To Remember ● To Congratulate ● To Honour ● To Say “I Care” ●
Jewish National Fund of Ottawa TEL: (613) 798-2411 FAX: (613) 798-0462
✡
ottawa jewish
Plant A Tree For All Reasons
The second escape
page 9
www.ottawajewishbulletin.com Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd.
bulletin october 22, 2007
•
21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9
volume 72, no. 3
•
Holocaust Centre twinning program:
Ariela Ravek shares her Bat Mitzvah with a cousin she never got to meet By Michael Regenstreif “It was a different and amazing experience,” says Ariela Vardit Ravek of her Bat Mitzvah in August. While Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are a normal rite of passage for most Jewish kids, Ariela’s was distinguished by the fact that hers was the first to take place in Ottawa as part of a ‘twinning’ program offered by the Holocaust Centre of Toronto in which the young person’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah also honours one of the million and a half Jewish children under the age of 16 who were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Ariela’s Bat Mitzvah twin was Livia (Libusha) Jozefovicova, her grandmother’s cousin. Ariela became aware of the Holocaust at a very tender age when she noticed the numbers tattooed on her grandmother’s arm. “I was confused when the ink wouldn’t come off, even after Sufta bathed,” she recalls. Ariela doesn’t think she understood the magnitude of what her grandmother, Livia Ravek, told her about the numbers and what they represented, but, she says, “from an early age I had an idea about what the Holocaust was, and what it meant to her, by the look in my Sufta’s eyes.” As Ariela matured, she began to comprehend what the Holocaust meant to the Jewish people, and
Ariela Ravek speaks about Libusha, her Bat Mitzvah twin.
more particularly, to her own family. Her grandmother and two greataunts survived the Auschwitz and Birkenau death camps; and her grandfather, Shmuel Ravek, survived several slave labour camps. Other relatives were murdered, including her grandmother’s own mother and grandfather who died in the gas chamber at Auschwitz. Ariela was introduced to the twinning program when her mother, Pamela Ravek, read about it in the Holocaust Centre of Toronto’s newsletter. As Pamela explains, the idea of a twinning program was first developed in the 1970s when
kids celebrating their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs were twinned with kids in the Soviet Union who were then not free to celebrate theirs. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the twinning concept was adapted by Holocaust memorial centres and serves to remember the children who perished and to offer opportunities for contemporary young people to learn about the Holocaust in a personalized manner as they research the lives of their twins. In preparing for her Bat Mitzvah, Ariela learned about Libusha and her family from her grandmother and from her great-aunts Cibi and Magda, who now live in Israel. Libusha, Ariela learned, was from Humenné, Slovakia, a city whose Jewish community was officially recognized in 1780. Ariela discovered that, as a child, Libusha loved organizing tea parties, one of her own favourite childhood pastimes. She also found out she and Libusha were both born in November. In doing her research, Ariela saw the original Nazi deportation order for the Jews of Humenné. In the booklet Ariela prepared for her Bat Mitzvah she writes: “It listed each member of Libusha’s family in a chillingly straightforward description. Far too easily, their names were checked off as just one more family to be slaughtered and erased from this world.” (Continued on page 2 )
Publisher: Mitchell Bellman
•
cheshvan 10, 5768
Editor: Barry Fishman
Celebrating Sukkot on campus
Carleton JSA president Adam Serota, lulav and etrog in hand, invites students into the sukkah built by JSA and JET on the (Photo: Rabbi Micah Shotkin) Carleton campus.
Holocaust Education Week 2007 It promises to be the most varied and comprehensive Holocaust Education Week ever held in Ottawa. Book launches, videos, interfaith panels and lectures will take place throughout the city from Sunday, October 28 to Sunday, November 11. Sara Breiner, chair of the Federation’s Shoah committee is thrilled with how the general community has embraced the event. “I am so pleased that the libraries, schools and universities will be holding events. We will be
reaching Jewish and non-Jewish students and adults who have no knowledge about the Holocaust,” she says. A highlight of the week will be the lecture by internationally recognized speaker and author Barbara Coloroso who will speak to over 1,300 students. As well, she will talk about her latest book Extraordinary Evil: A Brief History of Genocide at an evening lecture open to the public. A full schedule of events can be found in a flyer in this issue of the Bulletin.
World Class Outsourcing ... and more!
744-6444
Publications Mail Registration No. 07519
Providing quality service to the National Capital Region since 1947!
$2.00
744-5767
244-7225
244-4444
www.boydgroup.on.ca
Page 2 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
Lions of Judah inspired by Messinger’s message By Francie Greenspoon Keynote speaker Ruth Messinger talked passionately about the power of women in the global world when mothers, daughters, daughters-in-law and sisters came together for Ottawa’s 22nd annual Lion of Judah dinner at the home of Ellen Cherney on September 25. Messinger, president of the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), referred to the Lion of Judah movement as an extraordinary organization that calls upon women to rise to their highest potential as strategic philanthropists, concerned individuals and leaders
in the Jewish community. “We act out of a sense of obligation and understanding that part of the Jewish responsibility is to alleviate poverty, disease, hunger and oppression wherever it occurs, and our commitment to continuity is reflected in the very serious efforts we take to reach out to the younger Jewish community,” says Messinger. Messinger, an expert in democracy and civic participation, urban policy and politics, and social welfare and education, is a social worker by training and is one of the leading advocates for the
Ravek: committed to Holocaust education (Continued from page 1)
It is believed Libusha was murdered at Auschwitz at the age of 12 or 13. Ariela and her family returned to the Holocaust Centre of Toronto for the graduation ceremony of this year’s participants in the twinning program. She was selected to give the valedictory address. Ariela encourages other Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrants to participate in the twinning program. “Already,” she says,
“there are others in Ottawa who are doing it.” Ariela also says she plans to do whatever she can to participate in future Holocaust education programs. Clearly, she is a young woman with much to offer. Preparation for a twinned Bar or Bat Mitzvah takes four to five months. For information on the twinning program, contact Mary Siklos of the Holocaust Centre of Toronto at 416-635-2883, ext. 301 or bnaimitzvah@ujafed.org.
growing role of social workers in politics. AJWS, an international development organization motivated by Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice, is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. Through grants to grassroots organizations, volunteer service, advocacy and education, AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship within the Jewish community. AWJS provides humanitarian aid, technical assistance and skilled volunteers to groups in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Russia and Ukraine. Messinger discussed her “privileged” work with women who are the worst victims of inequality and gender-based violence and who, despite their status and problems, become the primary organizers of social change in their communities. They step forward and make a difference. AJWS has more than 350 projects in 36 countries and helps people who have identified their own problems and
Ruth Messinger, holding a Darfuri infant, stressed Judaism’s imperative to alleviate poverty, hunger and disease in the developing world during her recent visit to Ottawa.
are beginning to determine how to make changes. Messinger discussed several key projects her organization assists. The AJWS project in Cambodia, Cambodia’s Volunteers for Community Development (CVCD), is run solely by women who rescue young girls from the commercial sex trade and provide them with the job training and skills that enable them to support their families. The CVCD’s project this year will train 40 women in tailoring and business skills. Betty Makoni, a victim of domestic violence from a
poor village in Zimbabwe, founded the Girl Child Network (GCN). Today, the Network consists of more than 155 Girls’ Clubs and three Girl’s Empowerment Villages, transitional safe houses for girls who have been abused or raped. More than 20,000 Zimbabwean girls are members of GCN Girls’ Clubs. Messinger maintains her job is not to tell people what to do, or to send in an army of Canadians or Americans to do the work. She meets and listens to those in need about how they tackle problems and then provides them
with the technical assistance, financial aid and skilled volunteers they need to make a difference. The Lions of Judah event, chaired by Roz Fremeth and Shelley Rothman, included several other speakers and the announcement of five new Lions – Susan Firestone, Margo Silverman, Ruth Frieman, Rhona Lewinshtein and Melanie Polowin, bringing Ottawa’s total to an impressive 82. Women’s Campaign Chair Debbie Weiss became one of 17 Lions in Ottawa who have endowed their gifts. She spoke with pride about being a Lion and of being humbled in the presence of so many remarkable women who will celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the Women’s Division in Ottawa in 2008. She also urged everyone to aim to higher and raise $800,000 for the 2008 Campaign. She asked each Lion to turn to her sisters, daughters, mothers and friends and share why Lions care so deeply. Weiss concluded her speech by saying: “Together we have the responsibility to let others know how important their participation is in our common survival, because our continuity as a Jewish people requires our dollars, our interest and our participation.”
Around the Jewish world Blair cautious on Palestinian state (JTA) Israel is right to be worried about the character of a future Palestinian state, Tony Blair said. Blair, a former British prime minister who now serves as envoy for the quartet of international peace mediators, gave an interview
in which he voiced cautious optimism about the prospects of an Israeli-Palestinian accord. “The fact that somebody did not succeed in the past doesn’t mean that he won’t succeed in the future, too,” Blair told Yediot Achronot. “I could bring an example from what happened in Northern Ireland, with all the differences between the two disputes and all the similarities. I could tell you about the 40
Commercial Sales & Leasing ❋ Consulting ❋ Site Selection/Relocations ❋ Tenant Representation ❋ Feasibility Studies Investment/User Properties ❋ Strategic Growth Planning ❋ Land Assemblies/Development Sites
BRENT TAYLOR BROKER of RECORD, PRESIDENT brent@brentcomrealty.com www.brentcomrealty.com 613-726-7323 / FAX 613-721-8849 Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw their ad in the OJB.
to 50 years of failures until we reached an agreement.” Though Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas go into next month’s Annapolis peace conference without overwhelming domestic support, Blair said they could make progress if each side’s main concerns are addressed. “It depends on whether people on both sides realize that it is in their long-term interest to reach an agreement. The Israeli side has to realize that this will safeguard their security, and the Palestinian side must realize that this will lead to a state,” he said. But Blair said the primary issue is to ensure a future Palestine is properly built and governed, especially given the threat of Hamas expanding its influence after the Islamist group took over the Gaza Strip. “That is what I am talking about when I talk to Palestinians about the need to build institutions,” he said. “The character of the state is no less important than its borders.”
Threats force cancellation of peace concerts (JTA) – A pair of Israeli-Palestinian peace concerts featuring Canadian rock star Bryan Adams were scuttled by Palestinian rejectionists. The One Voice concerts, which were also to have featured local artists in Jericho and Tel Aviv, were called off after local Palestinian groups calling for a boycott of the concert prompted several Palestinian performers to withdraw. One Voice said it cancelled the event due to security concerns after Palestinian extremists threatened performers and audience members who were to participate in the Jericho concert. Some 600,000 people have signed an online petition sponsored by the New Yorkbased One Voice organization, which calls for a peace agreement to be reached within a year based on a two-state solution and a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem.
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 3
Page 4 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
Jews, Christians, Muslims come together under the Tent of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar www.investinyourvalues.ca
By Michael Regenstreif The distinguished rabbi, visiting Ottawa from Philadelphia on the Sunday during Sukkot, sat with the audience in a large circle at the Soloway JCC. “Shalom,” said the rabbi in Hebrew. “Shalom,” the audience answered back. “Salam,” the same word in Arabic, said the rabbi, and “Salam,” said the audience. “Peace,” he said in English, to finish his greeting, and “Peace,” said the audience in chorus. “It’s important to say all three words together,” says Rabbi Arthur Waskow, director of the Philadelphia-based Shalom Center and a founder of the Tent of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, an organization of Jewish, Muslim and Christian clergy and lay people dedicated to peace, social justice and environmental healing. “Although it’s not always easy to say those words to each other,” he adds. Rabbi Waskow, 74, has been a leader in the Jewish renewal, peace, civil rights and environmental movements since the early-1960s. His evening talk at the SJCC dealt with issues of peace and interfaith dialogue. He also spoke about environmental issues in the afternoon at Temple Israel. Rabbi Waskow worries that events of recent years have put the Muslim world and the West on the brink of war. “It would be a disaster of great magnitude,” he says, “and there are people in the Muslim world, and in the government of the United States, itching to bring it on.” Given the states of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a potential war with Iran, and the continuing conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians, it became necessary, according to Rabbi Waskow, to create connections between Jews, Christians and Muslims that can temper the deeds and action of such leaders as Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and American president George W. Bush, and lead the world toward peaceful resolution of conflicts. In searching to create those connections, Rabbi Waskow joined with Sister Joan Chittister, a prominent Roman Catholic nun, and Saadi Shakur Chishti, a Sufi Muslim scholar, to write The Tent of Abraham: Stories of Hope and Peace for Jews, Christians and Muslims, a collection of essays based on the Abrahamic stories as interpreted by the different religious traditions. Rabbi Waskow also talked about how, four years ago, Jews, Muslims and Christians came together to form the Tent of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, a new interfaith dialogue group. In an early meeting, it was discovered the Jewish High Holidays and the Muslim month of Ramadan would coincide in 2005,
Rabbi Arthur Waskow
2006 and 2007, a confluence of the Jewish and Islamic calendars that only happens every three decades. As well, Christians mark the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi during that time. So the three religious communities quickly decided to share each other’s sacred seasons and have met, over the past three years, in Philadelphia’s Independence Park, the site of the Liberty Bell, for what Rabbi Waskow describes as “wonderful celebrations of the three communities.” Rabbi Waskow also gave other examples of bridge-building including a series of interfaith walks that began in Albuquerque and have since spread to many other North American cities. These walks move from synagogues to mosques to churches, pausing at each for prayers and sermons. According to Rabbi Waskow, differing teachings of the three religions show “the infinite God has many faces” and each religious community can learn from the other’s perspectives. As an example, he pointed to the differing Jewish and Muslim interpretations of Abraham’s near-sacrifice of his son. In Jewish tradition, the son led to the sacrificial altar is Isaac, Abraham’s son with Sarah, while Muslim tradition holds that it was Ishmael, his son with Hagar. And though the two traditions differ, Rabbi Waskow says they are ultimately reconciled when Isaac and Ishmael eventually come together to bury their father. Although Rabbi Waskow devoted most of his talk to serious issues, he lightened the mood considerably when he invoked a pun in reference to Bush and Ahmadinejad and called for “a pax on both their houses.” Pax is the Latin word for peace.
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 5
Shirley Greenberg
Terry Schwarzfeld
Linda Greenberg
Three remarkable women to be honoured at Ottawa Hadassah opening event By Ruth Kahane Goldberg Three exceptional women, Shirley E. Greenberg, Terry Schwarzfeld and Linda Greenberg, will be honoured at the Ottawa launch of the 90th anniversary of Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW). The event will take place at Agudath Israel Synagogue on Wednesday, October 24 at 7:30 pm. “These women inspire us as individuals and as an organization. Each has worked in her own sphere to meet the needs of children, health and women. We are all the benefactors of their efforts,” says Toby Yan, event chairperson and a CHW national vice-president. The event will be attended by Sandy Martin, national president of the 10,000-member organization. Honouree Shirley Greenberg will present the keynote address. The well-known Ottawa activist, lawyer and philanthropist has been an advocate for women’s causes since 1969. She participated in founding the Ottawa Women’s Centre, the Women’s Career Counselling Centre, the Rape Crisis Centre and Interval House. She married Irving Greenberg, the founder of Minto Developments in 1959, raised three children while studying part-time for her bachelor of arts degree and then entered the University of Ottawa Law School. She was called to the bar in 1978. An activist for the reform of family law and gender inequality in the workplace, she was a founder of the National Association of Women and the Law. She co-founded the first all-woman law practice in Ottawa and practised until her retirement in 1995. Greenberg continues her efforts to improve women’s lives through her support of many areas of community life. With her patronage, the Shirley E.Greenberg Women’s Health Centre at Riverside Hospital was opened in 2005. She also funded, along with her son, Daniel, the Shirley E. Greenberg Chair for Women and the Legal Profession at the Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, established in 2005.
