ottawa jewish Mariane Pearl to speak at campaign kickoff

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volume 72, no. 18
august 25, 2008
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Acting Editor: Michael Regenstreif $2.00
A Mighty Heart:
Mariane Pearl
to speak at
campaign kickoff
Israel’s agriculture minister visits Ottawa
Canadian Environment Minister John Baird (left) discusses water resource issues with Israeli Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon (centre) and Israeli Ambassador Alan Baker at a meeting on Parliament Hill on August 11. While in Ottawa, Simhon also met with Canadian Agriculture Minister
Gerry Ritz. Simhon and Ritz signed a letter of intent to have the two countries work together in
finding solutions to the deleterious effects of global warming on world food supplies.
(OJB photo: Liana Shlien)
Israel’s new U.N. ambassador:
Political outsider, renowned legal mind
By Dina Kraft
TEL AVIV (JTA) – An exceptional intellect paired with an
unflappable exterior are traits
Gabriela Shalev’s high-powered
colleagues and friends say will
serve her well when she leaves for
New York to become Israel’s next
ambassador to the United Nations
(UN).
Shalev, an internationally
renowned law professor, will be
the first woman to serve in the
post. She was appointed to
replace Dan Gillerman.
“She has a strong will and
she knows what she is talking
about,” said Meir Shamgar, a former chief justice of Israel’s
Supreme Court.
Shamgar first encountered
Shalev when she was a student in
a course he taught at Hebrew University. A few years later, Shalev
joined Shamgar as a colleague on
the university’s law faculty, where
she worked until 2002.
More recently, the two served
together on a panel outlining
ethics guidelines for cabinet ministers.
Shalev, 67, is an expert in contract law and a political outsider
not associated with any party who
has been serving as the rector of
(Continued on page 2)
By Michael Regenstreif
Mariane Pearl was thrust into
the international spotlight in 2002
when her husband, Wall Street
Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, was
kidnapped and brutally beheaded
by terrorists in Pakistan. It was
one of the most notorious terrorist
episodes of modern times.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed,
allegedly the number three man in
al-Qaeda and one of the masterminds of the 9/11 attacks, confessed to the heinous act, which
was captured on videotape and
posted to the Internet.
Mariane Pearl, a journalist herself, was pregnant with the couple’s first child when her husband
was murdered. She experienced a
kind of tragedy no one should
ever have to live through. But she
has refused to be defeated by the
ordeal. She gave birth to their now
six-year-old son, Adam Daniel
Pearl, three months after the murder, and she has written two books
including A Mighty Heart: The
Brave Life and Death of My Husband, Danny Pearl.
In A Mighty Heart, Pearl writes
movingly about her relationship
with Daniel, about how they went
to Pakistan so that he could write
first-hand about the war on terror
and about Daniel’s abduction and
Mariane Pearl
the efforts to rescue him from the
terrorist cell that held him captive
for five weeks and, ultimately,
executed him, seemingly for the
crime of being Jewish.
Mariane Pearl will be the featured speaker for the 2009 kickoff
of the Jewish Federation of
Ottawa’s Annual Campaign on
September 9. She spoke recently
with the Bulletin from her home in
France.
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Page 2 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – August 25, 2008
Shalev ‘an inspired choice’ for UN ambassador
(Continued from page 1)
Ono Academic College
near Tel Aviv.
In appointing Shalev,
Foreign Minister Tzipi
Livni indicated that she was
determined to put a highly
qualified woman in the role.
Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert reportedly had
favoured Alon Pinkas, a
former Israeli consul general in New York and a Labor
Party member, for the
position.
Some Israeli commentators criticized Livni for
picking a political outsider,
but Jerusalem Post columnist Calev Ben-David said
Livni’s choice may work
well for the audience that
perhaps matters most: international public opinion.
“Livni was justified in
wanting a woman for the
post for reasons beyond
gender advancement: Polls
show that given Israel’s
militaristic image abroad,
women make the best general impression as our
advocates in the international media,” Ben-David
wrote.
Despite some grumbling
from the diplomatic corps
that one of their own was
again passed over for the
important position in New
York – Gillerman also had
been a political outsider
until his selection –
Shalev’s supporters say she
is a quick study who will
compensate for any foreign
Gabriela Shalev, Israel’s incoming U.N. ambassador, earns praise for her skills as an
orator and a team player.
(Photo: Ono Academic College)
policy inexperience with
her talents as an orator and
a team player.
Shalev declined a request by JTA to be interviewed for this story. Her
office said she will not be
giving interviews until she
assumes her post in New
York ahead of the UN General Assembly, which
begins in September.
The daughter of German
Jewish refugees in what
was then British Mandate
Palestine, Shalev grew up
with a strong work ethic.
She helped support her
family while a student at
Jerusalem’s Hebrew Uni-
versity, where she earned a
bachelor’s degree and a
doctorate in law.
She also did post-doctorate work at Harvard after
her husband, an Israeli
army officer, was killed in
the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
Shalev raised two young
children alone.
“The experiences of
Israel are part of her, and
she’s also paid a price,” said
Orna Lin, a former student
of Shalev’s and a good
friend.
Lin described Shalev as
a relentless worker who
also knows how to find
time for students and
friends, and who can talk as
easily about her passions
for opera, classical music
and art as she can about
legal disputes.
This was not the first
attempt to draw Shalev
into government work.
Shalev previously declined
several high-profile posts,
including judgeships and
the office of attorney gener-
al. Nevertheless, she is
no stranger to public positions.
Shalev has been a member of the Jewish Agency
board of governors and was
chair of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.
Shalev has spent time in
the United States as a visiting professor at such
schools as Tulane and Temple Universities and Boston
College.
Alan Hoffman, the
director-general of the Jewish Agency’s education
department, called Shalev’s
selection “an inspired
choice.”
“She has all of the tools
to be able to interpret Israel
to the nations of the world,”
Hoffman said. “I think she
is unusual in the academic
world in that she has not
only been a professor but
very active publicly.”
Lin says Shalev is
always calm and in control.
“She can deal with any
situation and never seems
to be baffled by anything,”
Lin said. “I think her intelligence will help prevent her
from falling into the landmines that await her in a
place like the UN.”
Her predecessor, Gillerman, was a former businessman who, upon leaving
his post this summer, was
lauded as a seasoned diplomat with excellent rhetorical skills.
Observers said Gillerman succeeded in raising
Israel’s profile at the United
Nations and in bolstering its
image around the world.
At a farewell party last
month for Gillerman, UN
Secretary-General Ban Kimoon offered deep praise
for the Israeli envoy’s
tenure at the world body,
noting the “special challenges” of representing
Israel.
Shalev will have plenty
of challenges waiting for
her in New York. Most
notably, she must navigate
the notoriously anti-Israel
atmosphere at the United
Nations and help push for
diplomatic support for
Israel’s efforts to halt Iran’s
suspected pursuit of nuclear
weapons.
Pearl searches the world for hope
Asked how someone can cope with such
a tragedy as befell her with the murder of
her husband, Pearl said hers was “not the
kind of trauma or experience where you can
just learn how to live again or survive. You
have to find a deep meaning to what you do,
what you understand and what you’re going
to do with it.
“My way of coping was to engage in the
kind of values that are the extreme opposite
of what I was hit with,” she said.
Among the ways Pearl accomplished
that was by writing A Mighty Heart – subsequently adapted into a major motion picture starring Dan Futterman as Daniel and
Angelina Jolie as Mariane – and In Search
of Hope: The Global Diaries of Mariane
Pearl, for which she travelled to 18 countries interviewing inspiring women working
in their communities, often under trying circumstances and extreme hardships, to make
their part of the world a better place.
“The women I interviewed,” she said,
“are potential role models for humanity.”
Looking at the state of the contemporary
world, Pearl said it was important to combat
the fear sewn by the kind of terrorists who
murdered her husband.
“I think the most important thing is to
find an antidote to that fear so that the balance can change,” she said.
When she comes to Ottawa, Pearl said
she’ll be speaking about her life and offering her personal perspective on the hope
she travelled the world seeking. Hers, she
said, is the humble approach of one person
who has tried to embrace the opposite of
what the terrorists pursue.
Mariane Pearl is the featured speaker at
the 2009 Campaign Kickoff, Tuesday, September 9, 7:30 pm, at Centrepointe Theatre.
Tickets are $18.00. For tickets or more
information, contact Patrice Berdowski at
613-798-4696, ext. 241 or pberdowski@jewishottawa.com.
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – August 25, 2008 – Page 3
New corporation created to administer Jewish cemeteries
By Michael Regenstreif
Representatives of six
Ottawa congregations, and
the community-at-large,
met July 8 in the Tamir
boardroom to officially create a new corporation, to be
known as The Jewish
Memorial Gardens, which
will administer Ottawa’s
two Jewish cemeteries on
Bank Street and in Osgoode
and
facilitate
funeral
arrangements.
Previously, the various
congregations owned varying amounts of land within
the cemeteries. Although
they will retain religious
control over burial and
other services, the congregations have relinquished
land ownership to the new
corporation, which will be
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administered by a paid
director and is now governed by a board of directors. The board is currently
seeking applicants for the
director’s job and expects to
have him or her in place this
fall.
The board includes three
community representatives
appointed by the Jewish
Federation of Ottawa and
one representative each
from Agudath Israel, Beit
Tikvah, Machzikei Hadas,
Temple Israel and Young
Israel. Beth Shalom will be
represented by three members on the board for the
first five years, by two
members for the next five
years and then by one member in following years.
The changes were “many
years in the making,” said
Mayer Alvo, the longtime
chair of the previous cemetery committee, who was
elected to be the first chair
of the board of directors of
the new corporation.
“It is the first time that
the community-at-large is
represented in the adminis-
Representatives gathered July 8 in the Tamir boardroom to sign documents creating The Jewish Memorial Gardens. Pictured (left to right): Ian Kagedan, Beit Tikvah; Ralph Paroli, Beth Shalom; Hymie Reichstein, Machzikei
Hadas; Roger Greenberg; David Kardish, Beth Shalom; Ian Sherman, Beth Shalom; Martin Freeman, Temple Israel;
Butch Zinman, community representative; Morris Kimmel, Young Israel; Eric Weisbloom, Beit Tikvah; Eric Wilner,
Machzikei Hadas; Ron Fainstein, Agudath Israel; Margo Silverman, Agudath Israel; Mayer Alvo, Ottawa Jewish
(Photo: Issie Scarowsky)
Cemeteries committee chair.
tration of the cemeteries,”
said Alvo.
Negotiations leading to
the July 8 agreement were
conducted over a three-year
period by Roger Greenberg.
Alvo points to a number
of advantages that will be
realized with the creation
and staffing of the new
organization.
It will be easier for
bereaved families to arrange
funerals as they’ll deal
directly with the director to
make all of the necessary
arrangements.
The cemeteries will not
rely financially on the synagogues and heritage funds
can be created to provide
continuity for future generations.
The new model will also
allow the board to make
decisions and move forward
without achieving the unanimity of all synagogues
required in the past.
“It’s been our dream to
come together and create
one unit to run the cemeteries,” said Alvo. “We’re too
small a community to have
two sets of governance.
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Campaign’s goals: raising funds and engaging people
Editor’s note: JFO Chair Jonathan Freedman has arranged to share his column, on
occasion, with the chairs or presidents of the
community’s major beneficiary agencies or
committees so they can provide some insight
into their operations.
One of us is homegrown, having been
born and raised in Ottawa; the other a transplant, having moved here from Toronto. One
of us has young children at home, and one of
us has children who have grown up and
moved away. Notwithstanding the differences in our geographical roots and demographic placement, when it comes to what it
means to be Jewish in Ottawa, we are firmly
planted in the same place.
We both strongly believe that fostering a
strong Jewish identity and instilling a sense
of belonging are essential ingredients to the
health and well-being of this community.
Ottawa’s Jewish community of approximately 14,000 is very diverse. We come
from many different places, have varied
philosophical, religious and cultural perspectives, belong to different synagogues, send
our children to a variety of schools, connect
with the community through various channels, and practice Judaism in myriad ways.
As diversity amongst us increases, so too
does the task of engaging the different ele-
Federation Report
Jason Shinder, 2009 Campaign Chair
and Dorothy Stern,
2009 Women’s Campaign Chair
ments of our community by providing the
programming and services required to meet
our evolving needs.
Examples of this diversity are numerous.
We have a growing immigrant population in
need of ESL (English as a second language)
training and jobs, a steady influx of university students looking to connect with Ottawa’s
Jewish community, and a vulnerable population requiring financial assistance and special services to meet their needs. These are
just a few of the significant areas requiring
attention.
One of our main goals for this year’s
campaign is to raise the significant funds
($5.2 million) needed to support our 29 hardworking beneficiary agencies and ensure
they can continue to offer quality services to
our community. An equally important goal is
to engage more people, regardless of their
levels of giving or Jewish observance. We
want to create a sense of urgency within the
community to provide support through the
changes which are both current and
inevitable in Ottawa’s future.
To many, the exceptional work done by
our numerous beneficiary agencies for the
benefit of the community may go unnoticed.
For instance, Tamir, the award-winning
agency that assists the developmentally disabled within our community, continues to
grow as it provides services to 100 individuals through 11 programs.
Our community’s day schools are in the
process of making major changes to enhance
their programming, staffing and facilities, in
order to attract young families and maintain
the continuity of Jewish education so important to the growth of our community.
There is no better way to connect with
Israel than through our community. Through
programs such as Taglit-Birthright Israel and
March of the Living we provide life-altering
experiences for Jewish youth. We continue
to assist Israel’s vulnerable communities in
the Galilee through the Partnership 2000
program and the Federation’s Missions to
Israel provide the opportunity to see firsthand how our dollars and programs make a
difference to Israeli lives.
As we launch this year’s Annual Campaign, the message we want to convey to
canvassers, donors and the broader community is that, while there may be a lot to
improve, there is also a lot to celebrate in
this great community of ours. It is time to
start feeling good about what we have and to
take a vested interest in making it better,
stronger and even more viable.
So whether you are a homegrown or
transplanted Ottawan, if you have been sitting on the fence about getting involved, we
welcome your ideas, thoughts and participation on any level. To donate to the 2009
Campaign, or to find out more about getting
involved, call 613-798-46962, ext. 232 or
visit www.jewishottawa.com.
We look forward to hearing from you
soon and wish all in the community a
healthy and prosperous New Year.
From sadness to hope and joy – My experience in Treblinka
The month of August, which usually
coincides with the Hebrew month of Av, is
usually a combination of sadness and joy. Av
begins with the nine days designated as a
time of mourning over the destruction of the
Holy Temple and the resultant physical exile
and spiritual displacement in which we still
find ourselves. From there, we move to the
festive day of Tu B’Av (15th day of Av)
described by our sages as “No days were as
festive for Israel as the 15th of Av.” And
then we move to a period of hope and
renewal as we start preparing for the upcoming High Holidays and the New Year. This
transition, which happens every year in our
calendar, has taken place throughout the history of the Jewish people.
The most basic feature of our calendar is
that it is primarily a lunar calendar – a calendar whose months are set in accordance with
the phases of the moon. The Zohar explains
that the people of Israel mark time with the
moon because we are the moon of the world.
Like the moon, we rise and fall through the
nights of history knowing times of growth
and diminution, our moments of luminous
fullness alternating with moments of obscurity and darkness. And like the moon, our
every regression and defeat is but a prelude
to yet another rebirth, yet another renewal.
This type of transition is something I personally experienced this year while visiting
Treblinka with my fellow Canadians who
participated in the March of Living.
Treblinka was a death camp located 100
km from Warsaw where 800,000 Jews were
exterminated in less than a year during the
From the
pulpit
Rabbi Menachem
M. Blum
OTC-Chabad
Holocaust. Although the entire camp of Treblinka was destroyed, my visit to this site,
where 7,000 people were murdered every
day, was a most powerful experience. While
thousands of participants in the March of the
Living were expected there that day, we were
the first group to arrive. Here we were at the
entrance of the camp, looking at symbolic
concrete blocks that marked the path of the
former railway line, where people arrived by
train, where they were stripped, shaved and
then pushed through the gas chambers. From
there, the dead bodies were taken to a massive grave and burned en masse.
There is a memorial built on the site with
hundreds of stones, each representing a Jewish town or city whose population was exterminated at the camp. As I stood in silence
amongst the hundreds of stones in this huge
open field surrounded by tall trees, I stopped
to reflect and to experience. Here I was,
standing in the biggest cemetery in the world
with 800,000 souls looking at me. What
should I tell them? It almost felt strange to
be standing there in a physical body.
The experience was heart wrenching. As I
stood for a few minutes and meditated about
these innocent and holy Jews, many of them
children, who were killed, I felt the pain and
the sorrow of our people. But I refocus:
What can I tell them? I pledged to them to
do what I can to ensure that Hitler’s evil
plan to erase the Jewish people from the
earth is not realized. I vow to them to do my
part in ensuring that Am Yisrael Chai, that
Jews are alive today, not only physically, but
spiritually, too. I vow to them to do what I
can to inspire anyone I meet to live Jewishly
and to make sure that our connection to our
Jewishness, our heritage and tradition, is
strong and bright.
As I look up at the noise that was coming
behind me, I see hundreds of kids in blue
jackets walking through the stones. They are
the thousands of Jewish teenagers, from all
over the world, who participated in the
March of the Living. The sea of blue
amongst the grey stones transforms this
quiet site of death and sadness into a noisy
place of hope and joy. Amongst these souls
of the past is our next generation. The Jews
of the future are here in physical bodies. My
promise, to do what I can to ensure that they
are proud of their Jewishness, and that they
actively participate in Judaism, is intensified
as I leave Treblinka.
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One of the worst hate-sites on the Internet is Jewish
Much has been made in recent years about
efforts to stop the spread of hatred on the
Internet. We’ve had articles in the Bulletin,
for example, about Richard Warman, an
Ottawa-based lawyer and activist who has
been successful in having a number of antiSemitic hate-sites on the World Wide Web
shut down.
One of the vilest hate-filled sites I’ve
come across recently is actually a Jewish site
located at masada2000.org. The site, which
refers to all Arabs as “a cancer” who should
be removed from Israel and from the territories – which it considers to be part of Israel –
is run by followers of the late Meir Kahane,
the Brooklyn rabbi who founded the extremist Jewish Defense League in New York in
1968 before moving to Israel where he
formed the Kach political party.
Kahane ran for election to the Knesset as
leader of Kach in 1976 and 1980, but failed to
win enough votes for even one seat. In the
1984 election, Kach finally garnered enough
votes for that single seat and Kahane became
an MK. Over the next four years, Kahane’s
racist rhetoric so offended most Israelis that
he was banned from running in the 1988 election and Kach was outlawed. Kahane, who
was jailed several times in both the United
States and Israel for his activities, met his end
in 1990 when he was murdered in New York
City following a speech.
Although Kahane was killed, his movement has survived on the fringes of Israeli and
Diaspora societies. Baruch Goldstein, the
American-born doctor who massacred Mus-
Acting
Editor
Michael
Regenstreif
lims praying at a mosque in Hebron in 1994,
was a follower of Kahane. So, too, was Yigal
Amir, the Israeli assassin of Yitzhak Rabin.
Both Goldstein and Amir are regarded as
heroes by Kahane’s followers. Since the mid1990s, both Kach and its offshoot, Kahane
Chai, have been designated by both Israel and
the United States as terrorist organizations.
One of the most despicable sections of
masada2000 is something called the Self-Hating and/or Israel-Threatening List. You can
figure out the acronym the site likes to use for
itself from the capitalized letters in its name.
The list, more than 7,000 names in length,
is McCarthyesque in the way it designates
“self-hating” Jews. Virtually every leftist
you’ve ever heard of is on the list. Names
you’d expect like Norman G. Finkelstein and
Noam Chomsky.
But one need not be anti-Zionist like
Finkelstein or Chomsky to be on the list. It
overflows with the names of prominent Zionist Jews, including many North American rabbis and Israeli politicians, who are listed
because they have advocated peacemaking
with the Arabs. Shimon Peres, the president
of Israel and a former prime minister is on the
list. So is Ehud Olmert, the current prime
minister. Dalia Rabin-Pelosoff, a former
deputy minister of defence and the daughter
of Yitzhak Rabin, is there. So is Yuval Rabin,
her brother.
Thomas L. Friedman, the astute New York
Times op-ed columnist is on the list along
with several Canadians including Rabbi Dow
Marmur, rabbi emeritus of Holy Blossom
Temple in Toronto, and Victor Goldbloom,
the first Jewish cabinet minister in Quebec, a
former federal commissioner of official languages and the current Quebec regional president of Canadian Jewish Congress.
And if it weren’t enough to be slandered as
a self-hating Jew just by having one’s name
on the list, many of the entries are annotated
with disgustingly racist and/or homophobic
commentaries.
The whole masada2000 site is shameful.
What it truly exposes is the Kahanists themselves. They are Jews with a philosophy as
ugly as the Ku Klux Klan’s.
******
I’m very excited about Mira Sucharov’s
new column – Values, Ethics, Community –
making its debut in this issue of the Bulletin.
Mira, an associate professor of political science at Carleton University, has lately been
one of our book reviewers and was assigned
to review a collection of essays for this issue
called Righteous Indignation: A Jewish Call
for Justice. Her review – which is on page 28
– gives us much to think about as a community, as segments of the community, and as
individuals. I invited Mira to use the review
as a starting point for a new Bulletin column.
She accepted and her initial column appears
opposite the review.
There is no one way to respond to most, if
not all, of the issues, questions and concerns
that Mira raises, and will raise, in this and
future editions of the Bulletin. While we’re
always open to letters about anything that
appears in our pages, we’re particularly interested in your response to the issues Mira will
be raising. E-mail is the best way to send your
letters. My address is mregenstreif@
ottawajewishbulletin.com. They can also be
dropped off or mailed to the Bulletin office.
Another new feature we’re beginning in
this issue of the Bulletin is a series of community volunteer profiles being written by Benita Siemiatycki of the Jewish Ottawa InfoCentre. Organizations and agencies who’d like to
suggest volunteers to be profiled in the Bulletin can reach Benita at 613-798-4644 or
bsiemiatycki@jewishottawa.com. Contact Benita, too, if you’re someone who is looking to
be a volunteer. There are lots of volunteering
opportunities in the community and she can
help you find one that fits you.
Finally, this edition of the Bulletin marks
the final appearance of Saul Silverman’s
Global Shtetl column. For the past eight years
Saul’s column has explored the often-fascinating Jewish Internet. On behalf of everyone
at the Bulletin, I’d like to express our deep
appreciation to Saul for his columns and
insights as we continue to learn our way
around the global shtetl the Internet has
turned our world into.
Back to school or an Ode to Summer
I’m handing this column in a day late.
That’s because my chosen topic is ‘going
back to school.’ When you read this, backto-school will be on everyone’s mind as
September fast approaches, but as I’m
writing, summer is barely half-over.
