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bulletin volume 75, no. 6

december 13, 2010

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Dan Senor, co-author of Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle, speaks, November 28, at Agudath Israel.

(Photo: Marie-Rachel Dionne)

Start-Up Nation co-author says Israel Ottawa group hikes in Israel is making the world in support of victims of a better place Ottawa participants in the One Family Fund’s 2010 Cross-Israel Hike: (From left) Barbara Kates, Mindy Bullion, Miriam Salamon, Lisa Rosenkrantz, Barbara Crook, Paul Lyons, Mark Klyman, Joshua Klyman, Michael Walsh.

terrorism and their families

By Michael Regenstreif For Miriam Salamon, an Ottawa-based family physician, participating this year in the One Family Fund’s annual Cross-Israel Hike was a way of connecting to her late parents, both of whom were Holocaust survivors.

“My father was a true Zionist and lover of Israel,” said Salamon during a recent interview with the

Bulletin following her return from Israel.

“He was born in 1911 and was part of study groups on Herzl and Zionism,” when he was young in Romania.

Salamon said her father wanted to immigrate to Palestine as a young man, but stayed on in Transylvania because his mother needed help in running the family sun-

flower oil factory. By the time of the Second World War, it was too late to escape. Salamon’s father spent the war years in a Romanian labour camp while her mother survived Auschwitz.

In the early-1960s, with help from JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services), the Salamon family immigrated to Canada from (Continued on page 2)

By Jacqueline Shabsove “How is it that Israel – a country of 7.1 million people, only 60 years old, surrounded by enemies, in a constant state of war since its founding, with no natural resources – produces more start-up companies than large, peaceful, and stable nations like Japan, China, India, Korea, Canada, and the United Kingdom?”

That’s the question posed by Dan Senor and Saul Singer on the inside cover of their New York

Times best-seller, Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle.

Co-author Senor, a dynamic speaker, was in Ottawa, November 28, and spoke on the topic at an event presented by Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (CFHU), the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Vered Israel Cultural & Educational Program, at Agudath Israel Congregation.

(Continued on page 2)

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Page 2 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

Israel excels at innovation and entrepreneurship (Continued from page 1)

To answer the “trillion-dollar question” posed on the book jacket, Senor and Singer conducted more than 100 interviews with business people around the world. They were determined to understand non-Israeli business peoples’ perspectives on why Israel has succeeded.

Senor said a common answer they received was that Jews are smart.

“The truth is, it may be that Jews are smart, but you have to acknowledge that Jews don’t have a monopoly on being smart,” Senor said.

He presented a number of surprising statistics on Israel’s success, including that there are more Israeli companies on the NASDAQ index than from all of Europe, Korea, Japan, Singapore, China and India combined.

Furthermore, Israel has the highest density of start-ups in the world – one for every 1,844 Israelis.

“Venture investors from around the world invest solely based on the most amazing innovations for medical and technological problems,” said Senor. “They invest

based on return – not religion and not ideology.”

Senor said there are two major reasons why Israel has been doing so well in terms of start-up companies.

One is the role of heavy immigration to Israel.

“There are over 70 nationalities in Israel and these people have networks around the world and possess a globalized outlook on society,” he said. “All of this happening in a tight space creates a diverse economy.”

The immigration experience in Israel is viewed as a source of strength, and its assimilation programs are among the best in the world, according to Senor.

The second reason for Israel’s start-up successes involves the role of the military in Israeli society.

“The military teaches young Jews how to lead and take ownership of responsibility at age 18,” said Senor. “We argue that what Israel has done is teach young people how to lead, take risks, fail and be entrepreneurial.”

While other countries attach a stigma to failure, according to Senor, Israel has taught its young

Dan Senor with Jewish Federation of Ottawa Chair Donna Dolansky (left) and CFHU Ottawa Chapter Chair Myrna Barwin.

(Photo: Marie-Rachel Dionne)

to fail constructively, learn from their mistakes and start again, all before beginning their university studies.

Israel’s bottom-heavy military,

which is understaffed at senior levels, gives young people the opportunity to make quick decisions on their own without seeking permission from higher ranks.

According to Senor, the skills Israelis learn in the military prepare them well for the start-up scene, including identifying unconventional, creative solutions to pressing problems.

“Most start-ups fail, everywhere in the world including Israel,” said Senor. “Where Israel stands out, is that no matter how much they fail, they go back to the drawing board and try again and again and again. They have more grip and determination after they fail.”

Despite the current delegitimization movement, it is important, said Senor, that the world recognizes Israel’s incredible contributions to the betterment of society.

“The world has a lot to learn from Israel,” he said. “Israel is truly making the world a better place. The West needs innovation and entrepreneurship and Israel has it. What we can learn from it is an essential question for our times.”

Opening remarks at the event were made by Myrna Barwin, chair of the Ottawa chapter of CFHU, and Donna Dolansky, chair of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.

Hike ‘allowed me to participate in something meaningful’ (Continued from page 1)

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Romania, but her father never lost his Zionist zeal.

Salamon was recruited to participate in the One Family Fund hike, which took place from October 17 to 21, by fellow family physician Lisa Rosenkrantz.

“I listen to her because she’s the drummer on my dragon boat team,” said Salamon referring to the Draggin’ Docs, a team of women doctors who compete in Ottawa’s Dragon Boat Festival.

“It seemed like a lovely opportunity to see Israel in a way that I couldn’t on my own. I liked the focus on outdoors and on the land, and it allowed me to participate in something meaningful.”

The One Family Fund is the pri-

mary organization in Israel that provides services and financial aid to the victims of terrorist attacks, and their families. Each participant in the annual One Family Fund CrossIsrael Hike – which takes place in a different part of Israel each year – raises a minimum of $2,500 for the fund.

Participants spent between six and eight hours per day hiking through this year’s location: the Golan Heights.

To prepare for the hike in Israel, Salamon participated in two training hikes in the Gatineau Hills that fellow participant Paul Lyons organized for the group.

“I didn’t used to be a hiker, but I am now,” said Salamon, adding that the One Family Fund Hike partici-

pants could choose between three levels of difficulty on their daily outings.

“I just had one blister at the end of the four-and-a-half days.”

The most difficult of the hiking levels involved running up a mountain and rappelling down the cliffs.

“I didn’t do that,” said Salamon.

“But I did hike through water.”

Salamon said she and her fellow participants were very moved by the people they met who are being helped by the One Family Fund.

“We met a mother who had made aliyah only to see her son killed” in a terrorist attack.

The group also met a choir whose members are all grieving fathers.

“They sang for us and were amazing,” said Salamon.

One of the choir members explained to Salamon that being in the choir saved his marriage as it taught him to work through his grief by being with others.

Salamon also said she enjoyed the opportunity of getting to know the Israeli soldiers who accompanied the hikers.

Salamon would happily do the One Family Fun Hike again. The 2011 hike takes place October 29 to November 3 in the Ein Gedi region.

Visit onefamilyfundhike.com for information.

An avid dragon boater, Salamon is planning to participate in the first-ever Canada/Israel Dragon Boat Festival, May 3 and 4, 2012.

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Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 3

Page 4 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

HEW on campus inspiring and meaningful for students

By Adam Moscoe Hillel Ottawa Holocaust Education Week (HEW) left an indelible mark on students at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, inspiring us to take action to prevent genocide and stand up against hatred and intolerance.

This year, a team of students created a Holocaust Education exhibit, which was displayed in the student centres of both universities. Hundreds of students spent time at the exhibit, exploring Jewish life before the Second World War, the rise of Nazism and anti-Semitism, and such topics as the heroic deeds of the Righteous Among the Nations.

We were fortunate to have Erwin Koranyi and Vera Gara as guests at the exhibit, interacting with students and

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sharing their stories and lessons. For many students, this was their first ever interaction with a Holocaust survivor.

Hillel Ottawa hosted two thought-provoking speakers during HEW. Bernie Farber, CEO of the Canadian Jewish Congress, told the story of his father, From Holocaust Hero to an Ottawa Grocery Store, and how it has influenced his lifelong passion for battling racism. And Shlomit Kriger, editor of Marking Humanity: Stories, Poems, & Essays by Holocaust Survivors, explained the unique process behind the creation of the book. She also facilitated a discussion about the importance of teaching children respect and compassion for all of humanity.

In addition, Hillel Ottawa combined with STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur) to enable students to take action to prevent genocide today with an advocacy training session and a successful letter-writing campaign to Canadian politicians.

We emphasized the importance of creating a mechanism in Parliament to proac-

Holocaust survivor Vera Gara speaks to students at the Holocaust Education week exhibit at Carleton University.

(Photo: Chelsea Sauvé)

tively prevent genocide, instead of reacting to a tragedy already unfolding. The Canadian Federation of Jewish Students will be collaborating with STAND on advocacy and education programs, and Hillel Ottawa is proud to be at the forefront.

Holocaust Education Week ended with a Shabbat dinner with more than 200 students and young professionals of various cultural backgrounds spending an evening with nearly 20 Holocaust survivors. Everyone en-

joyed boisterous Shabbat services, delicious food and unforgettable conversations. In addition, first year student Zane Colt spoke passionately about his experience on the March of the Living.

Hillel Ottawa was pleased to partner with the Carleton University White Rose Society, a new group created by Carleton student Dustin Hutton-Alcorn. Dustin plans to organize year-long Holocaust education initiatives, in memory of the original White Rose Society, formed in 1942 to educate Germans of the ongoing horrors of the Holocaust.

This year’s Holocaust Education Week began just as Ottawa hosted the Inter-par-

liamentary Coalition for Combating Anti-Semitism conference. Many local students volunteered at the conference, and advocated for global action to put an end to racism.

We look back on Holocaust Education Week proud that so many students have

engaged with us in remembrance, and in promoting a better world.

Adam Moscoe is the vicepresident of Hillel Ottawa at the University of Ottawa. He is also co-chair of Social Justice and Jewish Identity committee of the Canadian Federation of Jewish Students.

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Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 5

Canada to boycott Durban III (JTA) – Canada will The United States led a boycott the third UN conwalkout of the first conferference against racism, citence in Durban, South ing the charged anti-Israel Africa, in 2001 after it deand anti-Semitic rhetoric volved into an anti-Israel at its predecessors. hate-fest. A number of Minister of CitizenWestern nations kept away ship, Immigration and from its follow-up in 2009.

Canada was the first Multiculturalism Jason country to withdraw from Kenney said, November Durban II last year in 25, that the UN General Geneva.

Assembly has chosen to In a statement, Opposi“repeat and even augment tion Leader Michael Ignatithe mistakes of the past” eff said he “unequivocally” by holding an anniversary supports the government’s conference in New York Jason Kenney, minister decision to boycott the next September, timed to of Citizenship, Immigration Durban III conference. coincide with the annual and Multiculturalism Canadian Jewish groups opening of the UN Generpraised the government’s move. al Assembly.

“Canada will not participate in this cha“On this they are the international leaders, rade,” Kenney said. “Canada is clearly com- not the Canadian leader, they’re leading the mitted to the fight against racism, but the world,” said Bernie Farber, CEO of the CanaDurban process commemorates an agenda dian Jewish Congress. that actually promotes racism rather than “Yet again, Canada is taking the lead on combats it. the world stage in terms of principled policy“We will not lend our good name to this making. We saw the writing on the wall with Durban hate fest,” Kenney said. the failures of the first two Durban conferThe conference is slated to mark the 10th ences, which promoted rather than combated anniversary of the 2001 meeting in South racism against the Jewish people,” said Frank Africa aimed at defeating xenophobia and Dimant, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada.

“The world should surely know by now racism. Canada and several other countries walked out of that meeting after Iran and sev- that the Durban process is completely tainteral other countries engaged in Israel-bashing. ed.”

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Page 6 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

Making Ottawa’s Jewish community the best it can be Here I am at the three-quarter pole of my term as chair of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF) heading for the home stretch. There has been much accomplished and still a long way to go to reach the finish line.

I borrow from horse racing terminology somewhat intentionally. Often, as we try to effect change, it does feel at times like we are running in circles. I am reminded of a Seinfeldian musing about racehorses discovering at the finish line that they were right back where they started and deciding that the next time around they would certainly take it just a little easier.

Well, enough about famous Jewish comedians and race horses and on to the state of the union at the OJCF. In June 2009, at my first AGM, I identified three principal objectives: • to broaden the donor base; • to prepare for the intergenerational wealth transfer; and • to steward the Collaborative Fundraising Model.

I am pleased to report that, at the Board of the OJCF, we haven’t been tak-

Federation Report Harold Feder OJCF ing things easier and there has been much activity on all three fronts.

In particular, there have been significant developments within the last few months that touch upon all of these initiatives and give cause for great hope for the future.

Our newly created Women’s Philanthropy Committee, under the guidance of Lynne Oreck-Wener, and the Fundraising Committee, chaired by Eddy Cook, have both had their initial meetings, have adopted their mandates and are looking ahead to develop new programs.

The reconstituted B’nai Mitzvah Committee, guided by Lenora Zelikovitz, is developing strategies to expand our connection to youth. Also of note, the Marketing Committee, with Yoni Freedhoff

as chair, is focused on innovative new strategies to connect to our donors.

Earlier in the fall, we held the first ever meeting of the past-chairs of the OJCF. It was a momentous occasion. It was also an honour and a privilege for me to be in the presence of a gathering of some of the community’s leading philanthropists and volunteers and to have the opportunity to benefit from the insight garnered from their collective experience.

In mid-October, we hosted worldrenowned philanthropists Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon who shared their views on philanthropy as embodied in their book, The Art of Giving, to an audience of more than 200 people.

It was clear, in listening to them, that in adopting the Collaborative Fundraising Model, we are on the right track. Not just from the standpoint of co-operation between the OJCF and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, but, more importantly, that the Collaborative Fundraising Model has, as its primary focus, adding value to donors’ philanthropic experiences as we collectively try to enhance life in the Ot-

tawa Jewish community.