Terry Schwarzfeld has been dubbed “the consummate CHW woman.” Her involvement at the chapter, council and national levels has been pivotal. She has chaired and co-chaired many major projects including the CHW Ottawa Bazaar, Taste of Chocolate, healthcare services and the national convention in Ottawa. She has been president of Amit Chapter and twice served as Ottawa CHW President. A member of the national executive board for many years, Terry Schwarzfeld is frequently sought out for her wise counsel. She steered the CHW constitution committee through complex revisions of the CHW constitution. She is currently an honourary national vice-president and has represented the national president in centres across Canada. Linda Greenberg’s dedication to CHW is exemplified by her dynamic involvement and unassuming leadership. This past year, through her contacts in the community, generosity and hard work, she initiated the successful partnership between Ronald McDonald House and CHW and played a key role in creating the successful “La Bagge” project. “Although she likes to think of herself as ‘just a worker,’ as president of Mollie Betcherman Chapter and a CHW Council member, she continues to demonstrate inspirational leadership,” says Yan. In celebration of CHW’s 90th anniversary, the event will also include the screening of an interview with Shaul Mofaz, who graduated from CHW’s Nahalal Community and Comprehensive School. He is the current deputy prime minister of Israel and minister of transportation, and the previous chief of staff for the Israel Defense Forces and defence minister under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Mofaz credits his experience at Nahalal as a major contributing factor to his success. A dessert reception will follow the program. Couvert is $25.00. To attend, please RSVP to 613-798-7644.
Page 6 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
Spaulding’s inspiring story challenges us to act I feel inspired. I suspect many of you who had the good fortune to attend this year’s Annual Campaign kickoff on September 18 at Centrepointe Theatre feel similarly inspired. Alina Spaulding’s speech and highlights from the off-Broadway play Jewtopia struck the perfect balance between inspiration and levity. Kudos to the event chairs, Stephen and Jocelyne Greenberg, and our 2008 campaign chairs, Steven Kimmel and Debbie Weiss. I was so taken with Spaulding’s amazing and touching story that I went home and Googled the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Spaulding is the dean of Admissions. I was inspired all over again by the calibre of the institution she represents and its motivation to not only educate, but to create the next generation of Jewish leadership. People continually ask me about the Federation and the role it plays within our community. Most understand that its role has evolved over a number of years. The Federation has revamped its governance structure, developed a strategic plan, created a more efficient and transparent allocations process and conducted its first community symposium with a view to building a consensus on the direction of our community’s future. All of this has contributed to our ability to work
Federation Report Jonathan Freedman Chair more effectively with our partnered agencies and the community as a whole. But there is still more that needs to be done. Education is one of the main pillars of our community and is essential to Jewish continuity. We need to find ways to strengthen our cherished academic institutions. Yes, more money would be nice, but it is not the only answer. We need your help to make our schools inspirational places where our children flourish and are inspired to become future leaders. Spaulding’s Hebrew Academy has created this type of place: a unique academic environment where academic excellence is the standard to which all aspire. They dreamed big and have succeeded. So where do we begin to inspire our community and our donors? We could start with Yitzhak Rabin High School, which has spent over a decade trying to build its reputation, hoping to boost
its enrolment and maintain the school’s viability. Each year, its graduating Grade 12 students can proudly boast about their acceptance to the universities of their choice. Unfortunately, school enrolment is decreasing and the school is now facing the critical challenges of its future. We have a choice. We too can dream big and choose to create dynamic academic institutions that foster Jewish leaders in Ottawa. But this will not happen overnight or without financial support. We need to maintain the viability and continuity of all of our Jewish educational facilities.
Education is one of the main pillars of our community … We need to find ways to strengthen our cherished academic institutions. If we are truly invested in the sustainability and continuity of our beloved community, we must get involved now. Spaulding’s message resonated with me as I hope it did with you.
But as we dream of new ways to inspire Jews, we must also remember our ongoing commitments. Your gift to the Annual Campaign is crucial. To make a donation to the Annual Campaign, please contact 613-798-4696, ext. 232. For more information about the Federation, volunteering, our agencies, please contact 613-798-4696, ext. 236 or log on to www.jewishottawa.com. *********** The launch of Holocaust Education Week 2007 is fortunate to have renowned author and speaker Barbara Coloroso as its keynote speaker on November 5 at Sir Robert Borden High School at 7 pm. Coloroso will talk about genocide: what it means, where it begins and where it must end. In her latest book, Extraordinary Evil: A Brief History of Genocide, she contends it is a short walk from bullying to hate crimes to genocide. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and can be obtained by calling 613798-4696, ext. 236. Coloroso will do a book signing at the event. For more information about the many programs planned for Holocaust Education Week, please log onto the Federation website www.jewishottawa.com.
Lesson of the holidays: ‘If not now, when?’ As the hagim, holidays, have passed, we are beginning to settle into our routines in work and in school. Hopefully, the holiday season was a meaningful one – joyous dancing at Simchat Torah, pleasurable meals in the sukkah, significant moments of recollection and reflection at yizkor and experiences of spiritual uplift and contemplation during the many opportunities for prayer. Yet, if there were meaningful moments to our hagim, now what? Do we file away the experiences, the thoughts, the feelings, the hopes, the resolutions until next year? Are we proud that we had such pious moments, but satisfied that these moments alone were enough? Have we done our “religious” thing for the year, content that the words we heard and/or recited and the experiences we shared moved us and challenged us? Or are we going to be moved and challenged to do something? From Selihoth through Simchat Torah, we rabbis probably delivered a number of
From the pulpit Rabbi Charles S. Popky Agudath Israel thoughtful and stimulating sermons and divrei torah. We may have presented additional readings that brought new insight into our traditional prayers and highlighted important Jewish ideas and values. But will we continue to emphasize these teachings and keep them at the top of our congregations’ agendas? How will we bring the words that our congregants found so meaningful into the daily life of our synagogues? Each of us – no matter where we sit in the synagogue – has been moved on some level by our experiences during the hagim. Stirred by the words that were preached, inspired by the grandeur of the services; we may have found our holiday customs and
Letters welcome Letters to the Editor are welcome if they are brief, signed, timely and of interest to our readership. The Bulletin reserves the right to refuse, edit or condense letters. The Mailbag column will be published as space permits. Send your letters to Barry Fishman, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9; by e-mail to: bfishman@ottawajewishbulletin.com.
practices more meaningful or our traditional prayers relevant in ways we never expected. But how are we going to bring that inspiration into our day-to-day lives and the lives of our families? I remember a Talmudic expression that my university class found quite funny: “While the fire is burning, go cut and cook your squash!” The expression was meant to encourage a student to make use of his teacher’s fresh
teaching. Well, the experiences of the hagim are still fresh in our minds, so it’s time to grill some squash. Let’s challenge ourselves – and each other – to translate our moments of inspiration into moments of inspired action, to try to bring our highest aspirations into concrete expression. And, as Hillel taught, “If not now, when?”
Owned by The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd., 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, K2A 1R9. Tel: (613) 798-4696. Fax: (613) 798-4730. Email: bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com. Published 19 times a year. © copyright october 22, 2007 PUBLISHER: The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. EDITOR: Barry Fishman ASSISTANT EDITOR: Michael Regenstreif PRODUCTION MANAGER: Brenda Van Vliet BUSINESS MANAGER: Rhoda Saslove-Miller STAFF REPORTER: Jason Sherriff ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Seymour Diener, chair; Anna Bilsky; Stephen Bindman; Mark Buckshon; Jack Cramer; Diane Koven; Louise Rachlis; Michael Wollock. The Bulletin cannot vouch for the kashrut of the products or establishments advertised in this publication unless they have the certification of the Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut or other rabbinic authority recognized by the Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut. Local subscription $30.00. Out-of-town $36.00. International $50.00. $2.00 per issue.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.
ISSN: 1196-1929 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40018822 PAP REGISTRATION NO. 07519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN 21 NADOLNY SACHS PRIVATE, OTTAWA, ON K2A 1R9 email: bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 7
Russian rabbi experiences unique challenges Six months ago, Rabbi Michoel Gershzon arrived in Ottawa with a mission. His goal as regional director of the Chabad-run Jewish Russian Community Centre of Ottawa (JRCC Ottawa) is to reach out to Jews from the former Soviet Union by providing them with educational, spiritual and cultural services that help them become engaged in Jewish life and integrate them within the Jewish community of Ottawa. There are, the rabbi has found out, more than 1,000 Jewish families living in the Ottawa area from the former Soviet Union. Reaching those families is a mammoth undertaking. The rabbi, his wife and young family have settled in Kanata, partially because of the concentration of Russian Jews living in the area and also because of the high number of them who work in Kanata high tech companies. Dealing with a predominately immigrant group from a region where practising your religion could get you into trouble creates unique challenges for the rabbi. “It is a new country and they put a lot of effort into proving to their employers they are good workers and fit into Canadian society. In the former Soviet Union, you tended not to show your Jewishness. Unfortunately, having this ‘different mentality’ means many are not affiliating and are being lost to the Jewish community,”
Editor Barry Fishman
Rabbi Gershzon believes. A mere few days after arriving in Kanata, the rabbi arranged for a Shavuot event. Since that time, he has been busy teaching classes, both at Young Israel and at his home, where he also holds Shabbat services. JRCC Ottawa also held Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, and on Simchat Torah, held its first Bar Mitzvah. Originally from a Jewish secular family from Moscow, Rabbi Gershzon became interested in Judaism while attending university. Two years later, he moved to Jerusalem to study at a yeshiva. Then, after a number of years of study in Brooklyn, he received his smicha and moved to Canada. The rabbi is thankful for the support and help he has received from Jewish Family Services in promoting his organization. As well, he finds advertising on the Russian Ottawa website to be beneficial and has a list of names he calls to inform them about the JRCC and what they can offer to the Russian Jewish community.
Russian parents put a lot of emphasis on education, he says. “I was going to music school when I was growing up in Moscow because that is the Russian Jewish parents’ way. Give as much as you can give to your kids, the more the better,” he says. That is why, he believes, 100 Jewish children are attending Russian Orthodox and Catholic Church Sunday schools where they have the opportunity to learn about Russian culture and language. Unfortunately, the children also attend Russian church services. “I think this is horrible,” he says. Rabbi Gershzon has begun advertising for a Sunday school that will teach the Russian language and give the children the opportunity to learn about their Jewish tradition and culture. A woman whose son attends the Russian Orthodox Church Sunday school recently told the rabbi she was very happy when she saw the advertisement. “Better he learn the Russian language from you than by going to the church,” she said. During our conversation, Rabbis Gershzon stressed how important it is not only to build a strong Russian Jewish community that is proud of its Jewish heritage, but also to help integrate them into the greater Jewish community. “We would welcome any Jewish organi-
zation that would partner with us in organizing programs and I am very open to hold classes anywhere,” he says. That includes, he says, holding classes and organizing activities at the SJCC or other venues. Recently, the Jewish Outreach Institute launched a new Internet site called BigTentJudaism.org. Like our ancestors Abraham and Sarah, we too should open our doors and welcome all, regardless of where they are on their Jewish journey into our community, they argue. I couldn’t agree more. Rabbi Gershzon correctly believes that building a strong Jewish Russian community helps build a stronger Jewish community in Ottawa. We need our own version of Big Tent Judaism. We could start by working with the Jewish Russian community to make them feel welcomed as equals in our community. As Jews, we are mutually responsible for each other (Areivut). A midrash describes the Jewish people as one body. If something affects part of that body, it affects all of us. Members of our community need our help and it is our responsibility to help out any way we can. To learn more about JRCC of Ottawa, visit its website at www. jrccottawa.org or phone Rabbi Gershzon at 613-435-1048.
Funding of Catholic schools remains controversial John Tory ran his campaign to become Premier of Ontario under the motto “Leadership Matters.” The lesson to be drawn from that disastrous campaign? Politics matter. Tory’s campaign crashed and splintered on the shoals of his promise to extend public funding to non-Catholic faith-based schools. It was a policy born of conviction and principles, he repeatedly said. He said it even after he reversed course late in the campaign and announced he would subject the policy to a free vote, which likely would have killed it before it could be implemented. Conviction does matter, of course. And yes, principles and policies also matter. But in the absence of politics – the process by which those-who-would-lead persuade thosewho-would-be-led to follow them down any particular path – conviction and policies can be as hollow as … well … as hollow as John Tory’s campaign turned out to be. Tory clearly failed to sell the merits of his policy not only to Ontarians, but also to his own party. Indeed, his late announcement of a free vote was an attempt to quash a rebellion over the issue within the Progressive Conservative base itself. Even with all the personal conviction in the world, you cannot lead a team of people without first convincing them to go in the same direction as you.
Alan Echenberg In the wake of the campaign results, there are even stories emerging that the very groups to whom this policy should have most appealed – religious and cultural groups who have been lobbying for funding for many years – were not completely onside. They were supportive of the policy, but uncomfortable both with the way it was handled from the start by Tory and with his apparent inability to foresee and quell the backlash it provoked. Indeed, the Progressive Conservatives may have hoped the faith-based school funding issue would help them make electoral gains among different minority communities, but there was little evidence of that on voting day. They won back the riding of Thornhill, with its large Jewish population, but failed to make any other inroads in Ontario’s many multicultural suburban and urban ridings. John Tory himself failed to win a seat in
Don Valley West, exactly that sort of riding. In my last column, I described this issue as a potential minefield for all parties. In retrospect, Tory stepped on all the mines and gave Dalton McGuinty a clear path through. McGuinty made history this election by becoming the first Liberal premier of Ontario in seven decades to win back-toback majorities. But insomuch as he accomplished this feat by exploiting Tory’s mishandling of the faith-based school funding issue, it is worth noting his party’s election strategy did little to promote the “social cohesion” he said he was defending. By explicitly connecting faith-based schools to the “strife, struggle and controversy” found on the streets of Western Europe, where debates over multiculturalism have occasionally turned violent in recent years, McGuinty turned up the heat and emotions on the issue, by using coded language to appeal to majority fears of minority groups. Especially Muslims. At the same time, the Liberal leader never clearly answered questions about his own contradictory position against religious school funding, except when it comes to Roman Catholic schools - a defence of the Ontario public education status quo, which has been condemned by a committee of the United Nations.
It served the Liberals well as an election strategy. By muddying the contradiction, they may have attracted voters who were opposed to funding any faith-based schools, including Roman Catholic. But, in the long run, it may prove to have been a bad strategy for achieving their stated goal of preserving that status quo. After dominating the campaign, the debate will not likely go away. In the wake of John Tory’s experience, it is unlikely any mainstream political party will want to touch this issue again for many years. But they may not have a choice. Opinion polls show this election has encouraged a rising backlash not only against extending funding to non-Catholic schools, but also against perpetuating the Catholic separate school system itself. So far, the only political party in agreement with that sentiment is the Green Party of Ontario, which did not win any seats this election, but did increase its vote more than any other party. As long as one faith’s schools are funded and others are not, the issue remains on the table, ready to explode again in the future. When that happens, the collateral damage may be the Roman Catholic school system itself. Alan Echenberg is TVOntario’s Parliamentary bureau chief.
Page 8 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
Mailbag Thanks to Federation committee, candidates learn about Hillel Lodge On behalf of the residence, staff and board members of the Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge, I would like to thank the Federations Communication and Community Relations Committee and especially its chair, Jeff Polowin, for organizing the provincial candidate meeting (Bulletin, October 1, 2007). During that meeting, we were able to discuss with the candidates the recent rejection of the Lodge’s bid for 21 additional beds. While we were disappointed with the decision, we are exploring other avenues to secure these much-needed beds. Hillel Lodge truly appreciates the time and effort of Polowin on the Lodge’s behalf and, subsequently, also the Bulletin staff who ensured that the information and dialogue with the candidates was recorded and the edition of the Bulletin sent to each of them. To prospective residents and their families who are directly affected by this decision and have to continue to be on our wait list longer than anyone would want to be, we remind you the Lodge must abide by the ministry of Health and Long Term Care guidelines and applications for admission can in no way be altered by the Lodge. Once again, the support of our community for the care of our seniors is truly appreciated by all of us at the Lodge. Ingrid Levitz, President, The Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge Keep the ‘Have a Knish’ column As a young unaffiliated Jew, I have thor-
oughly enjoyed reading Have a Knish. I found they were a breath of fresh air and certainly talked to the young Jewish population. Having attended the Jewish symposium at the Minto Place hotel, I saw discussion surrounding attempts at bringing young Jews into the fold. It was a very positive experience and I hoped it would bring about some positive change. The Have a Knish articles were a beacon of hope that this change could happen. I read Rabbi Finkelstein’s opinion on the Have a Knish article regarding Dick’s restaurant. I believe he should be able to voice his opinion. Of course, there are articles I find offensive or inappropriate as well. I can appreciate that others find some merit in these pieces and I respect their opinion. I just take simple action: I don’t read them – they obviously don’t cater to my interest. You can imagine my disappointment when I did not see Have a Knish in the last Bulletin. The one article that caters to young Jews trying to become more affiliated was nowhere to be seen. I hope to see it again in the next issue but my “gut feel” is this simply won’t happen. In your last editorial, you wrote about outreach to the unaffiliated. If there is a serious interest in reaching out to the youth, there should be more Have a Knish style articles. An article cannot be written to satisfy all audiences. So, if the Bulletin is truly interested in bringing more young Jewish people into the community, here is the perfect opportunity. Sadly, I don’t think this will happen. Rabbi Finkelstein is correct – the community has failed the youth. The removal of the Have a Knish article is proof. Barry Taller Editor’s note: The Have a Knish column appears on page 27. Note that, because of space limitations and other circumstances, all columns may not run in every issue.