I chose the topic some time ago, but
every time I sat down to write and to contemplate my subject matter, the muscle in
my back next to my left shoulder blade
would start to tighten – it has already
made itself into a nice little ball – and I’d
go weed my garden instead.
Of course, it didn’t occur to me to
change the topic. I just sailed down the
river of denial until I suddenly realized
that my deadline had come and gone. So
now I’m writing on back-to-school and
the muscle in my back is growing ever
tighter.
I love summer. I love my garden, and
the warmth (relative as it has been this
summer), and s’mores, and no homework,
school lunches, notes to teachers or homework. Did I mention the homework?
I hate the reminding, nagging and helping that goes along with homework. I hate
when something goes wrong and my kid
Nicola Hamer
wails about how the teacher is going to
yell at him or her. I hate my homework –
sending in field trip money or toilet paper
tubes or family photographs. And I hate
realizing halfway through the day that
I’ve forgotten it again; and then hoping
my son isn’t the only one whose mom forgot. (This only happens with my son
because my daughter is organized and
reminds me of all these things. But my
son is a disorganized disaster like his
mom. Between the two of us, it is hopeless.)
I love relaxing the rules in summer.
Bedtimes are more casual, piano practice
is optional and reading is for fun.
Maybe, instead of back-to-school, this
column should be an ‘Ode to Summer.’
There, that’s better.
We start every summer with a trip my
in-laws’ cottage in the Laurentians. We
refer to it as going ‘up north.’ For the past
two years, we’ve brought two of my
nephews up as well. Good friends have
the cottage across the road, so this summer we had a gang of six children
between the ages of nine and 12, and three
six-year-olds on top of that.
The children play at the beach, climb
in the tree house, organize large games of
poker, stay up late and fill in Mad Libs
games with swear words, laughing hysterically over their wit.
I love this time because it’s when their
childhoods most closely resemble how I
remember mine (with the exception of the
poker games) – relatively free of parental
oversight.
That period of relative freedom of
parental oversight quickly moves into
almost total anarchy for the next phase of
summer: sleep-away camp. This was my
son’s first year and he arrived back home
grungy, tanned and full of happy stories. I
was worried that the youngest would drive
me crazy without her siblings to amuse
her, but she reveled in it, repeating, “I
LOVE being an only child,” several times
a day.
In another week, the eldest will be
back and we’ll enter the final stage of
summer, one I like to call “Camp Mom,”
where I take the kids to museums and the
water parks. And then there’s the ever-fun
school supply shopping. I like to save this
for the end of summer because after a
couple of weeks of solid togetherness,
with Dad only riding to the rescue in the
evenings, school starts to look more
appealing, both for the children – “I’m
booooorrrred” – and for me.
So I guess I love summer not only
because I can let my children forage for
their own lunches, and stay up late watching old movies with me, but because by
the end of it, I’ve managed to develop an
appreciation for school again. I’ll never
like the homework or making school
lunches no one eats. But at least it takes
my kids away every day and gives them
something to do while I get some peace
and quiet.
Perhaps I should have called this an
‘Ode to My Laziness.’ Whatever. At least
my back doesn’t hurt so much now.
The CITs of Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa put on a Hawaiian carnival for the residents
of Hillel Lodge.
CBB CITs bring Hawaiian
carnival to Hillel Lodge
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR THE
PLANNING & ALLOCATIONS COMMITTEE
OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OTTAWA BOARD
The Planning and Allocations Committee (PAC) is one of the five
committees of the Board for the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.
PAC is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on the
expenditure of Ottawa’s Annual Campaign dollars in support of
Jewish community programs.
The committee is seeking volunteers who would like to contribute to
the Jewish community through active membership in the PAC for a
2-year term. This call is open to any interested individuals.
To be eligible, individuals must be members in good standing with the
Federation Annual Campaign. Individuals should not hold executive
positions on other Boards or Agencies.
Interested individuals should prepare a brief statement outlining your
interests in the committee and the skills, knowledge and experience
which you can contribute. For more information or to apply, please
contact Lisa Krug at lkrug@jewishottawa.com or phone 613-7984696 ext 253.
Details of the mandate and the work of the PAC and the Jewish
Federation of Ottawa can be viewed at www.jewishottawa.com.
By Jessica Diener
CIT Co-ordinator,
Camp B’nai Brith
of Ottawa
Early this past camping
season, the Counsellors-inTraining (CIT) of Camp
B’nai Brith of Ottawa
(CBB) shared the spirit and
excitement of CBB with the
residents of the Bess and
Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge by bringing them
a Hawaiian carnival.
The festive event included a variety of traditional
camp activities with a tropical twist. The most popular
games of the afternoon-long
event included mini-pool
fishing and coconut bowling.
The residents were
warmly greeted by the CITs,
then adorned with leis, a
Hawaiian symbol of affection and friendship. Friendships did, in fact, grow as
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the residents were escorted
through the activities by the
16-year-old CITs who
engaged them in more than
just carnival games.
Alex Goldfarb, one of
the 25 CITs who participated in the event, stated, “It
was really interesting to
hear what they had to say.
They have done so many
amazing things in their
lives, things that we could
never imagine. It was really
great to hear such incredible
stories.”
One multilingual CIT
even went out of his way to
find the residents who did
not speak English and to
have conversations in Russian and Yiddish with them.
The CITs also led a singalong, performing both popular and Jewish songs that
concluded with “Hava Nagila” and many dancing a
round of the hora. A couple
© Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2008
of residents chose their
favourite male CITs and
pulled them into the middle
of the circle to dance. It was
incredible to see the energy
and excitement that the
CITs brought out in the residents.
It was equally incredible
for the CITs who had completed a week of leadership
training at CBB. The leadership week was centred on
learning the skills necessary
to be an outstanding staff
member including effective
conflict resolution and
counselling strategies. Their
time was also devoted to
learning how to be positive
role models within the camp
community. The importance
of tzedakah both inside and
outside camp was encouraged and definitely demonstrated at the Lodge.
As CIT co-ordinator at
CBB, I could not have been
happier with the events of
the afternoon. The CITs got
just as much, if not more,
out of going to the Lodge as
the residents. So many of
them told me how great it
felt to get involved and be
responsible for such a mitzvah.
The CITs then moved on
to their unit and specialty
placements at camp, but
remained eager to return to
the city and perform their
next act of tzedakah.
The CITs of Camp B’nai
Brith contributed to this
article.
Alana Kayfetz is appointed
new director of Hillel Ottawa
Advertorial
JEWISH
NATIONAL
FUND
More than trees
613.798.2411
Brian Pearl
president
Barbara Crook and Dan Greenberg
to be honoured
at 2008 JNF Negev Dinner
on November 24
Ottawa JNF is pleased to announce that the 2008
Negev Dinner honourees will be Dan Greenberg
and Barbara Crook. This Ottawa couple has given
much to our community, including their recent
record-breaking donation to the Ottawa Queensway
Carleton Hospital. This will support both the expansion of several cancer care programs as well as the
construction of a new cancer centre named after
Dan’s father, Irving Greenberg (z’l). Dan and Barbara are well known and widely admired in the
Ottawa community for their enthusiastic and active
involvement and major support of community organizations and institutions in the arts, in health care
and sports – they are legendary Ottawa Senators
fans.
Dan Greenberg was born and raised in Ottawa,
graduated from the University of Ottawa, had his
own computer business for many years before joining the family business, Minto, where he was a vicepresident. He is currently the head of Otnim Properties, which owns the Bayshore rental community.
Dan has been involved in the Ottawa Jewish community for many years with Jewish Family Services
(JFS) and in Jewish Education through Torah (JET).
Barbara is a well-known Ottawa personality in
her own right for, among other things, her work
with Jewish charities including the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal
Center and JET. Ms. Crook has degrees from
Queen’s University and the University of Western
Ontario, and was a Southam Fellow at the University of Toronto. She is Associate Director and North
American representative of Palestinian Media
Watch (PMW) and has worked extensively on its
behalf, including presentations to the Canadian Parliament and the U.S. Senate. She has been a newspaper writer and editor at the Ottawa Citizen, has
lectured on journalism at Carleton University and is
also a theatre producer.
The 2008 Negev Dinner will be held on Monday
evening, November 24, 2008. The venue and an
exiting guest speaker will be announced soon. This
year’s Dinner is also being held to mark the occasion the 60th anniversary of Israel’s independence.
We at JNF of Ottawa are looking forward to another ‘sold out’ event honouring these exceptional people and marking the major milestone of the 60th
anniversary. Please join us.
On a daily basis you can plant
trees for all occasions. An attractive card is sent to the recipient.
To order, call the JNF office
(613.798.2411).
By Liana Shlien
Meet Alana Kayfetz, the new executive director of Hillel Ottawa, the
new name for the city’s Jewish postsecondary student association.
The Toronto native is very enthusiastic about her recent move to Ottawa.
“I’ve always loved Ottawa, growing
up. It’s a classic but distinct community. It’s very diverse and extremely
welcoming.”
A recent graduate of McMaster
University, Kayfetz has spent the last
two years at the University of Western
Ontario as a Jewish Campus Service
Corps (JCSC) fellow responsible for
outreach and engagement, a position
she felt was a perfect fit for her energetic, bubbly personality.
There, she staffed four TaglitBirthright Israel trips and led an alternative spring break to rebuild houses
in New Orleans.
Her strong convictions, she says,
make her new position at Hillel
Ottawa personally rewarding. “I’m a
true believer in creating a meaningful
Jewish experience for students.”
According to Kayfetz, the name
change from the Jewish Students
Association-Hillel (JSA-Hillel) to Hillel Ottawa signifies a transition for a
growing organization. The internationally recognized Hillel banner unifies campus groups across North
America while allowing each branch
to stay grassroots and student-driven.
Succeeding Dov ben-Reuven, who
was JSA-Hillel director for the past
Alana Kayfetz is excited to kick off
the new school year and meet new
students.
five years, Kayfetz is taking over an
association that has grown a lot in a
short time. “I was told it was definitely active and the students take pride in
what they do.”
Kayfetz intends to develop Hillel
Ottawa’s infrastructure by expanding
executive positions to make room for
more student leaders. Her goal is to
create “a branded Hillel Ottawa,”
resulting in “something students will
take time out of their busy five-course
schedules for and really want to be a
part of.”
“I’d like to build a bridge between
what’s happening on campus and the
wider Jewish community.” She says
this could include matching out-oftown students with a synagogue to
attend on the High Holidays or with
homes to go to for Shabbat dinners.
Hillel Ottawa will be kicking off
the upcoming academic year with a
Shabbat dinner on September 12.
Also, coming September 21, is the
ever-popular opening barbecue or
‘JewBQ,’ which last year introduced
more than 200 university students to
the new Hillel House.
The Hillel House, located on Laurier Avenue East, is home to six students
and serves as a convenient drop-in
space for Jewish students between
classes and as a venue for various programs.
While successful social events such
as last year’s Chanukah Ball will
return, Hillel Ottawa will also offer an
expanded range of diversified programs. Kayfetz foresees a stronger
emphasis on tzedek work (charity
fundraising) and in presenting more
speakers. As well, she plans to raise
Hillel’s profile on campus with promotional tables at Algonquin College,
Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.
Kayfetz is already impressed with
the preparations her new executive has
been making over the course of the
summer for the new school year.
Student apathy is the biggest obstacle to overcome, Kayfetz says, but, for
the most part, students “just need to be
identified; they’re just looking to be
engaged.”
Canadian police find both inspiration
and cautionary tales in Israel
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By Gabriella Goliger
How do police in Israel
manage to perform their
duties in the face of the
enormous security challenges
their country faces and what
lessons could Canadian
police forces draw from their
Israeli counterparts?
This was the question that
four
Canadian
police
representatives – including
two members of the Ottawa
Police Service – recently
studied during a two-week
tour of Israel from April 27 to
May 9.
The delegation was one of
five groups – the others went
to Europe, Australia and the
U.S. – under the auspices of
the Canadian Association of
Chiefs of Police’s Institute
for Strategic International
Studies. The mission’s focus
was on “building police
capacity;” that is, how to
make the most of limited
resources. It was the first
time the institute sent a
delegation to Israel.
The four Canadians were
in Israel during the 60th
anniversary celebrations and
memorial events. They
witnessed Israeli crowd control and security operations
first-hand, met with Israeli
lawyers, judges, academics
and police officials, and
toured Jerusalem with one of
Israel’s most popular police
commanders.
Four Canadian police representatives in Tel Aviv with Joel Levy, former president of
the Israeli Bar Association (left to right): Captain Fred Gaudreau, Sûreté du Québec;
Director David Pepper, Ottawa Police Service; Joel Levy; Lieutenant-Colonel Robert
Bell, Canadian Armed Forces Military Police; and Inspector John Copeland, Ottawa
Police Service.
They also paid a visit to
Ramallah to learn about the
challenges faced by the
Palestinian Authority’s fledgling police force.
The four representatives
came back greatly impressed
by Israel’s ability to maintain
an open, vibrant society
despite constant terrorism
threats. They were also
moved by the hunger for
peace
and
normalcy
expressed by people they
encountered in both Israeli
and Palestinian societies.
On the question of how
Israeli police manage, they
found a number of answers.
Israel relies on its
conscript army and a wellstaffed Border Guard to deal
with most security issues.
Some 50,000 volunteers
beef up the national police
force. The Israeli public is far
more vigilant about security
threats than populations
elsewhere. A potential bomb
or suspicious character is
quickly reported. Security
measures such as handbag
checks are routine and
quietly accepted.
Though Israel’s police do
well in crises, thanks in part
to the above factors, they fall
short when it comes to the
usual policing fare –
investigating thefts, domestic
rows and street crime, and in
enforcing traffic violations.
Israelis appreciate the fast,
professional police response
when a suicide bomber
strikes. They have confidence
in the police bomb disposal
squad, which handles about
100 calls a day. But they
don’t feel they can count on
the police to find a stolen car
or charge a drunk driver.
“People told us that the
security agenda has hijacked
the social agenda,” says
David Pepper, director of
community relations and
corporate communications
with the Ottawa Police
Service.
The country faces rising
poverty and religious and
ethnic tensions which feed
crime rates, and police are illequipped to cope, Pepper
says. The lack of public
confidence in the police
exacerbates the problem. It
leads, among other things, to
an under-reporting of crime.
Because Israelis have
such low expectations of
their police, they often rely
on
private
security
companies to deal with theft.
But such companies may lack
an adequate code of conduct
and be heavy-handed in their
reactions.
“We
brought
back
cautionary tales about private
security,” says Inspector John
Copeland of emergency
operations of the Ottawa
Police.
Israeli Ambassador Alan Baker (left) shares a moment with guest speaker Yehuda
Avner.
Yehuda Avner pays tribute
to the late Lubavitcher Rebbe
By Liana Shlien
A commemoration of the
14th Yahrzeit of Rabbi
Menachem Mendel Schneerson brought a distinguished
Israeli guest to Ottawa to pay
tribute to the late Lubavitcher
Rebbe on July 13.
The evening’s guest
speaker was former diplomat
Yehuda Avner, whose 45-year
career in Israel’s government
included stints as an adviser
to Israeli prime ministers
Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir,
Menachem Begin, Yitzhak
Rabin and Shimon Peres.
The event, which drew
more than 100 people to the
social hall of the Soloway
Jewish Community Centre,
was sponsored by Chabad of
Greater Ottawa and spearheaded by the Jewish Youth
Library of Ottawa.
Avner was introduced by
Israeli Ambassador Alan
Baker.
“I’m very happy that
while I’m here as ambassador, I’m able to welcome another, far more
worthy ambassador,” he said.
Avner served as an Israeli
consul in the U.S. and as
ambassador to the United
Kingdom,
Ireland
and
Australia. He is currently a
diplomatic consultant to the
Israeli government.
Avner entertained the
crowd with sometimes humorous insider anecdotes
about Israeli politicians, but
much of his speech centred
on
the
late
Rabbi
Schneerson, whom he had
met several times.
He noted that the Rebbe
spent most of his life in
Brooklyn and never actually
set foot in the Jewish state.
“He dwelled on an
entirely different plane, a
profoundly mystical plane,
one to which I could never
ever aspire.”
However, this was not to
say that the Rebbe was not a
staunch Zionist.
“To him, the very
existence of Israel constituted
one of the three pillars of
Judaism,” said Avner.
In fact, the Rebbe
exercised profound spiritual
influence in Israel, even from
afar, Avner said. “It is
assuredly an interesting
commentary on our political
leadership that they all
sought, in one degree or
another, to maintain some
form of contact with this
extraordinary luminary.”
Avner recounted how an
initially hesitant Yitzhak
Rabin, then Israel’s ambassador to Washington, after
meeting with the Rebbe in
Brooklyn in 1972, confided
to him, “I just met a great
leader of the Jewish people.
That man knows more about
what’s going on in Israel and
the Middle East than most
members of our Knesset.”
Avner described Rabbi
Schneerson as a mystic
visionary who predicted
Israel’s military victories
with absolute accuracy.
“I have no doubt that the
Rebbe would have thoughts
about how Israel should deal
with the threats of Iranian
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,” he later added.
Under the Rebbe’s leadership, the Chabad Lubavitch
movement spawned a vast
network
of
programs,
services, institutions and
followers worldwide. Their
Orthodox Judaic outreach
programs have touched
countless lives.
Though the Rebbe left no
successor, his influence
remains pervasive 14 years
after his death.
According to Avner, there
have been few people in
Jewish history who have had
as much influence on the
Jewish world.
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In Memoriam
Promoting quality of life
Ida (Roodman) Gaffen
for persons
with developmental disabilities
passed away July 22
By Morton Roodman
Asia, I have brought you latest project work in Asia
in a Jewish environmnent
Ida (Roodman) Gaffen something else you might just hours before learning she
Tamir acknowledges with sincere thanks the following
donations, which were received as of July 30, 2008.
Mazeltov to:
Meredith Caplan on her birthday by Rita and
Fred Essner
Mrs. Celina Strawcynski on her 85th birthday
by Marcia and Richard Zuker
Shirley and Sid Pascal on their wedding
anniversary by Esther and David Kwavnick
Ms. Abigail Caplan on her special mitzvah by
Sylvia and Michael Caplan
Sol and Laya Shabinsky on the recent Bat
Mitzvah of their granddaughter by Deb, Norm and
Vicky Ferkin
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Tennenhouse on their
wedding anniversary by Selma, Les, Naomi, Evan,
Carol and Miriam
Mr. Norman Potechin on his 85th birthday by
Lynn and Brian Keller and by Norma Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Stan Katz on the engagement of
their granddaughter Lauren by Bert Palmer
Mrs. Sally Taller on her birthday by Bert
Palmer
Mr. and Mrs. Saul Ross on their 50th wedding
anniversary by Evelyn and Norman Potechin
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kerzner on their wedding anniversary by Lois and Jerry Nudelman
Mr. Martin Bogant on his special birthday by
Lois and Jerry Nudelman
Aunt of Evelyn and Norman Potechin on her
special birthday by Evelyn and Norman Potechin
Helen and Rick Zipes on the birth of their twin
grandchildren by Dodie and Bram Potechin and by
Debbie, Norm and Vicky Ferkin
Mr. Mark Goldstein on his 60th birthday by
Betty and Jay Dover
Mr. Lee Raskin on his 80th birthday and wishing him a speedy recovery by Betty and Jay Dover
Mrs. Linda Greenberg on her 50th birthday
by Deb, Norm and Vicky Ferkin and by Aunt
Gladys
Alyce and Allan Baker on the birth of their
twin grandchildren by Debbie and Norm Ferkin
Mrs. Bernice Kerzner on her special birthday
by Norma and Stan Goldstein
Norm and Arlene Glube on their 40th wedding anniversary by Jill, Allan, Neil and Anna Bellack
David and Esther Kwavnick on their wedding
anniversary by Abe and Esther Tarasofsky
Refuah Shlemah:
Mrs. Tina Koffman by Deb, Norm and Vicky
Ferkin
Mrs. Ethel Taylor by Bert Palmer; by Lily and
Jerry Penso; by Evelyn and Norm Potechin; by
Debbie and Norm Ferkin and by Bernice Kerzner
Mrs. Freidel London by Deb, Norm and
Vicky Ferkin
In Memory of:
Archie Taller,( Israel,) by Sally Taller and
Family
Freda Lobel by Debbie, Norm and Vicky
Ferkin
Sam Kreisman by Margaret and Carl Brownstein and Family; by Debbie, Norm and Vicky Fer-
kin; and by Howard, Seline, Alexa and Dylan
Yegendorf
Joe Ages by Debbie (Greenberg) and Norm
Ferkin; by Philip Rimer; by the Tamir Participants,
Staff and Board of Directors
Jack Paskell by Sylvia and Michael Caplan
Mother of Larry and Shane Fishman by
Edward and Judi Kerzner
Bella Gallaman by Susan Heisel and Sye
Mincoff and by Philip, Kayla and Jaime Rimer
Max Feldman by Rona and Brian Tannenbaum
and by Debbie and Norm Ferkin
Perle Weissman by Mrs. L. Shapiro
Dennis Murphy by Gladys Bodnoff
Sidney Lithwick by Jack and Lesley Cramer
and by Lily and Jerry Penso
Mother of Roger Brennan by Philip Rimer
Mother of David Perl by Philip, Kayla and
Jaime Rimer
Zeev Vered by Tamir Participants, Staff and
Board of Directors
Myer Vexler by Rochelle and David
Greenberg; by Isabel and Norm Lesh; by Lily and
Jerry Penso; by Gloria and Frank Roseman; by
Mrs. M. Schaenfield; by Cele Dionne; by Eva
Segall; by Rosalind and Stanley Labow; by Bruce
Kalbfleisch; by Merivale Medical Imaging Inc.;
Brian, Gail, Faye and Joel, Ryan, Minelle, Laura
and Sam; by Barry and Toby Appel; by Lillian Katz
Nelson and Joe Ginsberg and Family; by Eric Elkin
and Molly Hirsch; by Richard Addelman; by Hana
and Gerry Cammy; by Libby and Stan Katz; by
Antoinette Capelle; by Rick, Colleen, the children
and Ben
Brother of Annette Werk by Mona KlingerTakefman and Michael Takefman
Lawrence Weiner by Lily and Jerry Penso and
by Bernice Kerzner
Hyman Wisenthal by Seline, Howard, Alexa
and Dylan Yegendorf
General
Wishing much happiness to Yaacov and Alissa
Attias and Family in their new home by Deb, Norm
and Vicky
Wishing good health and happiness to the
Almstedt Family in their new home by Norm, Deb
and Vicky Ferkin
In appreciation to Penny and Arnie Cader by
Lois and Jerry Nudelman
In appreciation to Saul Davidson by Lily and
Jerry Penso
Wishing good health and happiness to Lisa
Wishman and Mark and Jordan Brandt on their
posting in Washington by Lily and Jerry Penso
In appreciation to Dr. Steven Fremeth by
Lesley, Jack and Michael Cramer
In appreciation to Linda Kerzner by Nina
Arron
Wishing Rabbi and Chevy Fine much happiness and nachas in celebrating their simchas by
Jerry and Lily Penso and by Evelyn and Norman
Potechin
With many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Finn by
Chelsea
Donation cards can be purchased for a minimum charge of $12.00 by contacting the
Tamir office at 613-725-3519, 11 Nadolny Sachs Private, Suite 218, Ottawa,
Ontario, K2A 1R9, or by e-mail to aalmstedt@tamir.ca
was my cousin – her dad and
my grandfather were brothers. They were part of the
wave of immigration to
Canada at the end of the 19th
century from an area we now
call Russia, but which was
actually Lithuania.
