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Is Europe’s terrorism New ambassador arrives from Israel problem generating empathy toward Israel?

BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ Jewish state permitted by local author- (JTA) – Is terrorism softening European ities. Rotterdam City Hall fl ew the Israeli attitudes toward Israel? fl ag at half-mast. When a Palestinian terrorist used a car To Eran and other observers of Israeli- to ram and kill an Israeli soldier in EU relations, this change in tune is eastern in 2014, the European indicative of greater understanding and Union (EU) urged “restraint” and, empathy in Europe to Israel’s fi ght without condemning the attack, called it against terrorism following a wave of SGT. JOHANIE MAHEU, RIDEAU HALL merely “further painful evidence of the terrorist attacks on the continent begin- Ambassador Nimrod Barkan, Israel’s new ambassador to Canada, presents need to undertake serious efforts towards ning in 2012. his credentials to Governor General David Johnston, December 12, in a ceremony a sustainable peace agreement.” “I think it’s a new development that at Rideau Hall. The statement by EU foreign relations sincerely stems from the change in the chief Federica Mogherini was “a typical mind of many people in Europe, in EU reaction, which blames the victim for government and beyond, who now Jew elected to public offi ce in Canada getting attacked,” Oded Eran, a former understand better than a few years ago Editor’s note – even before Confederation. ambassador of Israel to the European the impact and infl uence of terrorism on As part of our Canada 150 celebration, Union and a senior research fellow at the the daily lives of innocent victims,” Eran Does this issue of the Ottawa Jewish we’re also inviting you to submit a short Institute for National Security Studies, told JTA. Bulletin look better and seem easier to essay on what it means for you to be said at the time. He was referring to the cumulative read? Do the photos have more clarity Jewish in Canada. See page 5 for submis- Two years later, however, European effect of at least a dozen major attacks on than in the past? sion details. offi cials had a much different reaction to Western European soil since 2012, in In an effort to improve our product, I’ll also remind you that the Ottawa a similar attack in eastern Jerusalem, which local or foreign jihadists killed we’ve upgraded to HiBrite, a whiter, Jewish Bulletin website at www.ottawa which killed four Israeli soldiers on hundreds of victims using methods long brighter and better-quality newsprint than jewishbulletin.com is updated daily – often January 8. associated with Palestinian terrorists. what we’ve traditionally used to print the throughout the day – with breaking news “The European Union condemns the Last month, a terrorist whom the Bulletin. We hope you’ll enjoy the change. stories from Ottawa, Israel and around the murder of these four young Israelis, as Islamic State terrorist group described This year – 2017 – Canada celebrates the Jewish world. Most of these articles are well as any praise or incitement for as its “soldier” killed 11 people, including 150th anniversary of Confederation and over and above what we can publish in the terrorist acts,” the EU said in a statement, one Israeli tourist, at a Berlin Christmas much of the celebrations are centred here print edition. At the website, you can also which, unlike the 2014 communiqué market by plowing a stolen truck in Ottawa. As the Jewish community download PDF and page-fl ip versions of omitted any reference to the fact that the through the crowd. In July, a similar newspaper in our national capital, we’re the print edition to read on your comput- attack happened in an area of Jerusalem attack claimed more than 80 lives in celebrating Canada’s milestone year with a ers, tablets and smartphones. Check the that it considers occupied. Nice, . Days later, an Afghan man series of profi les, one per issue, spotlight- site often to stay up-to-date and “like” us Unusually, following the recent attack, injured four people with an axe on a train ing the contributions of historically and follow us at www.facebook.com/ the Israeli fl ag was projected on the in southern Germany. important Jewish Canadians to our OttawaJewishBulletin for updates on all Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and Paris These events happened just months country. We begin the series on page 5 by new articles posted to the site. City Hall, signs of solidarity with the See Terrorism on page 2 calling attention to , the fi rst – Michael Regenstreif

Jewish Women’s Renaissance 150 reasons to participate Barbara Crook on inside: Project Momentum trip > p. 3 in Mitzvah Day > p. 6 U.S.-Israel relations > p. 25

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Continued from page 1 President Joachim Gauck said as much in On Twitter, the German Foreign and as far as I understand it was a jihadist after the murder of over 30 people in a a reply he sent to a condolence message Ministry shared a picture of the projec- who did that, whose intention was to series of explosions in Brussels in March, from Israeli President . tion, stating it was “in solidarity with attack people,” she said. and fresh on the heels of a horrifi c series “You and your country are in a pos- Israel.” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, by In Belgium, the fi rebrand anti-Israel of bombings and shootings that left 130 ition to understand fully what being contrast, described the gesture in her city columnist Dyab Abou Jahjah, who for people dead in Paris in November 2015. threatened by terrorism means for a merely as a “tribute to the victims of the years justifi ed violence against Israelis The Israeli government and Prime people and a nation because in your attack” in Jerusalem. and Americans in the pages of the De Minister in particu- country it has become almost a daily Muna Duzdar, an Austrian state Standaard daily, was fi red Monday for the lar have been persistently drawing equiv- phenomenon. We know that you can feel secretary, insisted in an interview with Jerusalem attack on social media. alence between the attacks in Europe and with us and commiserate,” Gauck said. JTA that “Europe always understood “An attack on occupation soldiers in attacks against Israelis by Palestinians. Israeli Ambassador to Germany that Israel has a right to defend itself and occupied territory is not terrorism! It is “The terrorists who attack us have the Avraham Nir-Feldklein further drove have security,” and that greater empathy an act of Resistance. #FreePalestine,” same murderous intent as those in Paris,” home the message in a statement in Europe for terror victims extends not Abou Jahjah wrote. Netanyahu said about the November 2015 following the projection of the Israeli fl ag just to Israel but to victims around the In a statement, De Standaard editor-in- Paris attacks. “It is time for states to con- on the Brandenburg Gate, a gesture world. chief Karel Verhoeven wrote that Abou demn terrorism against us like they initiated by pro-Israel activists. But following the attacks in Europe, Jahjah “has placed himself beyond the condemn terrorism anywhere else in the “We all fi nd ourselves facing the same “now we’re having the situation that we borders of acceptable debate” by endors- world.” terror, from Nice through Berlin to have daily terrorist attacks. I wake up and ing violence. Some European leaders clearly see his Jerusalem, but together we will stand there’s an attack in Israel, in Iraq, in Yet, the gestures of empathy toward point. against evil, and we will prevail,” he Afghanistan, in Germany. No country is Israel will not likely carry over to EU Following the Berlin attack, German wrote. left unaffected. And it might be that policy, according to Eran, the former someone who was affected himself has a ambassador. better understanding of this.” “These gestures are heartwarming BENITA SIEMIATYCKI, BA, MA Duzdar, who was born in Austria to and indicative of a positive change, but Sales Representative See page 27 Palestinian parents and heads the there is a clear distinction between 613-236-9551 BUSINESS for Publication Palestinian Austrian Society, rejected empathy and policy in the corridors of 1-888-335-6565 TOLL FREE 613-612-6779 CELL and Deadline claims that the attack was not a terrorist the European Union, which is likely to [email protected] incident because it was directed against remain as critical as ever of Israeli dates soldiers on land that Palestinians settlements and continue to oppose 100 ARGYLE AVENUE OTTAWA, ON K2P 1B6 and consider occupied. them on every international arena,” he www.cbrhodes.com Candlelighting “This attack targeted human beings, said. times. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. Knowledge and Service You CanKnowledge Trust andEach OfficeService Is Independently You Owned Can and TrustOperated.

ODD ANDERSON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES A view of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin with the image of the Israeli flag, January 9.

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[email protected] www.brentcomrealty.com 613-726-7323 / FAX 613-721-8849 January 23, 2017 3 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM Empowering women to change the world through Jewish values Thirty-six women from Ottawa were in Israel from November 13 to 23 taking part in a Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Momentum trip. Participant Lenora Zelikovitz refl ects on her experiences and what the trip meant to her.

his past November, I had the providing fi nancial support to Israel, to privilege of travelling to Israel on be able to actually see where our money the Jewish Women’s Renaissance has gone and the difference it has made, TProject (JWRP) Momentum trip. and continues to make, was truly JWRP, in partnership with the Jewish magical. Federation of Ottawa, sponsored 36 We detoured from the main JWRP women from Ottawa, in the hopes of itinerary for a day-and-a-half to see how connecting us to the land of Israel, to our our community contributes to this area. Jewish values and to each other, in a Ottawa’s Jewish community is part of the uniquely meaningful, spiritual and P2G (Partnership 2Gether) program that empowering way. Far more than just a pairs seven Canadian communities with “trip,” this incredible journey did all of fi ve communities in the Upper Galilee. that and more. Barbara Crook, chair of Ottawa’s P2G The JWRP Momentum trip, often committee, spent the day with us, referred to as “Birthright for Mommies,” visiting the Hanadiv School, which is empowers women to change the world partnered with the Ottawa Jewish through Jewish values. Along with Community School, touring Metulla and approximately 400 other women from the border area with Lebanon, visiting a around the world, we had the opportun- rape crisis centre and an aquatic centre ity to tour Israel, connect with the other for disabled persons. To know that our trip participants and discover how to Federation supports these communities bring Jewish values back to our families and facilities made us all extremely and communities. proud. The appreciation shown to us by The JWRP organizers ran the trip like a our partner communities was simply well-oiled machine. From the moment humbling and empowering. We are Lenora Zelikovitz (top row, far right) in Jerusalem with other members of the Ottawa delegation we landed in Tel Aviv, we boarded buses making a real difference. on the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Momentum trip co-sponsored by the Jewish to head north, climbed Masada and In just nine days, we saw so much of Federation of Ottawa. fl oated in the Dead Sea, celebrated Israel. We embraced our spiritual side in Havdalah with our new sisters, rode the mystical city of Safed, where we Many of us in the Diaspora have had returned home with a deeper, more camels at Abraham’s Tent, and so much toured a mikvah. We learned about the the fortune of travelling to Israel, personal connection to Israel that more. Our needs and expectations (and bravery of the at Masada and took whether as teens, young adults, to work includes a heart fi lled with Jewish values range of emotions) were expertly pride watching a number of our new on a kibbutz, or perhaps with our and a sense of empowerment to share managed by our group leaders and the Ottawa sisters take part in a ceremony in families for bar/bat mitzvahs. Those are with my family and community. This guide teams travelling with us. Eretz Bereshit, where they received their all meaningful experiences. But to travel experience has only solidifi ed my One of the highlights of the trip for Hebrew names. And, of course, there to the Jewish homeland with a group of involvement in my community and my many of us was the time we spent in the really is nothing like spending in women of different ages, backgrounds commitment to Israel. Most importantly, Ottawa partnership region in the Upper Jerusalem, made even more meaningful and lifestyles is truly an experience of a I have developed a sincere and profound Galilee. While we all recognize the by being together with our group of lifetime. While it may sound like a cliché, kinship with my new sisters. Remember important role our Federation plays in incredible women. it is anything but, when I say I have girls, let it fl ow and let it go. I love you all. 4 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM Rabbi Yair Tanger takes over the pulpit at Young Israel

BY LOUISE RACHLIS well as family programs and activities for centres in the area include the Chabad- Rabbi Tanger – who is also the spiritual all ages. affi liated Jewish Youth Library, the Kollel leader of the Sephardi Association of he new spiritual leader of Young Rabbi Tanger, 34, moved to Ottawa this of Ottawa, and Hillel Lodge. Ottawa – is married to Miriam Zarecki Israel of Ottawa believes that past fall after working in for 13 Since taking over at Young Israel, and they have a blended family of six Orthodox Jews in the syna- years where he was rabbi at two seniors’ Rabbi Tanger has instituted a weekly children. Tgogue’s vicinity need to fi nd residences: the Montefi ore and the parsha discussion and uses social media He is also a ritual scribe who tran- “common ground” more often. Waldorf. to offer thoughts on the week’s Torah scribes Torah scrolls, tefi llin, mezuzahs, “We need to work together,” said Rabbi “My goal fi rst of all is to unite everyone reading in advance of each Shabbat. The ketubahs and other religious writings. Yair Tanger. “I fi nd that only by working together,” he said, referring to the several congregation has also hosted a number of Rabbi Tanger said he’s looking forward together will we be a stronger Orthodox minyans or study centres in community events, including a to working with Ottawa’s Jewish com- community.” the vicinity of his , “to resolve Chanukah celebration, a children’s munity and hopes to see Young Israel Young Israel is a traditional Orthodox differences, and to be very welcoming concert, and a visit to the local fi re grow through his dedication and congregation located in Westboro that and provide outreach to the Jewish station. leadership. welcomes the community to take part in community.” daily, Shabbat and holiday services, as Other Orthodox minyans or study

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Rabbi Yair Tanger and his son Yoav

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This is the fi rst in a series of profi les spotlighting the contributions of historically important Jewish Canadians to our country. Ezekiel Hart 1767 - 1843 First Jew elected to public office in Canada zekiel Hart’s important general store and became a signifi - contribution to Canadian cant landowner after inheriting the history pre-dates seigneury of Bécancour, one of Confederation. In 1807, seven seigneuries owned by his EHart, who was from Trois-Rivières, father. Quebec, was elected to represent Hart was elected to the Legislative the area in the Legislative Assembly Assembly on April 11, 1807, defeating of , the fi rst Jew three other candidates. However, elected to public offi ce in Canada. because the election was held on DANIEL ROBERT Hart was born May 15, 1767 in Trois- Shabbat, Hart refused to be sworn the Jewish religion cannot take a known as the Hart Aff air and the Rivières, the second son of Aaron in that day opting to wait for the seat, nor sit, nor vote, in this reverberations continued to be Hart and Dorothea Judah Hart. opening of the legislature the House.” felt over the following decades. In 1832, the Legislative Assembly of , an offi cer in the British following January to swear his oath. In an election later in 1808, Hart was Lower Canada passed the 1832 army during the Seven Years’ War again elected to represent Trois- Hart was sworn in on January 29, Emancipation Act, which gave full with France, is widely believed to be Rivières. This time, though, he took 1808 using a Hebrew and with political rights to Jews, setting a Canada’s fi rst Jewish settler. the oath on a Christian Bible and his head covered. The next day, the precedent for the . Ezekiel Hart’s early business career, attorney general of Lower Canada, assumed his seat when the legisla- circa 1792, was with his father in the , objected to ture reconvened in 1809. However, Hart died September 16, 1843 in fur trade. During this period he seating Hart in the legislature as his after several days, he was again Trois-Rivières and was buried in the married Frances Lazarus, who was oath was not taken in the prescribed expelled because he was Jewish. Jewish cemetery there. His wife had died in 1821, but he was sur- from the . manner. Hart, he said, would have to Hart continued his successful vived by their 10 children. In 1909, be sworn “on the true faith of a business career in Trois-Rivières but In 1796, Hart and two of his brothers Hart’s remains, and those of others Christian.” did not run for offi ce again. He also founded the M. and E. Hart in the cemetery, were transferred served as an offi cer in the British Company, a brewery in Trois- On February 20, 1808, the legislature to the cemetery of the Spanish during the . Rivières. Later, Hart operated an by a vote of 35-5 decided that and Portuguese Synagogue in import-export business, owned a “Ezekiel Hart, Esquire, professing These events of 1807-1809 became Montreal.

