Speedy recovery to: Claire Bercovitch by Barbara and Sy Gutmajer;

by Barbara and Larry Hershorn and byAnita and Mike Roodman.

BENES AND SARAH CANTOR MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Barry and Marcia Cantor and family on the marriage of Jeremy by Alicia and Brian Bailey.

DAVID AND QUEENIE COHEN MEMORIAL FUND New Year wishes to: Michael and Aviva Kalin by David and Judith Kalin.

Pearl Orenstein by David and Judith Kalin.

Stephen and Barbara Sussman and family by David and Judith Kalin.

Howard and Marlene Cohen and family by David and Judith Kalin.

Steven and Elizabeth Rubin by David and Judith Kalin.

Sid Goldstein and Rose-Anne Freedman by David and Judith Kalin.

Stan Cohen and Frances Tobias by David and Judith Kalin.

Sophie Filler by David and Judith Kalin.

SANDI AND EDDY COOK ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Rose Starr by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

Abraham Davis by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

Birthday wishes to: Judith Stoler by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

CYNTHIA AND ABE ENGEL ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Isadore Morris by Cynthia Engel and family.

Anniversary wishes to: Sol and Zelaine Shinder by Josh Engel.

ELLEN AND RAHAMIM FATHI ENDOWMENT FUND In appreciation to: Stephen and Gail Victor by Ellen and Ray Fathi.

FLORENCE FAMILY MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Esther Smith a beloved mother by A.L., Ann and Leanne Smith EVA, DIANE AND JACK GOLDFIELD MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Sheldon Shaul by Dr. Harvey and Simma Shaul and family and by Dr. Arthur and Doreen Kaminker and family.

JACK AND GERT GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Sol and Zelaine Shinder by Rayzel and Ernie Goldstein.

HERB AND DENA GOSEWICH ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Blanche Osterer on receiving the Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award by Herb and Dena Gosewich.

Shirley Greenberg on receiving the Order of Canada by Herb and Dena Gosewich.

Anniversary wishes to: Sol and Zelaine Shinder by Herb and Dena Gosewich.

R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Dorothy Hymes by Herb and Dena Gosewich.

In memory of: Sheila Schinman by Herb and Dena Gosewich.

New Year wishes to: Herb and Dena Gosewich by Lynda Greenberg.

MICHAEL GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Michael and Cayla Baylin on the engagement of their son Maxwell by Stephen and Jocelyn Greenberg and family.

Continued on page 24

Page 24 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

FOUNDATION DONATIONS Speedy recovery to: Ruth Soloway by Stephen and Jocelyn Greenberg and family.

HY AND PAULINE HOCHBERG ENDOWMENT FUND Thinking of you: To Claire Bercovitch by Pauline Hochberg.

Speedy recovery to: Judi Kerzner by Pauline Hochberg.

DOROTHY AND HY HYMES ENDOWMENT FUND Speedy recovery to: Judi Kerzner by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.

Birthday wishes to: Avraham Iny on his special birthday by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.

Eli Baker on his special birthday by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.

In Memory of: Shirley Levenson by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.

Anniversary wishes to: Eli and Lil Baker by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.

Ben and Marjorie Achbar by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.

New Year wishes to: Edward and Judi Kerzner by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.

AVRAHAM AND ELISSA INY FAMILY FUND Birthday wishes to: Avi Iny by Joanie and Russell Kronick.

ARTHUR AND SARAH KIMMEL MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Reva Weinberg by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel and family.

ANNICE AND SYDNEY KRONICK FAMILY FUND New Year wishes to: Sol and Zelaine Shinder by Sydney Kronick and Barbara Sugarman.

Joe and Ruth Viner by Sydney Kronick and Barbara Sugarman.

Henry and Maureen Molot by Sydney Kronick and Barbara Sugarman.

Joe and Evelyn Lieff by Sydney Kronick and Barbara Sugarman.

Marvin and Phylis Silverman by Sydney and Barbara Sugarman Elliot and Sally Levitan by Sydney and Barbara Sugarman.

Seryl and Charlie Kushner by Richard Kronick and Alice Brodie.

JOAN AND RUSSELL KRONICK FAMILY FUND Birthday wishes to: Judith Stoler by Joanie and Russell Kronick.

ISSIE AND EDITH LANDAU ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Dalia Lichtenstein by Edith Landau.