On that note, the Federation and the OJCF held their first collaborative event as part of the Jewish Federations of North America’s Multigenerational Family Philanthropy Training Program. This was followed by training sessions for staff of both the OJCF and the Federation. The learning process has begun.

Most recently, the professional and volunteer leadership of both organizations held a strategic planning meeting to discuss the Collaborative Fundraising Model initiative and how to make it more meaningful to our donors, both existing and prospective.

Through all of these initiatives, we are on the leading edge of Jewish communities in North America in adopting new approaches to philanthropy.

As I stated at the outset, the course is not always straight ahead. However, I can state that the collective will is there.

As a result, there will be more outreach to donors in the weeks and months ahead as we move forward together to make the Ottawa Jewish community the best it can be.

It’s imperative that students feel a sense of ownership in their studies The mantra of ‘differentiated instruction’ resounds in the hallways of schools in both the public and private sectors. The demand for recognition of different learning styles, the proliferation of right brain versus left brain theories, as well as the growing rate of learning disabilities among students in our schools, speak to the various concerns we have regarding the education of our young.

Professional development days dedicated to the discussion and resolution of these issues abound in schools, practically on a year-to-year basis. Recognizing the need for these sessions in order to best reach students in our schools forces us to realize that we must come up with equally important vehicles to explore the topic of what constitutes successful Jewish education in our local schools.

It is the ancient educational theorist, King Solomon, who, in the Book of Proverbs, suggests that children can only be educated according to their propensities and according to their needs. One size does not fit all in secular education, and it certainly does not in Jewish education. In the community school setting, which, by definition, attracts students from all walks of Jewish life, it must be recognized that some are interested in a traditional track of text study with normative commentaries in the original Hebrew, while others are more interested in the pursuit of knowledge which allows for the freedom of discussion unfettered by preconceived notions. In other words, for most, the ability to engage in critical analysis becomes a sine qua non

From the pulpit Rabbi Howard Finkelstein Beit Tikvah in the acquisition of Torah learning, which is designed to provide the foundation for Jewish living.

We, who are involved formally in the field of Jewish education, must recognize that our consumers, our students, learn differently and not uniformly. Whether we speak about elementary, high school, or adult education, we must be aware that we must figuratively speak the language of our students and employ those means of communication that reach out to them.

In 2008, I had the unique opportunity to attend a 10 day seminar on educational leadership at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There, I listened to a lecture by a Harvard professor of education who indicated that schools were not doing enough to encourage critical thinking in their students. Interestingly, he said that Ontario was one of the few jurisdictions that placed the emphasis on thought development as part of an educational strategy called TACK, an acronym for ‘thought, application, communication and knowledge.’

In other words, schools in Ontario must apply TACK religiously in order to be considered to be successful. Assessment and

evaluation of students must be based on these principles.

Concomitantly, the same system must be applied to Jewish education.

Jewish education should never reflect or emphasize regurgitation of material on tests or exams. Torah study, for example, must not revolve around memorization, but around the applicability of the eternal message that our faith expounds. Students should be encouraged to question, to think, to assess and to evaluate. Obviously, the teacher assists the students in these tasks, but it is imperative that the students feel a sense of ownership in their studies so that

Judaica does not simply become a subject like math or history. Instead, it should be seen as a guideline and as a pathway to Jewish life.

In the Ottawa Jewish Community School, we are actualizing these moves in order to encourage and develop students who will go out into the world with an acute awareness and love for the texts and tenets of our faith. We hope, with God’s help, to develop the future leadership of our community and others who, by example, and by their learning, will, in the words of Isaiah, “glorify the Torah and make it great.”

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National Jewish advocacy organizations likely to be merged Sometimes, deadlines and the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin publication schedule don’t co-operate with the news we’d like to bring you.

A case in point is the proposed new structure for the organization overseeing national advocacy for the Canadian Jewish community, which, if all goes according to the organizers’ plans, will be presented to the boards of the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy (CIJA) on December 8 and UIA Federations Canada on December 12.

This issue, dated December 13, actually went to press on December 3. So, we do not have coverage yet of whether or not the new structure has been approved or precisely what form it will take.

CIJA, the entity being reorganized, is a relatively new body. It was established seven years ago by UIA Federations Canada – the national organization of the Jewish federations in Canada, including the Jewish Federation of Ottawa – as an umbrella organization to co-ordinate the advocacy efforts of the Canadian Jewish Congress, the Canada-Israel Committee, the Quebec-Israel Committee, National Campus Jewish Life and the University Outreach Committee.

Although the plan was not to be made public before the December meetings I referred to, some information – or, at least, speculation – emerged a few weeks ago when the Canadian Jewish Congress

Editor Michael Regenstreif posted a document on its website expressing concerns about its brand, structure and future, should CIJA reorganize all of the advocacy organizations into a single body with a single board of directors. (The document has since been removed from the Congress website.)

Apparently, in a brief submitted to the CIJA reorganization committee, Congress suggested that the name, “Canadian Jewish Congress,” be retained for the new advocacy entity in order to preserve the history and branding built by Congress over the 91 years since its 1919 founding.

The issue of the proposed reorganization gained some mainstream attention when Andrew Cohen wrote an op-ed column in the Ottawa Citizen, November 30, headlined “Saving the Canadian Jewish Congress.” Cohen argued that Congress was an effective organization with a rich history and that “only fools and amnesiacs would dissolve it.”

Cohen also admitted to a sentimental

attachment to Congress in that his greatuncle, Lyon Cohen (songwriter Leonard Cohen’s grandfather), was the founding president of the Canadian Jewish Congress.

The next day, the National Post ran a front page story speculating that the future of Congress was in doubt.

While it’s true that Congress has nearly a century of history to be proud of, changing times do demand that our organizations evolve to meet the needs of contemporary times. There is much logic to the idea of consolidating national Jewish advocacy activity.

It’s also true that, of the various bodies falling under the reorganization plan, including CIJA itself, the Canadian Jewish Congress does have, by far, the longest history and the best known brand name. Maybe “Canadian Jewish Congress” wouldn’t be a bad name for the reorganized umbrella.

We should know soon what’s to be.

20/30 Scene with Jackie Engaging young adults and developing young leadership has become one of the priorities of the organized Jewish community.

We’ve already had a number of articles in the Bulletin, and it’s a topic about which you’ll be hearing and reading much more in the months – and, likely, years – ahead.

Thinking about engaging young

adults, I asked Jacqueline Shabsove, who interned with the Bulletin this past summer and who has continued to be one of our freelance reporters, to develop a regular column for and about young adults in Ottawa’s Jewish community (and also for us folks who may be older than the demographic target group, but who would like a window into their world).

She came up with 20/30 Scene with Jackie and introduces us to it on page 25. She plans to cover a lot of ground in the column, which will be published in every second issue of the Bulletin.

Next issue/Gift subscriptions This is the final issue of the Bulletin for 2010. We’ll be back with another 19 issues in 2011. Our first issue of the year comes out January 24 (although many will receive it January 21). As in past years, the issue will include a spread of pictures from Chanukah celebrations around town. Organizations submitting photos are reminded that deadline day for the issue is Wednesday, January 5.

Speaking of Chanukah, our special Chanukah gift subscription offer is on until January 14, 2011. Send a year-long Ottawa Jewish Bulletin gift subscription to a friend or loved one for just $25 (local) or $31 (out-of-town). Call 613798-4696 and speak to Rhoda SasloveMiller (ext. 256) or Jean Myers (ext.

242).

The challenges and charms of the holiday season About 15 years ago, I was asked by CBC Radio to talk on air about being Jewish during the Christmas holiday season. Feeling that it would be misleading for me to represent the feelings of all Jews, I asked a Jewish friend to join me to share her opinion.

We met the reporter at the Carlingwood Mall, amid all the retail splendour of the Christmas shopping season.

The questions were rapid, yet interesting.

Was I offended when people said “Merry Christmas” to me?

Did I lash out with, “I don’t celebrate Christmas!”?

Was I overwhelmed by the all the holiday fuss?

Did I feel marginalized?

Is there more pressure on families raising children?

While I had a sense of how the holiday season affected me and my family, I never really had to articulate it for others. So, as a young Jewish mother, I found the exercise to be quite self-enlightening.

Now that we’re in the throes of another holiday season, I find that my reaction really hasn’t changed from what it was years ago.

The truth is that I love this time of year.

Benita Siemiatycki I don’t focus on the religious, or the “Christmas” part of it. I see it more as a holiday for humanity. I focus on the goodwill, the friendly wishes, the generosity of heightened donations, the empathy for children who may not receive anything, the opportunity for people who work together to express appreciation for a job well done, and the memorable get-togethers with people we care about.

Christmas seems to galvanize people to come to the aid of the less fortunate. Even warring parties sometimes agree on a ceasefire over Christmas (yet for some reason can’t lay down weapons the rest of the year). Many of these activities transcend any particular religion or beliefs.

When a cashier sends me off with a “Merry Christmas” and a smile, I take it in the spirit in which it was intended, and not

in the literal sense. And, likewise, I say my own share of “Merry Christmases” to those I know celebrate Christmas, and the benign “Happy Holidays” to those who may not. I probably get it wrong sometimes, but, who cares? What I’m really saying is, “I wish you well,” whatever your faith or whatever holiday you celebrate.

In fact, the benefit of being Jewish at this time of year is that we can accept all the perks, like time off from work and school, without the stress of shopping, cooking, entertaining and travelling afar for family get-togethers. We can really put our collective feet up.

The issue of raising children and instilling an appreciation of Chanukah and Judaism amid the hoopla of Christmas is definitely more challenging.

Can we compare lighting candles that burn down in about 30 minutes to a tree full of lights and ornaments?

That takes a more concerted effort. We did our best to make Chanukah fun and interesting. Decorations were put up, each child had their own menorah to light (the fire department wouldn’t be too happy by the eighth night), dreidls and songs were aplenty, Chanukah books were read, and

latkes were served. Without extended family in Ottawa to celebrate with, we made our own Chanukah traditions to make sure that it was a special time of year in our household. As one of the few Jewish parents at our children’s school, I was asked regularly to come to their classes to explain the holiday.

Sometimes, when Chanukah took place early in December, as it did this year, the excitement faded by the time Christmas arrived. If the holidays coincided, Chanukah took the sheen off Christmas. It took some strategic planning to ensure that, while the children could enjoy, through their friendships, whatever invitations or gifts came their way because of Christmas, Chanukah was first and foremost in their reality.

With Chanukah 2010 behind us (hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday), I can now look forward to admiring the bright and beautiful decorations that abound at this time of year, and the many warm greetings that will be shared with strangers. Wouldn’t the world be a happier place if some aspects of the holiday season were common year-round?

Alan Echenberg will return in February 2011.

Page 8 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

Winter Judaic programs at the Soloway JCC

By Pamela Rosenberg Soloway JCC There are plenty of exciting new opportunities for Jewish learning with a diverse faculty of rabbis, teachers and scholars taking place at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (JCC) this winter.

New on the roster of Enlightened Jewish Education courses for the upcoming season are Jewish Business Ethics and Jewish Law with Rabbi Howard Finkelstein and Midrash: Making Old Testaments Come Alive with Rabbi Steven Garten.

Rabbi Charles Popky will lead a class on Sugiyot

(Talmudic Discussion) Every Jew Should Know; Shawna Dolansky, PhD, teaches Exodus: Myth or Mystery; and Sami Sourani teaches Jews and Arabs in the Middle East: An Overview.

“We offer a pluralistic approach to Jewish learning,” says Roslyn Brozovsky Wollock, adult program manager. “The wellrounded faculty covers all aspects of Judaism.”

While the majority of instructors are rabbis representing the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox movements, Ottawa native Shawna Dolansky is an assistant

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professor of religious studies at Northeastern University in Boston.

According to Roslyn, the Soloway JCC is the only place in the city where people can take non-credit Hebrew courses. Three different classes will run this winter: Ulpan Modern Conversational Hebrew for Beginners-Level 2, Ulpan Modern Conversational-Level 5 and Ulpan Advanced 2. The Hebrew classes are taught

by Miriam Litman who has been teaching the language here for more than five years.

But Jewish learning goes beyond studying and language, venturing into the creative realm as well. Following a brief hiatus, Tallit Weaving with Shirley Browsky is making a comeback this winter and will take place at Agudath Israel.

If it’s a smaller project you’re interested in, there is Crochet Kippah at the Soloway JCC on Tuesday evenings and Judaic Paper Cutting on Thursday afternoons.

Participants who have taken Enlightened Jewish Education courses at the Soloway JCC are among its most enthusiastic boosters.

Rabbi Steven Garten

Rabbi Charles Popky

Rabbi Howard Finkelstein

“From the Florence Melton Jewish education curriculum a few years ago, to the course selection this fall, the Soloway JCC Adult Program Department has offered me insights into Judaism that I would not have grasped alone. A refreshing wind floats on material which can seem prohibitive and a momentary light shines, inviting me each season to something new and yet familiar,” said Danielle Dugas, a student in the Back to the Garden of Eden and From Hero to Outcast courses, two of the Enlightened Jewish Education offerings that took

place this fall.

“I have been taking the Solway JCC Judaism courses for some years now and have found them to be an interesting way to study Jewish history,” said David Shore. “The lecturers are well informed, well prepared, and ready to explain their course in as much detail as a student requires. I look forward to attending more of these courses.”

Most classes begin the

second week of January.

According to Roslyn, class participants range in age from 18 to 80 and come from all backgrounds.

For a complete listing of adult courses, and everything happening at the Soloway JCC, drop by the Soloway JCC and pick up a program guide, call Roslyn at 613-798-9818, ext. 254, or visit jccottawa.com. Registration for winter programs is now taking place.