Next in the series Submit an essay To help mark Canada’s 150th, we are welcoming personal essays from readers. Samuel Bronfman 1889 –1971 Please share with us! What does it mean to you to be Jewish in Canada? As a Canadian Jew, what do you hope for our future? Is there anything special in our A successful businessman and devoted philanthropist, Canadian history that has impacted you as Jew? Bronfman was president of the Canadian Jewish Congress Please note, submission should be about 300 words and will be edited for style. from 1939 to 1962 and a Companion to the Order of Canada. Send submissions to: [email protected] 6 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

Of course, no Mitzvah Day would be 150 reasons to participate complete if we didn’t start the day with a haircut in support of Hair Donation Ottawa, a local not-for-profi t that in 11th annual Mitzvah Day collects hair donations to create wigs for children who are suffering from medical This year, as part of celebrating hair-loss. Anyone interested in donating Canada 150, Mitzvah Day’s goal is to While there are at least their hair for this worthwhile cause must target the number 150 with most of our 150 reasons to participate donate a minimum of six inches and mitzvot. Our hope is to collect 150 of in Mitzvah Day, perhaps must to let us know in advance. everything we are collecting, and to Mitzvah Day has also added a special create at least 150, or multiples of 150 of the best reason is to be component for PJ Library families that the things we plan to make, decorate and part of a fun-fi lled day will include a PJ Library book swap and a PJ quiet zone for parents and kids to FEDERATION REPORT organize to help those in need. with members of your CINDY SMITH Here are just a few of the mitzvot escape the chaos of Mitzvah Day and MITZVAH DAY highlights you can expect at this year’s community to help spend a little time reading a PJ book. event: making a dried soup mixture to those in need. As always, Federation is thankful to itzvah Day has become a feed the hungry; creating “Shabbat in a GGFL Chartered Accountants who are perennial favourite event for Bag” that includes decorating a challah Canadian Blood Services, we’ll be the lead sponsor of Mitzvah Day 2017. Ottawa’s Jewish community. cover, Kiddush cup, and Shabbat card; collecting swabs to become part of the Needless to say, Mitzvah Day takes It’s a day when people from and designing a colouring/puzzle/ bone marrow registry. an army of dedicated people to make M it a success, so, if you are interested all corners of the community come activity sheet for kids at CHEO. Mitzvah Day collections include together to volunteer their time and Back by popular demand is the non-perishable food items for the in volunteering to lend a hand, please energy in the spirit of tikkun olam. sing-a-long for the residents of Hillel Ottawa Kosher Food Bank; boxes of contact Rena Garshowitz at On behalf of the Mitzvah Day Lodge; decorating Tzedakah boxes to fi ll crayons, markers and/or stickers to go [email protected]. Committee, I am thrilled to say that on for your favourite charity; and making with the colouring/activity book being While there are at least 150 reasons to Sunday, February 5, the rooms and halls sandwiches to feed the homeless created for kids at CHEO; and men’s participate in Mitzvah Day, perhaps the of the Soloway Jewish Community through Shepherds of Good Hope and socks, gloves, snacks, toiletries, new best reason is to be part of a fun-fi lled Centre will once again be buzzing with the Ottawa Mission. We’ll also be underwear, and winter boots as part of day with members of your community to the collective energy of people of all ages braiding ready-to-bake challah to sell the “bracha bags” to distribute through help those in need. performing good deeds at the Jewish on-site with all proceeds going to the Street Smarts. We will also be collecting For more information or to register, Federation of Ottawa’s 11th annual Ottawa Kosher Food Bank; and, in magazines and DVD movies to send to please visit www.mitzvahdayottawa.com. Mitzvah Day. collaboration with One Match and Canadian troops deployed overseas. My husband and I and our daughters look forward to seeing you on Sunday, February 5! Jewish girls and women: Ottawa Jewish Bulletin VOLUME 81 | ISSUE 6 Read Torah at the Kotel! Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, K2A 1R9 Tel: 613 798-4696 | Fax: 613 798-4730 International Committee for Women of “In the end, through my explorations Email: [email protected] Published 19 times per year. the Wall, a world-wide network sup- – which included the more typical late © Copyright 2017 porting Women of the Wall in their adolescence pulling back – I re-entered PUBLISHER ongoing efforts. By August 1989, I was in with even more fervour and even more of Andrea Freedman rabbinical school; one of my teachers that a sense that this is my tradition, I belong, EDITOR fi rst year was Shulamit Magnus, a scholar and I need to claim my place at the centre, Michael Regenstreif of Jewish history and an observant Jew exactly who I am. PRODUCTION MANAGER who was one of the Torah readers that “By that time, there were lots of Brenda Van Vliet FROM THE PULPIT December day in Jerusalem. women, certainly all over North America, BUSINESS MANAGER RABBI ELIZABETH BOLTON There are many news reports available exploring that intersection of feminism Eddie Peltzman OR HANESHAMAH to provide updates on the current and Judaism, and saying: ‘Hey, we’re not The Bulletin, established in 1937 as “a force for constructive communal consciousness,” political and religious debacle around second class citizens.’ Maybe some of communicates the messages of the Jewish n December 1988, women from permitting all Jews to pray as they wish at those prayers or the lack of obligation of Federation of Ottawa and its agencies and, as North America and Israel in the city’s only Jewish newspaper, welcomes a this holy site. My view of the overarching women to pray at fi xed time – which is diversity of opinion as it strives to inform and Jerusalem for the fi rst International issue emerges in the following excerpt of part of traditional Jewish law that exists enrich the community. Viewpoints expressed Jewish Feminist conference spontan- an interview drawn from a documentary – doesn’t mean that I’m excluded. I’m in in these pages do not necessarily represent I the policies and values of the Federation. eously decided to pray on Rosh Chodesh broadcast on Télé-Québec this past the stories – as they say, women hold up Tevet at the Kotel. They brought a Sefer The Bulletin cannot vouch for the kashrut December, entitled “Ma Foie,” which half the sky. So many of the stories and of advertised products or establishments Torah and gathered on the women’s side explores a young Québécois’ quest to fi nd characters in our sacred narratives give unless they are certified by Ottawa Vaad of the mechitzah. HaKashrut or a rabbinic authority recognized his own place in his religious tradition: models of incredibly strong women – I by OVH. They were physically assaulted, and “Women in Judaism, like women in any had incredibly strong women in my $36 Local Subscription | $40 Canada thus was launched a decades-long effort, religious tradition, are going to have family – and I knew that I had a role to $60 USA | $179 Overseas | $2 per issue still unrealized, to allow religiously varied perspectives on this notion of play.” http://tinyurl.com/jfcrfno We acknowledge the financial support of the observant women to pray at the Western limits on their religious or social roles. Jewish girls and women: it’s not Government of Canada through the Wall with tallit, tefi llin and Torah. Canada Periodical Fund of the Department “That’s why I think, for me, my because you are a woman that you can’t of Canadian Heritage. Last month, I spent 10 days in Israel, consciousness as a young girl, in terms of pray at the Kotel in Jewish prayer garb. It’s mostly in Jerusalem. I abstained from becoming aware of feminism vis-à-vis because people believe you shouldn’t do ISSN: 1196-1929 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40018822 visiting the Kotel even though I was there Judaism was a very rich encounter but such things because you are a woman. on Rosh Chodesh Tevet, even though the not always an easy one. So I saw the lack Never believe that you can’t learn that Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Ottawa Jewish Bulletin event 28 years earlier was a signifi cant of egalitarianism, the lack of opportunity text, lead that prayer, or lead our people 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, moment in my own Jewish feminist for women traditionally and questioned: because you are a Jewish girl. Ottawa ON K2A 1R9 journey. I became involved in the can I stay in? (See story page 11.) January 23, 2017 7 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

But Trump was elected president, and I Should the Simon Wiesenthal don’t object to there being some measure of diversity among the religious fi gures offering prayers at the inauguration; that Center’s Rabbi Marvin Hier offer a there will be a rabbi among the clergy from various Christian denominations. But it would be an even better message of prayer at the Trump inauguration? inclusivity if a Muslim imam and clergy of other faiths were also scheduled to (even though Clinton won the popular Many in the American Jewish commun- participate. vote with about three million more votes ity – particularly among the 71 per cent of However, I question whether Rabbi from the U.S. population at large). U.S. Jewish voters who supported Clinton Hier, as founder and dean of the Simon Among the clergy scheduled to offer – object to Rabbi Hier’s participation in Wiesenthal Center, is the right rabbi for

FROM THE THE FROM EDITOR prayers at the Trump inauguration is the Trump inauguration. They cite the this role. So much of Trump’s rhetoric MICHAEL REGENSTREIF Rabbi Marvin Hier, apparently the fi rst divisiveness stirred by Trump during the during the campaign, and over the years rabbi to take part in an U.S. presidential campaign as well as his hiring of Steve prior, would seem to be in direct confl ict s I write, at noon on January 13, inauguration in 32 years. The conven- Bannon – the former CEO of Breitbart with what the Wiesenthal Center – and its we are exactly seven days – to tional wisdom is that Trump wanted a News, a website that has blurred or Museum of Tolerance – is about. Will his the minute – to when Donald rabbi to participate in the inauguration crossed the line with anti-Semitic articles participation be interpreted as the ATrump will be sworn in as because his daughter, Ivanka Trump, and and is embraced by the so-called alt-right. Wiesenthal Center’s tacit acceptance, if president of the United States of America. his son-in-law and close adviser, Jared A petition asking Rabbi Hier to withdraw not approval, of Trump’s ugly rhetoric? Late in the U.S. election campaign, I Kushner, and their three children, are from the inauguration garnered thou- For his part, Rabbi Hier said he accepted wrote a column in which I noted that Jewish. sands of supporters. the invitation to participate in the Trump’s candidacy had endured “despite Rabbi Hier is well known as the founder Many of those in the Jewish community inauguration because “it was the mensch- a seemingly endless string of ongoing and dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. who object to Rabbi Hier’s participation in lichkeit (honourable) thing to do and I am insults variously hurled at women, Named in honour of the famed hunter of the inauguration would likely have proud to do it,” adding that petitions and Hispanics, Muslims, the handicapped, Nazi war criminals, the Wiesenthal Center objected to the participation of any rabbi other calls for him to withdraw “are not prisoners of war, leaders of his own party, is a major institution dedicated to in the event. Last summer, Rabbi Haskel going to change my mind.” and so many others.” Like most observers, Holocaust remembrance and education, Lookstein, the prominent New York According to Rabbi Hier, his participa- I had read the polls and predicted Trump and to combating anti-Semitism, racism Orthodox rabbi who sponsored Ivanka tion in the inauguration will not affect would lose to Hillary Clinton. (From the and other forms of bigotry and hatred. Trump’s conversion to Judaism, was how the Wiesenthal Center does business Editor: Trump’s campaign is an attack on Personally, I also remember Rabbi Hier scheduled to offer a prayer at the – that politics and personal relationships democracy itself, October 31, 2016) from when I was a student at the Republican Party convention that will not be a factor. (The Wiesenthal And, like most observers, I was proven Vancouver Talmud Torah in the mid- formally nominated Trump as the party’s Center did criticize Trump for his wrong on election night when Trump 1960s and he was the spiritual leader of candidate. However, Rabbi Lookstein anti-Muslim rhetoric early in the managed to reach and pass the magic Congregation Schara Tzedek, a modern cancelled his appearance at the conven- campaign.) number of 270 Electoral College votes Orthodox shul just a few blocks away. tion due to the ensuing controversy. I hope he’s right.

shame. All kinds of things happen in a Heartbreaking scenes day, until the next day, when it starts all over again. I remember the movie “Hurricane,” in from a geriatric ward which boxing champion Rubin Carter, wrongly convicted of a triple homicide, ward. You can’t help but fearfully from the lounge and piling them up in refused to wear his prison uniform in imagine being there yourself. her room. Every other day, hospital protest. There was a woman in the The term “visitor” is actually a employees went to take the chairs back. geriatric fl oor who absolutely insisted on euphemism for being there to help your The woman screamed loudly and getting dressed every morning. hospitalized parent because the geriatric repeatedly to call the police. After the clothes were fussed over, this department is not a baby sitting service There was a Russian man who shuffl ed 91-year-old, who still has the trace of an for old people. It is a department that through with a hospital gown not tied in athlete’s body, meticulously did her make-

