Ottawa jewish bulletin 2015 01 26

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Chanukah photos

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Chanukah celebrations abound in Ottawa

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‘Je suis juif’

Loblaws seeks input from kosher consumers Focus group held at College Square store

BY LOUISE RACHLIS

Fittingly, freshly squeezed orange juice was on the tables, and platters of cold cuts, bread, pastry, fruit and vegetables lined the side table of the upstairs community room.

The topic was kosher food, and the focus group of interested consumers from the Jewish community had a lot to say as it gathered, December 3, at Loblaws College Square.

There had been a limit set of 30 attendees, but six tables of six enthusiastically embraced the three themes of “experiences,” “products,” and “Going Forward” and shared their wide-ranging insights for two lively hours.

Facilitator Michael Walsh said the gathering was exceptional for many reasons.

“There is a very limited appetite for developing ethnic markets in corporate Canada,” he said. “They don’t know how to do it, or are afraid of the cost.”

Loblaws College Square, on the other hand, has created a “candid and sincere opportunity for people to have a real dialogue,” said Walsh.

Loblaws assistant manager Paul Payant had been at the store just five weeks. He said he was brought in “to address the See Loblaws on page 2

inside:

PHOTO: AURELIEN MEUNIER/GETTY IMAGES

People gather in solidarity in front of the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket in Paris, Jan. 12, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid his respects to the four victims of the terrorist attack there three days earlier as they shopped for Shabbat.

Dark times in the City of Lights Editor Michael Regenstreif on the tragic events in Paris.

T

he news from Paris this month was shocking and tragic. It began, January 7, when Islamist terrorists attacked the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a satirical magazine known for its uncompromising skewering of politicians and religion. Ten of the magazine’s staff members – mostly editors and cartoonists – and two police officers were massacred.

The next day, a policewoman was

Arsenic and Old Lace photos revisit OJCS production > p. 15

murdered in what first seemed to be an unrelated incident.

And, then, on Friday, January 9, when the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket was crowded with Jewish shoppers preparing for Shabbat, a terrorist from the same al-Qaida-inspired cell as the Charlie Hebdo murderers, entered the store, killed four of the shoppers, and took many more hostage.

At about the same time as the Hyper

Ceremony to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day > p. 11

Cacher events were unfolding, police had the Charlie Hebdo terrorists under siege.

In almost simultaneous raids, the terrorists in both locations were killed and the hostages freed.

We later learned that the policewoman killed on January 8 was murdered by the Hyper Cacher terrorist. In all, 17 people were murdered during the three days of terror. The “City of Lights,” and the See Editor on page 7

Barabara Crook on PA bid to join ICC > p. 27

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Loblaws: Shoppers seek quality, quantity and reliability Continued from page 1

issues of the kosher department.”

“What I want from today,” Payant said, “is to move forward and get as much information as possible. We want to be your one-stop shop. I’m very happy with the turnout.”

Walsh asked the group, “How many communities with 14,000 Jews do you know in North America? How about Buffalo, San Antonio, Albany, New Orleans? They all have populations bigger than Ottawa. You know what? It’s hard to eat kosher in Buffalo.”

Because Ottawa has a small Jewish population, he said, “we have to look after ourselves. We have to be creative.” By comparison, there are 185,000 Jews in Toronto and 95,000 in Montreal. “Ottawa was 6,000 Jews in 1975. We’ve more than doubled.”

There were plenty of “dittos” all around as the groups agreed with each other’s comments.

“Jen [Robillard, the kosher manager] is the benchmark,” said Walsh to much agreement. “We need more Jens ... The customer experience has never been better.”

Each of the three themes elicited a round of thoughts on everything from the location of the kosher department

Cantor Jeremy Burko (left) and Rabbi Barry Schlesinger lead Chanukah songs at the menorah lighting and Chanukah celebration, December 18, presented by Agudath Israel Congregation and PJ Library in the kosher department at Loblaws College Square. See pages 13, 16, 18 and 24 and visit www.ottawajewishbulletin.com/chanukah-5775 for many more photos from Chanukah celebrations around Ottawa.

(positive) to the frozen food in three different locations (negative), selection (positive), even sometimes “too much – do we really need so many kinds of candies?”

Participants wanted to be notified when new products are available, were frustrated at head office decisions, and happy with product “except before the holidays.”

Recording for one of the tables, Rabbi

Levy Teitelbaum, director of the Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut, said “meat trim at the store level would be a help,” and noted “it’s a 24-hour store! Where else can you get kosher food at 3 am?”

Walsh said central ordering systems are usually electronic.

“Paul is kind of stuck in a system we need to appreciate. How do we get a handle

on product, quantities and lead times in a way that is manageable?” asked Walsh.

Suggestions poured forth. Participants want Loblaws to bring back the kosher sushi, have enough quantity when they put items on sale, track trends through the inventory system every year on the holidays, never run out of Cholev Yisroel milk, and put health products in a special section in the kosher area.

They want quality, quantity and reliability; healthy food, low salt, low sugar. They want to encourage the next generation to keep kosher, and they want Loblaws to have community initiatives. And they want more options in meals-to-go, and rewards like more PC Points on the holidays.

“Paul and Jen, when you look at all the suggestions, could you make us aware of what you can do in the short term, and in the long term?” asked Walsh. “Draw our attention to how you’re addressing our needs.”

To applause from the group, Walsh said, in 35 years, “it’s the first time I’ve seen anyone reach out to us and say ‘I want to improve the relationship.’”

Payant said he will gather all the information the six table facilitators will be sending him, and then he’ll be able to “speak of some timelines and get some information out.”

Follow-up: Store plans new services for kosher consumers

BY LOUISE RACHLIS

Loblaws College Square assistant manager Paul Payant had been working at the store for just five weeks when a focus group from the Jewish community gathered to discuss his kosher department on December 3.

Suggestions poured forth, which Payant promised to look into. This month, he updated the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin on his initial progresss on the file.

“Our intention was to come together as a community and create a concrete plan to improve our assortment of kosher products for Jewish customers,” he said. “The turn-out was beyond our expectations and, thanks to the engaged shoppers who participated, I think we achieved our goal.”

Customers told Loblaws they were

looking for more healthy options in the kosher department, he said.

“To address this, we’ve already started working with Christine Devaney, our in-store dietitian. Monthly, Christine will host free kosher days to speak to customers one-on-one about nutritional choices, help with personal shopping, [and] provide recipe ideas and give out kosher snacks!”

Loblaws College Square – the site of Loblaws’ only kosher department in Ottawa – has also instituted freshsqueezed juices and salads in the kosher department and is working on quick lunch and dinner-time meal ideas, including hot meal deals and sandwiches, said Payant.

“We are looking for a supplier that offers parve cakes for celebratory occasions. And, in the very near future,

our store will be rolling out stickers to help customers quickly identify kosher items throughout the store,” he said.

In addition, he has met with the Kosher Food Bank, and the store will continue to help the food bank by collecting kosher food donations.

“Thanks to their guidance, we also plan to offer kosher cooking classes where community members can learn how to prepare food, sample products and take home recipe ideas,” he said.

Payant also feels it’s “equally important for our customers to know what feedback we may have difficulty implementing at the moment.”

He said Loblaws has received many requests for specific name-brand items that customers would like to see the store carry.

“Some of these items are just not

available for us to order and some of them are only available on a seasonal basis ... That said, I think we’ve come a long way with providing a greater assortment and we’re constantly looking for ways to improve. I think better identifying the kosher products we already have in store will also help,” he said.

Payant said he would like the community to know that “we have almost weekly meetings with different groups, including the Kosher Food Bank, Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut and suppliers, so that we can exceed our customers’ expectations. We are working on several projects that will take some time to introduce. The focus group was just the start.”

Payant can be reached via email at mon01050@loblaw.ca.

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Understanding the Middle East Agudath Israel and Machzikei Hadas launch new lecture series with renowned experts

BY ALEX GRILLER FOR AGUDATH ISRAEL AND MACHZIKEI HADAS

A

gudath Israel Congregation and Congregation Machzikei Hadas are co-sponsoring “The Middle East: Power, Passion, Politics,” a series five lectures at which renowned guest speakers offer fascinating, entertaining, and highly informed perspectives on the Middle East.

The first lecture, “Survival Skills 101 for Israel,” with former Israel Defense Forces Military Intelligence Service official Moti Kedar took place January 21 at Agudath Israel.

Still to come are the following lectures: • Kasim Hafeez will speak on “The Day I Stopped Hating Israel: Confessions of an ex-radical,” on Wednesday, February 25, 7:30 pm, at Machzikei Hadas.

“By the time I had reached 18, I was completely indoctrinated to the fold of radical Islamism. My hate for Israel and for the Jews was fuelled by images of death and destruction,” explains Hafeez, who grew up a British Muslim, born to parents of Pakistani origin.

Now based in Winnipeg, his beliefs were transformed as a result of a long, tortured process of rigorous self-examination and wide-ranging research.

The founder of the pro-Israel advocacy group, The Israel Campaign, his journey from rabid anti-Semite and Israel-hater is a mesmerizing story that demanded he show enormous courage, stand in the face of all he had been raised to believe and cast off the dogma taught to him since birth.

A deeply moving speaker, his grasp of the problem of violent radicalization in democratic society is unsurpassed. He

PHOTO: NGO MONITOR

Kasim Hafeez, once a radical Israel-hater, now leads a pro-Israel advocacy group.

Nora Gold’s Fields of Exile is the first novel to examine anti-Zionism on university campuses.

Bar Ilan University Professor Gerald Steinberg is the founder of NGO Monitor, which tracks and assesses media coverage of Israel.

has lived it, and rejected it.

• Nora Gold will speak on “Combatting the New Vilification of Israel on Campus,” on Sunday, April 19, 7:30 pm, at Agudath Israel.

To say that Nora Gold is a “powerhouse” is an understatement. A highly respected academic in the fields of social work and research, she has served on dozens of boards and committees from the Autism Society of Canada to the Canadian Jewish Congress, has worked as an expert for the Ontario Hate Crimes Commission and was a co-founder of the New Israel Fund of Canada.

Gold founded and is editor of www.Jewishfiction.net, a prestigious online literary journal and is author of Fields of Exile, the first novel to examine

and explore anti-Zionism on university campuses.

The novel is described by the publisher as “a moving story of love, betrayal, and the courage to stand up for what one believes. It delivers a searing indictment of the hypocrisy and intellectual sloth that threaten the integrity of our society.”

Fields of Exile has received enthusiastic reviews in many publications including the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin (August 25, 2014).

• Professor Gerald Steinberg, a political scientist at Bar Ilan University and the president of NGO Monitor, which tracks and assesses international media approaches to Israel and the movement to de-legitimize Israel, will offer two

lectures: “How to Defeat the Political War Against Israel,” on Thursday, May 28, 7:45 pm, at Machzikei Hadas; and “How Human Rights Are Used As Weapons Against Israel,” on Sunday, May 31, 9:45 am, at Agudath Israel.

A highly respected academic, Steinberg has also been active in the development of Israeli government policy as an adviser to the Prime Minister’s Office and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Steinberg has his finger securely on the day-to-day pulse and realities of Middle East politics and is a thoughtprovoking speaker whose sometimes unorthodox ideas educate and inform on all the relevant issues in the Middle East.

PHOTO: CHRIS FRAMPTON

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Ottawa Torah Institute renewed as a Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva boys’ high school

BY ZEV SINGER FOR OTTAWA TORAH INSTITUTE

F

or many Orthodox families in Ottawa, a Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva boys’ high school is more than a big deal. It could well make the difference between staying in Ottawa over the long-term and moving to a bigger city to find such an educational opportunity.

Last school year, when enrolment was insufficient to hold classes at the Ottawa Torah Institute’s high school for boys, the school’s board approached the famed yeshiva in Queens, New York, to ask if it would be willing to create a branch in Ottawa. Since September, it has been a reality, with the rejuvenated Ottawa Torah Institute now holding classes in the Young Israel of Ottawa building.

Two young rabbis have moved from Queens to Ottawa with their families to run the yeshiva. Rabbi Dovid Mandel now lives near the Soloway Jewish Community Centre, while Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Harris is living in Craig Henry.

Rabbi Mandel said that with growing interest from Montreal and Toronto, neither of which has a Chofetz Chaim yeshiva high school for boys, the plan is

to grow the Ottawa Torah Institute by making Ottawa a regional hub. Their hope is that this strategy will attract the critical mass of students needed to make the yeshiva viable in the long-term.

Rabbi Mandel, whose parents moved to Miami as a young couple to help start the Chofetz Chaim branch there, said he and his family are enjoying Ottawa. The best surprise for him so far, is the unity of the Jewish community. In a big centre, he said, Jews of different stripes often have little to do with each other.

Here, Rabbi Mandel said, there is a “broad tent” and a real feeling of community and mutual respect.

“There are a lot of proud Jews,” he said, and there is an appreciation that high-level Torah learning benefits the entire community.

Rabbi Mandel admits he was, at first, a bit intimidated by Ottawa’s weather.

Recalling his first visit here last winter, he remembers looking out the airplane window and staring in amazement at the blanket of snow covering the city. Now, though, he’s a winter enthusiast.

“We got snow tires, we got down coats, and we got snow pants – the works. An extra-long shovel, an extra-long brush for the car, we’re definitely geared up to

Employment Opportunities Congregation Machzikei Hadas is looking to fill two positions in June 2015. The first, that of Executive Director, is a full-time position. The second, that of Director of Family and Children’s Programming, is a part-time position.

Duties of Executive Director include: • in conjunction with the Rabbi and the Board, implement and coordinate all Shul activities • implement programs to attract new members • manage the day to day operations and functions of the office and staff, being accountable for results and ensuring the Shul functions smoothly • manage and implement fundraising activities and develop new fundraising initiatives • manage Shul communications, website and social media • interact with the Jewish Federation and other Jewish organizations

Duties of Director of Family and Children’s Programming include: • • • •

Shabbat morning youth programs Monthly family programs Work with the Executive Director to attract new members Develop and maintain relationships with young member families and potential young member families.

PHOTO: ISSIE SCAROWSKY

Rabbis Yaakov Moshe Harris (left) and Dovid Mandel have relocated to Ottawa from Queens, N.Y. to head the Ottawa Torah Institute.

embrace the winter.”

Rabbi Harris and his family feel the same way.

“Our kids even have ice skates,” he said, emphasizing the word ‘ice.’

Coincidentally, both rabbis are married to speech pathologists and both

couples have three children, all girls.

For now, the rabbis are focused on building the yeshiva, educating the students and, by extension, making a contribution to Jewish life in Ottawa.

“The effect that a yeshiva has on a city is untold,” said Rabbi Harris.

Temple Israel

An egalitarian Reform congregation

Jewish roots, contemporary values, egalitarian Friday Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 6:15 pm.

Saturday Shabbat Services, 10:15 am.

Sunday, February 22: Books and Bagels, Professor Fran Klodawsky will review Fields of Exile by Nora Gold.

Bagels, 9:30 am; review 10:00 am.

Books are available through the Ottawa Public Library and the Greenberg Families Library at the SJCC. The Malca Pass Library and the Temple Israel Library also carry some titles.

Norman Klein, Interim Rabbi Steven H. Garten, Rabbi Emeritus Heather Cohen, Executive Director Sheli Braun, Principal, Religious School

Applications should be submitted to president@cmhottawa.com or Congregation Machzikei Hadas, Attention Search Committee, 2310 Virginia Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 6S2

1301 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, ON K2C 1N2 Tel: 613-224-1802 Fax: 613-224-0707 www.templeisraelottawa.com

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

Jewish Community Service Awards Members of the Jewish community are invited to nominate individuals to receive community awards at the Annual General Meeting of the Federation on June 17, 2015.

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

Freiman Family Young Leadership Award

PHOTO: ISSIE SCAROWSKY

Rabbi Dovid Hayes begins the new study cycle of Maimonides at the Siyum HaRambam event, December 14, at the Kollel of Ottawa.