Photobooth Rentals Great for all events This new generation photobooth combines the old fashion photobooth with today’s digital technology Capture the true spirit of your event For rental inquires please contact
mastermindEVENTS integrated event solutions 1.800.494.0436 mmecanada.com
The recent Viner family reunion and dedication of the restored Joseph Veiner headstone at the Bank Street Cemetery.
Opportunity to connect with the past and meet the new generation By Debra Viner It isn’t often we think about spending our precious free time at the cemetery. As an avid amateur genealogist, Dr. Gary Viner knew he would be able to learn more about his family history by exploring the monuments that are part of the Viner family. He has spent more than 20 years researching, interviewing family members and visiting every Ontario cemetery in which his and my ancestors are buried.
Over the past seven years, Gary has taken pictures of each stone and included them on the family web sites. One head stone, that of his greatgrandfather Joseph Veiner, was so weathered one could barely make out any of the words. He passed away in 1916 at the age of 60. Even with a pencil tracing, it was impossible to decipher the Hebrew letters. Gary spoke with his father Joseph and with Rabbi Reuven Bulka about whether the worn stone could be
replaced with a new one. On September 9, approximately 35 members of the Viner family gathered at the Bank Street Cemetery to honour the past and to ensure future generations of family would not have to struggle in understanding family history. Although none of the family attendees knew this man, he was the reason we were all present that morning. Our visit was celebratory in that we had the opportunity to give honour to our past and to stand together as a multigenerational family. After the dedication ceremony, Gary’s parents, Joe and Ruth, hosted everyone for lunch and we had the opportunity to update the family information, introduce a younger generation to older family members and enjoy the presentation Gary gave at the Ottawa Jewish Historical Society in 2005. It is true the stone of Joseph Veiner could have been left as it was. The opportunity for Gary and his father to work together with Rabbi Bulka to ensure the legacy of their grandfather and great-grandfather would be maintained for at least another 100 years was fantastic good fortune and a proud moment for a father and his son.
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 9
Holocaust Education Week 2007 Louis Lemkow’s two escapes become a moving novel
Advertorial
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND More than trees 613.798.2411
John Greenberg, president
Negev Dinner is fast approaching The last minute touches are being put in place for the 2007 Negev Dinner honouring Ottawa Citizen publisher Jim Orban. Larry King, host of CNN’s talk show Larry King Live, is the keynote speaker. The evening takes place on Thursday, October 25, at the Ottawa Congress Centre. Support has come from the Ottawa Citizen and the Ottawa business community. The Asper Foundation is Honourary Patron. Dinner proceeds will establish a Residential Village for Autistic Young Adults in Beersheva. JNF will provide all landscaping and infrastructure work on the complex where some 48 young adults will learn to function as independently as possible in a highly supervised, supporting environment. More than 5,000 Israelis have been diagnosed with autism with about 250 infants newly diagnosed each year. By helping these young Israelis live their lives as normally as possible, JNF demonstrates a reach far beyond forests, reservoirs and desert outposts. For tickets or information call 613.798.2411. KKL-JNF shares know-how with Canadian Indians The Misipawistik Cree Nation numbers approximately 270,000 people scattered throughout Canada. The community residing on the reserve near Grand Rapids, Manitoba numbers 900 and, like many members of the First Nations in Canada, suffers from unemployment, low levels of education and inadequate nutrition. Some members of the community work as fishermen and have difficulty making a living and supporting their families. Their modern Western diet causes the development of chronic diseases and the limited availability of fresh produce adds to problems of improper nutrition. Recently, a Manitoba Delegation to Israel included representatives from three local bodies to promote the Misipawistik Cree Community. Grand Chief Ovid Mercury was there, among others. The object was to make available information and technology that has been developed and applied in Israel and in KKL-JNF about cultivation of hothouse crops to aid the First Nations. KKL-JNF provided them with knowledge, guidance and technology to enable tribe members to cultivate house crops to earn an independent living, to end the cycle of unemployment and improve their nutrition and dietary conditions. Blue Box Draw October 25 Just a few days left to submit a Blue Box – or two or three or more – each filled with a minimum $36 to be eligible for the Draw that will see some lucky someone win free membership to the Soloway JCC. The draw takes place on Thursday, October 25 in the JNF office. Don’t delay ... the lucky winner could be YOU! Sefer Bar/Bat Mitzvah Inscriptions Philip Henderson Angel by his parents Gail and Reg Angel; Jasmine Ilana Segal by her parents Ghita and Larry Segal; Jordan Anthony Shore by his parents Andrea and Mark Shore; Joshua Benjamin Taylor by his parents Susan Weisman and Jeff Taylor. A hearty Mazal Tov and Yasher Koach to all. Golden Book Inscriptions On the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, Michael Moses Shabinsky has been inscribed in the Golden book by his proud parents Melissa and Ian Shabinsky.
On a daily basis you can plant trees for all occasions. An attractive card is sent to the recipient. To order, call the JNF office (613.798.2411).
By Michael Regenstreif Chaim Melamed was born in Norway, escaped the Holocaust as a teenager, and began his career at his father’s firm in Sweden. Melamed felt stifled working for a domineering father, moved to Canada and eventually lived his dream becoming a filmmaker. Melamed’s life reads a lot like that of Louis Lemkow, an executive producer now retired from Ottawa’s Crawley Films. Chaim Melamed is the central figure in Louis Lemkow’s autobiographical novel, The Second Escape, a fictionalized version of his life. In a recent interview with the Bulletin, Lemkow recalled some of the major events from his life which he used in creating the Melamed character. “It begins at my father’s deathbed. I had gone to visit him after many years in Canada. The story is told in a series of flashbacks as I reminisce about my life,” he said. Lemkow’s early life was spent in Oslo, Norway. “We lived a very affluent life there until the German occupation
began in 1940. As a Jewish community, we didn’t believe that it could happen to us,” he said, “but it did.” Lemkow was 16 years old when he, his father and two of his older brothers managed to escape the Holocaust. “We were in hiding for about five months in Oslo before we managed to get across to Sweden,” he recalled. They were hidden in a safe house, owned by a leader of the underground resistance movement who was eventually killed by the Nazis. “It was just an old apartment. There was no toilet, just a latrine up in the attic that was used by eight apartments.” Eventually, the resistance movement guided the Lemkows on a long walk to freedom in Sweden. Lemkow’s memories of those eight days on foot are one of the book’s central themes. In Sweden, after the war, Lemkow’s father developed a successful fur business. He insisted that young Louis join the family firm and forgo his dreams of working in the
arts. Eventually, Lemkow bowed to his father’s pressure and went to England to study the fur business. There, he met his wife, Sonia. Back in Sweden, Lemkow worked in his father’s business but found it stifling. Eventually, he left the business and moved to Canada with Sonia to pursue their dreams – the second escape that gave the book its title. It was a move so upsetting to his father that the older man said kaddish and disinherited his son. Using the Melamed character to tell the story, Lemkow’s fictionalized account of his life continues in Canada from humble beginnings washing trucks in Montreal to his rise through the ranks making documentaries at Crawley Films, and on to the eventual reconciliation with his dying father. Lemkow worked on the book for nearly a decade. About three years ago, he met Donna Stewart, who became his editor. Working together over a period of three years, they developed the finished manuscript. Despite a story that moved
Louis Lemkow (OJB photo: Michael Regenstreif)
whoever read it, Lemkow and Stewart were unsuccessful in finding a publisher. They needed a rainmaker. Enter Audrey Kaplan, director of planning at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. Kaplan met with Lemkow in June, read The Second Escape and contacted Gethin James of Lugus Publications in Toronto, a publisher she thought would be a good fit. From there, things moved quickly. Kaplan had several discussions with James and by August a publishing contract had been arranged and the book was put into production. The book will be launched Tuesday, November 6, 7:30 pm, at Temple Israel during Holocaust Education Week.
Page 10 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
Holocaust Education Week 2007
Translation of a Yiddish classic to be launched By Michael Regenstreif Anna Clarke may well have been predestined to work on the English-language translation of Yehiel Yeshaia Trunk’s Poyln (Poland), a six-volume work originally published in Yiddish between 1946 and 1953. Poyln is considered one of the great treasures of
20th century Yiddish literature. Clarke’s translation of the first volume, Poyln: My Life within Jewish Life in Poland, Sketches and Images, edited by Piotr J. Wróbel of the University of Toronto and Robert M. Shapiro of Brooklyn College, and published by the University of
www.freedman55financial.com
Mark W. Freedman B.A., M.A., CFP Insurance, Investments, Financial Planning Sound Financial Advice Mention you saw this ad in the Jewish Bulletin and receive a free financial consultation. 613.614.5650
Virginia Strawn A.R.C.T. Registered Music Teacher has a small number of recent openings in Piano and Theory • Students are prepared for R.C.M. examinations. • many years of experience • accepts all ages and levels • Committed to helping students reach their goals
Music Can Be Fun
Phone (613) 224-2285
Toronto Press, is to be launched in Ottawa during Holocaust Education Week on October 28. Now retired after a career teaching Western Civilization and English-asa-second-language at Algonquin College, Clarke has fond memories of knowing Trunk when she was a child in Poland before the Holocaust. “Trunk married Chana, my mother’s cousin,” Clarke recalled in a recent interview with the Bulletin. “As was the custom at the time, he lived with his wife in the family house in Warsaw for many years. “As a child, I was often woken up by roars of laughter as Trunk and my father would talk about their wives’ family and what crazy people they were. I knew him, I knew his wife, and I knew his daughter, Ita.” As Clarke explains, “Poyln is about Trunk’s life, the Jewish community and Jewish history in Poland before the war. It doesn’t aim to be a historical account. It’s based on truth, what he calls ‘the inner truth.’ A very great deal of it is the actual historical truth, but it’s all worked into an artistic form as he sees it and as he conceived it.” In portraying the Polish Jewish community, Trunk draws on a broad variety of characters. There are the community aristocrats: merchants, landowners, rabbis, scholars and Hasidic tzadiks. As well, there are the artisans, shopkeepers and ordinary workers. One aspect of Poyln that has received particular praise is Trunk’s description
of the differing trends within the Hasidic movement of the time, as well as the way he bridges the growing gaps between the traditional Hasidic communities and the new secularism of the 20th century. Trunk was a prominent Bundist actively engaged in anti-Nazi activities in the years leading up to the Second World War. Bund leader Henryk Ehrlich insisted that Trunk leave when the Nazis invaded Poland in September 1939. “He and his wife packed their bags and went first to Vilna, then to Japan and finally to New York,” says Clarke. Trunk died in 1961. The world of Polish Jewry Trunk wrote about was destroyed in the Holocaust. A population of three million Polish Jews in 1933 was just 45,000 by 1950. Most of those millions were lost in Holocaust and few of the survivors returned to their homes after the war. Clarke, who grew up as Anna Szydlowski, is among the survivors who did not return. She spent the first part of the war in Lvuv, an ancient city in the area of Poland then occupied by the Soviet Union. Later, she was in the Warsaw Ghetto and ended up in a slave labour camp in Germany. After the war, she met her husband, who was in the British Army and who served with the Control Commission of Germany in the following years. In 1954, the Clarkes moved to Ottawa. Clarke’s translation of Poyln was more than 20 years in the making.
Anna Clarke holds a copy of her recently published translation of Poyln. (OJB photo: Michael Regenstreif)
“I met Trunk’s cousin, Isaiah Trunk, the historian who wrote Judenrat. We talked about how he knew my parents, and he said to me, ‘You know, you understand the spirit of the language. Why don’t you see that Poyln is translated?’ My life has never been the same,” she says. Clarke has no idea how much time she’s put in, over many years, to her work on the translation. Sometimes she had to travel great distances to make sure she got
it right. Although Trunk wrote the book in Yiddish, it also includes many religious references in Hebrew. “I went to Israel,” she says, “and spent hours talking to people about the rendition of various religious terms. I had to go and see people all over the place.” The book launch for Polyn takes place during Holocaust Education Week on Sunday, October 28, 6:00 pm, at Tabaret Hall, 550 Cumberland on the University of Ottawa campus.
Mazal Tov! Graduation! Mazal Tov to Stuart Rothman on graduating from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs with an MA in International Affairs. Stuart is currently studying at the University of Toronto where he is following in the footsteps of his parents, Shelley and the late Sidney Rothman, by pursuing a law degree. Proud siblings are Nina, PJ and Marshall, and proud grandparents are Carl and the late Ruth Rothman and Nina and the late Lou Cass.
Engaged! Dr. and Mrs. Fred Ross are pleased to announce the engagement of her son Jordan to Jaimie Laurence, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Laurence of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. A fall 2008 wedding is planned.
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 11
Jen Gould comes home for children’s concert Ottawa-born singer Jen Gould, who combines playful melodies with meaningful lyrics, returns to perform a children’s concert at the SJCC on Sunday, October 28 at 10:30 am.
“It’s nice to come back and do a show in Ottawa,” says the Toronto-based singer. Gould says her friends in Ottawa often ask her to perform here. She hopes families who
aren’t familiar with her music will go to the concert. “I’d like everybody to come out and enjoy themselves. I’m hoping my music will reach more people,” she says.
Israel Bonds honours commitment to Israel and interfaith dialogue State of Israel Bonds is hosting an interfaith gathering paying tribute to four honourees – two Jewish and two Christian – at the Peace Tower Church on Thursday, November 8. All four care for Israel and want to see the nation prosper, says Marcia Cantor, executive director of State of Israel Bonds for Ottawa and Atlantic Canada. “They share a common bond in wanting to keep Israel alive and growing.” In addition to their commitment to Israel, Reverend Barry P. Boucher, Annie Elliott, Rabbi Steven H. Garten and Rabbi Gary D. Kessler will be honoured for their work in building relationships among Jews, Christians and other religions. Alan Baker, Israel’s ambassador
Ruth Fazal
to Canada, is the event’s honourary chairman. Baker didn’t hesitate to be part of the interfaith gathering, says Cantor.
“He has been very supportive and active in interfaith programs and functions.” Cantor says she wants Jews and Christians to get to know each other better and hopes this event will also put investing in Israel Bonds in people’s minds. “It’s a double mitzvah,” she says. “You get to help Israel and get the benefit of investment.” Singer-songwriter Ruth Fazal will perform at the event. Concertmaster of three orchestras, Fazal is also a violinist and a keyboard player. Amongst her works is Oratorio Terezin, based on poetry of children of the Holocaust mixed with the Hebrew Scriptures. For tickets or information call the State of Israel Bonds office at 613-792-1142.
Na’amat Ottawa’s Tikvah chapter is sponsoring the concert to raise funds for the Glickman Center Shelter for women and children in Israel. Gould’s music should appeal to young children and their parents too, says Sarah Lipski, Tikvah chapter president. “It will appeal to anyone,” she says, “Gould has a great voice and her music is fun.” The Tikvah chapter focuses on fundraising. Last year, the Tikvah Extravaganza – a dreidel tournament, silent auction and spelling bee – raised $2,500. Lipski hopes Gould’s concert will raise even more funds, but says she measures success in a different way. “We want people to have a great time,” she says. “As long as they have fun, it’s successful.” According to Lipski, good children’s music is sometimes hard to find. She says she usually buys her son Raffi albums. Gould’s CD, Music Soup, was released last year and provides parents with a good choice of music for young children. “She’s filling a void in the market,” says Lipski, who adds she knew a children’s concert was the right choice for this year’s fund-
Jen Gould
raiser when her son danced to Gould’s music. Gould has been performing since she was 10. She has performed off-Broadway, at the Stratford Festival and in NAC productions. Music Soup includes 17 songs with themes ranging from celebrating difference to enjoying a balanced diet. Gould says music combines her passions for performing and for teaching children. “I like story-telling,” she says, “because I’m an actor. This way I get to tell stories through song.” Tickets are available at the SJCC Ganon Preschool office or by telephone at 613-721-6309.