IDEAS AND IDEAS IMPRESSIONS delivers care at appointed times of the the back with his diaper in full view. He up, her hair and her nails. She didn’t say JASON MOSCOVITZ day. It’s too bad if a patient needs wore a black velvet kippah all week, but, a lot as she did this daily routine. She something at any other time. So many somehow, it was not always there on just defi antly said it must be done. desperate cries for help were ignored Shabbat. With all the dignity she could muster, s December ended, my heart that I almost got used to it. There was a Holocaust survivor who in a place where dignity is not easy to ached. It was a diffi cult time. I Spend a few weeks on the geriatric fell twice in one day at her seniors’ cling on to, this incredibly tenacious spent far too much time in the fl oor and you get the rhythm and the residence and broke her neck. This person set out on a daily mission to defy AJewish General Hospital in personalities. You get to be on a fi rst 93-year-old was in a full neck brace. Her the odds. But she didn’t succeed because Montreal. I was there with an elderly name basis with a 20-year veteran of the cries for help were louder than anyone’s. no one could. It was just that kind of parent, and for the many of you who geriatric cleaning staff who has seen So loud that sometimes someone on the terrible place and sad circumstance. have lived the experience, I know you thousands of families go through this. medical team would actually peer in and But, through it all, this elderly woman know how challenging it can get. Her realistic look always tells you to get a ask her what was wrong, but rarely did kept her head high and her shoulders At which age you live the experience grip because people in their 90s have anyone respond in an active way. back as she marched, with her walker, up can actually change how you react to it. I serious issues, and you have to emotion- There was a good-looking male and down the hospital corridors. People met many people in the hospital ally toughen up and step up to the plate. patient who was quiet most of the time, noticed her determination and her between 65 and 70, who, like me, were The geriatric ward is often a place but, when he wasn’t, you wanted to stay beauty. visiting their 90-year-old-plus parents, where patients stay until they are placed clear. When he got upset, he became If I have learned anything about my so mentally and physically compromised in long-term care homes. There was a really angry and often yelled terribly mother these recent weeks, it is how by nothing more complicated than old little Haitian woman who had been there insensitive insults at his visiting wife. hard she will fi ght to remain the strong age. When you are a visiting senior since June. She called men like me But, in a huge public institution with so willed, proud person, she has always citizen you take note of life in a geriatric “Papa” and spent her days taking chairs little privacy, there is no reason to feel been. 8 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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CHANUKAH GIVING This touches all of us. What happens in Ra’anana Many thanks to our Ottawa Jewish Bulletin for publish- affects us all. Will the Israeli government make rabbis ing Staci Zemlak-Kenter’s inspiring article on Chanukah who preach hate and violence accountable for the actions gifting (“Our family’s new Chanukah Tradition,” their words inspire? Will the State of Israel be a place that December 12). Her message about donating to charity in respects democracy and pluralism, or will the voices lieu of Chanukah gelt to our kids and grandkids reson- promoting violence and intolerance defi ne Israel’s values ated with me. And my six grandchildren felt the same as a nation and a people? Speak out, and make your voice way. They understood there is a greater need than their heard on this. own, and each rose to the occasion, suggesting “their” gelt be distributed to their own personal benefi ciaries. Phil Kretzmar They were honoured and proud to make the choices. The following charities have received “Chanukah gelt HOCKEY GAME with a difference” this year, personally selected by my As we all know, winters in Ottawa can be cold and long, grandchildren: JNF Emergency Fund for the Fires in Israel and community events can provide some much-needed this year; Canadian Mental Health Association; Food distraction from the weather. At the beginning of Allergy Canada; Kehillat Beth Israel (Bubbie’s shul); December, Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Harris of the Ottawa Running and Reading Ottawa; breast cancer research. Torah Institute and Machon Sarah High School for Girls, Because of Staci’s message, a new mindset about partnered with Jon Braun of the Soloway Jewish gift-giving at Chanukah has been established in our home Community Centre to spearhead such a community and beyond. activity. These are the gifts that keep on giving. The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) graciously donated a block of tickets for the December 11 Evelyn Greenberg Ottawa 67’s hockey game against the Peterborough Petes. In addition, they arranged for busing to and from GRAFFITI INCIDENTS HERE AND IN ISRAEL the Jewish Community Campus to provide more oppor- The front page article in the November 28 issue of the tunities for interaction among program attendees and to Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, and follow-up articles in the remove the hassle of parking. December 12 issue covered the anti-Semitic graffi ti Complementary tickets to the game were offered to incidents in Ottawa in November. students attending Jewish day schools and after-school But did you know that the same thing and even worse programs in Ottawa and their families. The event is happening in Israel? brought together students and families from Torah High, On November 23, a Reform synagogue in Ra’anana was Ottawa Torah Institute, Machon Sarah High School for defaced with both graffi ti and a knife on its door, and the Girls, Torah Day School of Ottawa, and the Ottawa Jewish synagogue was vandalized. In addition, there were death Community School. threats directed at Rabbi Gilad Kariv, director of the At 1:30 pm on December 11, excited students, along Reform Movement in Israel; Anat Hoffman, director of with some siblings, parents and chaperones, boarded the Israel Religious Action Center and chair of Women of two buses, and headed to TD Place. Our excitement was the Wall; and Rabbi Rick Jacobs, head of the Reform infectious as we looked forward to an enjoyable after- Movement in the U.S. The motivation for this action noon together. appears to be opposition to the struggle of progressive We sat as a group behind the goalie and took in the Jewish denominations for a pluralist prayer space at the game. As a parent who was able to attend, it was wonder- Western Wall in Jerusalem. ful to see children affi liated with various community How can this happen? It is not really that surprising organizations bonding and enjoying the afternoon. For when members of the Knesset, ministers of State, and some, it was their fi rst live hockey game and others were prominent rabbis make speeches condemning Reform willing to explain the rules and fi ner points of the game. Jews as heretics, dogs, and many other insults. Religious We cheered for the home team, but, unfortunately, our extremists feel that any compromise is a call to action, collective team spirit was not enough, and the 67’s lost. and their leaders have made it clear repeatedly what that However, our community won through the bridges we action should be by referring to their fellow Jews in built with one another. sub-human terms. A big thank you to Rabbi Harris and Jon Braun for I urge you to make your voice heard on this issue. providing this fun opportunity to bring our youth to- Reach out and support the struggle for Jewish pluralism gether and to OSEG for making it possible. We hope this is in Israel. Reach out and challenge those who are not the fi rst of many similar fun events for the community! tolerant of or not accepting of Jewish pluralism. Stand together and speak out, as we did in November in Ottawa. Gila Metz

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BY GABRIELLA GOLIGER CANADIAN FRIENDS OF PEACE NOW Dan More than trees Lynda srael has strayed dangerously far from the princi- Mader Taller-Wakter 613.798.2411 ples and pragmatism that guided its creation back Board Executive in 1948 and only a return to its founding values can President [email protected] Director Isave the state from disastrous consequences. This will be the argument presented by veteran peace activist JEWISH NATIONAL FUND Simon Rosenblum when he speaks in Ottawa. 600,000 trees went up in flames Rosenblum is a founder and co-chair of Canadian during the November fire Friends of Peace Now, which is sponsoring the event, “Hatikvah: Where Lies the Hope for Israel’s Survival?” Thank you for your ongoing support on Monday, February 6, 7 pm, at Temple Israel. A staggering 36 million shekels is needed to restore and Admission is free of charge. plan a recovery from the November fires. JNF Canada’s Emergency Campaign raised $500,000 to help the refor- Rosenblum will demonstrate that mainstream estation effort. Meanwhile, other areas of the country need , going back as far as 1937, was premised on the attention, so, at Tu Bishevat, we are focussing on the vulner- need to partition the land. The majority of the Zionist able south with a security planting. movement fi rmly rejected the maximalist territorial demands of the right-wing Revisionists. David Ben- Israel’s spirit is strong and determined Gurion and his camp favoured compromise so that the Danny Atar said: “Since its inception, the State of Israel Jewish people would have a safe and secure state of its has fought difficult battles against its enemies, and was own – one that would be both democratic and Jewish always victorious in the end. This will also be the case now. and, at the same time, provide civil liberties for all, as set This is truly a war against the despicable forces of terror, out in Israel’s Declaration of Independence. which – besides the fires that broke out due to the extreme However, 50 years after Israel’s victory in the 1967 Six dryness and strong winds – intentionally set fire to parks Day War, a very different reality has developed, Israel’s founding Zionist principles of a Jewish and democratic and forests, even in the heart of communities and neigh- Rosenblum contends. The ideology of “Greater Israel,” state must be protected by ensuring the viability of a two- bourhoods with the intention of spreading fear, destruction once restricted to fringe groups, has prevailed. The state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians, argues and loss of human lives. This time also, we will be victorious relentless march of settlements and outposts through Simon Rosenblum. in the end.” much of the West Bank is drawing Israel into a Atar went on to say, “Whoever thought they could deter binational quagmire in which both the Jewish and Rosenblum is a semi-retired foreign policy analyst us by terror-inspired arson was very mistaken. Israel’s democratic character of the state are jeopardized. who has worked for a variety of NGOs in senior capaci- spirit is strong and determined. Whoever wanted to scar Israel’s security is also imperilled because military ties. He has served, at different times, as the primary our country’s lands and to turn flowering green lands into heaps of ashes – failed. I promise that, for every tree that was occupation of a disenfranchised population can only spokesperson on Israel for the Canadian Jewish burned, we’ll plant two new ones. The work of rehabilitation lead to ever-increasing strife which is unsustainable in Congress and for Canadian Friends of Peace Now. is not simple. It will take time, patience and resources. I the long run. believe that thanks to the determination and professional- While fully recognizing the obstacles placed in the ism that characterize our organization, and with the support way of peace by the Palestinians, Rosenblum argues that of our dear partners abroad, we will restore our forests as Israel must do its part to keep the door open to a Show Israel You Care! quickly as possible and colour Israel green once again.” two-state solution. It must be willing to countenance the Volunteer as a civilian worker establishment of a Palestinian state on the basis of 1967 for two or three weeks Heroic foresters and foreign firefighters borders, with minor territorial adjustments. Even In this context, it is important to commend KKL-JNF’s though serious peace negotiations are not on the on an Israeli army supply base foresters, who courageously faced the fires raging in the immediate horizon, Israel must not continue to create forests, groves and parks and risked their lives to help save facts on the ground that make a solution more diffi cult, lives and Israel’s woodlands. if not impossible, to eventually achieve. And, says It should be emphasized that KKL-JNF’s role did not end Rosenblum, those who truly care about Israel must there, and the very fact that it opened its field and forest work to protect its founding values. Otherwise, the great centres to citizens and families who were evacuated from hope for a better future envisioned in “Hatikvah,” their homes earned the organization a great deal of praise. Israel’s national anthem, will fade. In addition, the Israeli public was inspired to volunteer for activities in forest rehabilitation. We would also like to emphasize, with great pride, the immediate response of KKL-JNF’s friends and supporters throughout the world, who, through our international Life’s brighter under the sun offices, expressed their unity and solidarity with Israel from the very first moment, and committed themselves to contributing towards the welfare of Israel and her citizens, I can help with: and future forest rehabilitation. • Life insurance • RRSPs/RRIFs • Mutual funds* • Personal health insurance • TFSAs • Employee benefits

Sefer Bar Mitzvah Diane Koven BA (Hons) CFP® CHS™ Mazel tov to Jonah Sohmer, inscribed by parents, Ben 613-728-1223 ext 2235 Sohmer and Ali Stein. [email protected] Free: accommodations, kosher meals, trips, events. 1525 Carling Avenue, Suite 600 Cost: air fare, $100 registration, weekend expenses. On a daily basis you can plant Ottawa, ON trees for all occasions. An [email protected] attractive card is sent to the 514-735-0272 or [email protected] recipient. To order, call the JNF office (613.798.2411). www.sarelcanada.org Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. www.JNFOttawa.ca © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2016. Programs start approximately every 3 weeks. 10 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

The Bora Laskin Law Society Presents A PANEL DISCUSSION Hate Speech & Hate Crimes Thursday, February 9, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Soloway Jewish Community Centre Featuring:

Lawrence Ewart Walters Greenspon Author, diplomat, Order Criminal and civil of Ottawa recipient, litigation , Visible Minority advocate, community builder and editor-publisher of The and philanthropist Spectrum, Ottawa’s Black- community monthly news- An individual’s voice can make a difference, said Irwin Cotler at the CHES workshop paper for 29 years on teaching the Holocaust, November 24 at Temple Israel. Andrea Robert Yip Freedman Historian, community advo- cate, director of the Chinese- Irwin Cotler speaks at President & CEO of the Jewish Federation Canadian of Ottawa and the National Council Ottawa Jewish Holocaust Education Month Community Foundation teachers’ workshop Cost: Free, but seating is limited. RSVP by email to: [email protected] BY MINA COHN AND MARION SILVER presented the Holocaust education CENTRE FOR HOLOCAUST EDUCATION program he has used with Grade 6 AND SCHOLARSHIP students over a period of many years, a he Centre for Holocaust program that has been applauded by Education and Scholarship community and political leaders and (CHES), based at Carleton recognized internationally by Yad TUniversity, offered a full comple- Vashem and the Daniel Pearl Foundation. ment of programs to mark Holocaust Sophia Mirzayee, now a student of Being an Education Month (HEM) in November. human rights at Carleton University, Our fi nal HEM program was a teachers’ spoke about her experiences in Mascoe’s Owner means workshop – held November 24 at Temple classroom and the impact meeting Israel – refl ecting on “The Nuremberg of Holocaust survivor David Shentow there better banking Hate and the Nuremberg of Justice” in had on her life. commemoration of 80 years since the The workshop concluded with a video passing of the Nazi’s Nuremberg laws and excerpt from CHES’ Ottawa Survivor 70 years since the Nuremberg war crimes Testimony Project. trials. There was a strong turnout of Ottawa We are owned by our members and that means we can offer The fi rst part of the workshop, a educators for the workshop. Among the attendees were teachers from the Ottawa- all of the products and services of the big banks, presentation by renowned human rights activist Irwin Cotler, professor emeritus Carleton District School Board, the but with lower fees and higher rates of return. of law at McGill University, former Ottawa Catholic School Board, Ashbury member of Parliament and former College, the University of Ottawa Teacher ON A 24-MONTH minister of justice of Canada, and, now, Education Program, and Temple Israel. 2.30% TERM DEPOSIT the founding chair of the Raoul The teachers were immersed in listening Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, to the speakers and in practising challen- was open to the public. ging and enriching teaching strategies. That’s 45% higher than most banks are paying. Term Deposits earn Cotler gave an inspirational talk on the All activities were designed with the classroom environment in mind and with 50 times more than savings accounts and your return is guaranteed. lessons of the Holocaust and stressed that the Holocaust is not only a Jewish the expectation that educators would be We’ll even cover any transfer costs your bank wants to charge you up problem. He discussed other genocides able to bring the topic to life in their to $100. It’s just one more way that ownership makes banking better. and highlighted the failure of the inter- classrooms. national community to respond to events The teachers said they were inspired by in Syria over the past fi ve years. the quality of the workshop and hand- YourCU.com Citing the Talmudic saying that outs and CHES has learned that teaching “whoever saves one life saves a whole strategies presented at the workshop 1-800-379-7757 world,” Cotler said that, in the face of have already been implemented in area inaction by politicians, the individual’s classrooms. voice can make a difference. Following the event, Cotler encouraged 14 Chamberlain Ave. • 1541 Merivale Rd. • 2016 Tenth Line Rd. Award winning teacher Patrick Mascoe CHES to offer the teachers’ workshop in of Charles H. Hulse Public School other communities across Canada. January 23, 2017 11 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM Women can read Torah at Western Wall, Israeli Supreme Court rules

