Ottawa jewish bulletin 2011 02 21(inaccessible)

Plant A Tree For All Reasons

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

✡

ottawa jewish

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

Soup Sisters

page 27

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

bulletin volume 75, no. 9

february 21, 2011

21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9

•

Publisher: Mitchell Bellman

•

adar 1 17, 5771

Editor: Michael Regenstreif $2.00

The making of the Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa Infomercial video

By Paul Telner and Byron Pascoe for CBB of Ottawa Editor’s note: Many Ottawa Jewish Bulletin readers will recall the Have a Knish column, written between 2006 and 2008 by Paul Telner and Byron Pascoe.

Telner and Pascoe recently produced a promotional video for Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa that lampoons telethons and infomercials.

In this article, they write about the making of the video in their distinctly knishy style.

Members of the Camp B’nai Brith (CBB) of Ottawa Board of Directors probably didn’t know

what they were getting themselves into when they first met with Paul Telner last year to discuss ideas for a camp video.

According to Evan Zelikovitz, a CBB of Ottawa Board member and chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee, the camp wanted to do something a little different in its marketing than it had ever done, or seen, before.

Paul asked Byron Pascoe to help out and, together, we met with Evan, CBB Director Jonathan Pivnick and Board Chair Michael Polowin, a CBB alumnus.

(Continued on page 2 )

Paul Telner as the telethon host in the CBB of Ottawa Infomercial.

Abbas to visit Canada to meet Jewish leaders

By David Lazarus Canadian Jewish News Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas will visit Canada “within the next six months” specifically to have a “meaningful dialogue” with a cross-section of Canadian Jewry.

“It is confirmed,” Liberal MP Irwin Cotler disclosed in a recent interview in his Mount Royal riding office.

“The raison d’etre for his visit to Canada is to meet with the Jewish community.

“The idea would be that he would meet with a representative group [of Canadian Jewry],” Cotler said. “Organizational

heads, students, academics, business people, rabbinic leaders – a cross-section, for an open dialogue.”

The only Jewish community figure made aware of the visit so far is Canada-Israel Committee CEO Shimon Fogel, Cotler said.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry is not involved with arrangements for Abbas’ visit, he said.

It was arranged privately between Abbas and Cotler over the holiday season during one of Cotler’s regular visits to the Middle East, held in part to confer with officials in Israel, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the PA.

However, the meeting between Abbas and the Jewish community is being hosted officially by Cotler and the bipartisan committee he formed, the joint House-Senate Committee on Middle East Peace and Reconciliation.

The committee includes Cotler’s fellow Liberal MP, Bob Rae, as well as Conservative senators Linda Frum and Hugh Segal.

Efforts to reach Fogel and the parliamentarians for comment were unsuccessful.

As part of the visit, Cotler also expects Abbas to meet with “government people, parliamentarians, and the like.” The Foreign Ministry could conceivably be in-

volved in that part of the trip, Cotler said.

He said Abbas, whom he first met in 1977 and has maintained contact with ever since, indicated to him last fall that he wanted to meet with Canadian Jewish leaders. Abbas previously has met with Jewish leaders in the United States and France.

While in the Middle East, Cotler met for three hours with Abbas and with PA Foreign Affairs Minister Riad Malki in Ramallah.

Cotler said Abbas and Malki were open to the idea of having a Canadian serve as “referee” in a revived Israeli-Palestinian group

monitoring “incitement,” which is present in PA textbooks, media and mosques.

But he also quoted Abbas as saying that, while he doesn’t deny that incitement against Israel takes place in the PA, “I’m not going to play the blame game. There’s also incitement on the Israeli side.”

Meeting with Netanyahu a week after Abbas, Cotler said the Israeli prime minister was also receptive to the idea of reviving the incitement-monitoring group, with a Canadian presence.

Netanyahu also indicated to Cotler his willingness to go to the PA to speak with Palestinians, as (Continued on page 9)

World Class Outsourcing ... and more!

613-744-6444

Publications Mail Registration No. 07519

Providing quality service to the National Capital Region since 1947!

613-744-5767

613-244-7225

613-244-4444

www.boydgroup.on.ca

Page 2 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

CBB campers are the real stars of satirical promo video (Continued from page 1)

The meetings usually took place at the Polowin home. They provided wonderful snacks, which helped the ideas flow, and Paul still has Melanie Polowin’s Tupperware from a doggy bag she packed up for him.

Some meetings did take place up at the camp in Pivnick’s cabin. Not as many snacks!

The idea was to produce a late-night infomercialstyle video. It would feature funny vignettes about camp life to show parents why they should send their kids to CBB for a wonderful summer.

Paul would be the ‘pitch man,’ speaking about the camp with a team of campers behind him, just like a telethon. There’s a cameo from Paul’s cousins – it’s all about connections!

With the script complete, we headed up to camp last summer with Mike, our videographer.

The campers needed to act, remember lines, improvise situations and perform physical comedy, and they knocked it out of the park.

In the raid scene, one cabin shows how a nighttime kitchen raid goes down. Upon arrival at the mess hall, CBB Director Pivnick surprisingly catches the kids. They all run away screaming. The campers were given a rough outline, but took it to the next level, making it very funny. The scene was so much fun, we filmed it 10 times!

In the food scene, several campers were videoed stuffing their faces in the mess hall to show how ‘well mannered’ the kids at CBB of Ottawa are. In a truly memorable moment, the entire camp crowded around and cheered on the eaters.

Similar to a late-night infomercial, the video has testimonials about camp. The genuine responses showed how much fun the campers were truly having.

The CBB of Ottawa staff was a big help, especially Assistant Directors Darren Morenstein (Vince Vaughn’s stunt double) and Justin Shulman (and his lovely wife Jessica, how did he manage that one?).

Board Chair Polowin has

Campers show how ‘well mannered’ they are in the CBB of Ottawa Infomercial food scene.

A boy’s cabin prepares a nighttime kitchen raid in the CBB of Ottawa Infomercial.

a classic cameo with his car, featuring his personalized li-

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

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

Call today for information: 613-828-2313

KELLY FUNERAL HOMES www.kellyfh.ca

~Proudly Serving the Ottawa Community ~

" &$

cence plates, “CBB4EVER.�

Camp Director Pivnick was convinced to go topless, running down the beach alongside Morenstein and Shulman eating smoked meat sandwiches.

Zelikovitz can be seen in the raw footage screaming, “Action!� and “Cut!� from a director’s chair. He actually thought he was in Hollywood, trying to track down songwriter, poet and CBB of Ottawa alumnus Leonard Cohen for a cameo. No calls were returned.

Staying the weekend up at camp meant we, along with Mike the videographer, got to sleep in our own cabin. It was like an episode of Jersey Shore, without the girls. (Although, we could swear we saw Snooki.

But, it may have been a

giant raccoon.)

We didn’t come prepared, though, so we borrowed towels from the infirmary to use as pillows.

We also went to check out the local nightlife in Quyon, Quebec. It was a short trip.

The video itself was to be self-deprecating, funny and different from other camp videos. Hopefully, the growing audience agrees, and some will see the video

and decide to join the CBB of Ottawa family.

The key to the video’s success wasn’t its creative concept, but, rather, how much fun the campers had making it.

The kids had a blast and did an amazing job. They are the real stars.

The Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa Infomercial can be found at cbbottawa.com and is also up on YouTube.

P.S.: Have a knish!

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

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 3

Page 4 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Jewish Community Service Awards Members of the Jewish community are invited to nominate individuals to receive the following community awards at the Annual General Meeting of the Federation in early June.

Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Service Award The Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Service Award is the highest tribute that the Ottawa Jewish Community can bestow on an individual for exceptional service over the course of many years.

Initiated in 1980, it bears the name of the late Past President of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Gilbert Greenberg, who exemplified the qualities of leadership, which the award endeavours to recognize.

Freiman Family Young Leadership Award The Freiman Family Young Leadership Award recognizes an individual or an organization within the Jewish community, under the age of 40, who has contributed actively to the Jewish community in the two or more years following his/her participation in the Young Leadership Development Program, or as a young leader rendered exceptional service to the Jewish community.

The Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award presented by the Ottawa Citizen “There are three crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingship; but the crown of a good name excels them all.”

- Rabbi Shimon The Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award was created to recognize an outstanding and active volunteer with the Jewish community who, through many years of service, has contributed to the enrichment of Jewish life in Ottawa.

Address Recommendations by March 31, 2011 to: Chair of the Community Award Selection Committee Jewish Federation of Ottawa 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9 or email: dpaterson@jewishottawa.com For more information, please visit www.jewishottawa.com

NOMINATION FORM (Please attach another page to tell us more) ❏ Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Service Award ❏ Freiman Family Young Leadership Award ❏ Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award ABOUT YOU ________________________ Nominator name ________________________ Daytime Phone ________________________ E-mail Address

ABOUT NOMINEE ___________________________ Nominee ___________________________ Agency or Organization ___________________________ E-mail Address

Detail community involvement and special contributions

ALL NOMINEES MUST BE MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING

SJCC Fitness Centre Manager Ryan Armitage’s early morning classes have developed a loyal following.

Early morning fitness classes a popular draw at SJCC

By Pamela Rosenberg Soloway JCC While most of us are still lying in bed or taking our first sips of coffee at 6:00 am, more than 30 committed exercise enthusiasts are stepping into the pre-dawn, freezing cold and making their way to the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC) to take part in what have become the most popular group fitness classes on the schedule.

In fact, the Monday and Friday PowerPump and Wednesday Bootcamp, which run from 6:30 to 7:15 am, have developed such a growing, loyal following that the classes have been relocated from the Group Fitness Studio to the much larger gymnasium in order to accommodate everyone.

“People said they came in and there was no room,” says SJCC Fitness Centre Manager and instructor Ryan Armitage. “Since we moved the class more people came. There is plenty of room and no excuses.”

While the names PowerPump or Bootcamp may seem intimidating, there is nothing scary about these classes, which have been whipping a wide range of bodies into shape from 20- to 65-year-olds at all fitness levels.

Armitage assures everyone who comes that there is always an easier or high intensity modification and he will always accommodate you.

“Each of Ryan’s classes is a blast. He knows the human body and knows how different groups of muscles work together,” says class participant Noga Reiss. “He gauges the group’s ability and enables us to build endurance and strength in each class. I had some knee problems in early September and I could not do any of the exercises. Now, in part due to his classes, those problems are gone.”

The tri-morning class combination increases strength, functionality, range of motion, cardio endurance and power. For Armitage, it is not simply about reaching goals,

it’s about going beyond them.

“They tell me I’m the human alarm clock.

No matter how they feel when they arrive, they know I am not going to let them slack off. All three classes complement each other.

You need to be here for all of them to really see a difference. They almost enlisted themselves. They are proud that they come, work their hardest and they don’t miss a class.”

Neil Zaret has been part of the SJCC early morning crew for the past 10 years and has been taking Armitage’s class since he took over in the summer. He likes the classes because he says he gets a far better workout than he is capable of getting on his own, and doing it with Armitage at the helm makes it both easy and fun.

“There is lots of energy to feed off of and no inhibitions about keeping up with your neighbour. Most importantly, he gives lots of options and that makes it safe for all that participate. I look forward to the three classes each week.”

Armitage is a certified personal trainer and has taken several courses in anatomy and physiology. His passion for fitness is matched only by his love of football, which he played for 14 years as an Ottawa Junior Rider. He attributes his teaching style to his experiences with different football coaches over the years.

According to Armitage, there are two types of coaches: the players’ coach, who is buddies with the team, and the dictator coach, who yells and screams to get results.

“The best way to get through to people is a combination of both so that there is a level of comfort and trust, but you can drop the hammer when you need to.”

The Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning classes are included in SJCC membership. For a complete fitness class schedule, visit jccottawa.com or contact Health and Wellness Director Carla Gencher at 613-7989818, ext. 278, or cgencher@jccottawa.com for more information.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 5

Shabbat Shira weekend celebrated at Temple Israel

By Barbara Okun for Temple Israel Shabbat Shira, which fell this year on January 15, was an occasion at Temple Israel to celebrate the accomplishments of our congregation and those of the Reform Movement.

This special Shabbat, falling this year just before Martin Luther King Day in the United States, was designated as Shabbat Tzedek by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism to celebrate its 50 years of commit-

ment to social justice. Closer to home, it was an opportunity to recognize the many local and international organizations that Temple Israel members actively support through fundraising and direct involvement.

Our service that morning was ably led by members of the Grade 9 class of Temple Israel Religious School. The students demonstrated their commitment to further develop their knowledge of Jewish liturgy and took great pride in their accomplishment, as

did their families and the entire congregation.

As cantorial soloist, I chanted the week’s Torah portion, Shirat Hayam, with its special melodies. Grade 9 student Jessica Labovitch chanted the maftir.

After the service, Lynne Oreck-Wener spoke about Soup Sisters, a new initiative in Ottawa to feed the hungry.

The lobby was filled with displays highlighting Temple Israel’s contribution to various tzedakah projects, including Baby Quilts to Israel,

B’nai Mitzvah projects, Centre 454, B’Kavod Ladle Food Bank in Israel, the Ottawa Kosher Food Bank, the Multi-faith Housing Initiative, the Winter Coat and Boot Drive, and Ryan’s Well.

On Sunday afternoon, January 16, in honour of Shabbat Shira, World Reli-

gion Day and Martin Luther King Day, the Canadian Centennial Choir and Capital Vox Jazz Choir performed to a packed house.

Everyone enjoyed a fabulous selection of Jewish and contemporary music that included arrangements of Srul Irving Glick’s settings of

liturgical music, Israeli jazz, spirituals, and original compositions that expressed the universal ideals espoused by Martin Luther King and other religious figures. The concert’s proceeds, both cash donations and food, were contributed to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Tarek Fatah to speak at Temple Israel, March 6

By Annette Paquin for Temple Israel Author, activist and political commentator Tarek Fatah returns to Ottawa next month to speak at Temple Israel.

Fatah’s recent book, The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths That Fuel Muslim Anti-Semitism, will provide the topic for his lecture. In the book, he denounces and condemns anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel.

In the context of recent events in the Arab

and Muslim world, especially Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen and Jordan, the relationship between the Muslim world and the Western and Jewish worlds is in flux. In particular, Israel and her Arab neighbours are entering an unpredictable era as states respond to demands for a more democratic approach to government.

Fatah will frame these issues and offer expertise and opinions in his unique style.

Fatah will speak Sunday, March 6, 7:00 pm, at Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Drive.

Tu B’Shevat at Temple Israel Religious School Temple Israel Religious School students participate in Tu B’Shevat seder, January 17, led by Rabbi Steven Garten.

,ZMIUKWI\ A DOCUMENTARY

Tamir would like to thank the following people for making the Premiere of “Dreamcoat” such a success!

David Smith of Creative Kosher Catering Hulse and Elite Limousine Steven Kimmel of Westboro Flooring Trinity Media and Design Alan Dean Photography and our volunteer ‘Paparazzi’ “Joseph” Cast and Crew All Volunteers Our SOLD OUT Audience We couldn’t have done it without you!