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Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 9 Advertorial

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND More than trees 613.798.2411

Brian Pearl president

Looking back at 2010 and looking forward to 2011 I recently had the great pleasure of meeting with JNF Ottawa Board members at our Annual General Meeting at our home. We reviewed the accomplishments of another very successful year for JNF Ottawa, and discussed our exciting plans for the coming 12 months.

This year’s Negev Dinner in March in honour of Sara Vered was an outstanding success. At the AGM, we were delighted to present Sara with a special leather bound, embossed album of pictures from the event, and present her son, Arnie, with a special Chanukiah showing our thanks and appreciation for an extraordinary job.

Jane and Martin Gordon, who chaired the 2010 Tu Bi’Shevat Telethon, were also recognized and thanked for their excellent work. This year’s Telethon will again be under their very able leadership. We are particularly grateful that they have made time in their incredibly busy schedules, since making aliyah last year, to be here for this special JNF fundraiser.

Space does not permit proper thanks to all the people who have contributed to this year’s successes, including our perennial Blue Box campaign, chaired by Naomi Cracower, and our wellattended and extremely informative program with Gil Hoffman of the Jerusalem Post, chaired by Oliver Javanpour, at Congregation Machzikei Hadas on November 8.

Looking forward to 2011, JNF Ottawa is holding our annual Tu Bi’Shevat Telethon on Sunday, January 23 and we will have a Negev Dinner in November, as is our longstanding tradition. We look forward to again receiving a generous response from the Ottawa community for our important projects in Israel.

In closing, I want to thank the Board of Directors for their outstanding commitment to JNF. On their behalf, I salute our excellent staff members: Mark Mendelson, executive director for Eastern Canada and Susan Schwartzman, Ottawa co-ordinator, without whom none of the above would be possible.

Golden Book Inscriptions Jacqueline Claire Cohen, on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah, and William Max Cohen, on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, by their proud grandparents, Sid and Barbara Cohen.

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).

A scene from Tamir’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Centrepointe Theatre.

(Photo: Robin Chernick)

Dreamcoat: A Documentary to premiere Thursday, January 27

By Mark Palmer Tamir Centrepointe Theatre was packed, May 13, 2010, for Tamir’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The professionally managed and fully integrated show, the first of its kind, was an overwhelming success.

Now, ladies and gentleman, get ready for Dreamcoat: A Documentary.

The premiere of this revealing, dynamic film takes place Thursday, January 27, 7:00 pm, at the Mayfair Theatre.

See the cast and crew in the early days of rehearsal and follow several key players as they face incredible challenges and push the limits of inclusion from dream to reality.

And there’s more.

DVD highlights of the Joseph performance at Centrepointe, a talkback session with cast and crew following the screening of Dreamcoat, capped off with a live performance from the show.

This is the event of the year you won’t want to miss. Just ask the paparazzi!

Yes, the stars of stage and screen will be out and shining brightly on January 27. We’re talking limos, paparazzi and red carpet for our stars. Move over TIFF – here comes Tamir!

Dreamcoat teaches us that persons with developmental disabilities can take centre stage. Tell all your friends and join us for a funfilled and moving experi-

ence and help us pack the Mayfair to the rafters.

Tickets are $25.00 and

are on sale at Tamir. Call Melanie Fulop at 613-7253519, ext. 113.

Page 10 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 11

Lieberman and Kenney speak at Kollel Forum

By Jonah Rabinovitch for Kollel of Ottawa With more than 350 in attendance, U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman and Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney discussed democracy and global governance at the Kollel of Ottawa’s annual forum and reception, November 22, at the Government Conference Centre.

Kenney quoted extensively from Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s November 8 speech at the Inter-parliamentary Coalition for Combating Anti-Semitism conference and went on to discuss why freedom and democracy are the best guarantors of a peaceful, more prosperous world.

Kenney also talked about the Kollel’s accomplishments in the community and noted how the work done by the Kollel promotes the Canadian values of pluralism and diversity.

Lieberman had everyone laughing as he began his speech with the story of how

the Kollel of Ottawa’s Rabbi Binyomin Holland had literally chased him for three years to come to Ottawa, and how he was convinced by Rabbi Holland that it was the right thing to do.

Lieberman praised Harper for his principled stand on Israel and said the CanadaU.S. border has fomented the strongest possible friendship that two countries could experience. He contrasted this with many other borders that are a source of tension and bloodshed between countries.

Lieberman went on to discuss threats to freedom and democracy around the globe, especially those posed by Islamist terrorism. The senator specifically praised the Canadian Armed Forces for their hard work in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and noted the disproportionate number of casualties they have experienced.

“I understand how politically difficult it is to sustain support for this fight in

Senator Hugh Segal, at the podium, moderates the Kollel of Ottawa Forum with guest speakers U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman and Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney.

(Photo: Peter Waiser)

Afghanistan,” Lieberman said. “I also understand how people naturally become weary of war. But, I want to emphasize to you how important Canada’s contribution has been, and how grateful the people of the United

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It matters to the people of Afghanistan.”

Lieberman also discussed the threat posed by Iran and noted that Iran has one of the strongest internal democracy movements in the Middle East. He said the Iranian nuclear program had to be stopped at all costs, including militarily, if necessary.

Following their speeches, there was a discussion between Lieberman and Kenney, moderated by Senator Hugh Segal, during which they responded to questions

from the audience.

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Page 12 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

SAY IT WITH TREES 613-798-2411

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To remember

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To congratulate

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TREES HAVE BEEN PLANTED Condolences to: The Abramovitch family in memory of Salomon Abramovitch by Brenda & Marvin Segal Ray Alessi in memory of your father Baldo by Norean Harris Myrla Azuelos-Kuperman & Melanye Kuperman in memory of Jaime-Leib Kuperman by Yvonne & Yehuda Azuelos Yehuda Azuelos in memory of your brother Avner Azuelos by Gloria Goldberg The Beck family in memory of David Samuel Beck by the Sheffield family Judy & Yaacov Ben-Israel in memory of your father Saul Rosenberg by Carol & Laurie Pascoe Sanford Berman in memory of your father by Barbara & David Slipacoff Evangeline Cabural in memory of Dante Cabural by Louis, Deborah, Dave & Simone Davis, by Peter, Naomi, Talia & Samara Ventura The Candib family in memory of Arthur Candib by Brenda & Marvin Segal The family of the late Jonas (Janek) Dajczman by Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz The family of the late Hannah Drucker by Ann, Charles & Lynn Steiner The Edelson family in memory of Dina Edelson by Bluma Dieks Goldenberg Shoshana & Zvi Fleischer in memory of Brandon Grajcer by Brenda & Marvin Segal Eileen Gallant in memory of Kathleen Miller by Carole & Bernie Starkman Mr. & Mrs. G. Gelb in memory of Miklos Sipos by Carole & Bernie Starkman Ute Gerbrandt in memory of Leonard Gerbrandt by Sheila & Morton Baslaw, by Janet Agulnik Helen Gilman in memory of your mother Beryl Jacobson by Marsha & Art Saper, by Beverley & Abe Feinstein William Goldstein in memory of Esther Goldstein by Barbara & David Slipacoff Elaine Golosky in memory of your father Albert “Bugsy” Golosky by Marcia Cantor The Goldwasser family in memory of Baruch Goldwasser by Steve & Doris Rauch Pearl Greenberg in memory of your brother George Cohen by Marilyn & David Galbraith Sylvia Greenspoon in memory of your sister Judith by Fern Goldman Barbara Hilliker in memory of your mother Dorothy Hilliker by Shelley Schachnow, Merle, Stephanie & Ashley Luke Jantzik in memory of Claudette Jantzik by Anne & Ken Mozersky Leonard Junop in memory of your mother by Lorna Bernbaum His Excellency Ambassador and Mrs. Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz in memory of Michael KosiniakKamysz, Maria Kosiniak-Kamysz & Sylvia Maka by Floralove, Ruth & Leon Katz Roz Kanigsberg in memory of your father Abraham Davis by Rochelle & David Greenberg, by Carol & Laurie Pascoe Etta Karp in memory of Leonard Karp by Marion Silver & Alan Brass; Helen & Dick Visbach Judith Klingon in memory of Judith Klingon by Stanley & Vita Winthrop Diane Koven in memory of your father Jerry Koven

by Marcia Cantor, by Sidney Featherman Helene Kravitz in memory of Leo Kravitz by Ethel Bloom Marvin Krym in memory of your father Leon Krym

by Reisa & Allan Glenns Naomi Krym in memory of your mother Ruth Goldberg by Reisa & Allan Glenns

Leo Lightstone in memory of your father Reuben Lightstone by Maureen & Jeff Katz Leslie Little in memory of Ronald E. Legault by Barbara & Pinchas Pleet Galina Maliouta in memory of your mother Eliana Livinson-Maliouta by Valerie & Gaby Terkel The Marovitz family in memory of Uncle Benny Marovitz by Maureen & Mark Farovitch, Stefanie, Dave, Luca & Sarah Kate Meyers in memory of Cornelius VanderGeest by Prof. Joseph Magnet Terry Mulligan in memory of Mary Beth Mulligan by Barbara & Pinchas Pleet Lynda Oppen in memory of your father Harold Novolker by Brenda & Marvin Segal Mrs. M. Pearl in memory of Louis Pearl by Ettie Lubin, Carole & Bernard Starkman The Posner family in memory of Sylvia Posner by Brenda & Marvin Segal Judy Price in memory of Sarah Anne Abell by Susan & Ed Merkley The family of Avi Raphaeli by Sylvia Freeman Andy Robert in memory of your father Andre Robert

by Gary & Debra Viner Beth Roodman in memory of Morton Roodman by Sandra & Nelson Beveridge Monica Rosenthal in memory of your mother Helen Rosenthal by Marion Silver & Alan Brass Gary Rosson & Paul & Ryan Fox in memory of your wife & mother Robin Rosson by Barbara & Pinchas Pleet Alan Rubin in memory of your sister Sylvia Pedell by Marcia & Barry Cantor Bryna Rumstein in memory of your mother Rebie Schwartz & your brother Dr. Fred Schwartz by Maureen & Jeff Katz Dr. Gerry Schneiderman in memory of your sister Shilly Rosen by Linda & Archie Cogan The family of the late Irving Schwartz by Dora & Raymond Goldman, by Dr. Peter & Marlene Newmann Ian Shields in memory of your mother Mary Shields

by Rick & Sylvia Kleiman Dr. Mervin Silverberg in memory of Gittel Silverberg

by Shirley & Philip Teitelbaum Ed Sussman in memory of Miriam Sussman by Sharon Abron Drache Neil Tolson in memory of your mother Ruth Tolson by Jackie & Lucian Sitwell, by Maureen & Jeff Katz Liz Vered in memory of your father Irving Adessky by Janice, Marty, Jaclyn & Tommy Friedlich, by Gary & Debra Viner, by Susan & Charlie Schwartzman Eric Vernon in memory of Shirley Goody Bernon by Joseph Magnet Richard Vineberg in memory of your father Edward Vineberg by Brenda & Marvin Segal Ben Wald in memory of Rose Wald by Tom & Alannah Grossman Beverly White in memory of your husband Frank White by Barbara & David Slipacoff Elizabeth & Roger Williams in memory of your mother Joan Elizabeth Williams by Anne & Ken Mozersky Dr. Michael Yachnin in memory of your mother Marcia Yachnin by Dorothy Browns Wishing Speedy Recovery/Refuah Shleima to: Beverley Cantor by Barbara & David Slipacoff Dr. D. Chow by Sara Shabsove Arnold Isaacson by Linda & Archie Cogan Ed Landis by Philip & Shirley Teitelbaum In Honour of: Libby Avram on your 1st birthday by your loving grandmother Simona Avram

Riza & David Axelrod with thanks and appreciation

by Esther & Irving Kulik Allan Baker on your special birthday by Carol & Mark Froimovitch Irwin Brodo on your special birthday by Sharon Abron Drache Wally Cherun on your 80th birthday by John & Gladys Greenberg Carole Cherun on your special birthday by Peter & Minda Wershof Dr. George & Elaine Citrome on the birth of your granddaughter by Margo, Alan, Scott, Matt & Amy Blostein Jayme & Tara Cogan on your 10th anniversary by Linda & Archie Cogan Jerry & Cheryl Cogan on your special anniversary

by Linda & Archie Cogan Ron Cohen in recognition of your award from the Canadian Broadcasting Association by Linda & Archie Cogan Dr. Arial Dalfen on your 40th birthday by Linda & Archie Cogan Tracy & Gianni Donatucci with Shana Tova greetings by Jonathan & Jennifer Baker Dr. Mark Froimovitch with thanks and appreciation

by Jonathan & Jennifer Baker Betty Gault on your 90th birthday by Sandra Marchello Jackie & Burt Gorenstein on your 50th anniversary

by Flo & Joel Morgan Evan & Alisha Green with Shana Tova greetings by Jonathan & Jennifer Baker Thelma & Allan Haimovitz with best wishes for a Happy & Healthy New Year by Carol & Laurie Pascoe Sadie Hoffman on your 95th birthday by Joanie & Cliff, Ellen & Dwayne Wright Sue Carol Isaacson on your special birthday by Linda & Archie Cogan Jane James on your special birthday by Linda & Archie Cogan Sheryl Kardish on your 50th birthday by Reisa & Allan Glenns Stan & Libby Katz on your special wedding anniversary by Bert Palmer & Kathryn Palmer Margo Kardish with birthday wishes by Ken Kavanat Margo & David Kardish with best wishes in your new winter home by Sheryl, Harvey, Mallory & Ryan Kardish Jon Kritsch on your forthcoming marriage by Norean Harris Russell Kronick on your 70th birthday by Linda & Archie Cogan Jonah Herbert Shore McNab on your birth by Auntie Pam & Auntie Tina Shore Edwin Merkur on your 70th birthday by Linda & Archie Cogan Bonnie Merovitz on receiving the 2010 KipnisWilson Friedland Award by Marcia Cantor Kenneth & Linda Mirsky on the engagement of your son Ross to Nancy White by Murray & Bryna Cohen Henry & Maureen Molot on your 40th anniversary

by Barbara Sugarman & Sydney Kronick David Monson & Lily Dadoun on your new home by Maureen & Jeff Katz Dave Moskovic on your 80th birthday by Ken Kavanat Howie & Donna Nadolny on your special anniversary

by Linda & Archie Cogan Erwin Newman on your 80th birthday by Lily Tobin Aaron Nilsen on your birthday by Gram Nancy Fryer Jeannie Polisuk on your birthday by Bert Knoll Sandra & Ivar Riff on the birth of your grandchild