Page 12 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
In support of the Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge In the Joseph and Inez Zelikovitz Long Term Care Centre Card Donations Card donations go a long way to improving the quality of life for our residents. Thank you for considering their needs and contributing to their well-being. On behalf of the residents and their families, we extend sincere appreciation to the following individuals and families who made card donations to the Hillel Lodge Long-Term Care Foundation between September 11 and October 1, 2007 inclusive.
HONOUR FUNDS Unlike a bequest or gift of life insurance, which are realized some time in the future, a named Honour Fund (i.e., endowment fund) is established during your lifetime. By making a contribution of $1,000 or more, you can create a permanent remembrance for a loved one, honour a family member, declare what the Lodge has meant to you and/or support a cause that you believe in. A Hillel Lodge Honour Fund is a permanent pool of capital that earns interest or income each year. This income then supports the priorities designated by you, the donor. Bill and Leona Adler Endowment Fund In Memory of: Bill Adler by Barbara Greenberg and Barry Bokhaut. Reta Gailor by Marilyn Adler. Ester Katz by Marilyn Adler. Joel and Sharon Edelson Family Fund In Honour of: Dr. D. Caplan Happy 90th birthday by Joel and Sharon Edelson and Family. Evacucheck By Encore Safety Inc. Fund In Memory of: Ghita Scheiderman by Lise Lafrance and Leslie Howard. Malcolm and Vera Glube Family Fund In Honour of: Ruth Fleisher Wishing you a very happy special birthday and a Shana Tova to you and your family by Vera and Malcolm Glube. Nell Gluck Memorial Fund In Memory of: Reta Gailor by Maureen and Henry Molot. Percy Levine by Maureen and Henry Molot, Alex, Adena, Theo, Edie and Shahar. Molly Tradburks by Sandra Appel, Jerry Shuman, Mira and Naomi. In Honour of: Barry Appel Wishing you a healthy New Year of 5768 by Linda and Rabbi Alan Cohen.
Sandra Appel and Jerry Shuman and Family Wishing you a healthy New Year of 5768 by Linda and Rabbi Alan Cohen. Mr. and Mrs. Toby Appel Wishing you a healthy New Year of 5768 by Linda and Rabbi Alan Cohen. Maureen and Henry Molot Wishing you a healthy New Year of 5768 by Linda and Rabbi Alan Cohen. Moe Greenberg and Elissa Greenberg Iny Family Fund In Memory of: Ghita Schneiderman by Elissa and Avraham Iny. In Honour of: Rabbi Binyomin and Sarale Holland Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year by Elissa and Avraham Iny. Dora Litwack So glad you are feeling better by Elissa and Avraham Iny. Kathy Kovacs, Irwin Schweitzer and Leah Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year by Elissa and Avraham Iny. Rabbi Zischa and Lauren Shaps Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year by Elissa and Avraham Iny. R’fuah Shlema: Enid Gould by Elissa and Avraham Iny. Danny Cantor by Elissa and Avraham Iny. David, Harvey, Victor Kardish Family Fund In Memory of: Percy Levine by Gale, Victor and Sydney Kardish. Morris and Lillian Kimmel Family Fund In Honour of: Felice and Jeffrey Pleet Mazal Tov and best wishes on your 25th wedding anniversary by Morris Kimmel; and Brenda, Nathan, Jesse and Daniel Levine. Sally and Norman Raicek Thinking of you and hoping the New Year will be blessed with good things, health and happiness by Esthel and Larry Huniu. Joan and Russell Kronick Family Fund R’fuah Shlema: Danny Cantor by Joan and Russell Kronick. Sam and Dora Litwack Family Fund In Honour of: Dora and Sam Litwack Mazal Tov on your 50th wedding anniversary and wishing you many more healthy and happy years together by Shirley and Akiva Kriger. Dennis Newton Memorial Fund In Memory of: Murray Klein by Golda Feig, Ned, Noam, Adina and Yona Steinman.
Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Family Fund In Memory of: Sidney Katz by Debra and Stephen Schneiderman. Anne Levine by Sylvia Schneiderman; and Debra and Stephen Schneiderman. Ghita Schneiderman by Chava and Ingie Respitz; Evelyn Greenberg; and Karen and Gary Segal. In Honour of: Janet Kaiman Wishing you a very happy birthday by Debra and Stephen Schneiderman. R’fuah Shlema: Murray Citron by Debra and Stephen Schneiderman. Ralph and Anne Sternberg Memorial Fund In Memory of: Orest Pidskalny by Laya and Teddy Jacobsen. In Honour of: Mervin Blostein Mazal Tov and best wishes on your 70th birthday by Laya and Ted Jacobsen. R’fuah Shlema: Laurie and Tom by Laya and Ted Jacobsen. Sarah and Arnie Swedler Family Fund In observance of the yortzeit of: Our dear friend Ina Swedler McCarthy by Golda Feig and Ned Steinman. In Honour of: Norman Zagerman Congratulations and best wishes for good health and happiness on your birthday by Sarah and Arnie Swedler. Roslyn and Myles Taller Family Endowment Fund In Honour of: Roz Taller We hope you feel better soon. We love you Bubi! by Selena, Alexa and Erianna. Louis and Diane Tannenbaum Family Fund In Memory of: Auntie Sarah by The Honourable Mr. Justice Louis and Mrs. Diane Tannenbaum. In Honour of: Ruth Calof In honour of Ruth’s special birthday by The Honourable Mr. Justice Louis and Mrs. Diane Tannenbaum. Milton and Mary (Terry) Viner Family Fund In observance of the yortzeit of: A beloved aunt, Ida Schleider by Millie Schaenfield. Eric Weiner and Arlene Godfrey Family Fund In Memory of: Sidney Katz by Ingrid and Gerry Levitz. Anna and Samuel Wex Family Fund In Honour of: Anna and Samuel Wex Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year with love by Molly Wex. Nicola Lyon and David Wex Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year with love by Molly Wex. Laila, Richard, Joshua and Kyra Wex Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year with love by Molly Wex. R’fuah Shlema: Murray Citron by Anna and Sam Wex.
Toby and Joel Yan Family Fund In Honour of: Etta Kaner and David Nitkin With appreciation and Shana Tova wishes by Toby and Joel Yan and Family. Joel Yan Wishing you a very happy and healthy birthday and hoping the New Year brings exceedingly good things for you and your family. Love to you all by Elizabeth Yan (Mom) and Family. Carole and Norman Zagerman Family Fund In Memory of: Percy Levine by Carole and Norman Zagerman In Honour of: Helen Saipe Wishing you a very happy birthday and Mazal Tov on your daughter Geri’s marriage by Carole and Norman Zagerman. R’fuah Shelma: Danny Cantor by Carole and Norman Zagerman Music Therapy Fund In Memory of: Reta Gailor by Mara and Isaac Muzikansky. Mollie Tradburks by Ingrid and Gerry Levitz. ****************
IN MEMORY OF: Beloved Mother of Miriam Gal-Taub by Ruth and Dale Fyman. Victorine Boulakia by Esty and Fern Bybelezer. Reta Gailor by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; and Ruth and Dale Fyman. Ester Katz by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge. Percy Levine by Annette and Jack Edelson; and Stan Labow.
IN HONOUR OF: Mervin Blostein Very happy 80th birthday by Debi and David Shore. Morris Kimmel In appreciation of your dedication to the Sabbath Services at Hillel Lodge. Shana Tova to you and yours by Morris Schachnow. Dr. Skip Kronick In appreciation by Morris Schachnow. Israel Rabinowitz In appreciation of your dedication to the Sabbath Services at Hillel Lodge. Shana Tova to you and yours by Morris Schachnow. Nancy Rosenberg Our dear niece and cousin, we love you for your generosity of spirit by Betty, Malka and Trudy Rosenberg. Leah and Issie Scarowsky Mazal Tov on the marriage of your son Binyamin by Ruth and Dale Fyman. Issie Scarowsky In appreciation of your dedication to the Sabbath Services at Hillel Lodge. Shana Tova to you and yours by Morris Schachnow. Sunny and John Tavel In appreciation by Roz and Stan Labow. Rabbi L. Teitlebaum In appreciation of your dedication to the Sabbath Services at Hillel Lodge. Shana Tova to you and yours by Morris Schachnow.
GENERAL: A very generous donation has been made to the Foundation by Melane and Marcus Hotz.
THE LODGE EXPRESSES ITS SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR YOUR KIND SUPPORT AND APOLOGIZES FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, THE WORDING APPEARING IN THE BULLETIN IS NOT NECESSARILY THE WORDING WHICH APPEARED ON THE CARD. GIVING IS RECEIVING – ATTRACTIVE CARDS AVAILABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS Here’s a good opportunity to recognize an event or convey the appropriate sentiment to someone important to you and at the same time support the Lodge. Card orders may be given to Debra or Rhonda at 613-728-3900, extension 111, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am.to 2:00 pm Friday. You may also e-mail your orders to donations@hillel-ltc.om. E-mail orders must include name, address, postal code, and any message to person receiving the card; and, amount of donation, name, address and postal code of the person making the donation. Cards may be paid for by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cheque or Cash. Contributions are tax deductible.
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 13
Crook to present Israeli films at Emunah event By Leah Cohen On Sunday, November 18, at 10:30 am, journalist and producer Barbara Crook will
present a selection of short films from Jerusalem’s Ma’ale School of Television, Film and the Arts. This will
Historical Society features history of Gould family Ronald Gould will speak about the Gould family at the next meeting of the Ottawa Jewish Historical Society. His talk will begin at the time Abraham and Anna Gould lived in Ottawa and will discuss the contributions of his parents, Hyman and Lilian Gould, to the Jewish community and to Ottawa. He will also talk about Hy Gould’s brothers and sisters and their families. A 20minute video will be shown featuring Hy Gould and some of his and Lilian’s family members talking about the past. Ron Gould retired from Elections Canada after 20 years of service. Since 1984, working with the OAS (Organization of American States) and Canadian monitoring missions in El Salvador, he has participated in more than 100 election assistance missions in more than 70 countries. Gould is considered one of the leading world experts on the organization and management of elections. Among his many assignments, Gould was a member of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa in 1994, the leader of the UN planning mission to Eastern Slavonia and the head of the OSCE Elections Missions in Bosnia in 1995 and 1996 and in Bulgaria in 2006. Gould has been an adviser to the Cambodian government, to the Supreme Electoral Committee of Yemen and for local elections in the West Bank, and an observer of the Palestine elections in 2005 and 2006. Currently, he is heading up an inquiry to review the May 3, 2007 Scottish parliamentary and local elections on behalf of the United Kingdom Electoral Commission and the UK and Scottish parliaments.
Gould has received many awards for his accomplishments, including the Order of Canada, the Outstanding Service Award from the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws, the Medal of Honor from the United Nations Association of Canada and the Canadian Peacekeeping Medal. He has authored, A Guide for Election Observers and he was one of the three writers of Strengthening Democracy: A Parliamentary Perspective, which was published in 1995. The event takes place Monday, October 29 at Agudath Israel Synagogue, 7:30 pm.
Chuppah for Rent Have you been searching for a nice Chuppah at a reasonable cost? Well look no further!! This is a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Chuppah. Price includes delivery, setup, take-away and a white canopy. NOTE: The flowers and tulle shown in the picture are not included.
$350 www.randrarchcreations.ca email: reidb@storm.ca phone: 613-445-0838
mark Emunah Women’s opening fall event, which will take place at Crook’s home in the Glebe. A unique concept at the time of its establishment in 1989, Ma’ale trains its students to “produce work … linked to their Jewish heritage, fostering a … connection between the world of media and Jewish culture. The school aims to build bridges between Jewish tradition and social experience …” Many Ma’ale films have won international awards and graduates have gone on to successful careers as writers, directors and producers in film and television. Some of you may have met award-
winning Israeli filmmaker (and Ma’ale alumnus) Eliezer (Laizy) Shapiro at the Ottawa premiere of his films The Last Scene and Eicha. Similar to Ma’ale’s goal of combining the social and the spiritual, Emunah Women is a not-for-profit organization, based on the ideals of Torah and Zionism. Its objective is to improve the quality of life for Israeli children, seniors, women and others in need by providing them with social and financial assistance. Emunah recently opened a Crisis Centre for Children at Risk at Neve Michael Children’s Village in Pardes Chana in response to a
request made by the Israeli Department of Child Welfare. Other examples of Emunah’s success attest to the support Emunah has received from its volunteers and donors. Join us for a morning of films, followed by a parve buffet lunch. Cost is $23 for Emunah members or $25 for non-members. Annual membership costs $36, life membership $250. For event location and reservations, call Rivka Krausz at 613-241-5613 (deadline Tuesday, November 13). While membership and life membership in Emunah will be encouraged at this meeting, they are not obligatory in order to attend the event.
Goldstein Brothers Limited Repairs, Installations, Electrical Maintenance Rapid Service Reasonable Rates Master Electrician Lic #7001419 Tel: 613-737-9722 Cell: 613-229-5685
Call Frank anytime
Judaic Outreach Programs November - December 2007 Leah Smith, Judaic Program Supervisor • 266-0544 Alison Caplan, Judaic Administrative Assistant • 725-3519 Date
Program
Place
Time
Wednesdays
Advanced Judaic Studies Adele Horwitz
Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs
5:45 - 6:45
Wednesdays
Joys of Judaism Adele Horwitz/Leo Lightstone
Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs
6:45 - 7:45
Friday-Sunday November 2-4
Tamir / Reena Shabbaton Led by Tamir & Reena participants
Beth Shalom 151 Chapel
Friday sundown to Sunday breakfast
Wednesdays Conversations in Hebrew November 7, 21 Tal Palgi
Head Office 11 Nadolny Sachs
6:45 - 7:45
Thursdays
Tamir Choir Cantor Benlolo
Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs
6:15 - 7:15
Sunday November 18
Laws & Customs RSVP Alison Caplan
Rideau Regional Centre Smiths Falls
Friday November 23
Community Shabbat RSVP Alison Caplan
Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs
5:30 - 7:30
Wednesdays Conversations in Hebrew December 5, 19 Tal Palgi
Head Office 11 Nadolny Sachs
6:45 - 7:45
Thursday December 6
Tamir Chanukah Party RSVP Alison Caplan by Nov. 23
Agudath Israel Synagogue 1400 Coldrey Avenue
6:30 - 8:30
Sunday December 9
Chanukah RSVP Alison Caplan
Rideau Regional Centre Smiths Falls
11:00 - 3:00
Friday December 21
Community Shabbat RSVP Alison Caplan
Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs
5:30 - 7:30
11:00 – 3:00
The JUDAIC OUTREACH PROGRAM WILL CLOSE after the Community Shabbat Dinner on Friday, December 21, 2007. Regular Judaic Outreach programming will commence the week of Monday, January 7, 2008.
Page 14 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
Torah Academy’s school year starts with the holidays
The Terem-Quartet performs on Russian folk instruments.
As the school year began at Torah Academy a week before Rosh Hashanah, the staff worked hard to ensure that everyone was ready for the High Holidays. The kindergarten class went to Andrew Hayden Park to do Tashlich and the first grade class went to Acorn Creek Farm to buy fruits and vegetables. They put the produce into beautiful baskets they decorated and took home to be used at the Rosh Hashanah meal. In honour of Sukkot, many beautiful projects were made throughout the school
including a Sukkot clock and a challah cover. The annual Simchas Beis Hashoeva was held at the Torah Academy sukkah on the afternoon of Monday, October 1. The Chinese Auction fundraiser will be held this year on Sunday, December 2 at Torah Academy and many new prizes are being added. For the grand prize of two tickets to Israel, only 250 raffle tickets will be sold. Other great prizes include a laptop, a GPS system, a digital camera, furniture and much more. For information, call 613-274-0110.