Page 6 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Federation committees are hard at work on your behalf Blowing our own horn is not something that comes naturally to me. However, I think it’s important that you are aware of the activity at the Federation. There are always projects on the go – events to be planned, campaigns to be run, meetings to be held and general day-to-day management.

So, I’d like to fill you in on the current activities of our Federation committees. I’m sure you’ll agree that we have a very busy schedule!

There are six standing Federation committees – Jewish Outreach, Identity and Education (JOIE), Allocations, Planning, Resource Development, Finance and Audit, and Communications and Community Relations. We also have an ad-hoc committee on Israel, and the Campus Board, whose chair sits on our Federation Board.

The JOIE Committee has two very busy subcommittees. One is planning openOttawa, an exciting community symposium for young people, taking place in April, that will allow our next generation of leaders to explore new ideas, new modes of thinking and innovative approaches for community building. The other is tackling the issue of improving Jewish supplementary education in Ottawa, in consultation with key people in the field. They will produce a report of their findings at our March Board meeting.

February and March is the busiest time

Federation Report Donna Dolansky Chair of the year for the Allocations Committee.

The teams are reviewing applications and have met with several agencies which have submitted requests for specific program funding. Once all submissions have been reviewed, the teams will begin to adjudicate, and their recommendations will be presented to the Federation Board of Directors for ratification in May. The Planning Committee is undertaking a review of the Federation’s strategic plan. As part of the strategic planning process in 2007, strategic objectives were defined and have guided the Federation’s activities and focus.

Over time, both the community’s needs and the objectives have changed. The Planning Committee is meeting with various agencies, volunteers and Federation staff in order to get a sense of our performance and determine if changes are needed to better serve the Jewish population of Ottawa and respond to emerging needs in the community.

The Resource Development Committee

always has a number of tasks at hand. The current priorities are reinvigorating the Annual Campaign, establishing a best practice for Campaign chair succession planning, and relaunching the Jewish Leadership Development Institute, which has been on hiatus this year.

The Finance and Audit Committee (FAAC) recently conducted the mid-year financial reviews of the various Federation services budgets, including Campaign. FAAC is also tasked with financial reviews of each of the major funded agencies, and these are ongoing. FAAC also assists the Board in the determination of the use of Campaign funds, including envelope sizes for agency allocations. In the coming months, FAAC will work with the Communications and Community Relations Committee to review the business model of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, and will work with the Allocations Committee to help develop a performance review process for funded agencies.

The Communications and Community Relations Committee has been in discussion with Hillel Ottawa about its approach to Israel Apartheid Week, taking place on campuses next month. Committee members have conducted a review of the Federation’s website to make recommendations as we are in the process of revamping our site. Members are also discussing the Federation’s use

of social media and how to maximize its reach and utility.

Campus Property Management is dealing with the legal issues related to the pool repairs, instituting a program to deal with the life cycle issues of the buildings, conducting a review of leases to bring uniformity in relations with the tenants, and monitoring local security. They are also developing a plan for possible campus expansion.

The Partnership 2000 Committee is supporting the National Social Action Mission, which originated in Ottawa, by sending nine young adults to Israel. The school exchange between the Ottawa Jewish Community School and Eynot Yarden, a high school in Northern Israel, is evolving with strengthening ties between both teachers and students.

We are also investigating the possibility of a national medical students’ mission to Israel to tie in with the creation of a medical school in Northern Israel.

In addition to our ongoing Partnership activities with Israel, we are also in the midst of making a dream come true – our own Dragon Boat Festival on Yam Kinneret in May 2012!

The activities mentioned encompass a great many hard-working volunteers and dedicated staff, who all strive to constantly improve our Jewish community. We are a very fortunate community!

Rav Frand’s commentary on Mordechai relates to Family Day On Monday, February 21, families in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan will enjoy a day off from work and school to celebrate Family Day. This Family Day marks the fourth year since the government of Ontario adopted our most recent and atypical holiday.

It is also interesting that Family Day weekend coincides with Purim Katan, celebrated during a leap year in the Jewish calendar. The actual Purim celebration is on the 14th day of the second month of Adar, but we do observe the 14th of Adar 1 as a minor Purim. What’s even more interesting, however, is the tremendous lesson we learn from Megilat Esther regarding family relationships, which will hopefully better enable us to appreciate Family Day. As Rabbi Yissocher Frand has written: “The last verse in the Megilah reads, ‘For Mordechai, the Jew, was viceroy to King Achashverosh; he was a great man among the Jews, and found favor with the multitude of his brothers; he sought the good of his people and spoke with peace to all his posterity.’

“The Ibn Ezra makes two very interesting comments on this verse. On the phrase “he found favour with the multitude (literally the majority) of his brothers,” he says it is unlikely that a person will find favour with everyone, because people relate to others in many different ways and the likes of some repulse others. It is therefore practi-

From the pulpit Rabbi Ari Galandauer Young Israel cally impossible to be completely popular.

“Then the Ibn Ezra comments on the buildup of praises in the verse. The concluding and seemingly greatest praise is that ‘he spoke with peace to all his posterity.’

The Ibn Ezra comments that this means that he was on good terms with all his children and grandchildren.

“This seems anti-climactic. Is this the greatest thing we can find to say about Mordechai HaYehudi? The Ibn Ezra feels that this is indeed a great praise.

“Think of all the children and grandchildren that Mordechai had. Did each one turn out exactly like Mordechai would have wanted? If Mordechai would have wanted all his children and grandchildren to” become doctors “do we expect that that is the way it would have worked out?” Or if he wanted them all to study in university, or go into the family business, “do we expect that that is the way it would turn out?” Is it not likely that there were black sheep in his family as well?

“And yet, Mordechai spoke in peace to all his descendants. He was able to maintain a peaceful relationship with all his children and all his grandchildren. This, the Ibn Ezra tells us, is a great thing. Because of the natural fear that children have towards parents, it is not always true that there is a loving relationship between parents and children.

Therefore if Mordechai could maintain such a relationship, this is indeed the highest accolade that the Torah can offer him.”

We do our best when it comes to raising our children “and we have certain ideals and standards of how we would like our children to be.” Life does not always turn out exactly how we planned. “But we should always strive to maintain relationships where we can,” so that when Family Day 2012 comes around, we’ll be that much closer to understanding and appreciating, why it’s the highest accolade the Torah can offer.

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

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

© copyright 2011 PUBLISHER: The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. EDITOR: Michael Regenstreif PRODUCTION MANAGER: Brenda Van Vliet BUSINESS MANAGER: Rhoda Saslove-Miller ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Seymour Diener, chair; Anna Bilsky; Stephen Bindman; Mark Buckshon; Jack Cramer; Diane Koven; Louise Rachlis; Michael Wollock.

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

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

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

email: bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 7

Will Egypt rise to democracy or fall to Islamism?

Like most news junkies, I’ve watched many hours of television coverage and read countless news articles and commentaries about the situation that has been unfolding in Egypt since January 25, when mass protesters clamouring for democracy, and for the immediate end to President Hosni Mubarak’s three-decade-long grip on power, began to assemble in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

Early in the protests, Mubarak vowed to finish his current term in office, but agreed not to stand for re-election in September.

This was not enough for the protesters, who remained determined not to give up as long as Mubarak remained in power.

Friday, February 4 was promoted by protest organizers as Mubarak’s Day of Departure and, indeed, many media outlets that morning were predicting Mubarak would be gone by day’s end.

He wasn’t.

It was widely expected that Mubarak would step down on February 10. Instead, he went on television and made a long speech in which he defiantly promised to finish his term. Suddenly, the next day, his resignation was announced, the army had assumed transitional power, and the protests in Tahrir Square, and throughout the country, turned into celebrations.

Editor Michael Regenstreif Hopefully, the process of real democratization will now begin in Egypt.

It was hard not to sympathize with the Egyptian protesters.

Mubarak was a brutal dictator these past 30 years. All of the freedoms and rights we enjoy in Western democracies like Canada, the United States and Israel were denied the Egyptians.

There was no free press, there was no free vote in elections, people faced torture and imprisonment without trial, and corruption was rampant. In a country where poverty is the norm, the Mubarak family is worth, according to estimates, upwards of $70 billion.

According to many security experts, the best hope for a positive outcome – a transition to democracy – was Mubarak’s early departure. And now that that has happened, we will watch anxiously to see how the situation develops.

The Egyptian people demonstrating in

Tahrir Square seemed anxious for real democracy. Their movement did not seem to have been motivated by Islamism or anti-Zionism.

A democratic Egypt would be in Israel’s best interest and would likely maintain the state of peace – as cold as it may be – that has endured since Mubarak’s predecessor, Anwar Sadat, and Israel’s then-prime minister, Menachem Begin, signed the first ArabIsraeli peace treaty in 1979.

Israelis recognize that.

Sallai Meridor, Israel’s former ambassador to the United States, wrote in a February 10 Washington Post op-ed, “If a real democracy, committed to the values of freedom and peace, were to emerge in Egypt, Israelis would overwhelmingly support it.”

But, as I’ve written before, nothing is simple in the Middle East.

While U.S. President Barack Obama has promised the Americans will stand by Egypt as it transitions to democracy, many Israeli pundits and pro-Israel advocates have expressed deep fears that the democracy movement in Egypt could well fail and lead to a takeover by the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood.

Almost certainly, such an outcome would be disastrous for Israel and for the

peace process. And, if history is any indicator, it would also be disastrous for the Egyptian people, as an Islamist regime – witness Iran since 1979 – would be undoubtedly as brutal, if not more so, as Mubarak’s long reign has been.

It is often pointed out that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. As I continue to watch the events in Egypt unfold, it is with the hope that, soon, this will no longer be the case.

Iranium revisited The threatened protests that caused Library and Archives Canada officials to cancel the Free Thinking Film Society’s screening of Iranium on January 18 did not materialize when the film finally was shown to a sold-out audience on February 6; a much larger audience, no doubt, than the film would have attracted before the Iranian Embassy turned the screening into a major media event.

If you missed the screening, Iranium is being shown for “free online for a limited time,” at iraniumthemovie.com.

Not only is it a stark reminder of the threats posed by a nuclear Iran, given the unfolding events in Egypt, it is also a warning of what can happen when a democracy movement fails.

Social media when we were kids – and now Here’s what we used to do when we were kids, way back before the dawn of recorded history.

We’d get on the phone with each other and sit in our separate homes, watching TV. For hours, especially if there was a game on.

Long stretches would go by without a word being exchanged. Then something would happen in the game. A goal, maybe. Or a home run. Depending on the game.

And then we’d say something like, “Yesssss, nice goal!” Or we’d talk for a stretch about the dream trade we hoped for.

Or we’d talk about other things, unrelated to the action on the screen. As the game or, maybe, the sitcom, unfolded before our eyes, we’d talk about friends. Or about school. Or about members of the opposite sex.

For hours.

That’s what we did when we were kids. Way back when.

Kids these days – they don’t do that anymore. Or maybe they do. Except they do it with more than one person at a time.

And they use their mobile phones or their laptops. They text each other or chat online or update their statuses. Or comment on someone else’s status.

Same idea, I guess.

Alan Echenberg Tweeting the Super Bowl A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to the home of friends for a Super Bowl party.

I was running a little late and missed the first few minutes of the game.

A quick glance at my mobile phone’s Twitter feed, though, and I knew exactly what was going on – the score, the play-byplay, that Christina Aguilera flubbed a line of the national anthem during the opening ceremony.

When I walked into that party, it was like I had been there all along – minus the spending-time-with-other-people part, of course.

Then, when the Black Eyed Peas performed during the Super Bowl halftime show, not only did I know how everyone at the party felt about the group’s performance, I also knew instantly the critical reactions of a whole bunch of journalists across the continent, of at least one Canadian cabinet minister, and of a handful of Hollywood stars.

The consensus, by the way, was that only Axl Rose should attempt to sing Guns N’ Roses songs.

I follow about 300 people on Twitter – not a particularly large number by most standards – but, whenever there is some kind of big sporting, cultural or news event, I can depend on getting instant reactions from a good chunk of them.

Sometimes the reaction is “Yesssss, nice goal!”

Takes me back.

Social media and Egypt When Egyptians began to take to the streets last month, demanding the ouster of long-time President Hosni Mubarak, one of the first things Mubarak’s regime did to try to quell the protest was shut down Internet and mobile phone access to the country’s citizens.

The aim, it seemed, was to prevent protestors from communicating with each other and from organizing themselves through social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, not to mention e-mail and texting.

The move failed. With the help of people around the world, Egyptians were able to find ways to communicate to the outside world via social media, online video and more.

The same way one could follow the reactions of celebrities to the Super Bowl playby-play, one could get a moment-by-mo-

ment view of the goings-on in Cairo by following journalists tweeting from the scene, or ordinary Egyptians finding ways to get their news out somehow.

It works the same way whether the topic is trivial or life-and-death.

In the case of Egypt, some went so far as to say social media itself was partly responsible for the uprising – that without Twitter and Facebook and YouTube, Egyptians wouldn’t have attempted to rise up against the regime.

Well-known writer Malcolm Gladwell has been widely criticized for suggesting social media is not as important as some say in these situations.

On Egypt, Gladwell wrote, “Please. People protested and brought down governments before Facebook was invented. They did it before the Internet came along. Barely anyone in East Germany in the 1980s had a phone ...”

For his views, Gladwell was pilloried online. One commentator tweeted, “Malcolm Gladwell on Egypt still doesn’t get it!! … Yes regimes fell before Twitter, but now they fall faster.”

Maybe the final word on the matter goes to comedian Jon Stewart: “If two speeches and a social media site [are] all we needed to spread democracy, then why did we invade Iraq? Why didn’t we just, I don’t know, poke them?”

Page 8 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Mailbag Young people and excessive drinking I applaud Benita Siemiatycki for bringing to light the important issue of “young people not getting the message about excessive drinking” (Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, January 24). As a young adult, I agree that this topic may need some attention and that we, as young adults, need to make responsible decisions.

The author used the example of the recent tragedy in Montreal in which Matthew Besner tragically died. As a family friend, and someone who knew Matthew as a child, I take exception to the implication that his death was caused by excessive alcohol. There was a lot of media attention surrounding this case and, although the autopsy results were not released, it was made clear by friends and family that alcohol was not the issue.

Matthew was a responsible, caring and thoughtful young man and his death affected all who knew him. We should remember him as such and respect the family wishes for privacy in their time of grief.

Jessica Gluss Excessive drinking; emerging generation I would like to make comments about two columns in the January 24 issue of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin. First, I would like to commend Benita Siemiatycki for her message about excessive drinking by young people. I was talking about her column with my niece, a Carleton student active in Hillel Ottawa, the Jewish student organization. She said that Hillel Ottawa often has pub nights, including pub nights in Hull so that students too young to drink in Ontario can drink in Quebec.