Sam by Murray & Bryna Cohen Art Saper on your special birthday by Ken Kavanat Angelo Sardoz on your 80th birthday by Pinchas & Barbara Pleet Morris Samel on your special birthday by Helen & Sol Rauch Sol & Zelaine Shinder on your 50th anniversary by Barbara Sugarman & Sydney Kronick Louis Sholzberg on your 90th birthday by Sharon & Herb, Howard & Leah, Steven & Stannie, Melanie & Jerry Lenny Shore on your special birthday by Linda & Archie Cogan Jackie & Michael Shulman in appreciation by Linda & Archie Cogan Valerie & Gaby Terkel with thanks and appreciation

by Esther & Irving Kulik Joy & Eric Weisbloom with congratulations on Becky’s graduation by Art & Marsha Saper Ida Winestock on your special birthday by Shelley & Morris Schachnow & Anne Winestock Mazal Tov to: Sara & Leslie Breiner on becoming grandparents by Reisa & Allan Glenns Dr. Joseph & Devora Caytak on the birth of your grandson Shimon Alexander by Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz Barbara & Jeffrey Farber on the birth of your granddaughter Kayla Rose by Maureen & Jeff Katz Sherry Feifer on your special birthday by Susan & Charlie Schwartzman Burt & Jackie Gorenstein on your 50th anniversary

by Bonnie & Sherwin Lyman Arlene Isenberg on your special birthday by Esther & Irving Kulik Aaron Kardish on your new home by Auntie Sheryl, Uncle Harvey, Mallory & Ryan Kardish Sheryl & Harvey Kardish on your new home by Susan & Charlie Schwartzman, by Alan, Margo, Scott, Matt & Amy Blostein Julia Krane & Dan Paul on the Bar Mitvah of your son Jacob by Susan & Charlie Schwartzman Evelyn Krane on the Bar Mitzvah of your grandson Jacob by Susan & Charlie Schwartzman Tema Lewin on the engagement of your grandson Joseph to Lindsey by Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz Eddie & Ethel Machtinger on your 69th anniversary by the Sheffields Seymour Mayne on receiving the J. I. Segal Award by Floralove, Ruth & Leon Katz Dr. David & Mindy Ribner on the birth of Pesach Zev by Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz Stephen & Brenda Saslove on the birth of your grandson Benjamin Phillip Freedman by Carol & Laurie Pascoe Brenda Schafer on Heidi & Mike’s marriage by Susan & Charlie Schwartzman Debbie and Stephen Schneiderman on Stacey’s engagement by Susan & Charlie Schwartzman Susan & Charlie Schwartzman on Jaclyn’s marriage to Joshua Krane by Jackie & Lucian Sitwell, by Reisa & Allan Glenns Adam & Jenn Segal on the birth of your daughter Paige Alexandra Shira by Aunt Sue, Sharon & David, Joy & Seymour & families Yona Samuel Steinman on your Bar Mitzvah by Chaim & Raina Feig & Rachel Cohen Shawn & Ebba Wexler on the birth of your son Oscar Samuel Joseph by Aunt Sue, Sharon & David, Joy & Seymour & families 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 – December 13, 2010 – Page 13

Hillel Academy students combine science class with Tikkun Olam

By Nicola Hamer for Ottawa Jewish Community School As a Jewish day school, Hillel Academy is in a unique situation in Ottawa.

The curriculum includes subjects such as Torah, prayer and Jewish history, which are exclusive to a Jewish school, as well as all the secular subjects.

At first glance, it would seem there is a clear split between the secular and Jewish studies programs at the school, but, recently, Hillel has been encouraging an increasingly integrated curriculum.

“It is important for the students to understand that they don’t stop being Jewish just because they are not

learning a Jewish subject or going to shul,” says Head of Schools Donna PalmerDodds, “and it isn’t just the Jewish teachers who can pass that message on.”

Last year, Hillel began a school-wide Tikkun Olam project that saw the students getting involved in their larger community in a wide variety of ways: from selling kippot woven by Mayan women in Guatemala, to collecting socks for the Ottawa Mission, to starting a recycling program in the school.

This year, science teacher Brian Lamb decided to take it one step further and has brought the concept of Tikkun Olam right into his classroom.

He assigned his Grade 7 and 8 students a green project. Rather than just research ways of being more environmentally responsible, Lamb told his students, to act on their ideas.

“Their assignment is to make a difference,” says Lamb.

“It is easy to sit back and come up with ideas or do research. I want my students to see that they can put their ideas into action and have a real positive effect in their school and the wider community.”

Lamb says he was inspired by learning of the importance of the concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), as well as by the example set by colleague Deanna Coghlin whose Tikkun Olam project last year was to create an environmental club with her students.

They started Hillel’s recycling program, encouraged litterless lunches and planted trees in the school yard. This year, they will be working on the community garden in the schoolyard.

Lamb’s science students have started to collect old electronics, batteries, light bulbs and cardboard to bring to recycling centres.

Some are writing to compa-

Grade 8 students Joseph Feldberg and Sarina Aarenau with their green projects: recycling aluminum cans and cardboard.

(Photo: Nicola Hamer)

nies about over-packaging of their products. Others have taken on cleaning up local parks and playgrounds.

The students are clearly excited about their new projects, and seem to appreciate the new experience.

Grade 8 student Gabriel Hamburg says he really likes that his project isn’t just about researching and writing.

“It can sometimes be boring to just read about stuff,” he says.

“I like that we actually get to try and come up with an idea and then follow it up with action instead. We can see if our ideas work in the real world.”

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Page 14 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

Chabad Student Network Bar and Bat Mitzvah Gala

By Yaelle Gang for Chabad Student Network More than 150 people gathered, November 22, to celebrate the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs of four university students who had not marked their rites of passage at the traditional ages of 12 and 13.

The event, organized by the Chabad Student Network at the Cartier Place Hotel, featured dinner, dancing and speeches by the Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrants.

The Bar and Bat Mitzvah program for university students was the first of its kind in Ottawa.

“An event like this is im-

portant, because it brings Jewish students into the fold of Judaism,” said Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky, who organized the event with his wife, Yocheved Boyarsky. “It embraces them and welcomes them, and makes them feel part of the Jewish nation.”

Leading up to the event, the students took classes with the Boyarskys.

“We gave the students varied classes on basic topics in Judaism, as well as some history and Hebrew,” said Rabbi Boyarsky. “The goal of the classes was the hope that the students will continue to learn about their heritage.”

The students presented Jewish prayers and speeches

at the event. The speeches discussed the importance of their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.

“All four of us are here tonight because, for some reason, we didn’t have a traditional Bar or Bat Mitzvah,” said Naomi Lebovitch in her Bat Mitzvah speech. “I know I speak for many when I say how thankful I am that programs like this exist for Jewish students.”

“The celebration might end tonight, but the journey of spiritual growth and realization is just beginning for us,” said Bar Mitzvah celebrant Dennis Karpov in his speech.

After the speeches, Rabbi Reuven Bulka presented each Bar and Bat Mitzvah student with a certificate acknowledging their achievement. The women will also receive silver engraved can-

(From left) Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrants Dennis Karpov, Dalia Seligman, Yana Akoulenka and Naomi Lebovitch display their certificates.

dlesticks and Karpov will be receiving tefillin from Israel.

Rabbi Boyarsky says the future of the Bar and Bat

Mitzvah program looks promising.

“We already have six candidates that are interested in

joining us for the next event.

I am hoping that the number of people interested in Judaism will grow,” he said.

Heat up the winter with AJA 50+ programs for active Ottawa seniors

By Dena Speevak for AJA 50+ Warm up your heart and soul with AJA (Active Jewish Adults) 50+ winter programming. AJA 50+ will be providing a wide range of activities for men and women aged 50 and over throughout the winter season.

New this winter will be a series of three armchair travel talks, including presentations on a trip to the Galapagos and a safari in Kenya.

Other innovative programs include: Behind the Scenes at the Casino; a tasting and demo with the chef at Bistro

Ambrosia; and In the Artist’s Studio with widely exhibited photographer Mark Schacter.

The very popular Art at the Gallery program continues with professionally led tours of the latest National Gallery exhibits. Music presentations, computer tutorials, seminars and ongoing programs such as bridge and mah-jongg will also be available.

To receive a winter program guide, send an email to Annette Paquin at aja50plus@sympatico.ca or come out to Registration Day at the Soloway Jewish Com-

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Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 15

Page 16 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

On the first night of Chanukah

Kindergarten student Dylan Ages makes a craft with Hillel Lodge resident Betty Ballon, who is 102. (Photo: Marilyn Adler)

Debby Applebaum lights the candles in the Soloway Jewish Community Centre lobby on the first night of Chanukah, December 1. Children attending after-school activities at the SJCC joined her in reciting (Photo: Michael Regenstreif) the blessings and in singing Chanukah songs.

Student Cameron Seller helps decorate the Ottawa Jewish Community School for Chanukah.

(Photo: Nicola Hamer)

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 17

Page 18 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 19

Israel and Palestinians need to act in enlightened self-interest says founder of Americans for Peace Now rael in an event organized by Canadian Friends of Peace Now. He also visited the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin office for an interview prior to the event.

Among the obstacles to achieving the two-state solution, said Rosenblum, is the situation in which there are “four de facto states� operating in the region, including Israel and two Palestinian entities, the PA on the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza.

The fourth group is the right wing Israeli settlers – particularly those in 102 illegal outposts – who say they are unwilling to compromise on their claims to the West Bank.

Although he admits it will not be easy, Rosenblum suggests that the four de facto states could be reduced to the two states needed to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

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Gabriella Goliger, Ottawa Chapter chair of Canadian Friends of Peace Now, and Mark Rosenblum, founder of Americans for Peace Now, on a visit to the Ottawa (Photo: Michael Regenstreif) Jewish Bulletin office.

will have to re-establish control in Gaza, which, the longtime peace activist admits, may well have to be done through force.

Similarly, he said, Israel may have to be prepared to use force on settlers standing in the way of a peace settlement.

Despite the fact that peace negotiations have remained at a virtual standstill, there are some encouraging signs of progress, said Rosenblum, particularly in the area of Palestinian state-building under the leadership of PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.

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“Fayyad has been startlingly successful in maintaining law and order and in developing security co-operation between the PA and Israel,� said Rosenblum.

It is important to nurture Fayyadism, he added.

Fayyad’s success in building a viable Palestinian state structure, “from the bottom up,� in such areas as security, economics, politics and diplomacy, would lead to an election that Rosenblum predicts Hamas would lose, setting the stage for Palestinian reunification.

Rosenblum said he would “not be surprised� if a new moratorium on settlement expansion being proposed by the Obama Administration

was accepted by the Israeli Cabinet in the coming weeks, thus creating conditions in which direct negotiations with the PA could resume on such issues as borders, settlements and security.

Rosenblum acknowledged that serious impediments to a peace settlement remain on the Palestinian side. “No Israeli prime minister could pull out from the West Bank in the way that Israel pulled out from Gaza,� he said in reference to the unilateral 2005 withdrawal, which led to years of sustained rocket attacks by Hamas. “Withdrawal will have to be done in co-operation with the Palestinians� and with security guarantees in place, he said.

Security, he added, would

need to be in the hands of an international force – perhaps the Americans or NATO. Rosenblum also stressed that the systemic Palestinian incitement against Israel has to come to an end and that “the nightmare PR campaign� aimed at delegitimizing Israel was a significant security concern.

Both Israel and the Palestinians “will have to make changes and act in enlightened self-interest,� said Rosenblum, adding that Obama should go to Israel and engage in the process on the Jewish homeland.

Commenting on the demographic challenges Israel will face if peace with the Palestinians is not achieved, Rosenblum said, “If we don’t birth the Palestinian state, we will become the Palestinian state.�

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By Michael Regenstreif A two-state solution to Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians is still viable, but time may be running out says Mark Rosenblum, founder of Americans for Peace Now. “Peace,� he said, “is not impossible, but not inevitable.�

Rosenblum is a history professor at Queens College of the City University of New York where he is also director of the Center for Jewish Studies, the Center for Racial and Ethnic Tolerance, and the Michael Harrington Center for Democratic Values and Social Change.

Rosenblum – who has met recently with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, and American President Barack Obama – spoke in Ottawa, November 11, at Temple Is-

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Page 20 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 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 November 10 to 24, 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.

