blue - 300 c TUgree n - BI’SHEVAT362 c TELETHON brown - 1535 c Call today to place your Restore forests. Help us build Israel. FEBRUARY 9, 2020 Passover Greetings! [email protected] 613.798.2411 Call 613-798-4696, ext. 256 Ottawa Jewish Bulletin

FEBRUARY 10, 2020 | SHEVAT 15, 5780 ESTABLISHED 1937 | $2 What does ‘inclusion’ mean for Jews?

Harvey Goldberg, a retired senior policy analyst at the Canadian Human Rights Commission, provides an overview on February’s Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) in Ottawa.

ewish Disability Awareness, Accep- person who uses a wheelchair to have tance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) an aliya, a Jewish school or camp that is a long title for the simple idea will not accommodate a child who Jthat inclusion matters, and that our learns differently, or a concern that peo- community is stronger when everyone ple with a mental health condition will has a chance to participate and contrib- “disrupt” a community program, people ute. JDAIM is a time to reflect on the with disabilities face barriers to inclu- barriers, social, attitudinal and physical, sion every day. that make it difficult for people with dis- But change is happening. A commu- abilities and mental health conditions to nity-wide conference held last April, be involved in Jewish life and a time to “Pushing the Boundaries: Disability, resolve to remove them. Inclusion and the Ottawa Jewish Com- So what does inclusion mean for munity” provided the momentum. The HOWARD SANDLER Jews? A quote from the Talmud sums it goal of the conference – co-sponsored by Folksinger Craig Cardiff and choir director Deborah Davis lead the Tamir Neshama Choir in up well: the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Jewish singing Cardiff’s song, “Safe Here,” during Tamir’s Stepping Out in Style 2.0 fashion show, A human being mints many coins from Family Services of Ottawa (JFS), the Jew- November 4, 2019 at the Canadian Museum of History. the same mold and each one is the same, ish Ottawa Inclusion Network (JOIN) but the Holy One, blessed be God, strikes and Tamir – was to educate about the us all from the mold of the first human barriers faced by people with disabili- For more on JDAIM, see support volunteers in promoting and and each one of us is unique. Therefore, ties, present best practices that foster articles and columns on advancing the inclusion agenda. One of every single person is obligated to say, inclusion, and help to inspire innovation pages 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 14 and 16. the first priorities of the CIJL is to lay “The world was created for my sake.” in the Jewish community. the groundwork for hiring an inclusion (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5). And the push has paid off. The spon- tions in the community to participate in specialist for Ottawa. We are all – people with disabilities sors of the conference have continued the committee’s work has been warmly • More immediately, exciting activities and those who do not yet have a disabili- to meet, and with the facilitation of Fed- received. If your synagogue, school, or have been planned to mark JDAIM in ty – created in the image of the Holy One. eration, have agreed to create the Com- agency has not yet joined in, make sure Ottawa. Throughout February, watch Unfortunately, inclusion has not mittee on Inclusive Jewish Life (CIJL) they do. the Facebook feeds of Tamir, JOIN, always been high on the Jewish com- with a mandate to promote inclusion Jewish communities in Montreal, JFS and Federation to see videos of munal agenda. Whether it be a raised for all members of our community. The Toronto and several U.S. cities have community members explaining bimah that makes it impossible for a committee’s invitation to other institu- dedicated Jewish staff professionals to See JDAIM on page 8

International Holocaust Limmud Ottawa 2020 to offer Key points of Trump’s peace plan, inside: Remembrance Day in Ottawa > p. 2 speakers from near and far > p. 16 explained > p. 20 February 10, 2020 2 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN It is easy for memories to fade into nothing Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter gave moving testimony at Ottawa’s International Holocaust Remembrance Day program. Dana Simpson reports.

n 2005, the United Nations designated the anniver- sary of the January 27, 1945 liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazis’ largest death camp, as the annual Inter- national Holocaust Remembrance Day. IIn Ottawa, about 300 people gathered at Library and Archives Canada, January 27, to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz at an event organized by Library and Archives Canada, the Centre for Jewish and International Affairs (CIJA), the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, and the Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship at Carleton University. The keynote speaker was Holocaust survivor Pin- chas Gutter. His story spanned 88 years, eight coun- FACEBOOK tries, countless untimely deaths, and one concentra- Attendees at the International Holocaust Remembrance Day program, Jan. 27, at Library and Archives Canada, participate in the tion camp bar mitzvah. #WeRemember social media campaign. Recalling his boyhood as the Second World War broke out, Gutter told a story of living in the Warsaw ghetto before he was deported to the Majdanek death the evening. camp in 1943. In 1943, the Gutters were deported to Majdanek, “By the end of 1941, the ghetto could only be where all except for Pinchas were murdered upon described as an apocalyptic hell,” said Gutter. arrival. But he distinctly remembers one moment of plea- Choked up with emotion, Gutter reminded the audi- sure in which, while running through the open, nearly ence how easy it is for memories to fade into nothing. destroyed buildings of the ghetto, he found a book. “For some reason my brain has shut out all memory This book had no cover, but at the top of one of the of my sister,” said Gutter of his twin, Sabina, whose pages was the name “Scarlett O’Hara.” long blond hair was tied back the day she was mur- “I read it avidly over and over again,” said Gutter. dered. “And I can’t remember anything except that “It was only after the war when I saw a movie that I braid. That’s all I remember.” learned the book I had read was Gone with the Wind. After avoiding constant selections and escaping his Much later, the irony struck me. My world and much would-be death with the help of an ally, Gutter was lib- else had gone with the wind.” erated by the Soviet army on May 8, 1945. This memory would set the tone for the rest of For 60 years, Gutter shared very little of his story. But since 2005, he has taken part in the March of the Living multiple times, given speeches, and was the DANA SIMPSON subject of a film, “The Last Goodbye,” which was dedi- Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter tells his story at the cated to the memory of his twin sister. International Holocaust Remembrance Day program, Jan. 27, He has also offered his form and memory to a holo- at Library and Archives Canada. gram so that he will continue to teach as a witness to the Holocaust after his passing. Gutter says it is important for people to learn directly from witnesses Canada, said that acknowledging and remembering the but notes “the survivors will not live forever.” Holocaust is crucial to the future. He hopes that technology will be the way to main- “We believe that preserving the memory of and edu- tain the personal connection to the past and continue cating about the Holocaust is essential to the mission THE TRADITION CONTINUES to educate everyone about the Holocaust for even lon- of ‘Never Again,’” said McIntosh. “Only by learning Rideau Bakery Bread is available at all ger than humanly possible. from past human travesties can we expect to develop “If the Holocaust is to have any positive value at as a free and democratic society.” Farm Boy locations. Made with the same all, it’s in its role of Holocaust education,” said Gut- In his closing remarks, Martin Sampson, vice-pres- starter, same recipes and same ter. “If you and I draw value from the lessons of the ident (communications) of CIJA, echoed that senti- Holocaust, that’s one of the best means of defence, I ment. Team Members as before. believe, against the difficult, often dangerous world “One of the things that links us is the deeply held that we are living in at the moment.” belief that antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem,” Gutter ended his presentation saying, “Regardless said Sampson. “Antisemitism infects and destroys soci- of the difficulties, we must never cease to attempt to eties… [and] we have to fight it at every opportunity.” Visit FARMBOY.CA to find restore the world to a better health and try to light the As the event ended, attendees stood together to par- a location near you! path to a better future.” ticipate in the International Holocaust Remembrance During his opening remarks, Robert McIntosh, Day social media campaign and held up signs with the director general (Archives) at Library and Archives hashtag #WeRemember. February 10, 2020 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 3

Calling all artists! We’re looking for new card designs!

The Jewish calendar is filled with a rich variety of holidays. The National Holocaust Monument was defaced with thrown eggs on January 29. The incident From upcoming Purim in March and Passover in April, there occurred just two days after International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Ottawa Police were are always reasons and occasions to send a Tribute card. called to the scene and are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

To help us celebrate these holidays and all of life’s moments, the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation is Ottawa Police reinstates looking for new card designs and we would love your input!

Hate Crimes Section Please send us your original artwork and help us design brand new cards! BY MICHAEL REGENSTREIF to incidents of hate will have a far-reach- EDITOR ing impact on the well-being of our n an announcement January 23, the communities… We know that hate-mo- All cards will be printed on recycled paper. Designs should Ottawa Police Service announced tivated crimes are often under-reported. be submitted in a high-resolution image, suitable to be the reintroduction of its Hate Crimes We want people to know that we take Section. such incidents seriously and we are here printed on 5“ x 7” cards. IThe reintroduction of dedicated hate to help.” crimes officers is one of several changes According to the announcement, Explicitly Jewish imagery is not required, but is an asset. to Ottawa Police Services that have been “Officers in the Hate Crime Section will Consider images suitable for celebrations, sympathy, announced since Chief Peter Sloly was monitor and triage all incoming reports sworn in last October 28. to ensure a timely, consistent and effec- encouragement, wishes for good health, as well as Jewish “We are very pleased that the Ottawa tive response to all hate-motivated inci- holidays. Police Service is reinstating a specialized dents in the city. The section will focus Hate Crimes Section. Specially desig- on the prevention of hate-motivated nated units and sections ensure that incidents through public education, For more details visit our website, or email hate-motivated crimes are investigated outreach, and the development of intel- Nathaniel at [email protected]. by officers equipped with the knowl- ligence to address extremism. It partners edge, experience, and resources nec- with the province’s Community Safety essary to address such incidents,” said and Well-Being plan, and includes shar- All chosen designs will carry the artist’s name and will be Jewish Federation of Ottawa President ing of information with other police ser- featured on our website, on social media and will be and CEO Andrea Freedman in response vices in the Nation’s Capital.” published in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin. to the announcement. The importance of the Hate Crimes “Sarah Caspi, CEO of Jewish Family Section was underscored in the days Services of Ottawa, and I had the oppor- after the announcement when the tunity to meet with Chief Sloly and his National Holocaust Monument was senior leadership, along with leaders defaced with thrown eggs on January 29 from other at-risk communities as the and an Indigenous art piece at Algon- new policies were brought forward,” quin College was defaced with yellow added Freedman. “These are critical- paint on January 30. Police are investi- ly important measures that Ottawa gating both incidents as hate crimes. Police Services is taking and it is clear, “The bolstering of hate crime units that under Chief Sloly, OPS is deeply has long been an advocacy priority for committed to combatting hatred, in all both CIJA [Centre for Israel and Jewish forms in our nation’s capital. While the Affairs] and Federation, and we com- rise in antisemitism is deeply disturbing, mend the Ottawa Police Service for the Jewish community has a real partner taking this important step. We will con- in the OPS.” tinue to encourage other jurisdictions “As a result of community and stake- to follow in Ottawa’s lead, and establish holder feedback, we’re adding two new hate crime sections in their cities and Hate Crime investigators to the Security municipalities,” said CIJA Vice-President Intelligence Section to help identify (Communications) Martin Sampson. trends and community safety concerns,” According to Ottawa Police Services, said Sloly. “We re-evaluated how we there were 110 reports of hate crime in accepted hate-motivated incidents from the city in 2019, an increase from 104 in the public and we know that responding 2018 and 95 in 2017. February 10, 2020 4 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN

Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month Lessons on how we should treat people with disabilities begin in Bible, expert explains Ora Horn Prouser, who ing attention and focusing on tasks, and responding with acceptance and com- has trouble sitting still. passion. speaks at the SJCC “I went to a lecture where the speak- Horn Prouser plans to begin her er said Esau was ‘impulsive.’ I leaned address in Ottawa by providing an on February 20, says over and said ‘Ha, Esau had ADHD.’ I understanding of disabilities in the Bible put it together. I really was joking at the and then move into “our responsibility the Bible has much to time, but I loved that lecture and was to the full contemporary Jewish commu- teach us about disabil- thinking about the topic. I realized that nity.” right there in the biblical text, the per- “The text contains a fair number of ities and inclusivity. sonality type has always been there.” characters with a number of disabilities. Horn Prouser did further study, look- It really enhances and widens our under- Louise Rachlis reports. ing for other references in the Bible to standing of what it means to be in God’s people differently involved. Disability image in a beautiful way,” she said.” hile we sometimes see studies was still relatively new, she said, “For example, Jacob the Patriarch was the issue of disability as and not a lot of information was available. physically disabled after an altercation “being of today,” says Ora Ora Horn Prouser is academic dean of the “Once I started, it was very enlight- and had a limp. When we study these Horn Prouser, “it has been Academy for Jewish Religion in New York. ening both from a scholarly point of texts in general, people will think Moshe Wimportant for millennia.” view, and then regarding the contempo- had a speech issue – but he had it his Horn Prouser, CEO and academic rary Jewish community, and what our whole life. How did it impact the rest dean of the Academy for Jewish Religion of Ottawa, JOIN (Jewish Ottawa Inclu- responsibilities are. It impacts on our of his life? Jacob continued to have that in Yonkers, N.Y., is keynote speaker at sion Network), Jewish Family Services of communal priorities in terms of serving limp. We forget that these characters are “Limping Toward the Promised Land: Ottawa and Kehillat Beth Israel. all communities.” full individuals.” How the Bible Pioneers Inclusion,” a Horn Prouser told the Ottawa Jewish Horn Prouser served as adjunct facul- She hopes to make her Ottawa audi- Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance Bulletin that her interest in the topic ty at the Jewish Theological Seminary for ence “really feel that inclusivity is deep- and Inclusion Month event taking place was piqued when her family was young. 20 years and has consulted on the devel- ly Jewish, and to be really proud of our Thursday, February 20, 7 pm, at the Solo- “I was very involved in my children’s opment of Bible curriculum through the ancient text… I hope it will make peo- way Jewish Community Centre (SJCC). schooling, at the day school in our area, Matok Torah Curriculum Development ple go back and look at the Biblical text She is the author of Esau’s Blessing: where it was very clear to me that the Project and the Day School Hebrew Bible they know and are already comfortable How the Bible embraces those with Spe- children, even with minor disabilities, Curriculum Project. with, and find new things.” cial Needs, as well as many articles about were not receiving the services that were In Esau’s Blessing, Horn Prouser looks Tickets for “Limping Toward the making the Bible speak to existential needed,” she said. at Biblical characters who exhibit signs Promised Land: How the Bible Pioneers concerns, specifically regarding ethical She began doing a lot of reading of ADHD, depression, intellectual dis- Inclusion” with Ora Horn Prouser are dilemmas and individual growth. about disabilities like attention deficit abilities, speech impediments, gifted $18 and available at www.tamir.ca or The event is presented by Tamir and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condi- learning, and physical disabilities, and by contacting Jodi Green at jodigreen@ co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation tion in which a person has trouble pay- discusses how the Bible can guide us in tamir.ca or 613-725-3519, ext. 115. Inclusion is about connections

Tamir mission statement: “Tamir is a During the week-long conference, he has the whole service memorized, proud and caring team of participants, participants learn about trends in the he could not read Hebrew. Recently, he families, volunteers and professionals field, examine how they may become asked for help to learn. dedicated to assisting people with better leaders and network, all with the Through community connections, developmental disabilities realize backdrop of improving the lives of the a teacher was found for Lee and class- their potential in a supportive Jewish people we support. es began last October. Since then, his environment through opportunities A major theme of the conference Hebrew skills have greatly improved, for personal growth and community was community inclusion. All week I but what’s more special is that he and involvement.” was thinking about ways Tamir and our the teacher have formed a friendship. Ottawa community might work together “I recently started teaching Hebrew BY JODI GREEN better to improve inclusion. What poli- to Lee and it has been one of the most TAMIR COORDINATOR OF cies and practices could be designed to beautiful experiences I have ever had in JUDAIC OUTREACH AND INCLUSION identify and remove physical, commu- my life. We have had some very interest- wice annually, the National nication, and attitudinal barriers that ing conversations on halachah and other Consortium on Developmental hamper the ability of people with devel- topics pertaining to the Jewish holidays. Disabilities holds its Leadership opmental and other disabilities to fully I look forward to seeing Lee weekly and Institute at the University of Del- participate and experience a deep sense spending this special time,” said Marian Taware. The Consortium is a partnership of belonging and attachment to Jewish Leimovici. of 17 national developmental disabilities life? Lee’s new learning experience, organizations and is the North Ameri- Lee Waxman is one of the three orig- and their new friendship, came about can centre for research and leadership inal residents of Tamir. He has been a through community connections, com- training for professionals in the field. member of Agudath Israel, now Kehillat munity partnership. It was a meeting Hebrew teacher Marian Leimovici says This year, I was privileged to be the third Beth Israel, for 35 years. He is a regular with an executive director that led to a friendship with her student, Tamir participant Tamir representative in recent years to at Shabbat services and cherishes Sat- meeting with a rabbi that led to identi- Lee Waxman, is “one of the most beautiful attend the Institute alongside 28 profes- urday mornings with the congregation. fying the Hebrew teacher. experiences I have ever had in my life.” sionals from across North America. However, one thing was missing. While See Tamir on page 14 February 10, 2020 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 5

Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month ‘Inclusion enthusiasts’ JOIN together to create positive change

“The purpose of JOIN is to create a including “Disability Rights 101” with network of mutual support for families Harvey Goldberg, which was held Jan- dealing with the joys and challenges uary 30 at Jewish Family Services of of raising exceptional children,” says Ottawa. Among the attendees at their Rabbi Deborah Zuker. workshops are parents, teachers and educators from the community, as well BY LOUISE RACHLIS as therapists and others both inside and outside the Jewish community. hen Madelaine Hill Wer- They have also arranged social events ier once went to sign up that included children of all abilities and her special needs child to participated in events like Mitzvah Day participate in a general pro- where their “Sensory Squad” provided Wgram, she recalls being told, “We don’t sensory break stations at busy commu- do that here.” Fortunately, such negative nity children’s events, and community experiences are not often the case. education about sensory sensitivities. “I have experienced some great The quiet area lets kids regroup and examples of inclusion for my kids with- then return to the activities. in the community,” said Hill Werier, a JOIN has a Facebook page and is in the co-founder of the Jewish Ottawa Inclu- process of forming a board of directors. sion Network (JOIN). “I feel embraced “Experiencing discrimination or and welcomed by my synagogue, our exclusion in a faith community, especial- schools, and camps. It’s not always that ly concerning one’s child, is profoundly way, however, and it never fails to shock (From left) Ruchama Uzan, Madeleine Hill Werier and Rabbi Deborah Zuker founded JOIN to hurtful and devastating,” said Hill Wer- me when exclusion or discrimination advocate for the inclusion of special needs children in Jewish community life. ier. “Using our shared lived experience does occur.” and engaging other families in our com- JOIN is collaborating with the Jewish munity, we are creating positive change Federation of Ottawa, Tamir, Jewish and schedules allow.” had productive outcomes, there is still in our community. It’s a gradual shift but Family Services of Ottawa and Kehillat “The purpose of JOIN is to create a “a long road ahead to take the advocacy it is happening. JOIN has participated Beth Israel to sponsor Jewish Disability network of mutual support for families from basic permission to systems and in some wonderful collaborations and is Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion dealing with the joys and challenges of institutions inviting and welcoming our continuing to find community partners Month in the city. raising exceptional children,” said Rabbi kids and families.” who share our desire for inclusion. It is a Hill Werier says that although those Zuker. “Too often we come up against JOIN has held several workshops – beautiful thing.” negative moments “temporarily stun roadblocks for our children and can feel and sting,” they also “inspire and drive quite alone. Knowing others who have us to put the daily hours into our JOIN been there before, and who have insight endeavours. Being there for other fam- to share, builds power and makes us ilies when they have those moments is each better parents and advocates. Our another rewarding part of this work.” children belong in our shared Jewish Hill Werier, Rabbi Deborah Zuker and spaces as much as any children do, and Ruchama Uzan, all mothers of special those spaces – not the children – can needs children, founded JOIN in Decem- make this happen by committing to ber 2017. deep principles of inclusion.” Limping Toward the Promised Land: The self-described “inclusion enthusi- “JOIN also seeks to raise the profile How the Bible Pioneers Inclusion asts” created JOIN to advocate, network of disability inclusion for people of all and develop programs for the inclusion ages in our Ottawa Jewish community,” JOIN TAMIR’S JDAIM INITIATIVE! of children with diverse abilities in Otta- said Rabbi Zuker. “We have seen that wa’s Jewish community. while most have good intentions, there “Thinking about some biblical characters as “We all had children who attended is too much ‘old thinking’ about what is individuals with disabilities has contributed Ganon Preschool at the Soloway Jew- possible, who belongs, and how to make a great deal to our understanding of the ish Community Centre and knew each that happen.” importance of diversity and inclusiveness other,” said Hill Werier. “Rabbi Zuker “Our kids inspired us to do this, but in the Jewish world.” and I have children with similar issues our work doesn’t have to always be and noticed there was an opportunity to about our own individual children,” - Dr. Ora Horn Prouser fill a gap in our community. Ru seemed explained Hill Werier. “We’ve all had #jdaim2020 #jewishottawa #inclusionmatters like a good third person and she was experiences, positive and negative, that very enthusiastic.” have lit the fires for advocacy and volun- Rabbi Zuker, associate rabbi at Kehil- teer work.” THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 • 7:00 - 8:30 PM lat Beth Israel, has two children, Uzan “We have had to advocate for inclu- Soloway JCC, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa has four and Hill Werier has two. The sive placements for our son in both busy mothers took a bit of time to figure public school and private schools,” $18 in advance • $25 cash at the door out what would be most “impactful” said Uzan, owner of A Dashing Pinch, Contact Jodi Green at 613-725-3519 x115 and the best use of their time. a kosher caterer. “We have advocated [email protected] “We all have different professional for camp and extracurricular activities. experience,” said Hill Werier. “We’re not JOIN has helped as a place for support Get your tickets TODAY: www.tamir.ca/events social workers or psychologists, we’re through the processes. A place where it parents. The best way for us to be useful is OK to not be OK with the status quo. is to connect people to other people, Where ideas are shared in a proactive and to be a constant and positive advo- and supportive way.” cate for inclusion whenever our energy While Uzan says JOIN’s advocacy has February 10, 2020 6 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN

ion show in November. ‘Inclusion is not an end – In that respect, we do not do things for people with disabilities or mental health conditions. We do things with it leads to belonging’ people with disabilities and mental health conditions. JDAIM is a time to recognizes and embraces the need to they want to belong to their Jewish com- teach our organizations that inclusion embrace all of our people. We are striv- munity. Having a disability or mental is simply treating people as individuals, ing to create a welcoming and inclusive health condition must never be used as a not as a group of “those” people whose community for all people. Here’s some reason to exclude someone from meaning- needs can be met through special pro- of what that means: ful participation and contribution to this grams or occasional visits to synagogues. We all have the right to choose our wonderful place we call “The Jewish Com- Just like you, people with disabilities can

FEDERATION FEDERATION REPORT own Jewish journey. Sometimes that munity.” Everyone has gifts to share as and must make decisions about how MICHAEL POLOWIN, CHAIR, journey will be harder, as people work to well as needs for comfort and community. they participate in Jewish life. JEWISH FEDERATION OF OTTAWA deal with their personal situations. We How have we done this already? Fed- Inclusion is not an end. It leads to recognize that, and we will continue to eration was a major sponsor of the won- belonging. e were all at Mount Sinai. strive to make it easier, even though that derful “Pushing the Boundaries: Disabil- Recognizing Jewish Disability Aware- Our traditions hold that will be an evolution, not a revolution. ity, Inclusion in the Jewish Community” ness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month at the time of receiving We encourage empathy and a welcom- conference. We are partners with the is only the first step. What you, your the Torah from Hashem, ing spirit, while urging all Jews to wel- Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs friends or organization does in the next Wall Jews, past, present and future, were come people with disabilities and mental (CIJA) in its efforts to advocate for peo- 11 months will determine your commit- there to receive it. Those confronting health conditions into their communities ple with disabilities and mental health ment to ensuring that all people feel that disabilities or mental health conditions and personal lives. We will include people conditions. That was a salient part of the they belong. were there with all of us. with disabilities and mental health condi- questions posed by Federation and CIJA Belonging to our community has February is Jewish Disability Aware- tions in all aspects of communal life. of the political parties in our last federal always been important to me. I trust that ness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month Federation will advocate for the rights election. We support Tamir financially, it is for you. Those confronting disabili- (JDAIM). It is a month where we rec- of people with disabilities and mental and support their efforts to better the ties or mental health conditions are no ognize that all of our people are, our health conditions, and support them in lives of their members. Personally, it was different. They aren’t “just like” you and people. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa making their own decisions about how a great joy to participate in Tamir’s fash- me. They are you and me.