Perhaps it’s time our Jewish organizations stop offering programs that encourage the kind of excessive drinking by young people that Benita refers to.

Second, in regard to the Federation Report about the emerging generation of Jewish leaders, I would suggest there is nothing new in younger generations viewing Judaism and its practices differently from previous generations. Everything in the Report, except the references to Facebook and Twitter, could have been said at almost anytime in the past 300 years. Every new movement, from Chasidism to Reform to Conservative, even Zionism, has been the result of people viewing Judaism differently from previous generations.

Dani Schwartz

Canadian Jewish Congress As a past chair of Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) Pacific Region and a past chair of the CJC national executive, I would like to share my views on the reorganization being proposed for the group of organizations that serve as the advocacy arm of the Canadian Jewish community.

First, let me say that anything done in secrecy will most likely be viewed with suspicion by the people most affected. I include myself in this group.

Second, and most importantly, if CJC is disbanded and advocacy is decided, organized and led by an appointed board of directors, democracy is dead. We should not forget that the only organization in Canada representing the Jewish community, guided by policies which were publicly debated and decided upon by a democratic vote, is CJC. If this reorganization is allowed to be completed as described in the various reports I have read over the past few weeks, our community will be run by a small group of individuals who will not be accountable to anyone but themselves and who will not be obligated to either listen to, or take seriously, any opinion from any other person in the community; so much for democracy and for open debate. This is one sure way of disenfranchising the Jewish general public and removing any interest in becoming a volunteer.

Should this reorganization take place, we will soon have a bureaucratic quasi-government community organization, funded by our individual donations, but without any obligation to listen to what we have to say. The consequences that will have on fundraising should be given very serious consideration.

One further point: From its inception, CJC became a highly respected non-profit organization whose views are listened to with care at all levels of government and by other nonprofit groups, and which is a respected partner in the family of multi-ethnic community groups.

I will not forget hearing, on many occasions, from leaders of other cultural NGOs about how much they had learned from watching how CJC represented the Jewish community and did not shy away from speaking out on issues of justice and humanity that helped to improve life in Canada for all citizens. From simply a marketing perspective, this change would be a very expensive and not necessarily positive outcome. Consider-

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

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

The Mailbag column will be published as space permits.

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

bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com ing what costs will be required for severance to long-term employees, the expense to disband, reorganize the community administration, and possibly to get out of leases, all to be funded by donated dollars, I challenge the group who is in favour of this to justify the cost.

Renee Switzer Eternal Jewish tenets Rabbi Steven Garten is to be congratulated for stating what so many have refused to acknowledge (From the Pulpit, January 24). That Israel has security concerns that are paramount goes without saying. That Israel has displayed ethical shortcomings is usually left unsaid. That these ethical shortcomings are the antithesis of what most members of the North American Jewish community regard as essential human rights merits acknowledgement and rectification. Human rights and security are not mutually exclusive.

If we, as Jews, expect to rent an apartment only to be denied because of race, what would be our response? If we choose to take a bus, but are refused or forced to sit at the back because of our sex, would it be tolerated? If our government were to side with genocide-deniers, would we be silenced? If repressive regimes are faced with democratic rebellion, would it be just to side with the regime and not the will of the repressed?

The rabbis in Israel who supported the appeal to not rent to Israeli Arab citizens are still on government payrolls. In Jerusalem, women on some bus routes are either denied entry or are forced to take segregated buses or sit at the back. Israeli government leaders, many of whom survived or are related to those who have survived the Holocaust, have sided with Turkey in denying that genocide ever took place in Armenia. As this is being written, democratic pulses are streaming through the streets of Cairo and Alexandria, while the Israeli government pines for its dictatorial ally.

Very often, what we regard as ethically self-evident in Judaism is shoved into a dark corner in our concern for the safety and security of a beloved and often insecure Israel. It is time to realize Israel’s greatest security will come when its adherence to human rights serves as a beacon for all its inhabitants, religious and secular, male and female, Arab, Christian or Jew. Let Israel’s armour be its light unto nations not its tattered quilt of moral excuses and justifications.

Thank you, Rabbi Garten, for bringing this important issue to our attention.

Brian Rothberg Chabad Hebrew School (1) The letter by Elaine Vininsky (Chabad Hebrew School, January 24) is disappointing.

It is unusual to read criticism of a Jewish school due to its success, and to denigrate the school the way she did is not very community minded.

To follow the writer’s logic, there should be only one Hebrew school, and only one synagogue in all of Ottawa. Any others would be “at the expense” of those two institutions.

Ottawa Torah Centre (OTC) Chabad is not subtracting from the community. It is adding and contributing to the community, through its shul, its Hebrew school, and many other events in which it participates, or which it originates, throughout the year.

Perry Medicoff Chabad Hebrew School (2) We are writing in response to Elaine Vininsky’s letter regarding the Chabad Hebrew School.

Our children have been attending the OTC Chabad Hebrew School program since its inception. The program was established as a result of a group of parents approaching Rabbi Menachem and Dina Blum and requesting that they initiate a new school program that would better suit our needs and expectations.

Our children have thoroughly enjoyed their Hebrew school experience throughout the years and feel a real connection with their religion as a direct result of the programming and method of teaching offered by the Chabad Hebrew School.

Our kids are former students at the Ottawa Talmud Torah Afternoon School (OTTAS), which provides us a perspective of both programs. Unfortunately, the programming at OTTAS did not meet our needs and we were looking for different alternatives that were available in the Ottawa area.

We are very fortunate for the programming our children have received at the Chabad Hebrew School. Our children are proud to be Jewish and feel a real connection to the Jewish community.

The Chabad Hebrew School program should be viewed as an extension of the Ottawa Jewish education experience. In addition, this program reaches out to a group of families to help the Jewish community grow in the right direction and connect to the next generation.

David and Stacey Young AJA 50+ Chanukah party Thank you for the photo of me and my guitar at the recent AJA 50+ Chanukah party (Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, January 24). In spite of the information supplied to you, and as flattering as it was to me, I wasn’t the only person who performed that afternoon.

My friend, Joel Yan, had invited me to help him sing and strum, and to accompany Alison James on piano, Stephen Shapransky on percussion, and Aharon Zohar on accordion and clarinet. I even had a chance to do the same for Ellen Asherman and several of her Shiru Lach Choir singers.

Yes, I feel 10-and-a-half feet tall because of the photo and caption. Still, if I am worthy of being mentioned, the rest are at least equally deserving, if not more so.

David Michaelson

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 9

Canada working to reform Palestinian Authority justice sector

Advertorial

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND More than trees 613.798.2411

(Continued from page 1)

Brian Pearl president

Ottawa JNF 2010/2011 Tu Bi’Shevat Telethon: Thank you for your support

By Oliver Javanpour for Brian Pearl Today, JNF and its partners must grapple with the challenge of balancing the phenomenal growth and development Israel has experienced in the last decade with the maintenance of an ecologically sound environment. JNF has been increasingly responsive to the rapidly evolving needs of the country. We have created new water resources, including finding alternative techniques for utilizing waste water, as well as brackish and flood water sources, and tackling soil conservation issues and river restoration. With today’s technological advances, JNF’s role as guardian of the land becomes ever more critical.

This year’s Tu Bi’Shevat Telethon focused solely on the Emergency Appeal to recover from the devastation caused by the massive forest fires on Mount Carmel in Haifa.

Tragically, 44 lives were lost and more than 12,000 acres of trees have been destroyed. Local wildlife habitats are also under threat as thousands of birds and animals were killed. A Herculean effort will be required on the part of JNF/KKL to clean up and replant this vital green lung around Haifa. This effort will take many years to complete with the best scientific approach available to JNF. With your help and support, we will accomplish this and restore this green jewel in the crown of Haifa, Israel’s third largest city.

Due to the enormity of the need, the Telethon started early this year, under the very able leadership of Co-Chairs Jane and Martin Gordon. It began with a small group of dedicated volunteers making calls during December and January, and culminated with an all-day effort on Sunday, January 23 with the generous assistance of Regional Realty who provided their offices for our use. On this day, four shifts of volunteers spent their valuable free time calling for donations to JNF. On behalf of JNF Ottawa, I want to thank all of you who volunteered and all of you who supported us and answered our call. The work of phoning our many donors in the Ottawa Jewish community depends on the help of numerous volunteers. Each year, Ottawa responds with singular generosity, and JNF is very grateful for your ongoing support.

If our callers were not able to reach you on January 23, you will still have an opportunity in the coming weeks to donate. We will make follow-up calls during a mop-up session with the help of a call centre in Israel that we have used successfully for the past three years. You can also call the JNF Ottawa office at 613-798-2411 to make your donation. Since 1901, JNF has planted more than 240 million trees across the State of Israel, covering more than 250,000 acres. Please respond generously, if you have not already done so.

Abbas previously has done in Israel.

Cotler reported that Abbas reacted favourably to the idea of designating “one or two” Palestinians to be part of the Inter-parliamentary Coalition for Combating Anti-Semitism. He said Abbas expressed regret that he couldn’t attend the coalition’s conference last November in Ottawa, although he did send a statement.

Similarly, Cotler related that Netanyahu was pleased by the adoption of the Ottawa Protocol at the conference and indicated his desire to attend the next one.

Things are “proceeding apace,” Cotler said, in efforts by Canada to reform the PA’s justice sector, efforts, he noted, that he’s pleased to see continuing under the Conservative government.

Cotler would like to revive the idea of holding a “justice summit” for justice ministers from interested nations, a project he began after becoming justice minister in 2003, but which

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is flanked by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Jerusalem, Sept. 15, 2010. Abbas is expected to visit Canada to meet with Jewish (JTA photo) leaders within the next six months.

never saw the light of day when the Liberals were defeated in 2006.

On the peace process, Cotler said he emphasized to both Abbas and Netanyahu the importance of direct negotiations without preconditions on the overriding issues

Pro-Mubarak supporters target journalists as ‘Jews’ (JTA) – Pro-Egyptian government counter-protesters in Cairo screamed “Jew!” at foreign journalists, apparently spurred by Egyptian state TV accusations that Israeli spies are behind the protests.

“Egyptian state television has actively tried to foment the unrest by reporting that ‘Israeli spies’ on the unrest have infiltrated the city, which explains why many of the gangs who attack reporters shout ‘Yehudi!,’” Al Jazeera said in a website report, February 3.

The report documented increasing attacks on foreign journalists.

The United States condemned such attacks and called on the Mubarak regime to rein them in.

Sefer Bar Mitzvah Inscription Barry Baker, on this landmark occasion, by your good family friends, Myrna and Norman Barwin.

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).

of security and borders.

“I said [former Egyptian president Anwar] Sadat and [former Israeli prime minister Menachem] Begin made peace because of direct and sustained negotiations,” Cotler related. “There were no Europeans, no interna-

tional community, no Americans.”

A deal was achieved then and is possible now, Cotler believes, because each leader has the capacity to “carry the country” with a deal in hand and is “looking for his place in history.”

Page 10 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Visit our web site: www.hillellodge.ca

LL

ife at the odge

Our Outstanding Patrons From its relatively modest beginning as a basic long-term care home in downtown Ottawa, Hillel Lodge has become the state-of-the-art facility on the Jewish Community Campus that we know today. Where there were once 29 beds (an exciting achievement for our community back in 1965), there are now 100, with 21 more to come. The Ontario government – which must commit to fund beds before we can actually provide them – recently agreed to fund those needed new beds. For this to happen, an unfinished part of Hillel Lodge needs infrastructure work. Construction will start later this year.

Yes, there is much to look forward to, but, in doing so, we have to look back and say thank you to the many, many people in the community who have made financial contributions over the years to help make the Lodge what it is today. Among them are those who made significant individual financial contributions. We call them our “Outstanding Patrons,” a group of extraordinary people with remarkable stories of giving and caring.

Bess Greenberg, who died in 2006, was well and hearty to the end of her most remarkable hundred years. There was no silver spoon for her. Her husband Moe died suddenly at 45, and Bess had three daughters to raise, the youngest only three. She had a livelihood to earn with a Grade 9 education.

Thus begins the fairytale-like story of how Bess Greenberg became a self-made success. She sold the family grocery store and began to work at a relative's law firm, learning bookkeeping, acBess Greenberg counting, and then about investing in real estate. With good guidance, and with her own "good smarts," Bess made a lot of money. Family members say her “good Jewish soul” led her to share her good fortune with the community. She gave to many community causes, she gave to her Synagogue and she gave $1 million to Hillel Lodge. For her, giving was automatic, no question, and no debate. Her name and Moe’s are forever attached to Hillel Lodge, now called The Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge.

Inez Zelikovitz is one of Ottawa's outstanding living philanthropists.

During their many years together, she and her late husband Joe made giving to charity central to their lives. Hillel Lodge has always been the closest to her heart. She says that “elderly people, unable to live on their own, need help so they can make their last stand with respect and dignity.” Mrs. Zelikovitz speaks from firsthand experience: Joe died of

Alzheimer's, after suffering from the disease for 10 years.

In 1998, the province gave the Lodge the green light to build our current facility. That significantly upgraded residence would provide much improved care for people like Joe Zelikovitz. Inez committed $1 million to the building of the new home and the facility was named the Joseph and Inez Zelikovitz Long Term Care Centre. She also established a Charitable Remainder Trust, reserving another million dollars with the Lodge as her beneficiary; and further committed that Inez Zelikovitz all monies left over (the residual) in (Photo: Robin Chernick) her estate would go to the Lodge.

Shalom Perel’s story is a special one, not really well known. Mr. Perel immigrated to Canada from Russia, first to Montreal and then to Ottawa. After graduating from Carleton University, he began working for Statistics Canada, where he spent his working life. Shalom was an ordinary kind of gentleman who went about his life productively and quietly. He never married, had no family in Canada. Years after retirement, he found himself in need of additional assistance and he wanted to go to a Jewish Home with Kosher food. He moved to the original Hillel Lodge in 1997, and died a year later.

The day before his death, the province gave its go-ahead to build our current facility. No one knew that, in his will, Mr. Perel had left us $1.3 million. He had never talked about it, never even hinted at it, had never given anyone any reason to believe he had anything close to a million dollars, let alone what he might do with it.

Hillel Lodge's President's Award of Merit, the highest honour the Lodge has to bestow, was renamed the Shalom Perel President's Award of Merit. The Award of Merit goes to people who make a lasting contribution to Hillel Lodge, quietly and behind the scenes.

Toda Rabbah and Yasher Koach to our Outstanding Patrons and Shalom Perel their families.

If you want to make a difference in people’s lives (including your own), give volunteering at Hillel Lodge a try. The time commitment can range from a few hours per month to regular weekly or bi-weekly visits. To become a volunteer, please contact Marilyn Adler, our Manager of Recreation and Volunteer Programs.

Hillel Lodge is proud of the quality care we provide to our residents. To make a donation, please contact the Long-Term Care Foundation at (613) 728-3900 extension 111 or e-mail us at donations@hillel-ltc.com.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 11

SJCC to celebrate Purim season with comedian Joel Chasnoff and mentalist Haim Goldenberg

By Pamela Rosenberg Soloway JCC The spotlight shines brightly at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (JCC) in March as two big name entertainers take centre stage.