BERNIE AND IDA LESH ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Paul and Nikki Cook by Ida Lesh; Sandy and Allan Quallenberg and by Charlotte Felsky and Morti Hendler.

SANDRA AND JACIE LEVINSON ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Sol and Zelaine Shinder on their 50th wed-

SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH FUND

What do your “kids” really care about?

Do they care about hanging out with their friends? Playing sports?

Playing their musical instruments?

How about helping the homeless in their community? Fighting anti-Semitism? Supporting people with disabilities?

Through the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation, our community’s youth can achieve both! They can be the active individuals that they are all while making a difference through tzedakah, one gift at a time.

Teens can make their Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s an extra special event by opening a B’nai Mitzvah Fund in their name. This gives them the vehicle to support causes dear to their hearts.

Forever!

You can make a difference in your child’s life by encouraging your son or daughter to establish a B’nai Mitzvah Fund. Their participation in the B’nai Mitzvah Club, which is for teens age 12 up to pre-post secondary, will affect the rest of their lives in a positive and philanthropic manner.

Now is the time to encourage your child to become a charitable, responsible member of the Jewish Community.

To obtain information on how to open a B’nai Mitzvah Fund for as little as $250, call the Foundation office today at 613-798-4696 extension 252 or email info@ojcf.ca. Additional information can be found on our website at www.OJCF.ca.

ding anniversary by Sandra and Jacie Levinson.

Special birthday wishes to: Norman Wolfish by Sandra and Jacie Levinson.

Dorothy Hymes by Sandra and Jacie Levinson.

R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Dorothy Hymes by Sandra and Jacie Levinson.

RON AND RUTH LEVITAN ENDOWMENT FUND Speedy recovery to: Judi Kerzner by Ron and Ruth Levitan.

ERNEST AND IDA LEVITZ MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Arthur Wolf by Doreen and Jamie Levitz Anniversary wishes to: Alan and Susan Weiner by Ingrid Levitz and family.

JOSEPH AND EVELYN LIEFF ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary Wishes to: Ben and Marjorie Achbar by Joseph and Evelyn Lieff.

AVID LOEB FAMILY FUND In memory of: Mervin Mirsky by David Loeb and family.

ETHEL AND DAVID MALEK ENDOWMENT FUND Special birthday wishes to: Dalia Lichtenstein by Ethel and David Malek.

Condolences to: Dreizel Kaploun on the passing of her beloved mother by Ethel and David Malek.

Speedy recovery to: Claire Bercovitch by Ethel and David Malek.

RHODA AND JEFFREY MILLER FAMILY FUND In memory of: Reva Levenson by Rhoda and Jeffrey Miller.

Paul Sieler by Rhoda, Jeffrey, Howard and Sara Miller.

MERVIN MIRSKY FAMILY COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Mervin Mirsky by Athlone Investments Limited.

JEAN AND MAX NAEMARK ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Valerie Torontow on her accomplishment by Jean Naemark and family.

JACK AND MIRIAM PLEET ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Marjorie and Ben Achbar by Miriam Pleet.

PREHOGAN FAMILY FUND IN MEMORY OF AARON HARRY COHEN Anniversary wishes to: Sol and Zelaine Shinder on their 50th wedding anniversary by Avalee and Ron Prehogan.

In memory of: Paul Seiler by Avalee and Ron Prehogan.

PHYLLIS AND ALAN RACKOW ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Sheila Schinman by Phyllis and Alan Rackow.

FLORENCE AND GDALYAH ROSENFELD ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Lillian Margulies by Barbara and Len Farber;

by Lionel Metrick; by Pam, Allan, Brittney and Jason Book; by Stan and Vita Winthrop; by Phyllis and Alan Rackow; by Sharon and David Michaelson; by Ena Segall; by Judith McIntyre and Samuel Myles and by Jacqueline and David Segall.

SAMUEL AND RUTH ROTHMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Morton Taller by Sheldon and Corinne Taylor and family.

Carol Spiro by Sheldon and Corinne Taylor and family.

Congratulations to: Linda Senzilet on reaching her two milestones by Sheldon and Corinne Taylor and family.

SHELLEY AND SID ROTHMAN FAMILY FUND In memory of: Batcheba Amor by Shelley Rothman.

ELAYNE AND WESLEY SCHACTER ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Jay Shenker by Elayne and Wesley Schacter.