Ruth and Irving Aaron Family Fund In Honour of: Carol Greenberg Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter Mya with love by Ruth and Irving Aaron Bill and Leona Adler Memorial Fund In Memory of: Ann Bell by Marilyn Adler Roslyn Barrett by Marilyn Adler Abe and Bea Dubinsky Endowment Fund R’fuah Shlema: Lisa Sklar with love Auntie Bea Dubinsky Joel and Sharon Edelson Family Fund In Memory of: Dina Edelson by the Ginsberg family Malcolm and Vera Glube Endowment Fund In Honour of: Jerry Paull best wishes on your special birthday

by Malcolm and Vera Glube In Memory of: Irwin Rose by Malcolm and Vera Glube Angela DeQuattro’s father by Malcolm and Vera Glube Nell Gluck Memorial Fund In Memory of: Roslyn Barrett by Albert and Shirley Winer; and

by Grace and Irving Dardick

David, Harvey, Victor Kardish Family Fund In Memory of: Sonya Bodnoff by Sheryl, Harvey, Mallory and Ryan Kardish Kassirer Fund In Memory of: Archie Kassirer by Terry McAndrew; by Janice Kaiman; by Reesa Kassirer; by Helen Levine; by Lisa, Lawrence, Michael and Jaime Sklar; by the Ginsberg family; by Marney, Gary, Jeremy, Jessiann and Noah Opolsky; Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind; and by Krystyna Welna Morris and Lillian Kimmel Family Fund R’fuah Shlema: Raoul Korngold by Steve, Janet, Tobin and Aaron Kaiman In Honour of: Sylvia and Charlie Levine Happy and healthy anniversary and many, many more with love by Brenda, Nathan, Jesse and Daniel Levine Sol Kaiman Happy birthday with love by Stephen, Janet, Tobin and Aaron Kaiman In Memory of: Mrs. Greenberg by the Kimmel, Kaiman and Levine families Joan and Russell Kronick Family Fund In Memory of: Yehuda Azuelos’ brother by Joan and Russell Kronick R’fuah Shlema: Kaysa Friedman by Joan and Russell Kronick Sam and Dora Litwack Family Fund In Observance of the Yahrzeit: Dora Litwack our dear mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, 12 Tevet by Sam and Dora Litwack and family Irma and Harold Sachs Family Fund In Memory of: Roslyn Barrett by Irma Sachs Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Family Fund In Honour of: Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Mazal tov on Stacey’s engagement by Sol and Estelle Gunner; and

by Ingrid Levitz Harold and Lillian Shoihet Memorial fund In Honour of: Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Yankovitz Mazal tov on Bruchy’s wedding to Menachem Mendel by Dovid Shoihet

In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Peter Swedko by Dovid and Jessica Shoihet Get Well wishes to: Lisa Mason by David and Jessica Shoihet Label and Leona Silver Family Fund In Memory of: Martin Tatz by Label and Leona Silver R’fuah Shlema: John Greenberg by Label and Leona Silver Ralph and Anne Sternberg Memorial Fund In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Ralph Sternberg by Laya and Ted Jacobsen; and

by Stephanie Dancey Get Well wishes to: Shari Saunders with love by Laya and Ted Jacobsen R’fuah Shlema: Chuck Rotenberg with warm wishes by Laya and Ted Jacobsen Carolyn Katz with warm wishes by Laya and Ted Jacobsen Sarah and Arnie Swedler Family Fund In Memory of: Dr. Martin Tatz by Arnie Swedler Irwin Rose by Arnie Swedler Sonya Bodnoff by Arnie Swedler In Honour of: Ernie Brodo Mazal tov on your special birthday

by Eric Elkin and Molly Hirsch Eric Weiner and Arlene Godfrey Family Fund In Memory of: Roslyn Barrett by Miriam and Louis Weiner In Honour of: Barbara and Jeff Rosenberg Thank you for another beautiful Thanksgiving by Phyllis and Max Sternthal Carole and Norman Zagerman Family Fund R’fuah shlema: Harriet Slone by Carole and Norman Zagerman In Honour of: Evelyn Greenberg Mazal tov on Lesley’s engagement by Carole and Norman Zagerman and Andrea Arron In Memory of: Roslyn Barrett by Carole and Norman Zagerman Martin Tatz by Carole and Norman Zagerman Archie Kassirer by Carole and Norman Zagerman Irwin Rose by Carole and Norman Zagerman

Feeding Program Fund In Memory of: Arie-Leib Vais by Mara and Isaac Muzikansky Rivka Guttman by Mara and Isaac Muzikansky Irwin Rose by Dee and Yale Gaffen Recreation/Music Fund In Honour of: Samuel Schiller Mazal tov on your Bar Mitzvah by the Rip family Ritual Fund In Honour of: Issie Scarowsky With great appreciation by Morris Schachnow The Chevra Kadisha by Shelley and Morris Schachnow Hillel Lodge In appreciation for hosting the Chevra Kaddish Shabbat by Shelley and Morris Schachnow *************** IN HONOUR OF: Yona Steinman Mazal tov on your Bar Mitzvah

by Heather and Marcel Pugh Sy and Barbara Gutmajer Mazal tov on the birth of your great grandson by Claire and Irving Bercovitch Helen Tafler-Fleming Best wishes for great days ahead by Sylvia Molot IN MEMORY OF: Leonard Karp by Susan and Jonathan Fisher Martin Tatz by Ingrid Levitz Marlene Stoller by Ingrid Levitz Max Milgram by Annette Millstone and family; and by Lisa Millstone-Feldberg R’FUAH SHLEMA: Roz Raskin by Noreen and Syd Bosloy

REMINDER As the calendar year comes to an end, if you have not yet renewed your 2010 Hillel Lodge Membership, please contact Bev Glube at the Foundation office at 613-728-3900, ext. 111.

NOTICE To ensure that we continue to cover our increasing costs, effective January 1, 2011, the minimum donation to the Hillel Lodge Long-Term Care Foundation will be $18.00.

We truly appreciate your ongoing support.

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 – December 13, 2010 – Page 21

Hillel’s second question: ‘If I am only for myself, who am I?’ First there was the Pepsi Challenge, which was sweet and sodium-filled, but not particularly challenging. For 2011, I’d like to present what I call the Hillel Challenge.

The famous three-pronged dictum uttered by the ancient Jewish sage – “If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am only for myself, who am I? And if not now, when?” – gets a lot of play these days. But, if we think about the ‘I’ in the collective sense, as in the Jewish community, I see lot more of the first part going on than the second part. We are doing a better job of bolstering Jewish identity than we are in helping Jewish identity operate in broadly humanistic terms.

It’s tricky to think universally when we are trying to make Jewish life meaningful. And helping Jews relish their unique cultural heritage and historical footprint is obviously valuable.

But, when we sit in shul on Shabbat morning, organize an oncampus event, invite a Jewish-themed speaker, or even post something on Facebook that is informed by our Jewish identity, how much are we thinking about how we, as a community, can bridge-build with other communities? There’s a lot of worrying about how others view the Jews (there is no dearth of discussions of anti-Semitism), but fewer conversations focus on how we can better connect to others.

Take Israel advocacy. The message we are funding and delivering as a community is that Israel’s policies need defending in the court of public opinion, and our students should be Israel’s public-relations messengers. Many Jews around the world over were thrilled by Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s speech last month at the Inter-parliamentary Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism conference – a clip of which went viral – in which he said that Canada would support Israel,

“whatever the cost,” as long as he’s prime minister. Some Israeli security analysts who had hardly given Canada a second thought are now championing Harper.

But we should also be scrutinizing the impact of Israeli actions on others. Yes, it can be painful. But, we are hardly honouring Hillel’s teachings if we look out only for ourselves.

Israel’s attempt to create ‘facts on the ground’ in the form of moving hundreds of thousands of settlers into the West Bank may have originally been motivated to defend its eastern flank from future attack after the Six Day War. But, the 1994 peace treaty with Jordan has, by now, rendered that strategy hollow.

Instead, we now have the luxury of looking at how the checkpoints and the special settler-only access roads impinge on the daily freedom of Israel’s most intimate neighbours: the Palestinians. Who is talking to our students about that? Put more starkly, can’t we care about both peoples at the same time? If we really did, then more of us would not only be lauding Harper for his loyalty, but we would be sharing clips of President Barack Obama desperately trying to facilitate two states for two peoples. Everyone in the region – not just West Bank settlers – should be able to enjoy freedom of movement and national fulfilment.

In our collective endeavours, we are peddling more embattlement than empathy.

Beyond the Israeli-Palestinian issue, groups like American Jewish World Service (AJWS) and Avodah do great jobs marrying the concerns of Jewish identity with global justice. A Jewish peace corps of sorts, AJWS has recently put itself on the map with a hilarious, star-studded video that went viral on

UN: Incompetent or truly hijacked?

A CBC News investigative report on who killed Lebanon’s former prime minister Rafic Hariri was broadcast on November 22. It pointed the finger directly at Hezbollah, based on evidence collected by the UN International Independent Investigation Commission.

Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political and paramilitary organization headquartered in Lebanon with operatives across the globe. Its role as generous social service provider, operating schools, hospitals and agricultural centres serving thousands of Lebanese Shiites cements its political influence in Lebanon.

Perhaps we could shed some additional light on the Hezbollah with the following facts: • Lebanon has a population of slightly more than four million people. Roughly, half are Shia, 20 per cent Sunni, and 25 per cent Christian, including the Maronites; • 1990 marked the end of the Lebanese Civil War that began in 1975. The PLO, Palestinian refugees, Syrians and the Lebanese national army were the major players; • Despite the 1990 Taif Agreement, Syria, then in control of Lebanon, allowed Hezbollah to maintain its arsenal and control Shiite areas in Southern Lebanon along the Israeli border. From the mid-1980s, Iran’s special interest in Hezbollah has provided it with funding, weapons and joint training with the Islamic Republic Revolutionary Guards; • Iran’s financial and military support and Syria’s political support intensified soon after Israel ended its occupation of Southern Lebanon in 2000; • February 14, 2005 – Rafic Hariri, a Sunni business tycoon and prime minister of Lebanon, was assassinated. A nationalist with close ties to the Saudis, he reconstructed the country post-Civil War; • In the Cedar Revolution, triggered by Hariri’s assassination, people demanded the end of Syrian influence in Lebanese politics and withdrawal of 14,000 soldiers and in-

telligence agents. Syrian troops hastily withdrew across the border to Syria in April 2005; • November 2006 – Hezbollah-backed Shiite ministers created a national crisis by resigning from the cabinet on the eve of a cabinet meeting discussing the International Commission on Rafic Hariri’s murder. After a year-and-a-half of organized street demonstrations, violence and armed siege of the airport, key government officials, including Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and Lebanese leaders, including Hezbollah, met in Doha and agreed to share power, a major milestone for Hezbollah; • July 2006 – Hezbollah commenced a multi-pronged attack on Israeli towns and forces patrolling the Israeli side of the border, kidnapping Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah next launched thousands of rockets into Northern Israel, engaging the Israel Defense Force in guerrilla warfare from hardened positions reinforced with a civilian human shield. Many believe this was a test to gauge Israeli strength and response and to detract from the UN’s Hariri investigation.

• August 2008 – Lebanon’s new Cabinet unanimously approved a draft policy securing Hezbollah’s existence as an armed organization and guaranteeing its right to “liberate or recover occupied lands,” meaning the disputed farms in the Golan Heights.

• Since the Second Lebanon War, Iran has restructured Hezbollah, and invested billions of dollars rehabilitating the organization.

• January 2010 – Lebanon became a temporary member of the UN Security Council, with access to vital UN information and insider status in various committees.

• November 24, 2010 – The London-based daily A-Sharq al-Awsat quoted Lebanese MP Walid Sakaria, a senior Hezbollah official, as saying, “Even if the organization did murder Hariri, that’s no reason to destroy Lebanon.”

Hezbollah has been raising the tension level, and not just

Values, Ethics, Community Mira Sucharov Facebook. I suspect that many people who shared the clip had never heard of AJWS. But, it’s an impressive organization that is worthy of our attention. Avodah provides an even more intense Jewishly-literate experience by pairing social justice projects in the U.S. with more formal Jewish study.

Groups like this – as well as the many Jewish groups who rally for Darfur – recognize that particularistic identities gain meaning and texture precisely through engaging with the ills of the broader world. Charity may begin at home, but it cannot end there.

There is a logic to fanning the flames of distrust – whether it be in fearing another people or the disembodied threat of assimilation. Social theorists know that emphasizing an other helps secure a sense of self. But, this strategy comes at a cost.

Those who are naturally more universal-looking may decide that the message of Jewish continuity, for its own sake, simply isn’t sufficiently compelling. And, to keep our communities healthy and vital, we need their voices.

So, for 2011, I encourage all of us to add an extra helping of the second part of Hillel’s dictum – “If I am only for myself, who am I?” – to the project of Jewish-identity building.

Our Jewish identities will be the richer for it. And, the next generations will be able to maintain the delicate balance between Jewish particularism and humanist universalism.

Mira Sucharov, an associate professor of political science at Carleton University, blogs at the Huffington Post.

World Affairs Oliver Javanpour in Lebanon, in the past few weeks as the UN has been preparing to table its report on Hariri’s assassination. The CBC report, based on the UN investigation, identified key suspect Wissam Hassan, currently Lebanon’s intelligence chief, who at the time was Hariri’s chief of protocol.

Documents obtained by CBC indicate that Hassan has very close ties with senior Hezbollah officials, including Hussein Khalil, one of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah’s top aides, and that the UN probe had evidence pointing to Hezbollah’s involvement as early as 2006, but failed to pursue it. This evidence was supplied by a Lebanese police officer, Captain Wissam Eid, himself assassinated in 2008. The CBC investigation also unearthed the infiltration of the UN commission by Hezbollah officials and operatives.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Beirut on November 24, no doubt dispatched by Saudi and Sunni interests for a two-day visit to assess the tense political situation in Lebanon. Then Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri arrived in Iran on November 27, on his first official visit there, to ask Iran for assistance with the stand-off with Hezbollah.

As public confidence in the UN and its machinery slowly erodes, one can’t help wondering how it is that rogue states and terrorist organizations have such easy access to sensitive Security Council discussions and information that could be used to subvert UN activities, while Canada waits its turn.

Oliver Javanpour is a senior partner at Cyrus Echo a public policy and international relations consulting firm in Ottawa.

Page 22 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

‘A biography of Terry’s life told through food’ Last month, my editor e-mailed to ask if I would consider reviewing a new cookbook for my column. I love to read new cookbooks, so I was quite excited. It arrived in the mail a few days later.