Gathering marks the completion of Rambam study cycle

BY BORUCH MALCHY CHABAD OTTAWA

M

any of Ottawa’s Orthodox rabbis and Torah educators came together, December 14, at the Kollel of Ottawa as Jews around the world celebrated Siyum HaRambam, the completion of the daily study cycle of Maimonides, for the 33rd time since the Lubavitcher Rebbe first launched the three-track study in 1984.

The Rambam, Maimonides, was, perhaps, the most renowned of Jewish medieval scholars. He changed the face of Judaism by codifying Jewish law in his work Mishneh Torah. In establishing the study cycle, the Rebbe highlighted the unique quality of the study of Rambam that by studying Rambam, one effectively studies the entire Torah. When all Jewish people unite to study the same Torah concepts, Jewish unity is accomplished through Torah.

From Ottawa’s senior Orthodox rabbi, Rabbi Reuven Bulka of Congregation Machzikei Hadas, to Ottawa’s newest roshei yeshiva, Rabbis Yaakov Harris and Dovid Mandel of Ottawa Torah Institute, numerous leaders responsible for spreading Torah in Ottawa joined Ottawa’s Chabad rabbis for discussions and scholarly analyses of the Rambam, and to celebrate the study cycle’s completion with a beautiful meal.

“I think this was one of the most important events that have ever taken place in Ottawa. There was an energy of strong unity,” said Cantor Yair Subar of Congregation Beit Tikvah.

The speakers, all introduced by Rabbi Sender Gordon, included Rabbi Yehoshua Botnick, the rov of Lubavitch in Ottawa, who concluded the cycle of Rambam study and pointed out discrepancies

between the ending of the work and a similar discussion toward the beginning of the same text. He resolved the discrepancies with the Rebbe’s elucidation that distinguishes between perspectives in tune with exile, as demonstrated at the onset of the text, and the outlook of redemption displayed at its end.

Rabbi Dovid Hayes, Ottawa’s head Chabad shaliach (emissary), began the new cycle of Rambam study and explained the mitzvah of knowing, as opposed to merely believing, in God’s existence as explained by the Tzemach Tzedek.

Rabbi Bulka analyzed a statement of the Rambam and went on to practise what he had preached by complimenting all present.

Rabbi Yonah Burr, head of the Kollel of Ottawa, offered an involved explanation of a difficult to understand passage pertaining to material recently covered in Daf Yomi, which he resolved by quoting a responsa of the Rashbo that distinguishes between a positive commandment and one that is solely to negate the alternative but not to require fulfilment.

Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum, director of the Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut, contrasted the prohibition against the effects of non-kosher rennet with honey from a bee in an overview of the prohibition of cheeses made without supervision.

Other speakers included Rabbis Chaim Mendelsohn, Ari Galandauer, Chaim Boyarsky, Shmuly Hayes, Yisroel Goldbaum, Dovid Mandel and Mendy Loewenthal.

“It was inspiring to see representatives of all segments of the community united through Torah study,” said Rabbi Menachem Blum of the Ottawa Torah Centre.

The Freiman Family Young Leadership Award recognizes an individual under the age of 40, who has rendered exceptional service to the Jewish community.

The Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award The Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award recognizes 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.

Submit Nominations by Tuesday, March 31, 2015 to: Chair of the Community Award Selection Committee Jewish Federation of Ottawa 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9 or email: rabenhaim@jewishottawa.com

For more information or to submit a nomination form online, please visit www.jewishottawa.com

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

Mitzvah Day 2015: Old favourites and new mitzvot

FEDERATION REPORT

6

WARREN AND LINDA MELAMED MITZVAH DAY

O

FROM THE PULPIT

n Sunday, February 8, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa will host our 9th annual Mitzvah Day – a day members of Ottawa’s Jewish community come together to perform mitzvot to help make the world a little bit better, one good deed at a time.

Mitzvah Day is all about kindness and helping others. It’s about teaching our children to become involved and to put others before themselves. It’s about the Jewish concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world). Mitzvah Day is about going beyond the boundaries of our commun-

RABBI HOWARD FINKELSTEIN BEIT TIKVAH

O

n my flight from Israel to Canada at the beginning of the month, I observed hundreds of Birthright students who were returning home after their 10-day adventure in Israel. For many, it was their first time in Israel. Suffice it to say that, without the dozens of Birthright groups in Israel during winter break, there would have been few tourists.

No one can doubt the exuberance of the Birthright participants much as one cannot deny that the epicentre of Jewish life, Jerusalem, is vibrant, growing and the exemplification of a renewed spirit of Jewish learning, life and pride in Judaism, and, by extension, the State of Israel.

On the other hand, on our return to Ottawa, we see a dampening of that religious spirit that pervades Jerusalem

ity to help those less fortunate. It is Jewish values in action.

Last year, the community took part in such amazing mitzvot as Locks of Love, for which two brave and selfless young girls had their ponytails cut and donated them for hair pieces for children suffering from medical hair loss. We also wrote letters of support and encouragement to Israel’s lone soldiers; made sandwiches for the Ottawa Mission and Shepherds of Good Hope; collected a ton (almost literally) of hockey equipment for the Canada-Israel Hockey School, a terrific bridge-building program for

Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze boys and girls; and raised over $1,000 for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada through our Extreme Football Challenge.

This year’s mitzvot promise to be even more exciting and include such past favourites as Challahs for Hunger, in which challah dough is braided and donated to the Kosher Food Bank, and creating birthday celebration kits for children living in shelters to ensure that, despite very difficult circumstances, they do not miss out on birthday celebrations.

We will also be putting together care packages for Canadian troops serving overseas, as a way of saying “thanks” for protecting our freedom.

A new addition to this year’s program is the Jewish Family One-Stop Info Shop – taking place in the Soloway JCC social hall – which will showcase the family-oriented programs and services offered in Ottawa’s Jewish community.

This will include a showcase of the amazing schools, shuls and summers

Ottawa and Jerusalem: A tale of two cities and Israel. Synagogue memberships are down, student populations in the city’s day and afternoon schools are declining, and there is a waning of commitment on the part of young Jews to their faith and community. What will the picture of the Ottawa Jewish community look like in five or 10 years?

Issues of affordability and sustainability in Jewish educational institutions such as day schools remain as potent as ever in determining whether there is a future for Jewish education in Ottawa.

Of course, Ottawa is not unique in this regard. Jewish communities elsewhere are facing the same issues. Rising tuition costs cannot meet the rising costs of educating a child in the Jewish day school network. Fundraising efforts are insufficient in erasing debts incurred by schools. Federations must deal with the ugly reality that they must constantly play catch-up to enable schools to remain above financial waters.

Schools must think of new ideas, new alternatives, in order to survive. Their survival is an indication of the survivability of the larger community. Hard and unpopular decisions must be taken to preserve our educational institutions in Ottawa. We who live in Ontario are not as privileged as our neighbours to the south [as well as some other provinces] who

are recipients of government aid for parochial day schools despite the claim of separation of church and state.

Recently, the Orthodox Union in the United States declared its campaign to petition the American government to provide even more money to Jewish day schools. In Ontario, the provincial government will not provide money to a faith-based school to purchase a three cent pencil unless said school is Catholic.

Interestingly, at a conference of Orthodox rabbis in Israel, which I attended, it was announced that the Israeli government will be providing billions of dollars in financial aid to Diaspora schools. The Israeli government recognizes that formalized Jewish education, in addition to the family, are the guarantors of Jewish continuity.

We remind ourselves constantly in our prayers when we take the Torah out of the Aron Kodesh that Torah shall come forth out of Zion or Jerusalem. Perhaps some of that Israeli largesse will come to aid our schools in Ottawa.

The closure of any Jewish educational institution because of a lack of funds and student is disastrous, and a bad omen for the future of its host community. Without Jewish schools, there is no Jewish community. There is no future.

camps our wonderful community has to offer.

As always, we are collecting such items as new toys for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, laundry detergent and dish soap for Ronald McDonald House and canned goods for the Kosher Food Bank. For more details about Mitzvah Day or to register, visit our website at www.mitzvahdayottawa.com.

We are grateful to Ginsburg, Gluzman, Fage & Levitz (GGFL) Chartered Accountants for their continued support of this amazing community-wide event.

As lead sponsor, they provide the funds necessary to buy supplies for the mitzvot, and a sizable contingent from GGFL comes out, rolls up their sleeves and participates!

Mitzvah Day has something for everyone, regardless of age. Join us for this meaningful and rewarding experience helping those in need.

We look forward to seeing you there, Linda, Warren, Jacob and Michael Melamed

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin VOLUME 79 | ISSUE 6

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 per year. © Copyright 2015 PUBLISHER Andrea Freedman EDITOR Michael Regenstreif PRODUCTION MANAGER Brenda Van Vliet BUSINESS MANAGER Barry Silverman AD SALES Monique Elliot The Bulletin, established in 1937 as “a force for constructive communal consciousness,” communicates the messages of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and its agencies and, as the city’s only Jewish newspaper, welcomes a diversity of opinion as it strives to inform and enrich the community. Viewpoints expressed in these pages do not necessarily represent the policies and values of the Federation.

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January 26, 2015

FROM THE EDITOR

OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

MICHAEL REGENSTREIF Continued from page 1

IDEAS AND IMPRESSIONS

surrounding areas, had become places of so much darkness.

Almost all of 17 murdered victims were killed for one of three reasons.

• Ten were killed because they worked for a magazine the terrorists took offence to for its depictions of the Muslim prophet, Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Many Muslims believe it is forbidden to depict Muhammad in any way – let alone mockingly as many Charlie Hebdo cartoons had done over the years.

Perhaps it should be noted that the Charlie Hebdo cartoonists had no sacred cows when it came to skewering religion.

They were equal opportunists who would offend Christianity, in particular Roman Catholicism, France’s dominant religion, Judaism and other religions no less than they would Islam.

JASON MOSCOVITZ

R

ecent events in France, as brutal as they were, could have been predicted. There has, unfortunately, been a steady build-up to the ever present worldwide reality of terrorist acts, and sometimes people express fears that are precursors to such horrors which still shock the soul.

In December, there was a conference in Jerusalem of artists and filmmakers, which focussed on how best to use comedy to drive social change. One of the speakers was 40-year-old Danny Cohen, director of all four BBC television networks. He oversees drama, entertainment and knowledge output. He is obviously a whiz kid, who went from

Unprecendented solidarity in wake of terrorist attacks In 2008, Charlie Hebdo actually fired one of its cartoonists because he refused to apologize for an anti-Semitic cartoon that drew complaints from the Jewish community.

• Three more were killed because they were police officers, representatives of the French state. Some might argue that two of them were killed because they just happened to be on the scene of the Charlie Hebdo attack, but that argument cannot be made about the policewoman murdered the day after. And, in reality, the police on the scene at Charlie Hebdo were there because the state’s fundamental values of freedom were under threat of precisely the kind of terrorist attack that took place. Ironically, one of the murdered policemen at the magazine massacre was himself a Muslim.

• The final four victims were killed simply because they were Jewish. Exactly seven decades after the end of the Holocaust, European Jews were murdered just because they were Jewish.

As National Post columnist Christie Blatchford asked, “It’s curious, isn’t it, how, for some people, when push comes to shove, it’s always about the Jews?

“Does anyone believe for a minute that, when Amedy Coulibaly, in presumed solidarity with his alleged

associates the Charlie Hebdo killers, chose to make a grand gesture, he randomly picked a Hyper Cacher supermarket on the eastern edge of Paris?”

And it wasn’t just about the Jews for the terrorist who attacked the kosher supermarket. Anti-Semitic conspiracy theories quickly surfaced about the Charlie Hebdo attack. The most prevalent of them spread by some anti-Israel activists like Greta Berlin who blamed the attack on Mossad agents posing as Islamist terrorists.

While Wikileaks didn’t blame Israel for the attack, it did take to Twitter to say the “Jewish pro-censorship lobby” legitimized the attacks on Charlie Hebdo because of the complaints about the anti-Semitic cartoon in 2008.

I mentioned that each of the 17 murdered victims was killed for one of three reasons. Actually, one of the victims of the Charlie Hebdo massacre was killed for two reasons.

Columnist Elsa Cayat was the only woman killed at Charlie Hebdo.

Apparently, the terrorists told the women on the scene they would not be killed. They made an exception, though, for Cayat because she was Jewish. So, it wasn’t just about the Muhammad cartoons for the Charlie Hebdo terrorists;

Prominent British Jews alarmed at rising anti-Semitism in UK being comptroller of the networks to director at a young age.

While in Jerusalem, Cohen was interviewed on Israeli television where he elaborated on what he said at the conference. The headline was, “BBC chief says anti-Semitism makes him question Jews’ future in UK.” Cohen, who grew up in Britain and attended Jewish day school, said much more about a bleak future. The transcript is chilling.

“I’ve never felt more uncomfortable being a Jew in the UK as I have felt in the last 12 months. And it’s made me think about, you know, is it our long-term home actually? Because you feel it; I’ve felt it in a way I have never felt it before.”

Now Cohen is not just anybody. With his job at the BBC, he has an incredibly high public profile. He is next in line for the top job. And, although not directly responsible, he is still identified with the BBC’s world famous news service, which is often criticized by pro-Israel advocacy groups for biased reporting. Saying what he said could not have been politically

easy for Cohen, but silence was not his preferred option.

Cohen also said, “And you’ve seen the number of attacks rise. It has been pretty grim. And having lived my whole life in the UK, I have never felt as I do now about anti-Semitism in Europe.”

This past summer’s Israel-Hamas war led to a striking increase in anti-Semitic attacks in Europe and the UK. In July, there were more than 100 hate crimes reported in the UK alone – more than double the usual number. Among those attacks were an assault of a rabbi in Gateshead, attacks on synagogues and the attack of a Jewish boy riding his bicycle in a north London neighbourhood.

What I didn’t know before researching this column is that Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour Party in the UK, is a Jew who is also deeply concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism in his country. Like Danny Cohen, he laments and worries.

While praising his country’s long tradition of tolerance, Miliband issued a stern warning by stating, “The recent spate of incidents should serve as a

7

it was about the Jews for them too.

Another of the victims, 80-year-old cartoonist Georges Wolinski was also Jewish.

These attacks were the latest in the long string of anti-Semitic incidents that have had many in France’s Jewish community – the second largest Diaspora community in the world – questioning whether they have a future there.

If there was any silver lining to those terrible in events in France, it was the unprecedented solidarity of literally millions and millions of French citizens who marched through the streets of Paris and in other French cities on January 11 standing solidly against terrorism and for the principals of Western democracy and human rights.

The Paris marchers were joined in the streets by dozens of world leaders at the head of the demonstration. And, among their front ranks, standing just a few feet apart, were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

While some might be cynical about the of the two of them marching together – especially with all that has been revealed about the machinations behind both being there – it was a symbolically significant moment.

In light of such terrorism and the clear rise in anti-Semitism across Europe, the world and its leaders need to keep up this united front – and take it well beyond mere symbolism. wake-up call for anyone who thought the scourge of anti-Semitism had been defeated and that the idea of Jewish families [being] fearful of living here in Britain was unthinkable.”

It is shocking to read these quotes and to consider their impact, especially when you consider what happened in France just a short time after the conference in Jerusalem.

And, you have to wonder about Canada. Politically and socially, we share so much with France and the UK, but I can’t imagine a day when I, or anyone of us in the Jewish community, would say we fear for our futures as Jews living in Canada.

But, if anything, these events remind us we have to be on our guard. We can’t just pretend we are above it and that it couldn’t happen here.

Last summer’s war in Gaza demonstrated to Jews all over the world, all over again, how tough it is for Israel to catch a break in public opinion. With today’s instant news and video, between traditional media and social media, there is an avalanche of anti-Israel viewpoints to cope with – and these are heightened, of course, when there’s trouble.

The depressing and difficult truth is that it isn’t always possible to stay above the fray, totally untouched, in our comfortable Canada.

January 26, 2015

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mailbag | bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com OTTAWA RALLY IGNORED ROLE OF ANTI-SEMITISM When I learned a rally was going to be held January 11 at Confederation Park in solidarity with the million marching in Paris, I grabbed a sheet of paper and a marker and wrote, “Je suis Juive.� I’d been tweeting that hashtag since four Jews were murdered by a Muslim terrorist in a kosher grocery store in Paris.