Parshat Yitro – Our most Ottawa Jewish Bulletin central defining moment VOLUME 84 | ISSUE 7 Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, K2A 1R9 Tel: 613 798-4696 | Fax: 613 798-4730 river and brings him up. The second adopted at a very young age into a dif- Email: [email protected] is his wife Tzipporah, daughter of the ferent culture, and whose closest sibling Published 19 times per year. Midianite priest Yitro, whose name during his childhood years was not © Copyright 2020 identifies the parshah in which the Aaron but the son of the Pharaoh, who PUBLISHER Torah is given. There is rich meaning was enslaving his people of origin. Look- Andrea Freedman to be derived from this name heading ing at our biblical narrative in this way EDITOR Michael Regenstreif

FROM THE THE FROM PULPIT the parshah, chapters and verses of the helps us see more fully the impact many PRODUCTION CONSULTANT RABBI ELIZABETH BOLTON, most central defining moment of Jew- of our own community’s children and Patti Moran ish peoplehood. parents, in the fullness of their stories. OR HANESHAMAH BUSINESS MANAGER “Yitros” and “Tzipporahs” abide Jayne K. Guberman and Jennifer Sar- Eddie Peltzman he book of Exodus contains in our communities, our families, our tori, founders of the Adoption and Jew- many familiar stories, ones synagogues and chavurot. Though their ish Identity Project put it this way: that come with enduring iconic origins are in other tribes, they bring up “The biblical narrative in fact The Bulletin, established in 1937 as “a force imagery: the Hebrew baby, who Jewish children, marry Jewish partners, recounts a very complicated adoption for constructive communal consciousness,” communicates the messages of the Jewish Twould become the great leader, floating and live lives that are deeply impacted story. With its traumatic passages back Federation of Ottawa and its agencies and, as in a basket on the river Nile; Moses slay- by Jewish life cycles and year cycles. and forth, from one mother and one the city’s only Jewish newspaper, welcomes a ing a cruel taskmaster who is beating Some chose to stay affiliated with their identity to another, this foundational diversity of opinion as it strives to inform and enrich the community. Viewpoints expressed a fellow Hebrew; the shepherd Moshe, own tribes, some formally convert, yet story of the Jewish people may reso- in these pages do not necessarily represent awed by the bush on fire, called by the all are living some form of the pledge nate in complex ways with all mem- the policies and values of the Federation. Divine voice to free his people back in offered by Ruth, who declares to her bers of the adoption triad: adoptees, The Bulletin cannot vouch for the kashrut Mitzrayim; the river divided for the Isra- mother-in-law: “Wherever you go, I will their adoptive families, and their birth of advertised products or establishments elites to escape on dry land; and the most go. Your people will be my people.” families… In an age of increasing Jew- unless they are certified by Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut or a rabbinic authority recognized magnificent gift of Torah, with the people At the core of these experiences and ish diversity and boundary-crossing, by OVH. assembled at the base of Mount Sinai. the layers in our peoples’ narrative is the reading the story of Moses through $36 Local Subscription | $40 Canada Woven through these stories are notion that folks from varied tribes can an adoption lens may lend richness to $60 USA | $179 Overseas | $2 per issue also the stories of the women and men walk a common path, one of integrity, our understanding of this foundational Funded by the Government of Canada. in Moshe’s life who come from other sacred experiences and shared humanity. text and a more nuanced sense of the tribes. While his mother Yocheved and Contemporary Jewish life is complex source of his greatness.” ISSN: 1196-1929 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40018822 sister Miriam clearly had the foresight, and nuanced. Terms like interfaith, con- Nuance and complexity. Diversity and the plan, for saving the newborn cepts like conversion, or Jew-by-choice, and boundary-crossing. This is part of Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Ottawa Jewish Bulletin boy’s life, figures from other tribes play or families-formed-by-adoption do not our origin story as well as the contem- 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, critical roles in his life’s journey. do justice to the layers of experiences porary Jewish story, and the Jewish Ottawa ON K2A 1R9 The first is Pharaoh’s daughter, who in our families’ lives. future. Our people are enriched by the plucks the baby in the basket from the Think back to Moshe, who was Yitros and Tzipporahs in our lives. February 10, 2020 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 7

Israel’s election and Trump’s peace plan premiership or a third Israeli election in uary 28, with it obvious that a majority Arab Emirates and Oman – attended less than a year. of the Knesset would not support him, the White House event unveiling that Attempts to form a unity govern- Netanyahu withdrew the immunity plan. I would agree with analysts who ment failed. Blue and White insisted request and Attorney General Avichai suggest their attendance signals that that it would not form a unity govern- Mandelblit immediately filed charges the Palestinian issue has become less ment with Likud under Netanyahu as of fraud, breach of trust and bribery important to them than threats from long as Netanyahu faced the possibility against Netanyahu. Iran. Opposition to Iranian hegemony of criminal charges in several corrup- The charges were filed as Netanyahu in the Middle East has opened the door tion cases. They would have been open was in Washington for U.S. President to improved relations between Israel

FROM THE THE FROM EDITOR to an agreement with Likud if the Donald Trump’s unveiling of what he’d and parts of the Arab world. MICHAEL REGENSTREIF prime minister stepped aside, at least promoted for three years as the “Deal of The timing of the plan’s release was until he was cleared of criminal wrong- the Century” for peace between Israel telling. It came on a day when Trump doing. Netanyahu, for his part, refused and the Palestinians. was on trial in the U.S. Senate for t’s been three months since I last to accommodate the demand. Although embraced enthusiastically impeachment from office for abuse of wrote about the political situation So Israelis will go to the polls on by Netanyahu, the Palestinians, who power, and Netanyahu, due to face vot- in Israel. In my November 11 col- March 2 for the third time in less than a did not participate in its drafting, have ers five weeks later, was charged with umn, I noted that Prime Minister year – and the country remains under a rejected the plan. criminal offences that, if he is convict- IBenjamin Netanyahu, the Likud leader, Netanyahu caretaker government with Here in Canada, Foreign Affairs ed, could lead to a prison term. It’s hard had failed to form a governing coali- a limited mandate to act in many areas. Minister François-Philippe Champagne not to see the timing as an attempt to tion in the weeks after the September Polls taken in late January once released a statement that Canada “will change the conversations in both the 17 election – Israel’s second inconclu- again suggest a stalemate similar to the carefully examine the details of the United States and Israel – and, to some sive election of 2019. The mandate to previous two elections (assuming that U.S. initiative for the Middle East peace extent, it did, at least briefly. attempt to form a government had Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liber- process,” but reiterated, “Canada has I don’t expect anything to change passed to Blue and White Party leader man once again refuses to support any- long maintained that peace can only be very soon based on the Trump plan. Benny Gantz. thing but a unity government). achieved through direct negotiations First, there needs to be an Israeli gov- “It is unlikely that Gantz will be any The situation with Netanyahu’s between the parties. We urge the parties ernment with a real mandate to govern. more successful than Netanyahu in indictments came to a head last month. to create the conditions for such negoti- And while it’s a foregone conclusion putting together a coalition that com- The prime minister had been trying ations to take place.” that Trump won’t be removed from mands at least 61 of the Knesset’s 120 to engineer a vote in the Knesset that However, it is very interesting to office after his Senate trial, he may or seats,” I predicted, noting two possibili- would have given him immunity from note that ambassadors from three may not be in office a year from now ties: a unity government alternating the prosecution while still in office. On Jan- small Arab countries – Bahrain, United following the U.S. election in November.

Trump will stop at nothing to win

up never believing it possible that such again. However, hold on, anything is her into another battle with the same a flawed individual would be the most possible in America. Trump she was once friends with until powerful person in the world. The Democratic candidates for pres- he savagely nicknamed her “Crooked There are those who like Trump’s ident who are still standing represent a Hillary” and then went on to beat her “America first” politics, his support political party in disarray as the Demo- in the states that counted the most in of Israel, and there is no denying how crats seem to sorely lack the necessary the 2016 election. employment and American stock policy cohesion and discipline to move What a rematch that would be, exchange numbers have improved since forward. The candidates offering to go another battle of titans Trump and he became president. But, as Shakespeare to war against Trump in November Clinton. It would be electrifying enter-

IDEAS AND IDEAS IMPRESSIONS wrote, it still smells “rotten in the state of appear weak, or at least, no one has yet tainment, but it would also do some- Denmark,” no matter how you cut it. been able to stand up and lead from a thing positive and concrete. Somehow JASON MOSCOVITZ Trump’s behaviour led to the position of strength. it would be good to know if Trump was impeachment process – even though I’ve nothing against old people – I’m a fluke in 2016 because a whole bunch hile the world watched the Republican majority in the U.S. Sen- one of them – but former vice-president of bad things happened to poor Clinton the impeachment trial of ate would never vote to remove Trump Joe Biden is past his best-before date. – when bad luck, bad judgement, and a U.S. President Donald J. from office. While Democrats argued Senator Elizabeth Warren may have had bad campaign cost her the presidency. Trump, you had to wonder impeachment was about protecting the it, but then blew it when she couldn’t Trump beat her in the Electoral Wif Mad magazine mascot Alfred E. Neu- constitution, Republicans maintained gravitate to the centre. Mayor Pete College. He did it by belittling his oppo- man had it right when he’d say, through it was about protecting the presidency Buttigieg is an intelligent, interesting nent. When Trump threw dirt all over that sizable gap in his front teeth, from unhinged partisanship, and so newcomer, but the question remains, is Clinton, he proved how far his killer “What, me worry?” went the straight-laced politics. a gay president even possible in today’s instinct could bring him in politics. His- I can imagine Trump’s face on Mad While experts and pollsters will United States of America? Senator Ber- tory will remember that Trump bullied having the same impact as Alfred E. sway back and forth on who won the nie Sanders is further left than Warren. his way to the presidency in 2016. Neuman. The look is the same. A satiri- impeachment bunfight, the impeach- Senator Amy Klobuchar shines in that Post-impeachment, Trump appears cal idiot is still an idiot and, guess what, ment cannons on both sides are loaded crowd, but can she shine throughout to be ready to bully some other Demo- Trump has graced the front cover of and ready to fire with the primaries, the the country in sufficient numbers to crat this year. We now know this man, recent editions of Mad. Actually I had nominating conventions, and the pres- win the presidency? this president, stops at nothing. There no idea Mad was still around until I idential election now just days, weeks Democratic Party candidates are is a scary side to Trump that goes Googled it. and months away. just not impressive and it makes you beyond him. How could baby boomers know one The key question for many is wheth- wonder how Hillary Clinton must feel And what is actually scarier than day that someone just like Alfred E. er Trump can win again. For many out- about that. What a story it would be, if, Trump are the thousands of crazed, Neuman would be occupying the Oval siders around the world, like us looking because they couldn’t do better, Demo- angry Americans who egg him on at his Office? For me, that’s the tragedy. I grew in, it is hard to imagine Trump winning crats drafted Hillary Clinton or dragged rallies. February 10, 2020 8 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN

mailbag | [email protected]