I was off to visit a friend in Florida, so I threw the envelope into my carry-on bag and left for the airport. On the plane, I opened the envelope, pulled out the cookbook, and was a bit startled to see the title of the book. It was called Terry’s Cookbook: Tastes and Tales of Terry Schwarzfeld.

Terry was vacationing in Barbados with her family, when she and her daughter-in-law, Luana, were accosted and brutally beaten by a mugger on February 28, 2009.

Luana recovered, but Terry succumbed to her injuries and died on March 18, 2009. She was only 60 years old.

I remember reading about the tragedy and feeling so bereft. I never had the privilege of meeting Terry, but, apparently, that put me in a very small category. Everywhere I went over the next several months, I heard so many wonderful stories about Terry from those whose lives she had touched.

Terry Schwarzfeld was a vibrant woman, actively involved in the Ottawa Jewish community. She was the executive director of Agudath Israel Congregation and was elected national president of Canadian Hadassah-WIZO in 2008. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother. She was a hiker, dragon boat racer, cross-country skier and an amazing cook.

This cookbook celebrates her life, her love of food and nature, her strong connections to community, and the family and friends who love and miss her. Terry had the idea of creating a cookbook in 2007. Sadly, she never got to see it come to fruition, but her many friends took her original goal and ran with it.

There are contributions in the book from canoeing friends, hiking friends, dragon boating friends, skiing friends, Hadassah-WIZO friends, neighbourhood friends, childhood friends, work colleagues and, of course, her family.

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Made with Love Cindy Feingold I read Terry’s Cookbook from cover to cover over my three-hour flight. In addition to recipes, the book is filled with notes from Terry, and stories from all the contributors about how Terry touched their lives.

It really is a biography of Terry’s life told through food. She was a dynamic, spirited woman who inspired all who know her. Although I am not a skier, hiker or dragon boater – although I have been told that is apparently going to change quite soon – I really believe that, had I had the privilege of knowing Terry, we too would have been friends.

All proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Terry Schwarzfeld Ottawa Daycare Centre in Akko, Israel. The daycare is a home-away-from-home for 57 young Israelis, aged six months to three years. The children, sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Welfare and Social Services, are from low-income homes within the Russian, Ethiopian and Israeli Arab populations.

Terry’s Cookbook: Tastes and Tales of Terry Schwarzfeld may be ordered for $25 through the Canadian Hadassah-WIZO website at chw.ca/Ottawa/.

My copy of Terry’s Cookbook has many folded down pages of recipes I want to try. So far, I have made the Shabbat Chicken Curry, the Coconut-Cashew Bas-

mati Rice Salad and the Lemon Tart in a Cornmeal Crust.

All were keepers! The directions are clear and concise and easy to follow.

Shabbat Chicken Curry 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded if you like it less hot 2- inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 6 pieces 5 large cloves fresh garlic 1 bunch cilantro leaves and top stems 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 whole cardamom pods 3 whole cloves 2 inch stick of cinnamon, broken in half 2 large onions, finely chopped 4 Roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin 3 pounds assorted chicken pieces (no wings), bone on, skin removed 1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 12 chunks Salt and freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup water or chicken stock 5 1/2 ounces coconut milk 1-2 teaspoons garam masala Place peppers, ginger and garlic in food processor work bowl and pulse on and off until contents are coarsely chopped. Add cilantro and pulse to create a

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coarse paste. Set aside.

Heat a large deep frying pan for 20 seconds on high heat. Add oil and heat for an additional 15 seconds. Do not allow oil to smoke. Reduce heat to medium-high and add cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon pieces. Sauté for 1 minute or until spices become fragrant. Add onion and sauté until golden brown.

Add 1/4 cup (or more, depending on how hot you like your curry) of the fresh jalapeño/cilantro paste and sauté for another 2 minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes and dried spices to the mixture and cook it until it appears fairly dry.

Add chicken to frying pan, turning the pieces to coat with the spice mixture. Add potato pieces and do likewise.

Add water or stock, salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine. Cover pan and cook on low heat for about 3045 minutes until chicken is almost done.

Remove chicken from pan. Fish out the cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon sticks if possible. Add coconut milk and garam masala to pan and stir well. Return chicken to pan and cook for an additional 10 minutes on low heat.

Place chicken on serving platter, pour sauce on top, and serve with fragrant basmati rice.

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Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 23

Page 24 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

The Frumkiss Family Business is some funny business The Frumkiss Family Business

By Michael Wex Alfred A. Knopf Canada 367 pages Imagine suddenly finding out that a defining aspect of your identity was not what you thought it was all your life – that you weren’t really who or what you thought you were. That’s what happens to members of the Frumkiss clan in Michael Wex’s very funny comic novel about three generations of a Jewish family in Toronto.

While the Toronto-based Wex is best known for his New York Times best-seller, Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All of Its Moods, and its follow-up, Just Say Nu: Yiddish for Every Occasion (When English Just Won’t Do) – books that established Wex as one of the foremost contemporary commentators on the Yiddish language – he has always been, first and foremost, a first-rate storyteller. And The Frumkiss Family Business is quite the story.

It begins with a 1955 prologue that introduces us to a dodo bird character named Yankee Gallstone on an early (and fictional) CBC TV kids’ show called The New Curiosity Shop.

Yankee is sort of along the lines of Jerome the Giraffe and Rusty the Rooster from The Friendly Giant, or, more probably, if my memory serves me well, like Howard the Turtle from Razzle Dazzle – except that Yankee Gallstone spoke in a heavy Yiddish accent and sometimes actually said things in Yiddish.

The actor who played Yankee Gallstone was Elyokim Faktor, a famous Old World Yiddish writer who arrived in Canada after the Holocaust. As the story begins in 2008, Faktor has just died at the age of 103 probably from the effects of following an all-kugel diet for several years. Faktor’s daughter, Tammy, was married to Earl Frumkiss, founder of a chain of podiatry clinics (and star of obnoxious TV commercials promoting Frumkiss Foot Care), and the book’s namesake.

Much of the action revolves around Earl and Tammy’s three adult children: the brilliant Rachel, unhappily married and not doing anything with her PhD in invertebrate palaeontology (“prehistoric ants were her thing”); Randall, a second-

rate comedian; and the beautiful Vanessa, a former performance artist, now living in Jerusalem and improbably married to the rebbe of Moginey Erets (Shields of the Land), a fanatically anti-Zionist Chassidic sect.

Among the other important characters are Chana, Elyokim Faktor’s second wife and widow, who came to Canada from Poland as a child and has a fascinating and hysterical back story of her own as the owner of a fine china shop and who, in her professional life, passes herself off as Mrs. Aubrey, an upper crust British widow; and Allan Milner, a hustler and Faktor’s wannabe biographer.

Much of the laugh-out-loud stuff in the early parts of the book comes from how Wex introduces the life stories of the various characters and from the way he writes about the conflicts and resentments that have been built up over the years among the family members. Each of the significant characters gets a chapter that tells his or her own particular story.

The plot really thickens when Milner, whose very existence is disdained by Chana, and who is having an affair with Vanessa that is about as improbable as her marriage to the

Book Review Michael Regenstreif rebbe, leaks a shocking discovery about Tamara Szulc, Elyokim Faktor’s first wife – the mother of Tammy, Earl Frumkiss’ wife – that calls into question a defining aspect of the Frumkiss family identity.

Among the factors (or should I say faktors?) contributing to the book’s success are the way Wex depicts and blends religious Jewish life, secular Jewish life and popular culture. He also nails his portrayal of Bathurst Manor, the predominantly Jewish neighbourhood in Toronto where much of the book is set.

As much as I’ve enjoyed Wex’s explorations of Yiddish etymology, I really hope that he keeps focusing on satirical and comic fiction. The Frumkiss Family Business joins his brief 2007 novella, The Adventures of Micah Mushmelon, Boy Talmudist, as favourites among the Jewish-centric fiction I’ve read in recent years.

Eighteen things you may not know about Adina Libin Adina Libin is a very busy lady! The recent newlywed is an accountant with Ginsberg Gluzman Faige & Levitz, the treasurer of the Hillel Lodge Long-Term Care Foundation and, with Gillian Dolansky, the co-chair of the revived Young Women’s Leadership Council (YWLC). She is looking forward to upcoming YWLC sessions with Rabbi Reuven Bulka on Jewish life and work/life balance, and public speaking with the Ottawa School of Speech & Drama. Here are 18 things you may not know about Adina Libin …

1. When I was younger, I took figure skating lessons and still really enjoy skating.

2. I met my husband Micah at a Jewish Federation of Ottawa Young Adult Division event.

3. I grew up in Calgary and remain a devoted Calgary Stampeders fan, and always get tickets when the Flames are in town to play the Senators.

4. Getting sent to the office at the Calgary Jewish Day School was rougher on me than the average student because my mother was the associate director!

5. I really enjoy doing puzzles. Currently, there is a large half-finished puzzle of various philosophers on my kitchen table.

6. My favourite holiday is Pesach, mainly because my extended family was guaranteed to be together.

7. Last summer, I went to New York City with my mother and she spent the flight home telling me how much the woman across the aisle looked like actress Sandra Oh. When we landed, she finally asked, and it really was her!

My mother’s response was, “oh.”

8. I have been to Israel three times since I turned 16 and hope to go back many more times.

9. I am planning on getting a Portuguese water dog as long as my husband is not allergic to the breed.

10. My all-time favourite movie is Amélie starring Audrey Tautou.

11. My husband and I had the exact same Bar/Bat Mitzvah parsha, but three years apart.

12. The theme of my Bat Mitzvah party was cruise ship and everyone got a sailor cap!

13. I love to splurge on clothes and my favourite store is the Want Boutique in Toronto.

18 things ...

Sarah Silverstein 14. I have three older siblings, three nieces and three nephews. I am the only one currently residing in Ontario.

15. Many people have commented that the Chanukiah we received as a wedding gift from Israeli cousins resembles a pipe used for illegal drugs.

16. I once went to a free REM concert in downtown Toronto and, thanks to pushy friends, ended up at the very front and on the jumbo screen!

17. My first job was as a counsellor at a Calgary day camp.

18. I am currently planning my honeymoon to either East Asia or Africa. I also really want to travel to Russia, as that is where my family is originally from.

Adina Libin

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 25

Welcome to 20/30 Scene You know that feeling you get when you sense that you’re being watched? I spotted her from the corner of my eye, following me up and down the Kosher aisle, a big smile on her face and keeping a determined pace. I eyed my getaway, but it was too late.

Bubbie Alert! Bubbie Alert!

Trapped between the dairy section and the frozen foods, I forced a smile as she tried to sell me on her cherished grandson. Wait for it, I thought, wait for it.

“And what are you up to, dear?” she asked.

Here it comes, she’s building momentum. Wait for it.

“Sooo, are you seeing anyone?”

Yep, there it is, I knew it! Typical!

Sound familiar? Then you’re in that wonderful time of your life when you feel like your life decisions – your job aspirations, who you’re socializing with, and, of course, your dating situation – are on display for everyone.

Welcome to my new column, 20/30 Scene, where I’ll be covering the issues and challenges facing us 20- and 30-somethings. I’ll be writing about topics pertinent to both religious and secular Jews, singles as well as couples. The column will run in every second issue of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin.

But, first, a little something about myself: I have a university background in mass communication, religion (focusing on Jewish studies) and psychology. Some of my research interests have included contemporary Jewish community and identity, technology’s role in enhancing social communication, and studying how groups form. I plan to incorporate some of those topics in the column.

And, while I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m not an ex-

pert, I want to explore issues that matter to me and others in my age group and seek out opinions and insight from people in the community. Like they say, ask two Jews a question, and you’ll get three answers.

And here are some of the questions I plan to examine.

For socializing in Ottawa: Where are the best places to meet new people?

On specific Jewish issues: How can the Jewish scene in Ottawa be enhanced? What do you want the community in Ottawa to be like? What will the future of the Jewish community look like? What’s happening with the young Jewish scene in other cities? How do you create your own unique Jewish identity?

In terms of Jewish dating: How does one handle dating in a small community? Is JDate over? What do you need to know about Jewish online dating? Is Date my Friend the new speed-dating? Is matchmaking a plausible answer? How do you deal with all sorts of well-meaning people always trying to set you up? Are there really “lots of fish in the sea?” Why is it so hard to find a good match? Is our generation holding out for perfection?

And, I’ll be writing about upcoming events and, sometimes, profiling the people behind them.

Speaking of latest happenings, this issue’s feature event is the jnet Ottawa Gala. Jnet is an organization for young professionals and grad students in their 20s and 30s. Not only will this event be jnet’s biggest of the year, it will also be its most spectacular! This formal-chic event will feature dancing, kosher hors d’oeuvres and dessert, as well as a silent auction.

The gala is Thursday, December 16, 8:00 pm at Lobby

Nightclub, 158 1/2 Rideau Street. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information, visit jnetottawa.com.

Also, JET will be hosting its weekly Scotch and God evening of Jewish learning and Scotch tasting for young professionals on Tuesday, December 14, 9:00 pm, at 302 Fifth Avenue. A discussion on Judaic perspectives on euthanasia will coincide with sampling the Macallan Fine Oak 15 Year Scotch. Visit jetyoungprofessionals.com for more information.

So, go ahead, send your questions and comments to 2030scene@ottawajewishbulletin.com. Also, be sure to connect with this column on Facebook – OJB 20/30 Scene, where you can keep up to date on upcoming events.

A successful first semester for Jewish life on campus Keep your distance from campus right now! Unless, of course, you are willing to face the wrath of stressed-out students – their brains crammed with last minute studying, running on no sleep, desperately in search of their next espresso fix. It’s exam time.

I have no breaking news this month, so let’s look back at this past semester’s Jewish life on campus.

Hillel Ottawa Under the leadership of new Executive Director Ross Diamond, and Sauvé Citywide President Chelsea Sauvé, Hillel Ottawa produced a steady stream of dynamic and well-attended events.