Stand-up comedian/author Joel Chasnoff (March 6) and mentalist Haim Goldenberg (March 13) make their Ottawa debuts and showcase their incredible talents as part of the Soloway JCC’s Purim celebrations.

“Purim is a time of inversion, when normal things are turned upside down,” explains Penni Namer, Vered Israel Program Manager. “A mentalist and a comedian really connect with the fun, carnival atmosphere of Purim.”

And what better way to bring fun to the holiday than with the comedy of Joel Chasnoff – Jewish comedy redefined. His clever, sharp and never degrading act appeals to a wide spectrum of people from college kids to U.S. Marines to yeshiva students.

Definitely not your grandfather’s Jewish comedian, his act is a hilarious mix of personal anecdotes and keen observational humour centred on the absurdity of modern American life, and not the “Oy vey, my mother-in-law” shtick of a different generation.

Mentalist Haim Goldenberg brings his act to the Soloway JCC, March 13.

His take on the bar mitzvah years is a hilarious look at the pressure endured by 13-year-olds.

“At 16, you can drive in America, 18 you can vote, 21 you can drink, but at 13,

in Judaism, you’re a man.

You talk like Mickey Mouse, but you’re a man.”

He pokes fun at how, during the most awkward stage in a child’s life, we take hundreds of pictures to

What’s happening at

Congregation Beth Shalom Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m.

Rashi on the Torah with Rabbi Scott Rosenberg

1st Sunday of each Month 10:30 a.m. Critical Thinkers of the Conservative Movement with Rabbi Scott Rosenberg Thursday Evenings at 7:30 p.m.

Israeli Dancing with Hannah Bernstein

Watch for more upcoming events Watch for more upcoming events

Everyone Everyoneis is Welcome!

Welcome!

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

capture the moment.

“Grab your cameras,” he sarcastically quips. “I’ve got zits, braces, a peach fuzz moustache, and I speak like a frog.”

Chasnoff remembers his favourite thing about going to sleep-over camp was the night before, “staying up all night ironing your name on every article of clothing.

God forbid you should lose a sock over the summer.”

And, an incident at the airport has the stand-up reminiscing about the time he tried to explain tefillin to airport security.

“How do you explain eight-feet-long leather straps to people who believe in moral values? They asked me, ‘Do you use this in the bedroom?’ and I said only if I can’t find nine other men.”

Chasnoff is the author of The 188th Crybaby Brigade: A Skinny Jewish Kid from Chicago Fights Hezbollah, the story of how a 24-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate, living in Brooklyn, decides to make good on his dream of giving back to Israel and voluntarily enlists in the Israeli army, a lone American in a platoon of 18-year-old Israelis.

For a preview of his act, check out joelchasnoff.com.

A portion of the proceeds

from Chasnoff’s performances and book royalties are donated to his foundation, Project Elijah, which funds humanitarian causes.

Recently, Project Elijah sent 100 children from low-income families in New York City to the circus.

Israeli-born mentalist Haim Goldenberg is another not-to-be-missed performer this Purim season at the Soloway JCC. Goldenberg has travelled the world wowing audiences with his wit and inviting them to discover the human mind by way of ESP, autosuggestion, telepathy and a host of other phenomena. He has driven blindfolded in heavy traffic through Toronto and Tel Aviv, he has done trans-Atlantic mind readings and he has stopped his pulse in front of stunned doctors at a children’s hospital.

The star of the Gemininominated series GoldMind on the Mystery channel, he made his first foray into the world of mentalism at the age of six after seeing a performance by Israeli mentalist Uri Geller. It took two years of daily ritual mind exercise and control, but he eventually mastered his first feat of bending spoons.

Goldenberg has showcased his unbelievable tal-

ent on such TV shows as The Hour, Canada AM and Entertainment Tonight Canada, as well as on GoldMind.

GoldMind is a fast-paced show featuring a series of extraordinary experiences dealing with such themes as fears and phobias, intuition, relationships, memory and more.

Visit goldmindshow.com for a preview.

The Comedy of Joel Chasnoff takes place Sunday, March 6, 7:30 pm.

Tickets are $25 (general admission) and $180 per couple (patrons). Patron tickets include a private reception with the comedian, where he will speak about his book and his experience in the Israel Defense Forces, and reserved seats for the show.

For more information, contact Soloway JCC Adult Program Manager Roslyn Brozovsky Wollock at 613-798-9818, ext. 254 or rwollock@jccottawa.com.

Haim Goldenberg takes the stage Sunday, March 13, 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20.

For more information, contact Vered Israel Cultural and Educational Program Manager Penni Namer at 613-798-9818, ext. 243 or pnamer@jccottawa.com.

Tickets for both shows are available at the Soloway JCC front desk.

Building Successful Relationships Successful planning is about more than investments. It’s about you, your family and your future. It’s about changes in your circumstances, your goals and in the marketplace. It’s also about finding a trusted advisor to help set your course.

I’ve been privileged to be that partner for numerous individuals and families, and I’d welcome the opportunity to be the same for you.

Call me to schedule a no-obligation meeting at your convenience. I will work hard to earn your trust and confidence through a personalized, knowledgeable approach to investment planning.

Brian Aarenau Raymond James Ltd. B.A., M.M.S. (Finance) 750-45 O’Connor Street Financial Advisor Ottawa, Ont K1P 1A4 (613) 369-4610

brian.aarenau@raymondjames.ca Raymond James Ltd., member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

www.raymondjames.ca/brianaarenau

Page 12 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

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 January 19 and February 2, 2011 inclusive.

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

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

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

Bill and Leona Adler Memorial Fund In Memory of: Myer Goldin by Marilyn Adler, Daniel and Neil Blacher Miriam Rapoport by Marilyn Adler Jenny and Murray Citron Endowment Fund In Memory of: Beloved mother of Paul Pearl by Murray Citron Friedberg and Dale Families Fund In Honour of: Rabbi Zischa and Mrs. Lauren Shaps Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter

by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale In Memory of: Myer Goldin by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale Miriam Kage by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale Malcolm and Vera Glube Endowment Fund In Honour of: Ben Gerstein Best wishes and love on your special birthday by Vera and Malcolm Glube

Nell Gluck Memorial Fund In Memory of: Myer Goldin by Henry and Maureen Molot Abe Arnold by Henry and Maureen Molot Gae Golding by Henry and Maureen Molot, Edie and Shahar Moe Greenberg and Elissa Greenberg Iny Fund In Honour of: Cindy Engel Love and best wishes on the birth of your grandson by Elissa and Avi Iny Gunner Family Fund In Memory of: Myer Goldin by Sol and Estelle Gunner David, Harvey, Victor Kardish Family Fund In Memory of: Myer Goldin by Sheryl and Harvey Kardish and family Miriam Rapoport by Sheryl and Harvey Kardish and family R’Fuah Shlema to: David Rapoport by Sheryl and Harvey Kardish and family Morris and Lillian Kimmel Family Fund R’Fuah Shlema to: Harvey Slipacoff by Morris Kimmel Elayne Adler by Kimmel, Kaiman and Levine families Joan and Russell Kronick Family Fund In Honour of: Myra and Lester Aronson Mazal tov on your 40th wedding anniversary by Joan and Russell Kronick Arlene and Norm Glube Mazal tov on the birth of your grandson by Joan and Russell Kronick.

In Memory of: John Holzman by Joan and Russell Kronick Beloved Grandmother of Lorraine Levinson by Joan and Russell Kronick Bill and Phyllis Leith Family Endowment Fund In Honour of: Steven Mariasine Congratulations on be-

coming a C.A. by David, Lisa, Sydney and Zachary Leith Irma and Harold Sachs Family Fund In Memory of: Miriam Rapoport by Irma Sachs Schachter-Ingber Family Fund In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Wolfe Ingber by Rachel Schachter Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Family Fund In Memory of: Myer Goldin by Debra and Stephen Schneiderman Eric Weiner and Arlene Godfrey Family Fund In Memory of: Myer Goldin by Arlene Godfrey and Eric Weiner; and by Miriam and Louis Weiner Feeding Program Fund In Honour of: Myra and Lester Aronson Mazal tov on your 40th wedding anniversary by Anna and Ronny Cantor Ritual Fund In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Sam Gitterman (5 Tevet) by Belle Gitterman Therpeutics Fund In Memory of: Miriam Rapoport by Joanna and Ira Abrams Myer Goldin by Joanna and Ira Abrams; and Barb and Jeffrey, Melanie, Minh and Kayla, Allison and Brandon Farber R’fuah Shlema: David Rapoport by Joanna and David Rapoport

*************** IN HONOUR OF: Sidney Finkelman Best wishes on your 80th birthday and many, many more happy and healthy ones by Shirley Seiler Sue Potechin In appreciation for your help in setting up the account by Minda and Peter Wershof Stephen Senman In appreciation for your help in setting up the account by Minda and Peter Wershof Mark Shore Congratulations on your milestone birthday by Barb and Joel Diener.

Marion Silver In honour of your 62nd birthday by Monica Rosenthal Lisa and Harold Sandell Mazal tov on

the marriage of Eli to Rochel by Ed and Janice Fine Rachael Shore Mazal tov on your engagement to Kyle Dunningan with much love

by Grammy and Zaidie Corey Sauve Mazal tov on your way on becoming a new entrepreneur with much love by Grammy and Zaidie Isabel Cameron In honour of your 90th birthday by Monica Rosenthal IN MEMORY OF: Emile Benlolo by Bonnie and Bruce Engel; and by Chevy and Arnie Fine Myer Goldin by the LTC Foundation, Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; by Joy and Eric Weisbloom; by the Ottawa B’nai Brith Bowling League; by Cindy Cherry; by Audrey and Irwin Kreisman; by Benita Siemiatyki and Gary Katz; by Ingrid Levitz;

by Rhonda and Danny Levine; by Morag Burch; by Joanne and Irwin Igra and family;

by Marsha and Art Saper; by Carol and Larry Gradus; by Carol and Laurie Pascoe; by Sharon and Joel Edelson; by Audrey Morrison; by Evelyn and Howard Silverman;

by Irvin Hoffman; by Elissa Lieff, David, Zac and Kayla Resnick; by Louise and Elliot Finkelman; by Ellen Osterer; by Patty Haas;

by Barb and Joel Diener and family; by Shirley Zimmerman; by Erle, Analie, Kimberley and Erica Shier; by Enid and Jeff Gould; by Elizabeth and Jean Serge Richard;

by Julie Kanter and family; and by Barbara Fine and Steve Levinson Miriam Rapoport by Joy and Eric Weisbloom; by the Ottawa B’nai Brith Bowling League; by Natalie and Tom Gussman; by Irvin Hoffman; by Hamilton & Appotive LLP; by the Dubinsky Family; by Sharie Marcus and family; by Anna Bilsky and Peter Humber; by Shirley and Abe Farber; and by Shelley Theriault Bessie Taller by MAJ Group and Friends; and by Natalie and Tom Gussman; Brother-in-law Paul of Larry Gradus

by Ingrid Levitz Jeffrey Welsh by Janet and Norman Ironstone R’FUAH SHLEMA: David Rapoport by Evelyn and Howard Silverman and family Charles Rotenberg with much love by Uncle David and Auntie Debi Shore

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 – February 21, 2011 – Page 13

A s k u s a b o u t o u r $ 9 5 p e r d a y r at e f o r s h o r t - t e r m a c c o m m od at i on !

Duke of Devonshire

Lord Lansdowne

On Carling Avenue steps from the Civic Hospital

Overlooking Lansdowne Park And The Glebe On Bank Street

Suites Starting at $2950/month

Suites Starting at $2845/month

Call us today for your exclusive tour

THE

DakS^

(613) 721-8809 DukeofDevonshire.com

Treatment

Ask us about our FR EE Trans ition Coord inatio n Servic es

T

he Duke of Devonshire and the Lord Lansdowne…

two of Ottawa’s most exceptional assisted living retirement residences for discerning seniors who’ve earned the right to be pampered and live retirement life to the fullest.

Both of our assisted living retirement residences offer exquisitely appointed private suites and grand public spaces. Our highly trained and attentive professional staff are at your service around the clock to provide focused attention on your personal needs. We serve only the finest cuisine prepared fresh – morning, noon and night. And our onsite spa, fitness, recreation and entertainment facilities are the envy of the City. Get ready for the Royal Treatment.

A Dymon Company—Ottawa Owned. Ottawa Proud.

Call us today for your exclusive tour

(613) 230-9900 LordLansdowne.com

Page 14 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Student launches job-finding website for youth

By Ilana Belfer One morning, Corey Sauvé, a Jewish student at Carleton University, woke up with an idea: create a virtual community that specializes in finding jobs for youth. A yearand-a-half later, he is living out his dream.

“I thought, there’s Monster Jobs and there’s Workopolis. Why isn’t there a website for teens and youth to get jobs?” Sauvé said.

Out of the many business ideas he has proposed, Sauvé said this one received especially positive feedback and he knew he had to act on it.

“People aged 13 to 25 need jobs too and they’re kind of forgotten about.”

But, he said, creating a website is a long, tedious and expensive process. “It’s very hard to go into something by yourself. You need support.”

Sauvé found that support.

His mother, Suzi Shore Sauvé, the first person to hear his pitch for

Corey Sauvé (Photo: Ilana Belfer)

Teen-Jobz.com, is now CEO of the company, which has been incorporated under the name Teen-Jobz Nation Inc. So, with help from his mother and Rob Garby, a family friend and web designer, Teen-Jobz.com was developed.

The website works by having prospective employees – who must

be aged 13 to 25 – and potential employers to fill out forms specifying what they are looking for. Available hours, field of work and personality are all taken into account.

Then a search engine generates a list of compatible options based on percentage – a matchmaking system.

“It’s an efficient way for employers to search for employees and vice versa because they don’t have to waste their time searching through resumés or jobs that don’t fit what they’re looking for,” Sauvé said.

The questionnaire is one aspect of a member’s profile. Employers can also view applicants’ resumés and request interviews.

For youth, the website is free, while employers pay a membership fee.

However, non-profit organizations are exempt from the fee.

“We decided to give back,” Sauvé said. “We don’t accept their money.”

For example, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa recently signed up

with Teen-Jobz.com, and Sauvé said they will have a free membership for as long as they are a non-profit organization.

Although the website has been accessible since August, what Sauvé called “the grand opening,” the day the website became fully operational, was January 10.

It is also the day Teen-Jobz.com launched its advertising campaign on radio, Facebook, Twitter and OC Transpo buses.

OC Transpo riders may have noticed ads on buses back in October.

“They made a mistake and sent out the ads way too early,” Sauvé said.

The ads were removed after two days, but Sauvé said the error resulted in “huge positive feedback.”

About 200 young people signed up in that 48-hour period, he said.