My husband Allan and I headed to the rally. I was a bit anxious. Would a terrorist strike at this event? Just two days earlier, twin brothers who’d converted to Islam had been arrested in Ottawa on terrorism-related charges. I hugged my children before leaving the house, just in case.

The rally, organized by the Association dÊmocratique des Français de l’Êtranger, was a tribute to freedom of expression and to the 17 French victims.

There were hundreds of marchers, quite a few French ags and lots of signs that read “Je suis Charlie,â€? referring to Charlie Hebdo, the satirical French magazine whose cartoonists were massacred by Islamist terrorists.

Others carried pencils to honour the cartoonists.

The rally was somber, respectful and peaceful. What was lacking, in my opinion, was both a visible Jewish presence and acknowledgment that anti-Semitism played a key role in four of the killings.

Because Allan and I were the only two people with “Je suis Juive� and “Je suis Juif� signs, we were among those who caught the media’s attention. We appeared later that day on CTV News. Our signs and a clip of Allan expressing his solidarity and sorrow were shown.

When asked why I was in attendance, I told the interviewer that my father is a Holocaust survivor and that I’m deeply concerned about the rise in hate crimes against Jews in Europe. I went on to say we must unite against all terrorism.

My interview was not shown on television. Perusing the same day’s online editions of the Ottawa Citizen and Ottawa Sun, I noticed that reports on the Ottawa rally made no mention of the Jewish victims at the kosher store.

I’m glad I attended the rally. It’s important to stand up for what you believe in. I’m grateful that I live in Canada, where I can hold up a sign proclaiming that I’m Jewish. Despite my initial concerns about making such a declaration in a non-Jewish milieu, no one bothered me.

In fact, my husband and I felt welcomed and many people read our signs, smiled and asked to take our photo. However, I’m disappointed that the rally goers and the media failed to mention anti-Semitism and the targeting of Jews.

And I’m angry that, in Canada, we need security guards at Jewish schools, Jewish community centres

Gloria Schwartz (left) and Allan Wolfsohn with their signs at the Ottawa solidarity rally in Confederation Park, January 11.

and synagogues. We must do more as a nation to combat anti-Semitism and Islamist extremism abroad and in our own backyard. Rallies can only do so much.

Gloria Schwartz JCC PROGRAMS I read with keen interest the December 8 article discussing the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC) Engaged Adult Learning courses to be offered this winter and was dismayed and disappointed to ďŹ nd that 17 of 18 courses are being offered during daytime hours; only Hebrew language is offered in the evening.

This situation has existed for some time and does a disservice to SJCC members, such as myself, who are still working. With AJA 50+ offering many excellent daytime courses, I feel strongly that SJCC adult programming should reect the needs of the full range of members, not just those who are available during the day. I will convey my concerns directly to the SJCC and urge others who share my views to do the same.

Joel Kanigsberg

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 at bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

9

Advertorial

Alan Blostein President

More than trees 613.798.2411 ottawa@jnf.ca

Lynda Taller-Wakter Executive Director

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND David & Margo Kardish’s Tu Bi’Shevat Tribute As a result of Operation Protective Edge during the summer of 2014, JNF Canada’s Tu Bi’Shevat campaign is focussing on planting trees for security in the tiny outpost community of Halutza in southern Israel near the Gaza border. Today, only barbed wire and a few miles separate the residents from the desert plains of Egypt and raging rockets of Gaza. Planting trees during a shmita year is allowed by the Rabbinate, is a mitzvah, and demonstrates Canada’s solidarity with Israel’s pioneering communities.

David and Margo Kardish have a place in Florida for winter and a place in their heart for JNF. Over the past few years, they have purchased a project for the Tu Bi’Shevat campaign. Their longterm friendship with JNF has yielded their family many markers of their devotion to Israel with friendship “footprint” plaques in Israel’s north, centre and south.

We asked David and Margo what drives their connection to JNF. “JNF epitomizes what we believe Judaism is all about.

We are defined by how we help others and JNF brings our community together in a meaningful way. It unites our land with our people, whether we live in Israel or the Diaspora. Israel is a young nation that has accomplished so much in the last 65 years, and JNF has always been there. Out of the ashes of the Shoah, the country, through JNF, is fulfilling the dreams of Herzl and Ben Gurion: growth in agriculture, science, the arts and technology while, at the same time, preserving 5,000-plus years of heritage. How awesome and all because of trees and so much more. It is very special and humbling that by helping JNF we are helping the Jewish people. How lucky we are to be part of the community that envisions an environmentally green future for our people and Israel.”

Plant a Tree on Mitzvah Day, February 8 This year, our Tu Bi’Shevat Telethon coincides with Mitzvah Day due to the late date for Tu Bi’Shevat. Do a real mitzvah and plant trees! But you don’t have to wait until February 8. Call us today.

SAVE THE DATE! JNF’s Global Mission of Solidarity to Israel is May 12-21 from Toronto.

Stay at Inbal Jerusalem and Dan Tel Aviv. $3,300 U.S. per person. More details to follow.

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

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Merle Haltrecht-Matte (left) and Dara Lithwick (rear) of Temple Israel’s Social Action Committee with Imam Mohamad Jebara and Rabbi Steven Garten after serving a lunch, November 30, to women staying at Shepherds of Good Hope Shelter.

Jews and Muslims combine for inter-faith mitzvah

BY MICAH GARTEN FOR TEMPLE ISRAEL

I

s it still a mitzvah if you have an amazing time performing it?

Eight Temple Israel congregants joined together with eight members of Cordova Islamic Academy, November 30, to perform a mitzvah for the women staying at the Shepherds of Good Hope shelter.

The two groups gathered together in a small kitchen on the third floor of the shelter where roughly 65 women sleep each night. The volunteers brought the ingredients needed to make a delicious lunch and, as they prepared the food, they made introductions and shared laughter. As the residents of the shelter peaked in to see what all the commotion was about, they were invited to come in for some coffee and conversation. Pretty soon everyone was mingling and it became difficult to tell who was a client and who was a volunteer.

When the food was ready, everyone moved to the conference room where the shelter residents were served the meal. Some remarked that it was the best meal they had ever had and that they were so grateful for the whole experience.

And the smiles on the faces of the Jewish and Muslim volunteers shined equally as large with the knowledge that

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the event, which was beneficial and fun, made a real impact on the lives of some Ottawa’s most vulnerable women.

“To serve is the best way to move faith from words into action,” said Imam Mohamad Jebara of the Cordova Islamic Academy. ‘‘It was a pleasure to share a mitzvah with all. I look forward to many more moments of blessings,’’ added Rabbi Steven Garten, Temple Israel’s rabbi emeritus.

For more information on how you can help make a difference for the men and women living at Shepherds of Good Hope, contact Anna Silverman at 613-789-8210.

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

DID YOU KNOW? Long before its eventual building on Wurtemburg Street in 1965, Hillel Lodge, also known as The Ottawa Jewish Home for the Aged, came about as the result of a grassroots movement, founded by interested members of the Ottawa Jewish community led and envisioned by Mrs. Abraham (Dora) Lithwick, and ably structured by J.C (Jacie) Horwitz, Q.C. Legend has it that the idea arose during a chat over a cup of tea in the 1950s!

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History of Jewish businesses in Ottawa: Do you remember Caplan’s Department Store?

Shaffer’s? Joe Feller’s? Zunder’s? Slipacoff’s? Stein’s? Did your parents or grandparents have a store on Bank Street, or in the ByWard Market, or in LeBreton Flats? Have you saved a memento from that time? The Ottawa Jewish Historical Society and the Ottawa Jewish Archives would like to hear your stories and see your memorabilia.

On Wednesday, April 29, in partnership with the Soloway JCC, we’ll “go shopping” down memory lane and we want to make sure your family’s business is included. Please bring us your memories and pictures.

For more information, contact Anna Bilsky of the Ottawa Jewish Historical Society at 613-728-4202 or humbil@rogers.com; or Saara Mortensen at the Ottawa Jewish Archives at 613-798-4696, ext.260, or archives@jewishottawa.com.

Pictured: Louis Dworkin in 1914 in his delivery wagon in front of L. Dworkin Grocery and Butcher Shop at Percy and Arlington Streets.

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The Ottawa Post of the Jewish War Veterans of Canada has announced that Eyal Podolsky and Nathan Cantor, who both graduated from Sir Robert Borden High School last year, are the recipients of the Post’s annual student scholarships for the current school year.

Eyal, the son of Rony and Dekel Podolsky, is now studying health sciences at the University of Ottawa and hopes to become a physician.

Nathan, the son of Kevin and Jessica Cantor, is now studying sciences at Queen’s University in Kingston.

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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City Hall ceremony to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day

BY FLORALOVE KATZ OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE

I

nternational Holocaust Remembrance Day will be commemorated in the nation’s capital on Tuesday, January 27, 12 pm, at Ottawa City Hall.

This annual event honours six million Jews – including a million children – murdered during the Holocaust. The United Nations chose January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in recognition of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp on January 27, 1945. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka will act as master of ceremonies and other speakers will include Employment and Social Development and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney; Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau; Mayor Jim Watson; the ambassadors of Germany, Israel, Poland and Turkey; and Salma Siddiqui, president of the Coalition of Progressive Canadian Muslim Organizations.

Cantor Moshe Kraus, a survivor of Bergen-Belsen, will sing “Kel Malei Rachamim” and recite Kaddish and

W O N

PHOTO: ASHLEY FRASER

Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka will act a master of ceremonies for the International Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony, January 27, 12 pm, at Ottawa City Hall.

Cantor Moshe Kraus, a Holocaust survivor, will sing “Kel Malei Rachamim” and recite Kaddish.

Israeli Ambassador Rafael Barak is among the ambassadors from four countries scheduled to speak at the International Holocaust Remembrance Daye Ceremony in Ottawa.

Holocaust survivors will place six flowers in a vase to represent the six million Jewish murder victims.

There has been a resurgence of anti-Semitism and alarming anti-Semitic acts over the past year – witness the murders of four shoppers in a kosher supermarket in Paris just this month – so

the theme of Ottawa’s International Holocaust Remembrance Day for 2015, “The Renewed Urgency of Holocaust Education and Eradication of Anti-Semitism,” is both timely and important.

Holocaust remembrance is typically marked with a moment of silence for the

six million murdered Jews. Were we to dedicate one moment to each of them, we would have to stand silent for 11 years!

For more information about the International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa, or to RSVP your attendance, contact Fred Litwin at fred.litwin@gmail.com or 613-261-9060.

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Longtime JCC librarian Estelle Backman retires

BY PAMELA ROSENBERG SOLOWAY JCC

I

n 1990, when Estelle Backman walked into the Jewish Community Centre (JCC) on Chapel Street, she had no idea she was about to embark on an exciting new career that would change her life.

A teacher from Montreal, Estelle, along with her husband and two children, moved to Ottawa following the 1980 Quebec referendum. When she heard the JCC was looking for people to run afterschool programs for kids she went in to apply for a position.

When Estelle got to the JCC, the afterschool jobs were already filled, but what seemed unfortunate at the time turned out to be a positive twist of fate as Paula Speevak Sladowski, then the JCC adult programming chair, had other plans for her.

“She spoke with me about the library. I was extremely reluctant to accept the job, but Paula encouraged me to try it and, if I liked it, I could take some of the library technology courses at Algonquin,” said Estelle. “Paula’s insistence was probably the most significant reason that I took the job. That incident totally changed my life. I absolutely loved it.”

When Estelle retired in December, she reminisced about her years working in the JCC and then Soloway JCC libraries.

The Chapel Street library was housed in the basement of the building and, when she first arrived, it had been closed for some time, so her first foray into the life of a librarian was cleaning, dusting and organizing. Still, she knew from the start it was where she belonged.

“Right away, I knew that I loved the job,” said Estelle.

“It was below ground and had one window with bars on it. It was so cold in the winter you could see your breath and I wore mittens, [but] I still loved it.”

For Estelle, the beauty of the dingy basement library came from the people who used it. Since it wasn’t a very busy place, she had the time to talk to the people and practise her Yiddish with the Lunch Bunch crowd.

After seven years in the Chapel Street basement, the

time came for Estelle to strap on her hard hat and feast her eyes on what was to become her new home away from home, the Greenberg Families Library at the Soloway JCC. “When we came in and saw the library, I was overwhelmed. It was a wonderful opportunity to turn the library into the gem it is today,” she said.

Now, with a budget to purchase quality books and a second librarian, Donna Guttman, by her side, the two, along with several volunteers, began automating the catalogue of books.

In recent years, with Estelle and Jack Schecter at the helm, the Greenberg Families Library collection has grown to include 10,000 Jewish content and Jewish interest books, more than 1,000 DVDs, and a children’s section, which didn’t exist on Chapel Street. And the library has been recognized with Advanced Accreditation by the Association of Jewish Libraries.

While these are all things of which Estelle is extremely proud, her biggest thrills come from recommending a book that makes someone happy and in the accolades the library receives from its users.

“When a guest author comes in and says ‘Wow, this is a first class library,’ it’s such a joy to hear that … that’s the nicest compliment we can get,” she said.

With her final days in the library now behind her, Estelle, ironically, plans to start her retirement by catching up on some books and films she has often recommended, but never had the chance to enjoy.

“I am blessed to be doing this. These have been the happiest years of my life. It is with a heavy heart that I leave, but the time has come to pass the torch to someone who, I hope, will derive the same amount of pleasure from this job as I have.”

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Chanukah music on Parliament Hill

Seymour Mayne launches new poetry collection: Poet and University of Ottawa professor Seymour Mayne speaks at the launch of Cusp, his new collection of word sonnets, November 17, at uOttawa’s Café Nostalgica. The event was also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Mayne’s first book, That Monocycle the Moon, which he holds in the photo. That first book received the Chester Macnaghten First Prize in Creative Writing at McGill University in 1964.

Dominion Carillonneur Andrea McCrady (seated) performed a noontime program of Chanukah music, December 18, on the Peace Tower carillon. She was joined in her studio by (from left) John Rutherford; Embassy of Israel Deputy Head of Mission Shlomit Sufa; former Ottawa mayor Jackie Holzman; Cantor Daniel Benlolo; and Israeli Ambassador Rafael Barak.

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Barry Silverman 613-798-4696, ext. 256

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

Mitzvah in the mitzvah tank: Joseph ďŹ nds his way

BY MINDY WALLACH FOR CHABAD OF KANATA

D

uring Chanukah, a “mitzvah tankâ€? was seen on the streets of Ottawa for the ďŹ rst time in 15 years. Organized by Chabad of Kanata under the direction of Rabbi Michoel Gershzon, the tank was dedicated in memory of the late Rabbi Mordechai Berger.

On December 22, the sixth day of Chanukah, the tank was parked on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa and many Jews stopped by to partake of the doughnuts, lay teďŹ llin and receive a menorah kit.

Joseph, a middle-aged man with a ponytail, came into the mitzvah tank and shared his story. His maternal grandparents had run away from the Nazis in Europe and settled in a Quebec village. Traumatized by their experiences of anti-Semitism in Europe, they decided to hide the fact that they were Jews and became members of the local Catholic church. Their daughter married a man from the village and eventually had a son, Joseph, who was raised without any knowledge of his Jewish ancestry.

When Joseph’s grandmother passed away, he was tasked with cleaning up her apartment and he came across many

Jewish books among her belongings.

When he asked his mother about them, she would only provide vague answers. But Joseph was persistent and his mother ďŹ nally shared the story of their escape from Nazi Europe and the decision to hide their Jewishness.

Since then, Joseph said he has been trying to learn more about being Jewish and was happy to come across the mitzvah tank that Chanukah day.

Rabbi Gershzon helped Joseph lay teďŹ llin, gave him a menorah kit and a pushke, both with Chabad of Kanata’s contact information on them, and said goodbye.

Joseph had inadvertently left his bag in the tank and called Rabbi Gershzon later that evening to ask if it had been found.