Ida was one of nine children; my father was one of
10. Mix in the 10-child family from which my own mother came and little wonder
large halls – like the auditorium at Beth Shalom – were
required to host family gettogethers.
Ida was easily identifiable. She was an intellectual
who genuinely took an interest in the world around us.
Perhaps it was because she
lived most of her life within
sight of the Peace Tower.
I recall visiting her in
mid-2001. She was in her
early-90s and still living on
her own in Ottawa, as she did
until her last days. I was on a
break from a consulting
assignment in South Asia and
wanted to supplement the
gift from that region which I
was already bringing her. So
I decided to bring her a copy
of the New York Times.
I arrived at her house and
she opened the door. “As
well as the souvenir from
like, today’s New York
Times,” I said.
“The New York Times,”
she replied. “Wonderful. I
love New York.”
That was my cousin Ida –
lively, sharp, warm and welcoming.
As a youngster I would
faithfully attend Shabbos services every week and always
had to let those in my family
who weren’t able to attend
know who was at the services and who wasn’t. Ida’s
name always was in the
attendee category. When
someone was given an aliyah
or honour during the service,
say, opening or closing the
Aron Ha-Kodesh, Ida would
be the first to extend her
Mazal Tov. She had her
favourite seat at Beth Shalom
– right side, half-way back
from the bimah.
When I recently learned
that my cousin was not well,
I still held out hope. I even
sent her a postcard from my
had passed away.
But think of what she saw
in her nearly 99 years. Virtually every Canadian prime
minister except John A. MacDonald and Wilfrid Laurier,
two World Wars and the Vietnam War, about which the
eldest of her two sons, Fred
Gaffen, wrote about so eloquently in Unknown Warriors: Canadians in the Vietnam War.
She saw Ottawa grow
from a city of perhaps
100,000 people to a metropolitan area of one million.
The fabric of our community
in Ottawa depends on people
like my cousin Ida – 99 years
of active life is the minimum
such a person deserves.
Ida was predeceased by
her husband, Sam Gaffen.
She is survived by her sons
and daughters-in-law Fred
and Susan, and Yale and Dee,
as well as three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Designs
By
Andrea
Gifts with a
Personal Touch!
Wish your
friends & family
A happy New Year with
Personalized cards
& chocolates
Andrea Arron
Phone: 613-739-7673
Andrea@DesignsByAndreaA.com
www.DesignsByAndreaA.com
Letters welcome
Letters to the Editor are welcome if they are brief, signed,
timely and of interest to our readership. The Bulletin reserves
the right to refuse, edit or condense letters.
The Mailbag column will be published as space permits.
Send your letters to Michael Regenstreif, 21 Nadolny
Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9; by e-mail to:
mregenstreif@ottawajewishbulletin.com.
Tamir pays tribute to a rich legacy of past presidents
By Sue Walker
Development Manager
Tamir Foundation
Tamir held a past presidents reception, June 5, to
pay tribute to the 12 exceptional people who have
served as president of the
organization. These very
special individuals deserve
the highest praise for their
unwavering support and
dedication to Tamir.
In attendance to celebrate the occasion were
Tamir staff, volunteers and
family members, as well as
Jonathan Freedman, chair
Ottawa, and Christian Sitmayer, representing the
Ministry of Community and
Social Services. While volunteers are a vital part of
many organizations, thank
yous are not expressed often
or loudly enough.
Tamir started 23 years ago
when Lily and Jerry Penso
had a dream of establishing a
program to support people
like their son, Michael.
Today, Tamir has six group
homes, supported independent living and outreach,
time shares, day services and
Judaic outreach programs.
The past presidents have a lot
to be proud of!
Over the years, each
president contributed time
and talent to ensure that
Tamir thrived and evolved
to be the wonderful organization that is today: a proud
and caring team of partici-
Tamir honoured its past presidents with a reception June 5. (Front row, left to right): Eric Weiner, Maggie Lederman,
Hilary Ostrov (Ingre), Rona Shaffran-Tannenbaum, Lily Penso, Noreen Bosloy; (back row, left) Ron Stein, Dick Zuker,
Esther Tarasofsky, Lew Auerbach, current president Esther Kwavnick; (missing) Zelda Shore and Gilda Good.
pants, families, volunteers
and professionals dedicated
to assisting people with
developmental disabilities
realize their potential in a
supportive Jewish environment through opportunities
for personal growth and
community involvement.
When founding president Lily Penso was asked
what makes Tamir stand out
in the community, she
replied, “How far we have
come from three residents
in a townhouse to the more
than 100 we serve today,
and with all of the programs
we have to offer.”
Ron Stein was president
when Tamir purchased one
of its first homes and saw
some of the residents return
from three different institutions in which some had
resided for more than 30
years. To be able to bring
these individuals to Ottawa,
and to a supportive Jewish
living environment, is the
essence of Tamir.
Lew Auerbach was president when yet another
home was purchased to
expand Tamir’s services in
the community. Auerbach
was also instrumental in
Tamir’s expansion of services to include individuals
with psychiatric disabilities
and acquired brain injuries.
When asked what stands out
most about his tenure as
president, he replied, “It
was an incredible privilege
– a gift – to be able to work
with the clients, staff, volunteers and families.
Esther Kwavnick is the
current president of the
Tamir Foundation and,
along with Mark Palmer,
the executive director, paid
fitting tribute to the 12 individuals who have given so
much to Tamir and their
community. She noted that
the evening had a “truly
magical feeling” with such
leadership and commitment
to Tamir gathered together
under one roof.
Having the past presi-
dents together, renewing
and strengthening their link
and commitment to Tamir,
was a highlight of the
evening. It is an inspiration
to us all that so many wonderful individuals have
given so much and continue
to remain involved with the
organization. These dedicated individuals will be permanently honoured with a
Presidents Wall that will be
on display in Tamir’s boardroom.
With such dedication
demonstrated by the past
presidents, and with the passion of the current president, board members and
staff, Tamir has made a difference in hundreds of lives
over the past 23 years. And,
with continued support,
Tamir will make a difference for many years to
come.
Sensational
Sandwiches
by Janis
specializing in party sandwiches
(minimum order 3 dozen pieces)
lunches, meetings, shivas, office parties,
clubs, showers, conferences
Janis King
(613) 237-9494
Employment Opportunity
Director
Jewish Memorial Gardens
Jewish Memorial Gardens is looking for a compassionate individual
with excellent interpersonal and business skills to manage the Bank
Street and Osgoode cemeteries on a full-time basis.
The duties include the sale of interment rights, assisting the bereaved
to make all necessary arrangements, the maintenance of the cemetery
grounds and the planting of flowers in Spring.
Access to a car and a cell phone are necessary.
Facility with Excel and Word is an asset.
Applicants may submit in confidence a résumé along with the names
of three references to the address below.
A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered based on the
applicant's qualifications. Closing date: September 30 2008.
Director Search Committee
Jewish Memorial Gardens
21 Nadolny Sachs Private
Ottawa, ON K2A 1R9
MDA volunteer reports from Ambulance 45
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2008 Season
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email: rlreid@sympatico.ca
phone: 613-445-0838
By Davina Finn
This summer, I had the
fantastic opportunity to be a
volunteer with Magen David
Adom (MDA), the ambulance service in Israel. I
learned much about emergency medicine and patient
care, and also about the
country and people of Israel
and about what a fantastic
organization MDA is.
MDA is run almost
entirely by volunteers and is
financed by donations from
Jewish communities around
the world. I have never
before met a group of people
more dedicated than the
MDA drivers, medics, first
responders and paramedics,
of whom 90 per cent are
volunteers.
One of my course
instructors was Arieh Jaffe,
an Israeli volunteer paramedic who was on-call
24/7and who never failed to
be the first person on the
scene of an emergency. He
has been involved with MDA
for five years and his levels
of passion and dedication to
MDA
are
extremely
inspiring.
As much as the Israeli
volunteers love their work
and run a successful
ambulance service with one
of the fastest response times
worldwide, the organization
also welcomes international
volunteers. The international
volunteer
program
I
participated in was named
for Yochai Porat, the MDA
volunteer who started the
international program before
being tragically killed by a
terrorist while on call.
After taking an intensive
10-day training program in
Jerusalem and passing
written and practical examinations, my group dispersed across Israel for
month of volunteer service. I
was sent to Holon, a small
suburb of Tel Aviv.
I was extremely excited
before my first shift and
anxious to put what I had
learned in class to practical
use. I was determined to help
people in need and to make a
difference. Passing the 60hour course qualified me as a
Certified First Responder.
Davina Finn in Holon, near Tel Aviv, with MDA Ambulance 45, purchased and
equipped by Congregation Agudath Israel.
This meant I was qualified to
perform CPR and backboarding, apply tourniquets
and bandages, operate
defibrillators, set up IVs, and
help women giving birth.
While the majority of
MDA calls involved such
things as caring for the
elderly, broken bones, minor
car
accident
injuries,
dehydration or intoxication,
some volunteers had to deal
with shootings, hangings,
suicides, strokes, heart
attacks and severe car and
motorcycle accidents. There
was even one case where a
woman gave birth in an
ambulance.
MDA volunteers stationed in Jerusalem were
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among the first to arrive on
the scene of the first
bulldozer terrorist attack on
July 2 when a worker from
a construction site rode a
bulldozer onto a main street
in Jerusalem attacking
several cars, flipping a
public bus, killing three and
wounding more than 30
others.
The most amazing part of
my experience occurred a
week into my placement
when I was assigned for the
first time to Ambulance 45.
Every MDA ambulance is
inscribed with the information stating from
whom, and from where, it
was donated. When I
approached Ambulance 45, I
noticed it was from Canada
and immediately felt a
connection. Then I noticed it
was from Ottawa, Ontario
and looked to the line above
and saw that the ambulance
was donated by Congregation Agudath Israel. I
had contributed to the
fundraising initiative for the
ambulance so it was incredible to see the ambulance
there, and to actually serve
on it. Without all of our
contributions, this essential
ambulance would not have
been there to care for the
people of Israel.
Ambulance 45 was one of
three ambulances our station
had to serve Holon, Bat Yam,
Rishon leZiyon and other
towns in the Ayalon region
near Tel Aviv, and it was
inspiring for me to have such
a strong personal connection
to the source of this
ambulance. It really helped
me bridge the gap between
making a donation in Canada
and seeing how the donation
was being used somewhere
far
away.
Sometimes
donations seem intangible
and we don’t always know
how the money we donate is
spent or what good may have
come of it. But, in this case,
purely by fate, I was given
the opportunity to work in
our ambulance. It was truly
empowering to see how our
synagogue’s donation was
directly helping the people of
Israel.
The way Israelis responded to the international
MDA
volunteers
was
amazing. They lowered our
taxi fares, gave us discounts
on food and kept thanking us.
They were clearly appreciative that people came
from around the world to
help care for the people of
Israel.
While MDA in Israel is
managing well and doing so
much great service, there is
always room for improvement. I know that, with
more donations, MDA will be
able to purchase better
equipment and provide more
ambulances throughout Israel.
I encourage everyone to
support MDA and, if the
opportunity arises, to go to
Israel as an MDA volunteer. I
found it to be an eye-opening
and extremely rewarding
experience.
In support
of the Bess and Moe
Greenberg Family
Hillel Lodge
In the Joseph
and Inez Zelikovitz
Long Term Care Centre
Card Donations
Card donations go a long way to improving the quality of life for our residents. Thank
you for considering their needs and contributing to their 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 July 3 and August
6, 2008 inclusive.
HONOUR FUNDS
Unlike a bequest or gift of life insurance,
which are realized some time in the future, a
named Honour Fund (i.e., endowment fund)
is established during your lifetime.
By making a contribution of $1,000 or
more, you can create a permanent remembrance for a loved one, honour a family member, declare what the Lodge has meant to you
and/or support a cause that you believe in.
A Hillel Lodge Honour Fund is a permanent pool of capital that earns interest or
income each year. This income then supports
the priorities designated by you, the donor.
Bill and Leona Adler Memorial Fund
In Observance of the Yahrzeit of:
Our beloved father Bill Adler by Jeff,
Marilyn and Elayne Adler
In Memory of:
Martin Ginsburg by Marilyn Adler
Sidney Lithwick by Marilyn Adler
Valery Perchikovsky by Marilyn Adler
Arnost Rodan by Marilyn Adler
Moses (Chuck) Skulsky by Marilyn Adler
Samuel and Jean Akerman
Memorial Fund
In Honour of:
Weldon Levine Wishing every happiness on
your special birthday and always by Sheila and
Larry Hartman
Auxiliary of Hillel Lodge Fund
In Honour of:
Helen and Rick Zipes Mazal tov on the birth
of your granddaughter and grandson by Ruth and
Lawrence Mendell
Elsie Baker Endowment Fund
In Memory of:
K.C. (Kenneth) White by Polly and Jack
Moran; and Lenora, Evan, Noah and Arielle
Zelikovitz
Freidberg and Dale Families Fund
In Memory of:
Tillie Dale, beloved Mother and Grandmother by Elaine Friedberg, Bob and Jonathan Dale
In Honour of:
Natalie and Tommy Gussman Mazal tov on
the birth of your granddaughter by Elaine Friedberg, Bob and Jonathan Dale
Adele and Jeff Sidney Mazal tov on David’s
engagement by Elaine Friedberg, Bob and
Jonathan Dale
Martin and Thea Ginsburg Memorial Fund
In Memory of:
Martin Ginsburg by Mickey Smolkin; Ron
McGillvray and Minto Suite Hotel; William
Bloom; Gilda and Sonny Rubin; Ellen and Marty
Cardash; Ruth and Irving Aaron; Marcia and Dick
Zuker; Miriam and Jack, Pamela and Allan
Hoffman; Ruth Ginsburg; Judy Ginsburg; Mary
Ginsburg; Susan Elias; Arlene and George
Smolkin; Mrs. Smolkin; Sue and John Fisher and
Family; Minda and Peter Wershof; Joanna and
Mort Prager; and Linda, Ed and Shira Feuer,
Avital and Michael Karpman
Malcolm and Vera Glube Endowment Fund
In Memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Vera and Malcolm Glube
Myer Vexler by Vera and Malcolm Glube
In Honour of:
Alyce and Allan Baker Mazal tov on the birth
of your twin grandchildren by Vera and Malcolm
Glube
Freda Lithwick Congratulations on your 90th
birthday by Vera and Malcolm Glube
Nell Gluck Memorial Fund
In Memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Maureen and Henry
Molot; and Manny Gluck and Cheryl
Sylvia Molot by Maureen and Henry Molot
Zeev Vered by Manny Gluck and Cheryl
In Honour of:
Henry Bloom Congratulations on your birthday by Manny Gluck and Cheryl
Barbara and Sid Cohen Congratulations on
your anniversary by Manny Gluck and Cheryl
Julia Gluck and Ted Overton and Family
Thank you very much for your generous hospitality by Toby and Joel Yan
Manny Gluck With every good wish for health,
happiness on your 80th birthday and many more
with love by Freda Saphier; and Anne Shapira
Moe Greenberg and Elissa Greenberg
Family Fund
In Memory of:
Ida Gaffen by Elissa Iny
In Honour of:
Fay Shulman Mazal tov to a lovely lady on
your special birthday by Elissa Iny
and Lloyd Rossman, Sharon and Lorne Chapnick;
and Minda and Peter Wershof
Arnost Rodan by Howard Lithwick
Nordau and Roslyn Kanigsberg
Family Fund
In Honour of:
Nordau Kanigsberg In appreciation by Anna
and Sam Wex
Pencer Family Fund
In Memory of:
Martin Ginsburg by Marcia and Irwin Pencer
Dorothy and Maurie Karp
Endowment Fund
In Honour of:
Maurie Karp Wishing you continued good
health by Claire and Irving Bercovitch
In Memory of:
Ida Gaffen by Etta Karp; and Joy and Rick
Karp
Muriel Rosenberg by Etta Karp; and Dorothy
and Maurie Karp
Lillian and Morris Kimmel
Family Fund
In Honour of:
Dr. Howard Dubarsky With much appreciation by Brenda and Daniel Levine
Morris Kimmel Wishing you a happy birthday
and a very healthy and happy year by Esthel and
Larry Huniu; Debi and David Shore; Linda and
Jack Smith; Roz and Lee Raskin; Rickie and
Marty Saslove; Evelyn and Lou Eisenberg; Noreen
and Syd Bosloy; Claire and Irving Bercovitch; and
Gaye and Joel Taller
Sally and Harry Weltman Mazal tov on
becoming great-grandparents with all our love by
Brenda, Nathan, Jesse and Daniel Levine
R’fuah Shlema:
Rose Wald by Morris Kimmel
Bill and Phyllis Leith Family
Endowment Fund
In Honour of:
Fay Shulman with our best wishes for a very
happy 85th birthday by Lisa, David, Sydney and
Zachary Leith
Levenson-Polowin Feeding Fund
In Memory of:
Rheal Lafrance by Heidi Polowin
In Honour of:
Gerry Morin With our love and best wishes
for a happy 70th birthday by Heidi and Steve
Polowin
Ida and Sidney Lithwick Fund
In Memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Ingrid, Gerry, Stephanie
and Naomi Levitz; William Bloom; Estelle and Sol
Gunner; Penny, Gordie, Zac and Steven Resnick;
Irma and Bernie Brodkin; Freda Lithwick; Elaine
Lithwick and Harris Stein; Ruth and Irving Aaron;
Anna Bilsky; Maxine Miska and Sheldon Posen;
Sue and John Fisher and family; Ruth and
Lawrence Mendell and family; Estelle and Ian
Melzer; Wendy and Stephen Waxman; Phyllis and
Norman Seltzer; the Partners and Staff of Noble
and Gadient; Gloria Kung; Frayda and Charles
Wiseman; Merle and Richard Moses and family;
Lionel Metrick; Annette and Jack Edelson; Susan
Elias; Barry Lithwick; Judy, Michael, Jeremy and
Lindsay Aranoff; Ruth and Dale Fyman; Debra
Rosenthal/McCormack Family Fund
In Honour of:
Joanna and Ira Abrams Mazal tov on your
son’s marriage by Helen Rosenthal
In Memory of:
Martin Ginsburg by Helen Rosenthal
Moses (Chuck) Skulsky by Helen Rosenthal
Stephen and Debra Schneiderman
Family Fund
In Memory of:
Eugene Flegg by Debra, Stephen, Stacey and
Jordon Schneiderman
Martin Ginsburg by Debra and Stephen
Schneiderman
Sidney Lithwick by Debra and Stephen
Schneiderman and family
Sylvia Schneiderman by Frances and Joe
Richman
Chuck Skulsky by Debra and Stephen
Schneiderman
Myer Vexler by Debra and Stephen
Schneiderman
In Honour of:
Morris Kimmel Best wishes for a very happy
birthday by Debra and Stephen Schneiderman
Label and Leona Silver
Family Fund
In Memory of:
Betty Gold by Millie Schaenfield
Ralph and Anne Sternberg
Memorial Fund
In Honour of:
Tommy Gussman Mazal tov on your milestone birthday with warmest wishes by Laya and
Ted Jacobsen
Natalie and Tom Gussman Mazal tov on the
birth of your new grandchild, Talia Amy Simons
with warmest wishes by Laya and Ted Jacobsen
Mendy Taller Mazal tov on your milestone
birthday with warmest wishes by Laya and Ted
Jacobsen
Sarah and Arnie Swedler
Family Fund
In Memory of:
Ida Gaffen by Sarah and Arnie Swedler
Sintra Singh by Sarah and Arnie Swedler
In Honour of:
Fran and Stan Ages Mazal tov and best wishes on the birth of your granddaughter by Sarah and
Arnie Swedler
Alyce and Allan Baker Best wishes on the
birth of your twin grandchildren. Mazal tov!
Mazal tov! by Sarah and Arnie Swedler
Sarah and Arnie Swedler Mazal tov and congratulations on this wonderful occasion! We love
you very much and hope to celebrate many more
with you. Happy special anniversary by Gilda,
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 Debra or Rhonda at 728-3900, extension 111, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday. You may also e-mail your orders to donations@hillel-ltc.om. E-mail orders must include name, address, postal code, and any message to person receiving the card; and, amount of donation, name, address and postal code
of the person making the donation. Cards may be paid for by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cheque or Cash. Contributions are tax deductible.
and Victor Zuckerman; Lisa Feldman, Jeff and
Logan Segall; Arlene Goodman; Diane and Allen
Abramson; Helen Wiseman; and Sally Philippson
Edith Sonken by Ruth and Irving Aaron
Myer Vexler by Andrea and Michael Malek;
and Janet and Norman Ironstone
Lawrence Weiner by Ellen and Marty
Cardash; and Ruth and Irving Aaron
The dear brother of Annette Werk by Bela
Gelbman
Morris, Joseph, Robert and Andrea Abdulezer
Elaine and Norman Wolfish Mazal tov on
the birth of your granddaughter by Sarah and
Arnie Swedler
Helen and Rick Zipes Best wishes on the
birth of your twin grandchildren. Mazal tov!