Exciting Russian quartet to make Ottawa debut The Terem-Quartet, an extraordinary instrumental ensemble that performs on Russian folk instruments and has joined the Mariinsky Theatre, the Hermitage and the Russian Museum as symbols of St. Petersburg, will make its Ottawa debut on November 4. Since its formation in 1986, the TeremQuartet has pioneered new ways of playing music on traditional instruments and features Andrey Konstantinov on soprano domra, Alexei Barchtchev on alto domra, Andrey Smirnov on bayan accordion and Mikhail Dziudze on double bass balalaika. They combine conservatory training and folk creativity laced with humour, wit and theatricality. Terem-Quartet’s repertoire includes original compositions based on popular themes from classical and modern music, folklore, jazz and film soundtracks. Their performances overturn listeners’ perceptions of the capabilities of folk instruments with their astonishing virtuosity, breathtaking execution
and awe-inspiring artistry. The Terem-Quartet was discovered by Peter Gabriel in 1991 and the group’s debut album was released on his Real World label in 1992 leading to their international breakthrough. They performed at the Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992, at the anniversary of German reunification in 1992, and have even been invited to the famous Venice Carnival. They have performed for Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa at the Vatican, for Prince Charles at St. James’s Palace and for the G8 leaders at their 2006 summit in St. Petersburg. They’ve performed more than 2,000 concerts in 56 countries. Terem-Quartet performs Sunday, November 4, 7:30 pm, at Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street. For information call Adele Grosman at 613-731-0476 or e-mail info@miriad events.com.
Torah Adademy students with fruit and vegetable baskets for Rosh Hashanah.
JET brings Sukkot to Jews throughout Ottawa area With outreach to the unaffiliated and in-reach and strengthening of Jewish
identity the concern of the day, JET provided a full spectrum of exciting Sukkot related activities for all ages. While others were planning their Rosh Hash-anah menu or sending invitations to their Yom Kippur fastbreaking, JET was advertising assistance for first-time Sukkah builders. And many responded with calls for help. So, tools in hand, hard hat on head, a child or two in tow, Rabbi Micah Shotkin was there to put up a first, and sometimes second, sukkah for Jewish families from Kanata to Orleans. Then, on the Sunday of Sukkot, parents and young children boarded a school bus in front of the SJCC for the annual JET/SJCC Sukkah Hop. Neighbours were a bit surprised as the school bus
pulled up in front of homes and children and parents poured out, heading to the back yard sukkah. One father said his family built a sukkah for the first time after his daughter helped decorate a friend’s sukkah and wanted one for her family too. A more mature version of the Sukkah Hop, a progressive dinner, was held for JETsetters in their 20s and 30s. For these young adults, who will soon be starting their own families, the event reminded them of the significance of a major Jewish holiday and showed how it is practised in real life, by doctors, lawyers and public servants, not just by rabbis. These Sukkot events were another example of JET’s outreach programs making Judaism engaging and accessible to all. For more info about JET, see www.jetottawa.com.
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 15
IN MEMORIAM: Edna Goldfarb, May 3, 1925 - August 23, 2007 By Cynthia Nyman Engel The Ottawa Jewish community lost a devoted champion when Edna Goldfarb died on August 23, 2007. Throughout her life, Edna gave generously of her time and energy to worthy causes and, with her husband, Saul, used the rewards of financial success to enrich the community and inspire others to follow their example. She was born Edna Echenberg in Montreal 82 years ago and was just three years old when her father died. Later, her mother, Clara, married Albert Brunberg who adopted the little girl. Edna Brunberg was a youngster when the family moved to Ottawa where her father opened a successful clothing store, Albert’s Mens Wear, on Rideau Street. During the Second World War, Edna met Montrealer Saul Goldfarb, who was serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force. The couple fell in love and married shortly after the war ended, on July 29, 1945. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary just three weeks before Edna’s sudden passing. Edna joined the Ruth Chapter of Hadassah in 1947 and never looked back. From day one, she gave 110 per cent of herself to that organiza-
tion. She chaired the highly successful Hadassah Bazaar four times – partnering with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for the first eye donor bank in Ontario. She sat as president of Ottawa Council of Hadassah-WIZO and, with Tami Berezin, led the the Ottawa Hadassah-WIZO Tour to Israel that saw the dedication of the first dialysis unit to Assaf Harofeh Medical Center. She served on the organization’s national level and was a founder of the Canadian Hadassah-WIZO Foundation. The organization expressed its gratitude by naming her a member of Canadian Hadassah-WIZO’s Honourary National Council. At its 2002 Healthcare Services Dinner, Ottawa Hadassah-WIZO honoured Edna for her lifetime of commitment. In an article in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin (March 18, 2002), Terry Schwarzfeld wrote, “[Edna] was a role model and mentor for generations of HadassahWIZO women. Every project she undertook she completed with excellence and elegance.” Excellence and elegance aptly describe the late Edna Goldfarb. That excellence and elegance was
Saul and Edna Goldfarb
evident when she hosted the annual Games and Luncheon for the Massada Chapter at her summer home, or played an active role in Beth Shalom and, later, Agudath Israel congregations, or served at the national level of Magen David Adom, or supported UJA as a Lion of Judah. “Edna was an extremely generous person, a trait she inherited
from her parents,” says longtime friend Stella Torontow. “She was very generous with her time and her money. She was very committed to the community and to Israel.” Norman Zagerman agrees. “Edna was a terrific lady,” says the former president of the Jewish Community Council of Ottawa/ Vaad Ha’Ir. “She got it all from her mom who did a great deal of good
work in the community.” As a couple, the Goldfarbs gave their support to the community and worked tirelessly to inspire others to ensure the community in perpetuity. In addition to establishing the Saul and Edna Goldfarb Endowment Fund, they purchased a one million dollar insurance policy naming the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation as beneficiary. Through the PACE Insurance Program of the OJCF, they encouraged others to follow suit. Together they founded the OJCF B’nai Mitzvah Club as a way of introducing teens to tzedakah. They also presented the community with the magnificent antique silver menorah, which graces the lobby of the Joseph and Rose Ages Family Building. “Except for Edna’s hands-on participation in Hadassah, Edna’s and Saul’s philanthropy was as a couple,” says Harriet Nikoloff, Saul’s longtime secretary and the couple’s close friend. “Whatever was done was done by both of them.” Edna is survived by her husband, Saul Goldfarb, son David and his wife Heather, son Howard and his wife Dolly, son Stanley and his wife Lieanne and 10 grandchildren.
72 years of Proud History and Tradition! BOUT ASK A EEK -W OUR 2 CAMP! ER r) START stay all summe
ption to (with o
Campers will benefit from our experience and dedication! STAFF All staff are First Aid & CPR Certified
CAMPER CARE COMES FIRST! • Full-time infirmary with medical supervision • Peanut sensitive • Accommodation for food allergies and special diet
JONATHAN PIVNICK, CAMP DIRECTOR Jonathan Pivnick returns to Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa as Director for the 2008 Camp Season. With a camp career ! spanning many decades at Camp B’nai Brith of Ottawa, ACT NOWecial Discounts p S r u o Jonathan is excited to return in the capacity of Director. Jonathan f o tage Take advan has worked with children, adolescents and the community his * 1ST TIME RLY BIRD A E * entire adult life. He has taught, mentored and been an adminisitrator in education, sports and camping. * SIBLING
CAMPER
OPEN HOUSE If you are considering sending your child to camp, you won't want to miss this opportunity to discover what Camp B'nai Brith of Ottawa can offer your child. It will also be a great opportunity to meet our director, Jonathan Pivnick, and to ask any questions you may have.
When: Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 • 7:30 pm Where: Home of Melanie & Michael Polowin 17 Marble Arch Crescent (in Centrepointe) Please RSVP by email to info@cbbottawa.com or by phone to Jonathan Pivnick at 613-244-9210
Kosher Kitchen under Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut
SERVING THE OTTAWA/MONTREAL/TORONTO CORRIDOR AND PLEASED TO WELCOME NEW AND RETURNING CAMPERS FROM EAST TO WEST Contact us for further information: 613-244-9210 • Website: www.cbbottawa.com • Email: info@cbbottawa.com Mailing address: PO Box 23108, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 4E2 Camp B'nai Brith is a member agency of the Ottawa Jewish Federation
Page 16 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 17
Page 18 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 19
Page 20 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
Fusili with Spinach and Asiago Cheese This recipe was created by Giada De Laurentis of the Food Network. The addition of corn was mine. 1 pound fusilli pasta 1/4 cup olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 (9-ounce) bag fresh spinach, roughly chopped 8 ounces (1/2 pint) cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cups frozen corn (in season, cut corn off 3 ears of corn) 1 cup (about 3 1/2-ounces) grated Asiago cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid (reserve before draining pasta) Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender, but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the corn and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the spinach and tomatoes and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 more minutes. Add the cooked pasta and toss. Add the cheeses, salt, pepper and the reserved pasta cooking liquid and stir to combine. Transfer the pasta to a serving plate and serve.
Provincial Table Pads custom made for your dining room table and all tables Call: Chava at 613-247-3334 Serving the Ottawa market for over 20 years
Popeye got it wrong Turns out that Popeye was wrong. In popular folklore, spinach is a rich source of iron. In reality, a 2 cup serving of raw spinach contains around 2.0 mg of iron. Many green vegetables contain about 1 mg of iron for an equivalent serving. So, while spinach does contain a relatively high level of iron for a vegetable, it is not exactly the nutritional powerhouse we always thought it was. So how did this myth about spinach and its high iron content come about in the first place? In 1870, Dr E. von Wolf published an iron-content figure that was 10 times too high. He misplaced the decimal point and his editor never caught the error. It wasn’t until 1937 that scientists reinvestigated this “miracle vegetable” and corrected the mistake. But, by then, it was too late. The first Popeye cartoons appeared in 1929 – and the spinach-muscles-strength legend was already born. Makes me grateful for my eagleeyed editor! The reality is that although spinach has a lot going for it, the body cannot absorb all of the iron and calcium it contains. The problem is that spinach also contains oxalic acid, a naturally occurring component in many plants. Oxalic acid binds with both iron and calcium, thereby inhibiting the body from absorbing these minerals. By way of comparison, the body can absorb about half of the calcium present in broccoli, yet only around five per cent of the calcium in spinach. One solution is to eat spinach in combination with other foods that are rich in vitamin C, since it enhances the absorption of iron from cereal and vegetable products. So, if you’re looking for a rich source of iron, you’d be better off eating liver, enriched cereal and pasta, dried fruit, nuts and seeds and cooked dried beans. All that being said, spinach still has a great taste and nutritional value. It is a rich source of fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium and several vital antioxidants. When buying spinach, I prefer to get the baby spinach. The leaves are more tender and it has a less bitter flavour. Here are two wonderful spinach recipes for you to try. Note: In the vein of busting other food myths, if you swallow gum, it does not take seven years for it to pass through
Universal life from your perspective Standard Life introduces Perspecta, a versatile universal life insurance concept for both individuals and businesses. This innovative financial vehicle, combining guaranteed insurance protection and a tax-sheltered investment component, can be customized to your needs with four coverage options and nine investment funds. And every Perspecta policy is backed with Standard Life’s $33.1 billion in assets and an exclusive 6-month satisfaction guarantee.
Made with Love Cindy Feingold your digestive system. Just another little gem of food knowledge I thought I’d pass on to you!
Wilted Spinach Salad Makes 6 small salads Wilted spinach salad was popular in the 80s. Then it kind of disappeared off many menus. This is really a shame because it’s delicious. Start a comeback in your own kitchen. This recipe comes from Deborah Madison’s book, The Greens Cookbook (Bantam Books 1987). She serves this salad at Greens, her San Francisco restaurant. This recipe calls for sherry vinegar, which has a nice mellow flavour. I can always find it at Ottawa Bagel on Wellington. 1 small red onion, quartered and thinly sliced 18 thin slices baguette, for croutons 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 12 Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1 pound baby spinach leaves, washed and spun dry 1 clove garlic, finely minced 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 6 ounces feta or other goat cheese Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place onion slices in a bowl, cover with cold water and refrigerate until needed. Soaking the onions tames their strong flavour. Brush the bread with 2 tablespoons olive oil and toast on a baking sheet in hot oven until crisp and lightly browned, 6-8 minutes. Set aside. When you are ready to make the salad, drain the onions. Put spinach in a large metal mixing bowl and toss it with the onions, garlic, mint, olives and vinegar. Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil until it is very hot, but just short of smoking. Immediately pour it over the salad, turning the spinach leaves with a pair of metal tongs so the hot oil coats and wilts as many leaves as possible. Taste and season with more vinegar if needed. Transfer salad to a large serving platter and arrange the croutons around the edge of the platter. Serve.
Newcomers’ Tea Do you know any newcomers to Ottawa? The Ladies’ Reception Committee would like to welcome new women at our semi-annual tea
Sunday, November 4 2:30-4:30 pm at the home of Rena Cohen 24 Kitimat Crescent
The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. collects and uses your personal information primarily for the purpose of providing you with the products and services you have requested from us. The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin may also contact you from time to time to ask about
A wonderful way of meeting others in our community. If you are a newcomer to the Ottawa Jewish community, or if you know someone who is, please call
Driven. To exceed your needs.
B. Comm., CFP, CLU, CH.F.C.
www.standardlife.ca
(613) 792-3385, ext 107
Mark S. Borts
your account or to conduct market research and surveys in an effort to continually improve our product service offerings. To enable us to more efficiently provide the products and services you have requested from us, the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin may share your personal information
Sarah Silverstein at 613-823-9674 Social get-together • No solicitation with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation and the Soloway Jewish Community Centre. If you would like more information, or to speak to the Privacy Officer, please call 613-798-4696 ext. 256.
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 21
Picture books portray different kinds of new beginnings Somewhere, for someone, a new beginning is happening right now. It may be an extraordinary event in someone’s life, like the recent record space walks of Canadian astronaut Dave Williams. Or it may be as personal and routine as moving into a new home, starting day care or school or the first day in a new grade at the same old school. Whatever that new beginning, it means change. And, as we all know, change of any sort and at any pace comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges for adults and kids alike. The following two picture story books portray very different kinds of new beginnings. Abraham’s Search for God By Jacqueline Jules Illustrated by Natascia Ugliano Kar-Ben Publishing 2007 Unpaged. Ages 5 - 9 As you may have gathered from my two previous columns, Jewish Kid Lit featuring midrashim has become increasingly popular. Abraham’s Search for God is another such book. Its sources are noted at the end, with special mention of the fact there is nothing in the Chumash about Abraham as a child. It is only in midrashim that we get any notion of the youthful Abraham and specifically about him in relation to a question that was of fundamental concern to our ancient sages. Did Abraham worship idols in his youth or did his belief in a single God begin in childhood? Abraham’s Search for God provides the midrashic answer. Award-winning author Jacqueline Jules frames her retelling of the midrash in simple, direct language, using concepts that children can easily understand. As a child living in an idol-worshipping society, Abraham is different. He asks questions. While he very much wants to pray to something, he doesn’t think it can be idols made of stone. “There must be something greater than the idols.” Abraham turns to nature for answers. Perhaps the moon is God or is it the sun? Maybe the clouds, frightening thunder or
Kid Lit Deanna Silverman a gorgeous rainbow? But, as each of these natural wonders gives way to another, Abraham concludes there must be something even greater, one “great power [that] rules the entire universe and sets everything in motion.” As to seeing that great power he now calls God, Abraham intuitively realizes that, though God is invisible, God must be everywhere, in everything he sees, feels, hears and experiences with his heart. And that’s the start of the world’s “three great religions.” Natascia Ugliano’s full-colour illustrations enhance the text by enlarging nature and emphasizing its obvious impact on Abraham. In sum, Abraham’s Search for God is a delightful presentation of a charming midrash. A Mezuzah on the Door By Amy Meltzer Illustrated by Janice Fried Kar-Ben Publishing 2007 Unpaged. Ages 3 - 7 When Noah, a young boy who grew up in an apartment in the city moves to a house in the suburbs, he finds it difficult to adjust. It’s way too quiet. He can’t get a good night’s sleep. Something must be done. Perhaps a hanukkat habayit (house dedication) will be just the thing. That is
Trusted Values for All Your Real Estate Needs 148 Colonnade Rd. South, Ste. 202, 613-224-8484
Mark Shore M.A., AACI Accredited Appraiser
Adam Tanner B.A. Real Property Valuator
Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw their ad in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin.