JERUSALEM (JTA) – Israel’s Supreme The petitioners include the Original Court has ruled that women should be Women of the Wall (OWOW), a break off of allowed to read from the Torah in the the Women of the Wall group, who want to women’s section at the Western Wall and pray in the women’s section and not at that the alternate Robinson’s Arch area of Robinson’s Arch. The court combined the the site’s plaza for egalitarian prayer does OWOW petition with two others. The not constitute access to the wall. petition challenged a 2010 directive issued The court in its decision, an interim by Rabbi Rabinowitz, barring women from injunction, announced on January 11, also bringing to and using a Torah scroll on the instructed that women should not be women’s side. subjected to body searches before entering The directive “fl agrantly violates Israeli the plaza, part ofthe Western Wall law against discrimination in access to or Foundation’s attemptsto prevent them use of public property: the Kotel is not a HADAS PARUSH/FLASH90 Orthodox Jews trying to prevent Women of the Wall members from bringing from entering the women’s side with Torah synagogue, but ‘a national holy site,’ that is, Torah scrolls into the Western Wall compound in Jerusalem, November 2, 2016. scrolls, and other Jewish ritual objects public space,” the women argued. including tallit, tefi llin and menorahs. The Original Women of the Wall in a The court gave the administrator of the statement posted on Facebook called the Women of the Wall have brought hidden organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel Western Wall, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, decision a “momentous ruling.” Torah scrolls into the women’s sections and the Israeli government. the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, and Women of the Wall also responded to several times for their monthly prayer Under the agreement, which was state agencies including the Prime the ruling. “Just when it seemed the service in honour of the new month. They approved by Israel’s Cabinet but has not Minister’s Offi ce and the Religious Services rabbinate’s power was overwhelming the have held several bat mitzvahs with Torah been implemented, the egalitarian section Ministry, 30 days to submit their response Court’s verdict regarding our demand to scrolls, as well as bat mitzvah services of the wall near Robinson’s Arch would be to the injunction. read Torah at women’s section of the without them when they have been caught. expanded and placed under the authority The parties “must explain why the Western Wall refl ects both courage and The women have also been denied access to of a pluralist committee. The plan called petitioners should not be allowed to pray in wisdom, Women of the Wall head Anat the some 100 Torah scrolls stored on the for solidifying haredi Orthodox control accordance with their custom at the Hoffman said in a statement, also posted men’s side of the Western Wall Plaza. over the site’s traditional Orthodox section. traditional plaza, or alternatively allow on Facebook. An agreement passed by the govern- Haredi Orthodox lawmakers and some them to pray in accordance with their “Today, we have come much closer ment in January 2016 for an egalitarian from and Likud parties custom at a place which has access to the toward implementation of the Western prayer section at the Western Wall was submitted a bill to the Knesset in Western Wall similar to [the access] at the Wall agreement on gender equality and negotiated by the Reform and Conservative December to prevent non-Orthodox public traditional site.” religious freedom at the Wall.” movements, the Women of the Wall prayer at the Western Wall. 12 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM Conference focuses on fi nancial management for seniors Jewish seniors, attending a fi nancial management conference, heard from a variety of experts that they should be prepared to deal with the consequences of long-term illness.

BY LOUISE RACHLIS FOR JEWISH YOUTH LIBRARY “It was often diffi cult he vast majority of Canadian to ascertain what could be seniors who took a recent survey said they are more concerned provided within our publicly Tabout having money for them- funded system and what selves than for their children, said couldn’t … There I was, a career gerontologist Dan Levitt, speaking at the Seniors’ Financial Management health system advocate, Conference held at Congregation and I was unprepared.” Machzikei Hadas, November 30. From left) Speakers Sharon Sholzberg-Gray and Dan Levitt, event chair Devora Caytak, and But, when Levitt posed the same The full-day conference promoted speaker Diane Koven gather at the Seniors’ Financial Management Conference, November 30, question to those attending the confer- education and learning relating to at Congregation Machzikei Hadas. ence, the group said no, they wanted to seniors’ personal fi nancial management support their children and leave a legacy and was co-sponsored by the Jewish insurance is a way of protecting one’s Sholzberg-Gray offered a number of to charity. Youth Library of Ottawa and retirement savings in the event that suggestions of steps that individuals and “My take of the room is that they have Congregation Machzikei Hadas private health care or assistance is society should take: done smart planning for their fi nancial Synagogue with funding from the required,” said Diane Koven, a certifi ed 1) Understand that it is not the health health,” said Levitt, an adjunct professor Government of Ontario. fi nancial planner with Sun Life Financial. system alone that makes us healthy. The in gerontology at Simon Fraser “For anyone still of an eligible age and “Insurance is a form of investment key to a healthy population is to invest University. in adequate health, long-term care which protects the other investments. A money in the determinants of health, health crisis can become a fi nancial crisis such as housing, alleviation of poverty, and derail even the best of investment social services, and above all, education; plans,” she said. 2) focus on wellness and disease preven- Dealing with such health crises can be tion; 3) embrace innovation in our health Respecting tradition a diffi cult challenge, said Sharon system and use it to make needed Sholzberg-Gray, who had a long career as services less expensive; 4) transform our At your time of need or when CEO of various national health health system into one that prevents planning ahead, rely on us to organizations. unnecessary hospitalizations and focuses “I can tell you that nothing I knew on keeping people well and in their provide everything you need. prepared me for the reality of dealing communities; 5) focus more on designing with our health system regarding the healthy communities; and 6) stop We are proud to support the needs of one particular aging senior, my thinking about magic solutions to save Jewish Memorial Gardens own husband, Herb Gray of blessed money by shifting more costs to individ- Revitalization Project. memory,” she said, referring to the uals and to businesses. long-time member of Parliament and “The very issues that that are of great Call us 24 hours a day at: cabinet minister. concern to the public – better access to “It was often diffi cult to ascertain what home care, care in the community, 613-909-7370 could be provided within our publicly long-term care, and needed pharmaceut- funded system and what couldn’t … icals – are currently available to all; they There I was, a career health system just need to pay for them,” said Kelly Funeral Home advocate, and I was unprepared. I often Sholzberg-Gray. “So why don’t they? Carling Chapel worry about frail seniors on their own Quite simply because they can’t afford to by Arbor Memorial without resources who don’t have pay for them. That is an economic issue. someone to advocate on their behalf,” And these are the costs that people need Arbor Memorial Inc. she said. to plan for.”

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chanukah 5777 | More photos on page 16 and at www.ottawajewishbulletin.com/2017/01/chanukah/

Kehillat Beth Israel: Members of Kehillat Beth Israel celebrate the first night of Chanukah, December 24, with a skating party at the Ben Franklin Place rink.

Chabad Student Network: (From left) Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky, Mushka Teitelbaum (event chair) and Rabbi Reuven Bulka prepare to light the Chabad Student Network’s giant menorah on the first night of Chanukah, December 24, at Ottawa City Hall.

Machzikei Hadas: Children gather with Rabbis Idan Scher and Michael Goldstein as the menorah was lit at the Machzikei Hadas Chanukah party on the second night, December 25.

Tamir: Tamir participants, friends and supporters prepare to light their menorahs at Tamir’s pre-holiday Chanukah party, December 22, at Kehillat Beth Israel.

ARI ROSBERG OTC menorah making: Families prepare for Chanukah by making their own menorahs at Or Haneshamah: OrH members prepare to light their menorahs at their Chanukah party, Ottawa Torah Centre Chabad’s menorah-making workshop, December 18, at Home Depot. December 30, the seventh night. 16 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

chanukah 5777 | More photos on page 15 and at www.ottawajewishbulletin.com/2017/01/chanukah/

Sens Game: Rabbi Menachem Blum of Ottawa Torah Centre Chabad and Jewish Federation of Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation: The Ottawa Simcha Band performed at the Canada-Israel Ottawa President and CEO Andrea Freedman lead a pre-holiday Chanukah celebration Cultural Foundation’s pre-holiday Chanukah party, December 11. Band member Joel Yan is between periods at the Ottawa Senators vs. Anaheim Ducks game, December 22, at Canadian seen dancing with wife Toby Yan. Tire Centre. January 23, 2017 17 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

Where Friendships Begin

Did You Know?

• Our Ottawa numbers grew by 13% from 2015 to 2016.

• We were the recent winner, among all Jewish camps in North America, of the Goodman Initiative Prize for Excellence in Israel Education.

• Our camp renovation plan keeps going strong, with lots more planned!

• In 2016, many of our 1st session units sold out by mid-October!

• We are one of the fastest growing camps in Eastern Canada.

For more information, please contact: Jonathan Pivnick, Director - [email protected] 613.244.9210 Visit us at cbbottawa.com

Find us on our Facebook page Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa @cbbofottawa 18 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

Machon Sarah High School: Machon Sarah High School for Girls students pay a visit to Parliament Hill, November 29.

TempleAn egalitarian Israel Reform congregation Jewish roots, contemporary values, egalitarian Friday Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 6:15 pm.

Saturday Shabbat Services, 10:15 am.

Thursday morning minyanim: second and fourth Thursdays, 7:30 am.

President Patsy Royer Rabbi Robert Morais Rabbi Emeritus Steven H. Garten Executive Director Heather Cohen Temple Israel Religious School Principal Sue Potechin Administration Officer Cathy Loves