AUSCHWITZ vanished years ago. And you could smell the leather. It was numbing. We had no I did a wanderjahre [year of travel] in one to explain anything to us – as if one 1975-76 with my good friend Neil Blach- needed commentary. er. This was before the Iron Curtain fell, We made our way through the bar- and Poland was on our list. We took a racks, and if memory serves me correct- city tour of Warsaw, and were amazed ly, there was one basement station that by the tour guide’s reference to Poland’s housed ovens used for cremation. Jewish problem. This was clearly a script We were looking for anything to refer- Summer Camp 2020 she was following – and several peo- ence the Jewish lives lost. There was no ple on the tour were astonished to the one to ask, and it seemed that we really Dedicated to assisting Jewish children with developmental insensitive way the history was being were the only two people on site. We and other disabilities realize their full potential through recounted. While much effort had been did find one small barrack, and through participation in mainstream summer camps. made to rebuild Warsaw, the one shul the window, we could see prayer shawls that was left was a train wreck of broken and tefillin. It was locked, but since CAMP DATES: June 29th - August 21st windows and mortar – filled by 30-40 there was no one around, we jimmied survivors on a Saturday morning. We the door open and found a tiny treasure Guarantee your spot today by registering even managed to attend a Yiddish per- house full of Jewish artifacts. before February 20th! formance of “The Dybbuk” performed There was no shuttle bus to Birke- by well-meaning Poles who had learned nau, and we had had enough. Neil and the lines. I hitched a ride back to the town and KESHET OFFERS: Neil and I were determined to go to made our way to another Polish youth • Flexibility to support children in the summer camp of their choice Auschwitz, even though our Orbis tour hostel for the evening. I never forgot guide did his best to dissuade us from that day. • Staff “shadows” to work alongside each child during camp doing so. We made our way by train and My late mother-in-law was from • Comprehensive staff training bus to the town – and had to hitchhike Poland, and had told me that she could • Collaboration with and ongoing support to families and the to the site. I still laugh at the irony of not even imagine Warsaw without Jews. two young Jews, hitching a ride to Aus- Certainly the historical footage I have host camps chwitz. seen confirms her memories. My late • Tamir may provide an in-house summer camp program When we got there, there was father-in-law told me of the Yiddish depending on need and availability of resources. nothing to welcome us. There were newspapers and the “Herren Gon- no admission charges, no lineups, no oveem” column which let Jewish thieves guides, no cafeteria; it was barren, save negotiate their bounty with Jews want- PARENT COMMENTS, KESHET FOR KIDS 2019: for a few administrative buildings, the ing to reclaim their goods. barracks and the famous Arbeit Macht It is a world that is lost forever, but “My little guy was able to see Frei gate. We conducted our own tour. thankfully, we now have people in our familiar friends from school, As 23 and 25-year-olds, we knew some- community like Mina Cohn [of the Cen- synagogue, and make new thing about the Holocaust – but we were tre for Holocaust Education and Schol- friends! Not only was he safe, not prepared for large halls filled with arship] working to preserve its integrity happy, and calm he was shoes, and prosthetics, and the suitcas- and spirit for future generations. es, each carefully hand-lettered with also able to tackle some new names and addresses that we knew had Irv Osterer challenges!” – Madelaine Werier “Having a personal support JDAIM: ‘Change is happening’ worker at camp introduced Ella to a whole new world of friends Continued from page 1 ing Toward the Promised Land: How and experiences. It gave her a what inclusion means to them. the Bible Pioneers Inclusion.” An level of independence and true • Kids from kindergarten to Grade 12 interview with Horn Prouser is page 4 have until the end of the month to of this edition of the Ottawa Jewish inclusion that she had never had participate in JOIN’s Youth Leader- Bulletin. Visit www.tamir.ca to pur- before. For me, it was the first ship Award Challenge by proposing chase tickets. time I was truly at ease leaving ways of making the community more This year, 2020, is a particularly good her. Knowing someone as special inclusive for people with disabilities. time to focus on inclusion because it as her Keshet girls (Bryanna (Find JOIN on Facebook for more is the bat mitzvah year of the coming and Gill) were there to help her details.) into force of the UN Convention on • On February 20-21, Tamir, in conjunc- the Rights of Persons with Disabilities succeed and have fun just like tion with Kehillat Beth Israel, JOIN, (CRPD). The CRPD ratified by Canada, any other child her age, was an Madelaine Werier and her son Sam. Jewish Family Services, Federation Israel, and 179 other states, established incredible gift to us.” and the Soloway Jewish Community in international human rights law the – Barbara Sherman Center (SJCC) will be host the visit inherent right of all persons with dis- to Ottawa of Ora Horn Prouser, the abilities to equality, autonomy, indepen- academic dean at the Academy for dence, respect and full inclusion in all MORE INFORMATION: Jewish Religion in New York and aspects of life on the same basis of all To enroll or obtain more information about the program, author of Esau’s Blessing: How the other members of the human family. Bible Embraces those with Special People with disabilities ask for no contact Estelle Allen at 613-851-7476 or [email protected] Needs. The title of her talk to be held more, they deserve no less. Together we at the SJCC on February 20 is “Limp- can make it happen. February 10, 2020 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 9

Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month Anxiety and dystonia can be troubling for those with Parkinson’s disease

BY DIANA RACHLIS shaking tremor in my left hand, my writing hand, was the catalyst for seeing the doctor and being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2009. I was 35 years old. AParkinson’s is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that may lead to tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, gait disorder and loss of bal- ance. I also suffer from bouts of anxiety and am celiac. Here is a typical day for me: 6 am: Within 15 minutes, my toes on both feet curl under, all the way under. OMG, it hurts. Then my feet cramp, twist and go on their side. If I needed to go anywhere, I’d use my wheelchair. I have a travel wheel- chair that folds up and we take it on outings just in case. With very, very, painful foot cramping, you don’t know how long it will last. Sometimes it seems that it won’t end at all. The dystonia cramping can happen up to several times a day. I do my meditation and breath- ing to help me get through it. 7 am: I begin taking the pills I take every three hours throughout the day, and once during the night. My first medication is Levodopa for Parkinson’s. 8 am: I take pills for stomach acid, vitamin B12, iron supplement, and magnesium. When the dystonia stops in the morning, I go to the Y gym across the street at Carlingwood. I do weights Diana Rachlis says learning to cope with her Parkinson’s three times a week, and a 30-minute walk or stationary disease symptoms has helped her to participate and feel bike when I can. included in community life. I have also been going to the Good Companions Centre on Albert Street for about three years now, even though I’m younger than most people there. For me the 7 pm: My antidepressant pill, and anti-anxiety pill Good Companions is a safe and happy place both for as needed. people of any age with disabilities, as well as seniors. It 10 pm: My last Levodopa of the day. has given me so much confidence, despite my anxiety. Some days I need a nap, some days I don’t. 10 am: I take my second Levodopa, my first calcium One of the things that surprises people and is diffi- pill and Rocaltrol which helps bones absorb calcium, cult to understand is the unpredictability of my symp- and the first of three anti-nausea pills. toms, both physically and mentally. 1 pm: Another Levodopa. For instance, when I was flying to the Dominican 4 pm: Another Levodopa, and another calcium and Republic on a family trip, my legs were so seized up Rocaltrol. from dystonia that the flight attendants had to carry me up the stairs to my seat. It took two big strong men to lift me up in the Physiotherapy, wheel chair and onto the plane. As soon as I was in my seat, buckled in and feeling safe – POOF! – the dys- Massage Therapy, tonia was gone, just like that. When we landed, I was Custom Orthotics, fine and walked off the plane. It must have been quite a show for anyone who saw how I was carried onto the Braces & plane and was walking on my own when I left. I have to deal with that kind of situation every day. TCM Acupuncture, Anxiety also comes and goes, and so at the theatre, *MVA *Direct Billing synagogue or a restaurant I like to sit on the aisle so I can leave quickly. I find I find I’m less anxious in the morning and at noon than at evening activities. I never $50 off with ad had anxiety before but it is now a big part of Parkin- at all 4 locations son’s and I now have pills that help. (conditions apply) One of the best things I do about the dystonia attacks I learned from Eric Peters, my yoga therapist. 289 Greenbank Rd. I learned how to relax and use yoga breathing to fight 1400 Carling Ave. my worry and anxiety. What Eric taught me helps the 6130 Hazeldean Rd, episode end more quickly. Before Eric, I used to get 5035 Innovation Dr. panic attacks, fear of unexpected dystonia in unexpect- ed places. He told me to take a picture in my mind of where I’m going to tell myself I’ll be OK. [email protected] Over the years I’ve learned to cope with my symp- toms. I now feel I belong and am included. February 10, 2020 FINANCE 10 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN How much can you contribute to an RRSP? RSP contributions can lead to a nice surprise simple, right? Well, not exactly. Robb Engen, co-au- at tax time because they’re deductible. But thor of the Boomer & Echo blog, says there are a few everything has its limits, including your important things to keep in mind: RRSP. RIt’s little wonder why we Canadians love our regis- 1. UNUSED RRSP CONTRIBUTION ROOM tered retirement savings plans (RRSPs). Not only do If you haven’t contributed the maximum in previous they let us set aside money for retirement and allow years, you could have unused contribution room to the money to grow tax-free until it’s withdrawn from carry forward. This will bump up the amount you’re the plan, but contributions can also lead to a nice sur- allowed to contribute. No need to do the math. Each prise at tax time because they’re deductible. In fact, year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does it for for some of us, it’s the one bright spot in an otherwise you. Just check the handy-dandy notice of assessment dreary season of receipt-wrangling. it sent you last year after processing your tax return Your RRSP contribution limit for 2019 is 18% of and you’ll find it lists and adds in your unused RRSP earned income you reported on your tax return in the room when calculating your RRSP deduction limit for previous year, up to a maximum of $26,500. Sounds the current year.

2. CONTRIBUTIONS TO A PENSION PLAN If you’re a member of a pension plan at work, then you have to subtract your “pension adjustment” (PA). Once again, the CRA does this for you on your notice of assessment. There’s no need to worry about this the I can help with: * first year you join a pension plan, as your PA for a year $ • Life insurance • RRSPs/RRIFs • Mutual funds • Personal health insurance • TFSAs • Employee benefits reduces your RRSP deduction limit for the following year. Diane Koven BA (Hons) CFP® CHS™ 613-728-1223 ext 2235 3. RRSP OVER-CONTRIBUTIONS [email protected] You’re allowed to over-contribute up to $2,000 to an 1525 Carling Avenue, Suite 600 RRSP. But if you go over that, you can be charged 1% Ottawa, ON per month on the excess amount. (Although, if you There’s no question RRSPs are one of the best ways withdraw the extra funds right away and send a letter to save for your retirement. Just remember, everything to the CRA explaining that it was a legitimate mistake, has its limits, including your RRSP. you may be able to obtain a waiver of the excess con- 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. tribution tax.) Submitted By Diane Koven, CFP, Sun Life Financial © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2020.

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1920949CN Size: 1025 X 25 the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence. Proof #: 1 February 10, 2020 12 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN

Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month Our community must become ‘hearing accessible’

BY TOBY J. BROOKS and minors. Since most who are born My own campaign to get assistive deaf have limited speech, the ancients listening devices (ALD) into classrooms, uring the days of the ancient believed that deaf people could not theatres and auditoriums has been full of Temple, officiating priests had understand. This is far from the truth. starts and stops. Because the systems cost to be of “unblemished body.” Being excused from a mitzvah money, they are sometimes seen as a frill. I suggest that we Jews have a means a deaf person could not count In fact, their cost is well under the cost Dlarge body of tradition to confront if we in making up a minyan, could not lead of most other interior improvements, are to move to an inclusive community. grace after meals, or act as a witness such as elevators. An example of starts I look specifically at hearing impairment in legal proceedings (Tosefta Shevuot and stops is the City of Ottawa. After as I have been an advocate and activist 3:6). Today, we strive for inclusion of advocacy by the Canadian Hard of Hear- on the issue for over 30 years. everyone. For that reason, the exclusion ing Association, an ALD was installed at Hearing impairment is an invisible of the mentally confused and women City Hall. So far so good – but I recently disability. The public knows that people deserve their own platform. Space does attended a program at the city building in wheelchairs need accommodations. not allow that important discussion in in Centrepointe. Staff had arranged for They see a person with a white cane and this article. There seems to be a cross- the ALD but it did not work with the know that the person is visually impaired. over in traditional thinking between the microphone used by the speakers. I got But we hearing impaired folks don’t stand deaf and the mentally confused. very little from the program. Sometimes out. That means that we are often an In the 19th century, serious educa- organizations will get a system but not afterthought in making accommodations. tion was developed for the deaf, which keep it in repair. My own shul, Adath The hearing impaired include people led traditionalists to realize the deaf do Shalom, although small, has an ALD and who are born deaf, those who lost their Toby J. Brooks says assistive listening devices indeed have understanding. As with is conscientious about its working con- hearing after learning to speak, and peo- in all community facilities are necessary for most changes in law, equal standing for dition. I am happy that Soloway Jewish ple like myself, who have hearing loss. hearing impaired people to participate fully in the deaf was not immediately achieved. Community Centre has a system that I wear hearing aids and manage fairly community life. Bit by bit things improved. On May 24, works in the large social hall. However, well. Without my aids, I live in the world 2011, the Committee on Jewish Law and sessions in the smaller rooms are not of the deaf. Please note that my beloved Standards, which speaks for the Rabbin- equipped for hearing accessibility. aids do not restore normal hearing. They some classrooms, theatres and auditori- ical Assembly of the Conservative move- Maybe you think that I’m a com- help. I manage listening situations by ums and will discuss this later. ment, ruled “the deaf are of the same plainer. Please note that most people positioning myself to look at the face Historically, Jewish tradition has ability as those without disabilities... The over age 65 develop some hearing loss. of the speaker. If someone throws a excused certain groups from mitzvot categorization of the deaf as mentally It might be a good idea to make our remark over her shoulder while walking (Mishnah in Hagigah 1.1). Those excused incapacitated is to be revoked, and they community hearing accessible before away, I miss it. I also have problems in are the deaf, mentally confused, women are to be considered completely lucid.” you need it.