Mazal tov! by Sarah and Arnie Swedler
R’fuah Shlema:
John Holzman by Sarah and Arnie Swedler
Roslyn and Myles Taller Family
Endowment Fund
In Honour of:
Morris Kimmel Wishing you a very happy
birthday and many more by Roz and Myles Taller
R’fuah Shlema:
Lee Raskin by Roz and Myles Taller
Milton and Mary (Terry) Viner
Family Fund
In Memory of:
Moses (Chuck) Skulsky
Schaenfield and Family
by
Millie
Toby and Joel Yan Family Fund
In Memory of:
Beloved mother of Suzanna Rubin Bleuer
and Mary Rubin Fried by Toby and Joel Yan
Residents Feeding Program
In Observance of the Yahrzeits of:
A beloved mother, Betty Polowin and a
beloved father, Philip Levenson a very generous donation was made by Stephen Polowin and
Heidi Levenson-Polowin
In Memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Mara and Isaac
Muzikansky
**********
IN MEMORY OF:
Joseph Ages by the Partners at Ginsberg
Gluzman Fage and Levitz LLP.; Stella, Jakob,
Gabriella and Ethan Arbitman
Anna Buch by Helen Trachtenburg
Ida Gaffen by Carolyn Weiss
Bella Gallaman by Ruth and Lawrence
Mendell
Martin Ginsburg by the Residents, Board
and Staff of Hillel Lodge
Betty Grossner by Belle Gitterman
Harry Langsner by the Residents, Board and
Staff of Hillel Lodge; the Oramax Family; and
Carolyn Kobernick
Joan and Harry Langsner by Dena
Kingstone and Family
Sidney Lithwick by the Residents, Board and
Staff of Hillel Lodge
Valery Perchikovsky by the Residents,
Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; and Ethel and
David Malek and family
Arnost Rodan by the Residents, Board and
Staff of Hillel Lodge
Moses (Chuck) Skulsky by the Residents,
Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; William Bloom;
Jane and David Kuhnreich, Michelle and Dina;
Annette Goldenberg; Gladys and John Greenberg;
Ruth and Irving Aaron; Dorothy and Abe
Shapransky and Family; Phil Waserman; Angela
IN HONOUR OF:
Laya and Michael Abramowitz With best
wishes on your 31st anniversary by Ruth and
Irving Aaron
Joanna and Ira Abrams Mazal tov and best
wishes on the upcoming marriage of your son
Jonathan by Lillian Kahan and Sally; and Linda
and Steven Kerzner
Vivian Caplan With our love and best wishes for a happy birthday by Annette and Jack
Edelson
Dina Edelson With our love and best wishes
for a happy birthday by Annette and Jack Edelson
Mark Froimovitch Mazal tov on your special birthday by Minda and Peter Wershof
Ruth Fyman Wishing you the best of special
birthdays to 120 by Ruth and Dale Fyman
Arlene and Norm Glube Wishing you all the
best on your 40th wedding anniversary by Janet
and Norman Ironstone
Janet and Norman Ironstone Mazal tov on
your 40th wedding anniversary by Arlene and
Norm Glube
Ellie and Joel Kanigsberg Mazal tov on Sara
and Kathy’s graduation and Mazal tov on Kathy’s
engagement by Ruth and Dale Fyman
Steve Kerzner Wishing you good health and
happiness on your birthday by Lillian Kahan and
Sally
Leiba Krantzberg Mazal tov on your election as Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada by
Rickie and Marty Saslove
Ralph Levenstein Wishing you a happy
birthday and all the best for a happy, healthy year
by Laurie and Bill Chochinov
Amnon Pasher Mazal tov on achieving this
stage in life by Minda and Peter Wershof
Liz Petigorsky and Semyon Ioffe Wishing
you mazal tov, happiness and good health on your
wedding by Linda and Steve Kerzner
Issie Scarowsky In appreciation by Carol
Weidman
Adele and Jeff Sidney Mazal tov on David’s
engagement by Ruth and Dale Fyman
Gaye and Joel Taller Mazal tov on your son
Adam’s engagement by Rickie and Marty
Saslove
Carol and Mark Tolchinsky Wishing you a
happy anniversary and all the best for continued
happiness and joy by Laurie and Bill Chochinov
Dayna Zunder Mazal tov on the occasion of
your Bat Mitzvah by Rhonda, Danny, Samuel,
Zachary and Shelby Levine
Lillian and Mark Zunder Mazal tov on the
occasion of Dayna’s Bat Mitzvah. Wishing you
and your family a safe trip toIsrael by Doreen and
Ariel Arnoni
R’FUAH SHLEMA:
Agnes Sermann by Bela Gelbman
The Foundation would like to thank
the following:
Lawrence Hershorn for a generous donation
to the Lodge.
Musica Ebraica for a generous donation to
the Lodge.
Arthur and Anne Silverman for an extremely generous donation to the Lodge and for their
kindness in establishing the Anne and Arthur Silverman Family Fund.
David Katz is new
student rabbi for Ottawa
Reconstructionist Havurah
By Ruth Silbert
Ottawa Reconstructionist
Havurah
Rabbinical student David
Katz will be joining the
Ottawa Reconstructionist
Havurah in September to
lead High Holiday Services
and provide on-going spiritual and liturgical leadership
over the coming year.
Katz grew up in New York
City and lived in Florida and
Texas before moving to
Philadelphia to attend the
Reconstructionist Rabbinical
College (RRC). He is currently in his last year of studies
and anticipates his rabbinic
ordination in June 2009.
During his time at RRC,
Katz has served as a student
rabbi for congregations in
New Jersey and Pennsylvania,
as a chaplaincy intern and student rabbi for several Jewish
senior communities and nursing homes in the Philadelphia
area, and as the rabbinic intern
for Greater Philadelphia’s
Interfaith Family Support
Network and for the Reconstructionist
movement’s
Youth Programming Network.
Previously, Katz worked
as the youth and program
director at a synagogue in
Texas, as the director of cultural programming at a Jewish
community centre in Florida,
and with troubled teenagers at
Covenant House Texas. He
was also a public school
David Katz
Joseph Berman
teacher for several years,
teaching English and math in
New York and Florida.
The Havurah has also
announced that rabbinical
student Joseph Berman will
serve as cantor for the High
Holiday services.
Berman, who is entering
his fourth year at the Rabbinical School of Hebrew
College in Boston, previously worked with community
organizing groups in Kansas
City and Seattle and spent a
year doing peace and coexistence work in Jerusalem on a
New Israel Fund Social Justice Fellowship.
In 2006 Berman was a
Rabbinic Leadership for
Public Life fellow with the
Jewish Funds for Justice
studying congregation-based
community organizing and
interning as a student rabbi at
Reconstructionist Congregation Bnai Keshet in Mont-
clair, New Jersey. He founded the first egalitarian
minyan at Ben Gurion University in Be’er Sheva and
frequently leads services at
various minyanim, havurot
and synagogues.
The Ottawa Reconstructionist Havurah, an egalitarian congregation, will hold
High Holiday services at the
First Unitarian Congregation
of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave.,
and at the Society of Friends
Meeting House, 91A Fourth
Avenue. Child care is available.
High Holiday memberships are available for the
month of Tishrei, beginning
on the eve of Rosh Hashanah
on September 29 until the
end of Simchat Torah on
October 22.
Contact the Havurah at
val_mclennan@rogers.com
or 613-239-4988 or visit
www.orh.ca.
Two choirs amalgamate
to form Shiru Lach
By Roslyn Wollock
SJCC Adult Program Manager
What do you get when you fuse two
local choirs each imbued with an unbridled
ruach and passion for Jewish song?
The answer is Shiru Lach (Sing for You),
now Ottawa’s largest Jewish folk choir, created by amalgamating the voices of the
Soloway JCC Shira Ottawa Choir with
those of the Zemer Lach Choir.
Ellen Asherman, who directed the liturgical choir at Temple Israel for 20 years,
will be the choir’s conductor. In addition to
her conducting career, Ellen is a long-time
member of the Orpheus Choral group and
was the driving force behind the birth of
Zemer Lach in 2007.
Accompanist Aviva Lightstone, who has
been with Shira Ottawa since the choir’s
inception in 1998, will continue in that
capacity with Shiru Lach.
A feature of the new 40-plus member
choir will be the inclusion of repertoires
that employ four-part harmony. Group
sound and vocal quality will be developed
with the help of regular visits by a vocal
coach.
New members are welcome. If you love
Jewish music and are interested in joining
the choir, come to the Soloway JCC for the
group’s first rehearsal on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 pm.
Call 613-798-9818, ext. 254 for more
information.
Cantor Subar is new
prayer leader at Beit Tikvah
Rabbi Howard Finkelstein has announced that
Cantor Yair Subar has
joined Congregation Beit
Tikvah (formerly Beth
Shalom West) as the synagogue’s new prayer leader.
The size of the congregation, and participation in
services is growing, says
Rabbi Finkelstein.
“We had over 200 people
on the second day of
Shavuot, a record for a
weekday celebration in our
shul outside of the High
Holy Days.
“I have every confidence
Cantor Yair Subar
that we will continue to
grow, not only in numbers
as our congregational mem-
bership has reached its all
time high with 150 plus
families, not counting associates, but in our involvement in synagogue services.”
Beit Tikvah, Rabbi
Finkelstein added, will
“continue to grow and
flourish, as a full service
shul in every sense of the
word. Our new name symbolizes our elevation as a
continually developing congregation representing the
highest ideals of religious
Zionism and modern Orthodoxy.”
ALL JEWISH STUDENTS
STUDYING IN OTTAWA
Welcome all new
and returning students
The Ottawa Hillel House is OPEN to YOU!
Stop by and check out the space.
Temple Israel offers
two new outreach courses
Temple Israel’s outreach committee has
announced two new 20-week courses to
begin Sunday, September 7.
Introduction to Prayers in Hebrew will
enable participants to read prayer book
Hebrew and to feel more comfortable at synagogue services.
Participants in the Jewish Information
Class will study Jewish history, holidays and
life cycle events.
Both classes are prerequisites for people
considering conversion to Judaism at Temple
Israel.
Due to the popularity of past courses, the
outreach committee is encouraging interested
persons to register as soon as possible.
To register, or for more information, contact Temple Israel outreach co-chairs Dave
Abbey and Carol Ruttle-Abbey at 613-2256644 or templeoutreach@sympatico.ca.
Fall music appreciation lectures
will examine Gustav Mahler
By Maxine Miska
SJCC Director of Programming
Several of the prominent figures of the 19th
century often thought of as Jewish – including
Karl Marx, Benjamin Disraeli and Felix
Mendelssohn – had, in fact, converted to Christianity or were born Christian. Marx’s father
could not practise law in Prussia as a Jew. Disraeli was converted to the Church of England at
age 13 after his father had a dispute with his
synagogue. Mendelssohn, the grandson of
philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, grew up in a
family that chose to reject Judaism for
Lutheranism and acceptance in German society.
Assimilation and discrimination in the 19th
century also shaped the symphonies of composer Gustav Mahler, the subject of this fall’s
Music Appreciation Lectures by critic JeanJacques Van Vlasselaer. The lectures, sponsored by the Greenberg Families Library, will
include musical excerpts and films of Leonard
Bernstein conducting Mahler’s symphonies.
Mahler was born into a German-speaking
Jewish family in Bohemia (modern-day Czech
Republic), which was then part of the Austrian
Empire. His musical talent was evident at an
early age, and he began piano at age six. In
1875, Mahler, then 15, was admitted to the
Vienna Conservatoire. Three years later,
Mahler attended Vienna University.
In 1897, Mahler was offered the directorship of the Vienna Opera, the pinnacle of
musical positions in the Austrian Empire. This
official ‘Imperial’ post was barred to Jews and
Mahler, an assimilated Jew, converted to
Roman Catholicism. As a child, he’d sung in
the choir in a Catholic church, and his pragmatic conversion was followed by real
involvement in the rituals and beliefs of
Catholicism. His ample symphonies reflect
both the melodies and harmonies of his Jewish
background and sacred church music.
Mahler’s symphonies melded themes from
high and folk cultures and different ethnic traditions, an amalgam familiar to 20th century
listeners, but considered bastardization by
19th century critics in an era of tensions based
on nationalism and social class. During a concert tour to Finland in November 1907, Mahler
told fellow composer Jean Sibelius that “the
symphony should be like the world: it must
embrace everything.“
The Mahler’s World lectures take place
Wednesday afternoons from September 3 to 24
at 1:30 pm at the Soloway JCC. Tickets are
$36/4 lectures for SJCC members, $48 for
non-members; and $12 per lecture for members, $15 for non-members. Tickets are available at the SJCC front desk or by calling 613798-9818, ext. 295.
The Hillel House is a great place to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
meet new Jewish friends
access free wireless internet
access free television
enjoy a Kosher snack
take a break from campus
and much more ...
We are excited about the 2008 - 2009 school year!
You are invited to all our events.
Please save the date for:
• Wednesday, Sept 3rd, 11:30-1:00: Clubs and Societies Fair (Carleton)
Clubs Fair Table: Stop by to become a member!
• Thursday, Sept 4th: Club Carnival at University of Ottawa:
Stop by to become a Member!
• Friday, Sept 12th, 6:30pm: Hillel Ottawa Opening Shabbat Dinner
at Carleton University
• Sunday, Sept 21st, 4pm: Hillel Jew-B-Q: Meet new students
and enjoy some Kosher hot dogs and hamburgers
Fell free to contact us or visit our website at:
www.hillelottawa.ca
Hillel House is located steps away
from the University of Ottawa campus
at 284 Laurier Ave East
Feel free to call us at 613-762-9977
The GISHUR CENTER
Rabbi Ely M. Braun, M.S.
Psychotherapist, Mediator, Coach
Churchill Professional Building
725 Churchill Avenue N Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 5G7
embraun@gishurcenter.org
613-721-1262
“ ... Bridging Heaven and Earth ...” Zohar
101 Fourth Ave.
The Glebe
Ottawa
T: 613-230-6434
F: 613-230-0551
www.bloomfieldsflowers.com
Interested in advertising in the OJB?
Call Rhoda Saslove-Miller
613-798-4696, ext. 256
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Insurance, Investments, Financial Planning
Focusing on YOUR needs
Mention you saw this ad in the Jewish Bulletin
to receive a reduced financial consultation fee.
613.614.5650
I’m Jerry of Jerry’s Hobby Reg’d
And I can take “memories out of a box”
Think of all your old photos, slides, 8mm & 16mm
home movies in boxes in your basement.
“Memories in a box”.
I can capture “your memories” on DVD.
Just sit back and enjoy watching
“your memories” on your TV screen
For more information, I can be reached
at 613-301-4919, or at jerryathome@sympatico.ca
Merovitz spearheads Ottawa’s
Cancer Survivors Park
By Liana Shlien
“The park is a testament
to the people who have survived and will survive,” says
Ottawa
lawyer
Chuck
Merovitz describing the
city’s
soon-to-be-opened
Richard and Annette Bloch
Cancer Survivors Park.
While vacationing in
Palm Springs, California, six
years ago, Merovitz drove
by a Richard and Annette
Bloch Cancer Survivors
Park and was struck by the
juxtaposition of the two
words in the park’s name.
Having lost his mother to
cancer, Merovitz felt the
inspirational message needed to be brought home.
He
approached
the
Richard and Annette Bloch
Cancer Foundation in March,
2002, and secured a $1.1 million pledge to help build an
Ottawa park. Next on the list
was
then-Mayor
Bob
Chiarelli, who approved the
proposal.
To date, Merovitz’s committee has raised $400,000
towards the park’s total cost
of $2 million.
Managed by the Ottawa
Regional Cancer Foundation
(ORCF), the park is Canada’s
second and one of 22 Cancer
Survivors Parks across North
America.
When the late Richard
Bloch, founder of tax preparation company H&R Block,
was diagnosed with terminal
cancer in 1978, he was given
only three months to live. He
refused to accept the prognosis and instead underwent
radical treatment.
Bloch ultimately beat his
cancer and survived until his
death, at age 78, from heart
failure in 2004.
“It was then his belief that
too many people die when
Ottawa’s Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park will open September 24.
they are diagnosed with cancer because they don’t think
it can be beaten,” Merovitz
said.
“So he made it a goal of
his to do what he could to
help change that paradigm,
and one of the ideas he came
up with was cancer survivors’ parks so that, day
after day, people will drive
by and be more likely to
equate cancer with survival
than with death.”
While conventional parks
are normally sited in a quiet
area, cancer survivors’ parks
are quite the opposite. One of
the requirements is that they
are located in an area with a
very high traffic count, and,
indeed, Ottawa’s park is at
the busy intersection of
Industrial Avenue, Alta Vista
Drive and Riverside Drive.
All Richard and Annette
Bloch Cancer Survivors
Parks have three major elements. The first is a bronze
sculpture, entitled “Cancer
… There is Hope,” created
by world-renowned Mexican
Harry
Kitzemian
Athens Rugs Ltd.
Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramics
1365 Cyrville Road
Gloucester, Ontario
K1B 3L7
Tel: 613-741-4261
Fax: 613-741-2944
sculptor Victor Salmones.
The sculpture depicts a lifesize family going through a
maze embodying the cancer
experience during its highly
emotional stages, from worry
upon diagnosis through hope
after successful treatment.
There are also the “Positive Mental Attitude Walk”
and the “Road to Recovery,”
which feature both informative
and
inspirational
plaques.
The 4.5 acre park, due to
be completed by late summer, will also include a “Tree
of Life” mosaic, an honour
wall and survivor testimonials.
Unique to Ottawa is
“Shine,” a stainless steel
sculpture Merovitz calls “a
very uplifting piece,” as well
as a bouquet of colourful
metal flowers designed by
Ottawa landscape architect
Steve Sunderland.
Though the grand opening
is not until September 24,
Merovitz says, “I’ve already
had a number of people
who’ve come to me and commented on how terrific it is.”
For his leadership in the
park’s establishment, Merovitz won the Rabbi Reuven
Bulka Community Award
from the ORCF last fall.
Rabbi Bulka is on the board
of directors of the ORCF and
chairs its Courage Campaign.
Merovitz is a Rotarian,
sits on the executive of the
Ottawa Jewish Community
Foundation, co-chairs the
community endowment campaign and is past chair of the
United Jewish Appeal.
To make a donation to the
park, contact Chuck Merovitz at 613-868-7544.
JETsetters listen to Rabbi Label Lam while enjoying a chocolate-themed dinner.
JETsetters offers
young Ottawa adults
opportunities to connect
By Liana Shlien
Recent studies in the U.S. indicate that
unmarried Jews in their 20s and 30s tend to
identify with Judaism more culturally than
religiously. With synagogue affiliation a
lesser focus for their Jewish identity, this
generation prefers to experience Judaism
in diverse ways, in often unorthodox settings.
Therefore the prospect of attending Havdalah services while skating on the Rideau
Canal or talking about the Torah over a beer
at a pub has drawn growing numbers to
such programs run by JETsetters.
JETsetters is the young-adult division of
JET (Jewish Education through Torah) and
seeks to provide the post-undergrad cohort
with new opportunities to engage in the
Jewish community.
JET was founded by Rabbi Zischa Shaps
and his wife Lauren more than 15 years ago
to provide Jewish outreach to adults by bolstering knowledge of Judaism. The local
organization runs a year-round array of programs and classes, such as last month’s
week-long Yarchei Kallah.
JETsetters’ creation four years ago was
infused with “a real sense of purpose,” says
Lauren Shaps, who runs many of its programs. The aim is to reach and connect with
young Jewish adults through events such as
holiday parties and Shabbat dinners.
The mandate is to not overwhelm, but to
impart Jewish learning gradually, so that
young adults can make informed choices on
major life decisions.
Accommodating to both singles and
newly-weds, Shaps says couples have met
at JETsetters events, but “it’s not the sole
purpose.”
Program co-ordinator Josh Margo says
JETsetters “provides participants an opportunity to break away from family-oriented
programming while connecting to other
people their age.”
Margo tries to come up with programming with a twist.
“It’s the little nuances that make people
come out to events like the chocolate dinner.” Margo said, referring to Death by
Chocolate, a dinner held last month where
every course contained chocolate, at which
Rabbi Label Lam from Monsey, New York,
spoke about male-female dynamics in marriage.
Asher Farber, a University of Ottawa
student who attended commented, “What
more could you ask for from a JETsetters
event? Jewish learning, chocolate, good
food and good company – this event was a
great idea.”
Margo is pleased by the success of this
and other programs.
“It shows there are people interested in
keeping their Jewish identity and in continuing to learn.”
He expects more than 50 people to
attend the annual Jetsetters Buffalo Barbecue in the fall.
David Walters, another University of
Ottawa student, sees the programs as a way
of connecting with Jewish peers and as a
source for rewarding spiritual growth.
What keeps Walters coming back is the
welcoming atmosphere, the sense of fellowship and the wisdom he feels he’s gained
from the program leaders.
“Having proper role models is the key to
spiritual success,” Walters says. “Thanks to
JETsetters, I have had opportunities to surround myself with people of good character
and strong Torah values.”
WHO WAS IN THE SYNAGOGUE
THE LAST FEW MONTHS?
A young couple, along with family and friends,
were celebrating the naming of their newborn daughter.
A relocated engineer and his family were making
Jewish connections with their new community.
A lawyer who recently lost his father
was saying Kaddish.
A divorced mother and her sons were enjoying
a Shabbat service.
A real estate broker was learning Hebrew
in preparation for deciding on
a possible adult Bat Mitzvah
at some point in the future.
Perhaps one of these persons was you.
Perhaps one of these persons will be you.
Won’t you help ensure that the synagogue
will be there
when one of these persons is you?
BE A PART – N.O.T. A.P.A.R.T.
Temple Israel welcomes you.
1301 Prince of Wales Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K2C 1N2
613-224-1802; fax 613-224-0707
execdir@templeisraelottawa.ca
Rabbi Steven Garten
President Steven M. Mendelsohn
OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, September 4 • 7 pm
Refreshments
Two years after war, soldiers still suffer with the pain of trauma
By Dina Kraft
TEL AVIV (JTA) – The talk
often turned to blood at a group
therapy session for Israeli soldiers
suffering from post-traumatic stress
disorder: salty, sweet, warm, cold,
covered in your own or of the friend
who did not survive.
“The smell of blood, that’s what
stays with you,” Tom Shechter, 22,
says matter-of-factly.
Shechter, a combat medic, was
badly injured during the 2006
Lebanon war. He was setting up a
field hospital in an empty school
building in a Lebanese village when
he was hit by a Hezbollah missile.
Like Shechter, the other men in
the group were injured in combat
during the war with Hezbollah two
years ago.
This group and dozens of others
like it that treat reservists and
active-duty soldiers suffering from
post-traumatic stress disorder, or
PTSD, are a reminder of one of the
least visible but most painful scars
of the 2006 war.
They are also a sign of the
progress Israel has made in reducing
the stigma traditionally associated
with PTSD in Israeli society, where
military service is mandatory and
everyone either has fought in a war
or knows someone who did.
Even public service announcements on the radio urge war veterans who suffer from trauma symptoms – they include difficulty sleeping or concentrating and problems
interacting with family and friends –
to call a help hot-line.
“Today it is no longer treated as
something to be ashamed of,” says
Miri Shalit, who supervises the
Defense Ministry’s Tel Aviv rehabilitation department and is a psychologist and social worker by training.
“You can see the difference, for
example, from the Yom Kippur War
[in 1973] – it took people years to
seek help.”
Shalit credits a new, more cognitive therapeutic approach – patients
are encouraged to recount in detail
the traumas they endured so they
can begin to process the events and
overcome them – for better success
rates in treating PTSD.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
now trains combat officers to work
with their soldiers in the aftermath
of attacks or difficult incidents as
part of an effort to prevent cases
from developing into PTSD.
The concept, based on years of
research conducted in Israel and
abroad, is to debrief as soon as possible after the traumatic event in a
safe place away from the battlefield.
In providing a supportive frame-
Tom Schecter sits at his home computer in Petach Tikvah on Aug. 7, 2008 showing a photograph of
himself injured by a Hezbollah missile during the Second Lebanon War two years earlier.
(Photo: Brian Hendler)
work within the soldiers’ units to
discuss traumatic incidents soon
after they happen, the focus is on
preventing PTSD, said a senior
army psychologist who serves in the
military’s mental health unit and
spoke to JTA on condition that his
name is not used.