New Year wishes to: Bev and Bryan Glube by Elayne and Wesley Schacter.

HAROLD SHAFFER MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Frances Shaffer on the occasion of her 100th birthday by Norman and Judy Kronick and by Dan and Marilyn Kimmel.

SOL AND ZELAINE SHINDER ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Sol and Zelaine Shinder on their 50th wedding anniversary by Marilyn and William Newman; by Steve and Doris Ramphos and by Margo and Judah Silverman.

JACK AND SARAH SILVERSTEIN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Donna and Bernie Dolansky on the birth of their granddaughter Maya by Jack and Sarah Silverstein.

LINDA SILVERMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Paul Seiler by Mark and Susan Silverman.

JACK AND LINDA SMITH ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Paul Seiler by Robert and Leiba Krantzberg.

Mazal Tov to: Stephen and Carolyn Appotive on the marriage of Suzanne and Aaron by Robert and Leiba Krantzberg.

DORIS AND RICHARD STERN FAMILY FUND Anniversary wishes to: Sol and Zelaine Shinder on their 50th wedding anniversary by Doris and Richard Stern.

In memory of: Alex Konigsberg by Doris and Richard Stern.

Continued on page 25

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 25

FOUNDATION DONATIONS WILLIAM “BILL� STERNBERG MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: William Sternberg, a beloved uncle by Stephanie Dancey.

MOSES, CHENYA AND HENRY TORONTOW MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Torontow by Jean Naemark.

CASEY SWEDLOVE MEMORIAL FUND New Year wishes to: Sol and Zelaine Shinder by Carol-Sue and Jack Shapiro.

Margo and David Kardish by Carol-Sue and Jack Shapiro.

Martin and Ellie Black by Carol-Sue, and Jack Shapiro.

STEPHEN AND GAIL VICTOR ENDOWMENT FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Sarah Appel Schwartz, a beloved mother by Sandy Marchello.

Rita Appel, a beloved aunt by Sandy Marchello.

Razel Shieman, a beloved great aunt by Sandy Marchello.

Birthday wishes to: Simon Morin by Sandy Marchello.

RUTH TALLER MEMORIAL FUND Speedy recovery to: Claire Bercovitch by Ethel Kerzner.

MILDRED AND PERCY WEINSTEIN ENDOWMENT FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Percy Weinstein, a beloved husband, father and grandfather by Millie Weinstein.

CHARLES AND RAE TAVEL MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Gerry Levitz by John and Sunny Tavel.

BARBARA AND GERALD THAW ENDOWMENT FUND New Year wishes to: Dorothy Nadolny by Barbara and Gerald Thaw.

Mark and Lise Thaw by Barbara and Gerald Thaw.

Joel and Susan Greenberg by Barbara and Gerald Thaw.

Evelyn Rivers by Barbara and Gerald Thaw.

Stan and Gail Hitzig by Barbara and Gerald Thaw.

IRVING AND DIANE WEXLER FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Carol Segal on the birth of her granddaughter

by Sandy Marchello.

Condolences to: Marlene and Howard Segal on the loss of a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother by Carol Segal.

SAM AND HELENE ZARET MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Buddy and Graceila Steinberg by Neil and Debi Zaret.

In Appreciation I would like to thank all my dear family and friends who have shown much support and kindness to me since my surgery. The hospital visits along with the many gifts, cards and donations to various funds are greatly apppreciated. Please accept this as my personal thank you.

AKIVA KRIGER

David and Sharon Appotive by Neil and Debi Zaret.

ZIPES KARANOFSKY FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Carol Segal on the birth of her second grandchild by Rick and Helen Zipes and family.

PINCHAS ZUKERMAN MUSICAL EDUCATION FUND Mazal Tov to: Manny Gluck on the birth of his great-

grandchild by Marilyn and William Newman.

Contributions may be made online at www.OJCF.ca or by contacting Erin Bolling at 613-798-4696 extension 232, Monday to Friday or by email at donation@ojcf.ca. Attractive cards are sent to convey the appropriate sentiments. All donations are acknowledged with a charitable receipt. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Amex.

Donating made easy at www.OJCF.ca Donations can be made for all occasions and life-cycle events.

Use our online donation form to send one or multiple tribute cards to your friends and loved ones in one secure transaction.

Charitable receipts are issued and sent directly to your email account.