1301 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, ON K2C 1N2 Tel: 613-224-1802 Fax: 613-224-0707 www.templeisraelottawa.ca January 23, 2017 19 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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The Board of Directors of the Ottawa JEWISH STUDENTS ASSOCIATION Shari and Lawrence Silber on the SAM AND ANN BROZOVSKY Jewish Community Foundation - HILLEL FUND engagement of their daughter Erin to ENDOWMENT FUND acknowledges with thanks contri- Refuah Shlemah to: Paul by Sharon and Paul Finn. Refuah Shlemah to: butions to the following funds as of Steven Kimmel by Steven and Linda Allison Geffen and Michael Geist on the David Lieff by Ann Brozovsky. January 4, 2017. Kerzner. Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Gabi by Cally Kardash by Steven and Shelli Sharon and Paul Finn. CANADIAN FRIENDS OF MAGEN SHIRLEY AND SHIER BERMAN Kimmel. DAVID ADOM FUND FUND FOR OTTAWA JEWISH TORAH ACADEMY OF OTTAWA In Memory of: TORAH EDUCATION FUND Chanukah Wishes to: ARCHIVES Rose Bregman by Steven and Linda The Freedhoff family by the Sohmer/ In Memory of: Kerzner. In Memory of: Stein family. Rosalie Shapiro by Shirley and Shier David Abrams by Steven and Linda Dr. George Bernstein by Judith Altman The Freedhoff family by Sarah, Jack, Berman. Kerzner. and family. David and Lev Silverstein. Rose Bregman by Shirley and Shier Berman. OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY JOSEPH AGES FAMILY FUND BENES AND SARAH CANTOR ENDOWMENT FUND Mazel Tov to: MEMORIAL TORAH EDUCATION MENDEL AND VALERIE GOOD In Memory of: Sandy and Murray Ages on the birth of FUND HOLOCAUST CONTINUING Dr. Norman Levitin by Murray their grandson Hudson Oliver Ages by In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: EDUCATION FUND Finklestein. Evelyn Greenberg; and by Daniel and Benes Cantor by Judith Altman and Chanukah Wishes to: Lily Levitan by Murray Finklestein. Marilyn Kimmel. family. Sam and Susan Firestone by Ida Firestone. OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY APPOTIVE FAMILY GOLDIE AND MORRIS CANTOR Phil and Susan Caplan Firestone by Ida SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND ENDOWMENT FUND ENDOWMENT FUND Firestone. In Appreciation of: Mazel Tov to: Birthday Wishes to: Bob and Lindsay Firestone by Ida Shelley Crawford by the Ottawa Jewish Sharon and David Appotive on the birth Goldie Cantor by Helene, Shawn, Chaim Firestone. Community School Board of Directors. of their grandson Brayden Levy by Carol and Aaron Goldberg. Zak and Jill Firestone by Ida Firestone. In Memory of: and Laurie Pascoe; and by Donna and Noah and Angela Firestone by Ida Baruch “Barry” Tarasofsky by Ruth and Jacques Shore. TILLIE AND HARRY CHERM Firestone. Arnon Miller. MEMORIAL FUND ANNE AND LOUIS ARRON MEMORIAL FUND In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES TAMIR ENDOWMENT FUND Mollie Fine by Donald Cherm and AGENCY FUND Mazel Tov to: In Memory of: Robert Lebans. In Memory of: Shari and Lawrence Silber on Zach pass- David Loeb by Daphne and Stanley Eleanor Meltzer by Sandra and Norman ing his accounting exams by Sharon and Arron. SID AND BARBARA COHEN Slover and family. Paul Finn. COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND CAYLA AND MICHAEL BAYLIN ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: David Loeb by Sid and Barbara Cohen. Refuah Shlemah to: Cally Kardash by Cayla Baylin. SANDI AND EDDY COOK Anniversary Wishes to: ENDOWMENT FUND Lita and Seymour Alper by Cayla Baylin. Birthday Wishes to: Vicki Zack by Sandi and Eddy Cook. MARTIN AND ELLIE BLACK ENDOWMENT FUND NATHAN AND REBA DIENER Mazel Tov to: ENDOWMENT FUND Sharon and David Appotive on the Birthday Wishes to: birth of their grandson Brayden Levy by Sam Zunder by Reba Diener. Martin and Ellie Black. In Memory of: Peter and Janet Darwish on the birth of David Loeb by Dayra and John Diener. their first grandchild by Martin and Ellie Black. DOLANSKY FAMILY FUND In Memory of: Refuah Shlemah to: Athene Reef by Martin and Ellie Black. Cally Kardash by Bernard and Donna CYNTHIA AND DAVID Dolansky. BLUMENTHAL COMMUNITY JOSEPH AND JEAN DOVER ENDOWMENT FUND ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: In Memory of: Marsha Magidson by Cynthia and David Edgar Saslove by Gerald Dover. Blumenthal. Moses (Moe) Litwack by Cynthia and JOSEPH AND ESTHER David Blumenthal. EISENSTADT MEMORIAL FUND Valerie Good by Cynthia and David Blumenthal. In Memory of: Daisy Tonge by Joan Sacksner. Mazel Tov to: Ellen Becker by Joan Sacksner. Evelyn Greenberg on her recent and well-deserved accomplishments by CYNTHIA AND ABE ENGEL Cynthia and David Blumenthal. ENDOWMENT FUND CHANI AND BRAM BREGMAN In Memory of: JEWISH EDUCATION FUND Baruch “Barry” Tarasofsky by Cynthia Engel. In Memory of: Rose Bregman by Leslie Kaufman and Sam Greenspon. Continued on page 20 20 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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Lloyd Slaven by Cynthia Engel and ANN AND LEON GLUZMAN MORRIS AND LILLIAN KIMMEL HILDY AND STEVEN LESH family. MEMORIAL FUND MEMORIAL FUND ENDOWMENT FUND Refuah Shlemah to: Mazel Tov to: In Memory of: ELLEN AND RAHAMIM FATHI Cally Kardash by Evelyn Greenberg. Jeffrey and Felice Pleet on Erin’s Rose Bregman by Hildy and Steven Lesh. ENDOWMENT FUND engagement by Steven and Shelli In Memory of: JACK AND GERT GOLDSTEIN Kimmel. NORMAN LESH ENDOWMENT Rose Bregman by Ellen Fathi and family. MEMORIAL FUND Debbie Harris-Tobin and David Tobin on FUND In Memory of: the birth of their grandson Tzvi Tzur by In Memory of: SHARON AND PAUL FINN Edgar Saslove by Diane and Allen Steven and Shelli Kimmel. Poly Spatzner by Andre and Cheryl Ibghy. ENDOWMENT FUND Abramson. David and Sharon Appotive on the In Memory of: birth of their grandson Brayden Levy by DAVID LOEB FAMILY FUND Frances Karanofsky by Sharon and Paul HERB AND DENA GOSEWICH Steven and Shelli Kimmel. In Memory of: Finn. ENDOWMENT FUND Ian Borer on the birth of his second David Loeb by Toon Dreessen. Mazel Tov to: In Memory of: granddaughter Emma Danielle by Steven Deborah and Louis Davis on the Rose Bregman by Dena Gosewich. and Shelli Kimmel. ANNE (BLAIR) AND HYMAN marriage of their son David to Nina by Larry Lefsky by Dena Gosewich. Andrea Borer on the birth of her second MAYBERGER ENDOWMENT FUND Sharon and Paul Finn. granddaughter Emma Danielle by Steven Refuah Shlemah to: In Appreciation of: and Shelli Kimmel. Refuah Shlemah to: The Berrick family by Dena Shelley Shachnow by Evelyn Greenberg. Refuah Shlemah to: Marcia Cantor by Sharon and Paul Gosewich. RHODA AND JEFFREY MILLER Finn. Neil Zaret by Steven and Shelli Kimmel. Ron Wiess by Steven and Shelli Kimmel. FAMILY FUND Birthday Wishes to: PAULINE AND IRVING GOTTHEIL Mazel Tov to: Sam Zunder by Sharon and Paul Finn. AND FELA AND HENRY LEADER In Memory of: MEMORIAL FUND Athene Reef by Steven and Shelli Jeffrey Miller on becoming a Fellow of In Appreciation of: the Chartered Professional Accountants Birthday Wishes to: Kimmel. Norm Leckie and Robin Chernick by Fred Ayers by Steven and Shelli Kimmel. by Sharon and David Appotive; and by Sharon and Paul Finn. Art Leader by Shirley-Strean Hartman; Josh Engel. and by Jody and Gary Roodman with SHARON KOFFMAN SAM AND SUSAN FIRESTONE heartfelt good wishes. ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND DOROTHY AND HERBERT ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: NADOLNY ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: ZELDA AND JOHN GREENBERG Edgar Saslove by Philip and Sandy In Memory of: Athene Reef by Susan, Sam, Jessica and ENDOWMENT FUND Gennis. Edgar Saslove by Dorothy Nadolny. Daniel Firestone. In Memory of: Mazel Tov to: Mazel Tov to: Edgar Saslove by Margot Greenberg. THE OTTAWA LION OF JUDAH Lee and Greg Curry on becoming ENDOWMENT FUND Sandy and Murray Ages on the birth of grandparents to Lionel Curry Grewal by their grandson Hudson Oliver Ages by GROSSMAN KLEIN FAMILIES Sandra Zagon. Refuah Shlemah to: Sam and Susan Firestone. FUND Kabir and Meaghan Grewal on the arrival Cally Kardash by Sharon and David Anniversary Wishes to: In Memory of: of Lionel Curry Grewal by Sandra Zagon. Appotive. Hanka Weinberg by Vera and Leslie Beverly and Irving Swedko by Sam and HARRY AND BERTHA PLEET Susan Firestone. Klein. KRANTZBERG KRANE FAMILY FUND MEMORIAL FUND In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: ALFRED AND KAYSA FRIEDMAN MICHAEL DANIEL HILL In Memory of: ENDOWMENT FUND MEMORIAL FUND Morton Ptack by Julia, Dan & Jacob Bertha Pleet by Pinchas Pleet. Harry Pleet by Pinchas Pleet. In Memory of: In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Krane-Paul. Frank Kajfes (Rockcliffe Retirement Michael D. Hill by Myriam Rosental De Edgar Saslove by Clair Krantzberg. JACK AND MIRIAM PLEET Residence) by Alfred and Kaysa Hill. Refuah Shlemah to: ENDOWMENT FUND Friedman. Dr. Michael Bond by Julia, Dan and In Memory of: David Loeb by Alfred and Kaysa HY AND PAULINE HOCHBERG Jacob Krane-Paul. ENDOWMENT FUND Edgar Saslove by Miriam Pleet. Friedman. Mazel Tov to: Refuah Shlemah to: In Memory of: Birthday Wishes to: Dr. David Tobin on winning the ‘Family Dorothy Lieff by Miriam Pleet. Sandra Levinson by Alfred and Kaysa David Loeb by Pauline Hochberg. Practice of the Year’ award, and on Friedman. Edgar Saslove by Pauline Hochberg. the birth of his grandson by Clair SYDNEY SLOAN POTECHIN Alfred Friedman by Evelyn Greenberg. Krantzberg. MEMORIAL FUND SYD, ETHEL, LINDA Birthday Wishes to: GILBOA/MAOZ FAMILY FUND AND STEVEN KERZNER In Memory of: Joan Bloom by Clair Krantzberg. Edgar Saslove by Bram and Dodie Mazel Tov to: AND FAMILY COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND Sandra Zunder by Sam and Myra Krane. Potechin. Rabbi and Mrs. Dovid Taub on the Sam Zunder by Sam and Myra Krane. Frances Karanofsky by Bram and Dodie marriage of their daughter Chaviva to Birthday Wishes to: Potechin. Yosef Weiswasser by Rob Steiner and Ethel Kerzner by Evelyn Greenberg. SUSAN AND DAVID KRIGER Tal Gilboa. ENDOWMENT FUND GERALD AND MARY-BELLE Zev and Jewel Mestel on Joanie’s ARTHUR AND SARAH KIMMEL Mazel Tov to: PULVERMACHER engagement to Eric Bienenstock by Rob MEMORIAL FUND David and Tova Smolkin on becoming FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Steiner and Tal Gilboa. In Memory of: grandparents by Susan and David Kriger. In Memory of: Linda and Willy Waks on Max’s engage- David Loeb by Roslyn and Arnold Frances Karanofsky by Gerald and Mary- ment to Vanessa by Rob Steiner, Tal Kimmel. ANNICE AND SYDNEY KRONICK Belle Pulvermacher. Gilboa and family. Belle Weinstein by Roslyn and Arnold FAMILY FUND Birthday Wishes to: Kimmel. In Appreciation of: JACOB AND LEAH RIVERS Robyne Garellek by Rob Steiner and Tal Edgar Saslove by Marilyn and Daniel Mike Rubin by Debi and Neil Zaret and MEMORIAL FUND Gilboa. Kimmel. family. Mazel Tov to: Lily Austreicher by Rob Steiner and Tal Mazel Tov to: Ellen Rivers on her daughter Nina’s Gilboa. Sharon and Paul Finn for their daughter ISSIE AND EDITH LANDAU wedding by Helene, Shawn, Chaim and In Memory of: Davina being called to the State of ENDOWMENT FUND Aaron Goldberg. Hyman Mestel by Rob Steiner and Tal New York Bar Association by Roslyn In Memory of: Gilboa. and Arnold Kimmel and family. Edward Kertzman by Edith Landau. Continued on page 21 January 23, 2017 21 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