Israeli president pushes back against Holocaust revisionism BY SAM SOKOL of the past but one that Israel – with JERUSALEM (JTA) – Israeli President some notable exceptions – has been Reuven Rivlin assailed Polish complicity reluctant to publicly oppose. in the murder of European Jews during Poland has been engaged in a multi- the Holocaust during a visit to mark year campaign to burnish its wartime the 75th anniversary of the liberation of record and shed the stigma of Holocaust Auschwitz. collaboration, an attempt most promi- Speaking at a joint appearance nently reflected in the 2018 passage of with Polish President Andrzej Duda in a controversial law making it a crime to Krakow on January 27, International accuse the country of responsibility for Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Nazi crimes. 75th anniversary of the liberation of Similar laws have been passed in Auschwitz, Rivlin said that both Jews Ukraine and Latvia, and Lithuanian law- and Poles were victims during the Sec- makers are currently considering one as ond World War. He then launched into a well. subtle rebuke of recent efforts to rewrite The Polish law led to a crisis in rela- Poland’s wartime history. tions between Jerusalem and Warsaw “Poland, the place where the Jewish that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin people flourished for centuries, became Netanyahu sought to tamp down with its biggest cemetery,” Rivlin said. “We a statement that avoided the pointed remember that during the war, the observations Rivlin made in Krakow. In LIDIA MUKHAMADEEVA/ECHOES WIRE/BARCROFT MEDIA VIA GETTY IMAGES Polish people fought with courage and a 2018 statement issued jointly with Pol- Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (left) and Polish President Andrzej Duda speak at a joint strength against Nazi Germany. But we ish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, appearance marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Jan. 27, 2020. also remember that many Poles stood Netanyahu said that “structures of the by and even assisted in the murder of Polish underground state supervised by Jews.” the Polish government-in-exile created a But Yad Vashem, Israel’s usually apo- purity of history, to leave the work of Rivlin’s comment came amid an mechanism of systematic help and sup- litical Holocaust authority, issued an historical research to historians and ongoing effort by some European coun- port to Jewish people.” unprecedented statement criticizing his experts from Israel, Poland and other tries to shift the narrative around their Netanyahu’s attempt to tone down “grave errors and deceptions.” countries who research the Holocaust, responsibility for Holocaust crimes, an the rhetoric was seen by many scholars On January 27, Rivlin said that both and let political leaders take responsi- effort that historians deride as a betrayal as an acceptance of the Polish narrative. Israel and Poland “must sanctify the See Revisionism on page 16 February 10, 2020 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 13

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Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance “Allyship means finding ways to understand and foster compassion for those who are and Inclusion Month different from you,” writes Zahava Barwin.

zations that offer drop-in services and ‘I am who I was crisis support. Listen and ask respectful questions, read books and articles pub- lished by trans authors, consider ways always supposed to be’ to use gender-neutral language, always check with people about their pronouns. Apologize and politely correct yourself if Zahava Barwin, who of adult. I could not imagine growing you make an honest mistake. Uplifting into my true self. the LGBTQ+ community should not be grew up in Ottawa’s My gender dysphoria, the discomfort complex and difficult, however we all with my assigned sex, heightened in must engage in this conversation. Jewish community my early 20s. I came out to my family My life in Toronto can be sheltered. and now lives in To- at 24 – only when I knew I could safely It is most often free from the hardships be myself. Ultimately my transition was and transphobia others must face. ronto, discusses issues not a choice. Transition was a drastic Research done by The Trevor Project change for me: to align my outer phys- shows that of transgender adults, 40 of awareness, accep- ical and inner spiritual self. Over the per cent have reported making a suicide past year, I have experienced a level of attempt, 92 per cent of those before the tance and inclusion of growth I could not ever have imagined. age of 25. This feeling of hopelessness is transgendered people. I must frequently remind myself that escalated when a person’s family does most problems are not exclusive to not support them in their transition. being trans, but a part of being oneself. Internationally, the level of violence BY ZAHAVA BARWIN My journey as a transgender woman is and hostility towards the LGBTQ+ com- hen I am asked how long I an undeniable part of who I am, though munity is intensifying. These attacks have known, a line I hear it is not the entirety. My passion as a disproportionately affect trans women frequently rings true, “I cyclist, my sense of humour, and my val- and non-binary people of colour. We have known that I am ues did not change through my transi- should not have to argue for or justify Wtransgender for as long as you have tion. I am not a wholly different person, our identity, our selves, or the need for known you are not.” I am a more calm, content, and fulfilled acceptance. We should simply just be We queer kids rarely get to grow up version of myself. I am who I was always accepted and our reality supported. We as ourselves. We grow up performing supposed to be. have always existed regardless of pub- a false version of the person we are In Judaism we teach acceptance: “Do lic awareness. Political ignorance will expected to be. My childhood memories unto others as you would have done never erase us. My trans community will are a cloudy arrangement of self-discov- unto you.” When I think back to my always and forever be resilient, just as ery, of learning that my story would be attending NFTY-NEL and URJ summer the Jewish community will be. It was the different. Before, during, and after the camp, the overwhelming theme was to visibility of trans women that gave me a age of b’nai mitzvah, becoming a ‘man’ be a caring and respectful person. To be feeling of safety when I needed it most. I never made sense to me. As a teenager, an ally. Allyship means finding ways to seeking to use a washroom or play on a can name countless women, sisters, who I hid my true identity in the crevasses of understand and foster compassion for sports team that varies from the gender have given me more strength and inspi- the internet. For hours at a time I stared those who are different from you. Voicing they were assigned at birth. ration than I could ever thank them for. at photos of girls on my laptop, girls like support often takes bravery, and the Jew- Society must find ways to be acces- My name is Zahava Barwin and I am me. I was aware of the treatment avail- ish and LGBTQ+ communities are more sible for and accommodate transgender a 25-year-old transgender woman. If able but I feared immense disapproval powerful and less endangered when we people. What can you do? Contact your you have questions about how to make from my peers. I internalized this trans- work together. Schools and organizations employer’s human resources depart- your daily space more inclusive of the phobia. It followed me. The worst kind have a responsibility to both believe and ment and vocalize the need for inclu- LGBTQ+ community please do not hesi- of hate is self-inflicted. Until my transi- protect transgender youth. No one in my sion or sensitivity training to be pro- tate to ask. I can be reached at zahava@ tion, I could never see myself as any sort trans community has false intent when vided. Volunteer at or donate to organi- barwin.ca.

Tamir: Let us ensure everyone feels welcomed in our Jewish community Continued from page 4 and so much more we can accomplish We have been reaching out to iden- and benefit from together. tify other opportunities for interaction Inclusion, in large part, is about connections. During Jewish Disabilities Awareness, between those supported by Tamir Acceptance, and Inclusion Month, let and the larger community. I’m excited There are so many ways for families and individuals in us all reflect upon people with any kind to report that Tamir participants now the community to become involved. of disability in our community who attend events sponsored by AJA 50+ at may be prevented from entering the the Soloway Jewish Community Centre. same places we do, enjoying the same Our participants chose to attend the hamentaschen and assembling mish- nections. There are so many ways for experiences we enjoy, who long to feel weekly music program on Tuesday after- loach manot with the Emerging Gen- families and individuals in the commu- included. As I reflect upon my experi- noons. The Ottawa Jewish Community eration group of the Jewish Federation nity to become involved. Light Shabbat ence at the Leadership Institute, I am School creates a weekly Torah story of Ottawa. After the baking and assem- candles with people at Tamir homes. excited at the prospect of Tamir and the sheet that we distribute to all our homes bling is done, we will deliver the baskets Lead or co-lead Kiddush and Hamotzi on entire community working more closely for use at their Shabbat dinners. Partici- together to family, friends, and those a Friday evening. Come visit a new friend together to ensure every Jewish person pants can read, or be read to, about the in need as part of Tikkun Olam. By the on a Saturday and play cards or checkers. has ample opportunity to experience parsha, complete the word games, and way, we will be baking in Hebrew with Let’s find a time to create Purim masks, a strong sense of belonging and to feel learn a little Hebrew. the help of Marian, Lee’s teacher! fry latkes, or bake challah together. There welcomed as full citizens of our Jewish In March, Tamir will be baking Inclusion, in large part, is about con- is so much we can learn from each other community in Ottawa. February 10, 2020 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 15

SOUTHERN FARE & LIVE MUSIC THIS IS MARDI GRAS AT AMICA

(From left) Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Co-ordinator on Combatting Antisemitism Georg Georgiev, Jewish Federation of Ottawa President and CEO Andrea Freedman, Bulgarian Ambassador to Canada Svetlana Stoycheva-Etropolski and Federation Community Relations Chair Victor Rabinovitch gather in the Greenberg Family Families Library at the JCC, January 27. Bulgarian officials discuss antisemitism efforts Meeting with Federation leadership focuses on Holocaust education and combatting antisemitism in Bulgaria and Canada

ulgarian Deputy Minister of Holocaust education, relating this to the Foreign Affairs and National wider challenge of historical literacy on Co-ordinator on Combatting antisemitism, actions during the Second Antisemitism Georg Georgiev World War and the later Communist Amica Westboro Park, a senior lifestyles residence, Band Bulgarian Ambassador to Canada regime, Georgiev explained. Svetlana Stoycheva-Etropolski visited the “We point to the specific hatred of invites you to bring a guest and join us for Soloway Jewish Community Centre, Jan- antisemitism, and we use education as southern-themed appetizers and drinks, plus a live uary 27, for a special meeting with Jewish well as tougher criminal laws to fight performance by local band Polished Brass Quintet. Federation of Ottawa officials to discuss against it,” he said. Bulgaria’s unique actions to protect its As well, he said, Bulgarian authorities Jewish population during the Second cooperate with Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem World War, and its latest efforts on fight- Holocaust Museum to train schoolteach- JOIN US AT THE EVENT ing antisemitism. ers and have created a coordination Tuesday, February 25 ~ 2:00pm Federation President and CEO Andrea group within the central government Freedman and Community Relations linking government departments, rep- 491 Richmond Rd, Ottawa Chair Victor Rabinovitch welcomed resentatives of the Jewish Community Georgiev and Stoycheva-Etropolski and and municipal authorities, to respond to answered their detailed questions on mea- antisemitic incidents. sures taken in Canada against antisemi- Freedman outlined efforts on Holo- tism and on Holocaust education. caust by education undertaken by RSVP BY FEBRUARY 20 Georgiev outlined recent initiatives to Jewish communities across Canada and JULIA AT educate Bulgarians about the role played explained that other episodes of mis- 613-728-9274 by members of the public, some politi- treatment of Canadian minorities, nota- cians and the Orthodox Church in 1943 bly the treatment of Indigenous women to block the deportation of Jews to the and children, are central to the national Nazi death camps. He stressed that while human rights agenda. Bulgaria managed to protect its 48,000 Freedman explained that Federation, Jewish citizens, it gave in to German together with the Centre for Israel and demands to deport over 11,000 non-Bul- Jewish Affairs, naturally places its prior- garian Jews living in the country. Bulgar- ity on combatting antisemitism, such as ia recently acknowledged its role in these in schools and on university campuses. deaths and has apologized formally. One key element is to maintain close Bulgaria today endorses the Inter- relations with political, educational and PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE AMICA.CA/WESTBOROPARK national Holocaust Remembrance Alli- police authorities to ensure that hate ance’s definition of antisemitism and incidents are recognised for what they has developed its school curriculum on are, and are confronted.