Try it TODAY! CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL EXCLUSIVE TOURS January 29th, 2011 – BRIDGE WITH LIZ SCHWARTZ Barcelo Maya Beach Resort. Ottawa direct flights May 23rd, 2011 – “CREATING CULTURAL CONNECTIONS� a CICF tour to Israel, escorted by Sara Vered and Norman Barwin.

Special world premier AIDA at Masada May 30th, 2011 – CANYON RANCH SPA GETAWAY with Sandra Granatstein For complete details on these and other 2011 departures ...

Contact us at Ottawa@carlsonwagonlit.com

& # #

! "

# $%

!"#$% &'(#)$%

'%*+ !#",-$%

or Call: 613 238 4040

130 Albert St. Suite 714, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5G4 TICO #: 50017273

Readers are advised that In Appreciation notices may not always appear on Foundation pages, particularly when space is limited.

Page 26 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

Made with Love

We welcome Mr. Giraffe On the August long weekend, we hosted our annual Rabbi’s Weekend. This is a group of friends Roger roomed with in university. The late father of two of this group was a rabbi and somehow this weekend, which we have been holding almost annually for 28 years, has become known as the Rabbi’s Weekend.

Over the years, the numbers have swelled. We began with five couples and gradually the children started coming.

Once we moved to Ottawa, a sixth couple somehow weaseled their way into our group and, with all our children, we now number 31 people.

A few years ago, we were faced with the dilemma of offspring who’ve begun seriously dating. Should their dates be invited? Yes, we decided, we would let them join us. For a few years, we were so many that we just stuck all the kids in a houseboat one year, a trailer the next and, finally, a party tent. Everyone was happy.

Mazal Tov Getting married, celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, just had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?

Send us your good news (photo too)! $50 + gst Mail to: Ottawa Jewish Bulletin 21 Nadolny Sachs Private Ottawa, Ontario K2A 2R9 Fax: 613-798-4730 Email: rsaslovemiller@ottawajewishbulletin.com For more information call Rhoda Saslove-Miller 613-798-4696, ext. 256

This year, a new member, Mr. Giraffe, joined our ranks.

He is the boyfriend of one of our friend’s daughters. Of course, that is not his real name. I am just protecting his identity. I have nicknamed him Mr. Giraffe because he shares many physical, behavioural and personality traits with giraffes.

He is quite tall, just like a giraffe. I’m guessing about six foot five. This was quite handy when it was time to set the table and empty the dishwasher as he was the only one who could reach the top shelf of my dish cupboard. Giraffes tend to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon and will disappear under shady trees during the heat of day.

Our Mr. Giraffe was certainly busy most afternoons. I don’t know, though, what he was doing in the early morning hours as he and his girlfriend didn’t usually appear for breakfast until 11:00 am.

Giraffes are known to have a highly selective diet, preferring twigs and leaves of acacia, mimosa and wild apricot trees. Our Mr. Giraffe is also a picky eater. He avoided tomatoes, coffee, all fruits except for canned pineapple, and ate no chocolate. He was, however, an ice cream lover! So much so that he owns his own waffle cone maker and made homemade waffle cones for us for dessert on Sunday night.

He got big bonus points for that one!

Giraffes will avoid drinking if they are suspicious of nearby danger. They don’t want to put their head down into the water if they suspect trouble nearby. Our Mr. Giraffe tried to avoid drinking shots of Glenlivet, Dalwhinnie, Bruichladdie and Jack Daniels on Friday night as he suspected that it could lead to trouble. His avoidance was unsuccessful – peer pressure is a powerful force – and he was correct. It did lead to trouble. All the men went out to play a game of moonlight baseball and all I am permitted to say is that no one was seriously injured.

Giraffes are highly intelligent animals. Our Mr. Giraffe proved his intelligence beyond my wildest imagination. On Sunday, I discovered that the ‘2,’ ‘W,’ ‘S’ and ‘X’ keys on my laptop were not functioning. Mr. Giraffe performed surgery, opened up the back of my computer and fixed it using only his bare hands, a few Q-tips and some vodka (the closest thing we had to rubbing alcohol). I am forever

Cindy Feingold in his debt. All in all, Mr. Giraffe was a delightful guest and a real keeper as far as I’m concerned.

Here are two recipes for some of the wonderful things we ate over that long weekend.