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ALTI AND BEREL RODAL MARGO AND JUDAH SILVERMAN CHARLES AND RAE TAVEL THE WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE FAMILY FUND FAMILY COMMUNITY MEMORIAL FUND PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM In Memory of: ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary Wishes to: Providing support for services and pro- Moses (Moe) Litwack by Alti and Berel Mazel Tov to: John and Sunny Tavel by Sandra and grams that directly benefit women and Rodal. Margo and Judah Silverman on the Norman Slover. children. Mazel Tov to: birth of their granddaughter Ella Rose Yehudis and Moishe Hyman and Rabbi by Donna and Jacques Shore; and by ALLAN TAYLOR WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE Shmulik and Dvora Rodal on the birth Debbie Halton-Weiss and Ron Weiss. ENDOWMENT FUND ENDOWMENT FUND and bris of Sholom Dovber by Alti and Birthday Wishes to: In Memory of: Mazel Tov to: Berel Rodal. Debbie Halton-Weiss by Margo and Rose Bregman by Allan, Maria and Joy and Seymour Mender on Jess’s Raizel and Mendele Sossonko and Rabbi Judah Silverman. Sophia Taylor. engagement to Sean by Rhoda and Joe Menachem and Shterna Rodal on the Levitan. birth and bris of Tzadik by Alti and Berel SAM AND SUE SLACK SUSAN WEISMAN Rodal. ENDOWMENT FUND AND JEFF TAYLOR THE SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM Mazel Tov to: ENDOWMENT FUND FLORENCE AND Joy and Seymour Mender on the engage- Mazel Tov to: GDALYAH ROSENFELD RYAN GOLDBERG ment of Jessie to Sean by Beverley and Shari and Lawrence Silber on Erin’s B’NAI MITZVAH FUND ENDOWMENT FUND Bryan Glube. engagement to Paul and to Zachary on Chanukah Wishes to: Sharon and David Appotive on the birth his CA exam by Susan Weisman and Jeff In Memory of: Eleanor Bocian by Anita Rosenfeld. of their grandson Brayden Levy by Debi Taylor. Athene Reef by Ernie and Reva Candice Wilder by Anita Rosenfeld. and Neil Zaret; and by Susan and Charles Goldberg. Anita Rosenfeld by Ena Segall. Schwartzman and family. RUTH AND JOSEPH VINER Rose Bregman by Ernie and Reva Jocelyn and Jeff Slatt and family by Ena Sharon Appotive on her JFO Annual ENDOWMENT FUND Goldberg. Segall. Campaign leadership term from Ryan In Memory of: JORDAN H. MORGAN Appotive and family. Edgar Saslove by Ruth Viner. FRANCES AND B’NAI MITZVAH FUND MORTON ROSS LINDA SLOTIN MILDRED AND PERCY WEINSTEIN In Memory of: FAMLY FUND AND JONATHAN FISHER ENDOWMENT FUND Rose Bregman by Sarah and Steve Morgan. In Memory of: ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: George Mundt by Frances and Morton In Memory of: David Loeb by Mildred Weinstein. Ross. KAYLA REICHSTEIN Edgar Saslove by Linda Slotin and B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Jonathan Fisher. HALTON/WEISS FAMILY FUND SAMUEL AND In Memory of: Frances Karanofsky by Linda Slotin and Birthday Wishes to: RUTH ROTHMAN Jonathan Fisher. Hanania Assouline by Sharon, Sol, Noah MEMORIAL FUND Debbie Halton-Weiss by Debi and Neil and Kayla Reichstein. Refuah Shlemah to: Zaret; and by Mindy Finkelstein and Roy Mazel Tov to: Maureen Kaell by Linda Slotin and Hanes. Dr. Ben Sohmer and Alison Stein on Jonathan Fisher. NOAH REICHSTEIN their son’s Bar Mitzvah by Sheldon and In Memory of: B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Cally Kardash by Linda Slotin and Fern Butler by Debbie Halton-Weiss. Corinne Taylor. Jonathan Fisher. In Memory of: Mazel Tov to: Mazel Tov to: Norman Luden by Sharon, Sol, Noah and ISRAEL AND REBECCA SHORE Rabbi Steve Garten on the birth of his Kayla Reichstein. MEMORIAL FUND Cayla Baylin on her granddaughter grandchild by Debbie Halton-Weiss and Sophia’s Bat Mitzvah by Linda Slotin and Ron Weiss. ZACHARY SILBER In Memory of: Jonathan Fisher. Edgar Saslove by Leonard and Jane B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Shore. IRVING AND DIANE WEXLER In Memory of: JACK AND LINDA SMITH FAMILY FUND ENDOWMENT FUND Fred Ayers by Shari and Lawrence Silber. FAY AND JOSEPH SHULMAN In memory of: ENDOWMENT FUND In Observance Frances Karanofsky by Carol Segal and ARIELLE ZELIKOVITZ In Memory of: of the Yahrzeit of: family. B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Wally Goguel by Brian Mordfield. Inez Smith by Leslie Smith; and by In Appreciation of: Maureen McIlwain and family. Mazel Tov to: ZIPES KARANOFSKY FAMILY Susan Finkelman by Lenora Zelikovitz. Mr. and Mrs. Zuckerberg on the birth ENDOWMENT FUND Linda Kerzner by Lenora Zelikovitz. DORIS AND RICHARD STERN In Memory of: Rhonda Levine by Lenora Zelikovitz. of their grandson and in appreciation FAMILY FUND for their wonderful hospitality by Brian Rose Bregman by Rick and Helen Zipes. Mazel Tov to: Mordfield. Birthday Wishes to: Miriam Melamed by Rick and Helen Michael Malek on his special award by Richard Stern by Selma and Richard Birthday Wishes to: Zipes. Evan, Lenora, Noah and Ari Zelikovitz. Shatz. Miriam Pleet by Marcia Mordfield. Frances Karanofsky by Debra and Steven Caron; by Debbie and Howie Krebs; by NOAH ZELIKOVITZ JACK AND THE TARANTOUR Avi Krebs; by Carol and Laurie Pascoe; B’NAI MITZVAH FUND SARAH SILVERSTEIN FAMILY FUND by Susan and Charles Schwartzman and In Appreciation of: FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: family; and by Sandra, Norman, Adrienne, Lauren Shaps by Lenora Zelikovitz. David and Riley Slover. Anniversary Wishes to: Ann Lazear by Norma and Philip Lazear Orly Aaron by Lenora Zelikovitz. Herb and Corinne Zagerman by Jack and and family; by Sonia and Sheldon Shaffer; Refuah Shlemah to: Nikki Shapiro by Lenora Zelikovitz. Sarah Silverstein. by Shirley Strean-Hartman; by Myra and Cally Kardash by Rick and Helen Sam Krane and family; and by Jody and Zipes. Contributions may be made online at LINDA SILVERMAN Gary Roodman with heartfelt good www.OJCF.ca or by contacting the MEMORIAL FUND wishes. SANDRA AND SAM ZUNDER office at 613-798-4696 extension 274, In Memory of: ENDOWMENT FUND Monday to Friday or by email at Edgar Saslove by Marvin and Phyllis GITTEL AND MARTIN TATZ Birthday Wishes to: [email protected]. Silverman. ENDOWMENT FUND Sam Zunder by Ruth Soloway. Attractive cards are sent to convey the Birthday Wishes to: In Observance Sam and Sandra Zunder by Philip, Lynnie, appropriate sentiments. All donations Joan Bloom by Marvin and Phyllis of the Yahrzeit of: Benjamin and Rebecca Zunder; by Ian are acknowledged with a charitable Silverman. Martin Tatz by Gittel Tatz. Zunder; and by Miriam Ross. receipt. 22 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

I paused. “Because it’s a nice thing to do,” was the Turning good deeds into mitzvahs easy answer, “plus it’s family.” But I thought back to a PJ Library book we have about hen our daughter was born, she weighed mitzvahs and how she liked it. six pounds, 13 ounces. “You know that book about mitzvahs?” I asked her. One of the fi rst memories I have from STEPHANIE SHEFRIN “Well, remember how, in that book, it talks about how Wthose hazy hectic minutes after her arrival MODERN visiting someone sick is a mitzvah? So, that’s what we’re was the signifi cance of the fi gure 613, the number of doing – a mitzvah.” mitzvot (commandments) listed in the Torah. MISHPOCHA The concept seemed to resonate with her, as a few I know not all of the 613 are the good deeds that have days later she was playing with some wooden vegetables come to defi ne the term “doing a mitzvah.” But I took and told me she was chopping them up for our ill family her birth weight as an omen our child would go on to a member, because that was a mitzvah. life of doing good things that would help make the We’re looking forward to this year’s It was one of those golden and so infrequent world a better place. moments where you think, “Hey, maybe I’ve actually How we’d raise our child was something I’d con- Mitzvah Day on Sunday, February 5, got this parenting thing.” sidered before she was born, but very much in secular the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s annual But, before you think I’m humbly bragging, I’ll also or technical terms. I read up on breastfeeding, how to day of giving back to the community. tell you the day before that, when she asked why Santa introduce solid foods, the pros and cons of sleep wasn’t coming to our house, and I explained because we training, and parenting styles like attachment parenting We took our daughter when she was were Jewish, she told me she didn’t want to be Jewish. or RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers). younger, and, while she had fun singing So, like everything in parenting, teaching our kid How we’d go about raising a Jewish child, well, that along with residents of Hillel Lodge about Jewish customs and practices is a process for both seemed pretty simple by comparison. We’d go to her and us. synagogue. She’d attend Jewish summer camp, and or doing crafts to donate to them, For that reason, though, we’re looking forward to this receive some kind of formal Jewish education. The she was a bit too small for the learning year’s Mitzvah Day on Sunday, February 5, the Jewish usual, such as it is. opportunity the event provides. Federation of Ottawa’s annual day of giving back to the But, as we begin to consider what form that education community. We took our daughter when she was will take, I’ve started thinking a bit more deeply about We look forward to making it meaningful younger, and, while she had fun singing along with the question of how to raise a Jewish child and how for her this year. residents of Hillel Lodge or doing crafts to donate to much we delegate versus take on ourselves to move our them, she was a bit too small for the learning opportun- role in the process beyond basics like lighting candles or parent. ity the event provides. We look forward to making it marking the holidays. An example: I told my daughter we were going to visit meaningful for her this year. Among other things, it means thinking a bit more a sick family member in the hospital and, of course, she One of this year’s activities will be a station to swap PJ about how to take those customs and rituals past just asked, “Why?” I explained our family member was Library books. It’s a great idea – but we’re holding onto doing them because that’s how we were raised. unwell and we should go visit. our mitzvah book. I have a feeling we’re not quite done But it also means thinking about how to be a “Jewish” “Why?” my daughter asked again. with it. Student launches kosher food initiative at uOttawa

n November, Michael Lazarus, president of the long-term viability of this effort? Chabad Student Network (CSN) at the University of The initiative was welcomed by students on the CSN Ottawa, began bringing kosher food options to Facebook page, but talk – or Facebook “likes” – is cheap. IPivik, the student federation’s convenience store. MICHAEL AARENAU The reality is that all the heartfelt congratulations in the Through his efforts, and the interest of Pivik manage- CAMPUS LIFE world will not guarantee this initiative’s continuity. ment, kosher food availability at uOttawa has become a While there is no concrete information on how many reality. students at uOttawa actually keep kosher, it’s safe to Pivik now carries kosher sandwiches, brownies, assume the number is low. Factor in the reality that cookies, cheese bagels and mandel bread from Rideau kosher food is more expensive than non-kosher food; Bakery, and Lazarus said he’s working with both parties Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky of CSN hopes one day to and the possibility of Pivik losing money on its gamble to expand the menu even further. expand this kosher food initiative to uOttawa’s medical and ending the agreement with the Rideau Bakery is a While Lazarus concedes that kosher food at the school and, perhaps, even get a food truck. In the near reality that cannot be ignored. uOttawa cafeteria will not be possible, he believes this is future, however, Rabbi Boyarsky hopes to bring more Therefore the Jewish student body at uOttawa must a milestone for Jewish university students and says the kosher food options to Carleton University, perhaps as come together in support of this effort. Facebook likes initiative has been very well received. early as this semester. aren’t going to keep kosher food on the shelves for years This will not be Carleton’s fi rst encounter with a to come. It is using the service that will. kosher food initiative. Lewis Novak, a recent Carleton So I’m calling on every Jewish student at uOttawa to graduate, started the “Kosher Food Project” with the buy just ONE kosher product from Pivik each month. OBITUARY hope of creating a sustainable kosher infrastructure at (Of course, if you adore the irresistibly tasty goodness Carleton. He organized numerous days when the of a Rideau Bakery cheese bagel, then, by all means, buy Morel Oprisan kitchens were made kosher and fresh brisket sand- as many as you want, as often as you want.) The fact is wiches were made available to students. Additionally, that a lot of people buying something at least once a At the age of 70, Morel Oprisan passed two kosher microwave ovens were purchased (and kept month will make a big difference in creating a stable away on Friday, January 6, 2017 at under lock and key to ensure that kashrut is main- enterprise. Ottawa Hospital General Campus. Beloved tained) for Jewish students to heat up their meals. I’m calling for a unifi ed effort among Jewish students husband of Marilyn Oprisan (nee English.) Novak welcomes the news about the uOttawa to foster a more inclusive university experience for initiative and said that if even “one student is able to everyone. This is an opportunity to create real together- Father of Miranda, and Marta. Grand- have kosher food because of [Lazarus’] actions, it’s a ness among Jewish students. The reality is that it can be father of Julia, and Coral. Dear brother of success.” tough to fi nd something that all Jews agree on. In a Victoria Oprisan. Memorial donations may Novak said he admires Lazarus’ passion, and his world full of divisiveness, it’s nice to fi nd a cause that be made to Tiny Paws Dog Rescue Canada positive attitude and optimism is what brings real everyone can get behind. You can bring Jews together http://www.tpdr.ca/donations.html change to the community. on campus and keep kosher food available for your Optimism is a beautiful thing, and success should be fellow Jewish students for as little as the cost of a celebrated, but the question becomes: what is the brownie! January 23, 2017 23 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

In support of the Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge In the Joseph and Inez Zelikovitz Long Term Care Centre 613-728-3990