Since the grand opening, Sauvé said hundreds of youth have signed on as new members and 40 to 50 jobs are now posted online. The site has already attracted more than 600

potential employees looking for jobs and 100 employers.

Sauvé said Teen-Jobz.com will soon expand to 11 cities across Canada, including Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver.

“I have a vision and that’s why I want to expand, because it’s been so great here so far,” Sauvé said, emphasizing that his marketing strategy will be an “on-ground” approach – a teen marketing team letting its friends and family know about the site.

Sauvé said he believed in the need for of the website and he “kind of knew” it would be a success.

Still, he expressed some initial concerns about not drawing enough people at the beginning.

“I didn’t have a fear of failure, but … for any business to start up, it takes patience, time, branding.

Eventually, your name’s out there,” he said.

For Sauvé, an aspiring entrepreneur, that day may be sooner than ‘eventually.’

Mom’s Night Out provides evening of respite

By Cynthia Nyman Engel for Jewish Youth Library When Friendship Circle’s Sigal Baray asked Cindy Feingold, the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin’s popular food columnist, to host a mid-January cooking demonstration for her Mom’s Night Out group, Feingold thought she’d focus on whole grains.

Baray, however, had other plans: baked goodies for Tu B’Shevat.

“So, out came the cookbooks, until I came up with three appropriate desserts,” said a smiling Feingold. “It was a real education for me, too.”

The event was both an education and a treat for the women who gathered for the cozy evening in Feingold’s kitchen. The group, mothers of special needs children and mothers of Friendship Circle volunteers, were sharing in a monthly Mom’s Night Out, sponsored by Friendship Circle.

Feingold greeted her students with pre-made samples of the lesson-to-come and then set about teaching the tricks of the trade. By evening’s end, the group knew how to create a spectacular fruitcake featuring seven different dried fruits, pistachios, almonds and pecans, and

how to make meneinas, an Egyptian cookie for which she prepared five different fillings.

“Meneinas are really yummy,” said Feingold. “Then I snuck in an oatmeal, score bar, chocolate chip and dried cherries cookie that was pretty yummy, too.”

Helen Leviant thoroughly enjoyed the evening out.

“Mom’s Night Out is wonderful,” she said. “It helps a lot because we are all mothers in the same boat.

We understand each other and the challenges we have every day. It’s nice to learn something new with

other women in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”

Sharon Liff agreed.

“The themes of these Mom’s Nights Out are always interesting, from painting to cooking,” Liff said.

“For two or three hours, you don’t have to worry about your family. You just relax and enjoy a respite with other mothers in similar situations.”

Friendship Circle co-ordinator Baray was delighted with the event.

“Cindy is an amazing workshop leader,” she said. “The cookies she made were very fancy, decorated cookies that look hard to make. But

Friendship Circle’s recent Mom's Night Out was a tasty gathering. Pictured (left to right): Ruthie Raz, Penny Giaccone, hostess Cindy Feingold, Jewish Youth Library Director Devora Caytak, Cheryl Schweitzer, Friendship Circle Co-ordinator Sigal Baray, Sharon Liff, Nataliya Portman, Jenny Karov, Barbara Grinfeld and Helen Leviant.

she showed us that making them isn’t difficult at all.”

Participants went home with several new recipes, kitchen tips, tummies full of those Tu B’Shevat baked goodies, and a gift box of dried fruits courtesy of their hostess.

“When you’re a parent of a special needs child, you need time away,” said Feingold. “A lot of the conversation was about the children.

Mom’s Night Out is about respite.

It’s a nice program.”

Friendship Circle was founded in 1994 by Lubavitch Foundation of Michigan to match teens with special needs children. Under the Friendship Circle initiative, teen volunteers visit and play with special needs children in the comfort and familiarity of their home environment, providing temporary childcare relief to parents and welcome playful interaction by the special needs children embraced by the program. In Ottawa, Friendship Circle functions under the umbrella of the Jewish Youth Library. Recently, a new program, Sunday Circle, was added for special needs children aged five to 19.

“The children participate in two hours of supervised activities on a Sunday while their moms go off to relax over coffee,” explained Baray.

“It has been very well received.”

For more information on the Friendship Circle, call Devora Caytak at 613-729-1619 or visit jylofottawa.org.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 15

Kids in the Kosher Kitchen

Children at Chabad of Centrepointe’s Kids in the Kosher Kitchen fundraiser, December 12, have a great time as they create a full dinner to raise funds for Jewish education in Ottawa.

Chabad Hebrew School students bake ‘Loaves of Love’

By Pherris Hamilton for OTC Chabad Hebrew School Students of the Ottawa Torah Centre’s Chabad Hebrew School (CHS) recently had a hands-on experience in learning what it means to get involved in our community and help others.

“At CHS, we are enthusiastic about the beautiful lessons that Judaism has to offer, and we hope to transmit that excitement to the children through handson learning, which is so impactful,” explains Dina Blum, director of Grade 5 and 6 students at Chabad Hebrew School display the program. their ‘Loaves of Love.’

As the students were learning a unit on Shabbat, they participated in gift-wrapped their ‘Loaves of Love’ for distrian activity called ‘Loaves of Love.’ They bution to the families. learned the art of our delicious, timeless tradi“It’s so nice to learn about our traditions tion of challah baking, including the six and, at the same time, help someone in need,” braids, with a twist of social action. Each stu- commented Rachel, a Grade 6 student at CHS. dent baked two loaves, one to enjoy at his or “It teaches you that being Jewish means to her own Shabbat table, and the other for think of the other people that are around you ‘love,’ for a local needy family. The students and to be helpful to them.”

Page 16 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 17

Irwin Cotler to speak at launch of Ottawa Jewish Lawyers Society

By Cory Olishansky and Rosalind Conway Ottawa Jewish Lawyers Society The Ottawa Jewish Lawyers Society (OJLS) is a new group for lawyers, judges, academics, students and others who identify with Judaism and are interested in a collegial setting to discuss legal topics. Our objective is to establish a large group of members and friends who meet regularly. The OJLS hopes to become a strong presence in both the Jewish and legal communities in Ottawa.

MP Irwin Cotler, a former justice minister and professor of law, will be the featured speaker at the OJLS inaugural event, a cocktail meet-and-greet

social at Prime 360, 433 Laurier Avenue West, on Tuesday, March 1, 7:00 pm. Admission is free and there will be a cash bar.

Cotler has taught at Harvard Law School and McGill University and he was a fellow at Yale Law School. He is considered to be an expert on international law and human rights law. As justice minister, Cotler worked on the AntiTerrorism Act. His topic will be The Iranian Four-Fold Threat: What’s to be Done?

The OJLS is very much in its formative stages. Membership is open to everyone in Ottawa, especially those in the Ottawa Jewish legal community, no matter what their connection to the

law or how recent that connection may be.

The inaugural meet-and-greet will be an opportunity for people in the Ottawa Jewish legal community to meet with this distinguished scholar and humanitarian, to enjoy the camaraderie of the bar, and to share with members of the OJLS any thoughts they may have about future events. Already under consideration are an early-bird breakfast event with a senior jurist and a more leisurely Shabbat dinner.

Anyone interested in attending the inaugural event, or becoming involved with the OJLS, is encouraged to contact the Ottawa Jewish Lawyers Society at OttawaJLS@gmail.com.

Former justice minister Irwin Cotler will speak at the inaugural event of the Ottawa Jewish Lawyers Society, March 1.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut organizers want your Israel photos

By Pamela Rosenberg Soloway JCC Whether it’s a bar mitzvah at the Western Wall, hiking up Masada or floating mud-covered in the Dead Sea, Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration organizers want pictures of you, your family and friends experiencing Israel.

As part of this year’s community-wide celebration event, organizers are gathering pictures to be used in a slide show that will run during the May 10 festivities at the Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park.

“I want people to feel like they are part of the celebration, and to showcase how we, here in Ottawa, are connected to Israel,” explains Vered Israel Educational Program Manager Penni Namer, who is hoping to collect hundreds of pictures representing our diverse community in Israel.

The only real criteria for the photos are that they actually look

like they were taken in Israel – we should be able to see from the picture that it’s Israel – and that they are sent electronically.

The Ottawa Kosher Food Bank will be a part of this year’s festivities and event organizers are calling on the community to help support the food bank by bringing non-perishable items or by making a donation.

“This is a good opportunity to involve the Ottawa Kosher Food Bank because we have such a large audience,” says event chair Penny Torontow. “What better way to bring the community together than to give back to such an important cause?”

The Ottawa Kosher Food Bank, located at Agudath Israel Congregation, has been helping to feed elderly, sick and jobless members of our community for 13 years. It currently assists 66 needy families, all of whom have been assessed and referred by Jewish Family Services. It

A group of Ottawa students in the Old City of Jerusalem during their Jerusalem Fellowships trip to Israel in summer 2010.

relies entirely on donations of money, food and the work of volunteers.

Israel’s 63rd birthday party will include exciting new children’s en-

tertainment, folk dancing and music, plus tons of fun for the entire community.

Email your photos to pnamer@jccottawa.com by March

31, collect your kosher food donations, and mark May 10, 5:00 pm, on your calendar for the biggest and best community-wide celebration of the year.

Chabad of Centrepointe to offer Shabbat cooking demonstration

By Helen Crawford for Chabad of Centrepointe Sitting down once a week, with family and friends, over a candlelit Shabbat dinner, and placing everyday life on pause for the Shabbat period, is a powerful and rich experience. It is both enjoyable for the body and fuel for the soul. When children share the joys and ahhs of their week, taste their mom’s most special foods and see the family be together, it’s all worth it. The look of peace, joy and serenity, coupled with steaming chicken soup, is one of the little secrets of Jewish survival.

On Wednesday, February 23, 7:00 pm, Chabad of Centrepointe will host an evening for women to gather and enjoy the sizzling delight of Shabbat cooking. The theme of the evening is Shabbat, An Island in Time, and women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to join the popular women’s cooking night with Bassy Mendelsohn.

Over the past eight years, Bassy has hosted many cooking demos for women to share her unique cooking style, creative techniques and traditional classics. The recipes are perfected from top kosher

cookbooks, some of her own tried and tested experiences and, of course, from her mom, Chaya Leah Berger.

Bassy has much experience as a gourmet chef, beginning as a young teen at home, to the kitchens of her married siblings, learning and mastering new styles and techniques. In her 20s, she has organized and catered many community events, bar and bat mitzvahs, and Shabbatons. It brings her much joy to share her culinary experience with friends, family and women in the community.

As women, we sometimes won-

der how to make Shabbat the highlight of the week for the entire family. Is it the food, decor or kosher wine? How do we make Shabbat an enjoyable experience for our children, a tradition they will continue to pass on? What is it that is so unique and compelling about Shabbat that makes our little children’s eyes sparkle with joy? How do we keep that joy intact throughout their entire lives?

Join Bassy for a hands-on evening to find out what really makes Shabbat so unique.

How do we turn Shabbat into a spiritual, emotional and physical

retreat? Is it really possible that, in a 25-hour period, we can allow our bodies to unwind, relax and refresh for the week ahead?

At this warm and delicious evening, you’ll learn how to create a delectable, simple, stress-free, gourmet Shabbat, and what’s behind the food.

Cost for the evening: $15 per person. There will be door prizes and a raffle for a kosher cookbook.

For more information, contact Bassy Mendelsohn at 613-224-7050 or bassy@chabadcentrepointe.com.

Visit Chabad of Centrepointe on the web at chabadcentrepointe.com.

Page 18 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 19

Kashrut and Jewish values redux In my community involvements, I am often faced with the question of whether Jewish values and everyday values are congruent.

In my September 15, 2008 Bulletin column, I wrote about the fundamental conflict I see between kashrut and most everything else I believe in when it comes to the ethics of food. I ended on an optimistic note, as I let readers know about a then-new initiative called Magen Tzedek (literally, seal of justice), a stamp the Conservative movement was developing to indicate that a kosher product also fulfils ethical labour, environmental and animal welfare standards; standards that the founders of Magen Tzedek believe are indeed embedded in Halachah.

But, now, I find myself more frustrated. While the Magen Tzedek initiative boasts a shiny new website, and I wholeheartedly applaud its efforts, it still has yet to have certified its first product – although the site declares that it expects to do so this year. And it is far from a household word. Similarly, eco-kashrut doesn’t seem to have caught on much beyond New York, where anything Jewish remains possible.

Of course, it’s not necessarily for me to point out the awful mess that fills many grocery carts across the continent. I leave that to path-breaking writers and tastemakers like food journalist and author Michael Pollan.

But I do think we should give some serious thought to the ethical food standards by which we require our community events to operate.

Last month, I attended a Jewish communal fundraising event. It was a wonderful evening: tasteful, inspiring and inculcating of a fantastic spirit of volunteerism. But we couldn’t eat from the ceramic plates the venue had in stock.

Though spotlessly clean and empty of any treif, they would not be deemed kosher by the strictest standards. Instead, we ate our brief meal on a giant pile of Styrofoam, while the china dishes sat undisturbed on the shelf next to us.

While I certainly think we should be inclusive and considerate of the dining requirements of all members of our community, I do think we need to re-evaluate the values that guide us when it comes to food.

Tradition wonderfully serves to gird a community and give meaning to new generations who can see themselves as links in a long chain of history. But, when it comes to global food issues, we’re no longer at the point where being kosher simply means forgoing the convenience of KFC. Food politics has become too important to be left to tradition alone.

Should all of our community-wide activities be automatically kosher to the strictest degree, even if this means the use of Styrofoam and plastic, and the ingestion of trans fats and antibiotic-addled beef? (And how many frighteningly unpronounceable ingredients are there in the pareve cakes we serve at community celebrations?) Could we figure out some new standard that would allow individuals who choose to keep strictly kosher to be accommodated under an umbrella that respects tradition and other ethical concerns?

This brings me to my struggle over the concept of values. Beyond adherence to Halachah, what is the actual content of Jewish values?

And, when we say values, do we really mean values, or do we mean practices?

This is the test I put to you today: if kashrut is actually a value (rather than simply a set of practices), how would you meaningfully describe the value beyond simply saying “thus God commanded?”

I certainly wish a high degree of Jewish literacy for my kids. I want them to be able to discuss Jewish law and standards from a position of knowledge. But I also want them to have a deep respect for animals, workers, their own bodies and the earth. And, sadly, we know that, in 21st century

North America, eating kosher often (though not always) forces us to bracket these other values.

Our God-fearing ancestors would have faced almost none of these trade-offs. For them, local, seasonal and organic would have been the norm. Industrial farming, pesticides, soda pop and trans fats would have been unimaginable artifacts of the future.

Apparently, there is a kosher section at the new Walmart in West Ottawa.

I am happy for my friends who keep kosher. But, ultimately, I cannot find myself feeling spiritually elevated by the thought that more imported, factory-farmed beef will be filling Ottawa’s Jewish plates.