Smokin’ Wings with Chipotle Marinade This recipe hails from Cottage Life’s Summer Weekend Cookbook.

24 whole chicken wings 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped (remove seeds if you like it less hot) 3 cloves garlic, finely minced 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lime juice 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil Cut off and discard tips from wings and cut wings in two at the joint.

Mix together remaining ingredients for form marinade. Toss wings with marinade and refrigerate for 12 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove wings from marinade and bake on a sheet pan for about 45 minutes.

Boil leftover marinade in small pot for about 5 minutes to kill off any bacteria from raw chicken. Preheat gas grill on high for 5 minutes. Turn heat down to medium and grill wings, brushing with marinade, for about 5-10 minutes until brown and crispy.

Cedar Planked Salmon This recipe comes from the June 2003 issue of Real Simple magazine. My friend, Mrs. Beaver, prepared this for us on Sunday night. Cooking on a wood plank imparts an amazing smoky flavour to salmon.

Cedar planks are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. She bought hers at Canadian Tire. Be sure to soak the plank for at least one hour (and up to four hours). Put something heavy, like a juice can, on top of the planks to weigh them down while soaking.

Serves 4 1 2-pound salmon fillet, skin on 1 cedar plank, soaked in water for at least 1 hour 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Preheat the grill with the lid closed, then place the plank on the grill and let it heat for five minutes or so, with the lid closed, until the plank begins to crackle and smoke. Turn down heat to low.

The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. collects and uses your personal information primarily for the purpose of providing you with the products and services you have requested from us.

The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin may also contact you from time to time to ask about

While barbecue is heating, combine the brown sugar, oil, thyme, and cayenne in a bowl. Spread over the salmon.

Place the salmon skin-side down on the cedar plank and cook, with grill covered, about 40 minutes or just until the surface fat begins to turn white.

Carefully remove plank from barbecue using heavy duty, long-handled tongs. Place plank on a baking sheet to avoid burning countertop or table. Cut fish and place on a serving platter.

While you are eating, soak used plank in a bucket of cold water for at least 30 minutes before throwing away.

your account or to conduct market research and surveys in an effort to continually improve our product service offerings.

To enable us to more efficiently provide the products and services you have requested from us, the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin may share your personal information

with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation and the Soloway Jewish Community Centre.

If you would like more information, or to speak to the Privacy Officer, please call 613-798-4696, ext. 256.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010 – Page 27

A Canadian family finally recovers four paintings lost during the Holocaust Restitution: A family’s fight for their heritage lost in the Holocaust

By Kathy Kacer Second Story Press 311 pages. Age 14 to adult.

Kid Lit

Toronto psychologist and writer Kathy Kacer is a Holocaust remembrance tour de force. A child of Holocaust survivors, she has won numerous awards for her Holocaust kid lit, including the Yad Vashem Prize for Children’s Holocaust Literature for Hiding Edith (which I reviewed in the November 6, 2006 issue of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin).

Restitution, Kacer’s latest book, is what I would call a cross-over book for three reasons.

First, although it’s a written in the form of a novel, Restitution tells a true story. Except for three fictionalized names, the story includes actual names and events, family photographs, and photographs of authentic documents and paintings.

Second, its intended readers are both mature young adults and adults.

Third, it vividly describes two different, yet emotionally compelling, and intertwined family legacies: the Reiser/Reeser family’s story of escaping from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia and starting a new life in Canada (“Reiser” was changed to “Reeser” on the family’s arrival in Canada); and, more than 50 years later, recovering the family’s four valuable paintings abandoned during their flight.

Because of the story’s many themes, locations and events, plotting could not have been easy. Yet, the book is so skillfully written, this complex story seems straightforward.

However, as the saying goes, “The devil is in the details.”

Not only the details of the Nazi rise to power in Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia leading up to the start of the Second World War and the Holocaust, but also the details of Marie Reiser’s gut-wrenching determination to get herself, her son, Karl, and daughter, Hana, out of Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia; the persistent, painstaking efforts of her husband, Victor, to obtain entry visas to Canada at a time when “none is too many;” their adjustment to life in Canada; and the post-war Communist take-over of Czechoslovakia

Deanna Silverman with all that it entailed.

The myriad details – atmospherics, personalities, physical settings, emotional reactions, legal and political complexities, cultural disparities, artistic subtleties, mystical inclinations, coincidences, timing, life in a Communist regime, luck, and so much more – could have overwhelmed a less committed writer.