During the debriefing, the soldiers can review the facts of the
incident together, and share their
thoughts and feelings. They can
understand, too, that it’s normal to
have intense reactions to traumatic
situations – called “acute stress
reaction” – and at first suffer from
symptoms such as difficulty sleeping and moodiness.
The problem occurs when the
symptoms do not subside and prevent one from functioning normally.
During and immediately after the
2006 war, soldiers from the front
lines were brought to vacation areas
straight from battle to undergo
physical and mental recuperation.
When the sessions had to take place
within range of Hezbollah rocket
attacks, they were held in underground shelters.
There are no exact figures on how
many veterans of the Second
Lebanon War are suffering from
PTSD or are in treatment for mental
health problems, though the IDF and
Defense Ministry report high rates of
improvement among those they treat.
Research shows that some 10 per
cent of those exposed to traumatic
events suffer from PTSD. Combat
soldiers tend to have a lower occurrence in part because they are
trained to deal with stressful battlefield situations.
But, as Shechter attests, even
soldiers cannot fully be ready for
the traumas of the battlefield.
“You cannot fully prepare yourself,” he says. “An incident will
always come as a surprise.”
As Shechter lay wounded in an
Israeli hospital with shrapnel injuries from a missile to his stomach,
head and hand, he dismissed an
offer of help from an army psychologist.
But two months after returning
home, Shechter knew things weren’t
right. He found himself waking suddenly in the middle of the night,
unable to fall back asleep. He was
haunted by flashbacks from the day
of the attack, when a missile
slammed into the wall next to him,
showering his body with shrapnel.
After undergoing individual and
group therapy at the Defense Min-
istry, Shechter says he’s starting to
feel improvement.
“It was good to be able to feel
like I could unburden myself, to
talk,” Shechter tells JTA.
He says it was a relief to meet as
a group, where he could talk with
others who had undergone similar
experiences.
“What we spoke about there, it
was hard to talk about with other
friends because they were not there
and did not go through the same
things,” Schechter says. “Here we
could share and give each other
advice.”
For Shechter’s mother, Orna, her
son’s injury and subsequent trauma
has been bewildering and painful.
“There is Tom before the war
and Tom after the war,” she says,
pausing to weep. “Before, Tom was
happy, he was Tom without these
dark moods.”
Rachel Gold, a social worker at
the Defense Ministry, tells of one
young officer she treated who was
shot by a Hezbollah fighter. He came
home a changed person, she said:
frustrated and silent, withdrawn
from his wife and children, suspicious and unable to concentrate.
“He became obsessive-compulsive,” Gold says. “As if he still had
blood on his hands, he kept cleaning
them.”
She worked with him on his
flashbacks, his feelings of incompetence for not killing the Hezbollah
gunman who shot him and his refusal
to go to crowded public places like
malls and restaurants because he
believed it was too dangerous.
Getting the officer to recount the
night he was shot was the key to his
rehabilitation, Gold says. In the
course of retelling his story, the soldier realized that instead of underperforming, he actually may have
saved Israeli lives because he had
fired back and protected his fellow
soldiers.
Gold also got the officer to start
going out again, giving him homework assignments to overcome his
fears, like taking a trip to the mall.
“The world seemed wider
again,” she says. “He could go back
to living and remove the association
of the trauma.”
As for Shechter, he sounds
upbeat when he describes his plans
to study management in college. But
he acknowledges that he still struggles to overcome his war trauma.
“When a door slams too loudly,
my heart leaps into the sky,” he
says. “I try to calm myself down,
that everything is OK – that it’s not
Lebanon.”
Tisha B'Av at the Wall
Jews pray at the Western Wall to mark Tisha B'Av in Jerusalem's Old City on Aug. 9, 2008. Tisha
B'Av, a day of fasting and lament, is traditionally the date on the Jewish calendar on which the
First and Second Temples were destroyed.
(Photo: Brian Hendler)
L’Dor V’Dor: Volunteerism passes
from generation to generation
By Benita Siemiatycki
For 12 years spanning two
locations, Debi Shore has
been a fixture at the reception
desk of the Bess and Moe
Greenberg Family Hillel
Lodge, answering phones in
her friendly manner, greeting
visitors with a warm smile
and giving tours of the Lodge
to family members of
prospective residents. And
that’s only the morning.
After lunch, which she
spends with husband David
and his friends in the Lodge’s
café, she heads upstairs to
assist Marilyn Adler, the
recreation program manager,
with programming for the residents.
Those are just her official
duties. Unofficially, she does
anything that is asked of her,
from photocopying and filing,
to helping someone get
dressed, to styling an upset
woman’s hair when the hairdresser is not present.
“I treat each one like they
are my own mother or father,”
she states.
Three days each week, she
devotes her time to the Hillel
Lodge. For the past five years,
Debi has even hosted a pool
party for residents at her Alta
Vista home. The water is
warmed up to a comfortable
temperature for the elderly
guests, and everyone has a
great time.
An avid dancer, Debi joins
the performing group, A
Touch of Klez, when the
ensemble is playing at Hillel
Lodge. Her job is to get the
residents off their feet, or simply moving in their chairs, to
the lively beat of klezmer
music. When she’s not danc-
ing, she’s playing tambourine.
Besides volunteering, music
and dancing are Debi’s other
passions.
Stephen Schneiderman,
Hillel Lodge’s executive
director, praises Debi’s contributions. “She loves people
and they love her back. She
adds life to the party.”
In fact, she oozes exuberance when describing why she
volunteers.
“I just get a wonderful
day,” she says. “I get there
(the Lodge) and I’m happy
there. It’s just a nice place to
be. It makes me feel good. It
makes me feel wanted. It
doesn’t get much better than
that.”
Over the years, she has
grown to love the residents
and staff alike.
Debi’s volunteering history goes back a long way. In
1979, she received a special
citation from then-mayor
Marion Dewar to recognize
her many volunteer activities.
For years, she has canvassed to raise funds for
health charities and is the captain of her area for the Arthritis Society’s door-to-door
campaign. Plaques from the
Canadian Magen David Adom
for Israel, the Maimonides
Geriatric Centre and Hillel
Lodge hang proudly in the
family home. Debi credits her
volunteering experience with
boosting her self-confidence.
Debi learned volunteering
from watching her mother her
entire life in Montreal. When
her mother was placed in
Montreal’s Maimonides Geriatric Centre and given six
months to live, Debi visited
regularly.
“I needed to be with her,”
she explains.
Twice each week, she
boarded a bus and headed to
Montreal. Fortunately, the six
month prognosis turned into
10 years and, during that time,
Debi continued her visits.
With her mother already having the benefit of a companion
to assist her, Debi turned her
attention to the other residents.
“I was very lucky because,
while I was there, I was able
to help other people while
being beside my mother. That
worked out very well for me.”
After her mother passed
away, Debi received a call
from a cousin who worked at
the old Hillel Lodge downtown.
“Come to the Lodge, and
see what you like to do,” said
her cousin.
The receptionist was away
on Debi’s first day giving her
the opportunity to answer the
phones. She discovered she
truly enjoyed talking to callers
and welcoming visitors, many
of whom she knew.
Debi urges anyone to “go
and see what you like to do.
There are so many different
aspects of volunteering (at
Hillel Lodge),” she explains,
from friendly visits to playing
cards, to any activity that can
be shared with residents.
And the need extends well
beyond Hillel Lodge.
“It’s something we have to
do in life – to help others.
We’re here for a reason,” Debi
believes. “We have to make a
difference to other people.
And hopefully when we need
it, the help will be there for us
to receive.”
A great source of inspiration is Debi’s husband of 51
years, David, her three children, Eliot, Mark, and Suzi,
and her six grandchildren.
David and the grandchildren
are regular Hillel Lodge volunteers as well, and her children offer their time for other
community causes. They all
gather regularly Shabbat
evenings in the matriarch’s
home.
Speaking of her volunteer
work and family life, Debi
confesses, “I am truly
blessed.”
Benita Siemiatycki will be
profiling other community
volunteers in future editions
of the Bulletin. Many organizations are in desperate need
of volunteers. Call the Jewish
Ottawa InfoCentre at 613798-4644 for information.
Volunteering at Hillel Lodge is a way of life for Debi
(OJB photo: Benita Siemiatycki)
Shore.
MAILBAG
Re: “It’s been 10 years! Help celebrate
the Soloway JCC” by David Spring (Bulletin, July 21, 2008)
I add my personal congratulations and
Kol HaKavod to the Soloway JCC on its
10th anniversary and in the splendid variety of programs and activities it offers its
members. The increased involvement of its
members, from preschoolers to seniors, is
to be applauded.
However, in listing the various programs, there was a glaring omission of an
ongoing and vital program. Die Folkshpieler, the Soloway JCC Yiddish Players,
is an enthusiastic group of 22 players, supported by the Soloway JCC, which has presented light Yiddish theatre for the past six
years, attracting ever-increasing audiences
of up to 175 to our annual productions.
Yiddish theatre has not only nostalgic
value, but adds another dimension to Jewish identity and to the growing interest in
Yiddish as a culture.
Shirley Steinberg, Die Folkshpieler
For more information, call 613-789-7137
Mazal
Tov!
Birthday congratulations!
Congratulations to Molly Goldie who celebrated her 95th birthday,
in good health, at a family gathering with her children, grandchildren
and three great-grandchildren. Molly resides at Central Park Lodge.
With much love Susan, Judy, Neena, Jeffrey and their families.
Roz Barrett, Freda Lithwick and Jeanne Horwitz standing with a new Plymouth that
was to be raffled at the Ottawa Hadassah-WIZO Bazaar on November 19, 1958.
(Photo courtesy of the Ottawa Jewish Archives.)
OHW Bazaar returns
Sept. 7, after 19 years
By Myra McFarlane
for CHW Ottawa
I was eavesdropping at
the coffee shop where a
group of people was talking
all at once. There was such a
buzz. They looked so excited, like they were waiting for
some momentous event, and
the buzz just kept building.
It turns out they were
anticipating a momentous
event: the Ottawa HadassahWIZO Bazaar on Sunday,
September 7 at the Nepean
Sportsplex. The first Ottawa
Hadassah-WIZO Bazaar in
19 years.
Here’s some of what I
heard.
It started with Bella. She
was kvetching about all she
had to do to get ready for the
High Holy Days. Right after
getting her daughters off to
school, she had to start baking, no time to catch her
breath.
Her friend Rosie spoke
up.
“You know, I have lots to
do this year too, but I’m
going to the Hadassah
Bazaar to get my baking. I
hear there are going to be
knishes, blintzes and cookies
for the kids. It’s one thing off
my list.”
Then Sam piped up. She
was excited about her fabulous new job and was no
longer concerned about
whether she was going to
have the wardrobe to match.
She knew that a great shipment of Steillman clothing,
handbags and excellent jewelry was coming in to the
bazaar, that it would all be
going for a song and that the
proceeds were going to a
good cause.
“What cause?” asked
Jamie, the youngest one
there.
“Well, because it’s the
Hadassah-WIZO Bazaar, a
percentage of the revenue
goes to support women, children and health care in Israel,
the projects that HadassahWIZO has been supporting
for years,” said Bella, who, it
turned out, came from a long
line of Hadassah ladies and
remembered the HadassahWIZO bazaars of her childhood.
“In addition to raising
funds for our worthy projects
in Israel,” added Rosie, “we
are partnering with local
charities to raise awareness
for local causes. The only
price of admission will be a
donation to the Ottawa Food
Bank and several other local
charities will be there with
tables raising awareness for
their causes, too.”
Then Deborah, the quietest one there, piped up.
“Well, that’s great for all of
you, but Avi and I are getting
married in December, and we
have to worry about gifts for
our wedding party and stationery and all kinds of other
things. We want our wedding
to be unique. Do you think
there will be anything there
for us? We’re on a budget.
And besides, aren’t Hadassah-WIZO Bazaars for people like our bubbies?”
That’s when Avi, her
fiancé, arrived. “I hear there
Briefs from Israel
Olmert sees land swaps
in deal with Palestinians
JERUSALEM (JTA) – Israel offered the Palestinians
land in the Negev in exchange for West Bank settlement
blocs.
The idea was part of a draft peace deal that Israeli
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert presented to Palestinian
Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas this month,
Ha’aretz reported.
Under the proposal leaked to the newspaper, Israel would
keep West Bank settlement blocs, turn the West Bank security fence into a border and evacuate settlers east of it.
In exchange for what would be, effectively, an annexation of 7 per cent of West Bank land, Israel would cede a
parcel of the Negev to the Gaza Strip. The Negev land
would be equivalent to 5.5 per cent of the West Bank; the
shortfall would be made up for by a road connecting Gaza
and the West Bank, allowing for free Palestinian passage
between the territories.
According to Ha’aretz, the Gaza annexation would take
place only after Abbas re-establishes his authority over the
Gaza Strip, ending Hamas rule there.
The PA leadership has indicated a willingness to consider territorial exchanges, but other disputes remain. Both
sides want sovereignty in Jerusalem, which Israel has
vowed to keep as its undivided capital. According to
Ha’aretz, Olmert and Abbas agreed to defer the Jerusalem
issue to future negotiations.
Israel also has demanded that the future Palestinian state
be demilitarized, while the Palestinians want an armed
force capable of defending against “outside threats,”
Ha’aretz reported.
According to the newspaper, Olmert’s proposal includes
a “detailed and complex formula” for solving the issue of
Palestinian refugees. Israel wants the refugees resettled in a
future Palestinian state while the Palestinians want them to
Bazaar to offer
diverse goods
will be artisans there who
will have fine arts and crafts
and other unique collectibles
for sale. Since we got
engaged, I’ve become very
interested in these things.”
Everyone giggled, apparently at the thought of Avi,
previously known only for
his prowess on the baseball
diamond, thinking about
wedding things.
He shushed the group.
“Seriously, my mom was a
Hadassah lady and I can tell
you, from what I’ve heard,
there will be great bargains,
something for everybody,
and everyone will be there! It
ain’t my bubbie’s bazaar, but
I bet, if she were with us
today, she would be the first
one in the door!”
“What time should we be
there on September 7?”
asked Rosie.
“I’ll be there when the
doors open at 10:00 am,”
said Avi, “and I’m staying
until they close at 4:00 pm.
I’ll be there to support Deborah and honour the memory
of my bubbie. And with
more than 20 tables of goods,
there’s enough for a whole
day.”
At that point, someone’s
phone alarm went off, and
they all dispersed. But I
know I’ll see them all again
at the Ottawa HadassahWIZO Bazaar. I’ll be there
with my donation for the
Ottawa Food Bank, my best
walking shoes and a canvas
bag or three for the goodies.
My spirits will be high
because I know my money
will be going to a good
cause.
The Ottawa HadassahWIZO Bazaar, Sunday, September 7, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
at the Nepean Sportsplex,
1701 Woodroffe Avenue.
be granted a “right” to land that is now in the Jewish state.
Schalit’s father appeals
in Palestinian newspaper
JERUSALEM (JTA) – Gilad Schalit’s father authored an
article in a Palestinian newspaper accusing Hamas of
blocking a prisoner exchange with Israel.
In an op-ed in Al-Quds this month, Noam Schalit wrote
that his son was entering a third year of captivity in the
Gaza Strip because his Hamas captors were sticking to
unrealistic ransom demands that Israel cannot meet.
“It emerges that Hamas, in insisting on a very specific
list of Palestinian prisoners that it demands Israel free in
exchange for Gilad, has been preventing the release of hundreds or thousands of other prisoners,” Schalit said.
Hamas-led gunmen abducted Gilad Schalit, a tank crewman, to Gaza on June 25, 2006 and have kept him largely
incommunicado since.
A release roster presented by Hamas includes hard-core
terrorists, which, Israel says, must remain behind bars if
there is to be a chance for peacemaking with Palestinian
Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Israeli officials have
signalled flexibility on releasing inmates jailed for lesser
offences.
Schalit wrote that Hamas was effectively holding Gaza
“hostage” as well as his son, given Israel’s refusal to lift a
crippling embargo on the territory unless there is progress
in Egyptian-brokered negotiations on a prisoner swap.
Al-Quds is a Palestinian Authority newspaper, and
Schalit’s op-ed appeared to be an effort to turn ordinary
Palestinians against Hamas, Abbas’ Islamist rival.
A Jewish approach to social justice and community action
Righteous Indignation:
A Jewish Call for Justice
Edited by Rabbi Or N. Rose,
Jo Ellen Green Kaiser and Margie Klein
Jewish Lights
Hardcover, 2008
351 pages
Book Review
Mira Sucharov
While most would agree that we in the
West live in an era of economic abundance
coupled with an intoxicating relationship to a
revolution in technology that enables
unprecedented levels of communication and
interconnectedness, the social and environmental ills surrounding us – including poverty, AIDS, social discrimination, ethnic conflict, and environmental degradation – are
difficult to ignore. Where we tend to be divided is in the degree to which we see these
problems as of our own making, and the
nature of the solutions we favour.
Jeff Greenberg
200-1335 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 8N8
Phone: 613-725-1171
Private Fax: 613-248-4781
Toll Free: 1-800-307-1545
Email: greenje@magma.ca
The contributors to Righteous Indignation: A Jewish Call for Justice believe these
pressing social problems are addressable
through communal effort informed by a progressive spiritual vision that defines social
responsibility in a broad, humanistic and
global sense.
In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll note
that while I’m a member of the board of
directors and the outreach task force of the
Soloway Jewish Community Centre, the
views expressed in this review are my own.
Righteous Indignation is a tour de force of
social justice commentary
that invites community contemplation on what remains
to be done in our local,
national and global spheres.
Perhaps most fundamental
are the following three
themes.
First, as chapters by
Margie
Klein, Rabbi Michael
www.jeffreygreenberg.com
Lerner and Rabbi Jane
Kanarek make clear, we need
to keep in mind the distincFREE PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM
Stem Cell Research:
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An interactive forum and question period on the controversial topic
of stem cell research.
What are the ethical and medical issues?
What promise does stem cell research hold for future cures and treatments?
Featured Guest Speakers:
Professor TSVEE LAPIDOT
Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
Dr. MICHAEL RUDNICKI, Ph.D., FRSC
Ottawa Health Research Institute and Canadian Stem Cell Network
ZUBIN MASTER, Ph.D.
Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2008
Library and Archives Canada, Room ‘A’
395 Wellington St, Ottawa 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Dessert reception following (Dietary Laws Observed)
Admission is Free
Reservations Required
Hosted by:
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RSVP:
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tion between direct-service social action –
chesed, acts of kindness directed at individuals – and the more comprehensive and systemic social justice agenda, what Judaism
calls Tikkun Olam, the repairing of the world.
While the former is crucial for addressing
the day-to-day needs of the needy, it is only
through sustained attempts at changing the
social order that we can address the roots of
inequality and suffering.
As Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner argues, “Too
often in Jewish communal life, we confuse
service-oriented work at soup kitchens, mitzvah days and B’nai Mitzvah projects with the
work of redemptive social justice. While such
good works can be useful in exposing people
to injustice and providing short-term relief for
the symptoms of injustice, they are only a
beginning. At worst, these projects undermine
our commitment to systemic change.”
Second, it is not just Jews who should be
the recipient of Jewish efforts toward
tzedakah and Tikkun Olam. In many cases, it
is Jewish cultural, historic and religious sensibilities that motivate these efforts (and
indeed, these are qualities and orientations
that should be embraced), but, as Ruth
Messinger and Aaron Dorfman argue, our
“universe of obligation” should extend to the
farthest reaches of the globe.
Finally, while Judaic precepts can, and
indeed, should inspire social awareness, religion devoid of action is meaningless. As
Rabbi Or N. Rose describes his struggle with
Judaism in the context of hearing the account
of a Sudanese refugee boy fleeing murderous
government-backed militiamen only to be
confronted by an alligator-infested swamp,
the boy’s story, “though certainly not intended as such, made the Exodus narrative feel
hollow.” It is not enough to study Judaism; its
teachings need to be translated into action.
The volume tackles a plethora of social
and economic themes, ranging from stem-cell
research to sexual diversity, transgender identification, environmental sustainability,
domestic violence, Israeli-Palestinian relations and immigration policy.
A close reading of the book raises a number of important questions that I would argue
are worthwhile – and even essential – for our
community to grapple with.
Is religion necessary for social justice to
take place? What about a role for secular
Jews who maintain an uncomfortable relationship with the idea of a divine presence?
And what shall we do if it is adherence to particular Jewish laws – however progressive a
contemporary reading of Halacha is offered –
that may themselves be the problem in sustaining particular social ills?
And what about Jews who do not identify
with the progressive wings of their communities? Is there a role for them to engage in
social justice, and how would they define the
necessary solutions? How should our various
denominations discuss the role of religious
action in ameliorating social problems when
their respective definitions of community –
who is in, who is out, and who is deserving of
our efforts towards tzedakah and Tikkun
Olam – are so different from one another?
What is the “universe of obligation” as
defined by our Ottawa community? And, in
the words of Messinger, what is our “moral
identity?”
The volume opens with a meditation on
the role of social justice efforts in galvanizing Jews towards communal identification.
Rabbi Sidney Schwarz suggests a useful
distinction between “Exodus/tribal Jews”
and “Sinai/covenantal Jews,” arguing that
“data that can tell you how many Jews
belong to synagogues, how many contribute
money to federations, and how many travel
to Israel … What cannot be as accurately
determined, however, is how many Jews feel
Jewish, or how many Jews view Judaism and
Jewish ethics as an important part of their
identity.”
Perhaps what we need to do in our own
community, more than enjoining Jews to
“affiliate” for affiliation sake, or to engage in
Judaic rituals absent a tangible, interconnected outlook, is to ensure that Jewish communal organizations are in touch with the
essence of the covenant – that “justice, justice
ye shall pursue.” Otherwise, our Jewish communal activities risk falling into moral irrelevance, and worse, into aiding and abetting a
local and global status quo that is still in need
of repair.
Mira Sucharov is an associate professor
of political science at Carleton University.
TIME
TO RENEW
YOUR
SUBSCRIPTION?
ARE YOU
MOVING?
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Saslove-Miller,
613-798-4696,
ext. 256
to update
your information
or to renew.
Don’t miss
one issue!
Tzedakah and stickers
I recently attended a talk on the topic of tzedakah, the
Jewish concept of charity.
Someone asked whether the Judaic obligation to give to
those less fortunate extends to non-Jewish causes. The
speaker replied that should the fire department ask him for
a donation, he’ll typically give a minimal amount – say five
dollars – in order to receive a sticker to place on his window, thereby ensuring that passersby look kindly on the
Jews.
He explained that this is a practice known as “instilling
goodwill.” When I asked him for clarification, he said there
is a prescribed hierarchy of potential recipients of charity
according to the level of relatedness, proximity of residence, etc.
Perhaps, needless to say, non-Jews rank low on this Talmudic-inspired list, at least according to that particular
rabbi.