I would be much more excited if I learned that our community events were going to be serving local, organic

Values, Ethics, Community Mira Sucharov grass-fed beef or free-range chicken (with a kosher certification, sure). For me, that would be truly spiritual. That would be Tikkun Olam. That would feel to me like a delisized portion of the kind of Jewish – and universal – values I truly care about.

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

Eighteen things you may not know about Tara Cogan Tara Cogan has lived in Ottawa for only five years, but she has done so much! She is a mom of two boys, has taught at the Ganon Preschool and is the co-ordinator of the new Family Life Centre at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre. The Family Life Centre is a new initiative designed to provide young families with a holistic approach to child care through parenting workshops, lectures and interactive classes for parents and children.

Tara is very excited about upcoming programs and encourages you to contact her at tcogan@jccottawa.com for more information.

Here are 18 things you may not know about Tara Cogan …

1. I was born and raised in Montreal. After university, I moved to Vancouver where I lived until moving to Ottawa in January 2006.

2. I once worked in construction and my favourite tool was my hammer.

3. I met my husband, James Cogan, at a Shabbat dinner at my aunt and uncle’s house in Vancouver. He was friends with my cousins as they had all gone to Western together.

4. I have never been to Israel. My fear of flying (especially for that great a distance) is the obstacle.

5. There is an 18-month age difference between me and my younger brother Jared, and 16.5 months between my sons Liam and Jasper.

6. The following books are currently on my nightstand: The Vegan Cook’s Bible, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and Still Alice.

7. When I was younger, I wanted to pretend I had straight hair instead of curly. So, from Grade 2 through Grade 8, my mother French-braided my hair every single morning to hide the curls!

8. I make special custom-designed cakes for my boys on their birthdays. They are elaborate labours-of-love. I recently taught myself how to work with fondant and even dyed it. My most recent creation was an Arsenal soccer cake for Liam’s eighth birthday.

9. I like to splurge on cookbooks.

10. James and I are quite spontaneous and once decided to go on a trip to Greece without researching ahead. When we arrived in March, the whole country was ‘closed’ as it was off-season! After two weeks, we gave up and went to New York City to meet our friend Kenny Ages’ new girlfriend, now his wife Tina. Tina and I have been very close friends ever since!

11. My Hebrew name is Rochel Yehudit after my mother’s two bubbies.

12. The most incredible concert I have ever been to was

18 things ...

Sarah Silverstein Phish at the beautiful, outdoor Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington.

13. I have not gone to see a movie alone with my husband since I was pregnant with Liam in 2002.

14. In 1990, I went to a pre-season Montreal Canadiens game, wearing the jersey of my all-time favourite player, Mike Keane, who was off with an injury and was not playing. I was overjoyed when he walked by me in the stands, tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I like your shirt!”

15. I love that, when my children were born, my parents bought them each a special menorah. Liam’s is a cityscape of buildings and Jasper’s is a collection of children.

16. James and I both love dogs and miss our beagle Cruise. We are now the proud owners of Wally, a two-yearold lovable Goldendoodle.

17. To relax, I love to go for long walks, ideally by a body of water.

18. My new hobby is the P90X work-out program, which is an extreme 90-day program on 12 DVDs. My goal is to complete all 90 days!

Tara and James Cogan with sons Liam and Jasper.

Page 20 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Israeli novel presents the ‘pain of war and the frustration of waiting for peace’ To the End of the Land

By David Grossman Translated from Hebrew by Jessica Cohen Knopf 592 pages A public debate took place, October 28, at Toronto’s Holy Blossom Temple, where left-leaning American journalist Peter Beinart and right-leaning American-Israeli Rabbi Daniel Gordis hashed out their competing views over Israel’s struggles. In answer to moderator Heather Reisman’s question of what North American Jews should be doing to constructively engage with Israel, Gordis replied: read David Grossman’s latest novel.

Why? Great national literature illuminates the deepest concerns of the members of the nation.

Grossman, one of the most prominent faces of Israel’s peace movement, has published a tour-de-force novel that cuts to the heart of the Israeli psyche, a novel that transcends political leanings.

Ora is the mother of two adult boys. Ofer, the younger of the two, has volunteered to join the call-up in Lebanon days after his army release. It is the summer of 2006 and Israel is at war with Hezbollah across the country’s northern border.

As Ofer leaves for service, he whispers to his mother, “If I’m killed, leave the country. Just get out of here, there’s nothing here for you.”

Newly separated from her husband Ilan, and having had her backpack packed for a welcome-back-to-civilian-life

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

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

Send us your good news (photo too)! $50 + gst Mail to: Ottawa Jewish Bulletin 21 Nadolny Sachs Private Ottawa, Ontario K2A 2R9 Fax: 613-798-4730 Email: bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com

hike with Ofer, Ora is thrown into deep distress. She dreads receiving a knock on her door that Ofer has been killed. Her solution? Run away and go on the hike anyway. If she is not home to receive the message, she reasons, the message will have no validity, no power. “That notification will never be given, because notifications always take two, Ora thinks – one to give and one to receive.”

For her journey, she recruits Avram, a former lover and a longtime friend of Ilan. We soon learn he is Ofer’s biological father. Avram and Ofer have never met. Ilan had agreed to raise the baby as his own, and the secret of Ofer’s paternity is never again mentioned. Avram, however, has been counting down the days until Ofer’s military release with scribbles over his bed in his lonely apartment.

The narrative proceeds with Ora and Avram hiking the Israel trail in the country’s north. (“Take me to the end of the land,” Ora instructs her Arab taxi driver, long a family friend with whom she shares a sudden and intense emotional and political falling out near the beginning of the novel.)

On the trail, Ora tells Avram about Ofer’s life. We learn about Ofer as a child, his relationship with his brother, and the dynamics of Ora and Ilan’s marriage. Drenching the details is the palpable angst that engulfs all parents who watch their child march off to war. And through a series of flashbacks, we discover that Avram had been tortured and imprisoned in Egypt during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, from which he still bears physical and emotional scars.

Though overly long, and with a sometimes awkward translation, the book is a lurching, poetic exploration of parenthood, love and friendship.

Their journey takes them across the land (“yediat

Book Review Mira Sucharov ha’aretz” – knowledge of the land – is a field historically taught to Israeli schoolchildren). Dotting the landscape are rocks, shrubs, rivers, wild dogs and plaques bearing the names of fallen soldiers.

Many readers will know that part of what makes this book so remarkable is that it eerily parallels the experience of Grossman himself. During the time he was writing the book, his older son, Uri, was six months away from completing his military service. As Grossman was nearing the end of a first draft of the book, Uri was killed in Lebanon.

Grossman had long been a critic of the 2006 Lebanon war against Hezbollah. At a 2007 awards ceremony where he received a national prize for the arts, Grossman refused to shake the hand of then-prime minister Ehud Olmert.

Is To the End of the Land a peace novel? Partly.

Ora decries Ofer’s involvement in the machinery of occupation. But it is really a parents’ novel, a story about humanity and enmity and the tragic consequences of violence.

“What was really raging in her was not the eyes or the legs of some Palestinian kid, with all due respect, but rather her absolute certainty that Ofer could not hurt a human being, because if that happened, even if there were a thousand justifications ... Ofer’s life would never be the same.”

Golda Meir famously said that she could “forgive the Arabs for killing our children but not for making our children into killers.” Against the knowledge of his intense opposition to a war he felt was folly, Grossman presents us with the universal pain of war and the frustration of waiting for peace.

Did you miss me?

Not by much!

Humour me, please

My friend Jack asked me how I was and I said I was feeling under the weather. That, if you can believe it, was the stimulus for one of his ‘Jack rants.’

“It strikes me that it would be really difficult for those of us who are not in airplanes, balloons or spaceships to feel anything other than under the weather. It is only while in those flying vehicles that we could feel ‘over the weather.’ And, if one caught a cold in outer space, would one feel under the weather while actually being over it?”

These are the kind of things that preoccupy me.

What about the physically attractive person who is easy on the eyes? Aren’t they really harder on the eyes because you might look at them longer and closer?

If people look ordinary, we dismiss them, and don’t pay them any attention. I suppose that someone who looked astonishingly ugly to us might cause us to do the same double take as those who look good. But both of them are hard on the eyes. Only the average, unremarkable person is easy on the eyes because they are easy to miss. You could even walk past them as if your eyes were closed.

Being missed is both good and bad. If, for instance, you were in a firefight in Afghanistan and the enemy missed you, that would be a good thing; and not because they were particularly lonely or pining after you, but because what really misses you in such circumstances are bullets, which, being blunt and dumb, don’t have any consciousness with which to feel longing that you weren’t there when they went by.

Rubin Friedman On the other hand, if your wife missed you, that would be bad, unless she happened to be throwing a dish at your head. In other circumstances, missing you would involve wishing you were there, or, if it were you doing the missing, you would wish some loved one to be close by, which is not really a good thing in the middle of a firefight in Afghanistan.

And, what are you doing in that far-off country anyway?

Did you get on the wrong plane? Did you miss your flight and now long for the correct one? Or, perhaps, instead of a soldier, you should have been a lawyer so that you could have argued your enemies to the ground and forced them to sue for peace, which, you must admit, is better than their suing for a million dollars. I think you missed your calling, or, perhaps, it missed you because you were standing in the wrong airport waiting for the wrong jet.

Then, I would show up and show you the way, like a mysterious Zen master, or a wizard with infinite power, or a rabbi with a strange look as if I had just ingested the whole Torah.

My face would be glowing brightly, and you would see me come toward you out of the light. In fear, as I approached, you would throw something at me, perhaps a dish, and I would ask, “Did you miss me?”

And you could say, “Not by much, not by much.”

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 21

I may well have been the first Jewish visitor at this cemetery in more than 60 years In 2005, after several years of doing genealogical research, I decided to take the trip of a lifetime to Poland and Ukraine to visit my ancestral towns. I was accompanied by my brother Joel and my son Brian. About a year earlier, I had reserved the time with Alexander Dunai of Lvov, Ukraine, a renowned expert on Jewish genealogy in that part of the world.

The two weeks spent in Eastern Europe lived up to expectations. Every day was exciting and the three of us were in awe of all of the locations that are so important to our family’s history.

About halfway through the trip, it was time to visit the shtetl of Sokolets. This Ukrainian village, located in the Vinnitsia region, was the hometown of my mother’s Luterman family.

While driving in Ukraine could, at times, be rough, this was the day that really tested the suspension on Alex’s car. Sokolets was off the beaten track and we had to make quite a few turns on some very dusty and bumpy dirt roads before entering the village.

While travelling all of those small and poorly maintained highways, I found myself wondering how the invading Nazis had managed to find every little settlement.

A few kilometres before reaching Sokolets, we came across a group of about a dozen people walking in the middle of the road. As we got closer, we realized it was a wedding procession. At the head of the group were the bride and groom, she in an all-white wedding gown, and he in a white shirt and dark pants. Both of them were carrying framed pictures of religious icons and each of the portraits was draped with a striped shawl that resembled a tallit. The others in the group were dressed quite formally for the occasion. We stopped the car after passing them and they allowed us to photograph them as they walked by. Alex explained that it is traditional for the wedding party to walk to the church in such a parade.

The Sokolets area looked very typical.

We stopped to talk to locals and noticed the horses, hitched to carts, grazing on the grass.

A young boy was drawing water from a well and several old Ukrainian babushkas were walking on the side of the road. A pair of ducks was resting in the shade beneath a tree just a few feet from our car. While Alex interviewed the townspeople about the prewar days, an old white Volga pulled up behind our car.

The driver, whose name was Stefan, turned out to be a wonderful find. Not only did he give us some background on the town, but he informed us that there were two Jewish cemeteries that had served the town. He told us that no one currently lived in the location of the old town, because the Soviets had moved everyone to higher ground to allow them to build a reservoir and to bring in power lines. He then offered to show us

where everything had been, but warned us that the roads were in very poor condition, that it would be best to travel in his car rather than in Alex’s comparatively luxurious vehicle. We followed Stefan to his home, and parked Alex’s car in the yard.

Our first stop with Stefan was the site of a former Jewish cemetery. It was slightly off the bumpy dirt road and we had to walk through a meadow with grass and weeds as tall as us. We arrived at a clearing, and Stefan showed us two stones that remained from the cemetery. Unfortunately, both were very worn, and there was nothing legible on them. He said all of the other stones had been removed and used as building material, probably by the Soviets.

Stefan told us there were some bunkers nearby that had been used by Jews, either to hide from their persecutors, or to protect their valuables from looters. He said they dated back to before the war, so Alex assumed they originated in the time of the pogroms, early in the 20th century. Stefan said that, several years ago, some Americans came with metal detectors to see what treasures might be found in these dugouts, but nothing turned up. We walked through the field and saw several of these bunkers before continuing on to the next destination.

Having visited the site of the first cemetery and not seen too much of interest there, I wondered what the second cemetery would look like. Stefan replied by telling us that, a few years earlier, he was hunting in the region. A wild goat ran into a forest and Stefan followed him into the brush. After entering the thick growth, Stefan was astonished to find Jewish gravestones that had been protected by the trees for six decades or more.

As my maternal grandfather and his parents were born in Sokolets, I got excited at the thought of finding my ancestors’ gravesites.

While the road to this point had been terribly bumpy, Stefan told us it was going to get worse, and he doubted his Volga would make it the rest of the way. He stopped the car and the five of us got out and continued on foot. Stefan assured us he had a friend close by with a Lada and that car would get us the rest of the way.

There was a beautiful Orthodox church at the side of the road and no other homes or buildings in sight. We were told that the clearing up ahead was where the village of Sokolets had been before the Soviets moved everyone out, and this is where the Jewish homes and businesses were until the early1940s. Sure enough, beside the church, there was a light blue Lada, and Stefan told us this vehicle would take us the rest of the way.

We now had an additional person. We had started with the three of us plus Alex, then added Stefan, and now another driver. There was no way we would all fit in the Lada, so Joel and Brian decided to stay at the church.

Alex, Stefan and I left with the Lada driver in his car to visit the second cemetery.

This leg of the trip took 10 minutes and there were times that I thought the car was going to flip over. The driver drove quite fast for the horrible road and the car constantly seemed to be at a 45 degree angle with the driver’s side much lower than the passenger’s. Stefan finally motioned for the driver to pull over. The car stopped on the side of the road overlooking a beautiful valley with a picturesque river running through it in the distance.

We walked through a field for about five minutes until we came to the entrance of a forest. Stefan pointed to a small opening between the trees and we walked in. I couldn’t believe what I saw. There was row after row of gravestones, most with very legible Hebrew writing on them, probably between 200 and 300 in total. From what I could see, the majority dated from the 1860s to the 1890s.

Unfortunately, as was the custom of the time, there were no surnames inscribed on the monuments, only the person’s first name, father’s name, and the date of death. We spent about a half-hour in the forest while I took pictures and marvelled at what we had discovered.