However, it is obvious that Kathy Kacer was as entranced by the Reeser family story as was Canadian vice-consul to Czechoslovakia in 1989, Richard VandenBosch, and the “honest smuggler,” Canadian art dealer and ex-Czech communist, Theofil Kral (one of the fictional names). In Kacer’s hands, those endless details make for a rip-roaring series of adventures, near misses and compelling emotional quagmires.

Told from a third person perspective, but primarily focused on Marie and Karl Reeser, and on Theofil Kral, the story moves back and forth in time, place and lead character, from Toronto in 1990 to Rakovnik, Czechoslovakia in 1937, and on until its penultimate climax in Toronto in February 1990 and final success in March 1990.

Along the way, readers learn about following gut feelings, quick wits, bribery, loyalty, blatant displays of dishonesty, self-interest, courage, persistence, luck, duty and, in many unexpected forms, dignity and kindness.

Role reversal is a fascinating phenomenon and a sad commentary on events. In effect, it happens twice in the story.

First, when successful businessman Victor Reiser realizes that his wife, Marie, has a better understanding of what they and all Jews in Czechoslovakia face. In a variety of ways, it is Marie who is responsible for the family’s escape from

By Kathy Kacer

their Nazi-occupied country, from Europe, and for the availability of funds used to bribe their way to safety. Second, when, to his own amazement, Karl takes up his dead mother’s unsuccessful quest to retrieve their four treasured paintings.

In recent years, there have been numerous newspaper stories about Holocaust survivors and children of survivors seeking to regain their former properties, including works of art. Restitution: A family’s fight for their heritage lost in the Holocaust is a triumphant example of how that happened for one Toronto family. It also helps readers understand the emotional legacy – far beyond the monetary value – attached to those possessions.

Kathy Kacer’s Restitution is a fresh take on Holocaust history.

Check out the deal we have for you!

Renew or extend your OJB subscription before October 29, 2010 and save.

One year = $25 • Two years = $50 • Three yeaars = $75 Order online at: www.ottawajewishbulletin.com or send a cheque to: Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa ON K2A 1R9 or call 613-798-4696, ext. 242.

We take VISA or MasterCard

Page 28 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – September 27, 2010

WHAT’S GOING ON September 27 to October 10, 2010 WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS Motorin’ Munchkins Drop-In, sponsored by the SJCC Family Life Centre, for ages 5 and under. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult, 9 am to 12 pm. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 294.

TUESDAYS Israeli Folkdancing, learn dances, have fun, no experience or partner necessary, Hillel Academy, 31 Nadolny Sachs Private, 7:00 pm. Info: 613-722-9323.

CANDLELIGHTING BEFORE EREV SHEMINI ATZERET Sep 29 ✡ 6:30 pm SHEMINI ATZERET Sep 30 ✡ after 7:30 pm SIMCHAT TORAH Oct 1 ✡ 6:27 pm Oct 8

✡

6:13 pm

FRIDAYS Shabbat Shalom Drop-In, for ages 5 and under, sponsored by the JCC Family Life Centre welcomes Shabbat through crafts, songs, stories and games. Bracha Bear will be there! All children must be accompanied by an adult, 9:30 am to 11:00 am.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Snacks in the Sukkah, sponsored by Jewish Family Services.

Learn about Sukkot and perform the mitzvah of the lulav and etrog.

Refreshments provided. Beit Tikvah sukkah, 16 Chartwell Avenue, 1:30 pm. Info: 613-722-2225.

Multifaith Housing Initiative Sukkot program, sponsored by Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Drive, 7:30 pm. Info: 613-686-1825.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Shalom Ottawa, community television show on Rogers 22, 6:00 pm. Repeats October 2 at noon.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 Malca Pass Book Club, sponsored by the Malca Pass Library,

Agudath Israel Congregation. Professor Adele Reinhartz will review Journey from the Land of No, by Roya Hakakian, 9:30 am, 1400 Coldrey Avenue. Info: 613-829-2455.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4 Taste of Judaism, given by Rabbi Steven Garten of Temple Israel. Three-part course covering Spirituality, Ethics, and Community, open to anyone interested in learning about Judaism, 1301 Prince of Wales Drive, 7:15 pm. Continues Monday, October 18 and 25. Info: outreach@templeisraelottawa.ca.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14 2010 Bridge and Mah-Jongg Fundraiser, sponsored by AJA 50+.