Part of the beauty of Jewish tradition, as least as I see it,
is the practice of interpretation. No single thinker has ever
been able to claim a monopoly on truth. So we cannot take
one learned man’s opinion as gospel – excuse the pun –
though neither are we free, with apologies to Pirkei Avot, to
desist from questioning this assumption. What, indeed, is
our ethical role as individuals – and as members of the
Ottawa Jewish community – to direct our tzedakah (the
term comes from the Hebrew tzedek, meaning justice)
efforts and general benevolence to non-Jews?
Perhaps the root of the problem – and my personal sense
of cognitive dissonance in attending this lunchtime talk as
a member of the Jewish community while listening to a
religious leader expound a world view so antithetical to my
own – is in what it means to be part of a community. What
I quickly realized is that these perspectives clash on a basic
question: is spirituality fundamentally about tribal identity,
or about global interconnectedness?
Certainly, tribal identity – the inclination to protect
‘one’s own’ first and foremost – would have appeared
essential to new immigrants fleeing European anti-Semitism, as my grandparents did when they arrived in Win-
Values, Ethics,
Community
Mira Sucharov
nipeg from Russia 80 years ago, only to witness those they
left behind perish in the Holocaust decades later.
I am, perhaps, among the first generation of Canadian
Jews who did not worry that a non-Jewish schoolmate
would think unkindly of me because of my religion. Perhaps, for this reason, as a pre-teen, I was able to read Chernowitz, Fran Arrick’s 1983 novel about a Grade 9 student
plagued by anti-Semitic harassment, with the detached fascination of a marine biologist.
All this has meant that, aside from small pockets of
ultra-religious Jews who have sought out more culturally
and religiously homogeneous lives for their families, all of
my contemporaries have developed intimate relationships –
to say nothing of close professional connections – with
Jews and non-Jews alike.
So, when I think about whatever spiritual life it is that I
harbour internally, I keep returning to the idea that there
seems to be little ethical meaning in adhering to Judaic precepts that do not see the Jewish community as fundamentally and intrinsically embedded within broader geographical and identity spheres.
This is indeed a theme that globally minded Jewish
activists have long cultivated. As Ruth Messinger, president
of American Jewish World Service, has written, engaging
in social action beyond one’s immediate community should
not be thought of in the strategic, good-for-my-group terms
of the notion of ‘goodwill,’ but simply as bringing more
peace to the world. So said Maimonides, she continues.
None of this is to say that advertising one’s charitable
acts is essentially futile. When my family decided to switch
to green Bullfrog Power last year, our registration packet
arrived with a colourful assortment of lawn signs, fridge
Executive Worldwide Travel/American Express
magnets and mailbox stickers that any preschooler would
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But such public proclamations need to be motivated by
a sense that ‘we are all in
this together.’ Otherwise,
they risk promoting a message of communal hubris
rather than collective destiny. The fundamental question might therefore be better posed as, “How much
tzedek still needs to be
enacted in our struggling
$100.00 per Monument
world?” rather than, “Who,
by virtue of their religion, is
more deserving of justice
Call Jean Myers, Jewish Federation of Ottawa
and repair?”
613-798-4696, ext 242
Mira Sucharov is an
associate professor of political science at Carleton
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University.
JEWISH MEMORIAL GARDEN CEMETERIES
Monument Pressure Cleaning
Now Available
VOLUNTEER
CORNER
Volunteer Corner is courtesy of the Jewish Federation
of Ottawa. All beneficiary agencies are invited
to list their volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
Can YOU make the difference?
If so, Lisa Bogdonov, Volunteer Coordinator
of the Thelma Steinman Seniors Support Services unit,
would love to hear from you:
613-722-2225, ext. 327 or Lbogdonov@jfsottawa.com.
• JFS runs two monthly luncheon programs for seniors. If you can
drive someone to and/or from Agudath Israel or Beth Shalom on a
monthly basis, there are isolated seniors who would love to participate
in the programs.
• Emergency, last-minute drivers are always needed to deliver
Kosher Meals on Wheels and to transport clients to medical appointments. On-call or on a regular basis.
• An elderly woman who lives in the Carling & Woodroffe area
needs help with grocery shopping on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• A disabled woman who lives downtown needs help with paperwork approximately 2-3 times per month for 1-2 hours.
• A woman who lives downtown needs help taking a few boxes to
the storage locker in her building and with organizing it a little.
• An elderly woman who lives in the Byward Market area needs a
friendly visitor to share coffee visits, trips to museums, art galleries,
grocery shopping, etc. Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
• An elderly man who lives only 1 block away would like to attend
Shabbat services at Beth Shalom Synagogue but needs help to get
there.
• An elderly lady who likes crafts & sewing would love to meet
someone with similar interests to help her get out of the house once
in a while.
• A gentleman who enjoys long walks and Torah study could use
an occasional companion. Campus area.
• An entertaining lady who uses a scooter is looking for someone
to accompany her to Carlingwood shopping centre (walking distance),
stay for coffee, etc.
• Shofar blower needed at JFS event for only a few minutes on
erev Rosh Hashanah, anytime between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm.
Please note: Mileage incurred by volunteers
is always reimbursed by JFS.
THE BESS AND MOE GREENBERG
FAMILY HILLEL LODGE
• Community hours in the summer? High school students, get
your hours completed by volunteering at Hillel Lodge during the summer months!
• Student special: Your gain is our gain: Do your community hours
helping our residents! Daily or weekly, at a time that suits you! University students welcome (please note: children under the age of 14 require
adult accompaniment).
• Special mitzvah anyone? Bring a resident to Shabbos services
(Saturdays at 9:15 am) and enjoy the fantastic Oneg with friends. Great
cholent!
• Newly retired? Put Hillel Lodge volunteering in your plan. Residents welcome visitors, program assistance, all kinds of options. Pick a
day, a time of day, a type of event – whatever suits your schedule. Try it
out now.
• Don’t get the summertime blues. Spend time with us at concerts,
BBQs, Wii tournaments and bingo.
• Thirsty? Serve drinks to residents every day at 11:30 am. A half
hour gets you lots of smiles.
• Free on Fridays? Oneg Shabbat every week at 10:30 am and
bingo at 2:00 pm – come join us.
• Want cashier experience in a friendly atmosphere? Come to
Hillel Lodge at lunch (11:45 am to 1:30 pm Monday to Friday).
• Culture maven? Accompany our residents to museums, concerts
and plays (Wednesday and Thursday afternoons).
• Tuesday special: Enjoy our special events every week at 2:15 pm.
• Shopping experts? Have fun while accompanying residents to
shopping at a mall (Monday mornings).
To inquire further, please call 613-728-3900 ext. 191
or email judithw@hillel-ltc.com
Students welcome (please note:
children under the age of 14 require adult accompaniment)
LPGA golfer Morgan Pressel and her grandparents, Evelyn and Herb Krickstein, were
welcomed to Ottawa, August 11, with a reception at the home of Julie and David
Ross. Pictured (left to right): Evelyn Krickstein, Julie Ross, Morgan Pressel, Herb
(Photo: Peter Waiser)
Krickstein and David Ross.
LPGA golfer
Morgan Pressel
welcomed to Ottawa
By Mitch Miller
Morgan Pressel had friends and supporters from Ottawa’s Jewish community in the
gallery when the Ladies Professional Golf
Association (LPGA) tour stopped here this
month for the CN Canadian Women’s Open
at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club.
Morgan made lots of friends on August
11 when the community welcomed the 20year-old golf sensation and her grandparents to Ottawa with a reception at the home
of Julie and David Ross.
Morgan’s swift rise to golfing fame
came two years ago when she became the
youngest woman to ever win an LPGA
major tournament with her victory at the
Kraft Nabisco Tournament at the age of 18.
Morgan, who lost her mother to breast
cancer when she was only 15, lives with her
grandparents, Evelyn and Herb Krickstein,
in Florida. They’re an athletic family. Former top 10 tennis player Aaron Krickstein
is Morgan’s uncle.
So, how did we get to welcome Morgan
Pressel to Ottawa? That’s easy. She’s Jewish, warm and outgoing. But it also took a
call from Gary Ulrich of Maccabi Canada
who mentioned that he knew the Kricksteins from their golf club in Boca Raton,
and that Morgan would enjoy meeting
members of the Jewish community in
Ottawa.
Not being a big fan of golf, I called
David Ross and asked if he knew of Morgan Pressel and whether he thought people
would want to come and meet her. David’s
response was immediate. He certainly did
know of her and offered his home for the
welcome reception. Thankfully, David’s
wife, Julie took over from that point and the
evening was perfect.
Morgan and her grandparents were gracious with everyone, posing for as many
pictures as were asked for and signing anything that was presented to them.
During the evening, Gary Ulrich said a
few words on behalf of Maccabi Canada
and Bob Wener, a volunteer on the executive of the Soloway Jewish Community
Centre, welcomed Morgan and the Kricksteins on behalf of the community. We presented her grandparents with a framed, personalized photo of the Parliament Buildings, and Morgan received a book filled
with photos of Ottawa and signed with
good wishes from the evening’s guests.
As well, donations were made on Morgan’s behalf to Maccabi Canada – to offset
the cost of participants from Ottawa attending the games in Israel in 2009 – and to
breast cancer research.
I had read about how Morgan was
looked up to by many young female golfers
and one of the highlights of the evening was
when a 10-year-old golfer named Grace
was speechless in meeting her. Morgan
made Grace feel like she was another
female golfer chatting at an LPGA gathering.
When I dropped Morgan and her grandparents at their hotel, they told me that it
was the nicest reception they have ever
received in any city. They said it was like
spending an evening with family and
friends and wanted to thank everyone for
the reception.
Temple Israel Religious School
1301 Prince of Wales Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K2C 1N2
613-224-1802; fax 613-224-0707
School 613-224-3133
execdir@templeisraelottawa.ca
New members of Temple Israel can enrol their child
in Kindergarten or Grade 1 for half the school fee;
K and Gr. 1 fee is $893, new members can enrol their child
for only $446 for this year.
AJA50+ members enjoy an active summer of golf.
AJA 50+ to kick off
eighth year of programs
By Estelle Melzer
AJA 50+
Active Jewish Adults (AJA) 50+ will
kick off its eighth program year at Registration Day on Wednesday, September 3 from
11:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (JCC). At 1:00 pm
real estate agent Anne Steinberg will give a
talk, Condo Buying, Condo Living: Is It
Right for You?
Steinberg is a native Ottawan well
known for her love of singing and for her
successful real estate career.
“Understanding the needs of my clients
and how their lives will be impacted by
their real estate decisions is the most important element of my work,” she said.
Many AJA 50+ members are now considering downsizing and wondering if a
condo is the right next step for them. Steinberg will discuss the many issues to consider, explain the pros and cons and answer
questions.
“We thought this would be a valuable
topic to explore because we know there is a
lot of interest in condos among our contemporaries,” explained AJA 50+ co-president
Sonja Kesten. “Understanding and filling
the needs of the 50-plus population is the
raison d’être of our organization.”
AJA 50+ is a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization with more than 500 members dedicated to providing relevant social,
recreational, health and educational programming for the large and growing segment of the Ottawa Jewish community over
the age of 50.
A highlight of the fall programs is the
VIP Brunch, to be held on September 14,
featuring Martin Rudner, founding director
of the Canadian Intelligence and Security
Studies. He will address the topic, Canada
and the Challenges of Global Security. This
event will be held at the Penthouse of the
Crowne Plaza and is open to both members
and non-members, but with limited seating.
Ever popular is the annual Bridge and
Mah Jongg Fundraiser being held October
29 at Agudath Israel. This event includes
lunch and prizes.
Other fall offerings include lectures and
tours at the National Art Gallery given by
art historians; The Joy of Singing; health
and wellness lectures and an Antiques
Roadshow.
Ongoing weekly programs run by members include Jews in Music; Current Events
and Lyman’s Classic Movies. Drop-In
Bridge and Drop-In Mah Jongg offer a
weekly challenge and chance to socialize
and there are computer courses taught by
members to members. This fall, there will
be a wide array of classes to upgrade members’ skills.
In addition, AJA 50+, together with the
Soloway JCC, runs Creative Connections
for older members. It takes place on Tuesdays and provides a full day of activities
including gentle fitness, lectures, music,
holiday celebrations and most important of
all, connection.
“Our programming is always evolving
as we try to respond to the needs of our
members and we encourage suggestions
and feedback,” comments programming cochair Cecily Bregman.
If you are looking for stimulating programming and new outlets for social interaction, then you’re invited to participate in
AJA 50+ programs and activities.
Drop by on Registration Day, Wednesday, September 3, and see what AJA 50+
has to offer.
For more information about AJA 50+,
call 613-798-9818 ext. 309 or e-mail
aja50plus@sympatico.ca.
3rd and 4th children attend at no charge,
when 1st and 2nd children are in school.
Kindergarten to Grade 10.
Grade 9 to Grade 12 Senior Youth group (FROSTY).
Morah Penny with the Grade 2s
✡
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Temple Israel, a 21st century Reform community.
Temple Israel Religious School honours
our ancient Jewish roots and tradition.
the Reform commitment to seeing Judaism
through the everchanging lens of modernity.
Jewish worship with exciting music and liturgy.
Temple Israel Religious School honours Jewish study
of the most ancient and the current.
Temple Israel honours the most precious of Jewish gifts,
its children.
Made
with Love
It’s better on the Big Rideau
Last month, we made our annual trek to Muskoka to visit
our good friends. We stopped on the way to have dinner at
another friend’s cottage on Lake Joseph.
If you have ever been to the Muskoka region, you know
that what they call ‘cottages,’ the rest of us would call summer homes. Many have boathouses bigger than most people’s cottages. The little towns of Port Carling and Port
Sandfield both have clothing boutiques that sell Prada and
Dolce & Gabbana. There is a specialty store that sells only
yoga wear. The gourmet grocery markets sell organic meats
and produce as well as every type of salsa, pesto, tapenade,
boxed cracker or flatbread you can imagine.
Near my cottage on the Big Rideau is the town of Portland. We have an LCBO and Portland Foodland. Our market
sells cello-wrapped fruits and vegetables that are sometimes
past their prime.
Everything is bigger in Muskoka. But, as I soon learned,
more and bigger is not always better. After touring our
friend’s property and boathouse on Lake Joseph, we had an
amazing dinner of lamb chops and garlic mashed potatoes.
Then we said ‘goodnight’ and drove to our other friends’
place on Lake Muskoka. By this time, we were exhausted.
So we chatted for a few minutes and then fell into bed.
Spinach Salad
with Strawberries
and Poppy Seed Dressing
1 bag or box of baby spinach
1 quart strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup spiced nuts (recipe below)
Wash and spin-dry baby spinach.
Place all dressing ingredients in a jar. Securely screw
on lid and shake well.
Wash strawberries, cut off tops and slice.
Lightly dress spinach leaves with a few tablespoons of
dressing. Remaining dressing will keep in fridge for several weeks.
Arrange dressed spinach on platter. Scatter sliced
strawberries and spiced nuts over top. Serve.
Around 4:00 am, I woke up with a stiff neck. It really hurt
to turn my head. Ordinarily, I am not a hypochondriac, but I
have a tendency to imagine the worst in the wee hours of the
morning. So I diagnosed myself with meningitis. I figured if
it was bacterial meningitis, I had a few hours until the bacteria multiplied and entered my cerebrospinal fluid. So there
was no need to wake Roger or our hosts. I could safely wait
until the morning. Shortly after dawn, I reported my symptoms to Roger. He lifted my ponytail to examine my neck
and let out a scream.
I had over 24 insect bites on my neck. My girlfriend came
running to see what was going on. She said they were black
fly bites. I must have been bitten while outside touring our
friend’s boathouse. Muskoka was overrun with them this
season. Apparently, they only like women, their favourite
place to nibble is on the neck, and you don’t feel them
biting.
Black flies are the vampires of the insect world. Who
knew? We only have garden-variety mosquitoes in the
Rideau Lakes region. She prescribed two extra-strength
Benadryl capsules and lay me down on the screen porch
where the vampires could not find me.
By 10:30 am, I was fast asleep. Several hours later, I
Aviva Ben-Choreen
at 613-836-5353 ext. 321
2415 Carp Road
www.laurysenkitchens.com
Warm Potato Salad
I like to mix red and white mini potatoes when I make
this salad. If I can find the mini purple ones, I add those as
well. It’s really beautiful. Do not be alarmed by the two
tablespoons of salt that go into the potato cooking water.
It is important to season the water very well. There is no
additional salt added to the salad. Slicing the potatoes,
before cooking eliminates those torn raggedy skins you
always get if you cut the potatoes after cooking.
Serves 4
Makes 3 cups
These spiced nuts are wonderful served on their own
as a snack or sprinkled in salads. Do not attempt to make
them on a very humid day as they will not dry out properly and will be very sticky after baking.
3 cups pecan halves
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
(or more if you like it really spicy)
1 egg white
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, mix together sugar, salt, black and
cayenne peppers and set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl lightly beat egg white with a
whisk until frothy. Add cooled pecans and toss until evenly coated. Add spice mixture and toss until well coated.
Spread evenly on parchment lined baking sheet and bake
in preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow them to cool thoroughly. Break apart nut clusters and store in airtight container
at room temperature.
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woke up, and pesticides be damned, sprayed myself from
head to toe with insect repellent and joined in the fun.
Despite the healthy insect population, we had a great visit
in Muskoka. As usual, we were wined and dined to perfection. My girlfriend was generous enough to share some of
her recipes with me and I’m passing them along to you.
Spiced Nuts
Designs by Sharron
Winner of “The Consumer’s Choice” Award
for 11 consecutive years!
Voted Best Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer
in the Ottawa Region
Cindy Feingold
2 pounds mini potatoes, washed but not peeled,
cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 stalks celery, peeled and diced
1 large shallot, finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Place potatoes, 6 cups cold tap water and salt in large
saucepan; bring to boil over high heat, then reduce heat to
medium. Continue to simmer potatoes, uncovered, until
tender but still firm (thin bladed paring knife can be
slipped into and out of centre of potato slice with no resistance), about 5 minutes. Drain potatoes. Arrange hot potatoes close together in single layer on rimmed baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk together champagne vinegar,
olive oil and black pepper. Drizzle the dressing over warm
potatoes and let sit for 10 minutes so that the warm potatoes have time to absorb the dressing.
Transfer potatoes to a serving bowl and gently mix in
diced celery, shallot and chives. Serve warm or at room
temperature.
Provincial Table Pads
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by appointment only
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613-798-4696 ext. 256.
Picture books based on Jewish Legends
One of the pleasures of reviewing Jewish kid lit is the
constant learning that is an essential part of the job.
Whether it’s a new and interesting way to tell an old story
or a Jewish legend that I’d never heard of being the basis
for a new story, the excitement of learning and enjoying is
palpable. Such was the case for the following picture books
based on Jewish legends.
Kid Lit
Deanna Silverman
The Wedding That Saved a Town
By Yale Strom
Illustrated by Jenya Prosmitsky
Kar-Ben Publishing 2008
32 pages. Ages 5-10
The very notion that a wedding can save a town is far
out, even for shtetl stories. Yet Jewish tradition presumably
claims that if a calamity, such as a cholera epidemic, befalls
a town, a miracle can occur and the townspeople can be
saved if, and only if, a “shvartze chasene – a black wedding,” takes place. The bride and groom for a black wedding must be orphans and the ceremony must occur in a
cemetery.
That, then, is the premise for The Wedding That Saved a
Town. Add Reb Yiske, leader of a klezmer band and his
wise horse Fairdy, a telegram summoning the klezmorim to
play at a wedding in Pinsk, and the fun begins.
There is only one small problem. Although Rabbi Yamferd
has lined up an orphan bride and the townspeople are eagerly
preparing for the wedding, there is no groom. “Oy. Oy. Oy,”
as the hapless barber is wont to say. Yiske and Fairdy, with the
barber as their adviser, are determined to find a worthy orphan
groom. They find success on their third try.
As for this magical way to end a cholera epidemic: in a
lively picture storybook anything is possible. The full
colour illustrations are as appropriately outlandish as the
story itself with a good time being had by all at The
Wedding That Saved a Town.
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The Princess and the Ziz
By Jacqueline Jules
Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn
Kar-Ben Publishing 2008
32 pages. Ages 3-7
The fourth book in the Ziz series about a mythical,
supersized, lovable, klutzy, child-like bird, The Princess
and the Ziz incorporates the theme of jealousy and making
things right in a dryly humorous story about friendship and
love.
Because King Solomon doesn’t want his daughter,
Magda, to marry the wrong man, he locks her in a tower on
an island. Then the king worries that she may feel lonely.
What to do? Send the Ziz to keep her company, of course.
The Ziz is delighted to take on such an important job and
is determined to do his utmost to keep Magda entertained
and happy. But what can a giant bird do? Fly her wherever
she wants to go.
Day after day, they share adventures. As they visit the
jungle, the pyramids and the penguins, the princess and the
Ziz become close friends. One day, they see a young man
falling from a rocky cliff. The Ziz catches the young man in
mid-air and lands on a mountain top.
The princess and the young man, a scribe from Acco, hit
it off immediately, much to the distress of the jealous Ziz.
When will the young couple meet again? Never, if the Ziz
By Jacqueline Jules;
illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn
has his way. He lies to the princess, claiming he can’t
remember where they left the young man.
When King Solomon learns that Magda is unhappy and
why, he orders the Ziz to bring the young man to the
princess. The result: love, marriage and lots of children who
love playing with their friend, the Ziz.
Whimsical illustrations exaggerate all aspects of The
Princess and the Ziz as the Ziz’s bold yellow, red, green and
orange colours are mirrored throughout the tale making for
a delightful collaboration between the writer and illustrator.
A French priest’s Holocaust mission
The Holocaust by Bullets: A Priest’s
Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the
Murder of 1.5 Million Jews
By Father Patrick Desbois
Palgrave Macmillan
Hardcover, 2008
272 pages
Polina Katsenko, a Red Army nurse,
recalled a report she wrote after Auschwitz
was liberated: “Where we come from, the
Nazis machine-gun the Jews, but in the
West they kill them in camps.”
From the perspective of the slaughterers,
whatever the method used, the story is
always the same: an orderly killing machine
at work on a regular basis; efficient, effective and ruthless. Hannah Arendt, noting
that for Eichmann, the Holocaust was an
every day routine of business as usual,
coined the term “the banality of evil.”
Through the recollections of Ukrainians in
their 70s and older, Father Patrick Desbois
directly recreates vivid memories of the
killings of local Jews, often neighbors or
schoolmates, that they witnessed, mainly as
children or teenagers.
A story of four victims who had somehow escaped the first executions by the einsatzgrupppen (task forces) is told by a very
old woman on her deathbed. She was a
young mother at the time.