While I cannot know for sure, I believe I may well have been the first Jewish visitor to

Connecting the branches John Diener this cemetery in more than 60 years. The emotions I felt during this moment were overwhelming and I left there feeling excited about this impressive discovery. It is very conceivable that some of the stones I walked past belonged to relatives, and I couldn’t wait to get back to Joel and Brian to tell them what I had seen.

The trip back in the Lada did not seem as treacherous, probably because I was concentrating so much on the cemetery in the forest, and not really paying attention to the drive.

We arrived back at the church and met up with Joel and Brian. They too had had an interesting hour. While they spoke no Ukrainian, and the Ukrainians spoke no English, the two groups had interacted well. Joel and Brian had been given a tour of the church, including a visit upstairs, and helped the Ukrainians hang items on the walls. They also assisted in the church’s kitchen. The rest of the hour was spent playing cards in the shady area outside the church.

We returned with Alex to our hotel in Kamenets-Podolsky and wondered what adventure the next day would bring.

JEWISH MEMORIAL GARDENS YOUR ONE-STOP RESOURCE CENTRE FOR FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS To better serve our community, we have one central number to handle all cemetery enquiries and to arrange for our services

613-688-3530 Gravesite Flower Prepayment Plans $145 (HST included) - single year or $3,850 (HST included) - care guaranteed for at least 25 years

Interment Rights* Bank Street Osgoode

$3,750 $2,400

* Pre-purchasing of interment rights is only available to members of JMG’s founding synagogues.

Page 22 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Seeking democracy, settling for caliphate The recent events in Lebanon, Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen are a clear signal of a long-term change and shift in global relationships and, possibly, powers. This could be the new cold war for the coming years.

Democracy is defined by most as people’s power (from the Greek roots of demos and kratos), but power has eluded the people in North Africa and most of the Middle East for centuries. The notion of democracy, as it is known in its Western incarnation, is incompatible with the present day North Africa and the Middle East. Culturally, institutionally and religiously, democracy has not been able to develop a toehold from grassroots, with one exception – Israel.

The interesting thing is that people in the region do rise up every now and then, but freedom and democracy still elude them. Popular uprisings are also not immune to internal or external manipulation. By their very nature, popular uprisings lack a certain command and control. Leadership is shared. Groups from divergent points join forces to face a single enemy. The outcome of most uprisings – known as ‘revolutions’ if they succeed – is unpredictable.

It is common, though, that the people have a singular aim, change, without having defined the specifics and details of the outcome.

Revolutions can be bloody business. Often, the power vacuum is filled by thugs, warlords, strongmen or military dictators. The ever-so-brief flicker of the intelligentsia’s participation in the popular movement comes to an end as all the diverging opinions are snuffed out and a singular path identified by a narrow group of people who have the least to lose or the most to gain.

This brings us to the current Middle Eastern and North African crises, in which Lebanon, Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen are in the midst of popular uprisings. Locally, the smart money is on some sort of interim weak coalition governments which eventually, within a year or two each, would lead to fundamentalist governing bodies (Muslim Brotherhood), not unlike Iran or the Gaza Strip, or, for that matter, Lebanon. The pattern and blueprint have been established and we know that it works. The exception is Turkey. It has been able to achieve its transformation through democratic process and without bloodshed, while strengthening its economic and international influence.

One may look deeply into a crystal ball for a long-term projection based on today’s realities. One such reality is that the Middle East and North Africa are being swept by organized fundamentalism, funded by friendly powers. We need to prepare to acknowledge the eventuality of dealing with fundamentalists reigning over portions of Asia and Africa.

While some of the key relationships may initially change between the Middle Eastern and North African countries and the West, the dependencies are deep, especially the economic ties. The world still needs oil. The Middle East and North Africa still need Western products and services. The balance of power may gradually change, however, as China and Russia, with less baggage, could move in to fill the vacuum.

The impact of such a significant fundamentalist block will be felt across the globe. The impact will be experienced firsthand by Israel, which will bear the brunt of this tsunami, then by Europe, India, Russia and North America. Japan, China and South America will not feel the impact as much. Islamists in the West, India and select countries in Central Asia will continue to organize themselves The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. collects and uses your personal information primarily for the purpose of providing you with the products and services you have requested from us.

World Affairs Oliver Javanpour and have the support of the Middle Eastern and North African fundamentalist block. We can speculate that such a block could form a Sunni caliphate with converging interests that could have a global impact on economics, natural resources, culture, security, agriculture, etc.

A tangential impact of such a scenario may be the hastening of Iran’s current transformation from an autocracy to a military state and beyond. In fact, (in 10 to 15 years), Iran could very well find itself on the same side as Israel

in such a scenario, as the Shia Persians are despised by hard line, even moderate, Sunni Arabs. This is evident today – as a key regional power, the Iranians have some serious conflicts with the Egyptians, the Saudis and others in the Gulf over nuclear development and attempts at regional domination.

Historically, Anglo-American support for Islamist movements in the region, to either curb nationalism or divert gravitation towards Russia/Soviet Union, has only served to strengthen such a scenario. And, as we desperately seek to secure precious oil and natural resources for our future, we will have to forge a new relationship with a block that sees the rest of the world as infidels. This scenario certainly sets the stage for a long-term, cold-war-like situation. Unlike previous cold wars, however, the two sides are dependent on one another because of oil.

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

Documentary showcases Israeli doctor’s dramatic efforts to save Palestinian baby

By Jane and Martin Gordon for Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation On January 30, 80 people attended a screening at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC) of the powerful Israeli documentary, Precious Life, followed by a questionand-answer session with Dr. Raz Somech, the paediatrician featured in the film.

The film, directed by Shlomi Eldar, tells the story of how Somech, director of pediatric immunity at Sheba Children’s Hospital in Tel Aviv, treated Mohammed Abu-Mustafa, a four-anda-half-month-old from Gaza with an inherited immunological deficiency.

The film shows the difficulties faced in bringing the baby and his family through the border. It also shows the complexities associated with finding a donor to fund the treatment, and the generosity of the anonymous Israeli donor, whose son was killed in Lebanon; the dedication of the hospital staff; and the stunning contrast of values between the Israeli doctor and the Gazan mother.

The film consists of intimate interviews with the parents and the doctor conducted by Eldar, a veteran Israeli TV journalist. Eldar’s previous experience covering the Gaza conflict makes him an additional character in the unfolding drama of attempting to find a marrow transplant donor to save the child’s life.

The film is a tribute to the Jewish value of saving lives and to the hu-

The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin may also contact you from time to time to ask about your account or to conduct market research and surveys in an effort to continually improve our product service offerings.

Raida Abu-Mustafa holds her baby son Mohammed in a scene from Precious Life.

manitarian institutions in Israel. It raises some difficult issues, such as the extreme efforts made by Somech and his dedicated team in saving individual Palestinian lives while the Israeli army was engaged in incursions during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.

Ironically, Somech was a reservist deployed in a combat unit prepared to enter Gaza and, in the film, voices concerns about the proportionality of the Israeli response. At the same time, the Palestinian mother, while fighting desperately for the life of her baby, talks of his eventually becoming a suicide bomber to “free Jerusalem.” The movie deals with these and other contradictions poignantly, leaving the audience exhausted and emotional by the

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

end. There is no whitewashing – this is life at its rawest.

Norman Barwin, Ottawa chair of the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation, chaired the evening and praised Somech as an “exceptional human being, a humble angel and an inspiration to us all.”

Somech’s tour of Canada and the showing of Precious Life were made possible through the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy, which has arranged for the film to be screened at university campuses across Canada in order to present a balanced view of the relations between Israelis and Palestinians. The film was also shown by Hillel Ottawa at the University of Ottawa.

dation and the Soloway Jewish Community Centre.

If you would like more information, or to speak to the Privacy Officer, please call 613798-4696, ext. 256.

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 23

FOUNDATION DONATIONS Our future is in your hands

Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation 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: Bertram Bronsther by Shirley and Shier Berman.

Birthday wishes to: Brenda Van Vliet by Shirley Berman.

HILLEL ACADEMY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Nathan Smith by Mitchell, Rena, Tara and Kayla Sabloff.

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

The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of February 1st, 2010.

ABELSON FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Condolences to: Monda and Sonia Halpern on the loss of a beloved father by Alan Abelson and Tracey Kronick.

Speedy Recovery to: Harvey Slipacoff by Alan Abelson and Tracey Kronick.

Thinking of you to: Cecilia Levitan by Alan Abelson and Tracey Kronick.

MARJORIE AND BEN ACHBAR COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Marjorie Achbar by Blossom Read.

RICKI AND BARRY BAKER ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Barry Baker by Felice, Jeffrey, Erin, Jordan, Zachary and Mitchell Pleet; by Leonard and Barbara Farber; by Rena and Max Cohen; and by Myra and Gordie Allice.

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

John Holzman by Seymour and Joyce Bellman.

RONALD BODNOFF MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Doris Torontow, a dear mother by Rhoda Bodnoff and family.

SAM AND ANN BROZOVSKY ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Ann Brozovsky on the birth of her greatgrandson by Bernice Kerzner and family.

TILLIE AND HARRY CHERM MEMORIAL FUND Speedy recovery to: Elayne Adler by Sol and Sylvia Kaiman.

ARTHUR AND LINDA COGAN FUND FOR YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP Birthday wishes to: Linda Nadolny-Cogan by Leonard and Barbara Farber.

DAVID AND QUEENIE COHEN MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Connie Gillick by David and Judith Kalin.

CYNTHIA AND ABE ENGEL ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Barry Baker by Cynthia Engel.

Speedy recovery to: Jeffrey Friedman by Cynthia Engel.

BARBARA AND LEN FARBER ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Sheldon Wiseman by Leonard and Barbara Farber.

ELLEN AND RAHAMIM FATHI ENDOWMENT FUND In appreciation to: Jack Silverstein by Ellen and Ray Fathi.

ALFRED AND KAYSA FRIEDMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Sheldon Wiseman by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

Mazal Tov to: Barry Baker on his reciting of the maftir by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

FRAN AND SID GERSHBERG FAMILY FUND In memory of: Philip Silverstone by Fran and Sid Gershberg.

JACK AND GERT GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Myer Goldin by Allen and Diane Abramson.

Birthday wishes to: Israel Shinder by Allen and Diane Abramson.

JEFFREY AND ENID GOULD FAMILY FUND In memory of: Lily Silverman by Jeffrey and Enid Gould.

Birthday wishes to: Sheldon Wiseman by Jeffrey and Enid Gould.

FRITZI AND MAX (CHIEF) GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Joany and Andy Katz on the engagement of Jaclyn to Ivan by Deborah, Norm, and Vicky Ferkin.

LAURA AND MILTON GREENBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION In memory of: Ruth Wardinger by Laura Greenberg and family.

HY AND PAULINE HOCHBERG ENDOWMENT FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Hy Hochberg, a loving husband, father and grandfather by Pauline, Brian and Lisa Hochberg.

MAX AND DORA KARP KAPINSKY MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Alan Karp by Ruth, Deanna and Arthur Karp.

ARTHUR AND SARAH KIMMEL MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Sheldon Wiseman by Arnold and Roslyn Kimmel and family.

SHARON KOFFMAN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND Condolences to: Steve Margolian on the passing of a beloved mother by Sandra Zagon.

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

ANNICE AND SYDNEY KRONICK FAMILY FUND In memory of: Joanne Berman by Sydney Kronick and Barbara Sugarman; and by Richard Kronick and family.

Continued on page 24

Page 24 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

FOUNDATION DONATIONS Anniversary wishes to: Phyllis and Marvin Silverman by Debi and Neil Zaret and family.

Birthday wishes to: Marvin Silverman by Debi and Neil Zaret and family.

ISSIE AND EDITH LANDAU ENDOWMENT FUND Speedy recovery to: Harvey Slipacoff by Edith Landau.

ERNEST AND IDA LEVITZ MEMORIAL FUND Speedy recovery to: Sheilah MacKinnon Drover by Ingrid Levitz.

CHUCK AND BONNIE MEROVITZ FAMILY FUND In memory of: John Holzman by Chuck and Bonnie Merovitz.

RHODA AND JEFFREY MILLER FAMILY FUND In memory of: Myer Goldin by Rhoda, Jeffrey, Howard and Sarah Miller.

Mazal Tov to: Buddy and Graciela Steinberg on the engagement of their son David to Sara by Rhoda and Jeffrey Miller.

JEAN AND MAX NAEMARK ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Devra Shear by Jean Naemark.

Lisa Nielson by Jean Naemark.

PINKAS AND YEHUDIT NEWMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Emile Chaim Benlolo by William and Marilyn Newman.

FAY AND JOSEPH SHULMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Speedy recovery to: Harvey Slipacoff by Nadine and Brian Mordfield.

JACK AND MIRIAM PLEET ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Marjorie Achbar by Miriam Pleet.

JACK AND SARAH SILVERSTEIN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Maurice May by Jack, Sarah, David and Lev Silverstein.

R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Harvey Slipacoff by the Silverstein family.

SAMUEL AND RUTH ROTHMAN MEMORIAL FUND In appreciation to: Allan Baker by Sheldon Taylor.

SHELLEY AND SID ROTHMAN FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Joany and Andy Katz on the engagement of their daughter Jaclyn to Ivan by Shelley, Stuart, Nina, PJ and Marshall Rothman.

ELAYNE AND WESLEY SCHACTER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Myer Goldin by Elayne, Wesley, Adam, Casey, Josh and Michael Schacter; and by Myra and Bert Shinwell.

Miriam Rapoport by Elayne and Wesley Schacter.

Mazal Tov to: Stephen Cotsman and family on the birth of a grandson by Elayne and Wesley Schacter and family.

HAROLD SHAFFER MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Sheldon and Sonia Shaffer by Sam and Myra Krane and family.

Love of music and drama inspires Elizabeth Greenberg’s B’nai Mitzvah Fund Elizabeth Greenberg is excited, and rightfully so. On February 26, 2011, she will stand proudly on the bimah at Agudath Israel to become a Bat Mitzvah.

In anticipation of this milestone, she and her parents Leanne and Jeff decided to open a B’nai Mitzvah Fund in her name, through the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation.

“I established a fund with the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation because I want to be able to give to my community,” says Elizabeth. “It is exciting to be able to do this through my own fund, and I feel so lucky to have this opportunity.”

When Jewish youth in Ottawa experience this wonderful right of passage to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, opening a B’nai Mitzvah Fund is a great way for them to have an impact on the present and future of their community.

Money that accrues in the fund is designated to a community agency of their choosing. This Hillel student chose Hillel Academy’s music and drama programs.

“I have been taking music lessons since I was two years old,” says Elizabeth. “Currently, I am taking guitar,

LINDA SILVERMAN MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Marjorie Achbar by Marvin and Phylis Silverman.

STELLA AND LOUIS SLACK MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Lester and Myra Aronson by Jack and Rosalie Rozen.

Birthday wishes to: Noreen Slack by Lester, Myra, Jennifer, Donna, Greg and Jordan Aronson; and by Bonnie and Paul Bowering.

Sheldon Wiseman by Lester and Myra Aronson.