Other games such as Scrabble and Wizard will also be available. Lunch and door prizes. Everyone welcome.

11:15 am, 1400 Coldrey Avenue.

Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 309.

The Art of Giving: The Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation presents “An evening with Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon,” Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive,

For more community listings, visit ottawa.jewishottawa.com Select Calendar/Upcoming Events and Click to See More

7:00 pm. Info: 613-798-4696, ext 232.

COMING SOON

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 JCC Family Life Centre Open House. See what this exciting new program is all about, 10:00 am.

Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 294.

Jewish Information Course designed for individuals interested in acquiring an in-depth understanding of Judaism, or who are contemplating conversion in the liberal tradition. Taught by Rabbi Steven Garten of Temple Israel.

1301 Prince of Wales Drive, 12:45 pm. Course recurs weekly until April 30, 2011. Info: outreach@templeisraelottawa.ca.

A Celebration of Yiddish in Ottawa: The University of Ottawa’s Vered Jewish Canadian Studies Program presents an afternoon devoted to Ottawa’s rich Yiddish community, featuring the music of Musaica Ebraica and Shiru Lach and the presentation of the inaugural Ethel Cooper Yiddish Studies Award of Excellence to a uOttawa student, 2:00 pm. Info: 613-5625800.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 Best of Hebrew U. Light dinner and keynote addresses by visiting professors from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, location to be confirmed, 5:30 pm.

Info: 613-829-3150.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 Bess and Moe Greenberg Hillel Lodge Auxiliary Tea, in honour of Debi Shore, 10 Nadolny Sachs Private, 2:00 pm.

Info: 613-820-4004.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 Personalized Medicine: Doctor in a Cell, a talk given by Dr. Ehud Shapiro of the Weizmann Institute of Science, who will describe his ground-breaking research looking for changes in molecules that can indicate the presence of certain cancers and diseases.

Reservations required. Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Road, 7:30 pm.

Info: 613-236-3391.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28 CHOICES, sponsored by the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, dinner featuring guest speaker Karen James, a Jewish Olympian at the 1972 Munich Olympics, 1400 Coldrey Avenue, 6:00 pm.

Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 270.

Unless otherwise noted, activities take place at The Joseph and Rose Ages Family Building, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private.

This information is taken from the community calendar maintained by the Jewish Ottawa InfoCentre. Organizations which would like their events to be listed, no matter where they are to be held, should send the information to InfoCentre coordinator Benita Siemiatycki via e-mail at bsiemiatycki@jewishottawa.com or fax at 613-798-4695. She can also be reached by telephone at 613-798-4644. Accurate details must be provided and all events must be open to the Jewish public.

Condolences Condolences are extended to the families of: Louis Bernstein Mary Brewer George Cohen Helen Rosenthal Carol Spiro Edith Sporn Lily Tonchin

May their memory be a blessing always.

The CONDOLENCE COLUMN is offered as a public service to the community.

There is no charge.

For a listing in this column, please call 613-798-4696, ext. 232.

Voice mail is available.

BULLETIN DEADLINES OCTOBER 6 FOR OCTOBER 25 OCTOBER 20 FOR NOVEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 10 FOR NOVEMBER 29* NOVEMBER 24 FOR DECEMBER 13 JANUARY 5 FOR JANUARY 24 JANUARY 19 FOR FEBRUARY 7 FEBRUARY 2 FOR FEBRUARY 21 * Community-wide Issue (all dates subject to change)

Meet The Romspen Fund’s Largest Investor The Romspen Mortgage Investment Fund manages over $500 million in short-term Canadian commercial mortgages and Sheldon Esbin has always been its largest investor. Even though he is president of Romspen Investment Corporation, Shelly has paid $10 per unit just like the 2000 other investors.

Of course Shelly’s family, friends, partners and co-workers are also investors.

Why? For many good reasons, like solid returns month after month, year after year.

You’ve heard of the Romspen Mortgage Investment Fund. Isn’t it time you found out more? Call us toll free to receive an information package or visit our website at www.romspen.com.

162 Cumberland Street, Suite 300 Toronto, Ontario M5R 3N5 416.966.1100 1.800.494.0389 www.romspen.com