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Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month On inclusion as a sacred value

BY RABBI REUVEN P. BULKA Whether they would want to leave was would need. RABBI EMERITUS another matter, but as far as Moses was Yet for Moses and the rest of the CONGREGATION MACHZIKEI HADAS concerned, everyone counted, everyone leadership, it was a no brainer. Noth- ho is included? That is the mattered, everyone was welcome to join, ing would stand in the way of taking question. be it Israelite friend or Israelite foe. everyone – not arguments about logis- It is not a new question. Pharaoh’s surprise related to how he tics, not arguments about practicality, It is a question that goes would have reacted were he in Moses’ not arguments about diversion of Wback thousands of years. position. He would not have wanted resources. Ironically, it was a question posed adversaries coming along. If anything, If the community leaving Egypt was by Pharaoh to Moses. When Moses he would have eliminated them. But not a caring community, it would by demanded that he, Pharaoh, release the that was not the way of Moses. Moses definition be a community of compro- Children of Israel from bondage to free- was an inclusivist. mised values, less than a noble and dom, Pharaoh asked, “Who exactly is And the bar of who exactly was deserving community. going?” In other words, who is included included was very clear to him. Every- In other words, by his response, (in your demand)? one who wanted to join, everyone in Moses was telling Pharaoh, and all of Moses gave an answer that resonates the community of Israel who wanted to us, then and now, that a community in for the ages. He responded: “With our align their destiny with the Children of which any segment is left out is a defi- young ones and our elders we will go; Israel, was welcome. cient community. with our sons and our daughters.” (Exo- Of course, inclusion then had a dif- There is another significant differ- dus, 10:9) ferent connotation than it does now. ence between then and now. Then, it ASHLEY FRASER Put bluntly, no one will be left Then it meant young and old, male and “By caring for each other, by looking out for was a matter who was joining the Exo- behind. Everyone is included. female, allies and adversaries. each other, by seriously addressing the needs dus. Now, it is a question who exactly Why would Pharaoh have thought Today, inclusion connotes all of the of each other, we become truly whole, or do we care about, and for? We care otherwise? Why would he have thought above, plus. It includes all those who wholly holy!” writes Rabbi Reuven Bulka. about family, we care about friends, that Moses would leave anyone behind? in our incessant embrace of “progress” and we surely should care about those Perhaps this relates to the “intelli- might be left behind, or given less who need our care and concern. It is we gence” he had gathered, or the dirty attention, or not have needs addressed, could be a problem. who need to make sure that those who tricks that Pharaoh engineered in Egypt, among other reasons for neglect. One way or another, these groups doubt if they are welcome are made to creating and supporting an anti-Moses Think for a moment about the were sure to slow down the movement feel welcome. That process starts in the group among the Israelites to under- “inclusion” response of Moses. As a of the group toward their destination. head and in the heart, and then branch- mine the effort to extricate the Israelites leader of a large community, he had An argument could have been made at es out into real life, and tangible, mean- from bondage. to be concerned about elementary least regarding the elderly that it would ingful action. It is likely that Pharaoh was stunned logistics. People in their most energetic be better for the totality if the elderly By caring for each other, by looking by Moses’ response. Everyone, even years did not pose a problem. But the were left behind. There would be less out for each other, by seriously address- those who opposed him, even under- young who were not yet walking and health related worries, less concerns ing the needs of each other, we become mined him, was part of the exit strategy. the elderly who could no longer walk about the burdens of the extra care they truly whole, or wholly holy!

Revisionism: History ‘must be told in its entirety and completely truthfully

Continued from page 12 Some 95 per cent of the 250,000 Jews bility for shaping the present and the in Lithuania were wiped out during the future.” Other than Rivlin, senior Israeli officials have been war, and historians say its leaders and This is not the first time that Rivlin largely quiet in the face of resurgent European revisionism, citizens were enthusiastic participants. has spoken out against the perceived “The president has always been abso- historical revisionism of a European a movement seen as driven by a desire to forge new national lute in his insistence that history is the ally. On a visit to the Jasenovac death identities after decades of communist repression. realm of historians and must be told in camp in 2018, the president thanked his its entirety and completely truthfully,” Croatian hosts for their efforts to take Jason Pearlman, Rivlin’s former media responsibility for their wartime legacy whose members collaborated with the to keep those domains distinct harms adviser, told JTA. “He has also been while gently chiding those who repress Nazis and were complicit in the deaths efforts to combat rising antisemitism. unwavering in his stand that one can- their past. of tens of thousands of civilians during “This is very dangerous and can not be antisemitic and pro-Israel just as “Some believe especially today that the war. easily run against democratic values one cannot be anti-Zionist and not be the historical circumstances of the Sec- In a speech that elicited harsh criti- and might endanger the foundations antisemitic.” ond World War, the fact that they were cism from ultranationalist lawmakers, of democracy around the world,” Davi- Efraim Zuroff, director of the Simon under Nazi occupation, exempts them Rivlin condemned the “sin of conceal- dovich told JTA. Wiesenthal Center’s Jerusalem office, from any moral responsibility, personal ment and destruction of the [victims’] Other than Rivlin, senior Israeli offi- said the difference between how Rivlin and national, for the horrors that took memory.” cials have been largely quiet in the face and Netanyahu have approached this place in their land,” Rivlin said. “We must not be partners in a second of resurgent European revisionism, a issue can best be explained by the offic- Addressing the Ukrainian parliament crime,” Rivlin told lawmakers. “We must movement seen as driven by a desire es they hold. in 2016 during commemorations of the not play a part in the sin of forgetting or to forge new national identities after “The role of a president is far less 75th anniversary of the Babi Yar mas- denial.” decades of communist repression. political, ostensibly, certainly in the sacre, Rivlin took lawmakers to task Shuli Davidovich, a senior foreign Netanyahu has said nothing about international arena,” Zuroff said. “And for legislative efforts to whitewash the policy adviser to Rivlin, said the presi- the bill under consideration in Lithuania consequently [Rivlin] has more latitude record of the Organization of Ukrainian dent believes history should be left to saying that neither the country nor its to describe a very unpleasant reality Nationalists, a far-right movement historians and cautioned that failing leaders participated in the Holocaust. than Netanyahu has.” February 10, 2020 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 17

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The Board of Directors of the Ottawa GILBOA/MAOZ/STEINER KERSHMAN FAMILY CASEY AND BESS SWEDLOVE Jewish Community Foundation FAMILY FUND ENDOWMENT FUND LEGACY FUND acknowledges with thanks contributions Mazel Tov to: Mazel Tov to: Mazel Tov to: Rabbi Yehoshua and Tali Grunstein on Sylvia Kershman on her special birthday to the following funds as of January 9 Bill Cleiman on his special birthday by to 22, 2020. the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Amichai by by Ellie, Arie, Yoni, Yael and Itzy Kamil Tal Gilboa and Rob Steiner Carol-Sue and Jack Shapiro In Memory of: SUSAN AND DAVID KRIGER JOIN US IN BUILDING OUR ENDOWMENT FUND COMMUNITY BY SUPPORTING Marga Schottland by Tal Gilboa and Rob WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE Steiner In observance of the Yahzreit of: ENDOWMENT FUND THESE LOCAL FUNDS Alan Ain brother of Susan Kriger by Refuah Shlema to: In Memory of: Anna Guttenplan by Tal Gilboa and Rob Susan Kriger CAYLA AND MICHAEL BAYLIN Tristan Yehuda Ferreira Meyer by Lynne ENDOWMENT FUND Steiner SALLY AND ELLIOTT LEVITAN Oreck-Wener and Bob Wener In Memory of: ENDOWMENT FUND Louis Slam by Cayla Baylin GROSSMAN KLEIN FAMILIES FUND In Memory of: Phyllis Sadowski by Sally Levitan Contributions may be In Memory of: ALFRED AND KAYSA FRIEDMAN Deborah Magidson by Sally Levitan Chaim Gilboa by Vera and Leslie Klein made online at www. ENDOWMENT FUND Corinne Levine by Sally Levitan In Memory of: and family OJCF.ca or by contact- Annie Warren by Alfred Friedman MOE AND CHARLOTTE SLACK ing the office at 613- JEWISH STUDENTS ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL FUND – HILLEL FUND 798-4696 extension 274, AL AND LISA GARMAN Mazel Tov to: FAMILY FUND Refuah Shlema to: Estelle and Sol Gunner on the birth of Monday to Friday or by In Memory of: The son of Dr. Howard and Evelyn their grandson Grant Jack by Marlene email at tributecards@ Lisa Garman by Judy and Klaus Beltzner; Silverman by Steven and Linda Kerzner Levine and Andrew Siman by Paul and Lillian Gayne and family; and ojcf.ca. Attractive cards by Ian and Estelle Melzer YITZHAK KAMIL MITZVAH FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY are sent to convey Mazel Tov to: CENTRE ENDOWMENT FUND FRAN AND SID GERSHBERG Monica Kardish on her special birthday Mazel Tov to: the appropriate senti- FAMILY FUND by Ellie, Arie, Yoni, Yael and Itzy Kamil Mike Aronson on the successful comple- ments. All donations are In Memory of: Refuah Shlema to: tion of his term as Chair of the Board of Rose Kostiner by Paula and Len Bennett; Graham Sher by Ellie, Arie, Yoni, Yael the SJCC by Cathy and Dan Sigler acknowledged with a and by Fran and Sid Gershberg and Itzy Kamil charitable receipt. A Legacy is Forever. Create Yours Today.

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For more information about theLIFE & LEGACY initiative, contact Micah Garten, Director of Development 613-798-4696 x270 | [email protected] February 10, 2020 18 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN ‘You must understand the words you are saying’

n 1999 I began a weekly Talmud shiur class. The intention behind the laws. intent was to expose members of Temple Israel While this Talmudic conversation ostensibly took to the most important text of the rabbinic period. RABBI STEVEN H. GARTEN place 1,500 years ago, the same conversation is taking Many thought that this was counterintuitive. How place in the Israeli Knesset and United States Senate. Iinterested would members of a non-halachic communi- A VIEW FROM Two individuals, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- ty be in the primary legal document of our people? Oth- THE BLEACHERS anyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, are asking ers wondered how long individuals committed to Jewish their respective elected bodies to ignore intentionality. life, but not committed to the traditional understand- Trump has chosen to defend himself against two ing of mitzvot and obligation, would be interested in bills of impeachment by seeming to declare that what studying Talmud. Now entering our 21st year of weekly As Rabbi Lopatin further notes, Rabbi Yehuda he did is not the issue; that it does not matter if he study, the questions remain, but the answers are more HaNasi argues “that you achieve kavanah by saying is guilty of the charges; it only matters if these are obvious. We study the texts searching for the meaning the actual Hebrew words of the Shema. But the rabbis impeachable offences. obscured by the legal arguments. We study the texts to disagree – you have to say the words in a language you He appears to be similar to the individual who goes understand how the brilliance of the Amoriam (writers understand.” to pray daily, but conducts business and gossip con- and editors of the Talmud), can be applied to our lives It is commonly understood, Rabbi Lopatin con- tinually. The obligatory responsibility to make prayer in 2020. tinues, that “the first word of the Shema is normally meaningful is lost on him/her. The president claims As Rabbi Asher Lopatin writes in the Daf Yomi translated as ‘hear,’ but in this case the rabbis read that as long as he shows up and doesn’t commit an newsletter from My Jewish Learning (January 16, it to mean ‘understand.’” The rabbis seemed to be impeachable offence, anything is OK. Not exactly the 2020), “The second chapter [of Masechet Berachot] saying, regarding the words of any prayer, “you must words of the presidential oath of office. begins with a question that focuses on the internal: Do understand the words you are saying. And in fact,” as Likewise, Netanyahu is asking the Knesset to post- we need to have intention during prayer or is it suffi- noted by most denominations, “the practice among pone his criminal trial until he is no longer prime cient to merely recite the words? In Hebrew, the word observant Jews today is in accordance with the rabbis: minister. He does not want to argue innocence or guilt. for this is kavanah, which literally means direction, but the Shema may be recited in any language a person He does not want to argue whether an indicted prime also implies intention.” This is especially true in the understands.” minister has the moral standing to lead his country context of the performance of obligatory behaviours: Some might believe this conversation is purely in perilous times. He seems to be saying that it does mitzvot. academic, intended only for those with a sincere and not matter how he does his job as long as he shows The Gemara records a dispute: ongoing commitment to a life of prayer. Yet it appears up and appears to be acting in the best interests of the The Sages taught that Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi and the the rabbis were interested in something more than just country. He wants the job to protect him from harm as Rabbis disagreed with regard to the language in which prayer. They seemed to be cognizant that many indi- opposed to his responsibility to protect others. the Shema must be recited: viduals claim to understand the nature of obligation, The Gemara understood that just showing up and The Shema must be recited as it is written, in Hebrew but in reality are only playing out their commitment. just doing things without commitment to the val- – this is the statement of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi. The rabbis seemed to be aware that there are many ues which the actions imply is not good enough. If it The Rabbis say: The Shema may be recited in any individuals who make claims regarding their adher- wasn’t good enough for the rabbis, why should it be language. ence to the law, but in truth do not understand the good enough for us?

What keeps you motivated past January?

ow’s the year going for you so far in terms of do each day. I keep the notes very brief. For example, your fitness and overall well-being? Did you one day may say “full-body workout” and another day GLORIA SCHWARTZ start off the year with enthusiasm for living may say “attended boxing class” or “ran 5 km.” The a healthier lifestyle? Has your enthusiasm FOCUS ON point of my list is that it allows me to see at a glance Hfizzled out? Perhaps you started a diet or made a few all of the positive things I have done for my fitness FITNESS tweaks to your eating habits. Or maybe you joined and health. It’s very motivating to see the list grow a gym or decided to increase your daily step count. over time. It’s like a bank account. Each time I make Whether you made plans for big or small improve- a deposit, the account balance gets bigger. Health is ments, efforts can sometimes be short-lived. For some uals can have a lasting impact and provide much need- wealth after all. people, the hardest part is getting started – that is, turn- ed encouragement. Another way to increase or maintain your motiva- ing thoughts into action. For others, the hardest part is Something I started on the first day of the new tion may be to consider your intentions. Reflect on sustaining motivation in the long-term. year is taking one photo of myself each day when I the reasons underlying your actions or inactions. Why Positivity can be a factor that drives you in the do something physically active. Either I take a selfie are you exercising? Are you doing it to improve your right direction. Because we’re bombarded with nega- or I ask someone to take a photo of me. The purpose health? Perhaps you’re living with chronic disease or tivity on a daily basis – whether on the news, on social is to motivate myself to increase my physical activity, your doctor has alerted you to some risk factors (e.g., media or from people in our lives – we may need to either by exercising more regularly (daily is ideal) or low HDL cholesterol) that you may be able to control proactively seek out positivity. There are many ways increasing the intensity and variety of my workouts. better with exercise. Similarly, think about your dietary to do that. So far it has been a lot of fun. I edit each photo on my habits. Why do you eat the way you do and what are Toward the end of December, I asked my clients if cellphone to include the date and I keep the photos the consequences? Do you feel better physically when they’d like to do a free gift exchange. I told them that together in a folder. When I open the folder, I can see you make healthier choices? Has an occasional treat if they emailed me some positive feedback, I would the series of photos and what I did on each day. There become more of a regular eating pattern that has led do the same for them. I received several thoughtful are a few missing days when I didn’t exercise but there to unwanted weight gain or health problems? It’s easy messages that made me feel appreciated as their train- are many more days when I did do something. And to ignore why we do what we do and simply act out er and I then emailed them personalized messages it’s fun to see the variety of activities, such as weight- of habit or take the path of least resistance. It’s most including praise for their hard work and for over- lifting, yoga, pickleball, running, trampolining and comforting but not always most helpful to do what’s coming various challenges. We often take for granted attending various classes. the least psychologically distressing. Once we face that the people in our lives know how we feel about Whatever the time of year, it’s not too late for you the truth and understood the whys, we can be better them; however, this isn’t always the case. Taking a few to take stock of your fitness activities using whatever equipped mentally to make the necessary adjustments moments to tell someone something positive about methods work for you. For many years, well over a to our lifestyle behaviours. The key is to find positive your relationship with them or about them as individ- decade actually, I have been noting what exercise I approaches that work for you. February 10, 2020 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 19

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Card Donations Marcia and Stephen Aronson Family Gunner Family Fund In Memory of: Card donations go a long way to improv- Fund In Honour of: Corinne Levine by Barbara and Larry Her- ing the quality of life for our residents. In Honour of: Sol and Estelle Gunner Mazel Tov on the birth shorn of your grandson Grant Jack Gunner by Thank you for considering their needs Marcia and Stephen Aronson Mazel Tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Sol and Myra and Lester Aronson, Anna and Sam Toby and Joel Yan Family Fund and contributing to their well-being. Estelle Gunner Wex, Rena Cohen, Sandy and Al Bennett, On behalf of the residents and their In Memory of: R’Fuah Shlema: Bertha “Birdie” Lubert by Joel and Toby Yan families, we extend sincere appreciation to Auxiliary of Hillel Lodge Fund Bryna Rumstein by Sol and Estelle Gunner *************** the following individuals and families who R’Fuah Shlema: Feeding Program made card donations to the Hillel Lodge Evelyn and Isadore Hoffman Family Bryna Rumstein by Betty Steinmetz In Memory of: Long-Term Care Foundation between Fund Corinne Levine by Don Maher January 8 to 21, 2020 inclusive. Stella and Norman Beck Family Fund R’Fuah Shlema: In Honour of: In Memory of: Steven Kimmel by Issie and Evelyn Hoffman Sol and Estelle Gunner Mazel Tov on the birth HONOUR FUNDS Bruce Goldstein by Carol and Evan Diamond In Honour of: of your grandson Grant Jack Gunner by Unlike a bequest or gift of life insurance, Brenda Levine Mazel Tov on your Birthday by Jenny and Murray Citron Family Fund Issie and Evelyn Hoffman Ruth Poplove which are realized some time in the future, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Rosenberg With love and a named Honour Fund (i.e., endowment In Memory of: best wishes in your new home by Carol Lisa Garman by Murray Citron Ken and Leah Miller Family Fund fund) is established during your lifetime. Gradus In Memory of: By making a contribution of $1,000 or ****************** Shirley and Al Cohen Family Fund Bill Miller by Lillian Zunder more, you can create a permanent remem- In Memory of: In Memory of: brance for a loved one, honour a family Bertha “Birdie” Lubert by the residents, staff Corinne Levine by Liz and Max Mosion Ratner/Levine Family Fund member, declare what the Lodge has meant In Memory of: and Boards of the Lodge and LTC Foun- to you and/or support a cause that you Nell Gluck Memorial Fund Tristan Ferreira Meyer by Rhonda and Danny dation Gerry Blackwell by the residents, staff and believe in. In Memory of: Levine Boards of the Lodge and LTC Foundation A Hillel Lodge Honour Fund is a per- Lisa Garman by Maureen and Henry Molot Label and Leona Silver Family Fund David Van Praagh by Lewis Dobrin manent pool of capital that earns interest In Honour of: Corinne Levine by Sam and Sandra Zunder or income each year. This income then Jess Overton Mazel Tov on your promotion In Honour of: Ronnie Joy Hollander by Ruth and Dale supports the priorities designated by you, by Mom and Dad (Julia Gluck and Ted Leona Silver Mazel Tov on your 91st Birthday Fyman the donor. Overton) by David Silver Mr. and Mrs. Mordechai Bendat Mazel Tov on In Honour of: the birth of your 15th grandchild by Julia Monica and Alvin Stein Family Fund Donna and Howard Strauss Thank you for Bill and Leona Adler Memorial Fund Gluck and Ted Overton and Jess and Ayelet In Memory of: sharing a wonderful Chanukah with us and belated Happy Birthday to Donna by Joan In Memory of: Overton Ron Weir by Monica and Alvin Stein and R’Fuah Shlema: family and Howard Spunt Bernard Waldman by Marilyn Adler Melanie Nesbitt by Julia Gluck and Ted Over- Sonia Traves by Monica and Alvin Stein Rhoda Shabinsky Wishing you a very Happy Lisa Garman by Marilyn Adler ton Birthday by Karla Moryne Krane and Les- Ethel and Irving Taylor Family Fund ley Cramer

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February Home Inspection Tip: Remove snow and cut back bushes next to the home where the furnace vent ELEVATED HOME INSPECTION exhausts. Do the same for dryers and Offers the following services: other exhaust vents to ensure they work Pre-Purchase Home Inspections efficiently. Pre-Listing or Pre-Sale Home Inspections Michael Levitan, BID Pre-Renovation Inspections Visit us on the web |613|286-8925 Home Monitoring Services www.elevatedhomeinspection.ca [email protected] February 10, 2020 20 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN Key points of Trump’s peace plan, explained BY GABE FRIEDMAN Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.” (JTA) – U.S. President Donald Trump That is essentially how Israeli soldiers unveiled his long-awaited Middle East act now: They are not a constant pres- peace plan on January 28. ence in Palestinian areas, but they move Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- in and out as they please. In that sense, anyahu joined Trump at a news confer- life for Palestinians in the West Bank ence and compared it to president Harry would not change much. Truman’s recognition of the State of But another provision of the plan Israel in 1948. Netanyahu also snuck in – allowing Palestinians to move freely the fact that as part of the plan’s starting between the West Bank and Gaza – framework, he will look to apply Israeli would be a major change. Palestinians sovereignty over territory that much of currently cannot move between the two the international community considers areas without Israeli approval, which illegally occupied. is rarely granted. Family members and In the most basic sense, the plan is a others would no longer be separated as two-state solution. But the statements they are now. from Trump and Netanyahu, along with the text of the plan have triggered a BORDERS FOR A PALESTINIAN STATE wave of speculation and more than a The plan also contains something that little confusion. past U.S. proposals haven’t included: a Here’s a breakdown of the plan’s specific map that delineates what the most basic components and what they potential Israeli and Palestinian state mean moving forward. borders would be. The proposed Palestinian state would

TWO STATES, SORT OF JABIN BOTSFORD/THE WASHINGTON POST VIA GETTY IMAGES consist of most of the West Bank (about At its core, the plan proposes a two- U.S. President Donald Trump points to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White 80 per cent, according to estimates), the state solution, ideally envisioning an House, Jan 27, 2020. mostly undeveloped territory between autonomous Palestinian state. This line Jerusalem and Jordan, and Gaza. of thinking, endorsed by every U.S. David Friedman stressed in a phone call Palestinians would have their own sys- The plan also leaves the possibility president since Bill Clinton in the 1990s, with reporters following the news con- tem of government throughout their of later adding the so-called “Triangle” has lost some support since Trump took ference, Israel would retain security con- state, Israeli forces would still be allowed – a collection of Arab towns adjacent to office. trol over all the land that would include to patrol and exert their will in the area the West Bank but part of Israel proper However, as U.S. Ambassador to Israel a Palestinian state. So even though the – as Friedman described it, “from the See Trump Plan on page 22

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Greetings must be prepaid by VISA or MasterCard, and must be booked before March 4, 2020. Phone orders will be taken by Eddie Peltzman at 613-798-4696, ext. 256. or by e-mail at [email protected] February 10, 2020 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 21 Talmud lessons on education, teaching, lifelong learning

have written before about how lifelong learning is a residents contribute to pay the relevant salaries. fundamental Jewish value. Indeed, we are obligat- Overall, the value and import of the teacher in the ed to study and to learn until we breathe our last learning process is emphasized in the Mishnah, in RABBI DARA LITHWICK breaths, says 12th century sage Maimonides in his Pirkei Avot, and throughout the Talmud. Further, as Icode of Jewish law, Mishneh Torah. We are never too old MODERN stated in the Jewish Virtual Library entry on “Educa- to learn. tion,” the Talmud repeatedly highlights “the signif- As I write, all four Ontario teachers’ unions are MISHPOCHA icance of motivation in teaching and of vocational engaged in some form of job action, including rotat- training principles, which are basic to effective instruc- ing strikes. Sticking points exist between the unions tion and a modern educational system.” and the province regarding support for students For example, in Pirkei Avot there is found the with special needs, wages for teachers, maintaining and how to swim (Kiddushin 29a). famous Jewish proverb, “Make for yourself a teacher, full-day kindergarten, class sizes, and hiring practic- The sages of the Talmud realized that not all par- and acquire for yourself a friend (1:6).” Later, Rabbi es. Our children, who are both in public school and ents were capable of providing their children with a Elazar ben Shammua says, “Let the honour of your are impacted by what is going on, have asked what formal education. So, the sages instituted a mandatory student be as dear to you as your own, and the honour this all means. We have responded by reiterating system of public education that looks quite similar to of your colleague as the reverence for your teacher, how important and special and fundamental their what we have today. The Talmud says this was based and the reverence for your teacher as the reverence of teachers are (our kids know that!), and how they on the orders of first century Jewish high priest Joshua heaven (4:12).” and the provincial government are trying to figure ben Gamla to institute public education for the mass- Rabbi Elazar ben Shammua’s statement speaks to out important questions about work conditions and es, “that teachers of children should be established in the deep care and respect that my children’s teachers school, and how the current labour action is about each and every province and in each and every town, give to them and the other kids in their classes, in trying to make sure that students are best able to and they would bring the children in to learn at the terms of how I see them teaching our children. It also succeed. age of six and at the age of seven.” speaks to the respect that we have, and that our chil- My kids got me thinking about what our tradition Class sizes and wages are also discussed in the Tal- dren have, for our teachers. May the current labour has to say about teachers and education. mud. Classes are capped, and assistants are required action be resolved in a manner that expresses this The obligation to learn also incorporates the duty to if there are more students: “The maximum number fundamental respect for teachers, for children, and for teach, particularly our children. Not once, but twice in of students for one teacher of children is 25 children. public education. the Shema blessings we are commanded to teach Torah And if there are 50 children in a single place, one Note: I wish to extend a special thank you to my to our children (Deuteronomy 6:7 and 11:19). Proverbs establishes two teachers, so that each one teaches 25 teachers, past and present, and family, friends and 22:6 adds, “Train youth in the path s/he should follow. students. And if there are 40 children, one establish- community who have supported me through my life- S/he will not swerve from it even in ripe age.” The Tal- es an assistant, and the teacher receives help from long learning and enabled me to obtain my rabbinic mud obliges parents (I am interpreting it in a gender the residents of the town to pay the salary of the smicha on January 12, 2020. I promise to keep on inclusive manner) to teach our children Torah, a craft, assistant. (Bava Batra 21a).” We see here how local learning and teaching through the rest of my days!