MOE AND CHARLOTTE SLACK MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Bessie Taller by Marlene Levine and Andrew Siman.

IRVING AND HARRIET SLONE ENDOWMENT FUND In appreciation to: Harriet Slone for her kindness by Dorothy Greenberg.

RUTH TALLER MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Bessie Taller by Leonard and Barbara Farber.

BRENT AND RISA TAYLOR ENDOWMENT FUND Refuah Shlemah to: Dorothy Greenberg by Brent, Risa and Shira Taylor.

HENRY (HANK) TORONTOW 39TH BOY SCOUTS Birthday wishes to: Jerry Torontow by Jean Naemark.

STEPHEN AND GAIL VICTOR ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Eric and Annette Engel on the safe and healthy arrival of their son by the Victor family.

SAM AND HELENE ZARET MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Myer Goldin by Neil and Debi Zaret.

ZIPES KARANOFSKY FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Denis Venne by Rick and Helen Zipes.

THE SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM ELIZABETH GREENBERG MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Elizabeth Greenberg on her Bat Mitzvah by The Posner family; by Ruth, Andy, Josh, Elizabeth, Zach and Sarah Baron; by Ben and Ali Sohmer; by Kobe, Riley, Taia, Richard and Marion Greenberg; by Ruth Calof and Dave Moskovic; by Jim Manor; by Lawrence and Linda Pivnick; by Jerry and Elaine Bezner; and

by Stephen, Jocelyne, Lee, Emma and Jessica Greenberg.

LIEFF FAMILY B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Joany and Andy Katz on the engagement of their daughter Jaclyn to Ivan by Norman and Francie Lieff.

Donna and Bernie Dolansky on the engagement of their daughter Gillian to Neil by Norman and Francie Lieff.

Contributions may be made online at www.OJCF.ca or by contacting Erin Bolling at 613-798-4696 extension 232, Monday to Friday or by email at donation@ojcf.ca. Attractive cards are sent to convey the appropriate sentiments.

All donations are acknowledged with a charitable receipt. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Amex.

Donating made easy at www.OJCF.ca Elizabeth Greenberg

piano and voice lessons. I love music, so it seemed like a perfect fit to combine what I love to do with my school. I look forward to many years of giving.”

Visit OJCF.ca or contact the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation at 613.798.4696 ext. 252 for information on the B’nai Mitzvah Club.

We can ALL make a difference. Let’s do it together in creating a legacy of support to the many worthy organizations and services that have been built in Ottawa throughout the generations.

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 – February 21, 2011 – Page 25

Book pays tribute to Zionist heroes A Voice Called: Stories of Jewish Heroism

By Yossi Katz Gefen Publishing House 234 pages. Age 12 and up.

In her brilliant poem, “Blessed is the Match,� Hebrew poet and Second World War partisan fighter, Hannah Senesh wrote, “A voice called and I went.� The title of this book is based on that emotional line. More importantly, the book itself is based on that concept, the call of aliyah, the call to action.

Of the more than 35 heroes depicted in these 32 short, distinct chapters, author Yossi Katz claims each one of them – fighters, poets, linguists, athletes, etc. – answered the call of deeply ingrained Jewish and Zionist values.

Each, in his or her own way, was her or his brother’s keeper. Each fulfilled a mission to help ensure the birth and/or survival of Eretz Israel, the land of Israel, and Am Israel, the nation of Israel. That may, indeed, be laudably so.

But, I must admit to having mixed feelings after reading A Voice Called: Stories of Jewish Heroism. On one hand, the people selected as heroes are undoubtedly worthy of the honour. Some I had already known of, others I had never heard of, but am happy to know something about them now.

On the other hand, I feel somewhat overwhelmed. It’s like I’ve been subjected to 234 pages of fervent Zionist propaganda. Be like them. Come on, aliyah now!

MOVING? Subscription about to lapse?

RENEW TODAY OR CALL IN YOUR NEW INFO!

Contact Jean Myers 613-798-4696, ext. 242

Kid Lit Deanna Silverman I think it’s because I read the book from cover to cover.

All sorts of repetition abounded, probably because the chapters were written at different times and the book, as a whole, was not subjected to detailed editorial revision.

Maybe I wouldn’t have felt so put upon if I’d read a chapter one day, another chapter a few days later, and so on.

Perhaps another reason I felt more like I was being brainwashed, rather than educated, is that the author is used to talking about these heroes as part of a two-month Jewish history course he’s been teaching to American high school students since 1980 at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel.

I have no doubt I would be captivated by a good teacher – which I’m sure Katz is – talking about these individuals.

For example, imagine being part of a group standing in the Valley of Tears on the Golan Heights and hearing how Avigdor Kahalani and the few tanks under his command stopped overwhelming numbers of Syrian tanks during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, or, hearing about Zvika Greengold’s one-man ‘Force Zvika’ doing something similar.

Both men, and many other heroes in the book, showed ferocity, determination and a will to succeed that is astounding. But, it is one thing to engage in a face-to-face conversation about such people and events on-site, and an entirely different thing to read about them.

Be that as it may, there are many positives that warrant recommending A Voice Called. First and foremost is the time span that is covered in the book. Starting with Theodore Herzl’s publication of Der Judenstaat (The Jewish State) in 1896, the book includes heroes who helped establish the State of Israel linguistically, militarily and politically, heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, heroes from each of Israel’s wars and incursions, including a non-Jew, Orde Wingate, and civilian heroes such as the poet Rachel (Rachel Bluwstein) and songwriter Naomi Shemer, and both American and Israeli athletes.

Many of the heroes made aliyah to Israel, while others were born there. Many died young, while others are still alive. Together, they are an

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

By Yossi Katz

impressive group of people who the author presents as exceptional role models for today’s Jewish youth. Identify with them and become part of Jewish history, he seems to be saying again and again.

Some might not like the inclusion of some Jews, including members of the Irgun, who were termed ‘terrorists’ during the British mandate. Not only am I delighted at their inclusion, I also think there should have been chapters on Vladimir Jabotinsky (1880-1940) and Joseph Trumpeldor (1880-1920) instead of their mentions-in-passing in chapters about other people.

I do recommend A Voice Called: Stories of Jewish Heroism, whether or not aliyah is a future consideration. But, do read the book slowly, and over time, to maximize enjoyment and minimize irritation.

& # #

! "

# $%

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

'%*+ !#",-$%

Page 26 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011 – Page 27

Soup Sisters: Warming hearts, one bowl at a time Take 20 Jewish women, more than 100 pounds of carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, squash, rice and beans, and chicken and vegetable stock. Mix them up in an unfamiliar kitchen with massive stock pots, whisks and knives. Fold in lots of loud chatter and laughter.

Is that a recipe for chaos?

No, it’s just another evening at Urban Element, dishing up love and warmth in a bowl of soup.

In 2009, Sharon Hapton of Calgary founded Soup Sisters.

This organization supports women’s shelters across the country with the very simple and heartfelt gesture of providing homemade soup. Sharon’s good friend from Ottawa, Lynne Oreck-Wener, attended the Calgary launch, and was so moved by this wonderful program, she decided, along with Lori Thompson and Marien Barker, to start up a branch of Soup Sisters in Ottawa. They decided to donate the soup to Interval House.

Urban Element, at 424 Parkdale Avenue, has offered its kitchen for the soup making. Each month, a different group of participants comes together to cook. Each volunteer pays a $50 fee, for which she or he receives training from respected chefs, the chance to work in a state-of-the-art professional kitchen, some new cooking skills, dinner, wine and, most importantly, the glow of gratification from helping others.

The volunteer groups differ each month. One month, it was a group of employees from a law firm, using the evening as a team building opportunity. Other groups included friends and family getting together to celebrate a special birthday.

I attended the January 23 event as part of a group known as the Women’s Collective Endowment Fund (WCEF). The WCEF is a donor-advised fund of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation. It was designed to use the power of collective philanthropy to nurture and maintain a systemic difference in the status of women and children. As the organization grows, it will be capable of providing support for services and programs that benefit women and children in our community.

I was invited to be the guest chef. I think my main job was to make sure no one chopped off her fingers.

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical when I first walked into the Urban Element that Sunday night. It was loud and quite chaotic and I was not sure that we would be able to get

the job done. However, on reflection, I should not have been surprised that we produced five giant vats of delicious soup.

Women, after all, are highly skilled multi-taskers. It comes naturally to us to chat and chop at the same time while staying focused on the task at hand.

The evening began with a short address from Lula Adam, public education co-ordinator at Interval House.

“When the women realize someone has taken time from their Sunday night to do something to help them, it really touches them,” Lula said. “These are women who haven’t really had a lot done for them, so it really does make a difference. When women first come to Interval House, they often feel isolated and alone. This is a gentle reminder that people in the broader community do care.”

We divided ourselves into five groups and began making soup. We were making European Split Pea and Potato Soup, Michal’s Hearty Minestrone, Curried Squash and Coconut Soup, Mushroom Bean and Barley Soup and Chunky Chicken Creole Soup with Ancient Grains. It became clear, as I wandered from group to group, that the women gathered there that night cared about their mission. They wanted to make a difference beyond writing a cheque. These were, indeed, soups made with love.

While the soups were simmering, we all sat down at a 20foot communal dining table to share a meal and some wine.

Much of the conversation centred on kitchen envy. What was once a fire station has been converted into Urban Element, a charming culinary studio. They kept the original red brick walls and built a state-of-the-art kitchen, complete with shiny stainless steel counters and appliances, butcher block islands, sharp knives and spoons and whisks of every size and shape.

The drawers were stocked with clear containers, neatly labelled, with just about every pantry item you could imagine.

Five kinds of peppercorns and six varieties of salt had me feeling slightly jealous.

When we gathered back in the kitchen to package the soups, we were encouraged to write a personal message on the label, such as “made with hugs” or “made with love.”

To get involved or learn more about Soup Sisters, visit soupsisters.org.

To get involved or learn more about the Women’s Collective Endowment Fund, call Jared Isaacson of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation at 613-798-4696, ext. 248.

Made with Love Cindy Feingold European Split Pea and Potato Soup The original recipe serves 12 people, so I have scaled it down to serve six. At the Soup Sisters event, we made it with Yukon Gold potatoes. At home, I used sweet potatoes instead, which gave the soup a gorgeous orange glow. I used yellow split peas.

7 cups water or vegetable stock 1 cup yellow or green split peas 1/2 cup chopped onions 1 cup sliced carrots 1/2 cup diced celery 1 teaspoon celery seed 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or sweet) 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 2 tablespoons fresh dill Bring peas and water or stock to a boil. Skim off foam and reduce heat to simmer. Add onions, carrots, celery, celery seed, salt and pepper.

Cook covered until peas are softened (about 45 minutes), then add potatoes. Simmer an additional hour until peas are completely soft.

Purée the soup using a handheld blender stick or a regular blender. Add dill and parsley and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

This soup freezes very well. If you are planning to make it ahead and freeze, do not add the dill and parsley until you plan to serve it.

Made with Love columnist Cindy Feingold (far left) with her Soup Sisters from the Women’s Collective Endowment Fund, January 23, at Urban Element.

Page 28 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – February 21, 2011

WHAT’S GOING ON February 21 to March 6, 2011 WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS Motorin’ Munchkins Drop-In for ages 5 and under, 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 Feb 25 ✡ Mar 4 ✡ Mar 11 ✡

5:25 pm 5:35 pm 5:44 pm

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

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, sponsored by the JCC Family Life Centre, welcomes Shabbat through crafts, songs, stories and games.

Bracha Bear will be there! All children must be accompanied by an adult, 9:30 am to 11:00 am.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Malca Pass Library Book Review: Randall Ware will review “The Bishop’s Man” by Linden MacIntyre, Congregation Agudath

Israel, 1401 Coldrey Avenue, 7:30 pm. Info: 613-728-3501.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Freylicheh Mentchen, a new monthly luncheon program sponsored by Jewish Family Services and Congregation Beit Tikvah, featuring “Kids on the “Block,” a group of local puppeteers who teach important messages about human differences and disabilities, 14 Chartwell Avenue, 12:00 pm. Info: 613-723-1800.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Beyond Time and Place, an informative series from Jewish Family Services: Abba Eban’s documentary, “Civilization and the Jews,” followed by a discussion with Rabbi Ely Braun, Embassy West Senior Living, 1400 Carling Avenue, 2:00 pm. Info: 613-722-2225, ext. 411.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Screening of “Like a Bride”

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

(“Novia que te vea) film, sponsored by Carleton University’s Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies, about two Mexican Jewish girls coming of age in Mexico City in the 1960s, Spanish with English sub-titles, Carleton University, Peterson Hall Room 303, 7:00 pm. Info: 613-520-2600.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3 Soloway Jewish Community Centre Annual General Meeting, the Ben Karp SJCC Volunteer Award and two Grossman-Klein Teen Leadership Awards will be announced, 7:00 pm. Info: 613798-9818, ext. 221.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 Jewish Comedy, Redefined, sponsored by the SJCC, with Joel Chasnoff, whose act is a hilarious mix of personal anecdotes and keen observational humour, centred on the absurdity of modern American life, 7:30 pm. Info: 613798-9818, ext. 254.

COMING SOON THURSDAY, MARCH 10 Guy’s Night Out, a great networking and social event for the “guys” in the community, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Rideau Carleton Raceway, 4837 Albion Road, 6:00 pm.

Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 241.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 Haim Goldenberg, international mentalist and TV star, sponsored by the Soloway JCC, 7:30 pm.

Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 243.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 openOttawa – Young Adult Symposium, an all-day gathering of young Jewish adults to discuss best ways to engage the emerging generation into the Jewish community.

Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 264.

Life Stages – Where Are You in the Club Sandwich?

Sponsored by Hadassah-WIZO, three speakers will share their advice for those in the sandwich generation – caring for elderly parents or grandparents, as well as being present for children, teens and young adults.

Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive, 1:30 pm.

Info: 613-828-4488.

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: Thelma (Tami) Berezin Louella Molot

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 MARCH 2 FOR MARCH 21 MARCH 23 FOR APRIL 11 APRIL 6 FOR APRIL 25 APRIL 27 FOR MAY 16 MAY 11 FOR MAY 30 MAY 25 FOR JUNE 13 JUNE 29 FOR JULY 18 JULY 27 FOR AUGUST 15

My Romspen Investment, My Family, My Future.

I have been a satisfied investor in Romspen mortgages going back to a time where one invested in individual syndications, before the Romspen Mortgage Fund began. Romspen’s straightforward approach to investing is in line with my philosophy for solid investments.

Slow and steady monthly yields, an open book management style, no PR spins.

I can take care of my future, and with the cost of caring for an aging parent, I have the comfort of knowing that my Romspen investment has helped make my transitions in life a beautiful journey. That in itself is a big thing.

Joe-ann Barisa You’ve heard of the Romspen Mortgage Investment Fund. Isn’t it time you found out more? Call us to receive an information package or visit www.romspen.com.

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