“The Gestapo was living with us. They
had requisitioned the house. One day I was
Book Review
Saul Silverman
in the garden … behind the entrance gate,
and I saw in the distance a Jewish woman
coming on foot with her three small children. She was going from house to house to
beg for food. I ran as fast as I could to tell
them not to stop at our house. The head of
the Gestapo saw me from the window; he
opened the door and started coming after
me. When the Jewish woman was in front
of us with her children, he shouted out to
them in a loud voice: ‘Juden?’ The woman
nodded yes. Then he got out his pistol and
shot them, right there, in front of my door.”
Desbois uses the word ‘assassinations’ to
categorize this aspect of the Shoah. A few
Jews, a few dozen at a time, hundreds, thousands – behind the routine, the settings and
the incidents varied. An old man recalls that
as a child his family’s farmhouse was on the
far edge of open fields that ended in a forest. He was woken for months by the sound
of shots. For some reason, the Germans did
their killings there at night. Desbois’ team,
using metal detectors to find bullets, estimated that thousands had been killed in that
field.
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Desbois was born in a small village near
Paris in 1955. None of his family was Jewish. They were Christians and secularists
and ran a small butcher shop. His maternal
grandmother helped refugees during the
war: “Why should I have asked them,
whether they were Jewish?” she told him.
Three of his relatives, had been French prisoners of war. All three had been punished
by being sent to punitive centers, often part
of concentration camps. One died at
Matthausen, another returned with tuberculosis from Dachau. His grandfather was
sent to the Rawa Ruska punitive camp, near
Lvov, in the Ukraine.
At Rawa Ruska, the grandfather said, it
was bad for the prisoners, but worse for
“the others.”
This was the germ of Desbois’ dedication to investigating the details of the Holocaust in the Ukraine. Later, he found German documentation that French prisoners
from Rawa Ruska were compelled to dig
the long trenches in which the Jews of the
area were killed.
Desbois, the secretary of the French
Bishops’ Commission on Relations with the
Jews, carefully documented his findings in
the Ukraine, using an accumulation of convergent site-specific evidence: the testimonies of witnesses, detailed work in the
German and Russian archives, and physical
evidence (use of metal detectors to count
bullets, location of graves, and, under the
guidance of Orthodox rabbis, limited excavation of mass graves).
This book was emotionally difficult,
more so than anything else I have read.
Desbois makes you feel that you are in the
midst of what is happening, experiencing
horrors that you would like to erase from
your memory. But Desbois himself states
why we have to keep our face turned to witness this horror and to see it not simply as a
huge statistic of inhumanity, pigeonholed as
past history, but in specific detail, as part of
contemporary in-your-face reality.
“Terror is part of the strategy of those
who commit genocide. Like predators, they
create ways of petrifying their victims
before killing them…If sixty years later, we
allow ourselves to be terrified as well…we
are allowing the people of the Third Reich,
who perpetuated genocide, an additional
victory. Terror can immobilize thought and
awareness, and hinder the ability to remain
responsible, confrontational and strong in
front of the perpetuation of genocide.”
FOUNDATION DONATIONS
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Donations
To make a donation and/or send a tribute card,
call Carolene Preap (613-798-4696 ext. 232)
e-mail: cpreap@jewishottawa.com • website: www.OJCF.ca
Join us in building our community
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GREENBERG FAMILIES LIBRARY
ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Helen and Rick Zipes on the birth of their grandchildren by Barry Walfish and Adele Reinhartz.
HILLEL ACADEMY
ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Stephen and Wendy Waxman on Jodi’s marriage
by Diane Koven.
HILLEL LODGE
LEGACY FUND
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Anita Dubinsky; by Laurie,
Carol, Byron and Noah Pascoe; by Bernie and
Donna Dolansky.
Jean Zackon by Dorothy Nadolny.
Moses (Chuck) Skulsky by Mottie and Claire
Feldman; by Bonnie Feldman.
Mazal Tov to:
Freda Lithwick on her 90th birthday by Eileen
Goldberg.
Arnie and Sarah Swedler on their 50th wedding
anniversary by Marilyn and Bill Newman.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Myer Vexler by Dorothy Nadolny.
Martin Ginsburg by Dorothy Nadolny.
OTTAWA POST
JEWISH WAR VETERANS FUND
Special birthday wishes to:
Freda Lithwick by Sylvia and Sol Kaiman.
GABY SASSOON FOR VICTIMS OF TERROR
IN ISRAEL MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Danny and Aynat Haran by Maureen and Jeff
Katz.
Rose Litwack by Maureen and Jeff Katz.
Gaby Sassoon by Maureen and Jeff Katz.
Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser by Maureen
and Jeff Katz.
Mazal Tov to:
Jeff and Maureen Katz on their double chai wedding anniversary by Carol and Laurie Pascoe.
SARA AND ZEEV VERED
ISRAEL CULTURAL PROGRAM FUND
In memory of:
Zeev Vered by Shirley Steinberg.
SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE
ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Dolores Ridewood by David and Jackie Lyman.
Mazal Tov to:
Ken and Tina Ages on the birth of their daughter
by David and Jackie Lyman.
The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish
Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks
contributions to the following funds as of August 5,
2008.
ROSE AND LOUIS ACHBAR MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Norman Raskin by Zelda Freedman.
FRANCEEN AND STANLEY AGES
ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Joseph Ages by Elizabeth Siegel; and by Martin and
Frayda Nadel.
JOSEPH AGES FAMILY FUND
In memory of:
Joseph Ages by David Gavsie; and by Patrick Whelan.
Mazal tov to:
Ken and Tina Ages and Family on the birth of their
daughter and sister by Jack and Sarah Silverstein and
family.
Stuart and Leila Ages and Family on the birth of their
niece and cousin by Jack and Sarah Silverstein and family.
Stan and Fran Ages and Bonnie Ages on the birth of
their granddaughter and niece by Jack and Sarah
Silverstein and family.
AJA 50+ ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal tov to:
Norman and Elaine Wolfish on the birth of their
granddaughter by Graham and Ricarda Smith.
YOUTH SERVICES FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Jack and Helaine Gould on the Issac’s marriage
by Diane Koven.
MARY AND ISRAEL (AL) ALLICE MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Myer Vexler by Bev and Irving Swedko.
TORAH ACADEMY OF OTTAWA TORAH
EDUCATION FUND
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Moe Babins by Zischa and Lauren Shaps.
APPOTIVE FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
Anniversary wishes to:
Edith and Dave Appotive (66th) by Fruma, Carolyn,
Stephen, Enid, Karl, Eric and Families.
In memory of:
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AKIVA EVENING HIGH SCHOOL
ENDOWMENT FUND
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FOR OTTAWA JEWISH ARCHIVES
MENDEL AND VALERIE GOOD
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ENDOWMENT FUND
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SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
YITZHAK RABIN HIGH SCHOOL FUND
IN MEMORY OF EVA WINTHROP
ANNE AND LOUIS ARRON MEMORIAL FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Alyce and Allan Baker on the birth of their grandchildren by Daphne and Stanley Arron.
In memory of:
Sylvia Molot by Daphne and Stanley Arron.
ALYCE AND ALLAN BAKER FAMILY FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Alyce and Allan Baker on becoming grandparents by
Libby and Stan Katz; by Barb, Len, Steven, and Michael
Farber; by Emily, Sarah and David Aaron; and by Rena
and Max Cohen.
RICKI AND BARRY BAKER ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Ricki and Barry Baker.
Helen and Rick Zipes on becoming grandparents by
Ricki and Barry Baker.
Elaine and Norman Wolfish on the birth of their
granddaughter by Ricki and Barry Baker.
Stan and Fran Ages on the birth of their granddaughter by Ricki and Barry Baker.
ABRAHAM AND RACHEL BAROOK
MEMORIAL FUND
Mazal Tov to:
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MYRNA AND NORMAN BARWIN FOUNDATION
OF THE PINCHAS ZUKERMAN
MUSICAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of:
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Myer Vexler by Myrna and Norman Barwin.
Birthday wishes to:
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Hy Calof by Myrna and Norman Barwin.
Norman Barwin (70th) by Sidney and Sandra Barwin;
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CAYLA AND MICHAEL BAYLIN ENDOWMENT FUND
Congratulations to:
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father by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hammer.
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In memory of:
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Birthday wishes to:
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Mel Swey by Donald and Robert Cherm; and by Sol
and Sylvia Kaiman.
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Sally and Harry on the birth of their great-granddaughter by Sol and Sylvia Kaiman.
In memory of:
Martin Ginsburg by Sol and Sylvia Kaiman.
ARTHUR AND LINDA COGAN FUND
FOR YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
In memory of:
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Best wishes to:
Ethel Taylor by Arthur and Linda Cogan.
Kaysa and Alfred Friedman on Michael’s wedding by
Arthur and Linda Cogan.
Gordon and Margo Roston on the birth of their grandson by Arthur and Linda Cogan.
Cayla and Michael Baylin on the marriage of their
daughter Lisa by Arthur and Linda Cogan.
Alyce and Allan Baker on the birth of their twin grandchildren by Arthur and Linda Cogan.
SID AND BARBARA COHEN
COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND
Sid and Barbara Cohen by Lilyan Philipp.
Birthday wishes to:
Manny Gluck by Sid and Barbara Cohen
Rose Taylor by Sid and Barbara Cohen
Mazal Tov to:
Alyce and Allan Baker on becoming twin grandparents by Sid and Barbara Cohen.
Arnie Vered on receivng the Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Service Award by Sid and Barbara Cohen.
Speedy recovery to:
Margie Kardash by Sid and Barbara Cohen.
In memory of:
Zeev Vered by Sid and Barbara Cohen.
Continued on page 36
DAVID AND QUEENIE COHEN MEMORIAL FUND
In observance of the Yahrzeit of:
A beloved mother, bubbie by David and Judith kalin.
SANDI AND EDDY COOK ENDOWMENT FUND
Birthday wishes to :
Steve Gordon by Sandi and Eddy Cook.
Chaim Borenstein by Sandi and Eddy Cook and
family.
Avraham Iny by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.
Best wishes to:
Mrs. DaCosta by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family
In memory of :
Myer Vexler by Sandi and Eddy Cook.
Martin Ginsburg by Sandi and Eddy Cook and
family.
Mazal Tov to:
Sam and Susan Firestone on their 20th wedding
anniversary by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family.
Stephen DaCosta on his retirement by Sandi and
Eddy Cook and family
MARTY AND TERRI DAVIS
ISRAEL CHESED FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Terri and Marty Davis on their daughter’s marriage by
Marion Silver, Alan Brass and family.
NATHAN AND REBA DIENER ENDOWMENT FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Naomi Diener by Reba Diener; and by John and
Dayra Diener.
In memory of:
Martin Ginsburg by John and Dayra Diener.
ELLEN AND RAHAMIM FATHI ENDOWMENT FUND
Speedy recovery to:
Rabbi Gary Kessler by Ellen and Ray Fathi and
family.
MOSHE AND LILY FEIG ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Pam and Saul Ross on their 50th wedding anniversary by Lily Feig.
In memory of:
Zeev Vered by Lily Feig.
LILLIAN (HITZIG) FEIN MEMORIAL FUND
Speedy recovery to:
Lee Raskin by Barbara and Gerald Thaw
MARJORIE AND MICHAEL FELDMAN FAMILY FUND
In memory of:
Sintra Singh by Marjorie and Michael Feldman.
Mazal Tov to:
Rick and Helen Zipes on the birth of their grandchildren by Marjorie and Michael Feldman.
In appreciation to:
Michael and Marjorie Feldman by Marian, Boaz and
Errol Feldman.
SAM AND SUSAN FIRESTONE ENDOWMENT FUND
Susan and Sam Firestone by Joany and Andy Katz.
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Sam and Susan Firestone.
FLORENCE FAMILY MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Chuck Skulsky by A.L., Ann and Leanne Smith.
Sylvia Molot by A.L., Ann and Leanne Smith.
Ida Gaffen by A.L., Ann and Leanne Smith.
ABE AND SYLVIA FREEMAN FAMILY FUND
Fina and Mel Groper by Sylvia Freeman.
ROZ AND STEVEN FREMETH FAMILY FUND
In memory of:
Sintra Singh by Rona Shaffran and Brian Tannenbaum.
Growing up and giving back
For Lise and Mark Thaw, raising two
children in a city they both grew up in has
made them appreciate all that they have and
inspired them to give back.
They have watched the steady growth
and vitality of Ottawa’s Jewish community
and feel it is of the utmost importance to
find ways to give back and help their community.
The Thaws have established the “Lise
and Mark Thaw Family Fund” as one way
to give back to their community that is
meaningful to them. Through their family
fund, the Thaws are able to perform
tzedakah in their family name each year
when a disbursement is made from their
fund. “Both our children established a
B’nai Mitzvah fund using their own monies
and we felt that we should also follow suit”.
It was difficult for Lise and Mark to
choose one beneficiary agency for their
fund as there are so many worthy agencies
in the community to choose from,
explained Mark.
The Thaw family’s passion towards
building a successful and thriving community made choosing the Jewish Federation
of Ottawa as the beneficiary agency for
their family fund a logical choice for them.
It brings comfort to Lise and Mark in
knowing that as the needs of the community change, they can adapt to those changes
through their fund. “We want to ensure that
GILBOA/MAOZ FAMILY FUND
In appreciation to:
Ellen Waxman by Tal Gilboa.
Faye Goldman by Tal Gilboa and Eitan Maoz.
Norman Lesh.
Nathan Lang by Isabel and Norman Lesh.
A very dear Uncle, Abe Hanser by Isabel and Norman
Lesh.
STAN AND LIBBY GLUBE FAMILY FUND
Arlene and Norman Glube (40th) by Susan, Charles,
Jaclyn and Paul Schwartzman.
HY AND PAULINE HOCHBERG ENDOWMENT FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Enid Bultz by Auntie Pauline
Mazal Tov to:
Michael Sklar on his acceptance to the University of
Saskatchewan School of Medicine by Bubbie Pauline.
EVA, DIANE AND JACK GOLDFIELD
MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Martin Ginsburg by Morley Goldfield and family.
JEFFREY AND ENID GOULD FAMILY FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Enid Gould by Sally and Morton Taller.
GREENBERG, HUTT, KONICK ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Alan Greenberg on his retirement by Rose and
Morris Kronick.
IRVING AND SHIRLEY GREENBERG
ENDOWMENT FUND
Congratulations to:
Shirley Greenberg on her daughter’s success by
Anne Benedek and Geoff Matthews.
LAURA AND MILTON GREENBERG
FAMILY FOUNDATION
Mazal Tov to:
Lilllian and Mark Zunder on their granddaughter’s Bat
Mitzvah by Laura Greenberg.
MICHAEL GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND
Carol Greenberg by Stephen, Jocelyne, Lee, Jessica
and Emma.
GROSSMAN KLEIN FAMILIES FUND
In memory of:
Zeev Vered by Vera Klein.
Linda Middleton by Vera Klein.
Mazal Tov to:
Vera Klein.
R’fuah Shlemah to:
Ethel Taylor by Vera Klein.
REBECCA AND CHARLES GUSSMAN
MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Aunt Mindel by Tom Gussman.
HANSER FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
A very dear Aunt, Annie Hanser Lang by Isabel and
Bryan, Mark, Alayna and Lise Thaw
our community continues to grow and that
we support the excellent resources that
have helped make this community what it
is today”, replied Mark.
“Our family has been touched by many
of these agencies,” says Mark. “Their continued survival is critical to the well-being
of our community. I was brought up to
believe that it is up to each one of us to
ensure the community continues to thrive.”
Fulfilling your philanthropic goals
through one of the various giving vehicles
of the OJCF is only a phone call away. Call
us at 613.798.4696 ext. 252 and start your
legacy today. www.OJCF.ca
DOROTHY AND HY HYMES ENDOWMENT FUND
Speedy recovery to:
Mrs. Magidson by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.
Norman Torontow by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.
Ethel Taylor by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.
Anniversay wishes to:
Sara and Arnie Swedler on their 50th wedding
anniversary by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.
In memory of:
Norman Raskin by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.
Sidney Lithwick by Dorothy and Hy Hymes.
JEREMY KANTER MEMORIAL FUND
Speedy recovery to:
Ethel Taylor by Evelyn and Lou Eisenberg.
Zelda Cohen by Evelyn and Lou Eisenberg.
MAX AND DORA KARP KAPINSKY
MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Muriel Rosenberg by Ruth, Dana and Arthur Karp.
PINNEY AND LIBBY KARDASH ENDOWMENT FUND
Iris and Max Richter (50th) by Sid and Cally Kardash.
SAMUEL AND TILLIE KARDISH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of
Sylvia Molot by Cheryl Kardash-Levitan, Brian, Elana,
Tyler and Ian Levitan.
BERTRAM L. KATZ MEMORIAL FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Arianne Robinson and Jeff Davis on their engagement by Carol and Larry Gradus.
Mr. and Mrs. John Robinson on Arianne’s engagement to Jeff by Carol and Larry Gradus.
LIBBY AND STAN KATZ FAMILY COMMUNITY
ENDOWMENT FUND
Libby and Stan Katz by Barbara and Len Farber,
Andrew and Joany Katz, David and Cheryl Katz and
family; and by Sally and Morton Taller.
Norman and Arlene Glube (40th) by Stan and Libby
Katz.
KERSHMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
In appreciation to:
Sylvia Kershman and family by Eva Hotimsky.
ARTHUR AND SARAH KIMMEL MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Neil Shapiro by Arnie and Roslyn Kimmel.
Myer Vexler by Dan and Marilyn Kimmel.
Martin Ginsburg by Dan and Marilyn Kimmel.
Sylvia Molot by Dan and Marilyn Kimmel.
R’Fuah Sh’lemah to:
Marsha Magidson by Isabel and Norman Lesh.
SHARON KOFFMAN
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Speedy recovery to:
Ethel Taylor by Fay Koffman.
KOVOD ENDOWMENT FUND
Thank you to:
David and Adele Loeb for a wonderful day by Max
and Phyllis Sternthal.
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Solly and Felice Patrontasch.
SUSAN AND DAVID KRIGER ENDOWMENT FUND
Shirley Movshovitz Kriger by Susan and David Kriger.
Judith Ain, mother of Susan Kriger by David and
Susan Kriger.
In memory of:
Ruth Ain’s mother by Susan and David Kriger.
Martin Ginsburg by Susan and David Kriger.
ISSIE AND EDITH LANDAU ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Mr. and Mrs. B. Rachlin on the birth of their new
grandson by Edie Landau.
GOLDMAN/LANDAU FAMILY FUND
In memory of:
Steve Goldstein’s father by Mike Landau and Faye
Goldman.
Rabbi David Monson by Edie Landau.
HARRY AND ZENA LEIKIN ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Stan and Libby Katz.
Mazal Tov to:
Libby and Stan Katz on the occasion of their 58th
wedding anniversary by Fran, Ivan and Carly Kesler.
Michael and Cayla Baylin on the occasion of their
daughter’s wedding by Fran, Ivan and Carly Kesler.
David and Cheryl Katz on the occasion of their
daughter, Lauren’s engagement by Fran, Ivan and Carly
Kesler.
Ivan and Fran Kesler by Stan and Libby Katz.
HUGO AND RUTH DAVIS LEVENDEL
MEMORIAL FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Morris and Margaret Zbar on the birth of their grandchild by Diane Koven.
RUTH AND RON LEVITAN ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal tov to:
Arlene and Norman Glube on the occasion of their
40th wedding anniversary by Ron and Ruth Levitan.
Fran and Stan Ages on the birth of their granddaughter by Ron and Ruth Levitan.
In memory of:
Jack Klein by Ron and Ruth Levitan.
SALLY AND ELLIOTT LEVITAN
ENDOWMENT FUND
R’fuah Sh’lemah to:
Al Cohen by Sally and Elliott Levitan.
In memory of:
Sylvia Molot by Sally and Elliott Levitan.
JOHN AND ESTELLE LIBERMAN
ENDOWMENT FUND
New Year wishes to:
Sally and Elliott Levitan by Estelle and John
Liberman.
IDA AND SIDNEY LITHWICK
ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Bernard and Donna Dolansky;
and by Barbara and Len Farber.
DAVID LOEB FAMILY FUND
Phyllis and Max Sternthal by David and Adele Loeb.
Sid and Barbara Cohen by David and Adele Loeb.
SAMUEL AND LEEMA MAGIDSON
ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Roz and Arnie Kimmel and family.
Sylvia Molot by Roz and Arnie Kimmel and family.
REUBEN AND SYLVIA MOLOT ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Sylvia Molot by Gita Kizell Pearl; by Chuck and Malca
Polowin.
JACK AND HONEY MONSON ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Cecelia Levitan.
Martin Ginsburg by Cecelia Levitan.
Mazal Tov to:
Sally and Harry Weltman on becoming great-grandparents by Cecelia Levitan.
AARON NAOR B’NAI MITZVAH FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Aaron Naor on his Bar Mitzvah by Judith and Jack
Weinman; and by Neil, Bella, Hannah and Sheera
Kraitberg.
PREHOGAN FAMILY FUND
IN MEMORY OF AARON HARRY COHEN
Anniversay wishes to:
Jack and Ethel Prehogan (60th) by Carole, Rick,
Jason, Randi and Jen Steinberg.
GERALD AND MARY-BELLE PULVERMACHER
FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Derrick Blumenthal (50th) by Mary-Belle and Gerry
Pulvermacher.
In memory of:
Dolores Ridewood by Mary-Belle and Gerry
Pulvermacher.
PHYLLIS AND ALAN RACKOW ENDOWMENT FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Joseph Pagnutti by Alan and Phyllis Rackow.
JACOB AND LEAH RIVERS MEMORIAL FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Aubie Diamond on the marriage of Danny and Jennifer by Eileen Goldberg.
PINKUS AND YEHUDIT NEWMAN
MEMORIAL FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Manny Gluck by Marilyn and Bill Newman.
HARRY AND BERTHA PLEET MEMORIAL FUND
Harry Nathanson by Pinchas and Barbara Pleet.
ALTI AND BEREL RODAL FAMILY FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Herb Gray and Sharon Sholzberg-Gray, Elizabeth
In Appreciation
We wish to express our warmest appreciation to all our friends and
members of the community for their generous donations and expressions of
sympathy during the recent loss of Bella Cohen Gallaman, a loving wife,
mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend.
Michael Gallaman;
Aliza, Larry, Mitch, Sam & Robin Gauzas; Edward & Morris Cohen;
Helene, Murray, Joshua, Lauren & Brandon Schwartz
In Appreciation
To my family and friends, a very special thank you for all your
donations to my foundation and good wishes on the occasion of my
special birthday. Your thoughtfulness and generosity are very much
appreciated. Please accept this as my personal thank you.
Fay Shulman
NORMAN AND ANNE MIRSKY MEMORIAL FUND
Best wishes to:
Freda Lithwick by Millie and Steve Mirsky.
Mazal Tov to:
Millie and Stephen Mirsky on their 10th wedding
anniversary by Rhea Wohl.
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Support from the International Carlson Network
613-238-4040
Sandra Granatstein, President
sgranatstein@carlsonwagonlit.ca
130 Albert St. Suite 714,
Ottawa, ON, K1P 5G4
&##
!