This led to another 30-minute discussion about Yiddishkeit during which Joseph and the rabbi discussed the mitzvah of brit milah. Rabbi Gershzon arranged with a mohel for Joseph to have his brit milah.

The very next day, at age 40, Joseph entered the covenant of Avraham and was named Yosef Yitzchok. He plans to join the Torah classes at Chabad of Kanata just as soon as he is feeling better.

When Joseph, who grew up not knowing he was Jewish, visited the mitzvah tank during Chanukah, Rabbi Michoel Gershzon of Chabad of Kanata showed him how to lay tefillin.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! “I look forward to exceeding “I look forward to exceeding your your expectations.� – Yudi Chein expectations.� Yudi Chein

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

Arsenic and Old Lace at OJCS

PHOTO: HOWARD SANDLER

The Ottawa Jewish Community School’s Capital Cappies production for this year, Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, was performed to great acclaim from December 8 to 11 at the school. (From left) The Brewster sisters, Martha (Ella Sabourin) and Abby (Meera Landau), shrink from evil relative Jonathan Brewster (Gabe Hamburg) and Dr. Einstein (Shmuel Benzaquen).

PHOTO: HOWARD SANDLER

Elaine Harper (Hannah Srour) talks with Mortimer Brewster (Ethan Sabourin).

PHOTO: HOWARD SANDLER

(From left) Lieutenant Rooney (Noah Bellman) Officer O’Hara (Shmuli Prizant) and Officer Brophy (Matthew Rosenthal) investigate.

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

chanukah 5775

| More photos on pages 13, 18 and 24

and at www.ottawajewishbulletin.com/chanukah-5775 Proudly Serving Barrhaven for over 17 years!

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Breaking news at www.ottawajewishbulletin.com

OBITUARY Mickey Finkelstein It is with great sadness that the family of Mickey Finkelstein, announces his peaceful passing, Friday, December 26, 2014, at Hillel Lodge in Ottawa at the age of 81, after a valiant fight with dementia. Mickey was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind his loving wife, Donna, of 54 years, 4 children, Jeff (Brenlea), Lori (Jordan), Ken (Rachel), and David (Yunna) along with 7 grandchildren, Nicole, Dara, Brooke, Jonah, Dayna, Mira, and Toby. Mickey received his Chartered Accountant designation from the University of Manitoba in 1957, and went on to become a successful businessman, executive, and real estate investor. Mickey was the ultimate family man, always helping out friends and family whenever in need.

Funeral services were held on December 28, 2014, at the Jewish Memorial Gardens.

PHOTO: HOWARD SANDLER

Tamir: Cantor Daniel Benlolo assists participants in lighting the Chanukah candles at the Tamir Chanukah Party, December 17, at Beth Shalom.

PHOTO: ULLE BAUM

Embassy of Israel: Israeli Ambassador Rafael Barak hosted a Chanukah reception, December 22, at his residence.

Foreign Minister John Baird lights the candles as the ambassador and Catherine Gosselin, deputy director, Trade and Negotiations Division, of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, look on.

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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Advertorial

Twin sisters share special birthday with Hillel Lodge This year marks the 60th anniversary of Hillel Lodge.

We will be presenting a series of articles to commemorate the past, showcase the present and plan for the future. Two local twin sisters recently celebrated their 60th birthday by honouring the Lodge with a special gift.

Joy Mender and Sharon Appotive are the daughters of the late Sam and Sue Slack. The sisters learned early on how important it is to stay connected to family, calling their Bubbie, Dora Slack, daily to report in on their day, and visiting her every Sunday. Being close to their Bubbie came naturally, witnessing the devotion of their father and his brothers to their mother.

Lodge: “We don’t anticipate the decline of our parents, and while it is not easy to see this happening, we are grateful to have this facility, where they are very well cared for, in a Jewish environment. Highly regarded and respected in Ottawa, Hillel Lodge staff listened to our needs, provided appropriate diets and, at the end of life stage, administered exemplary palliative care.”

Joy and Sharon take comfort in knowing their mother felt the support, and knew that she was living in the right place for her.

To honour their parents as Sharon and Joy celebrated their 60th birthdays, they requested that donations to commemorate their birthday be directed to the purchase Upon retirement and until of twin benches to be placed his death in 2001, Sam Slack at the entrance of the Lodge.

Joy Mender and Sharon Appotive volunteered at Hillel Lodge.

When spring arrives, and He enjoyed being with the the benches are in place, excellent care provided to Joy and Sharon have residents, escorting them to their mother. Joy and her maintained their connection everyone is welcome to activities, assisting them at husband, Seymour, also to Hillel Lodge by participat- come to the Lodge to visit Bingo and at Shul services. recall the excellent care ing in the annual Biking for with the residents and enjoy Volunteer work at the Lodge provided by the Lodge for the new “twin” benches.

Bubbies. This year, Sharon was what Sam referred to as Seymour’s late mother, hosted 120 guests at her his “best medicine”.

Helen Mender. Moreover, home for a highly successful all the grandchildren felt Israeli Brunch with all When Sue Slack needed comfortable when visiting proceeds going to the Lodge. more care, she became a their Bubbies; a testament to resident of the Lodge. the devoted staff and The sisters reflected on Sharon and Joy recall the welcoming environment. their experience at Hillel

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

chanukah 5775

| More photos on pages 13, 16 and 24

and at www.ottawajewishbulletin.com/chanukah-5775

PHOTO: ISSIE SCAROWSKY

Emerging Generation: Carli Fink and Ben Menka are among the many enjoying the Emerging Generation Chanukah Party, December 16, at @thespace.

Or Haneshamah: Sarah Waisvisz reads to some of the kids at the OrH Chanukah Party, December 19, at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa building.

Hillel Lodge and OJCS: Ottawa Jewish Community School students performed Chanukah songs for the residents of Hillel Lodge, December 18. Lodge resident David Silverman and Cantor Daniel Benlolo light the menorah as some of the students look on.

Adath Shalom: Morris Schnitzer relates the miracles he experienced during the Shoah at Adath Shalom’s Music and Miracles Chanukah program, December 21, at OJCS.

Chabad Hebrew School: Chabad Hebrew School students and their families enjoy the Mad Science Fire & Ice Chanukah show, December 21, at Ottawa Torah Centre Chabad.

Torah Academy: More than 130 people – students, teachers, parents, grandparents and friends – enjoy the annual Chanukah Luncheon, December 23, at Torah Academy.

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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Advertorial

JCC of Ottawa Summer Camps ready with lots of exciting themes

By Pamela Rosenberg Another great summer at JCC of Ottawa Summer Camps is just around the corner with exciting themes, more specialty camps, adventurous trips, Judaic learning opportunities and tons of summer fun.

Jon Braun is back in his role as Summer Camp and Travelling Sports Camp executive director, with Gail Lieff heading up the Specialty Camps and Lauren Lee as Day Camp director. Back for a second year as part of the Day Camp senior management team is Debbie Shapiro, and Hailey Rosenthal Dubarsky, is making her JCC Summer Camp debut.

With tons of day camp experience under her belt, Hailey is earning a bachelor of Education at Queen’s University. This past summer, she participated in the Walt Disney World International Student program in Orlando where she learned from the company’s top leaders.

“We are very excited to have someone like Hailey, who is so passionate about children, the arts and our community, join our JCC of Ottawa Summer Camps

Team,” says Jon. Along with Day Camps, there are wonderful weekly themes like Water Works, Animal Planet, Space is the Place and exciting field trips for the older campers, and each week contains meaningful Jewish programming that will have everyone celebrating and learning.

According to Lauren, day campers will take part in camp-wide Shabbat and mitzvah projects, visit the residents at Hillel Lodge and learn Israeli dancing.

In addition to the always exciting Travelling Sports Camp afternoon trips, this summer, campers will cheer on the city’s newest team, the Ottawa Champions, part of the CANAM Professional Baseball League. Special guests from the world of sports will stop in throughout the summer.

A fan favourite, Coach Carlos Brown, will be back, along with his university varsity athletes, to show our kids some cool moves on the basketball court. We also welcome, for the first time, the elite coaches from Planet Soccer Academy and members of the Ottawa Redblacks.

Travelling Sports Camp takes campers on a different adventure every afternoon and teaches kids new skills.

As always, daily instructional swimming lessons are included in Day Camp and Travelling Sports Camp.

Three new additions to the Specialty Camps roster bring the total number to an all-time high of 17 amazing camps.

Spy Kids – The Art of Espionage teaches little 007s about spy activities, sneaking, codes and disguises. Ten- to 14-year-olds passionate about music and making movies will love the new Music Video camp where campers create their very own cutting edge music video, and at Radical Junior Science Camp kids will explore the world of science.

Back by popular demand this summer are If we Could Talk to the Animals, LEGO Camp, Horseback Riding, Boot Camp, Claymation Animation, Girls on the Go, The Great Adventure, Band Camp, Tennis Camp, Summertime Splash, All Star Basketball Camp, Girl Power, Last Blast and Silent Motion Picture.

“At JCC of Ottawa Summer Camps, we see ourselves as one big family, dedicated to ensuring every child who walks through our doors experiences the best summer of their lives,” says Jon. “We can’t wait for summer!”

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

Advertorial

Waitlists: the new normal at CBB of Ottawa

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Secure your spot for Summer 2015!

CBB of Ottawa wants to wish our Ottawa family a very happy and healthy 2015.

Speaking of happy and healthy, things couldn’t be better as we continue to prepare for another amazing summer at CBB. We have some good news and ... well, more good news!! Registration for Summer 2015 is off the charts, which means we are currently FULL for the first half of 2015; and it’s only January!

We have worked very hard over the past five years to create the greatest summer camp experience for your children and we are humbled by your loyalty. But, have no fear. Our second half is still accepting registrations, and what a second half we have in store for you.

Second half at CBB of Ottawa is fast becoming the best-kept secret around. It’s a bit more “chillaxed” than the first half, yet jam-packed with amazing programs, including: Israel Day, Haganah Night, Stanley Cup, Girls Touch Football, Staff Switch Day, Carnival Day, Grey Cup, Camp Play and – wait for it – Colour War. And that’s just scratching the surface. Whether you are into sports, dancing, acting, singing, drawing, music, swimming, water-skiing (Get the point?) or perhaps simply creating friend-

Camp friends – like none other! ships that last a lifetime, there is literally something for everyone at CBB. As we continue to grow, we have remained committed to improving our programming and enhancing our facilities. Expect more renovated cabins (including bathrooms) in 2015, newly resurfaced tennis and basketball courts (already completed) and some other surprises that are happening to cement CBB as simply the best Jewish summer camp experience in Canada.

For those still deciding what to do for summer 2015, please contact us at 613-2449210 for more information.

We would be honoured to welcome you and your children into our family with open arms.

Swimming Waterskiing Paddlesports Mountain Biking Tennis Canoe & Hiking Dance Arts & Crafts Music Photography Drama Sailing Baseball Soccer Hockey Pottery Ropes Course Teva (Nature) Basketball Archery

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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Where the Second Half is as Crazy as the First!

Financial Assistance Available & ConďŹ dentially Handled

For more information please contact:

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

chanukah 5775

| More photos on pages 13, 16 and 18

and at www.ottawajewishbulletin.com/chanukah-5775

Ottawa City Hall: (From left) Rabbi Dovid Hayes, Mayor Jim Watson, Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka and Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky prepare to light the giant menorah outside Ottawa City Hall, December 16, at a menorah lighting organized by the Rohr Chabad Student Network of Ottawa.

PHOTO: HOWARD SANDLER

Sephardi Association: Children light the candles as Clemy Srour and Cantor Daniel Benlolo look on at the Sephardi Association of Ottawa Chanukah Party, December 20, at Shikun Oz.

JET: Participants in the Sarah’s Tent program, a division of JET, enjoy their Chanukah party, December 17, at the home of Rabbi Yisroel and Rochel Goldbaum.

Help build the future of the Sephardi community in Ottawa!

The Sephardi Association of Ottawa is undertaking a community-wide consultation to ensure the continued strength of its community and help build a vision for its future. We need to hear from you!

Please join us for a special community consultation meeting: Tuesday, February 10th, 7:00 pm Ottawa Torah Centre - 111 Lamplighters Drive RSVP: ottawasephardiassociation@yahoo.com In preparation for this meeting, please take a moment to complete our survey, which also includes an important census of those that identify as Sephardi within the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Please ensure you are counted!

You can find the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QZTF9XS

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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In support of the Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge In the Joseph and Inez Zelikovitz Long Term Care Centre

613-728-3990 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 well-being.

On behalf of the residents and their families, we extend sincere appreciation to the following individuals and families who made card donations to the Hillel Lodge Long-Term Care Foundation between November 19 2014 to January 7, 2015 inclusive.

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

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

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

Ruth and Irving Aaron Family Fund In Memory of: Jacob Benaich by Ruth and Irving Aaron Stanley Abelson by Ruth and Irving Aaron Joe Viner by Ruth and Irving Aaron In Honour of: Marcia and Barry Cantor Mazal tov on Jeremy’s engagement to Ali Weiner by Ruth and Irving Aaron Steven and Rosalyn Fremeth Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter Madelyn Kenzie

by Ruth and Irving Aaron Ed and Janice Fine Mazal tov on Zachary’s Bar Mitzvah with love by Ruth and Irving Aaron Bill and Leona Adler Memorial Fund: In Memory of: Gertrude Bacal by Marilyn Adler Raisa Blank by Marilyn Adler Dr. Hyman Kaufman by Marilyn Adler Lillian Kimmel by Elayne Adler, David, Jordan and Benjamin Jean Stenzler by Marilyn Adler, Neil and Daniel Blacher Mickey Finkelstein by Marilyn Adler Raymonde Herscovitch by Marilyn Adler R’fuah Shlema: Mark Blacher by Elayne Adler, Jordan and Benjamin

by Herbie and Janet Taller, Carolyn and Sid Katz and Mendy and Lori Taller Boris and Dolly Blacker Family Fund In Memory of: Howie Osterer by the Blacher family; and by Marilyn Adler, Neil and Daniel Blacher Sid and Barbara Cohen Family Fund In Memory of: Freda Smith by Sid and Barbara Cohen Joel and Sharon Edelson Family Fund In Memory of: Samuel Fried by Joel and Sharon Edelson Friedberg and Dale Families Fund In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Sydney Friedberg, father of Elaine Friedberg In Memory of: Irving Rosenthal by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale Son-in-law of Uri and Ruth Tal by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale Miriam Braun by Elaine Friedberg, Bob and Jon Dale Burton Cook by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale Yitz Kurtz by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale In Honour of: Leonard and Sara Kerzner and family Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale Malcolm and Vera Glube Endowment Fund In Memory of: Joel Palmer by Malcolm and Vera Glube Miriam Braun by Malcolm and Vera Glube In Honour of: Abe and Mavis Miller Happy 55th anniversary with love by Malcolm and Vera Glube

Samuel and Jean Akerman Memorial Fund In Memory of: Stanley Abelson by Sheila and Larry Hartman

Nell Gluck Memorial Fund In Memory of: Anne Keen by Henry and Maureen Molot Joe Viner by Manny and Cheryle Gluck Stanley Abelson by Manny and Cheryle Gluck In Honour of: Geri Miller Mazal tov on your forthcoming marriage to George Bal-El with love by Henry and Maureen Molot and family; and by Julia Gluck, Ted and Jess Overton Goldie Cantor Happy 90th birthday with love

by Julia Gluck, Ted and Jess Overton Jennette Affleck Happy milestone birthday with love by Julia Gluck, Ted and Jess Overton Eric and Claire Wilner Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Henry and Maureen Molot

Auxiliary of Hillel Lodge Fund In Honour of: Goldie Cantor Happy 90th birthday with love

Evelyn and Irving Greenberg Fund R’fuah Shlema: Sid Klotz by Evelyn Greenberg and family

Gunner Family Fund In Memory of: Anne Keen by Sol and Estelle Gunner Mickey Finkelstein by Sol and Estelle Gunner In Honour of: Ruth and Myron Poplove Mazal tov on the Bar Mitzvah of your grandson, Justin by Sol and Estelle Gunner