The JNF Ottawa and Atlantic regions are searching for an experienced: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The successful candidate is responsible for the overall coordination, TempleAn egalitarian Israel Reform congregation design and implementation of programs, public activities and fundraising for the region. The challenge of this opportunity is to marshal Jewish roots, contemporary values, egalitarian JNF’s full organizational and philanthropic potential in order to engage, inspire and strengthen the Jewish community and our friends outside Friday Kabbalat the Jewish Community throughout the region. A major focus will be to Shabbat Services highlight JNF’s impact on Israel thereby maximizing charitable giving 6:15 pm to our organization. This individual will be responsible for providing leadership to the office staff and fostering a high performance culture as Torah Study well as maintaining good relations with Jewish community organizations, Saturdays 9:00 am community leadership, volunteers, the Board and President. Saturday Shabbat We are looking for someone who has a minimum of 5 years of relevant Services 10:15 am experience at a high level of management in a complex organization, Thursday morning preferably with some time spent as a Director, General Manager or minyanim 7:30 am comparable position. Prior experience with fundraising and major gift Second and cultivation is required. The ideal candidate will have a combination fourth Thursdays of business/managerial knowledge and exposure to non-for-profit organizations in a lay or professional role. A commitment to Zionism President: Margot Montgomery Executive Director: Heather Cohen and Israel is required. Sr. Rabbi: Daniel Mikelberg Administrative Officer: Cathy Loves Rabbi Emeritus: Steven H. Garten Religious School Principal: Sue Potechin The Jewish National Fund of Canada builds the charitable foundations for Israel’s future. 1301 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, ON K2C 1N2 Qualified applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter in confidence to: [email protected] Tel: 613-224-1802 No later than February 18, 2020 Fax: 613-224-0707 Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information - jnf.ca/careers www.templeisraelottawa.ca February 10, 2020 22 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN Trump Plan: Could it jump-start talks between Israel and the Palestinians?

Continued from page 20 settlement freeze will play among Israeli – to a Palestinian state, if both parties The mere release of this plan is a big win for Netanyahu settlers, a demographic he has fiercely agree. and the mainstream Israeli right. courted over his record tenure as prime minister, especially since 2015. CONTROVERSIAL MOVES AHEAD Trump likely hopes that this will give FOR ISRAEL tunity to annex that territory right away, that feel physically sequestered because him a boost not just in Israel, where the Under the plan, controversial parts of as he has long desired. of Israeli security policies. key aspects of the plan are popular, but the West Bank would become officially Netanyahu was careful not to use The “Trump Economic Plan” portion also at home, where his impeachment recognized Israeli territory. the word “annex” in his remarks at the of the document says that the accord trial rages on. The plan’s unveiling also This includes all of the Israeli “com- press conference, preferring the “apply has the “potential to facilitate more could be a ploy to distract some Ameri- munities” – code word for settlements – its law” usage. That could be his way of than $50 billion of investment over 10 cans’ attention from the trial. that are dotted throughout the potential making the dramatic move more pal- years.” It doesn’t get into detail about The plot has thickened considerably future Palestinian state, as well as the atable to the international community, where that would come from, but it like- for Benny Gantz, Netanyahu’s political Jordan Valley, the strategically important which undoubtedly will criticize the ly means from the U.S. and a coalition of rival. Since Gantz has dismissed the idea swath of land that Israel has largely con- Israeli leader. Arab states that support the plan. of governing with Netanyahu under a trolled since the Six-Day War in 1967. Moving forward, look for the lan- unity coalition and rotating the prime guage over this issue to be debated. SLIM CHANCES OF SUCCESS minister’s title, it’s notable that he has FOUR-YEAR TIME FRAME It’s safe to say, at least at this point, that wholeheartedly endorsed the plan (at The plan gives the Israelis and Palestin- HAMAS HAS TO GO the plan’s chance of success – success least according to Trump). It could sig- ians four years to accept these borders. Another key part of the plan involves meaning that the Palestinians will agree nal that some form of reconciliation is Netanyahu announced at the January the dismantling of Hamas and Islamic to it – is close to nil. on the horizon before yet another Israeli 28 news conference that during that Jihad, two Palestinian groups seen as That’s because the mere release of election in March – the third in less time, Israel will freeze any new settle- terrorists by a large part of the inter- this plan is a big win for Netanyahu and than a year. ment construction that would encroach national community. Hamas current- the mainstream Israeli right. It codifies As for the Palestinians, they are on the Palestinian state outlined in the ly governs Gaza with an iron fist, so the full U.S. support of Israel’s eventual almost certain to object to the map in peace plan. removing it would significantly change annexation of the West Bank settle- the plan from the outset. The proposed However, he also said that Israel will the coastal strip. ments and the Jordan Valley, which Isra- lack of security control will be seen as a look to immediately “apply its laws” to Palestinian officials also would have el says is both vital to its security and is deal breaker, and the Israeli West Bank existing settlements and the Jordan Val- to agree to stop its policy of paying the part of its rightful ancestral territory. settlements present all kinds of compli- ley, whether or not the Palestinians signal families of terrorists who attack Israelis. It also keeps security control of both cations. It would be a Swiss cheese state. that they will buy into the U.S. proposal. states – essentially everything from the But even if the Palestinians complete- HIGH-SPEED RAIL AND OTHER INCENTIVES Jordan River to the Mediterranean, as ly reject the plan, could it jump-start a SUBTLE SEMANTICS The plan also aims to create a high- Friedman put it – under Israel’s purview. new series of talks between Netanyahu To some, this may sound like Netanyahu speed rail connection between the West The only thing that might remotely and Palestinian Authority President Mah- is using the plan’s release as an oppor- Bank and Gaza, two Palestinian areas worry Netanyahu is how the proposed moud Abbas? We’ll have to wait and see.

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ONGOING EVENTS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Educational Program, SJCC, The Embassy 1400 Coldrey Ave. of Israel, CICF. Contact: Jodi Green, 613-725-3519 x115 Connecting to Hashem Meaningfully Music of the Heart [email protected] Through Hebrew Prayers 1:30 - 2:45 pm FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Cost: $30 adults, $18 children. Join us for 7 - 9 pm, weekly on Mondays until April Contact: Roslyn Wollock, 613-798-9818, a Shabbat dinner in recognition of JDAIM. 27, 2020, Congregation Machzikei Hadas, ext 254, [email protected] Shabbat Services and Bring-Your- Building on her Thursday night lecture, 2310 Virginia Dr., Cost: $15. Classical guitarist and vocalist Own -Dinner Horn Prouser explores how our founding Contact: Ilana Sultan-Benzaquen Andrew Mah and violinist Anna 6:15 - 8:15 pm, Temple Israel, 1301 Prince families supported each other to success 613-523-0279, [email protected] Baksheeva will present a program of of Wales Dr. even when challenges were evident. 5:15 Learn the meaning behind prayers and music, including pieces composed by Contact: Heather Cohen, 613-224-1802 x4 pm services optional. how to work through your connection to John Dowland, Edward Elgar, Giacomo [email protected] Hashem. Discover the Lashon Hakodesh Puccini and Jerome Kern. This month we welcome Tamir to services SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 (Holy Language of Hebrew) from the and dinner. Join us to honour JDAIM. prism of your prayer book. Tu B’Shevat Seder For you were once Strangers: 7 - 9 pm, Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Standing up for the Yezidis Judaism’s Gifts To The World – Wales Dr. 10:00 - 11:30 am, Temple Israel, New Course with Rabbi Blum Contact: Catherine Loves, 613-224-1802 Jbaby Shabbat Playgroup 1301 Prince of Wales Dr. 7 - 8:30 pm, weekly on Tuesdays until [email protected] 10:30 am - 12 pm [email protected] March 3, 2020, Ottawa Torah Centre Rabbi Mikelberg will lead a creative seder Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Dr. Contact: Catherine Loves, 613-224-1802 111 Lamplighters Dr. intermingling traditional sources with Contact: Ranit Braun, 613-400-3430 [email protected] Contact: 613-843-7770 contemporary responses. Snacks and [email protected] Guests Debbie & Gary Rose from Project [email protected] refreshments provided. Bring your little ones for playtime at Abraham will discuss the genocide of Cost: $90. Modern society still grapples Temple Israel. Music, movement and Yezidi Jews and the work to resettle them with the big moral issues. Join us to TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 crafts. Kiddush lunch to follow. Ages 0-5. in Canada. Cosponsored by the Bora unpack six of the world’s most cherished Laskin Law Society values and how they were delivered to Info Sessions – Join Team TDSO and THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 humankind by the Torah. Run with the Rabbis More Than Just Mosaics: The Ancient Morning session: 11 am - 12 pm, evening Limping Toward the Promised Land: Synagogue at Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee Women’s Torah Study session 7:30-8:30 pm, Torah Day School How the Bible Pioneers Inclusion 7 - 8:30 pm 7 - 9 pm, weekly on Wednesdays, of Ottawa, 1119 Lazard St. 7 - 8:30 pm Contact: Roslyn Wollock, 613-798-9818, Kehillat Beth Israel Contact: Sara-Lynne Levine, 613 274-0110 Contact: Jodi Green, 613-725-3519 x115 ext 254, [email protected] 1400 Coldrey Ave. [email protected] [email protected] Professor Jodi Magness presents a Contact: Deborah Zuker, 613-728-3501 Join Rabbi Perton and his all-star team of Cost: $18. Ora Horn Prouser , CEO and slide-illustrated lecture, describing the [email protected] rabbis, for one of two meeting sessions, Academic Dean at The Academy for exciting finds. Sponsored by Soloway JCC Join Rabbi Zuker in her home for Torah as we train together for the upcoming Jewish Religion, and author of Esau’s and the Zelikovitz Center Study, on Wednesday evenings near Rosh half marathon and marathon relay Blessing: How the Bible Embraces Those Chodesh, on subjects related to women during Ottawa Race Weekend and raise With Special Needs. will join us in honour in the Torah and Jewish tradition. money for Torah Day School and Jewish of JDAIM (Jewish Disabilities, Awareness, CANDLE LIGHTING BEFORE education in Ottawa. Motzei Shabbat Video Torah Lecture Acceptance, and Inclusion Month). FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 5:10 PM 7 - 8:30 pm, weekly on Saturdays until Sponsored by Tamir, Federation FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 5:20 PM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 April 25, 2020, 1724 Kilborn Ave. Microgrants, JOIN, A Ripple Effect, KBI, FRIDAY, FEBURARY 28 5:30 PM Contact: Elie Benzaquen, 343-882-3702 JFS, SJCC. FRIDAY, MARCH 6 5:39 PM Winter Israeli Film Series [email protected] 6:40 - 9 pm BULLETIN DEADLINES Join us every Motzei Shabbat for a video FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Contact: Ella Dagan Torah Lecture presented by top English FOR ISSUE DEADLINE [email protected] speakers in the Jewish world, followed by Esau’s Blessing: the Bible’s Embrace of MARCH 9 FEBRUARY 19 Presenting: Zero Motivation. open Q & A. For men and women. Please Those with Special Needs MARCH 23 MARCH 4 Sponsored by Vered Israel Cultural and APRIL 6 MARCH 16 text each week to confirm attendance. 6:30 - 8:30 pm., Kehillat Beth Israel,

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 Manny Bernard Tristan Yehuda Bernard Waldman is offered as a public service Allan Cohen Ferreira Meyer to the community. There is no (Son of David Cohen) Linda Yegendorf Oren May their memory charge. For listing in this column, Lisa Garman (Sister of Howard be a blessing always. please call 613 798-4696, ext. 274. Yegendorf) Voice mail is available. Edith Gold February 10, 2020 24 OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN

OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS NOW OPEN! Jaguar Hunt Club

The Mark Motors Group is excited to announce the opening of their new Jaguar dealership in West Ottawa! Construction of the Showroom and Sales Department is underway and opening soon. However, the Service Department is open for business and now welcoming all current Jaguar owners for vehicle maintenanceand repair. Follow the new Jaguar Hunt Club on social media or visit our website for contact information, updates and any news we have to share. Jaguar Hunt Club, part of the Mark Motors Group.

Jaguar Hunt Club, 295 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean, K2E 1A6, Canada 613-727-5577 jaguarhuntclub.ca

THE ART OF PERFORMANCE

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