Card Donations Card donations go a long way to improv- ing the quality of life for our residents. Thank Boris and Dolly Blacher Family Fund Frank and Lily Hoffenberg Monica and Alvin Stein Family Fund you for considering their needs and contrib- In Memory of: Family Fund In Memory of: uting to their well-being. Rose Bregman by Neil Blacher and Marilyn In Memory of: Rose Bregman by Monica and Alvin Stein On behalf of the residents and their fam- Adler David Addison by Ron and Rose Ann ilies, we extend sincere appreciation to the Hoffenberg Sarah and Arnie Swedler following individuals and families who made Jenny and Murray Citron Family Fund card donations to the Hillel Lodge Long- Endowment Fund Evelyn and Isadore Hoffman In Memory of: Term Care Foundation between November In Memory of: Family Fund Ed Saslove by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda 23, 2016 and January 3, 2017 inclusive. Rose Bregman by Murray Citron In Memory of: Zaitlin Eddie Saslove by Murray Citron Rose Bregman by Issie and Evelyn Sid Cohen by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda HONOUR FUNDS Hoffman Zaitlin Unlike a bequest or gift of life insurance, Sid and Barbara Cohen which are realized some time in the future, Family Fund David, Harvey, Victor Kardish Louis and Diane Tannenbaum a named Honour Fund (i.e., endowment In Honour of: Family Fund Family Fund fund) is established during your lifetime. Sunny and John Tavel Mazel Tov on your In Honour of: In Memory of: By making a contribution of $1,000 or 50th Anniversary by Sid and Barbara Cohen Abe Feinstein Mazel Tov on receiving the Benjamin Frank by the Honorable Louis Order of Ottawa Award by Margo and David more, you can create a permanent remem- Bryna and Murray Cohen Mazel Tov on and Diane Tannenbaum Kardish brance for a loved one, honour a family the birth of your grandson by Sid and Barbara Cohen Abe Feinstein wishing you many more Toby and Joel Yan Family Fund member, declare what the Lodge has meant years of happiness on your special Birthday by In Memory of: to you and/or support a cause that you Nell Gluck Memorial Fund Margo, David, Aaron and Gail Kardish Rose Bregman by Joel and Toby Yan believe in. In Honour of: In Memory of: R’Fuah Shlema: A Hillel Lodge Honour Fund is a per- Linda Hatfield we wish you continued Rose Bregman by Margo, David, Aaron and Norman Yan by Toby and Joel Yan manent pool of capital that earns interest health and happiness on your milestone Birth- Gail Kardish or income each year. This income then sup- day by Julia Gluck and Ted and Jess Overton Ed Saslove by Margo and David Kardish * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ports the priorities designated by you, the In Memory of: Fern Butler by Margo and David Kardish Feeding Program donor. Jane Carol Langevin by Cheryle and Manny Sid Cohen by Margo, David, Aaron and In Memory of: Gluck Gail Kardish Freda Hartman by David Kalin, Shirley Ruth and Irving Aaron Family Fund Yvonne Robinson by Julia Gluck and Ted Strean-Hartman In Honour of: Overton Ken and Leah Miller Family Fund Rosalie Shapiro by Glenda, David and Jor- Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Moshe Harris Rose Bregman by Maureen and Henry In Honour of: dana Moss Mazel Tov on the birth of your daughter by Molot Annie and Bunny Breslow Wishing you Rose Bregman by Rhoda and Mike Aron- Ruth and Irving Aaron Fern Butler by Henry and Maureen Molot good health as you celebrate your 70th wedding son, Ruth and Lawrence Mendell, Carol and In Memory of: Marguerite Neron by Julia Gluck and Ted Anniversary by Ken and Leah Miller Laurie Pascoe Betty Schwalb by Ruth and Irving Aaron Overton In Memory of: Rosalie Shapiro by Ruth and Irving Aaron Sidney Levine by Ken and Leah Miller Rachel Fogel by Andee, Nancy and Steph- anie Fortune R’Fuah Shlema: David Abrams by Ethel Naor and Carol and Bill and Leona Adler Memorial Fund Cally Kardash by Henry and Maureen Irma and Harold Sachs Family Fund Laurie Pascoe In Memory of: Molot R’Fuah Shlema: Barry Tarasofsky by Violet and Ben Segal Kurt Ekler by Marilyn Adler Melanie Nesbitt by Julia Gluck and Ted Cally Kardash by Irma Sachs In Honour of: Flory Benbaruk by Marilyn Adler, Neil and Overton Sharon and David Appotive Mazel Tov on Daniel Blacher Gila Levant Mazel Tov on your Bat Mitzvah Schachter/Ingber Family Fund the birth of your grandson Brayden by Barbara Betty Schwalb by Marilyn Adler by Julia Gluck and Ted Overton In Honour of: David Abrams by Marilyn Adler and Neil Suzan and Marvin Mandell Mazel Tov on and Steve Levinson Cindi and Mark Resnick Mazel Tov on Blacher Moe Greenberg and your 50th Anniversary by Rachel and Howard Ben’s marriage to Hilary by Barbara and Steve Gaston Seropian by Marilyn Adler Elissa Greenberg Iny Fund Schachter Levinson Anna Clarke by Marilyn Adler In Memory of: Sharon and Paul Finn Mazel Tov on Davi- Rose Bregman by Andrea Shabinsky Harold and Lillian Shoihet na being called to the New York Bar Associa- Fred and Esther Ballon Family Fund Borer Memorial Fund R’Fuah Shlema: In Honour of: tion by Barbara and Steve Levinson Henry Ballon by Fred and Esther Ballon Gunner Family Fund Mark and Barbara Siegel Mazel Tov on the Minda and Peter Wershof Mazel Tov on Shelley Schachnow by Fred and Esther In Honour of: engagement of your daughter Taylor to Dovy the birth of your granddaughter by Carol and Ballon Ann Lazear Best wishes on your milestone Chein by David and Jessica Shoihet Laurie Pascoe Birthday by Sol and Estelle Gunner In Memory of: Joanne MacKenzie and Steve Feder Mazel Samuel and Jean Akerman Memorial Joy and Seymour Mender Mazel Tov on the Rose Bregman by Dovid and Jessica Shoihet Tov on the birth of your new grandson by Fund engagement of Jess to Sean by Sol and Estelle Rhoda and Mike Aronson In Memory of: Gunner Label and Leona Silver Family Fund Minda and Peter Wershof Mazel Tov on Freda Hartman by Sheila and Larry R`Fuah Shlema: In Memory of: the birth of your granddaughter by Rhoda and Hartman Marjorie Berman by Sol and Estelle Gunner Rose Bregman by David Silver (Continued on page 24)

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 great opportunity to recognize an event or convey the appropriate sentiment to someone important to you and at the same time support the Lodge. Call orders may be given to Cathie at 728-3990, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. You may also go to: www.hillel-ltc.com and click on the “Donate Now” button to make your donations. Cards may be paid for by Visa or Mastercard. Contributions are tax deductible. 24 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

CIJA and interfaith partners push STEVE MCDONALD, CIJA for national palliative care strategy GUEST COLUMN

he recent debate over medical $3 billion for provincial homecare and a signifi cant fi nancial cost for those Cicely Saunders, a pioneer of the assistance in dying has shed light palliative care), we have suggested that a dealing with one of the most painful modern movement for palliative care, on a largely overlooked but national strategy should also consider aspects of life. once said: “How people die remains in the crucial area of health policy: fl exible tax benefi ts for family caregivers. Experts and parliamentarians report T memory of those who live on.” Just as it is palliative care. Although there are sharp We have done so in partnership with that access and quality in palliative care important to live well, it is vital that we disagreements – including within the various faith communities, including varies signifi cantly across Canada, a ensure that our loved ones arrive at the Jewish community – on the issue of Catholic, Evangelical, and Muslim leaders, situation that is wholly unacceptable, end of their journey in physical comfort, euthanasia, there is a broad consensus who share our concerns regarding given the positive impact effective psychological security and spiritual peace. that all patients should have access to defi ciencies in the palliative care system. palliative care has on the lives of patients A compassionate nation such as Canada high-quality palliative care as an end-of- This is an issue that is only going to and family alike. Having witnessed the can no longer allow its citizens to be life option. grow as Canada’s population ages. extraordinary care my grandmother denied access to quality end-of-life care. Those who have had loved ones who According to Statistics Canada, the growth received in a hospice centre at the end of That’s why CIJA will continue pushing for have been hospice patients will know that rate among Canadians aged 65-plus is four her life, I can attest to the personal a national, well-funded palliative care palliative care is a comprehensive, times higher than the national average. attention, compassion and dignity that strategy. medical approach to ensuring those who Currently, one in six Canadians is over 65; high-quality palliative care offers. May we Steve McDonald is deputy director, are terminally ill live out their days in by 2024, this fi gure will be one in fi ve. all have access to this option at such a communications and public affairs, at the minimal pain and in dignity. Palliative Information from the Canadian Hospice diffi cult juncture in our lives. Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. care includes a wide range of services from Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) pain management to caregiver services to paints a depressing picture of the current psychological, social and spiritual state of palliative care. In 2014, the CHPCA support. estimated that only 15 to 30 per cent of The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Canadians approaching the end of life (CIJA) has made a priority of advocating have access to palliative care, in which for a pan-Canadian palliative care strategy professionals are present to manage one’s that increases the accessibility and quality physical, psychological, social and of palliative care for all Canadians. In spiritual needs. CHPCA further noted that addition to ongoing federal funding (the Canadians pay approximately one-quarter federal government recently earmarked of the expenses involved in palliative care,

HOWAARD SANDLER Chag HaSigd: The Jewish Federation of Ottawa Shinshinim (Israeli youth volunteering in our community for a year of service) organized a Chag HaSigd event, December 1, at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre. Chag Hasigd is an Ethiopian Jewish holiday and the event included a coffee ceremony and special Ethiopian food. Members of Ottawa’s Ethiopian Jewish community, including the Aklilu and Minywab families, participated.

R’Fuah Shlema: Rose Bregman by Debra David Boards of the Lodge and LTC Foundation Cally Kardash by Ellie and Arie Kamil and Brian Mandell, Stephen and Debra Eddy Saslove by Richard Addleman In Honour of: Schneiderman, Frayda and Charles Wiseman, the Edward Shulman by Rhoda and Mike Evelyn Greenberg Mazel Tov on receiv- residents, staff and Boards of the Lodge and LTC Aronson ing the Governor General’s Sovereigns Medal Foundation, Wendy Goodman, Pinchas and Sid Cohen by Stephen and Debra for Volunteers and the Lifetime Achievement Barbara Pleet, Stan and Cathy Levine, Michael Schneiderman (Continued from page ...... ) Award from the Musician’s Association of and Marilyn Wollock, Jozef and Vera Straus, Ottawa by Beth Roodman Sheila Bahar, Lucian and Jackie Sitwell, Golda IN HONOUR OF: Mike Aronson and Ned Steinman and Lana and Stephen Edward and Judith Borts Mazel Tov on Joan Bloom Happy special Birthday by * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tanner your granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah by Golda Diana and Alvin Malomet Shirley Antflick by Phyllis and Bill and Ned Steinman Sam Zunder Happy 90th Birthday by Jon IN MEMORY OF: Cleiman Sunny and John Tavel Mazel Tov on cele- and Sonia Blakey Rosalie Shapiro by Golda and Ned Stein- David Abrams by Stephen Schneiderman, brating your 50th Anniversary by Bill and Jane * * * * * * * * * * * * * * man and Ruth and Dale Fyman Morag Burch and Patty Haas James Lilyan Phillip by Golda and Ned Steinman Hy Pantel by Debra and Stephen Debi Shore Happy special Birthday by Recreation Program Freda Hartman by Sandy and Phillip Gen- Schneiderman Stephen and Debra Schneiderman In Memory of: nis, Evelyn Monson, Sylvia Monson and Cyn- Gaston Seropian by the residents, staff and Joe Levitt Happy 80th Birthday by Phyllis Muriel Putterman by Joy and Gladys Bod- thia Cowan Boards of the Lodge and LTC Foundation, and Bill Cleiman noff Gertrude Pearl by Murray and Caroline Diana and Alvin Malomet and Evelyn Monson Joy and Seymour Mender Mazel Tov on Rose Bregman by Ellie, Arie, Yoni, Yael Cole Anna Clarke by Stephen and Debra the engagement of Jess to Sean by Stephen and and Itzy Kamil Hana Schwalb by Ilana and Eric Rabin Schneiderman and the residents, staff and Debra Schneiderman January 23, 2017 25 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM No U.S. government has done more to alienate Israel

etulant. Petty. And personal. If settlements were indeed the major obstacle to That’s the only way to describe how outgoing peace, then the Palestinians could have had a peace deal U.S. President Barack Obama and outgoing U.S. years ago. Former Israeli prime ministers Ehud Barak PSecretary of State John Kerry used their fi nal BARBARA CROOK and Ehud Olmert were willing to risk Israel’s long-term days in offi ce to punish Israel – and especially Israeli MY ISRAEL security by offering the Palestinian Authority vast Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. amounts of land in exchange for peace. As I speculated in my November 28 column about Olmert was even prepared to divide Jerusalem into what the election of Donald Trump might mean for Israeli- and Palestinian-controlled neighbourhoods, and Israel, Obama decided to make up for eight years of weak to relinquish sovereignty at the Temple Mount and the foreign policy and a complete misunderstanding of the Arab recognition of Israel’s right to exist in secure and entire Old City. Middle East by taking a parting shot at Israel. defensible borders, Israel would cede some of the The Palestinians walked away. When Netanyahu Make that two parting shots. The U.S. decision not to territories it took over in 1967. acceded to the U.S. request for a settlement freeze in veto United Nations Security Council Resolution 2234, Resolution 242 is deliberately phrased to ensure that 2010 as a precondition to resume peace talks, the declaring that Israel has no right to any territory con- Israel would not be expected to cede all of the lands it Palestinian Authority rejected the gesture until the quered in 1967, was soon followed by Kerry’s speech, took control over in the Six Day War,” Glick writes. freeze was about to expire. chastising Israel and blaming settlements for the failure http://tinyurl.com/go5vvgc Focusing on settlements clouds the real issue: The of the peace process. But Resolution 2334 rejects that assumption. It states Palestinian Authority leadership doesn’t really want the By the time you read this, it’s possible that the that Israel has no right to any of the land it took over in pre-1967 borders. It wants things the way they were lame-duck duo will have rallied other countries behind 1967 – including the Western Wall and the Old City. before that pesky Israel became a Jewish state in 1948. their anti-Israel stance, or even let the UN recognize Gee, wasn’t all this supposed to be negotiated in peace “We have refused and still refuse to say that Israel is a “Palestine” and grant it full membership. talks? Now that the UN has declared that Israel has no Jewish state,” senior Palestinian Liberation Organization Desperate politicians do desperate things. right to hold any territory from 1967, there is absolutely offi cial Hanan Ashrawi said in response to Kerry’s Kerry, of course, claims that no U.S. government has no motivation for the Palestinians to return to speech. Ashrawi also rejects any part of Jerusalem as done more for Israel. In fact, no U.S. government has negotiations. Israel’s capital. http://tinyurl.com/jqvnd8f done more to alienate Israel. Israel isn’t doing itself any favours by turning a blind Israel is not blameless. And I fear that Trump’s Scolding Israel on the international stage appears to eye to unauthorized “outposts” deep within territory apparent bromance with Netanyahu and his obsession be the Obama administration’s idea of tough love to that is bound to be part of a future Palestinian state if the with obliterating Obama’s legacy – not to mention his bring Israel to its senses and re-energize the peace elusive two-state solution ever becomes a reality. choice of David Friedman, a vociferous opponent of a process. And it’s foolish to assume that, just because terror two-state solution, as the new ambassador to Israel – will It’s likely to have the opposite effect. And, as much as attacks have decreased dramatically since the construc- encourage the Netanyahu government to move further it’s an attack on Israel, it’s not doing the Palestinians any tion of the separation barrier, there’s no urgency for right. favours either. Israel to try to revive negotiations. That won’t help anyone in the long term. As Caroline Glick of the Jerusalem Post points out, But what the Obama administration consistently But, unless Western politicians acknowledge and Resolution 2334 “effectively abrogates” Resolution 242. failed to acknowledge over the past eight years is the address the real obstacles to peace, there’s no motivation That 1967 resolution stipulated that, in exchange for Palestinian Authority’s role in stalling the peace process. for either side to return to negotiations. Refl ections on death and mourning