By Jacqueline Jules. Illustrated by Natascia Ugliano.
the basic story line of A Mezuzah on the Door. Of course, that solution requires proper preparation. Noah gets to choose the mezuzah that will be put on his bedroom doorpost. The old neighbours are invited to come to the party that will officially turn the new house into a Jewish home. A good, noisy time is had with each neighbour repeating his/her characteristic bit of schtick at the new house. Along the way, readers learn about the klaf (parchment) in the mezuzah, the custom of putting it up and of touching it upon entering or leaving the house/rooms and the comforting sense of community that can be derived from the mezuzah. And, yes, Noah finally does get a good night’s sleep. Realistic bright, detailed pictures add to the feelings of warmth, comfort and love in A Mezuzah on the Door.
Page 22 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
VOLUNTEER CORNER Volunteer Corner is courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. All beneficiary agencies are invited to list their volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES A minute, a call, a visit … You make the difference • Kosher Meals on Wheels is seeking additional drivers in response to increased demands on this program. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, once a month or once a week, whatever works for you. If you are able to help ensure seniors receive their Kosher Meals on Wheels, it would be greatly appreciated. • Drivers needed to offer seniors transportation to and from medical appointments and to enable them to maintain friendships and a social network. If you are available, please give us a call. • TeleShalom: We are currently seeking volunteers to place a daily call to a senior. Something you can do from the comfort of your own home and will only take a little time. Please let us know if you can help. • Making connections: Guten Tog program. Many of our seniors are living in long-term care facilities. They would benefit from a visit; once a week, every other week or once a month. • Do you have one hour a week to visit a senior who is visually impaired? This senior is seeking a volunteer to read her mail to her weekly. Ideally, this senior is seeking someone who is available Monday mornings. • Do you speak Yiddish or French? A senior in the Craig Henry area is seeking a volunteer who speaks French and Yiddish to go out for a coffee or play Gin Rummy or simply have a conversation. • Participation at committee level needed: The Shalom Bayit Program (a program aimed at reducing violence against Jewish women) is seeking committee members. If you are interested, please contact Sarah Caspi at 613-722-2225, ext. 246.
Deborah is waiting to hear from you at 613-722-2225, ext. 327.
THE BESS AND MOE GREENBERG FAMILY HILLEL LODGE Volunteers needed for: • Cashiers needed to help in the café at lunch (11:45 am to 1:30 pm, Monday to Friday). • B-i-n-g-o! If this is one of your favourite words, come play at the Lodge on Monday nights at 6:45 pm or Friday afternoons at 1:30 pm and have fun! • Sing! Birthday parties (weekdays at 1:15 pm), Kindermusik (Wednesdays at 9 to 11 am), monthly Happy Hours (1:45 pm) all need enthusiastic voices. Even if you don’t sing opera, come! • Talk, debate or just listen! Got a favourite topic on which you’d like the wisdom of elders? Come visit a resident and make a new friend! • Outings anyone? Accompany residents to a museum or shopping at a mall (weekday mornings)! • Practice, practice! Give a preview of a presentation or recital to our residents! • Special mitzvah anyone? Bring a resident to Shabbos services (Saturdays at 9:15 am) and enjoy the fantastic Oneg with friends! • Student special: Add to your community hours by helping our residents!
To inquire further, please call 613-728-3900, ext. 191. Students welcome (please note: children under the age of 14 require adult accompaniment)
Take a trip to Israel and the territories Many of you are either heading to Israel or planning trips there. You might even be thinking of taking a side trip to Jordan. Or maybe you’re curious about visiting the West Bank. Here’s a book to help you in your planning. Lonely Planet can tell you how to get there without getting lost and equip you with important information you need to know – like when not to visit the West Bank – and information you’ll want to know. Like where to buy Ahava skin-care products at decent prices. Israel & the Palestinian Territories (fifth edition) Lonely Planet Softcover, 2007
Book Beat Kinneret Globerman (even sections called “Dangers & Annoyances” where it warns, in Jerusalem, for example, to walk on the Mount of Olives in pairs), trip itineraries (to tailor to your interests, whether they be hedonistic, archeological, sun and fun), walking tours, a history lesson of sorts (and I say sorts because of the dubious balance), even a handy Arabic and Hebrew essential words reference – and many interesting tidbits. For example, in “Signs You Are in Israel & the Palestinian Territories,” it says: “You’ll know you have arrived when you spot these trademarks: ... joggers end their workout with a smoke … martyrs posters in the Palestinian territories … stumbling to your Tel Aviv hotel at 2 am whilst others are going out to dinner.” I certainly believe its claim to be the only travel guide with information on the West Bank and Gaza. What it does best is give you the nitty gritty and shows you the Israel you’ll see if you’re staying at the Hilton or at the hostel.
You can always rely on the Lonely Planet series. They are written by people with a sense of adventure and not a huge amount of liras, rubles, shekels, or whatever the monetary denomination in their pockets. Lonely Planet is the brainchild of Tony and Maureen Wheeler – the first authors of the series who, now directors of this movement-cum-publishing house – maintain that travelling is for everyone. It must be. Lonely Planet printed its 80 millionth book in August of 2006. The books are thorough, not just because the authors experience real life in the countries they write about, but also because the guides are informed by the thousands of respondents to the company’s online bulletin board, Thorn Tree, which receives over 5,000 posts a day, and by its feedback centre, which receives over 1,000 e-mails and letters At the Greenberg Families Library: from travellers per month. Music appreciation has returned to the Library It’s interesting that Lonely Planet would include the terriwith The History of the Symphony Lectures. Given tories in this travel book. It initially makes you wonder what by linguistics professor Jean-Jacques Van Vlassethe slant is, if any, and why the Palestinian territories would be laer, the sessions take place on Wednesday afterincluded, given the difficulties in navigating from Israel to the noons in the SJCC Social Hall. Admission is $55 for territories and back. Leaf through the book and you’ll notice the six lectures, or $12 per lecture, for members; about 85 per cent of the text is devoted to places in Israel; the $75 for the series, $15 per lecture, for non-members. rest, to the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan (Petra) and the Sinai. The second-last lecture in the series takes place on Israeli venues also predominate its full-colour photos. Take October 24 and it’s entitled Freeing the Form: a closer look and read through some of the text and there does Bruckner and Mahler. appear to be a slant. I think the book’s authors think they were Programs are open to all Soloway JCC and being even-handed, but they don’t often succeed, in my opinGreenberg Families Library members. For more ion. Their pre-departure reading booklist ostensibly offers information on this and other programs, call the titles from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Library at 613-798-9818, ext. 245. list includes Palestinian author Edward Said, but it’s nice to see Allan Dershowitz’s book, The Case for Israel, included Max and Tessie in the list, together with Daniel Gordis’ If a Place Can Zelikovitz Make You Cry (both excellent Centre for books, by the way, which Jewish Studies have been reviewed in this column). Public Lecture: November 8, 2007, 7:30 pm Politics aside (and it’s virtually impossible to extricate them from any book with Israel and the territories as the subject matter), if you can overlook the bias, you can get a lot of help in planning your Georgetown University/ American Institute for Contemporary German Studies trip by using this book. Author of Being Jewish in the New Germany (Rutgers University Press, 2006) Whether you have lots of money to spend, or very little, 608 Robertson Hall (Senate Room), Carleton University Israel & the Palestinian TerriSponsored by the German Embassy in Ottawa. tories will give you options on where to stay, where to eat, This lecture is free and open to the public. For Information: what to see and do and expeTel: 613-520-2600, ext. 1320; email: jewish_studies@carleton.ca rience, and how to get there, and with lots of good descripwww.carleton.ca/jewishstudies tions. It’s full of helpful tips
Being Jewish in Germany Today Professor Jeff Peck
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 23
FOUNDATION DONATIONS The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of October 1, 2007.
A gift forever
Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation Donations To make a donation and/or send a tribute card, call Bev Glube (613-798-4696 ext. 274) e-mail: bglube@jewishottawa.com • website: www.ojcf.ca
Join us in building our community by supporting these local agencies GREENBERG FAMILIES LIBRARY ENDOWMENT FUND In appreciation to: Robert Greenberg by Solly Patrontasch. HILLEL ACADEMY ENDOWMENT FUND Shana Tova to: Renee and Sam Geist by Alison, Michael, Jordan, Ethan and Gaby Geist. HILLEL LODGE LEGACY FUND In memory of: Miriam Gordon by Irwin Brodo. JEWISH COMMUNITY CEMETERY HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND In honour of: Audrey Kaplan by Louis Lemkow.
JEWISH STUDENTS ASSOCIATION - HILLEL FUND In memory of: Ann Silverstone by Ron and Maryse Singer. JEWISH YOUTH LIBRARY OF OTTAWA ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Judy and Morty Hersh on the birth of their granddaughter, Mirit Danya by Henry and Joan Bloom. Evelyn and Joseph Lieff on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Eli by Henry and Joan Bloom. GABY SASSOON FOR VICTIMS OF TERROR IN ISRAEL MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Victorine Boulakia by Viviana Fiszman and family. Mollie Tradburks by Rhona Levine; and by Anita Rosenfeld AKIVA EVENING HIGH SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND SHIRLEY AND SHIER BERMAN FUND FOR OTTAWA JEWISH ARCHIVES MENDEL AND VALERIE GOOD HOLOCAUST CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND HY HOCHBERG MEMORIAL LECTURE FUND JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES ENDOWMENT FUND DAVID “THE BEAR” KARDASH CAMP B’NAI BRITH MEMORIAL FUND ADINA BEN PORAT MACHON SARAH TORAH EDUCATION FUND OTTAWA JEWISH CEMETERIES ZICHARON FUND OTTAWA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY FUND OTTAWA MODERN JEWISH SCHOOL FUND OTTAWA POST JEWISH WAR VETERANS FUND DORIS BRONSTEIN TALMUD TORAH AFTERNOON SCHOOL FUND OTTAWA TORAH INSTITUTE TORAH EDUCATION FUND MARTIN GLATT PARLIAMENT LODGE B’NAI BRITH PAST PRESIDENTS’ FUND RAMBAM MAIMONIDES JEWISH CONTINUITY FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUND JEWISH MEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND SARA AND ZEEV VERED ISRAEL CULTURAL PROGRAM FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE ENDOWMENT FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE YOUTH SERVICES FUND TORAH ACADEMY OF OTTAWA TORAH EDUCATION FUND YITZHAK RABIN HIGH SCHOOL FUND IN MEMORY OF EVA WINTHROP
ABELSON FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Lois and Bob Abelson on their 50th wedding anniversary by Marilyn and William Newman. MARJORIE AND BEN ACHBAR COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Sol Kronick by Marj and Ben Achbar. HILDA AGES MEMORIAL FUND R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Sam Ages by Yvonne and Harvey Lithwick and family. AJA 50+ ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Rhoda Zaitlin on the marriage of her daughter and on the birth of her granddaughter by Sol and Estelle Gunner. Flo and Joel Morgan on the birth of their grandson by Sol and Estelle Gunner. MARY AND ISRAEL (AL) ALLICE MEMORIAL FUND R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Rhona Cogan by Myra and Gordon Allice. BELLA AND MAX ALTMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Happy and healthy New Year to: Betty Altman and family by Helen and Joe Hochberg. ANNE AND LOUIS ARRON MEMORIAL FUND Get well wishes to: Danny Cantor by Daphne and Stanley Arron. Birthday wishes to: Lyon Sachs on his special birthday by Daphne and Stanley Arron. MYRNA AND NORMAN BARWIN FOUNDATION OF THE PINCHAS ZUKERMAN MUSICAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of: Mollie Tradburks by Myrna and Norm Barwin. IRVING AND ESTHER BELLMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Mollie Tradburks by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer. JAMIE BEREZIN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Frank and Susan Danoff. ALEX AND MOLLIE BETCHERMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Edna Goldfarb by Joy Rosenstein. RUTH AND HY CALOF ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Ruth Calof on her 70th birthday by Arnon and Ruth Miller; by Elaine and Bill Bebchuk; by Honey and Buddy Katz; by Marvin and Phyllis Silverman; by Shirley Parks; and by Geri Migicovsky. CAYLA AND LITTMAN CARDASH MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Rose and Morrie Konick on their 65th wedding anniversary by Philip and Bess Lewis. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Bessie Weiner by Philip and Bess Lewis. RABBI DR. EDWARD Y. CARDASH MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Rose and Morrie Konick on their 65th wedding anniversary by Moses Cardash. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Bessie Weiner by Moses Cardash. TILLIE AND HARRY CHERM MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: My dear sister, Dora Waserman by Sylvia Kaiman.
DONALD AND LEAH CHODIKOFF ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Derek Firth on the birth of Charlie by Wayne Chodikoff. Congratulations to: Joel Steinberg on the arrival of Gabe by Wayne Chodikoff. Ryan Sidorsky on the birth of Lainey by Wayne Chodikoff. ARTHUR AND LINDA COGAN FUND F OR YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP In appreciation to: Dr. Allan and Marilyn Wilson by Linda and Archie Cogan Gary Bonn by Linda and Archie Cogan. Nancy Gellert by Linda and Archie Cogan. Dr. Ray Saginur by Linda and Arthur Cogan. Dr. Judah and Susan Denburg by Linda and Archie Cogan. In memory of: Solly Marcus by Linda and Arthur Cogan. Sid Rothman by Linda and Arthur Cogan. Edna Goldfarb by Linda and Arthur Cogan. Milton Kufsky by Linda and Arthur Cogan. Mazal Tov to: Alti and Berel Rodal on the birth of their grandchild by Linda and Arthur Cogan. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Gerry Cammy by Linda and Archie Cogan. JACK AND SARAH COGAN MEMORIAL FUND R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Danny Cantor by Rhona and Leonard Cogan. With appreciation to: Dr. Lloyd Rossman by Rhona and Leonard Cogan. Dr. Ray Saginur by Rhona Cogan. DAVID AND QUEENIE COHEN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by David and Judith Kalin. EDWARD L. AND IRMA B. COHEN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Lawrence Goldberg by Edward L. Cohen. Mazal Tov to: Toby and Joel Yan on the birth of their twin grandchildren by Edward L. Cohen. MAX AND GRETE COHEN MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Sid Cohen on his special birthday by Sally and Elliott Levitan. SANDI AND EDDY COOK ENDOWMENT FUND Happy and healthy New Year to: Sheldon and Rhonda Leibner and family by Sandi, Eddy and Samy Cook. Bev and Danny Cantor by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family. In memory of: Victorine Boulakia by Sandi and Eddy Cook. Mazal Tov to: Sylviane Borenstein on the Bat Mitzvah of her granddaughter, Chloe by the Cook family. COOPERMAN-SHUSTER FAMILY FUND In memory of: Victorine Boulakia by Bruria and Earl Cooperman. SANDRA CZARNY FUND FOR CHILDREN IN NEED Speedy recovery to: Danny Cantor by Sandra Czarny and Gary Goyette. NATHAN AND REBA DIENER ENDOWMENT FUND R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Danny Cantor by Barbara and Joel Diener. Nadine Mordfield by Barb, Joel, Jessie, Joshua and Michael Diener. Fay Shulman by Barb, Joel, Jessie, Joshua and Michael Diener. Continued on page 24
Page 24 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
FOUNDATION DONATIONS EDNA AND SEYMOUR EISENBERG ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Our parents, Samuel and Ida Eisenberg and Louis and Annie Pell. LOU EISENBERG CAMP B’NAI BRITH SCHOLARSHIP FUND Birthday wishes to: Lou Eisenberg on his 80th birthday by Annette Rapoport. SHARON AND PAUL FINN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Helen Shusterman by Sharon and Paul Finn. Mazal Tov to: Chaim and Bassi Mendelsohn on the birth of their daughter by Paul and Sharon Finn and family. SAM AND SUSAN FIRESTONE ENDOWMENT FUND Speedy recovery to: Margie Kardash by Sam and Susan Firestone. Henry Cowen by Sam and Susan Firestone. Danny Cantor by Sam and Susan Firestone. In memory of: Percy Levine by Sam and Susan Firestone.
ALFRED AND KAYSA FRIEDMAN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Kaysa and Alfred Friedman. GILBOA/MAOZ FAMILY FUND In memory of: Jill Katz’s mother Muriel by Tal Gilboa and Hadar Maoz. Mazal Tov to: Rabbi Barouch and Raizie Perton on Sruli’s Bar Mitzvah by Tal Gilboa and Hadar Maoz. Todah Rabah to: Rabbi David and Meital Aviel and family by Tal Gilboa and Hadar Maoz. Happy and healthy New Year to: The Rechtsman family by Tal Gilboa, Paz, Eitan and Hadar Maoz. Thank you to: Sara Breiner by Tal Gilboa and Hadar Maoz. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Harry Kofsky by Helen and Chaim Gilboa and family. ANNE AND BEN GLOBERMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Danny and Kinneret Globerman on their daughter Jordana’s admission to McGill University by Anne, Sandra and David Globerman.
FLORENCE FAMILY MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Harry Florence, a dear uncle by A.L. Smith, Anne and Leanne.
STAN AND LIBBY GLUBE FAMILY FUND R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Danny Cantor by Arlene and Norman Glube.
ALAN FREED FAMILY FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Alan Freed.
ANN GLUZMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Ingrid and Gerry Levitz and family.
ROZ AND STEVEN FREMETH FAMILY FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Roz and Steve Fremeth. Mollie Tradburks by Roz and Steve Fremeth.
STANLEY AND LISANNE GOLDFARB ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Edna Goldfarb by the Gennis family.
Ron Kolbus Memorial Charity Golf Tournament Over 200 enthusiastic golfers showed their support for local charities in the Commvesco Levinson-Viner Group and Velocity Media’s 10th annual Ron Kolbus Memorial Charity Golf Tournament held at the Manderley on the Green, September 11th, 2007. Despite the rainy weather given that day, 214 golfers participated in the tournament showing their support of this valued cause. This year, the Tournament raised a grand total of $126,000, an increase of $11,000 from last year’s tournament, bringing the overall total raised by this event since it began to more than $671,000. Eight charitable organizations, including the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF), will benefit from the monies raised from this tournament. “This annual tournament is our way of saying a sincere thank you to all of our business associates and giving back to our community” says Jacie Levinson, CLV Groups CEO. “We’re extremely thankful for the support our event continues to receive. This community has been good to us and we enjoy giving back to it. We believe that good corporate citizenship goes further than the boardroom. We all have the
Oz Drewniak, Jacie Levinson and Mike McCann (far left) and Mike McGahan (far right) of CLV Group and Velocity Media, with various recipient agency representatives.
responsibility to better the communities we work & live in”, says Mike McGahan, CLV Group President. The OJCF will receive $10K bringing its overall total from this successful event to $87,000. Other organizations that are helped include the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Old Forge Society, Youth Services Bureau, Snowsuit Fund, Easter Seals Foundation, and the Kidney Research Centre. Many thanks to Velocity Media and Commvesco Levinson-Viner Group, and its dedicated team of employees, for all their hard work and efforts each year.
EVA, DIANE AND JACK GOLDFIELD MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Linda Cohen’s father by Evie Goldfield and Roger Glade. JEFFREY AND ENID GOULD FAMILY FUND Speedy recovery to: Enid Gould by Ruth and Harry Fleisher. NIOME GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Rose and Morrie Konick on their 65th wedding anniversary by Lillian Cardash. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Bessie Weiner by Lillian Cardash. REBECCA AND CHARLES GUSSMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Mollie Tradburks by Tom and Natalie Gussman. Jolan Frohlich by Tom and Natalie Gussman. Todah Rabah to: Tom and Natalie Gussman by Mitchell Bellman. HANSER FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Sam Hanser, a dear uncle by Isabel and Norman Lesh and family. LARRY AND SHEILA HARTMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Congratulations to: Marilyn and Danny Kimmel on the birth of their grandson by Sheila and Larry Hartman. Sheila and Larry Hartman on the marriage of their daughter Tracy to Cantor Shneur Bielak by Marilyn and Dan Kimmel. In memory of: Sol Kronick by Sheila and Larry Hartman. RHEA AND JEFF HOCHSTADTER FAMILY FUND Good health to: Roz Taller by Rhea, Jeff, Elana and Lorne Hochstadter. Speedy recovery to: Murray Citron by Rhea, Jeff, Elana and Lorne Hochstadter. DOROTHY AND HY HYMES ENDOWMENT FUND Well wishes to: Diana Malomet by Dorothy and Hy Hymes. In memory of: Percy Levine by Dorothy and Hy Hymes. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Dora Litwack by Dorothy and Hy Hymes. JEREMY KANTER MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Louis Eisenberg on his special birthday by Edna and Seymour Eisenberg. In memory of: Percy Levine by Julie Kanter, Daniel and Jonah; and by Evelyn and Lou Eisenberg. Speedy recovery to: Danny Cantor by Evelyn and Lou Eisenberg. Rhona Cogan by Evelyn and Lou Eisneberg. PINNEY AND LIBBY KARDASH ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Solly Marcus by Cally and Sid Kardash. Good health to: Louis, Muriel and Rachel Kardish by Cally and Sid Kardash.
SAMUEL AND TILLIE KARDISH MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Lawrence Goldberg by Cheryl Kardish Levitan, Brian Levitan, Elana, Tyler and Ian. Edna Goldfarb by Joy and David Kardish. Mazal Tov to: Ron and Avalee Prohogan on their son Harris becoming a dentist by Cheryl Kardish Levitan, Brian Levitan, Elana, Tyler and Ian. Get well wishes to: Danny Cantor by Joy and David Kardish. ARTHUR AND SARAH KIMMEL MEMORIAL FUND Well wishes to: Pat Rinaldo by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel. In memory of: Percy Levine by Marilyn and Dan Kimmel. In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Arthur Kimmel, a very dear father by Isabel and Norman Lesh and family. Congratulations to: George and Rhoda Caplan on the birth of their grandson by Marilyn and Dan Kimmel. KOVOD ENDOWMENT FUND Thank you to: Riva Rotenberg by Rhoda, Jeff and Sara Miller. KRANTZBERG KRANE FAMILY FUND Birthday wishes to: Morrie Krantzberg on his 90th birthday by Clair Krantzberg. Justin Krane by Jessie and Jim Laing. ISSIE AND EDITH LANDAU ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Dr. Ivan Goldman on his special birthday by Edie Landau. Fran Kurland on her special birthday by Edie Landau. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Les Field by Edie Landau and family. In memory of: Ruth Bear by Edie Landau. SANDRA AND JACIE LEVINSON ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Mark Dover by Sandra and Jacie Levinson. Brenda Wolf on her special birthday by Sandra and Jacie Levinson. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Zahava Kardash by Sandra and Jacie Levinson. Danny Cantor by Sandra and Jacie Levinson. In memory of: Percy Levine by Sandra and Jacie Levinson. SALLY AND ELLIOTT LEVITAN ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Lyon Sachs on his special birthday by Sally and Elliott Levitan. JOSEPH AND JEAN LICHTENSTEIN ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Harold Biderman on his 60th birthday by Jean and Joe Lichtenstein. Continued on page 25
In Appreciation: The family of the late Victorine (Vita) Hannah Boulakia would like to thank all our family and friends for their kindness and expressions of condolence on the loss of a dear mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. Your generous donations, cards and visits were comforting and uplifting during this difficult time. Jean and Jacques Boulakia
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 25
FOUNDATION DONATIONS LOBEL FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Sidney Katz by Goldie Lobel and family. Percy Levine by Goldie Lobel. SAMUEL AND LEEMA MAGIDSON ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Edna Goldfarb by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel. Percy Levine by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel. MORTY MAYBERGER UNITED JEWISH APPEAL GOLF TOURNAMENT FUND Thinking of: Gerald Schneider by Ruthy Eliesen, Carri, Michael and Liane. MARION AND SHLOMO MAYMAN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Edna Goldfarb by Marion and Shlomo Mayman. NORMAN AND ANNE MIRSKY MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Sid Katz by Millie and Steve Mirsky. ABRAM AND EDITH MOLOT MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Henry Molot on receiving his award and on his retirement by Yvonne and Harvey Lithwick and family. JEAN AND MAX NAEMARK ENDOWMENT FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Betty Naemark by Jean Naemark and family.
An unveiling in memory of
Molly Knoll will take place
Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 1:00 pm Mount Pleasant Cemetery Young Israel of Chomedey Section
Duvernay, Laval, Quebec Family and friends are welcome to attend
PINKUS AND YEHUDIT NEWMAN MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Sheila and Larry Hartman on the marriage of their daughter Tracy to Cantor Shneur Bielak by Marilyn and William Newman. In memory of: Mollie Tradburks by Marilyn and William Newman. JACK AND MIRIAM PLEET ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Elliott Levitan on his special birthday by Miriam and Jack Pleet. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Diana Malomet by Miriam and Jack Pleet. NORMAN AND EVELYN POTECHIN ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Norman and Evelyn Potechin on the birth of their great grandson by Judy Wolfe; and by Joy and David Kardish. SHELLEY AND SID ROTHMAN FAMILY FUND In memory of: Mollie Tradburks by Shelley Rothman. ELAYNE AND WESLEY SCHACTER ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Art Saper on his 60th birthday by Elayne, Wesley, Adam, Joshua and Michael Schacter. In memory of: Percy Levine by Elayne and Wesley Schacter and family. HAROLD SHAFFER MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Sarah and Milton Shaffer on their 69th wedding anniversary by Frances, Rhea and Dorothy; and by Edie Landau. ABRAHAM AND NELLIE SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Marty Black on his special birthday by Carol-Sue and Jack Shapiro. SHEKEL HAKODESH ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Laurie and Steve Gordon. DR. ROBERT NORMAN SHOIHET MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Meyer and Miriam Sabo on the birth of a boy by Lillian Shoihet and family. LORNE AND LAURIE SHUSTERMAN FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Marvin and Esther Kochberg on the birth of their great-
CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL Exclusive TOURS • Canyon Ranch Ladies’ Getaway (Pre-register now)............... May 26-30, 2008 CALL FOR DETAILS: CHRIS CALDER, ext 229 // SANDRA GRANATSTEIN, ext 224
Two Tours Celebrating Israel’s 60th Anniversary! Join Rabbi Gary Kessler who will lead a tour in honour of Beth Shalom’s 50th Anniversary May 8 - 19, 2008 to Israel Rabbi Steven Garten will lead a tour to Prague and Israel June 26 - July 8, 2008 exploring Jewish life in Czechoslavakia and the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948
CALL FOR DETAILS: NANCY BORER, ext 232 // SANDRA GRANATSTEIN, ext 224 Experienced travel professionals * Accessible, responsive service and support Israel specialists * Competitive Airfares * Package tours * Cruises Independent travel planning assistance * Support of the international Carlson network
613-238-4040 130 Albert St. Suite 714, Ottawa, ON. K1P 5G4 ccalder@carlsonwagonlit.ca // sgranatstein@carlsonwagonlit.ca
grandson, Noah by Lorne and Laurie Shusterman. JACK AND SARAH SILVERSTEIN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Roger Greenberg by Jack Silverstein. Steven Kimmel by Sarah, David and Jack Silverstein. Debi Rosati by Sarah and Jack Silverstein. Anniversary wishes to: Nordau and Rozzi Kanigsberg on their 40th wedding anniversary by Jack, Sarah and David Silverstein. In memory of: Mollie Tradburks by Jack and Sarah Silverstein. Helen Batcher by Jack, Sarah and David Silverstein. LINDA SILVERMAN MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Elliott Levitan on his special birthday by Marvin and Phyllis Silverman. LOUIS AND STELLA SLACK MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Myra and Lester Aronson. MOE AND CHARLOTTE SLACK MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Marlene Levine and Andrew Siman; by Sandra Palef and Nissim Avraham; and by Ron Kanter and Enid Slack and family.
SAM AND SUE SLACK ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by David, Sharon, Ryan, Jaye and Brody Appotive. Birthday wishes to: Jewel Lowenstein on her 65th birthday by Sue Slack, Sharon, David, Ryan, Jaye and Brody Appotive. DORIS AND RICHARD STERN FAMILY FUND In memory of: Barb Percival’s mother by Doris and Richard Stern and family. Happy and healthy New Year to: Paul and Leandra Forman by Doris and Richard Stern. Birthday wishes to: Jacie Levinson by Doris and Richard Stern. Paul Ostrov by Doris and Richard Stern. Sabrina Ostrov by Doris and Richard Stern. Anniversary wishes to: Laya and Sol Shabinsky by Doris and Richard Stern. WILLIAM “BILL” STERNBERG MEMORIAL FUND Happy New Year to: Elsa and Norman Swedko by Laya and Ted Jacobsen. Continued on page 26
In Appreciation: The family of the late Bill Adler, sincerely thanks you for your kind expressions of sympathy, visits, Shiva meals, cards and generous charitable donations made in his memory. Your comforting support through this difficult time will always be remembered. Marilyn, Elayne and Families
In Appreciation: I would like to thank my wonderful family and friends for their good wishes, contribution cards and gifts on the occasion of my 80th birthday. Lou Eisenberg
Page 26 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
FOUNDATION DONATIONS CASEY AND BESS SWEDLOVE ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Bess Swedlove. Birthday wishes to: Marty Black by Bess Swedlove. RUTH TALLER MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Mendy Taller. ALLAN TAYLOR ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Allan Taylor. TENNENHOUSE FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Our dear granddaughter, Miriam Diamond on all her accomplishments by Faye and Arnold Tennenhouse. Our dear granddaughter, Naomi Perley on all her accomplishments by Faye and Arnold Tennenhouse. MOSES, CHENYA AND HENRY TORONTOW MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Michael Torontow by Jean Naemark and family. ELIZABETH AND ARNON VERED FAMILY COMMUNITY FUND In appreciation to: Arnie Vered by Solly Patrontasch. STEPHEN AND GAIL VICTOR ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Gail and Stephen Victor. Mollie Tradburks by Gail and Stephen Victor. Speedy recovery to: Rhona Cogan by Gail and Stephen Victor.
RUTH AND JOSEPH VINER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Percy Levine by Ruth and Joe Viner. SONIA AND ARTHUR VINER MEMORIAL FUND Belated birthday wishes to: Nancy Viner by Uncle John and Aunt Gital Greenberg. Gillian Aberman and much nachas on Amanda’s and Sabrina’s Bat Mitzvah by Uncle John and Aunt Gital Greenberg. HAZE WAINBERG FAMILY FUND Birthday wishes to: Harold Ship on his 85th birthday by Haze and Merv. Mazal Tov to: Annabelle Ship and John Sanders on their marriage by Haze and Merv. MICHAEL WALSH AND LISA ROSENKRANTZ ENDOWMENT FUND In appreciation to: Lisa Rosenkrantz by Barbara Slipacoff. MIRIAM AND LOUIS WEINER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Sidney Katz by Eleanor and Paul Weiner, Barbara and Jeff Rosenberg and Bruce and Carla Weiner. Percy Levine by Miriam and Louis Weiner. Rhoda Marcus by Miriam and Louis Weiner. Miriam Gordon by Miriam and Louis Weiner. MILDRED AND PERCY WEINSTEIN ENDOWMENT FUND Speedy recovery to: Diana Malomet by Millie Weinstein. Happy New Year to: Linda and Archie Cogan by Millie Weinstein and Bruce Weinstein.
Ethel and Irving Taylor by Millie Weinstein. Mazal Tov to: Sheila and Larry Hartman on the marriage of their daughter Tracy to Cantor Shneur Bielak by Millie Weinstein. CLAIRE-JEHANNE AND ERIC WILNER FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Geri Goldstein and Joe on their marriage by Eric and Claire-Jehanne Wilner. IRVING AND DIANE WEXLER FAMILY FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Irving Wexler, a beloved husband by Diane Wexler. Joseph and Freda Cohen, beloved parents by Diane Wexler. ZIPES KARANOFSKY FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Dave Wylie on his 60th birthday by Rick and Helen Zipes. In memory of: Percy Levine by Rick and Helen Zipes and family. PINCHAS ZUKERMAN MUSICAL EDUCATION FUND In honour of: The engagements of Fran and Morty Ross’s children, Jonathan and Elizabeth by Evelyn Greenberg.