Hillel began the semester with a retreat at the Kollel cottage and finished with a formal Chanukah Ball, November 27, at Congregation Beth Shalom. In between, there was everything from a bone marrow drive to a football night with the Jewish fraternity, AEPI, and weekly Hebrew lessons.

During Holocaust Education Week (HEW), one of Hillel’s major initiatives this year, we heard presentations by Bernie Farber, the son of a Holocaust survivor and CEO of the Canadian Jewish Congress, and by Shlomit Kriger, editor of Marking Humanity: Stories, Poems, & Essays by Holocaust Survivors.

HEW also featured an extensive exhibit on campus and concluded with a Shabbat dinner with Holocaust survivors, the second Shabbat dinner held by Hillel this semester.

Sauvé described the evening as “meaningful” for giving students the opportunity to speak with and learn from survivors.

“If Hillel can play a role in giving the student body access to conversations they would otherwise never have, we have fulfilled a part of our role on campus,” she said.

Israel Awareness Committee The Israel Awareness Committee (IAC) also met with success this semester despite facing some challenges.

Campus Life

Other IAC events included Israeli movie nights and a pub night in the ByWard Market.

“We are thrilled with our diverse events at both Carleton and uOttawa this semester,” said Sherman. “As the year progresses … we hope the student body will gain insight into Israeli culture, society and politics.”

Ilana Belfer

Chabad Student Network Under the guidance of Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky, the Chabad Student Network (CSN) has also continued to make its presence felt on campus.

CSN offered students a Shabbat dinner each week with themes like “Hawaiian night,” and “Pink Shabbat” in honour of breast cancer awareness.

CSN also offered $360 grants to the 20 students who completed a course about the 10 Commandments and their application to modern life in Chabad’s Sinai Scholars program. The graduation ceremony took place November 30.

Perhaps the most momentous CSN event this semester was a Bar/Bat Mitzvah gala with a red carpet theme, DJ, buffet dinner and entertainment at the Cartier Suites Hotel.

The mega-celebration gave four students – Yana Akoulenka, Dennis Kaprov, Naomi Lebovitch and Dahlia Seligman – who never had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the opportunity to partake in this important rite of passage.

“Even though I may not be 12 anymore, having a Bat Mitzvah now is a beautiful and rather joyous occasion,” Akoulenka told a crowd of about 100 during her heartfelt thank-you speech.

“I know I speak for many when I say how grateful I am that programs like this are available to Jewish students and youth of all ages and backgrounds,” added Lebovitch.

Following a successful first semester, the second is full of promise for Jewish campus life in Ottawa. But, the excitement will have to wait a few weeks. Right now, we students have exam-related tunnel vision leading us straight to the library doors.

For instance, a debate at Carleton University sparked controversy as Omar Barghouti, a Palestinian researcher, commentator and human rights activist, and Daniel Kofman, an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa who has lived in Israel, debated the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.

In a letter to the Charlatan, Carleton’s campus newspaper, IAC called the debate “flawed” and “counterproductive to the overall goal of peace in the Middle East.”

Alina Sherman, president of IAC Carleton, said that the opinions of both Barghouti and Kofman do not necessarily represent those of the communities and students who are invested in the consequences of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“There are many well-educated and highly respectable academics that research and speak about the BDS campaign and other issues regarding the conflict. Hopefully that would be the calibre of guest speakers we can strive for in the future,” she said.

More successful IAC events included a Wine and Cheese with MPs Jeff Watson and Marlene Jennings at the beginning of the semester. Subsequent events featured such speakers as Middle East expert Neil Lazarus, Jerusalem Post political correspondent Gil Hoffman, and Gil Troy, a McGill University professor and author of Why I Am a Zionist.

In addition to his lecture, Lazarus conducted a practical Israeli advocacy training workshop for students at Hillel House.

Page 26 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

Memoir reveals a childhood filled with secrets Kid Lit Under a Red Sky: Memoir of a Childhood in Communist Romania

By Haya Leah Molnar Frances Foster Books 302 pages. Age 12 to adult.

The Berlin Wall, that mighty symbol of countries and peoples living under Soviet Communist hegemony, came crashing down in 1989. Along with its demise came the end of the so-called Iron Curtain and the Communist rule throughout Eastern Europe that began in 1945 at the end of the Second World War. Romania was one of the Eastern European countries that came under postwar Communist control. A Second World War ally of Germany, Communist Romania afforded most of its citizens a life of hardship, deprivation, indoctrination and constant surveillance. The Securitate (secret police) had informers everywhere. Few were safe, even in their own homes.

During the 44 years of Communist rule, the remnant of Romanian Jewry who survived the Holocaust suffered in additional ways unless they became staunch Communists.

Some Jews did and prospered. Many didn’t. Those Jews who refused to wrap themselves in the red flag of Communism experienced Communist anti-Semitism, its rabid anti-religion teachings and even more severe economic hardships than most citizens.

Under a Red Sky: Memoir of a Childhood in Communist Romania by Haya Leah Molnar (née Eva Leah Zimmermann) is the author’s personal story of living in Bucharest, Romania’s capital city, from November 1957, when she was six-and-a-half years old, until October 1961, when, at age 10, she and her parents arrived in Haifa, Israel.

Written in 42 short chapters, the story unfurls much like the layers of an onion. And, yes, along the way, tears really did come to my eyes. Told with childhood innocence, Eva describes the numerous adventures and incidents that, bit-by-bit, enable her to learn the family’s numerous secrets, secrets that were meant to protect her in the here and

Deanna Silverman now, as well as from the frightening truths of the past.

Eva, her parents, Stefi and Gyuri, her Uncle Natan, her Aunt Puica and Uncle Max, her Grandma Iulia and Grandpa Yosef, and their live-in maid, Sabina, are all crammed together in one small apartment. Mostly, they live in their sleeping places, for some a bedroom, for others a cot.

The family members are, on the whole, a dysfunctional group of adults. They love Eva, but show it in widely different ways. They also love each other, but that is hard to discern because they, along with Cousin Mimi, an ardent Communist, are highly eccentric and argumentative.

However, they all know how to keep secrets to protect the child.

There are big secrets and little secrets. The biggest and most mysterious secret Eva eventually learns is that she’s part of a Jewish family, whatever that means. Eva very much wants to know what it means, but nobody tells her, not even after she’s secretly learning Hebrew with a rabbi.

As the story progresses, ‘why,’ ‘what,’ and ‘how,’ become the predominant questions as the pace of the storytelling quickens and the story becomes even more convoluted. Why didn’t anyone tell Eva that the Yiddish spoken

by Grandma and Grandpa when they don’t want her to understand what they are saying is a Jewish language? Or, that ‘Tata,’ her name for Father, is Yiddish?

Why doesn’t she know what happened to the adults during the war? Why, in this non-religious country, does her strict, fervently Communist teacher cross herself when the church bells chime? And, why does her friend Andrei believe so fervently in Jesus Christ? Will he still be her friend, if he finds out she is Jewish? Why does her family

By Haya Leah Molnar

have a Christmas tree? Why does Grandpa dress up like Santa Claus? What values do they hold?

In 1959, the Jews of Romania were allowed to apply for passports to move to Israel. That’s when Eva learns her family is Jewish. But, when they do apply to emigrate, most lose their jobs. Only Uncle Max is allowed to keep his, but at half his salary. How will they live? What will they do? When will they get out?

Tender, evocative and often startling, Under a Red Sky conveys drama, humour, adventure, love, luck and, the intricacies of daily life under scary secretive conditions.

Under a Red Sky is an eye-opening, entertaining, emotional read for history buffs and mature readers. Family photos and a note about Rabbi Moses Rosen, chief rabbi of Romania from 1948 to 1994, provide added value.

Reading is a wonderful experience, except when it’s not I usually enjoy reading. When I pick up a book that holds my interest, that I find engrossing, it is easy to read.

I feel a kind of sympathetic vibration from the content that seemingly corresponds with something that vibrates in me.

It is as if I am creating the story as I read it. I seem to know where it is going and I am eager to get there to be sure. I skip lightly across whole paragraphs and even when I do not read every word, I imagine them.

It is a wonderful experience, as thrilling as flying above a detailed geophysical formation that I take in and absorb with one eyeful. I am light as a feather, but move, propelled by my attachment to the story line.

This is very different from reading difficult or boring material. Then, my mind drags. I have to concentrate but, even so, I can feel myself slowing down as if I were wading through mud.

The more I concentrate, the more every word and letter seems to grow in size. I feel myself slipping down between commas. Instead of being lifted above the page, I am drawn down into it as if into a strange land.

The words and letters form what look like giant walls and buildings around me. I am on a plane of white that

sends pathways between these dark outcroppings like old and twisting streets in European cities.

I struggle to find a route through this vast maze that stretches before me like an ancient metropolis. And, even though I am able to make it past certain landmarks, and, with due diligence, am able to find the end of a paragraph, the number of words and sentences I must still get through seems infinitely large.

I think of striking out with my powerful stride and pushing all obstacles aside with determination. After a day, I have hardly made a dent in this overwhelming landscape.

I fall asleep with the book in my hands dreaming of flying, of escaping from the crevices between letters into which I have fallen, and out of which I must struggle.

It does not help. Within a few hours I awaken, my thumb holding down the same page I was on before, but, at least I have a store of energy and start out again. The experience is like the day before, if not worse. The words and letters around me grow as tall as skyscrapers.

And, even when I succeed in finishing a page and turn it, hoping against hope that the material will become lighter, as if I had somehow succeeded in ascending to the

Humour me, please Rubin Friedman top of the last skyscraper in this block, I cannot help seeing that there are still more than 200 more pages to go.

Skyscraper will rise on skyscraper like the Alps, getting even taller the further one goes into them. The little knowledge I have gained does not appear to be of any use in getting me through this barrier of giant black letters that do not bend and do not lend themselves to some kind of easy digestion.

I realize that I could spend the rest of my life on this book and would never finish its measly 201 pages.

And that, dearest, is why I have not yet read the book you bought for my birthday. I told you I had a good excuse.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 27

FOUNDATION DONATIONS Our future is in your hands

Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation

ABELSON FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Roslyn Barrett Gluck by Bob and Lois Abelson.

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 In memory of: Dr. Martin Tatz by Shirley and Shier Berman.

MENDEL AND VALERIE GOOD HOLOCAUST CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND In appreciation to: David Shentow for his talk on the Holocaust

by Canterbury High School.

GREENBERG FAMILIES LIBRARY ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Roger Greenberg on his award as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser from the AFP by Shelli and Steven Kimmel and family.

In memory of: Sonya Bodnoff by Roger Greenberg.

JEWISH YOUTH LIBRARY OF OTTAWA ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Dr. Pesach and Jennie Claman on the birth of their new grandson Yaakov by Yosef and Devora Caytak.

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 HILLEL ACADEMY ENDOWMENT FUND HILLEL ACADEMY CHILDREN OF THE BOOK AWARD FUND HILLEL LODGE LEGACY FUND JEWISH COMMUNITY CEMETERY HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY FUND JEWISH MEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE FUND

The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of November 23, 2010.

JEWISH STUDENTS ASSOCIATION HILLEL FUND DAVID “THE BEAR” KARDASH CAMP B’NAI BRITH MEMORIAL FUND OTTAWA JEWISH CEMETERIES ZICHARON FUND OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT 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 SARA AND ZEEV VERED ISRAEL CULTURAL PROGRAM FUND YITZHAK RABIN HIGH SCHOOL FUND IN MEMORY OF EVA WINTHROP

CAYLA AND MICHAEL BAYLIN ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Bob Buchan by Cayla and Michael Baylin.

Frances Cogan by Cayla and Michael Baylin.

In memory of: Dr. Martin Tatz by Cayla and Michael Baylin.

IRVING AND ESTHER BELLMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Ike Geist by Joyce and Seymour Bellman.

Birthday wishes to: Ron Landsberg by Joyce and Seymour Bellman.

JAMIE BEREZIN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Sonya Bodnoff by Susan and Frank Danoff.

SAM AND ANN BROZOVSKY ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Ross Mirsky on his engagement to Nancy by Ann Brozovsky.

TILLIE AND HARRY CHERM MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Tillie Cherm, a beloved and dear mother by Donald Cherm.

Birthday wishes to: Sol Kaiman by Donald Cherm and Robert Lebans.

MORRIE AND HELEN EISEN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Ruth Pliskow by Helen Eisen.

MARJORIE AND MICHAEL FELDMAN FAMILY FUND Anniversary wishes to: Flora and Bill Silverman by Marjorie and Michael Feldman.

Birthday wishes to: Pearl Berry by Marjorie and Michael Feldman.

In memory of: Harvey Pivnick by Marjorie and Michael Feldman.

RUTH AND A.J. FREIMAN FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Ruth and A.J. Freiman on the occasion of their daughter’s wedding by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

ALFRED AND KAYSA FRIEDMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Speedy recovery to: Kaysa Friedman by Dorothy Nadolny.

R’Fuah Sh’lemah to: Rickie and Martin Saslove by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

In appreciation to: Dr. William Goldstein by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

Dr. Ian Burwash by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

Dr. Marc Ruel by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

Mazal Tov to: Arnell and Judith Goldberg on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Jacob Naneri by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

JACK AND GERT GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Dr. Irwin Rose by Allen and Diane Abramson.

BARBARA AND SYDNEY GREENBERG ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Frances Cogan by Barbara and Sydney Greenberg and family.

GILBERT AND BESS GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Roger Greenberg on his award as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser at the AFP Philanthropy Awards by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

LARRY AND SHEILA HARTMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Manny and Paula Agulnik on the engagement of their son Mark by Larry and Sheila Hartman.

DOROTHY AND HY HYMES ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Richard Vandermeulen by Dorothy Nadolny.