nowing that the death of a loved one is Shloshim, and other obligations such as saying the inevitable, early rabbis developed practices for SARAH WAISVISZ Mourner’s Kaddish during a minyan, or remembering death and mourning that are still relevant loved ones during Yizkor services, means that our Ktoday. Although our tradition can seem rigid at DISPATCHES tradition acknowledges that grief and mourning are times, I fi nd there is much that is helpful and meaning- FROM THE ongoing and the pain of loss shifts and changes over time. ful in our Jewish ritual practices for mourning and the Traditional Jews practise other prohibitions especially end of life. DIASPORA in the case of the death of a parent. These practices of Since ancient times, the fi rst thing a Jewish commun- mourning last one year and include not listening to live ity established was sacred burial ground and a place to music, not participating in festive feasts or celebrations, prepare bodies for burial, according to a strict set of While other traditions honour death and grief in their and not cutting beards or hair. Another friend of mine ritual obligations fulfi lled by the Chevra Kadisha, the own ways with sombre funerals, memorial services, told me she found the obligations helpful rather than “holy society” responsible for caring for the bodies of several days of singing and dancing, rousing wakes, or onerous in her state of grief, because she didn’t feel up the dead. Members of the Chevra Kadisha are respon- uplifting “celebrations of life,” few other traditions that I to attending parties and concerts in any case, and her sible for respecting the set of obligations related to know of continue to observe and honour other bench- obligation to forgo them gave her an “out,” a free pass, purifi cation of the deceased’s body, and their work is marks of time for a full year after a death, in particular that she could use in secular society. Like our obliga- especially sacred because the recipient can never return after the death of a parent. tions around food, doing things mindfully and differ- the attention. In December, a few of us held a casual service and ently when we are grieving does not so much remind us Depending on the level of our observance, Jewish ritual in honour of the 30 days that followed the death of of our loss, but rather makes space for it. rituals related to death and mourning can be strict or my friend’s beloved step-father. The term for the 30 days Our tradition is ancient and imperfect, but it is so soft, but they are there for us to take comfort in. The of mourning after a death is Shloshim, and, traditionally, wise. Like our calendar with its seasonally resonant Mourner’s Kaddish is an ancient Aramaic text, but a study service or ritual is held to mark the end of this rhythm of festivals and holidays, and our weekly contemporary prayers, songs and readings exist to period. In our case, it was the only mourning ritual held celebration of Shabbat, living Jewishly can help us feel round out the traditional practices. After a death, the for and by us in Ottawa, since our loved one had died in grounded in our constantly shifting contemporary Shiva lasts seven days, and family, community members Europe. We gathered in my friend’s home to share world. and friends can visit the mourners in their home to stories and memories. We were several generations When we gathered for our Shloshim service, we held share in their grief and offer comfort. Many of us have united and committed to sharing our love and our hopes space for each other. We held space for our love and for been to a Shiva house or participated in a Shiva minyan, for healing. This was the fi rst Shloshim service I had our sorrow, and, in so doing, we held each other up in and we can attest to how meaningful it can be. I like the participated in in a home, but sometimes we hold these compassion. custom of bringing food to a Shiva house, since in our types of events with Or Haneshamah, my congregation, Ufros Aleynu sukkat shelomeha. Shelter us with peace, grief we often can’t take care of ourselves optimally. And when we gather to study a sacred text or topic from a Oh God; let us feel the refuge of your love. when we show up for mourners in their grief, it matters. Jewish perspective, in honour of the deceased. Dedicated to Eelco Buitenhuis, in blessed memory. 26 January 23, 2017 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM Mystery novel is set in a Montreal Chassidic community

The Chassidic Trauma Unit trying to lead a religious life and rabbis trying to control By Abraham Boyarsky how they do it. The shadow of Europe is always there, as 8th House Publishing MURRAY CITRON is the reality of poverty in the Chassidic community. 224 pages Sender’s literary ancestry goes back further than The BOOK REVIEW Maltese Falcon’s Sam Spade. He was brought up by a he Chassidic Trauma Unit, set in a fi ctionalized foster-mother descended from Rabbi Judah ben Bezalel Chassidic community in Montreal, is the latest of Loew, the 16th century Maharal of Prague, creator of the several novels by Abraham Boyarsky, a professor Golem. As this review is being written, Outremont has Tof mathematics at Concordia University. Policemen’s Union by Michael passed a zoning bylaw aimed at The protagonist, Sender Pleskin, is a member of the Chabon and The Maltese Falcon by preventing a new Chassidic shul. A Bubmer Chassidic community, which came from Dashiell Hammett, Sender is legal challenge is expected. If the Hungary to Montreal, and has a shul there on St. Viateur exposed to great danger, but he borough counsellors of Outremont Street, which straddles the Montreal neighbourhoods of solves the mystery, which turns out could have been brought into this Outremont and Mile End, an area populated by several to be plenty sinister. novel, rest assured Sender Pleskin Chassidic groups. A good detective story, besides would have taken care of the Sender began his working life by managing kosher presenting a puzzle, gives the situation. food service at the Jewish General Hospital, and soon reader a feel for the location in I do have one comment about the saw the need for a service run on Chassidic principles to which the story takes place, and book’s style. Boyarsky unnecessarily give advice and assistance to people in all the forms of also for its social ambience. Sender uses English-language versions of distress. He and his assistants are self-taught, but have and his assistants lead us through some terms like ear locks, prayer the respect and co-operation of medical personnel in hospital corridors, and also through shawl, and phylacteries when the Montreal. the winter streets of Montreal, the Yiddish or Hebrew versions are Like other professionals, Sender deals with a lot of more relaxed life of the Eastern more commonly part of the vocabu- cases when in his offi ce. Asked to help a pious lady Townships, and, of course, lary. If the text had used peyes, tallis, whose son has inexplicably lost consciousness in Shacharit, Mincha and Maariv, and or tefi llin, Jewish readers – and, hospital, Sender and his assistants explore a number of some shul intrigue. probably, most gentile readers options. Although pious and strictly observant, Sender The implausible setup is stated – would understand what is meant, is prepared to break rules to fi nd out what he needs to early and keeps getting more and the text, particularly the know, and is willing to visit a nightclub, and even to implausible, so the reader can relax dialogue, would seem less artifi cial. shave off his beard. and have fun along with the author. But this is a Jewish A short glossary for readers who might not know such Showing the infl uence of books like The Yiddish story, and the novel probes confl icts between people words would have done the trick. Stressed out about what to make for dinner? t’s not always easy to get a nutritious, home-cooked delights would appeal to those who keep kosher, she meal on the table. Time management is a skill we certainly had sound knowledge of surviving and may think we’ve mastered; yet, there are days when GLORIA SCHWARTZ thriving off of the land. Iwe simply do the best we can. We’re tired and the FOCUS ON Traill outlines the gamut of practical household kids are hungry, so we order a pizza, grab something at knowledge that a housewife in the backwoods needed the drive-thru or heat up a store-bought processed FITNESS to know. In addition to cooking, she describes tending to meal. Sometimes life can seem like a balancing act, and the sugar bush and making maple syrup; cheese we may feel guilty with our less-than-optimal diets. making; beekeeping and making honey; soap making; We want to eat food that’s appetizing and fl avourful, shearing sheep and using a spinning wheel. Such but also nourishing for ourselves and our children. Next time we’re not feeling in the mood dawn-till-dusk chores would make my head spin! Wouldn’t it be a piece of cake to eat well if only we “The greatest heroine in life is she who, knowing her weren’t over-worked and bombarded with unhealthy to cook, let’s think of how much harder duty, resolves not only to do it, but to do it to the best of temptations? Perhaps people had an easier time sticking it would’ve been in the past. her abilities, with heart and mind bent upon the work,” to a healthy diet a few generations ago, when everything Let’s appreciate what we have writes the author. While I fi nd her commitment and was made from scratch with wholesome, organic enthusiasm inspiring, truthfully, I’m exhausted just ingredients. Let’s put things into perspective by taking a and what our predecessors did not, thinking about the endless effort required to get food on glance back at how Canadians fed themselves and their namely far more food choices the table. families long before today’s modern conveniences were and less domestic drudgery. For better or for worse, we live in modern times. Most invented. of us can purchase milk, eggs, butter, bread, meat, This year – 2017 – marks Canada’s sesquicentennial, even make the yeast. In fact, unless you lived in a city, spices, local produce as well as exotic fruits and vege- the 150th anniversary of Confederation. That got me almost everything you and your family needed to tables from faraway lands – pretty much whatever we thinking about what life in Canada may have been like survive had to be cultivated, harvested, raised, trapped, desire. We can order groceries with a phone call or in the 1800s. What did average Canadians eat? Where shot, plucked, scaled, butchered, gutted, picked, online, or drive or bus to a nearby superstore for did they get their food? How did they prepare it? What chopped, preserved and cooked with your own hands. one-stop shopping. Technology and innovation have challenges did they face and how do those challenges Traill describes a number of wild [and non-kosher] given us incredible conveniences for food preparation compare to our present-day reality? animals that newcomers could consider as food, such as and related tasks that we take for granted – such as In The Canadian Emigrant Housekeeper’s Guide, bear, woodchuck and groundhog. She provides many freezers, microwave ovens, dishwashers, even the lowly published in 1861 by Mrs. C. P. Traill, the author cooking suggestions, including making delectable pies can opener. These would’ve been unimaginable to Traill describes what prospective settlers’ wives could expect out of pigeons. In those days, there was no refrigeration, and her contemporaries. when they arrived in rural Canada. If you fi nd it annoy- just root cellars. Meat could be dried or cured, but Next time we’re not feeling in the mood to cook, let’s ing to have to drive to the grocery store in a blizzard “when fresh meat is scarce, as it often is in the woods, think of how much harder it would’ve been in the past. because you ran out of bread, imagine living in a time the black and even the red squirrel may be eaten, as a Let’s appreciate what we have and what our predeces- when you not only had to bake the bread, but the wholesome change of diet … They are roasted like sors did not, namely far more food choices and less ingredients were not readily available. You would’ve had rabbits, or cut in pieces and fried, fricasseed, or made domestic drudgery. And those are good things if you to collect the eggs, milk the cows, churn the butter and into stews or pies.” While not all of Traill’s culinary don’t care for squirrel. January 23, 2017 27 OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM

what’s going on | January 23 to February 5, 2017 FOR MORE CALENDAR LISTINGS, VISIT WWW.OTTAWAJEWISHBULLETIN.COM/EVENTS AND WWW.JEWISHOTTAWA.COM/COMMUNITY-CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 www.mitzvahdayottawa.com. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Soloway JCC AGM and Awards Night: Soloway JCC Info: Rena Garshowitz, 613-798-4696, ext. 241, Modern Dilemmas. Talmudic Debates. Your Solutions. Annual General Meeting and Awards Night, in recogni- [email protected] Apply mind-bending, brain-twisting, hair-splitting tion of SJCC volunteers and community leaders, 7 pm. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Talmudic reasoning to solve real-life modern dilemmas Info: Maxine Miska, 613-798-9818, ext 263, – situations that happened yet seem impossible to solve. Hatikvah: Where Lies the Hope for Israel’s Survival? [email protected] What do you do when your gut tells you one thing and A talk with peace activist Simon Rosenblum, co-chair of your brain tells you another? Women’s Torah Study with Rabbi Zuker: Join Rabbi Canadian Friends of Peace Now and a semi-retired Ottawa Torah Centre, 111 Lamplighters Dr., 7 pm. Deborah Zuker in her home for a monthly Women’s foreign policy analyst. He contends that “only a return Info: Rabbi Menachem Blum, 613-843-7770, Torah Study, on subjects related to women in the Torah to Israel’s founding values can save the state from [email protected] and Jewish tradition. Members and non-members disastrous consequences.” welcome.Also March 1, March 29, April 26, June 21, 7 pm. Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Dr., 7 pm. SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Info/RSVP: Rabbi Deborah Zuker, Info: Gabriella Goliger, 613-222-3838, [email protected] OJCS Dance for Haiti Fundraiser: Join the students of [email protected] the Ottawa Jewish Community School in a dance party Simple Truths–Pivotal Jewish Insights for Centred COMING SOON to raise funds for Save the Children Haiti. Dee Ciple will Living: Simple Truths explores fundamental Jewish THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 lead you through easy-to-follow fun dance moves. viewpoints that help us be victorious in our everyday Panel Discussion – Hate Speech & Hate Crimes: Breakfast available. Fun for everyone. struggles by fi nding our centre and aligning with our Presented by the Bora Laskin Law Society with The OJCS, 31 Nadolny Sachs Pvt., 9:30 am. inner truth. Series of 7 lectures, geared for women. Lawrence Greenspon, Andrea Freedman, Ewart Walters Info: Estelle Melzer, 613-722-0721, Jewish Youth Library of Ottawa, 192 Switzer Ave., and Robert Yip, 7 pm. [email protected] 7:30 pm. Also February 2, 9 am. Info/RSVP: Tamara Mosher-Kuczer, CANDLE LIGHTING BEFORE Info: Devora Caytak, 613-729-7712, [email protected] offi [email protected] JANUARY 27 4:42 PM FEBRUARY 17 5:12 PM SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 FEBRUARY 3 4:52 PM FEBRUARY 24 5:22 PM SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 JNF Canada Tu Bi’Shevat Telethon: FEBRUARY 10 5:02 PM MARCH 3 5:32 PM Mitzvah Day: This Tu Bi’Shevat, plant a tree, buy a Tree Bank or BULLETIN DEADLINES Celebrating Canada’s 150th with activities for all ages. consider supporting your own project through a Legacy WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 FOR FEBRUARY 20 Soloway JCC, 21 Nadolny Sachs Pvt., 9 am. Gift when our volunteers call., 10 am to 3:30 pm. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 ** FOR MARCH 6 Register for or volunteer to help run an activity at Info: Ilana Albert-Novick, 613-798-2411, [email protected] * Early deadline: Community-wide Issue ** Early deadline: holiday closures

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

condolences

Condolences are extended to the families of: The Condolence Column David Abrams Margaret Koffman Edgar Saslove is offered as a public service Rose Bregman Herbert Horace Lewis Beulah Wagman to the community. There is no Fern Butler Hyman Mestel charge. For listing in this column, Sid Cohen Morel Oprisan May their memory please call 613 798-4696, ext. 274. Frances Karanofsky B. Martin Sage be a blessing always. Voice mail is available.

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