THE SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM MAX JONAH GENNIS B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Frank Rosen on the engagement of his daughter Natalie by Michael Gennis and family.
Remembering novelist Mordecai Richler Miriam Waddington had it right when she wrote in 1972 that, although his satire often shocked Canadian Jews, Mordecai Richler was writing from inside the Jewish community and about its values. In fact, much of what Richler wrote was remarkably similar to a rabbinical sermon. The difference is any rabbi, who has enough common sense so as not to be sent packing, structures his sermons to instruct, not draw blood. A comic novelist who seeks a large audience purposely makes his points sharp enough to sting, and rubs them in until as many readers as possible get the point and are howling with pain and indignation. This is what happened to Mordecai Richler. When, at age 28, he published his fourth novel and first major success, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1959), he was a shandeh big time in the older Canadian Jewish community and a succès de scandal among younger Jews and their non-Jewish peers for “telling it like it is” (or like we thought it was – an important distinction). I can certainly understand why Richler offended many in the older generation. In truth, Richler applied his comic skills to give everybody a hard time without discrimination. If we thought he was hard on us, his own people, we should consider his scathing comments both in his novels and his critical polemics about the pretentious gentility and smug superiority
of Canadian WASPS as a group, or the hyper-nationalism and alleged racism of Québécois of the older (religious) and newer (nationalist) generations. Nobody was safe from his sting. Richler prided himself on being a truthful moralist and, like most moralists, thought he was doing good. He was utterly opposed to ghettos, in fact and in spirit, as a limiting and crippling condition, no matter how comforting “closeness” to one’s group seems. This applied to Jewish or other ethnic ghettos, to the Québécois and to Canadians as a whole. Note his various comments – e.g., “To be a Canadian and a Jew is to leave the ghetto twice – or his comments about authors, who were “world famous – only in Canada,” etc. He was almost perverse in his admiration for the United States, but admitted in the 1970s that there was something to be said for Canada as a kinder, gentler place. Initially, he identified closely with Britain as a truly civilized and cultured society, but this lessened as the “angry young men,” his early peers, became the smug talking heads on the BBC. I believe he came back to Canada in 1972 not only because he thought the country was beginning to change for the better, but because his clear and outspoken support for Israel made him uncomfortable in Britain once being pro-Palestinian became a favourite cause of the cultural left. Mordecai Richler was a talented and consistent exponent
RYAN GOLDBERG B’NAI MITZVAH FUND In memory of: Lawrence Goldberg by the Gennis Family. Percy Levine by Len and Mary Potechin. Contributions may be made online at www.ojcf.ca or by phoning Bev Glube at 613-798-4696 extension 274, Monday to Friday. We have voice mail. Our e-mail address is bglube@jewishottawa.com. Attractive cards are sent to convey the appropriate sentiments. All donations are acknowledged with an official receipt for income tax purposes. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Amex.
Donating made easy at www.ojcf.ca Send one or multiple tribute cards to your friends and loved ones in one secure transaction. A detailed confirmation and e-receipt will be sent to your email account. Try it TODAY!
Global Shtetl The Jewish Internet Saul Silverman of political incorrectness. Like the old Saint Urbain’s Street ghetto, he may be a relic of a time fast fading from memory, but I miss him. I believe we can stand outspoken criticism. I believe we need some political incorrectness in our community and in our country to offset the general yea-saying. I hope a worthy successor to Mordecai Richler will emerge for our own good.
Websites Victor Ramraj: http://tinyurl.com/34pdqq Wikipedia: http://tinyurl.com/2wdzvy Criticism: http://tinyurl.com/37ov3t Obituaries: New York Times: http://tinyurl.com/3yqklq National Post: http://tinyurl.com/32u38j New York Times Book Reviews: Duddy Kravitz (1959): http://tinyurl.com/39p95e St. Urbain’s Horseman (1971): http://tinyurl.com/2uk2zp Solomon Gursky (1990): http://tinyurl.com/35tkzm Barney’s Version (1997): http://tinyurl.com/2knlbk
Would you like to advertise in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin? Contact Rhoda Saslove-Miller Tel: 613-798-4696, ext. 256 • Fax: 613-798-4730 Email: rsaslovemiller@ottawajewishbulletin.com
Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007 – Page 27
My grandson, the fast runner Noah is a very nice little boy you may have met before. He is my grandson and calls me “Zaidie.” He calls my wife “Bubbie.” When I was telling him about my next visit on the phone, I said, “How are you Noah?” Noah: “Fine. And Zaidie, can you help me get my balloon from Yorkdale?” Me: “What happened to your balloon?” Noah: “I was carrying it and it flew up. Daddy said I should tie it, but I said no, but he said to tie it, but I didn’t, but he said it would fly away, but I ran down the hall, but he said come back, but my balloon flew up, so I was sad. Zaidie, will you help me?” Me: “Yes, Noah.” Noah: “OK. Bye now; I have to go watch my DVD.” Me: “But Noah …” Click. When I visited him in Toronto by myself, I went to
Yorkdale with Noah and his father. I took Noah to read some books while his father went for coffee. Noah was quite pleased to be with me. He showed how happy he was by running around the Chapter’s children’s section and taking down all the toys to look at once before going on to the next one. Time passed very quickly and then we had to leave. Now, Noah wanted to sit and read a book. I said, “Noah, I bet I can run faster than you.” “Don’t be silly Zaidie,” he laughed, “I’m a fast runner.” “I’ll race you to the elevators,” I said, because that is where his father would be waiting. “OK,” he said, and took off. I had to huff and puff all the way from one end of Yorkdale to the other. It is a very big mall. Noah was laughing and happy and ran to his father. “I won, I won!” he shouted. “But I almost won,” I said and we all went home.
Knish: the untold stories or what our editor won’t let us print After almost two years of Have a Knish, some love it and others hate it so much they wished we had converted to Christianity. Some say apart from the obituaries it’s the only thing they read. Whatever your opinion, we’ve been having a great time. Will Knish lovers get teary-eyed if the OJB pulls the plug causing those that dislike us to break out the kugel? Not yet! But who knows what the future holds? Love us or hate us, it’s always a pleasure hearing your opinion in the Loblaws kosher section or on the SJCC treadmills as you work off those kosher calories. We love that you have an opinion and either tell us in person or perhaps put messages into the Western Wall asking that it end soon. We recall brainstorming this column’s concept and believed there was a better chance of writing for a Lebanese paper. For the fans, we give you a special glimpse into what we go through for each issue in the famed writers’ room (Paul’s bedroom) as we come up with and pitch ideas to our editor, Barry Fishman. Many ideas such as the following get chopped as fast as a baby boy on his eighth day. The bris Most Ottawa baby boys were cut by the same man, who also taught most of us our Bar Mitzvah portion, Cantor Aptowitzer. We love this man and believed a fun story would be to have him teach us the ropes and then perform a bris ourselves. Fishman’s response: Please see me in my office. I have your walking papers. The Sandy Koufax snub Every time kids don’t want to attend synagogue on Yom Kippur, their parents remind them of Sandy Koufax, who out of respect for the High Holiday, didn’t pitch in the World Series on Yom Kippur. Knish thought it would be fun to interview the legend, but were denied access. We never even asked him to do the interview on a High Holiday! He must really hate our column! Fishman’s response: Another wise decision by Koufax! The Conversion We convert to Christianity for a year and report our discoveries. Fishman’s response: We’re not really losing anyone valuable from the community, so I say, go for it!
Have a Knish Paul Telner
Byron Pascoe
Seymore Butts We conducted an interview with one of the most famous Jewish adult film stars, Adam Glasser, aka Seymore Butts. Fishman’s response: After a careful read and consideration, I have decided the Adam Glasser story is inappropriate. We write this column for people’s enjoyment, but live in difficult times. Now more than ever we all must support Judaism. To show your support of Israel, go to the Holy Land or at least buy a tree. To show your support of the community, volunteer or donate to the Annual Campaign, preferably do both. To show your support for Have A Knish … we have the answer. Knish is more than a column, it’s a lifestyle choice. That’s why we’re proud to announce merchandise! You can wear Have A Knish hats or a shirt/apron with the tagline “Controversial, but still Kosher!” The backsides of the shirts show our Have A Knish Advisory chart, based on the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory System’s five risk levels of terrorist attacks. You’ll have to check out the web site for levels, which are too hot for print. The shirts are great to add to your wardrobe full of Tshirts from Jewish summer camp, the Walkathon and JCC TheatreWorks plays. They’re 100 per cent cotton and guaranteed to be made with integrity and class. (We put the kids of SJCC day camp to work; it’s better than a Third World country!) You can also wake up in the morning to a Have A Knish mug. Or put a magnet on your fridge! Check out www.cafepress.com/haveaknish. Thanks for the support and let’s have a great new season of Knish!
Humour me, please Rubin Friedman When we ate breakfast together, he looked at me very seriously and said: “Zaidie, you can visit anytime, but Zaidie … next time bring Bubbie.” So the next time, when my wife and I visited him at his house in Toronto, Noah was very happy. He helped Bubbie make a matzah bray and danced to his music. He got very excited and started to yell. I told Noah his yelling hurt my ears and he said, “Sorry, Zaidie.” And he only yelled a little after that. And when he yelled and saw the look on my face, he stopped right away and went back to talking normally. This made me very glad. He showed Bubbie his new toys and, when we were leaving, he said to Bubbie, “Wait.” Then Noah went to the shelf and got his special lip balm down. He had two. He came over to Bubbie and said, “ Bubbie, I have two lip balms and I want to give you one.” When Bubbie reached out for it, he said, “Wait.” Then he ran off and got a big box from bottled wine and he brought it back and said, “I have to put the lip balm in a box for you.” And he took the lip balm and placed it in the very centre of the big box and then folded the tops down. Then he gave the big box to Bubbie and said, “This is for you, Bubbie.” And Bubbie gave him a big kiss. And I could see Noah’s mommy and she was all happy and smiling and looking at him with love. Then we all said good bye and we left. I think Noah is a nice guy. I will be happy to see him again.
Mazal Tov Getting married, celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, just had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Send us your good news (photo too)! $50 + gst Mail to: Ottawa Jewish Bulletin 21 Nadolny Sachs Private Ottawa, Ontario K2A 2R9 Fax: 613-798-4730 Email: rsaslovemiller@ottawajewishbulletin.com For more information call Rhoda Saslove-Miller 613-798-4696, ext. 256
Page 28 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – October 22, 2007
WHAT’S GOING ON October 22 to November 4, 2007 MONDAY, OCTOBER 22 Vered Israel Cultural and Educational Program, Lecture Series with Dr. Henri Habib, “Dynamics of Saudi Politics and the Future of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East,” 7:30 pm. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 Israeli Folkdancing, Hillel Academy, 31 Nadolny Sachs, 6:30 pm. Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Young Adult Division Comedy Night, Absolute Comedy, 412 Preston, 6:30 pm.
CANDLELIGHTING BEFORE Oct 26 Nov 2
✡ ✡
5:42 pm 5:31 pm
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 “A Celebration of Jewish Studies in Ottawa,” Jacob M. Lowy Collection of Library and Archives Canada; Canadian Society for Jewish Studies; Vered Jewish Canadian Studies Program (uOttawa); Max and Tessie Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies (Carleton U); Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington, 8:30 am - 4:15 pm. Greenberg Families Library, Music Appreciation Series, presented by Professor Jean-Jacques Van Vlasselaer “Freeing the form: Bruckner and Mahler,” 1:30 pm. “Uncovering the Lowy Haggadah Manuscript,” Jacob M. Lowy Collection, Library and Archives Canada and the Council of the Jacob M. Lowy Collection, Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington, 7:30 pm. Canadian Hadassah-WIZO, Ottawa Centre, celebrates the achievements of three exceptional women, with dessert reception, Agudath Israel Congregation, 1400 Coldrey, 7:30 pm. RSVP: 613-798-7644.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 Jewish National Fund, Negev Dinner honouring Jim Orban, publisher of the Ottawa Citizen, with keynote speaker CNN’s Larry King, Congress Centre, 6:00 pm. “A Celebration of Jewish Studies in Ottawa,” Jacob M. Lowy Collection of Library and Archives Canada; Canadian Society for Jewish Studies; Vered Jewish Canadian Studies Program (uOttawa); Max and Tessie Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies (Carleton U); Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington, 8:30 am - 4:15 pm. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 SJCC, Shalom Baby Opening Program with Shanon from Kindermusic, light refreshments served, 9:00 am. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 Na’amat Ottawa, Tikvah Chapter, Jen Gould Music Soup Children’s Concert, 10:30 am. Tickets available at the SJCC Ganon Preschool office. Hillel Lodge Annual Tea, Hillel
For a detailed listing visit www.jewishottawa.org
Lodge, 10 Nadolny Sachs, 2:00 pm. Holocaust Education Week 2007, Book Launch, “Polyn: My life within Jewish Life in Poland,” sketches and images by Yehiel Yeshaia Trunk, translated by Anna Clarke, uOttawa, Taberet Hall, 6:00 pm. MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 Vered Israel Cultural and Educational Program, Lecture Series with Dr. Henri Habib, “Dynamics of Saudi Politics and the Future of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East,” 7:30 pm. Ottawa Jewish Historical Society Lecture, Ron Gould speaks on the Gould Family, Agudath Israel Congregation, 1400 Coldrey, 7:30 pm. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 Soloway Jewish Community Centre, Adult Department lecture, “Why and How Jews Should Read the New Testament,” with Professor Adele Reinhartz, 7:30 pm. Israeli Folkdancing, Hillel Academy, 31 Nadolny Sachs, 6:30 pm.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 AJA 50+ Bridge and Mah Jongg fundraiser, Agudath Israel Congregation, 1400 Coldrey, 11:30 am. Greenberg Families Library, Music Appreciation Series, presented by Professor JeanJacques Van Vlasselaer “The 20th Century Symphonic Tradition and the End of the Symphonic Form,” 1:30 pm. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Jewish Federation of Ottawa Women’s Campaign, “Choices” with guest speaker Irshad Manji, Agudath Israel Congregation, 1400 Coldrey Avenue, 6:00 pm. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Ladies’ Reception Committee, Newcomer’s Tea, home of Rena Cohen, 2:00 pm. Holocaust Education Week 2007, March of the Living Panel, and Art Therapy Session, Sunday Schools Program, 9:30 am.
COMING SOON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Holocaust Education Week, “The Holocaust: Through the Eyes of a Child,” with author and speaker Barbara Coloroso. Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 235. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Kristallnacht Candlelight Commemoration, 7:00 pm. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Ottawa Celebrity Sports Dinner, with several members of the Senators as guests plus eight NHL Hall-of-Famers, Civic Centre. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 225.
Unless otherwise noted, activities take place at The Joseph and Rose Ages Family Building, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private. This information is taken from the community calendar maintained by the Jewish Community Campus of Ottawa Inc. Organizations which would like their events to be listed, no matter where they are to be held, should make sure they are recorded by Brenda Schafer, calendar coordinator at 798-9818 ext. 265. We have voice mail. Accurate details must be provided and all events must be open to the Jewish public. You may fax to 798-9839 or email to bschafer@jccottawa.com.
Condolences BULLETIN O 31
NOVEMBER 19 NOVEMBER 14 FOR DECEMBER 3 * CTOBER
Condolences are extended to the families of: Nathan Dinovitzer Wayne Feller Percy Levine Tillie Portugese, Montreal (mother of Arnold) Mollie Tradburks
May their memory be a blessing always.
The CONDOLENCE COLUMN is offered as a public service to the community. There is no charge. For a listing in this column, please call Bev Glube, 613-798-4696, ext. 274. Voice mail is available.
DEADLINES
FOR
2008 JANUARY 2 FOR JANUARY 21 JANUARY 16 FOR FEBRUARY 4 JANUARY 30 FOR FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 20 FOR MARCH 10 MARCH 5 FOR MARCH 24 MARCH 19 FOR APRIL 7 APRIL 2 FOR APRIL 21 APRIL 16 FOR MAY 5 * Community-wide Issue (all dates subject to change)