MOE AND ESTHER KARDISH ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Ross Mirsky on his engagement to Nancy by Moe Kardish.

LIBBY AND STAN KATZ FAMILY COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND R’Fuah Sh’Lemah to: Dr. Mark Dover by Libby and Stan Katz.

SHARON KOFFMAN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of: Dr. Martin Tatz by Fay Koffman.

Sonya Bodnoff by Fay Koffman.

Mazal Tov to: Louis, Muriel and Rachael Kardish on Rachael’s Bat Mitzvah by Sandra Zagon.

SUSAN AND DAVID KRIGER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Richard Vandermeulen by Susan and David Kriger.

Jean Segalowitz by Susan and David Kriger.

ANNICE AND SYDNEY KRONICK FAMILY FUND In memory of: Roslyn Gluck Barrett by Sydney Kronick and Barbara Sugarman.

Anniversary wishes to: Marlene and Howard Cohen by Debi and Neil Zaret.

Continued on page 28

Page 28 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

FOUNDATION DONATIONS ISSIE AND EDITH LANDAU ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Etka Averbach by Edith Landau and family.

SALLY AND ELLIOTT LEVITAN ENDOWMENT FUND R’Fuah Sh’lemah to: Beverley Cantor by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

Dr. Mark Dover by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

In memory of: Dr. Martin Tatz by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

Roslyn Gluck Barrett by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

Sonya Bodnoff by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

ERNEST AND IDA LEVITZ MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Dr. Irwin Rose by the Levitz family.

ARNOLD AND ROSE LITHWICK MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Harold Fein by Yvonne and Harvey Lithwick and family.

JACOB MALOMET MEMORIAL FUND Best wishes to: Alan and Phyllis Rackow by Alvin and Diana Malomet.

Irving and Harriet Slone by Alvin and Diana Malomet.

ANNE (BLAIR) AND HYMAN MAYBERGER ENDOWMENT FUND Special birthday wishes to: Norman Lesh by Shelley and Morris Schachnow.

Shelley Schachnow by Ann Bernick.

CHUCK AND BONNIE MEROVITZ FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Bonnie Merovitz on being the Ottawa recipient of the 2010 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award from National Women’s Philanthropy by Shelley Rothman.

TANYA AND SAMUEL MOSES MORIN MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Irit and Harry Beck on the birth of their granddaughter Lilah by Harvey Morin.

Stella and Norman Beck on the birth of their great-granddaughter by Harvey Morin.

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!

JACK AND SARAH SILVERSTEIN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Abe Glass by Marty and Janet Shimkofsky.

LINDA SILVERMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Roslyn Gluck Barrett by Marvin and Phylis Silverman.

FRANCES AND MORTON ROSS FAMLY FUND In memory of: Dr. Irwin Rose by Fran and Morton Ross.

Condolences to: Miriam Algom and family on the sad loss of a beloved mother by Fran and Morton Ross.

Mazal Tov to: Sandra and Norman Slover on the engagement of their son David Slover to Adrienne Weinstock by Fran and Morton Ross.

JACK AND LINDA SMITH ENDOWMENT FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Inez Smith a beloved mother by Leslie, Maureen, Aaron and Mishca Smith.

SAMUEL AND RUTH ROTHMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Dr. Martin Tatz by Sheldon and Corinne Taylor.

What do your “kids” really care about?

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.

FAY AND JOSEPH SHULMAN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Dr. Irwin Rose by Edward Rose and family.

Special birthday wishes to: Sarah Rak by Edward Rose and family.

HARRY AND BERTHA PLEET MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Howard and Marlene Cohen by Pinchas and Barbara Pleet.

SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH FUND

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?

R’Fuah Sh’lemah to: Garry Greenberg by Sheldon and Corinne Taylor.

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.

DORIS AND RICHARD STERN FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: David and Arlene Slan on reaching a milestone in their lives by Doris and Richard Stern.

RUTH TALLER MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Dr. Irwin Rose by Jason and Nina Taller.

BARBARA AND GERALD THAW ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Sonya Bodnoff by Barbara and Gerald Thaw.

LISE AND MARK THAW FAMILY FUND In memory of: Sonya Bodnoff by Lise, Mark, Alayna and Bryan Thaw.

STEPHEN AND GAIL VICTOR ENDOWMENT FUND In appreciation to: Stephen Victor by Debra and Gary Viner.

RUTH AND JOSEPH VINER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Dr. Martin Tatz by Ruth and Joseph Viner.

Dr. Irwin Rose by Ruth and Joseph Viner.

THE SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM MARA BOSLOY B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Rabbi and Chevy Fine on the engagement of their granddaughter Talia by Judy and Jonathan Bosloy.

REBECCA BOSLOY MITZVAH FUND In appreciation to: Rabbi and Alison Popky by Judy, Jonathan, Mara and Rebecca Bosloy.

ANNA FRENKEL B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Yona Steinman on his Bar Mitzvah by Anna and Sonia Frenkel.

NICHOLAS GREENBERG B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Roger Greenberg on his well deserved award as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Ottawa chapter of the AFP by Shelley Rothman and family.

GABRIEL HAMBURG MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Yona Steinman on the occasion of your Bar Mitzvah by Cybele, Lyon, Charlotte, Gabriel and Noah Hamburg.

In memory of: Harry Toulch by Cybele, Lyon, Charlotte, Gabriel and Noah Hamburg.

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. The cut off date for donations listed in this Bulletin is 2.5 weeks prior to publication.

Any donations that do not appear in this Bulletin will be listed in the next issue. If you are concerned, please ask for clarification when you are making your donation. .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!

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 29

In Appreciation I would like to thank every one of my friends for your concern and good wishes during my recent heart surgery. Your cards, flowers and donations were much appreciated. They cheered me up during my month-long stay at the heart institute.

Fondly, Kaysa Friedman

Survivor David Shentow spoke about the Holocaust to an interfaith audience hosted by the Merivale High School Jewish Culture Club on November 22. He is seen here talking with student David Anzarouth following the presentation.

(Photo: Irv Osterer)

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Members of the Student Council of the Ottawa Jewish Community School are seen here with teachers Brian Lamb and Amy McKay displaying more than 1,100 socks collected by the school’s students in a clothing drive for the Ottawa Mission.

It was the second year in a row that the school joined with Notre Dame High School, Nepean High School and Broadview Public School in collecting clothes (Photo: Nicola Hamer) for the Mission.

Vered Israel Cultural and Educational Program

Page 30 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010 – Page 31

AJA 50+ in Israel: ‘When are we going back?’

By Annette Paquin for AJA 50+ It was a picture perfect moment. The sun was low in the sky and a golden glow rested over the rooftops, walls and buildings of Jerusalem. AJA 50+ members stood at the lookout of Mount Scopus and, with Rabbi Steven Garten, joyously recited the “Shehecheyanu,” the prayer of thanks for bringing us to this time.

Wine was poured, glasses raised and “L’Chaim” was said amidst tears and emotions.

This was only one of an endless number of magical moments on the Experience Israel with AJA 50+ trip to Israel, November 3 to 15, with scholar-in-residence, Rabbi Garten.

Thirty-six members of AJA 50+ (Active Jewish Adults), including 18 who had never been to Israel before, spent 12 exciting days exploring Israel.

The theme of the trip was Modern Israel: Israel Today. In addition to seeing the sites, we had the opportunity to meet Israelis of many backgrounds and ages.

We visited a Jewish-Arab school in the city of Jaffa where the kindergarten class had invited us to share Kabbalat Shabbat. The songs, blessings, the spilling of the wine on the white tablecloth, the youthful enthusiasm, was familiar to almost all and showed the commonality we share as Jews with the people of Israel.

The children of Bet Sefer HaNadiv in Metulla, which is partnered with Hillel Academy (Ottawa Jewish Community School), welcomed our group with songs and a tour of the school. We were so impressed with the initiative and leadership these children showed. They hosted the entire visit with the teachers and principal taking only a background role. The students spoke excellent English and were open to sharing the stories of their families and lives. We could barely leave the building as the children followed us to the gate to wave goodbye.

The reception by the Nahal Infantry Unit of the Israel Defense Forces was just as enthusiastic. AJA 50+ had been invited to the base for lunch and to meet the

soldiers. This was not a regular army meal; it was probably among the best meals of the entire trip! Following lunch and a short presentation on the battalion, the soldiers demonstrated their equipment, answered questions and touched our hearts. These boys were the ages of the grandchildren of many group members. As we were leaving, they thanked us profusely for caring about them, for coming to spend time with them, and even hugged people goodbye.

A visit to Yad LaKashish in Jerusalem was also inspiring. Yad LaKashish is an organization that provides employment and support to needy seniors. They run a craft centre that produces high quality items that are sold in their shop. Seniors work a half-day in exchange for a hot meal, monthly bus pass, supplemental health care insurance and a small stipend.

We wandered through the workshops meeting different artisans and later stimulated the Israeli economy by shopping for handmade gifts to bring home.

So many moments were very powerful. Whether it was a kibbutznik sharing the new way of kibbutz life, a scientist explaining the water resources situation in Israel, the executive director of the World Zionist Organization sharing his vision of a modern Israel, or the curator of the Shrine of the Book sharing his passions for his collections, each and every program was richly rewarding.

We were ably guided by Rabbi Garten, who offered superb Shabbat programming and shared his knowledge and his personal attachment to Israel with us every step of the way.

Participants on the trip ranged in age from their early-50s to their mid-80s.

One member in a wheelchair and on her first trip to Israel was an inspiration to all.

The trip was a deeply moving experience, even to those who had been to Israel before. Part of that experience was the wonderful dynamics that the group brought with them from Ottawa: kindnesses, patience and enthusiasm bound us together. The most frequently asked question since our return has been, “When are we going back?”

AJA 50+ members Elaine Singer, Joan Massey and Cecily Bregman with a soldier of the Nahal Infantry Unit of the IDF.

AJA 50+ members Burt and Jackie Gorenstein and Howard and Debbie Kaplan enjoy Israeli fast food.

(Photos: Annette Paquin)

Readers and advertisers are advised the next edition of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin will be published on Monday, January 24, 2011.

Deadline date is Wednesday, January 5, 2011.

Page 32 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – December 13, 2010

WHAT’S GOING ON December 13, 2010 to January 23, 2011 WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS Motorin’ Munchkins DropIn for ages 5 and unders, sponsored by the SJCC Family Life Centre. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult, 9 am to 12 pm. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 294.

CANDLELIGHTING BEFORE Dec 17 Dec 24 Dec 31 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28

✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡

4:03 4:06 4:11 4:18 4:26 4:35 4:45

pm pm pm pm pm pm pm

TUESDAYS Israeli Folkdancing, learn dances, have fun, no experience or partner necessary, Hillel Academy, 31 Nadolny Sachs Private, 7:00 pm. Info: 613722-9323.

WEDNESDAYS Baby and Toddler Play Group, sponsored by JCC Family Life Centre, 9:00 am to 11 am. Info: 613-798-9818, ext.

294.

FRIDAYS Shabbat Shalom Drop-In for ages 5 and under, wel-

comes Shabbat through crafts, songs, stories, and games, sponsored by the JCC Family Life Centre. Bracha Bear will be there! All children must be accompanied by an adult, 9:30 am to 11:00 am.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 51 Birch Street, a documentary made by Doug Block exploring his parents’ presumably happy 55-year marriage.

What happens when everything you think you knew about your family is thrown into question?

Presentation by the Ottawa Jewish Film Society, sponsored by the Greenberg Families Library and AJA 50+. Free for SJCC, Library, or AJA 50+ members, 1:00 pm. Info: 613798-9818, ext. 245.

Tour of Montreal Biodome, sponsored by Jewish Family Services. Bus departs Jewish Family Services, 2225 Carling Avenue at 9:00 am; re-

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

turns at 8:30 pm. RSVP by December 13. Info: 613-7222225, ext. 411.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 Diverse Women of the Rabbinate, sponsored by the SJCC. Live telecast from the 92nd Street Y in New York City.

Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, Cantor Angela Buchdahl and Rabbi Sara Hurwitz talk about their challenges entering the clergy from diverse Syrian, Asian-American and Orthodox backgrounds, 8:15 pm. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 263.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 Behind the movie Defiance, sponsored by Chabad Student Network. Tzvi Bielski, son of Zus Bielski, explains the behind-the-scenes details of a band of Jews who risked their lives to save over 1,200 Jews from the Nazis, 59 Sweetland Avenue, 7:30 pm. Evening in-

cludes reception. Info: 613601-7701.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16 Temple Israel celebrates Shabbat Shirah, featuring the Canadian Centennial and Capital Vox Jazz choirs, and honouring World Religion Day and Martin Luther King Day. Donations to Ottawa Food Bank ap-

preciated, Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Drive, 3:00 pm.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 TO SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 Annual Winter Shabbaton, sponsored by Jewish Education through Torah, Albert at Bay Hotel, 435 Albert Street.

Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 247.

COMING SOON THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 Premiere presentation of Dreamcoat: A Documentary, which follows the evolution of how last May’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was produced by Tamir. The full-scale theatrical production featured both professional actors and Tamir’s clients with developmental disabilities.

The evening will also feature a Talk Back with cast and crew, and a live performance, Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank Street, 7:00 pm.

Info: 613-725-3519, ext. 113.

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: Neil (Tzvi) Moses (Toronto) brother of Julius Moses Jean Segalowitz (Toronto) sister of Harold Shizgal Allan Solman Marlene Ellen Stoller (California) daughter of Carole Stoller 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 JANUARY 5 FOR JANUARY 24 JANUARY 19 FOR FEBRUARY 7 FEBRUARY 2 FOR FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 16 FOR MARCH 7 MARCH 2 FOR MARCH 21 MARCH 23 FOR APRIL 11 APRIL 6 FOR APRIL 25 APRIL 27 FOR MAY 16

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