Schcahter/Ingber Family Fund In Memory of: Joe Viner by Rachel, Howard, Davida and Josh Schachter

David, Harvey, Victor Kardish Family Fund In Memory of: Joe Viner by Margo, David, Aaron and Gail Kardish; by Sheryl and Harvey Kardish and family; and by Gale, Victor and Sydney Kardish Burton Cook by Sheryl, Harvey, Mallory and Ryan Kardish; and by Margo, David, Aaron and Gail Kardish In Honour of: The Shore/Sauve Families Mazal tov and continued good health on all the special occasions

by Margo, David, Aaron and Gail Kardish Jeff and Linda Laks Mazal tov on the engagement of Jessica and Scott by Harvey, Sheryl, Mallory and Ryan Kardish Cantor Danny Benlolo and family Mazal tov on Jonathan’s engagement by Margo, David, Aaron and Gail Kardish R’fuah Shlema: John De Lemos by Margo, David, Aaron and Gail Kardish Chazzan Danny Benlolo by Margo, David, Aaron and Gail Kardish Howard Burack by Margo, David, Aaron and Gail Kardish

Ralph and Anne Sternberg Memorial Fund In Honour of: Anna-Lee Chiprout Mazal tov on a well deserved and just victory by Laya and Ted Jacobsen Barbara Okun Happy milstone birthday by Laya and Ted Jacobsen Sylvia and Arthur Klein Mazal tov on your 53rd anniversary with love by Laya and Ted Jacobsen Barbara and Alec Okun Mazal tov on your anniversary by Laya and Ted Jacobsen Natalie Gussman Happy birthday with love

by Laya and Ted Jacobsen R’fuah Shlema: Judith Weinman by Laya and Ted Jacobsen Marcia Zuker by Laya and Ted Jacobsen Valerie Cousins by Laya and Ted Jacobsen In Memory of: Joe Viner by Laya and Ted Jacobsen

Morris and Lillian Kimmel Family Fund In Honour of: Sally and Norman Raicek Happy 85th birthday to Norman and Mazal tov to Sally and Norman on the engagement of Jacqueline by Steven and Shelli Kimmel, Brenda and Nathan Levine and Janet and Steve Kaiman Mr. and Mrs. Issie Hoffman Happy anniversary with love by the Kimmel, Kaiman and Levine families Sylvia Kaiman Happy 90th birthday with love by the Kimmel and Levine Families Joan and Russell Kronick Family Fund In Honour of: Dr. Sydney Kronick Happy special birthday

by Joan and Russell Kronick

Harold and Lillian Shoihet Memorial Fund In Memory of: Howie Osterer by Dovid Shoihet and family Moshe Jankovitz by Dovid Shoihet

Sarah and Arnie Swedler Family Fund In Memory of: Joe Viner by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda Zaitlin Freda Smith by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda Zaitlin Max Silverman by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda Zaitlin Louis and Diane Tannenbaum Family Fund In Memory of: Fred Lewis by The Honourable Mr. Justice Louis and Mrs. Diane Tannenbaum Milton and Mary (Terry) Viner Family Fund In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: David Viner by Millie, Fran and Stephen Schaenfield (Continued on page 26)

Shirley and Maurice Rose Memorial Fund In Memory of: Pauline Stone by Mavis and Simon Wasserberger Sam and Ruth Rothman Memorial Fund R’fuah Shlema: Sheldon Taylor by Ellie and Gary Greenberg and family

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 613-728-3990, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday. You may also e-mail your orders to donations@hillel-ltc.com or online donations can be made through our website: www.hillel-ltc.com. All 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, Cheque or Cash. Contributions are tax deductible.

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

My childhood memories of Jews and Arabs living in harmony in Morocco

I

n the 20th century, approximately 850,000 of a population of one million Jews from Arab and Muslim countries (mainly Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon and Egypt) emigrated either by force or by choice – many of them dispossessed and forced to become refugees in the years following the creation of the State of Israel.

The Israeli Knesset recently declared November 30 as the national day of commemoration for Jewish refugees from Arab lands. This date has special significance because it immediately follows the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly approval of the Partition Plan of Mandatory Palestine and the creation of a Jewish state (November 29, 1947), which was rejected by the Arab nations.

As a result, attacks against Jews in Arab countries were rampant and Jewish communities in those countries where they had lived for centuries

(Continued from page 25) Eric Weiner and Arlene Godfrey Family Fund In Memory of: Joe Viner by Eric Weiner and Arlene Godfrey Robbie Rosenberg by Arlene Godfrey, Eric, Melissa and Laura Weiner Toby and Joel Yan Family Fund In Memory of: Joe Viner by Joel and Toby Yan Carole and Norman Zagerman Family Fund In Memory of: Stanley Abelson by Carole and Norman Zagerman Anita Landis by Carole and Norman Zagerman Joe Viner by Carole and Norman Zagerman

CANTOR DANIEL BENLOLO

GUEST COLUMN became uninhabitable. Inevitably, most made their way to the emerging Jewish state.

Just a few years earlier in Morocco, the land of my birth, King Muhammed V had told the Nazi commander who demanded a list of Jews: “We have no Jews in Morocco, only Moroccan citizens.” Those sentiments have been shared by the king’s son and successor Hassan II, and by his son, the present King Muhammed VI. The majority of the 300,000 Jews of Morocco left during Israel’s War of Independence and the Six Day War, fearing an outburst of violence toward them. The 5,000 who remain today consist mainly of older generations.

R’fuah Shlema: Sherwin Lyman by Laurie and Carol Pascoe In Memory of: Anne Keen by the Avery family In Memory of: Care Cohen by Annie and David Garmaise and Lisa and Harold Sandell Lillian Evenchick by Annie and David Garmaise and Lisa and Harold Sandell Ronnie Rosenberg by Carol Gradus Joe Viner by Alvin and Monica Stein Fannie Solomon by Lysette and Louis Kohn; and by Joy, Seymour, Jess, David and Jared Mender Music Program In Honour of: David and Debi Shore Happy birthdays to both of you by Evelyn Greenberg In Memory of: Irving Guttman by Carol Gradus Therapeutic Program In Memory of: Stanley Abelson by Carol Gradus ***************

*************** Feeding Program In Honour of: Debi and David Shore Happy birthday to both of you by Irma Sachs Donna Finkelstein Happy Chanukah by Sally Matook Sonia Shaffer Happy birthday with love by Lysette and Louis Kohn

IN HONOUR OF: Chelsea Sauve Mazal tov on your wonderful chanting the Haftarah by Sylvia and Michael Caplan Doris and Liney Bronstein Mazal tov on your grandson’s Bar Mitzvah by Bill and Jane James Anna Bilsky Thank you by Ghita and Frank Wolff

Nevertheless, Morocco has taken wide-ranging steps to preserve its Jewish history. Today, many historically significant Jewish sites, such as synagogues and cemeteries, have been refurbished, are well guarded and have been declared national historic sites. Projects like the renovation of the Moroccan Jewish Museum keep these sites and memories of Jewish life alive and safe and promote understanding and tolerance for future generations.

With the nightmare visited upon the French nation in the last few days, to be a Jew today in Morocco can be safer than walking the streets of Paris. André Azoulay, a senior Jewish adviser to the king and a member of the project’s advisory board, told the JTA: “I am not trying to paint a one-sided rosy picture.

There are some difficult and maybe black pages in the book of Moroccan Jewry, but there are many, many more beautiful chapters.”

Despite some “black pages,” my childhood memories of Morocco are good. I was fortunate enough to have spent my youth in Casablanca with its harried marketplaces, crowded cobbled streets and, most deliciously, the smell of baked goods and bread emanating from the many food stalls scattered along the streets.

But it was the Shabbat dinners, the

Carl Raskin and family Your kindness is truly appreciated by Marilyn Binder Ned and Golda Steinman Best wishes on your birthdays by Stephanie Loomer David and Debi Shore May you continue celebrating for many years to come by Stephen and Brenda Saslove Goldie Cantor Happy 90th birthday by Lawrence Pleet David and Esther Kwavnick Mazal tov on your grandson’s Bar Mitzvah with love by Cally Kardash, Sheila, Sylvia and Toby Myra and Bert Shinwell Mazal tov on your 65th wedding anniversary with love by Bev, Bryan, Alison and Rob Glube IN MEMORY OF: Gertrude Bacal by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; by Helaine and Arthur Pervin; by Molly Hirsch, Eric Elkin and family;

by Marni and Mel Cappe; by Nelson and Jill Terzian; by Rachel and Gerry Pernica; and by Judith and Gerald Goldstein Anita Landis by Shirley Viner Raisa Blank by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge Howie Osterer by Dr. Eric Elkin; by Beth Roodman Joe Viner by Shirley Viner; by Bev and Bryan Glube; by Susan and Charles Schwartzman and family; by Ed and Betty Rose; by Deborah and James Farrow; by Danny and Rhonda Levine;

by Dena and Herb Gosewich; by Marcia and Dick Zuker; by Hillel and Linda Finestone; by Alex and Charles Wexler; and by Bill and Laurie Chochinov Lillian Evenchick by Sandy Polloack and

Breaking news at www.ottawajewishbulletin.com

holidays and the Jewish experience intertwined with a slew of Moroccan traditions that enriched and enhanced my appreciation for Jewish life in a Muslim country. I identified myself as a Judeo-Arab. I became so much more appreciative of my own Judaism and of how our people, who were so dispersed throughout the world, were really one community.

On my last trip to Morocco, I visited my father’s former synagogue in Essaouira, a place where I never felt more sheltered and out of harm’s way than under my father’s tallit during the recitation of the priestly blessings. I would grin at my brothers who joined me under this enveloping canopy, while the congregation prayed with fervour.

At the conclusion of this prayer, we would kiss our father’s hand and in return he would lay his gentle hands on our heads and bless us once more in his own words. Those memories in a land where Jews and Arabs lived in harmony will always live within me.

As Diaspora communities shrink worldwide, we must do our best to ensure the memories of those who came before us live on. Hence, new generations of Moroccans can learn and appreciate that Jews are not only those who live in Israel, but were once their next door neighbours.

Steven Poleski Care Cohen by Sandy Pollock and Steven Poleski Brian Bloom by Belle Gitterman Goldye Fenster by Susan and Charles Schwartzman and family Samuel Fried by Susan and Charles Schwartzman and family; and by Ed and Betty Rose Parents of Lynn Gillman by Merle and Rickey Moses and family Charlotte Markoff by Barbara and Larry Hershorn Dr. Hyman Kaufman by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge Gertrude Klain by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge Dr. Morris Broder by Lauire Chochinov Ben Eisenstat by Cynthia Cowan Sigmund Mintz by Deborah and James Farrow Raymonde Herscovitch by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge Max (Mickey) Finkelstein by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; by Evelyn Monson; by Sylvia Monson; by Phyllis and Bill Cleiman; by Arnold and Jeanette Finkelstein; by Rena and Max Cohen Henry Upfall by Shirley and Norman Levitt and family; by Ruth Calof and family; and by Marilyn Binder Mike Roodman by Beth Roodman Ruth Kizell by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge R’FUAH SHLEMA: Cheryl Leyton by Brian Goldstein

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

27

Abbas may live to regret his New Year’s resolution

A

bold move toward statehood, or an illconsidered ploy doomed to backfire?

Even the experts can’t agree on the likely outcome of Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’ New Year’s move to seek membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

But one thing is certain: Abbas’ desperate move has made the prospect of a negotiated two-state solution more remote than ever.

Since the collapse of the U.S.-brokered peace talks in April, the Palestinian leadership has opted for diplomatic warfare – seeking international recognition for a Palestinian state and gaining acceptance to international bodies.

When the PA failed in its attempt at the United Nations (UN) Security Council in December to pass a resolution for the creation of an independent Palestinian state, Abbas took a different tack and signed what is known as the Rome Statute, which begins the process of acceptance into the ICC. Although the U.S. and others have questioned the Palestinian entity’s eligibility because it is not a true state, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that the “state of Palestine” (sic) will officially join the ICC on April 1.

However, the Palestinians’ acceptance of the jurisdiction of the ICC is retroactive to June 13, 2014, the day after the kidnapping and murders of Israeli teenagers Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach by terrorists associated with Hamas.

This suggests that the PA will try to bring charges stemming from Israel’s widespread arrests in the West Bank after the kidnappings, as well as all the actions of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza during the summer of 2014. It would not include previous Gaza wars of 2008-2009 and 2012.

BARBARA CROOK

MY ISRAEL

But what does membership in the ICC mean, and what are its powers?

The ICC is an independent organization that is not part of the UN. More than 120 countries have ratified the Rome Statute that officially established the court in 2002. Neither the U.S. nor Israel is a member, but Canada is a founding member.

The court addresses four general areas: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression. It has jurisdiction to try individuals, not states.

So, the Palestinians would likely try to charge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, senior IDF officials, and possibly commanders of IDF units with particularly high casualty counts in Gaza.

A complaint to the ICC does not automatically trigger an investigation or prosecution. That is up to the ICC prosecutor.

To date, the ICC has dealt mainly with conflicts in Africa, and has convicted only two people, Congolese warlords Thomas Lubanga Dyilo and Germain Katanga.

It does not actually arrest or detain those charged or convicted, but having senior Israeli political and military leaders prosecuted in an international forum would further damage Israel’s international image and embolden the country’s many foes.

According to Shana Tabak, a practitioner-in-residence

Reflecting on the conversation in 2014

I

t was quite the year. By now you have probably reflected on the highs and lows of 2014.

There were major events disrupting and challenging Jewish communities across the Diaspora. Some are easily identified. It was a tough summer, to say the least. Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach are names that will not be forgotten.

In 2014, Ottawa’s Jewish community – along with the rest of the Diaspora – experienced “overwhelming sorrow,” as Israeli Ambassador Rafael Barak said at the special Zachor service held in June for the three murdered Israeli boys.

During Israel’s war with Hamas last summer, updates could not come fast enough – particularly for families who had children or friends living in Israel or serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Tobin Kaiman, an Ottawa resident and former IDF paratrooper who finished his tour of duty last year and then voluntarily went back to help Israel during the fighting, spoke to the community via a pre-recorded video at the Rally for the People of Israel in July.

The former lone soldier was just one of many who shared their personal stories with the community, which helped to deepen and shape the understanding and connection many now have of the realities of life in Israel, both in this past year and as they currently evolve.

At the very least, this year’s tension prompted conversations. Attending the solidarity rallies and

MONIQUE ELLIOT

EMERGING GEN

events this past year allowed me to listen in to what is truly important to Ottawa’s Jewish community. I asked so many questions and learned so much during my first year reporting for the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin. I needed to know what was actually happening in Israel and devoured as many reports as I could get my eyes on – from a variety of news media.

Many of my emerging gen peers did the same. Social media lit up with debates, anger, frustration and hope.

Yes, hope and compassion were key themes in many conversations, with impromptu moderators appearing to appeal for calm and rationality. We can never know the full story, as much as we try. Yet, learning to acknowledge our biases and keep an open mind allows our passionate perspectives to evolve as the situations do.

I remember a particular conversation I had in the fall with one of my friends and colleagues who is also an Ottawa-based reporter. They say you should never talk politics or religion at dinner parties. Neither of us has ever been the type to follow the rules, in that sense.

with the International Human Rights Law Clinic at American University, it could also make it difficult for those charged or convicted to travel in or through ICC member countries.

But Tabak argues the real danger is that joining the ICC and 17 other international treaties strengthens the PA’s position in the international community and the UN “which can only lead to greater international recognition of Palestine as a state.”

The fallout has begun. Israel has refused to release $127 million U.S. in tax revenue it collects for the PA and the U.S. is expected to freeze its $500 million in annual foreign aid to the PA. But both moves are only temporary sanctions.

Netanyahu argues that the Fatah-Hamas government should be more concerned than Israel about being prosecuted for war crimes. Indeed, Shurat HaDin, an Israeli NGO that defends the legal rights of terror victims, is poised to charge senior PA leaders with war crimes at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the primary judicial branch of the UN. Shurat HaDin has already won several high-profile lawsuits in the U.S. against the PA and others involved in terrorism against Israelis.