"
#$%
!"#$%&'(#)$% '%*+!#",-$% Page 38 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – August 25, 2008
Gray and James Smith on the birth of Malka Molly by
Berel and Alti Rodal.
Menachem and Shterna Rodal, Mordy and Sarale
Rodal, Dvora Leah and Shimy Heidingsfeld on the birth
and bris of Levi Yitzchak and of Yitzchak David by Berel
and Alti Rodal.
Irwin and Ariella Cotler on the engagement of Tanya
and Warren by Berel and Alti Rodal.
FLORENCE AND GDALYAH ROSENFELD
ENDOWMENT FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Freda Lithwick by Florence and Gdalyah Rosenfeld.
Speedy recovery to:
Mayna Slatt by Florence and Gdalyah Rosenfeld.
SAMUEL AND RUTH ROTHMAN
MEMORIAL FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Rick and Helen Zipes on the birth of their grandchildren by Sue and Stephen Rothman and family.
Daniel Taylor on passing the Bar exam by Barbara
Taylor.
ANNE AND IRVING SABRAN
MEMORIAL FUND
Mazal tov to:
Sandra Fishbain on Jeffrey’s engagement to Barbara
by Rena and Max Cohen.
RAPHAËL SANDLER B’NAI MITZVAH FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Raphaël Sandler on his Bar Mitzvah by Neil, Bella
Hannah and Sheera Kaitberg.
RICKIE AND MARTIN SASLOVE FAMILY FUND
R’fuah Sh’lemah to:
Ethel Taylor by Rickie and Martin Saslove.
Mazal Tov to:
Leiba Krantzberg on becoming vice-president of B’nai
Brith Canada by Rhoda and Jeff Miller
Jack and Sheila Presser on the engagement of their
daughter, Bonnie by Rhoda and Jeff, Howard and Sara.
ELAYNE AND WESLEY SCHACTER
ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Al Manes by Elayne and Wesley Schacter and family; and by Joanne Shinwell and Irwin Igra and family.
CLARE AND MAURICE SCHWARTZ FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Freda Lithwick (90th) by Julia Schwartz and Gilbert
Bismuth.
In memory of:
Sylvia Molot by Julia Schwartz and Gilbert Bismuth.
HAROLD SHAFFER MEMORIAL FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Sheila Baslaw by Rhea, Frances and Dorothy.
In memory of:
Myer Vexler by Frances Shaffer.
SYLVIA AND HARRY SHERMAN
MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Casey White by Barbara and Sy Gutmajer.
HERB GRAY AND SHARON SHOLZBERG-GRAY
FAMILY FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Berel Rodal by Sharon and Herb Gray.
FAY AND JOSEPH SHULMAN
ENDOWMENT FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Fay Shulman on her 85th birthday by Ilse Lutzow; by
Sarah and Maurice Rak; by Adrienne, Chuck, Zachary
and Dahlia Shabsove; by Tracey Kronick and Alan
Abelson; and by Roz and Steven Fremeth.
JACK AND SARAH SILVERSTEIN
FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
Condolences to:
Rabbi and Mrs. David Hayes on the loss of a beloved
father by Jack and Sarah Silverstein and family.
LOUIS AND STELLA SLACK MEMORIAL FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Myra Aronson by Barbie and Lenny Farber.
Mazal Tov to:
Steffi and Tom Hirschen on their 40th wedding
anniversary by Myra and Lester Aronson.
MOE AND CHARLOTTE SLACK MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of:
Myer Vexler by Marlene Vexler.
LAURA AND GORDON SPERGEL
ENDOWMENT FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Gordon Spergel by Rose and Morris Konick.
VICTOR AND SHIRLEY STEINBERG
ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Ian and Estelle Melzer on the marriage of their
daughter, Rachel and their son’s engagement by Shirley
Steinberg.
DORIS AND RICHARD STERN FAMILY FUND
In memory of:
Don Boyaner by Doris and Richard Stern.
Sylvia Molot by Doris and Richard Stern.
Condolences to:
The Satov family by Doris and Richard Stern.
MAX AND PHYLLIS STERNTHAL FAMILY FUND
In memory of:
Zeev Vered by Max and Phyllis Sternthal.
JAY B. TALLER MEMORIAL FUND
Sally and Morton Taller by Stan and Libby Katz; and
by Bev and Bernie Zaifman
In memory of:
Moe Babins by Sally and Morton Taller
CHARLES AND RAE TAVEL MEMORIAL FUND
Congratulations to:
Juan Carlos Alzate on completing his residency by
Lilyan Philipp.
IRVING AND ETHEL TAYLOR
ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Ethel and Irving Taylor on their granddaughters’
achievements, Shira, Stephanie and Jennifer by Marilyn
and Bill Newman.
Thinking of:
Ethel Taylor by Edie Landau.
R’Fuah Sh’lemah and speedy recovery to:
Ethel Taylor by Ruth and Myron Poplove; by Adrienne
and Chuck Shabsove.
RUTH AND JOSEPH VINER ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Sylvia Molot by Joe and Ruth Viner.
Martin Ginsburg by Joe and Ruth Viner.
HAZE WAINBERG FAMILY FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Hy Reinish on his 75th birthday by Haze Wainberg
and Merv Blostein.
Tom Gussman on his 65th birthday by Haze
Wainberg and Merv Blostein.
JUSTIN WAKTER MITZVAH FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Norean Taller by Sally and Morton Taller.
Semyon Ioffe and Liz Petigorsky on their upcoming
marriage by Rick and Helen Zipes.
In memory of:
Richard Alexander MacLeod by Rick and Helen
Zipes.
Myer Vexler by Rick and Helen Zipes.
R’Fuah Sh’lmeah to:
Siggy Rajman by Rick and Helen Zipes.
KAREN AND IAN ZUNDER FAMILY FUND
Arnold and Sarah Swedler (50th) by Ian and Karen
Zunder.
THE SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB
B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM
MIRIAM AND LOUIS WEINER ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Miriam and Louis Weiner.
Sylvia Molot by Miriam and Louis Weiner.
RYAN JEREMY BAKER B’NAI MITZVAH FUND
In memory of:
Myer Vexler by Beatrice and Moe Lesser and family.
Liza Citron by Steven and Benita Baker.
MILDRED AND PERCY WEINSTEIN
ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Pearl Cooper by Mildred Weinstein.
Birthday wishes to:
Weldon Levine by Mildred Weinstein.
JORDAN SAMUEL FINN B’NAI MITZVAH FUND
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Sharon and Paul Finn and family.
Mazal Tov to:
Helen and Rick Zipes on becoming grandparents by
Sharon and Paul Finn.
HALTON/WEISS FAMILY FUND
In honour of:
Lauren Weiss confirmation from Temple Israel by
Mom and Dad.
Josh Weiss graduation from McGill Bachelor of
Science by Mom and Dad.
Jess Weiss acceptance to the University of Ottawa
Law School by Mom and Dad.
R’fauh Shlemah to:
Ethel Taylor by Debbie and Ron Weiss.
In memory of:
Leah Finkelstein by Debbie and Ron Weiss.
Zeev Vered by Debbie and Ron weiss
Mazal Tov to:
Arnie Vered on receiving the Gilbert Greenberg
Award by Debbie and Ron Weiss.
RYAN GOLDBERG B’NAI MITZVAH FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Bram Potechin by Aunt Mary and Uncle Len.
In memory of:
Rabbi David Monson by Len and Mary Potechin.
IRVING AND DIANE WEXLER FAMILY FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Diane Wexler on the birth of her great-granddaughter
by Sandy Marchello.
Michael and Muriel Wexler on the birth of their granddaughter by Sandy Marchello.
ZIPES KARANOFSKY FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Helen and Rick Zipes on the birth of their grandchildren by Sherri and Jack Torjman and family; by Barb
and Len Farber; by Steven and Elizabeth Rubin; and by
Howard and Deborah Kebs.
Steve Ducat and Josée Boutin on the birth of their
son by Rick and Helen Zipes.
CAROL AND LAWRENCE (LORRY) GREENBERG
FUND
Birthday wishes to:
Carol Greenberg by Elissa and Avraham Iny; and by
Sunny and John Tavel.
STACEY SAMANTHA KATZ B’NAI MITZVAH FUND
In memory of:
Sidney Lithwick by Joany and Andy Katz.
SAMUEL JOSEPH LESH B’NAI MITZVAH FUND
In memory of:
Dolores Ridewood by Isabel and Norman Lesh.
JONATHAN, MATTHEW AND ADAM SHERMAN B’NAI
MITZVAH FUND
In memory of:
Casey White by Dr. Stanley and Norma Goldstein.
Contributions may be made online at
www.OJCF.ca or by contacting Carolene Preap at
613-798-4696 extension 232, Monday to Friday. We
have voice mail. Our e-mail address is donation@ojcf.ca. Attractive cards are sent to convey the
appropriate sentiments. All donations are acknowledged with an official receipt for income tax purposes. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Amex.
Bulk packages of Tribute Cards available
at the OJCF!
ELIZABETH AND ARNON VERED
FAMILY COMMUNITY FUND
In memory of:
Martin Ginsburg by Arnie and Liz Vered.
Zeev Vered by Donna and Josh Cohen and family.
Bulk packages of 18 cards or more can be purchased
for a donation of $15 per card.
SARA AND ZEEV VERED ENDOWMENT FUND
In memory of:
Zeev Vered by David Gavsie; by Zahava and Barry
Farber; by Marilyn and Bill Newman; by Yvonne and Harvey Lithwick and family; and by Ruth and Myron Poplove.
Ordering in bulk makes donating to your fund,
to your family fund or to your favourite agency’s fund
easy and cost effective
STEPHEN AND GAIL VICTOR ENDOWMENT FUND
Mazal Tov to:
Stephen and Gail Victor on the birth of their grandson
by Dan and Marilyn Kimmel.
This is a $3 savings per card!!
Call today to purchase your cards
in support of your Jewish community.
613.798.4696. extension 274
www.OJCF.ca
Is there a No Bad Spam List?
I must be a very important person. People want my
attention all the time. I have a blog and every night there are
more than 150 messages trying to sell me something or
encouraging me to click on a really important web site. It is
strange, but, according to these messages, I am very needy.
I can find true love, any drug I want, purses, casinos,
enhanced personal qualities – all for a very low price.
I know when I look in the mirror in the morning, I sometimes feel the need for self-improvement, but none of these
amazing offers gives me the opportunity to access more
brains or high culture.
“Click here for some fantastic views of paintings by
Renoir!” Now that’s a message I could appreciate. All I get
is access to views of Britney Spears in a thong – or worse.
Sometimes, these mass marketers pretend to be visitors
to the site leaving comments like “Great site with interesting content. Come visit me at Mistressofdarkness.com.”
This personal comment comes in the form of a mass mailing. So, apparently, the mistress of darkness is saying exactly the same nice thing on every web site on the World Wide
Web. Am I supposed to be so impressed that someone finally commented on something I wrote that I completely
ignore the return address? For sure.
And when I get phone calls from charities or free offers
to go on a Caribbean cruise, why is it always when I am eating supper? Are there cameras watching me so that all the
telemarketers know when I am home?
My main tactic has started to be denial. No there is no
one by that name here. Since so many of the calls ask for
Robin Fried-(as in fried chicken)-man, I feel like I’m not
lying.
My cell phone number is only one digit different from
the number of a car parts service in Ottawa. Instead of
referring them to the right place the next time some one
calls to ask if I have a transmission for a 1998 Mercedes,
I’ll tell them to come right in and ask for Bill.
So I am already getting unsolicited calls on my home
and cell phones. Now the cell phone companies are going
to charge me for receiving unwanted text messages! It’s as
if television broadcasters started to charge you for receiving
commercials. No thanks! And I’ll hesitate to put myself on
the proposed No Call List. I have the feeling that I will end
up on the No Fly List instead.
Lately, I have been getting spam that makes no sense. It
looks like it is text lifted from many sources, pasted together and dotted with hyperlinks to things like seestallonenaked.com. Sometimes, it has a strange hypnotic quality
where you can almost figure out what it means – like a difficult-to-decode message from another universe. Here is a
small sample where all I have done is insert punctuation
and put it into lines. See what I mean? It could just about be
a poem!
March of the Bagels
How do we know we’re eating a bagel – a real bagel?
We’re not just talking about baked rolls with a hole in the middle that looks like doughnuts.
Bagels have been consumed, produced, and sold by Eastern European Jews for the better part of the last five hundred
years. At markets, besides being sold from stalls, peddlers
would walk around with rings of bagels (sometimes accompanied by a portable samovar). Besides providing a convenient snack, they came in handy in childbirth. Women in the
throes of childbirth would be given chewy bagels to bite into.
What’s key in defining real bagels is how they are made.
They’re baked after the dough is first boiled. Other breads
produced this way include Russian bubliki (the hole is wider
and the finished product is harder) and pretzels. The result is
to produce the typical bagel texture, chewy, but not impossibly hard, with a brown, sometimes crusty, outer surface.
Bagel-making was a very special talent, and a closelyguarded secret, passed on for generations as a family trade. It
was generally dominated, at least officially, by men. We know
this because guilds of bagel-makers were organized in larger
towns. In the early 1900s, there was even a bagel-makers’
union in New York with a rule that trade secrets would be
guarded and only passed on from father to son.
Because of its roots in the shtetls and towns of Eastern
Europe, and variations in the preferences of families with a
bagel-making tradition, there are some local differences in
today’s bagel from city to city. But two main bagel types
emerged: New York and Montreal styles. The difference
occurred at the boiling stage. New York bagels were boiled
with salt water while a little honey was added to the water in
Montreal. Wood stoves have remained the oven of choice in
Montreal.
Spread of bagel culture
Bagels came to the U.S. and Canada with the great wave of
Jewish migration from Russia and Poland in the late-19th and
early-20th centuries. Production remained traditional and
some cities had a locally dominant bagel enterprise. More
often, there were various small family firms whose customers
were vigorous partisans of their own bagel brand. The
Wikipedia article on Montreal bagels claims that Isidore
Shlafman introduced bagels there in 1919.
When Deanna and I moved to New Haven, immediately
after our marriage, we quickly found the local bagel producer.
On Sunday mornings we’d pick up bagels at the bakery started by Harry Lender. A few years after he landed in New York
in 1927, Lender moved to Connecticut with his Lublin-style
bagels. When we started buying our bagels, Lender’s was a
large, thriving establishment, but little did we know what an
impact it would have on bagels as part of American culture
and business enterprise.
Lender’s was the first to produce frozen bagels in a plastic
bag and sell them to supermarkets. By the mid-1960s, the firm
had a well organized system of national distribution and the
bagel boom was launched. Over the next 20 years, bagels
became a leading food which, like pizza, transcended the
bounds of its original ethnic clientele. By the 1980s and early
1990s, bagel franchising became one of the hottest food
crazes. Marketing data indicates that while the rate of new
entries in bagel franchise operations peaked in the last decade,
sales volume has continued to grow.
This has been accompanied by other signs of cultural adoption and embrace. “Bagel” has passed into contemporary language in wild and wonderful ways: calling a young man a
bagel suggests that he is round and pudgy, while bageling, in
its most polite sense, refers to ways of letting people know
you are Jewish.
Thus the bagel may be the indicator that sums up where we
stand in North American society. All in all, this is something
for which we should be grateful.
**********
Humour me,
please
Rubin Friedman
We know the operation was successful.
The deformity dissolved by letting it disappear.
Whoever takes the (she winced) cork from the bottle,
Take two tablespoonfuls three or four times …
Are you miss driver?
Yes. What’s that about Carlotta?
They consent to become merely sectional.
Because he’s as dead as a doornail.
It was someone might have done it.
Probably one of them did.
But why a woman and a very dear friend?
You know very well.
This is spam I can live with! I find it highly entertaining.
Now if I could only figure out how to filter the good spam
from the bad spam … Is there a No Bad Spam List?
Global
Shtetl
Saul Silverman
Eight years ago, when I proposed this column to then-Bulletin editor Myra Aronson, I quoted an unnamed Chabad
rabbi: “What has happened to the Internet is potentially one of
the major developments that gives hope for Jewish life today.”
Since Global Shtetl’s debut in the Rosh Hashanah issue of
the Bulletin in 2000, this has been the belief that has animated the column. Unfortunately, personal priorities require that
this be my final column in the series.
In closing, I want to thank various friends and readers who
sent me suggestions for topics, readers who were kind enough
to comment and the editors – most recently Barry Fishman
and Michael Regenstreif – and staff of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin who have been unfailingly helpful and encouraging.
And, as always, Deanna – who in this, as in everything else,
has been my partner in all my endeavours since we became
engaged 50 years ago.
Websites
History and variety of bagels: tinyurl.com/5uka4
Montreal bagels: tinyurl.com/5vm58v
History of Lender’s Bagels: tinyurl.com/625yk4
Bagel statistics: tinyurl.com/5pwmxz
Bageling: tinyurl.com/5nx69r
Readers and advertisers are advised the next edition
of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin will be published
on Monday, September 15, 2008.
This is the Rosh Hashanah community-wide issue.
WHAT’S GOING ON
August 25 to September 14, 2008
ON-GOING
Yiddish-speaking group,
sponsored by Jewish Family
Services. Info: 613-722-2225,
ext. 325.
Deadly Medicine: Creating
the Master Race exhibition,
through display and specific
programs, looks at how the
Nazis used eugenics to justify
mass murder and the Holocaust, Canadian War Museum
until November 11. Info: 819776-8600.
WEEKLY EVENTS
TUESDAYS
Israeli Folkdancing, no
experience necessary or partner required. Hillel Academy, 31
Nadolny Sachs Private, 6:30
pm. Info: 613-729-2090.
CANDLELIGHTING
BEFORE
Aug 29
Sep 5
Sep 12
Sep 19
Sep 26
✡
✡
✡
✡
✡
7:27
7:14
7:01
6:47
6:34
pm
pm
pm
pm
pm
WEDNESDAYS
Music Appreciations series, with Jean-Jacques Van
Vlasselaer, “Mahler’s World,”
September 3-24, 1:30 pm. Info:
613-798-9818, ext. 295.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27
Sid Rothman Memorial
Golf Tournament, Cedarhill
Golf & Country Club. Info: 613727-5418.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
The Kibbitz Club, sponsored by Jewish Family Services and Congregation Beth
Shalom. Program: George Laidlaw, local author and historian
shares some of his writings.
Transportation can be arranged
in advance. Congregation Beth
Shalom, noon. Info: 613-7893501, ext. 223.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Ottawa Hadassah-WIZO
Bazaar, the first in many years,
an all-day shopping experience featuring a huge selection
of fashion, jewelry, baked
goods, new and gently used
merchandise, including highend couture items, Nepean
Sportsplex, 1301 Woodroffe
Avenue, Hall F, 10:00 am. Info:
613-726-0637.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Annual Campaign Kickoff
For a further listings
visit www.jewishottawa.org/
calendar/planitjewish
Ottawa, featuring Mariane
Pearl, journalist, author of “A
Mighty Heart,” and widow of
slain journalist Daniel Pearl,
Centrepointe Theatre, 7:30 pm.
Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 241.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
SJCC 10th Anniversary Celebration, featuring a cocktail gala
and live entertainment, 7:00 pm.
Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 271.
JET Holiday Seminar,
10:00 am. Info: 613-798-9818,
ext. 247.
COMING SOON
Stem Cell Research: Issues and Opportunities,
hosted by Weizmann Science Canada.
An interactive forum and question period
with Dr. Tsvee Lapidot
of the Weizmann Institute of Science,
Department of Immunology;
and Dr. Michael Rudnicki
and Zubin Master, Ph.D.,
of the Regenerative Medicine Program
and the Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research,
Ottawa Health Research Institute.
Library and Archives
Canada, 395 Wellington Street, 7:30 pm.
Info: 613-236-3391.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
“Friends of the St. Louis,” a one-hour
documentary of the remaining survivors of the
St. Louis ship. Congregation Machzikei Hadas,
2310 Virginia Drive, 7:00 pm.
Info: 613-521-9700
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Jewish Federation of Ottawa Women’s
Campaign Luncheon, featuring Paper Clip
project creator Linda Hooper, Congregation
Beth Shalom, 151 Chapel Street, 11:30 am.
Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 270.
Annual General Meeting,
Jewish Family Services of Ottawa,
with guest speaker David Berman,
2255 Carling Avenue, 7:00 pm.
Info: 613-722-2225.
Unless otherwise noted, activities take place at The Joseph and Rose Ages Family Building, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private.
This information is taken from the community calendar maintained by the Jewish Community Campus of Ottawa Inc. Organizations which would like their events to be listed, no matter where they are to be held, should make sure they are recorded by Benita Siemiatycki, calendar coordinator at 613-798-4696 ext. 227. We have voice mail. Accurate details must be provided and all events must be open to the Jewish public. You may fax to 798-4695 or email to bsiemiatycki@ewishottawa.com.
Don’t just preserve your capital. Make it work for you.
You’ve worked hard for your money and are not interested in
taking unnecessary risks. So you invest in T-Bills, Israel Bonds
and Government of Canada Bonds.
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
Q1
2006
Q2
2006
Q3
2006
Q4
2006
Q1
2007
Q2
2007
Q3
2007
Q4
2007
Q1
2008
Romspen Mortgage Investment Fund Performance
Average annualized return since inception is 9.9%.
Income distribution to investors is on the 15th of every month.
The Fund is RRSP and RRIF eligible.
However, for a superior return, add units in the over $400,000,000
Romspen Mortgage Investment Fund to your portfolio. Since
inception, this 100% commercial mortgage fund has returned an
average of 9.9% annually, with interest paid monthly into each
investor’s bank account.
Find out more by visiting our website or by calling us to
attend an introductory Investor Information Seminar.
Condolences
Condolences are extended
to the family of:
Toby Appel
Joel Delman
Ida Gaffen
Martin Ginsburg
Lillian Katznelson
Harry Langsner
Iris Loves
Saul Lutwak
Sylvia Molot
Clara Sicuso, Montreal
(mother of Diana Heitin)
Sunny Silverman
Moses Skulsky
Lawrence Weiner
Casey White,
British Columbia
(son of Julie and Jack Sherman)
Hyman Wisenthal
May their memory
be a blessing always.
The CONDOLENCE
COLUMN
is offered as a
public service
to the community.
There is no charge.
For a listing
in this column,
please call
Carolene Preap,
613-798-4696, ext. 232.
Voice mail
is available.
162 Cumberland Street, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5R 3N5
Tel: 416.966.1100
Toll Free: 1.800.494.0389
www.romspenfund.com
BULLETIN
DEADLINES
SEPTEMBER 10 FOR SEPTEMBER 29
SEPTEMBER 24 FOR OCTOBER 13
OCTOBER 3 FOR OCTOBER 27
OCTOBER 22 FOR NOVEMBER 10
NOVEMBER 5 FOR NOVEMBER 24
* Community-wide Issue (all dates subject to change)

ottawa jewish Mariane Pearl to speak at campaign kickoff

Transcription

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