Approaching 80, and with his popularity plummeting, Abbas is determined to achieve Palestinian statehood. He obviously hopes his UN actions will marginalize Israel and establish Palestinian statehood without concessions to Israel.

It would be a state without official borders, misruled by a partnership between the ineffectual Fatah and the terrorist organization Hamas; a state that cannot survive without co-operation from Israel and substantial handouts from the U.S. yet continues to spit in the face of both; a state that would rather reopen past wounds than make any effort to heal them.

He may live to regret his New Year’s resolution.

Our conversation was about the Israel-Hamas hostilities last summer. It was polite yet supercharged.

Our dinner table went otherwise quiet as our friends and loved ones turned to listen in to our discussion.

Some chimed in with questions or with what they had heard from the media. Humanizing such a complex conflict is a nuanced and delicate undertaking; it is a dance of respect, requiring the full participation of all parties.

We left the conversation with more questions than the answers we each thought we had going into it. I got to see this conflict, and this year, mostly through the viewpoints of the emerging gen (and they truly vary).

Despite all the negativity and fear, 2014 was a landmark year for Ottawa’s Jewish community: solidarity, communication and understanding projected as auspicious overtones, and redirected the dialogue to more productive commentary. Some events define who we are in subtle ways, and, other times, we know exactly when our lives have changed, and that certain things will never be the same.

It is our personal growth and willingness to learn that ultimately direct the conversation. My friend and I agreed to disagree on certain issues, which means we will likely repeat a version of that conversation in 2015. I welcome the opportunity to keep the discussion open.

What defined 2014 for you? Where do you see the conversation going in 2015? We want to hear from you, so let us know by sending a letter to the editor or by commenting on the website posting of this column.

Let’s keep the dialogue energetic and productive.

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

Thoughts on reaction to a scammer

I

t starts out innocently enough. The phone rings.

“Hey, it’s your favourite nephew.”

“David?” you respond.

“Yes, it’s David.”

“You don’t sound like David,” you say, but he explains that away by mentioning a broken nose. More to the point, he adds, he’s in trouble. He got arrested last night, and he needs you to wire him $3,000.

“I know it’s a lot to ask,” he says, “but it’s urgent, and I’m in trouble. And please don’t tell my parents.”

The grandparent or aunt-and-uncle scam, as it’s known, happened to a friend of mine a few years ago. Sadly, she fell for it, believing she was helping her nephew out of a bind. In a matter of hours, she was bilked out of a few thousand dollars.

So, when the phone rang at my parents’ house in Richmond, B.C. a few weeks ago when I happened to be standing there and heard my mom say, “My favourite nephew? You’ve broken your nose?” I jumped into action, grabbed the phone, and began swearing a blue streak at the caller.

It’s a common enough scam, but one which unsuspecting victims continue to fall for. With all the junk email one receives with trumped up stories of our contacts being stranded travellers, we are used to scams and other digital phishing attempts. But there is something different about being confronted by a live person on the other end of the line. A rapport can quickly develop as one unwittingly feeds the scammer facts that are then used to continue to establish a sense of trust that is based on lies.

CBC reported last month that 500 seniors fall for the scam each year in Canada, with a total of $1.7 million lost (averaging $3,400 per person).

I write about this here partly in the hope of preventing other potential victims.

MIRA SUCHAROV

VALUES, ETHICS, COMMUNITY If we intuitively knew how to decrease unethical behaviour in our society, we would surely live in a much different world.

But, at the very least, we should be asking ourselves what kinds of strategies can lead troubled individuals to reform their actions. Perhaps a strategy of empathy or compassion is a better one ...

I also am writing about it in an attempt to try and understand the dynamic of shame and guilt when it comes to persuading petty criminals like these to cease their horrible behaviour. When I took the phone from my mom’s hand, I had but a couple of seconds to figure out a strategy. I decided to shame the person, until he finally said, “It’s a job.” It was a sad admission of guilt, which only led me to continue my swearing diatribe about how he might go about finding a real job, the jerk.

Psychologists have discussed the difference between shame and guilt. Experiencing shame means internalizing one’s negative behaviour such that one comes to experience feelings of worthlessness. The result can be more anti-social behaviour. Guilt, on the other hand, is understood to be more targeted to the behaviour itself and thus potentially a more constructive emotion, as one can make amends for specific misdeeds.

If we intuitively knew how to decrease unethical behaviour in our society, we would surely live in a much different world. But, at the very least, we should be asking ourselves what kinds of strategies can lead troubled individuals to reform their actions. Perhaps a strategy of empathy or compassion is a better one, as Phil Barker, then a political science graduate student, wrote in 2003. http://tinyurl.com/guilt-shame In my own study of the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, I certainly do suggest strategies of empathy, dialogue and mutual understanding. But, as I realized, it’s difficult – and not at all intuitive – to apply this to a stranger who is seeking to defraud an unsuspecting victim of money. There is nothing protracted about that momentary conflict; there is no ongoing relationship of mutual victimization. Add to that my desire to protect my parents and other potential victims – thus, my instinct that morning to curse rather than show compassion.

Part of me wishes I could talk to that young man again.

With his jarring admission that all he was doing was working at his “job,” perhaps I could try to understand how he sees ethics, honesty and the value of hard work.

While we should ensure we are vigilant against scams such as these (word of mouth and media coverage is best), we might also gain by trying to understand where people who conduct themselves in such a vile way are coming from. Maybe, just maybe, one pathetic soul can be rehabilitated and another future victimization prevented.

Setting new goals for the new year

T

his month marks the transition into the [secular] new year.

For many, the new year is symbolic of the turning of a new leaf in one’s life, allowing them to reflect on all the good as well as the bad that may have occurred in the previous year. These reflections typically lead to promises and resolutions to be achieved

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9 3 course brunch in the Old City 9 Show #1:THE GOODNIGHT BIRD

by Colleen Murphy at the Centaur 9 3 course buffet supper 9 Show #2: WE ARE NOT ALONE

by Damien Atkins at the Segal $225 all inclusive (tickets, meals, transportation) For more information and registration contact Fran at 613 726 9330 or franny@pearl01.ca

in the new year. The new year is about learning from mistakes, moving forward, growing as individuals, appreciating the good and digesting the disappointment and upset.

For most of us, it is in our nature to strive constantly to achieve the greatest possible outcomes. We want to do better, live better and feel better. In alignment with those views, many clichéd new year’s resolutions are to eat healthier, visit the gym more often, call our families more often, be a better friend, and so on. However, many new year’s resolutions are difficult to keep. They tend to come and go in fads, as our busy lives stand in the way of some goals we have set.

University students lead incredibly busy lives. We face a constant struggle to balance time for school, work, family, social lives and personal causes. For many of us, these responsibilities may be daunting at times and difficult to manage.

We are all busy, but we should not let external factors act as obstacles to achieving our goals. This is why it is important to create realistic resolutions for this upcoming year. We must recognize our responsibilities and set realistic expectations for ourselves. A premise of creating resolutions is actually to be capable of working hard enough to achieve them. This year, as you reflect on your new year’s resolutions, there are a few things I think are worth considering.

On campus, we are privileged with having an abundance of meaningful and fulfilling projects, organizations and culturally enriching activities to take part in.

This year, I ask you to take your new year’s resolutions one step further. Resolve to achieve something that you

ARIELLE ELLIS

CAMPUS LIFE typically may not go for. Beyond making resolutions to travel more, work harder, spend more time with family and loved ones – all incredibly important and meaningful resolutions that I make for myself – why not make additions to the list that will add to your university career and benefit you while on campus?

Maybe take on a leadership role with Jewish organizations like Hillel Ottawa or the Chabad Student Network (CSN). A leadership role may seem like a daunting task and it’s not for everyone, and that’s OK. There are other ways to enrich your university experience while, dare I say, also embracing your cultural and religious roots.

For example, if you have never attended a Hillel Ottawa or CSN Shabbat dinner, I highly recommend experiencing it. They are a great way to meet other students and may well lead to many opportunities for campus involvement in Jewish student life. There are many other events for Jewish students and young professionals throughout the year that are great networking opportunities.

And there are many resolutions you can make that are easily manageable while on campus. From attending cultural or social events, to resolving to only dating within our faith, I guarantee this year will bring you plenty of opportunities to grow as an individual, learn and bring even more meaning and fulfilment into y our life.

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

29

Try tire-pulling your way to a stronger body

I

t’s a (secular) new year. Why not try some new physical activities? There is safety in sameness, but doing the same exercises at each workout puts you at risk of physically plateauing and psychologically burning out. If you’re not seeing realistic results or you’re just not feeling motivated, it may be time to shake things up. There’s no better way to combat boredom than to try something you’ve never experienced before, something that challenges your mind and body. I decided to test my mettle with tire-pulling.

Pushing and pulling movements are excellent ways to improve strength. Football players sometimes challenge their muscles with an expensive exercise sled with weight plates on it. They push it or pull it while running or walking.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on such a sled.

I created a homemade version for $6. I went to a local garage and asked the owner if I could have one of the many old tires he was going to dispose of. I selected one that was from a standard-size vehicle. If you’re very strong, you can choose a larger, heavier tire, such as one from a truck. Of course, you have to be strong enough to lift it into the trunk of your car for the ride home.

Next, I purchased a skein of thin rope at a hardware store. I was delighted to ďŹ nd rope in hot pink. Although traditionally some of the exercises I enjoy, such as boxing, might be considered masculine, I do like to add a feminine touch.

When I got home, I put the tire in my backyard and cut a 10-foot length of rope. I tied one end of the rope securely around the tire and the other end to my

GLORIA SCHWARTZ

FOCUS ON FITNESS water-carrying vest designed for running. Alternatively, you can tie the rope to a thick belt such as a weightlifting belt.

I put on the vest and went for a test run around my backyard, dragging the tire behind me. It was not easy!

The type of surface affects the friction. Grass is easier than pavement or gravel. You can even do it on packed snow. As you pull, snow may accumulate in the tire, adding weight.

The heavier the load, the more you’ll work your muscles. The length of the rope also affects the difďŹ culty level. The longer the rope, the more difďŹ cult the drag will feel. I learned from experience that rope frays and tears as you drag it. I’ve since added a length of chain to attach the tire to the rope.

Tire-pulling works your glutes and leg muscles. You’ll also get a really good aerobic workout. After a couple of minutes, my heart was pounding. After a 20-minute tire-pull, I felt as though I’d had the best lower body workout ever.

You can perform a

reverse tire-drag by pulling the tire while walking backwards. This exercise will really work your quads.

Wear the vest or belt backwards and hold the rope, pulling it as you step backwards. A crossover reverse drag works the lateral muscles in the legs. Hold the rope and drag the tire while walking sideways. After several pulls, switch direction. You can perform the exercises as a series of short sprints or long and slow walks or jogs.

Tire-pulling will complement your traditional lower body workout, and you’ll stimulate new muscle growth.

Tire-pulling is suitable for people who can’t squat or deadlift because of knee pain. Always warm up before you begin exercising, and make sure you’re ďŹ t enough to engage in strenuous exercise.

Whether you choose to try tire-pulling or something else, don’t be afraid to go where you’ve never gone before. Don’t surrender to sameness; explore and live life to the fullest. True transformation comes when you have the courage to push past your self-imposed limits.

If you decide to try tire-pulling, be prepared to get some stares as you run across a ďŹ eld or down a street dragging a tire – especially if you’re a middle-aged woman like me! When I drag my tire around my neighbourhood on chilly winter days, I get double-takes and cheers from curious onlookers and sometimes get asked what I’m training for. My response is, “I’m training for life!â€?

‍׌בי יהודה ב×&#x; יוץף ובלימה ×–×´×œâ€Ź the family of the late howard julian osterer is grateful for the donations, cards and kind words received during this difficult time.

To advertise in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, contact: BARRY SILVERMAN 613 798-4696, ext. 256 | bsilverman@ottawajewishbulletin.com or MONIQUE ELLIOT 613-798-4696, ext. 330 | melliot@ottawajewishbulletin.com

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30

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

‘Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match’ Playing with Matches

By Suri Rosen ECW Press 256 pages

MICHAEL REGENSTREIF

BOOK REVIEW

I

magine, if you will, that the hottest matchmaker in an Orthodox Jewish community in Toronto is a 16-year-old working anonymously with her clients via email.

When we first meet Raina Resnick – the first-person protagonist in Playing with Matches, Toronto writer Suri Rosen’s debut novel – she’s riding the No. 7 bus along Bathurst Street en route to the (fictional) Moriah Hebrew High School for Girls, an Orthodox school in Toronto where she’s been enrolled after being expelled

Mazal Tov!

from Maimonides High School for Girls in New York City for a transgression that will only become clear much later in the book.

Raina’s parents are living in Hong Kong for business reasons, so she’d been living with an aunt in New York and was summarily shuffled off to another aunt in Toronto after whatever it was she did that got her

Reading Support and Tutoring

To Adam Kaminsky and Michelle Weiss of Washington, DC, on the birth on December 19th, 2014 of a second son, Blake Zev, a brother for Bryce.

Grandparents, Laraine and Victor Kaminsky, are thrilled to welcome their 8th grandchild, and Anne Marcus is a very proud great-grandmother.

Individualized instruction and support for beginning readers and readers who are falling behind.

Nancy Werk 613 729 1817 nancy.werk@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/readingottawa http://readingsupportottawa.wordpress.com

Jewish Leadership

OJCS shares the campus with the Soloway Jewish Community Center and several beneficiary agencies of the Jewish FederaƟon of OƩawa.

OJCS students are able to form close relaƟonships with their neighbours as they meet for community events, volunteer and assist with programs, aƩend services and religious celebraƟons and take part in various leadership opportuniƟes at school and with our community agencies.

Our program is designed to train future leaders of the Jewish community through their study of contemporary issues and Jewish law. Students use their criƟcal and analyƟcal skills in dealing with the major issues of the 21st century in the poliƟcal, medical, business and social spheres.

thrown out of the New York school.

The plot quickly thickens when Raina is joined in her Toronto aunt’s household by her 23-year-old sister, Leah, who is resentful and mistrustful of Raina whom she blames – again, for reasons that will only become clear later in the book – for her broken engagement.

Soon, Raina strikes up a friendship with Tamara, a young woman in her 20s whom she meets on her daily commutes on the No. 7.

Hearing Tamara’s lovelorn stories about not being able to find a suitable mate, Raina decides to fix her up with Jeremy, a 30-year-old family friend she’d met at her aunt’s house. Romance blooms between Tamara and Jeremy and a wedding is quickly in the works.

When Raina set up Tamara with Jeremy, she insisted that Tamara keep the identity of her matchmaker a secret. But, as word of her success with Tamara spreads through the Orthodox community, so, too, does the demand for her services. And thus is born her online identity as “Matchmaven,” a matchmaker only accessible via email who soon has more clients than she can handle. Among those who approach Matchmaven is Leah, who, Raina knows, would be horrified to discover the identity of this modern-day-Yenta.

As this easy-to-read comic-novel unfolds, Raina has her share of successes, failures and crazy misadventures as a matchmaker. She also sees her schoolwork suffer from paying too much attention to Matchmaven’s clients (who include her school’s principal).

Although Playing with Matches is breezy and entertaining – and is suitable for teenaged readers – I was surprised that a novel specifically about religious Orthodox Jews had almost no references to religious practice or much insight into what is unique about this Orthodox community (other than the use of matchmakers to find marriage partners). I was hoping for some sort of revelation about why the life of a young person attending a religious girls’ school might be different from that of a secular teenager attending public school and didn’t find it.

Single plot for sale at the Osgoode Cemetery Includes Deed & Manitenance.

Call/e-mail for details Daniel: 613-803-5607 E-mail: dlb_trailblazer@yahoo.com

Breaking news at www.ottawajewishbulletin.com

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

foundation donations

| Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation

Our future is in your hands To make a donation and/or send a tribute card, call the Foundation office (613-798-4696 ext. 274) e-mail: tributecards@ojcf.ca website: www.OJCF.ca

Join us in building our community by supporting these local agencies BARRY FISHMAN OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND Mazel Tov to: Miriam Salamon on becoming a Fellow of the Canadian College of Family Physicians by Sylvie Barzilay and Michael Regenstreif.

GREENBERG FAMILIES LIBRARY FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Roger Greenberg and Cindy Feingold.

Mazel Tov to: Roger Greenberg on being awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award by The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce/-The Ottawa Business Journal by Margo and Judah Silverman.

HILLEL LODGE LEGACY FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Frances and Julie Cogan.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY FUND In Memory of: Mickey Finkelstein by Sandra and Norman Slover.

JEWISH MEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Carol Greenberg and family; by Michael Gennis; and by Sandy and Philip Gennis.

JEWISH STUDENTS ASSOCIATION HILLEL FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Linda and Steven Kerzner.

Mazel Tov to: Andy and Terry Gordon by Steven, Linda, Jessica and Lorne Kerzner.

JEWISH YOUTH LIBRARY OF OTTAWA ENDOWMENT FUND In Appreciation to: Mark Wolynetz by Joseph and Devora Caytak.

Mazel Tov to: Rose-Anne Freedman and Sidney Goldstein on Idit’s engagement by Joseph and Devora Caytak.

Harry Prizant on Idit’s engagement by Joseph and Devora Caytak.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Sharon Sholzberg-Gray by Joseph and Devora Caytak.

OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL PARENT FUND In Memory of: Pearl Rudin by Jackie, David, Rachel and Zev Lyman.

31

SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND Birthday Wishes to: Sydney Kronick by Carol Greenberg and family.

In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Carol Greenberg and family.

AJA 50+ ENDOWMENT FUND AJA 50+ DAVID SMITH OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND AKIVA EVENING HIGH SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND ADINA BEN PORAT MACHON SARAH TORAH EDUCATION FUND SHIRLEY AND SHIER BERMAN FUND FOR OTTAWA JEWISH ARCHIVES DORIS BRONSTEIN TALMUD TORAH AFTERNOON SCHOOL FUND MARTIN GLATT PARLIAMENT LODGE B’NAI BRITH PAST PRESIDENTS’ FUND MENDEL AND VALERIE GOOD HOLOCAUST CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND FUND FOR THE NEXT GENERATION JEWISH COMMUNITY CEMETERY HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND DAVID “THE BEAR” KARDASH CAMP B’NAI BRITH MEMORIAL FUND OTTAWA JEWISH CEMETERIES ZICHARON FUND OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL AGENCY FUND OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL CHILDREN OF THE BOOK AWARD FUND OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL FUND IN MEMORY OF EVA WINTROB 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 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

The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of January 5, 2015.

ABELSON FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Richard Kronick by Tracey Kronick and Lynne Shulman.

Debi Zaret by Tracey Kronick and Lynne Shulman.

In Memory of: Stanley Abelson by Sara Shabsove.

Stephen Farovitch by Tracey Kronick.

Howard Osterer by Lois and Bob Abelson.

Freda Smith by Lois and Bob Abelson.

MARJORIE AND BEN ACHBAR COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Marjorie and Ben Achbar.

ROSE AND LOUIS ACHBAR MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Zelda Freedman.

Mazel Tov to: Nancy Marcus on being chosen one of the most successful business women in Canada by Zelda Freedman.

FRANCEEN AND STANLEY AGES ENDOWMENT FUND Condolences to: Nancy Solomon and family on the loss of her dear sister by Fran and Stan Ages.

In Memory of: Joel Palmer by Fran and Stan Ages.

Marla Schwartz by Fran and Stan Ages.

Joseph Viner by Fran and Stan Ages.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Bill Silverman by Fran and Stan Ages.

ANNETTE ALBERT ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary Wishes to: David and Jennifer Albert by Annette Albert.

Birthday Wishes to: Howard Burke by Annette Albert.

Michelle Burke by Annette Albert.

IRVING AND BETTY ALTMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Betty Altman by Helen and Joe Hochberg.

APPOTIVE FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Fannie Solomon by Gloria and Dan Zwicker and family.

ANNE AND LOUIS ARRON MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Ronnie Rosenberg by Daphne and Stanley Arron.

Joseph Viner by Daphne and Stanley Arron.

RICKI AND BARRY BAKER ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Ricki and Barry Baker.

Joseph Viner by Ricki and Barry Baker.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Bert Blevis by Ricki and Barry Baker.

ABRAHAM AND RACHEL BAROOK MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Orville Fruitman by Cynthia and Max Weinstein.

Howard Osterer by Cynthia and Max Weinstein.

CAYLA AND MICHAEL BAYLIN ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Cayla and Michael Baylin.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Haina Wiseman by Cayla and Michael Baylin.

Murray Wiseman by Cayla and Michael Baylin.

IRVING AND ESTHER BELLMAN MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Mitchell Bellman.

CLAIRE AND IRVING BERCOVITCH ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Claire Bercovitch.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Leah Gencher by Claire Bercovitch.

MARTIN AND ELLIE BLACK ENDOWMENT FUND Mazel Tov to: Barbara Fine and Steve Levinson on the engagements of Alex and Rebecca by Marty and Ellie Black.

Peter Fine and Beryl Charlebois on the engagements of Alex and Rebecca by Marty and Ellie Black.

CHANI AND BRAM BREGMAN JEWISH EDUCATION FUND In Appreciation to: Lisa Miller for her many years of service at The Ottawa Jewish Community School by Chani and Bram Bregman.

In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Chani and Bram Bregman.

SAM AND ANN BROZOVSKY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Louis Kardish by Ann Brozovsky.

Jerry Penso by Ann Brozovsky.

BENES AND SARAH CANTOR MEMORIAL TORAH EDUCATION FUND In Memory of: Rabbi Joseph Elias by Chaim Shlomo and Judith Altman.

GOLDIE AND MORRIS CANTOR ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Goldie Cantor by Laura Greenberg; by Marcia and Barry Cantor and family; and by Helene, Shawn, Chaim and Aaron Goldberg.

JESSICA AND KEVIN CANTOR FAMILY FUND Birthday Wishes to: Goldie Cantor by Jessica and Kevin Cantor and family.

TILLIE AND HARRY CHERM MEMORIAL FUND Condolences to: Paul Russell on the loss of a dear father and grandfather by Donald Cherm and Robert Lebans.

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foundation donations In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Mollie Fine, a beloved sister by Donald Cherm and Robert Lebans.

Tillie Cherm, a beloved mother by Donald Cherm and Robert Lebans.

DONALD AND LEAH CHODIKOFF ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Leah Chodikoff.

HOWARD, JEFFREY, ANDREW, MICHAEL, GREGORY AND ZACHARY COGAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of: Stanley Abelson by Fred and Lisa Cogan.

Jean Naemark by Fred and Lisa Cogan.

Howard Osterer by Fred and Lisa Cogan.

Mazel Tov to: Leah Gencher on the Bar Mitzvah of her grandson, David by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Ricki Baker by Fred and Lisa Cogan.

SID AND BARBARA COHEN COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND Condolences to: Hila Gerstl on the loss of her dear parents by Sid and Barbara Cohen.

In Memory of: John Beedell by Sid and Barbara Cohen.

SANDI AND EDDY COOK ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary Wishes to: Stephen and Gail Victor by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

| Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation

Birthday Wishes to: Ellen Nadolny by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

In Memory of: Stanley Abelson by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

Milkos Adler by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

Sheila Higginson by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

Joseph Viner by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

Frances Watson by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

Mazel Tov to: Barbara Fine on the engagement of her daughters, Alex and Rebecca by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.

NATHAN AND REBA DIENER ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Jerry Penso by Reba Diener.

Condolences to: Debbie Kurtz and family on the loss of their dear Yitzhak by John and Dayra Diener; and by Reba Diener.

Sue Naoufal on the loss of her mother by Joel, Barbara, Jessica, Joshua and Michael Diener.

In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Joel and Barbara Diener and family.

Joseph Viner by Joel and Barbara Diener.

Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation

Legacy Challenge Fund Everyone has the ability to create a Jewish legacy The OJCF Legacy Challenge asks you to consider making a gift to the Foundation in your estate plans and wills. Leaving a gift in a will or as part of your estate plans helps ensure the vibrancy and long-term sustainability of our community for years to come, creating a lasting and personal legacy.

The OJCF Legacy Challenge is your chance to personally commit to the ongoing growth and vitality of our shared community. We hope you will accept this challenge.

What is the OJCF Legacy Challenge Fund?

If you decide to name the Ottawa Jewish Community

Foundation as recipient of a bequest through your will, the OJCF Legacy Challenge Fund will pay for the professional/ legal services to help create this bequest or codicil up to a maximum of $1,000.

Who is eligible?

All donors choosing to leave $10,000 (or more) or 1% (or more) of their estate to the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation are eligible to participate in the OJCF Legacy Challenge.

For more information on how this challenge program works, please visit www.OJCF.ca or contact Arieh Rosenblum at 613-798-4696, ext. 270 or email arosenblum@jewishottawa.com.

LOU EISENBERG CAMP B’NAI BRITH SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Jessica and Justin Shulman.

CYNTHIA AND ABE ENGEL ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Cynthia Engel.

ELLEN AND RAHAMIM FATHI ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Burton Cook by Ellen Fathi and family.

Anita Landis by Ellen Fathi and family.

SHARON AND PAUL FINN ENDOWMENT FUND R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Wally Parsons by Sharon and Paul Finn.

Shelley Schachnow by Sharon and Paul Finn.

SAM AND SUSAN FIRESTONE ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Sam and Susan Firestone.

LARRY AND SHEILA HARTMAN ENDOWMENT FUND R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Larry Hartman by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel.

MICHAEL DANIEL HILL MEMORIAL FUND Birthday Wishes to: Heidi Huber by Robin and Myriam Hill.

In Memory of: Howard Osterer by the Hill family.

Joseph Viner by Robin and Myriam Hill.

Mazel Tov to: Alexander Jonathan Hill on receiving his degree in Political Sciences by Robin and Myriam Hill.

HY AND PAULINE HOCHBERG ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Shirley Teitelbaum by Pauline Hochberg.

In Memory of: Anita Landis by Pauline Hochberg.

Joseph Viner by Pauline Hochberg.

JEREMY KANTER MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Grace Hillman by Julie, Daniel, Yael and Jonah Kanter.

ALFRED AND KAYSA FRIEDMAN ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

PINNEY AND LIBBY KARDASH ENDOWMENT FUND In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Luba Kardash by Larry Weisz.

EVA, DIANE AND JACK GOLDFIELD MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Burton Cook by Morley Goldfield and family.

Anita Landis by Marcia and Barry Cantor; and

by Marilyn and William Newman.

Joseph Viner by Morley Goldfield and family.

SAMUEL AND TILLIE KARDISH MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by David and Joy Kardish.

BEN (BERCHIK) AND IDA GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND Birthday Wishes to: Jerry Penso by Audrey, Steven and Kyle Taylor.

FRITZI AND MAX (CHIEF) GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Anita Landis by Linda and Murray Greenberg.

Howard Osterer by Debbie and Norm Ferkin.

Joseph Viner by Linda and Murray Greenberg.

GILBERT AND BESS GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND Mazel Tov to: Roger Greenberg on being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce/-The Ottawa Business Journal by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

LAURA AND MILTON GREENBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION In Memory of: Henry Robert Hecker by Felice, Jeff, Erin, Jordan, Zachary and Mitchell Pleet.

GROSSMAN KLEIN FAMILIES FUND Good Wishes to: Bev Slover on her new home by Vera and Leslie Klein.

In Memory of: Robert “Bob” Gencher by Vera and Leslie Klein.

Joel Palmer by Vera and Leslie Klein.

Marla Schwartz by Vera and Leslie Klein.

LIBBY AND STAN KATZ FAMILY COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Stan Katz by Michael Gennis and Robert Birnbaum.

ARTHUR AND SARAH KIMMEL MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Isabel and Norman Lesh.

In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Elka Kimmel, a dear grandmother by Isabel and Norman Lesh.

Sarah Kimmel, a dear mother by Isabel and Norman Lesh.

Mazel Tov to: Lisa Kimmel White on her achievements by Norman and Isabel Lesh.

PHILLIP AND ETTIE KIMMEL MEMORIAL FUND Condolences to: Allan Kriedstein and family on the loss of a dear father by Milton and Joyce Kimmel; and by Evan and April Kimmel and family.

NORMAN AND SONIA KIZELL FOUNDATION Mazel Tov to: Dorothy and George Rosenberg and family on the Bar Mitzvah of Nitai by Pam Beiles and family.

SHARON KOFFMAN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND Birthday Wishes to: Fay Koffman by Michael Gennis and Robert Birnbaum.

Continued on page 33

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

foundation donations

| Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation

KRANTZBERG KRANE FAMILY FUND In Memory of: Janna Adler by Evelyn Krane.

Freda Smith by Robert Krantzberg; and by Clair Krantzberg.

Pauline Stone by David Nozick; by Stanley and Sandra Nozick; and by Joanne and Michael Argrand.

Joseph Viner by Evelyn Krane; and by Myra and Sam Krane and family.

DAVID LOEB FAMILY FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by David and Adele Loeb.

SUSAN AND DAVID KRIGER ENDOWMENT FUND In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Diane Kriger, a dear sister by Susan and David Kriger.

ANNE (BLAIR) AND HYMAN MAYBERGER ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Shelley and Morris Schachnow.

RIVA AND ABRAHAM KROLL MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary Wishes to: Vicki and Earle Weiss by Yvonne and Harvey Lithwick and family.

CHUCK AND BONNIE MEROVITZ FAMILY FUND Birthday Wishes to: Eleanor Getzler by Chuck and Bonnie Merovitz.

In Memory of: Samuel Fried by Chuck and Bonnie Merovitz.

ANNICE AND SYDNEY KRONICK FAMILY FUND Birthday Wishes to: Sydney Kronick by Marilyn and William Newman; and by Dorothy and Hartley Stern.

ISSIE AND EDITH LANDAU ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Irwin Berkowitz by Edie Landau.

LEON AND BYRTHA LECKIE MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Byrtha Leckie, a dear mother by Ester Leckie.

Leon Leckie, a dear father by Ester Leckie.

NORMAN AND ISABEL LESH ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Norman and Isabel Lesh.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Joe Nadrich by Norman and Isabel Lesh.

SANDRA AND JACIE LEVINSON ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Abe Murray by Sandra and Jacie Levinson.

RHODA AND JOE LEVITAN AND FAMILY COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Rhoda and Joe Levitan.

SALLY AND ELLIOTT LEVITAN ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

Sylvia Saunders by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Ricki Baker by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

Diana Malomet by Sally and Elliott Levitan.

JOSEPH AND EVELYN LIEFF ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Lieff by Sheila Cooper.

Mazel Tov to: Barbara Fine on the engagement of her daughters, Alexandra and Rebecca by Evelyn Lieff.

Dorothy Hymes on the engagement of her granddaughters, Alexandra and Rebecca by Evelyn Lieff.

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SAMUEL AND LEEMA MAGIDSON ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel.

In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Leema Magidson by Larry Weisz.

RHODA AND JEFFREY MILLER FAMILY FUND Mazel Tov to: Avalee Prehogan on being at Robert Half for 25 years by Rhoda and Jeffrey Miller and family.

PINKAS AND YEHUDIT NEWMAN MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Marilyn and William Newman.

THE OTTAWA LION OF JUDAH ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Golda Feig by Leiba Krantzberg.

Ned Steinman by Leiba Krantzberg.

In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Leiba Krantzberg.

HARRY AND BERTHA PLEET MEMORIAL FUND In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Bertha Pleet, a dear mother by Pinchas and Barbara Pleet.

Harry Pleet, a dear father by Pinchas and Barbara Pleet.

GERALD AND MARY-BELLE PULVERMACHER FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Sheila Higginson by Mary-Belle and Gerald Pulvermacher.

PHYLLIS AND ALAN RACKOW ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Phyllis and Alan Rackow.

MOE AND SARAH RESNICK ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Sylvia Bronsther by Penny, Gordie, Zac and Steven Resnick.

In Memory of: Samuel Fried by Penny, Gordie, Zac and Steven Resnick.

GOLDIE AND ALBERT RIVERS ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Goldie Rivers by the Division of Dermatology at St. Paul’s Hospital.

JACOB AND LEAH RIVERS MEMORIAL FUND Birthday Wishes to: Goldie Cantor by Stan and Ann Goldberg.

FLORENCE AND GDALYAH ROSENFELD ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Anita Rosenfeld.

FRANCES AND MORTON ROSS FAMLY FUND Birthday Wishes to: Sydney Kronick by Fran and Mort Ross.

In Memory of: Norman Stein by Fran and Mort Ross.

Sandy Stein by Fran and Mort Ross.

Sam Sweet by Fran and Mort Ross.

Joseph Viner by Fran and Mort Ross.

Mazel Tov to: Steven and Roslyn Fremeth on the birth of their granddaughter, Madelyn by Fran and Mort Ross.

RICHARD ROTH AND RIVA LEVITAN FAMILY FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Richard Roth and Riva Levitan.

Joseph Viner by Richard Roth and Riva Levitan.

Mazel Tov to: Roger Greenberg on being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce/-The Ottawa Business Journal by Richard Roth and Riva Levitan.

SAMUEL AND RUTH ROTHMAN MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Sheldon and Corinne Taylor.

Michael Roodman by Sheldon and Corinne Taylor.

HAROLD AND FRANCES SHAFFER MEMORIAL FUND Birthday Wishes to: Sunny Shaffer by Rhea Wohl and Dorothy Shaffer.

SYLVIA AND HARRY SHERMAN MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Nachum and Sorel (Sherman) Eizicovics.

ISRAEL AND JENNIE SHINDER ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Israel Shinder by Yanda and Mark Max; and by Judith Kashul and James Coulton.

HERB GRAY AND SHARON SHOLZBERG-GRAY FAMILY FUND In Appreciation to: The eight grandchildren of Sharon SholzbergGray by Sharon Sholzberg-Gray.

FAY AND JOSEPH SHULMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Goldie Cantor by Nadine, Brian, Marcia and Alex Mordfield.

JULES AND BARBARA SIGLER COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In Appreciation to: Jules Sigler by Stuart Levine.

SAMUEL AND KATHERINE SIGLER MEMORIAL FUND Condolences to: Susan Ziegler on the loss of her dear father by Jules and Barbara Sigler.

JACK AND SARAH SILVERSTEIN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary Wishes to: Herbert and Corinne Zagerman by the Silverstein family.

LINDA SILVERMAN MEMORIAL FUND Birthday Wishes to: Halina Silverman by Mark, Susan and Gregory Silverman.

In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Mark, Susan and Gregory Silverman.

MARGO AND JUDAH SILVERMAN FAMILY COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Margo and Judah Silverman and family.

STELLA AND LOUIS SLACK MEMORIAL FUND Condolences to: Geri Sedler on the loss of her dear husband by Myra and Lester Aronson.

In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Myra and Lester Aronson.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Barbara Goldrosen by Bonnie and Paul Bowering.

MOE AND CHARLOTTE SLACK MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Howard Leibov by Marlene Levine and Andrew Siman.

JACK AND LINDA SMITH ENDOWMENT FUND In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Inez Smith, a beloved mother by Leslie Smith and Maureen McIlwain and family.

MAX AND PEARL SMOLKIN FAMILY FUND In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Pearl Smolkin, a beloved mother by Sheila Smolkin and family.

LAURA AND GORDON SPERGEL ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary Wishes to: Laura and Gordon Spergel by Libby Katz.

DORIS AND RICHARD STERN FAMILY FUND Birthday Wishes to: Sam Sandler by Doris and Richard Stern.

RUTH TALLER MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Burton Cook by Nina Elkin and Jason Taller.

SALLY AND MAX TALLER FAMILY FUND Mazel Tov to: Rosalyn and Steven Fremeth on the birth of their granddaughter, Madelyn by Sally Taller.

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

foundation donations CLAIRE AND SAM TANNER MEMORIAL FUND Condolences to: Stewart Curry on the loss of his dear mother by Stephen and Lana Tanner.

Jot Toor on the loss of his dear father by Stephen and Lana Tanner.

CHARLES AND RAE TAVEL MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Ellen and Stan Magidson.

BRENT AND RISA TAYLOR ENDOWMENT FUND Condolences to: Sheri Krell on the loss of her dear grandfather

by Brent, Risa and Shira Taylor.

In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Brent, Risa and Shira Taylor.

BARBARA AND GERALD THAW ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Gerald Thaw by Michael Gennis and Robert Birnbaum.

LISE AND MARK THAW FAMILY FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Lise and Mark Thaw and family.

HENRY (HANK) TORONTOW 39TH BOY SCOUTS In Memory of: Howard Osterer by Julie, Daniel, Yael and Jonah Kanter.

| Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation

ELIZABETH AND ARNON VERED FAMILY COMMUNITY FUND In Memory of: Arnie Vered by Michael Gennis and Robert Birnbaum.

SUSAN, GILLIE AND ELIE VERED FAMILY FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Marcia Saipe and Ted Miller.

STEPHEN AND GAIL VICTOR ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary Wishes to: Stephen and Gail Victor by Elaine and Dan Shapiro; and by Daniel and Marilyn Kimmel.

Birthday Wishes to: Goldie Cantor by Stephen and Gail Victor and family.

Elaine Shapiro by Stephen and Gail Victor and family.

In Memory of: Louis Lemko by Stephen and Gail Victor.

R’fuah Sh’leimah to: Shelley Schachnow by Stephen and Gail Victor.

Shirley Strean-Hartman by Stephen and Gail Victor.

Carole Zagerman by Stephen and Gail Victor.

RUTH AND JOSEPH VINER ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Norman and Sandra Slover;

by Daniel and Marilyn Kimmel; by Lorne, Laurie, Zak and Ben Shusterman; by Clair Krantzberg;

by Sandy Shaver; by Sol and Estelle Gunner; by

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

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

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

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Zelaine and Sol Shinder; by Marilyn and William Newman; by Sandy Goldberg and John Jussup;

by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel; by Ian and Melissa Shabinsky; by Andrea and Michael Malek; by Sara Shabsove; by Joy and Eric Weisbloom; by Lynne Oreck-Wener and Bob Wener; by Marty and Ellen Cardash; by David and Ethel Malek;

by Joan Bloom; by Rhoda and Jeffrey Miller and family; by Carol Gradus; by Bernard and Donna Dolansky; by Bonnie and Chuck Merovitz;

by Marisa and Tony Mancini; by friends and colleagues of The Civic Family Health Team;

by Marjorie and Michael Feldman; by Merrijo Hershoran; by Evelyn Lieff; by Barbara and Len Farber; by Libby Katz; by Barbara and Larry Hershorn; by Joanne Burgess and Martin Freeman; by Michael and Lina Yachnin and family; by Judy Bernstein; by Fred and Lisa Cogan;

by Diana and Alvin Malomet; by Michael and Shelley Shnider; by Blossom Read; by Barbara and David Slipacoff and family; by Harry and Sally Weltman; by Shirley Halpern; by Jeff Appotive;

by Sharon Appotive; by Marcia and Paul Friedberg; by Michael Gennis and Robert Birnbaum; by Michael Landau and Faye Goldman; by Sandy and Philip Gennis; by Sheila Cooper; by Gary and Kim Garber; and by Sol and Anne Shmelzer.

MICHAEL WALSH AND LISA ROSENKRANTZ ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Lisa Rosenkrantz by Debbie Halton-Weiss and Ron Weiss and family.

In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Michael Walsh and Lisa Rosenkrantz.

HARRY AND RAE WEIDMAN MEMORIAL FUND In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Marcia Dworkin, a dear sister by Roslyn Taller.

Rae Weidman, a dear mother by Roslyn Taller.

Harry Weidman, a dear father by Roslyn Taller.

MILDRED AND PERCY WEINSTEIN ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Zelaine Shinder by Millie Weinstein.

In Appreciation to: Margo and Norman Viner by Millie Weinstein.

In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Millie Weinstein.

HALTON/WEISS FAMILY FUND In Memory of: Lillian Evenchick by Debbie Halton-Weiss and Ron Weiss.

Howard Osterer by Debbie Halton-Weiss and Ron Weiss.

Joseph Viner by Debbie Halton-Weiss and Ron Weiss.

HERBERT AND NORMAN ZAGERMAN FAMILIES FOUNDATION Birthday Wishes to: Norman Zagerman by Sandra and Jacie Levinson.

In Memory of: Adele Cowan by Corinne and Herbert Zagerman.

SAM AND HELENE ZARET MEMORIAL FUND Mazel Tov to: Jessica Steinberg on the completion of her PhD

by Debi and Neil Zaret and family.

ZIPES KARANOFSKY FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Rick and Helen Zipes.

Mazel Tov to: Marjorie and Michael Feldman on the engagement of their son, Jonathan to Lauren Ashley Smith by Rick and Helen Zipes.

SANDRA AND SAM ZUNDER ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Joseph Viner by Sandra and Sam Zunder and family.

THE WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM Providing support for services and programs that directly benefit women and children.

WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: Zoe Oreck by Zave Chad and Janet Dollin; and

by Yaffa Greenbaum and Jack Shinder.

Debi Zaret by Lynne Oreck-Wener and Bob Wener.

THE SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM JORDAN SAMUEL FINN B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Mazel Tov to: Steven and Rosalyn Fremeth on the birth of their granddaughter, Madelyn by Sharon and Paul Finn.

LIEFF FAMILY B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Birthday Wishes to: Sydney Kronick by Francie Greenspoon and Norman Lieff.

Miriam Pleet by Francie Greenspoon and Norman Lieff.

Mazel Tov to: Barbara Fine on the engagement of her daughters, Alexandra and Rebecca by Francie Greenspoon and Norman Lieff.

Peter Fine on the engagement of his daughters, Alexandra and Rebecca by Francie Greenspoon and Norman Lieff.

Dorothy Hymes on the engagement of her granddaughters, Alexandra and Rebecca by Francie Greenspoon and Norman Lieff.

KAYLA REICHSTEIN B’NAI MITZVAH FUND In Appreciation to: The teachers and staff at the Ottawa Jewish Community School by Kayla Reichstein and family.

Mazel Tov to: Howie Lupovitch and Marni Foster and family on Hanna’s Bat Mitzvah by Malcolm and Vera Glube.

NOAH REICHSTEIN B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Mazel Tov to: Sheila and Lonny Felsen on Noah’s Bar Mitzvah by Malcolm and Vera Glube.

Contributions may be made online at www.OJCF.ca or by contacting the office at 613-798-4696 extension 274, Monday to Friday or by email at tributecards@ojcf.ca.

Attractive cards are sent to convey the appropriate sentiments. All donations are acknowledged with a charitable receipt.

January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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what’s going on | January 26 to February 8, 2015 F O R M O R E C A L E N D A R L I S T I N G S , V I S I T W W W. OT TA W A J E W I S H B U L L E T I N . CO M / C A L E N D A R A N D W W W. J E W I S H OT TA W A . CO M / CO M M U N I T Y- C A L E N D A R

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day/ 70th Anniversary Liberation of Auschwitz with MC Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka and speakers including Ottawa mayor, MPs, ambassadors and the president of the Coalition of Progressive Canadian Muslim Organizations.

Jean Piggott Place, Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. West, 12 pm to 1 pm.

RSVP: Fred Litwin, 613-261-9060, fred.litwin@gmail.com “50 Italians – The men who saved 50,000 Jewish lives” Film screening in observation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day by the Embassy of Italy in collaboration with the Canadian Film Institute.

Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., 8 to 10 pm.

RSVP: Embassy of Italy, 613-232-2401, rsvp.ottawa@esteri.it FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Shabbat Shalom at the SJCC: Join us for a fun Shabbat celebration and playgroup in the kid-friendly Ganon preschool space, with story time, songs, play and more.

Challah and a snack for kids and coffee and tea for parents. Perfect for kids four and under, 9:15 to 10:45 am.

Weekly until June 26.

Info: Ella Dagan, 613-798-9818, ext. 243, edagan@jccottawa.com SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Piano Concert with Milana Zilnik, an accomplished

Israeli pianist, composer and vocalist. Sponsored by the Vered Israel Cultural and Educational Program.

Milana embraces a variety of styles, from folk, blues, opera and Middle Eastern, to rock and jazz. Light refreshments, coffee and tea will be served., 7 to 9 pm.

Info: Ella Dagan, 613-798-9818, ext. 243, edagan@jccottawa.com SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Tu B’Shevat with PJ Library and Beth Shalom: Join PJ Library and Congregation Beth Shalom for Tu B’Shevat crafts, stories, songs and snacks, 10 am to 12 pm.

Info: Ariel Fainer, 613-798-4696, ext.240, afainer@jewishottawa.com WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 OJCS Story Time: Morning of stories, songs and snacks, revolving around a PJ Library book of the month. For toddlers (four and under) and parents.

OJCS Library, 31 Nadolny Sachs Pvt., 9:30 to 10:30 am.

Also March 25, April 22.

Info/RSVP: Andréa Black, 613-722-0020, andrea.black@theojcs.ca

Jewish National Fund of Canada - 2015 Tu Bi’Shevat Telethon supporting Israel through planting trees.

Regional Realty, 1737 Woodward Dr., 11 am to 4 pm.

Info: Ilana Albert-Novick, 613-798-2411, ottawa@jnf.ca Congregation Machzikei Hadas Movie Night: “Winston Churchill: Walking with Destiny.” Kosher snacks will be served. Donation to Kosher Food Bank appreciated.

Machzikei Hadas Congregation, 2310 Virginia Dr., 7 to 10 pm.

Info: Michelle Pulvermacher, 613-521-9700, michelle@cmhottawa.com

COMING SOON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Soloway Jewish Community Centre AGM: 7 to 9 pm.

Info: Barry Sohn, 613-798-4696, ext. 268, boshn@jccottawa.com CANDLE LIGHTING BEFORE

JANUARY 30 FEBRUARY 6

4:46 PM 4:56 PM

FEBRUARY 13 FEBRUARY 20

5:06 PM 5:16 PM

BULLETIN DEADLINES

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Mitzvah Day: 9 am to 12:30 pm.

Info: Rena Garshowitz, 613-798-4696, ext. 241, rgarshowitz@jewishottawa.com

FEBRUARY 4 FEBRUARY 18 MARCH 4 *

FOR FEBRUARY 23 FOR MARCH 9 FOR MARCH 30

* Early deadline: Community-wide Issue

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT THE JOSEPH AND ROSE AGES FAMILY BUILDING, 21 NADOLNY SACHS PRIVATE

condolences Condolences are extended to the families of: Joseph Wolf Baumberg Brian Bloom Burton Cook, Massachusetts (father of Marcia Cantor) Stephen Farovitch, Montreal (brother of Mark Farovitch) Joseph Feller Samuel Fried, Montreal (father of Donna Karlin) Bennie Goodz

Hyman Kaufman Leon Katz Anne Keen, London, England (mother of Roger Keen) Ruth Fay Kizell Gertrude Klain Louis Chaim Lemkow Goldie Lobel Pearl Rudin, Toronto (mother of Jeremy Rudin) Max Silverman

Freda Smith Fannie Solomon (née Frost), Montreal (mother of Carolyn Appotive) John Aaron Sussman, Montreal (brother of Deborah Silverman) Joseph Viner Helen Zawalsky (née Greenberg)

May their memory be a blessing always.

The Condolence Column is offered as a public service to the community. For listing in this column, please call 613-798-4696, ext. 274.

JEWISH MEMORIAL GARDENS Your one-stop resource centre for funeral planning 613-688-3530 www.jewishmemorialgardens.org

Ottawa’s choice FOR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND OTTAWA APARTMENTS

50 Bayswater Avenue • Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 2E9 Tel: 613-759-8383 • Fax: 613-759-8448 • Email: district@districtrealty.com

Choice locations throughout the city. www.districtrealty.com

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January 26, 2015 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM