Doctor`s choices have led her to save many children`s hearts
Transcription
Doctor`s choices have led her to save many children`s hearts
Plant A Tree For All Reasons 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 Bulletin, established 1937, celebrating 75 years in 2012. page 5 www.ottawajewishbulletin.com Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. • ✡ ottawa jewish bulletin 7 5 T H A N N I V E R S A RY 1 9 3 7 - 2 0 1 2 volume 77, no. 4 november 12, 2012 Cheshvan 27, 5773 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9 • Publisher: Mitchell Bellman • Editor: Michael Regenstreif $2.00 Doctor’s choices have led her to save many children’s hearts By Diane Koven Life is all about choices, big and small: whether to attend the gala Choices dinner in support of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Women’s Campaign, to donate money to the campaign, or to dedicate one’s career and life to saving the lives of desperately ill children. Nearly 300 women – and a couple of brave men – chose to attend the sixth annual Choices dinner, October 24 at Agudath Israel Congregation, and hear keynote speaker Dr. Livia Kapusta eloquently and movingly describe the many choices she has made in her life and career. Born in Israel, where she graduated from Tel Aviv University’s Sackler School of Medicine, Kapusta furthered her medical career and specialization in paediatric cardiology in the Netherlands. “I met a nice Jewish Dutch guy … and I decided to follow my heart and went to the Netherlands,” she said. “My second choice was to combine motherhood with a profession. Only two women were practising paediatricians in the hospital and both were unmarried and without children.” Another life altering choice was made when Kapusta and her husband met delegates from the Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) organization at a dinner party. “My husband and I made a choice to join the organization,” she said. In 2010, after several years of working with children from around the world who are brought to Israel for life-saving cardiac surgery, Kapusta decided to return to her country of birth. “I followed my heart when my family made Aliyah. I chose to work full time at the Wolfson Medical Center [in Holon], where SACH is based.” Following Kapusta address, she was interviewed on stage by journalist Stephanie Levitz, who covers federal politics for the Canadian Press. Asked by Levitz if she finds it difficult to choose which child to operate on if there is a choice of a Jewish child or a Palestinian child, Kapusta said it is not an “either or” situation. Children are chosen based on a variety of medical criteria and not on political terms. “We have operated on more than 3,000 children – half of them from the Palestinian Authority, but also from China, Zanzibar and other countries. ... If we think they can be operated on, we do it,” Kapusta said. “Sometimes in life, you have to give an example to your children, to your friends ... to show you can do something extra. Just be open-minded and think of what you can do to help someone else. ... It is also good for the soul,” she said. (Continued on page 2) Choices keynote speaker Dr. Livia Kapusta describes the choices which led her to Save a Child’s Heart, an Israeli organization which provides life-saving heart surgery to chil(Photo: Howard Sandler) dren in need around the world. Guest column Rwandan genocide shows imperitave of Holocaust education By Adam Moscoe Holocaust Education Initiatives Hillel Ottawa This past August, I had the opportunity to join Global Youth Connect, a New Yorkbased NGO, on a life-changing human rights delegation to Rwanda. For three intensive weeks, I lived and worked alongside 30 students – half Rwandan, half Canadian or American – as we explored our conceptions of human rights using Rwanda as a living case study. Both in economic devel- opment and in the process of reconciliation, Rwanda has made remarkable progress since the 1994 genocide – a 100-day nightmare during which nearly a million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were murdered. For the past three years, I have had the honour of working with my peers to create opportunities for Ottawa university students to connect meaningfully and learn from survivors of the Holocaust. At the same time, I have tried to convey – through collaboration with the student-driven advocacy group, STAND – the importance of transforming remembrance of the Holocaust into collective action to prevent genocide and advocate for Canada to play a greater role in this global effort, and to promote a more just society. It was with this in mind that I boarded my flight to Kigali, the spotlessly clean and vibrant capital city of Rwanda. Our diverse delegation worked on a wide array of issues with a broad spectrum of organizations – from assessing health, security education conditions in a UN refugee camp for Congolese refugees in Rwanda’s gorgeous Western Province, to designing drama games to engage children from the highly marginalized and impoverished Mubuga sector in a discussion on the right to education. We also visited several memorials to the Rwandan genocide and held countless discussions. Indeed, many of the Rwandan delegates were survivors of the genocide. (Continued on page 2 ) World Class Outsourcing ... and more! 613-744-6444 Publications Mail Registration No. 07519 Providing quality service to the National Capital Region since 1947! 613-744-5767 613-244-7225 613-244-4444 www.boydgroup.on.ca Page 2 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 Hillel Ottawa to honour Holocaust survivors (Continued from page 1) Their personal reflections – and their generous willingness to answer the international delegates’ unending questions – will stay with me forever, much like the stories and lessons I’ve learned from Ottawa’s survivors of the Holocaust. I was particularly struck by the notion of forgiveness as the only option for building a better society. A brilliant young lady in my delegation who lost her father at the hands of the genocidaires told us that, when she came face to face with the killer at a gacaca (community level) trial, she looked into his eyes and said: “I forgive you.” “How could you forgive him?” I asked. She responded that, without forgiveness, there could be no justice, no reconciliation and no progress in the country she so unconditionally loves. Adam Moscoe in Rwanda with two delegates from Global Youth Connect: nursing student Immaculate Kyarislima (left) and documentary filmmaker Dydine Umunyana. The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre contains a large section devoted to educating Rwandans about the Holocaust as well as other cases of genocide and mass atrocity. This well-researched display reinforced my belief that Jewish communities, in turn, have a responsibility to educate young people about the Rwandan geno- cide and the international community’s failure to stop the killing. As my mentor Irwin Cotler says, “No one can say that we did not know. We knew, but we did not act.” I also feel many Rwandan youth would derive additional strength by hearing first-hand the stories of Holocaust survivors. While Rwanda has no Jewish community to speak of – some of the Rwandans I met thought Judaism was a branch of Christianity – there is the possibility of a meaningful connection to be forged amongst those who have emerged from unspeakable horrors and have rebuilt their lives and communities. The Holocaust Education Week team at Hillel Ottawa is investigating possibilities for a videoconference initiative to this effect. As I enter another challenging yet inspiring Holocaust Education Month, I will no doubt be thinking of my new friends and colleagues in Rwanda. Their experience in 1994 never should have happened. That is why the Genocide Convention came into effect in 1948 – in the shadow of the Shoah. But it did happen – and it could, God forbid, happen again in Rwanda or somewhere else. So what can we do? Well, we can – we must – continue to learn directly from the Ottawa’s Holocaust survivors. Only through education and exchange – both local and global – can we make “Never Again” a reality and work towards a better world. Please join the students of Hillel Ottawa for an evening to honour Ottawa’s Holocaust survivors, Saturday, November 17, 6:30 pm, at Congregation Beth Shalom, 151 Chapel Street. Contact [email protected] for more information. Adam Moscoe is chair of Holocaust Education initiatives for Hillel Ottawa. Choices, a popular event (Continued from page 1) While in Ottawa, Kapusta visited CHEO and the Ottawa Heart Institute and held discussions on the possibility of SACH partnerships with those institutions. Chaired for the third year by Sandra Zagon, the annual Choices event has grown in popularity and is an important component of the Federation’s Women’s Campaign. Women’s Campaign Chair Susan Viner-Vered welcomed participants and proudly announced the 2013 campaign has already raised $1.7 million, almost half of the $4 million goal. “We each have the potential to contribute to our community and make a difference,” said Viner-Vered. “The agencies funded by the Federation provide services day in and day out, year in and year out. “This year, the Federation offers a new choice in terms of giving. It is called ‘Campaign Plus.’” She outlined the initiative, which enables donors who contribute over and above their pledge, to designate the extra funds to any registered Jewish Canadian charity. Each woman attending the Choices event chose to make a minimum gift of $150 to the 2013 Women’s Campaign. For more information about SACH, which is funded largely through donations, visit saveachildsheart.ca. Choices Chair Sandra Zagon (left), with Stephanie Levitz (centre), presents Dr. Livia Kapusta with a donation to Save a Child’s Heart on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. (Photo: Howard Sandler) Keynote speaker Dr. Livia Kapusta with members of the Choices committee: (from left) Sandra Zagon, Cathy Maron, Lynda Taller-Wakter, Penny Torontow, Kapusta, Susan (Photo: Howard Sandler) Viner-Vered, Cindi Resnick, Debbie Sussman Silverman, Anna Lee Chiprout and Barbara Okun. Abesent from photo: Kate Solomon. November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 3 Page 4 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 Foundations help make the world a better place says former mayor By Louise Rachlis “If not now, when?” Jim Durrell asked, quoting Rabbi Hillel. The former mayor of Ottawa was keynote speaker at the second annual Power Breakfast held by the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF) on October 23 at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre. “How many times in our life have we been with people who are going to make a difference – tomorrow,” Durrell said. “I believe in our lives each person is in a particular place in a particular time, so that we can have a role in making the world a Allan Taylor ■ GROUP PLANS ■ LIFE INSURANCE ■ DISABILITY INSURANCE ■ PENSION and RRIFs 613-244-9073 better place. My dad was a great man who had a mantra for his family that ‘the world should be a better place because you’re in it.’ Foundations can help make that possible.” OJCF Chair Richard Roth recognized that Eddy Cook, the event’s chair, was absent because of the death of his brother Leo. Roth said Eddy Cook had noted, “I can only feel that the meaning of life is to provide life meaning. The Foundation does that.” The Power Breakfast familiarizes guests with the work of the OJCF and of giving opportunities within the community, such as the OJCF Legacy Challenge. There were two testimonials, from Chelsea Sauvé, the 2012 recipient of the OJCF’s George Joseph Cooper Scholarship, and from Miryam Gorelashvili, who discussed the help her family has received from Jewish Family Services. Sauvé’s $13,000 award is helping her pursue a master’s degree at Carleton University. She said the concept of l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) has always meant a lot to her family, as well as to Jews around the world, and she will continue to commit herself to volunteerism. Gorelashvili came to Canada with her family from Azerbaijan in 1994. Now in her second year of law school at the University of Ottawa, she was grateful for the much-needed support of Jewish Family Services in her life. “We are investing in our future,” Gorelashvili said. “This is what community is about.” “When you see young people like Chelsea and Miryam, you know the world is evolving as it should,” said Durrell, who recognized Jacquelin Holzman, who fol- Keynote speaker Jim Durrell (right) with Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation Chair Richard Roth at the OJCF Power Breakfast, October 23. (Photo: Peter Waiser) lowed him as mayor, among the guests at the breakfast. Since leaving public office in 1991, he has been active as president of Capital Dodge Chrysler Jeep and in many charitable and community pursuits. Durrell mentioned the similarities of the central messages in Judaism and Christianity: to treat others as we wish to be treated; to be our brother’s keeper; to value deeds not words; and to follow charity as a divine commandment. “I was born in 1946, just after the war,” he said. “I think of how exciting Canada must have been for a young family at that time. It was a time of enormous growth and a time when government played a huge role in our lives.” Today, he said, “the Canada I know is a sum of the work of the people in it. … We wouldn’t have an Ottawa Hospital today, if it weren’t for foundations. There has been a huge movement from government to foundations making things possible.” He used many quotes, from Mother Theresa, to psychologist Alfred Adler, and Charles Schultz. “I loved Peanuts so much because of Charlie Brown. Charlie Brown was about perseverance. Week in and week out, Charlie Brown showed perseverance. Giving back in meaningful ways takes perseverance.” “We in this room are blessed,” Durrell told the Power Breakfast. “Our role is to help those who can’t help themselves.” Through segregated funds held in perpetuity, the OJCF works with donors towards the common goal of enhancing the quality of life in the Ottawa community, as well as in North America and Israel. A registered charity, the OJCF was founded in 1971. First known as the Ottawa Jewish Community Endowment and Bequest Foundation, its name was changed in 1982 to the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation. For more information on achieving your charitable goals through the OJCF, contact Jared Isaacson at [email protected] or 613798-4696, ext. 248, or visit ojcf.ca. R ESPECT. T RADITION. Kelly Funeral Homes has a long tradition of respecting your traditions. Our dedicated professionals are proud to help local families uphold a rich heritage. Learn how advance planning can ensure those traditions are carried out as they should be. 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We offer a snowbird special! WE will transfer your old photos, slides, VCR tapes as well as 8 & 16 mm film onto DVD. We can also transfer audio tapes and 33 1/3 rpm records onto CD-R. We pay the tax on all orders received between October 30, 2012 and the first snowfall, or November 30, 2012 (whichever comes first) Call Jerry at 613-301-4919 Page 6 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 What do campus professionals do at Hillel Ottawa? “What is it exactly that you do at Hillel?” was one of the first questions my wife asked when I started serving as director of Jewish Campus Life at Hillel Ottawa in August. In early-August, I spent a week at the Hillel Institute conference in St. Louis, Missouri, which provides professional development for Hillel professionals from around the globe. I quickly discovered that Hillel was something much greater than I had ever imagined. More than 300 campus professionals were there, learning and sharing experiences. I had never witnessed such commitment, energy, and excitement. There was passion in every word of every discussion I had with my fellow campus professionals. Passion for the work we do, for the students we serve, and for our mission. This is where I learned the answer to my wife’s question of what a Hillel campus professional’s job really is, but I will not quote it just yet. Hillel Ottawa opened this academic year with a very successful barbecue event, welcoming more than 200 Jewish students from our city’s three campuses. We followed up Federation Report Scott Goldstein Hillel Ottawa with a series of Shabbat dinners and a Yom Kippur break-fast meal. Each of these events provided additional opportunities for our team to engage more than 50 students, to strengthen our relationships, along with building a stronger campus community. One of our responsibilities as campus professionals at Hillel Ottawa is to conduct Taglit-Birthright applicant interviews prior to students embarking on an educational and meaningful trip to Israel, in most cases for the first time. As I look back at the past few weeks of conducting Birthright interviews, I cannot help but express excitement over the fact that every applicant was someone I had not yet met during my short time at Hillel Ottawa. Each interview turned into an opportunity for our team to engage a new student and cultivate a relationship that will foster a lasting commitment to Judaism and the Jewish community. The coming months are full of opportunities for us to discover new students and cultivate relationships with the ones we already know. Every event a student attends is a chance to build community and strengthen the connection each student has with Judaism. Our calendar includes some larger scale outreach events that will attract a wide range of students. Events organized by students, such as our Holocaust Education Week dinner, Celebrating Ottawa’s Survivors, on November 17, or our Chanukah Ball planned for early December, are opportunities that will foster a bond and commitment to Jewish community life on many levels. To complement our outreach efforts of the larger events, we utilize smaller and more targeted programming. Targeted programming includes our hot lunch program at the Hillel House every Tuesday afternoon or our Jewish culinary group. These programs build lasting relationships with students that go beyond Jewish community life and transform into a lasting commitment to Judaism. Furthermore, these relationships create a safe and rich environment for students to discover and develop leadership skills that may otherwise remain untapped. Leadership skills that help shape the future of our students within the Jewish and greater communities. The answer I give my wife and anyone else unsure of what it is campus professionals do at Hillel is: We are informal Jewish educators who foster a commitment to Judaism, Jewish community, and Israel during the last opportunity we have while students are still a captive audience before entering the real world. I would like to extend an invitation to the Ottawa Jewish community to approach our Hillel team at anytime and ask us about our work on campus and, hopefully, detect the same passion I witnessed in the campus professionals I met at the Hillel Institute conference. Sometimes the message is misunderstood When Joseph introduced his father, Jacob, to Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler was struck by his physical appearance and asked Jacob his age. Jacob responded that he was 130 years old, young in comparison to the ages attained by his father and grandfather. Jacob then explained he had aged prematurely because he had experienced many difficulties during his life. While some commentaries understand Jacob to be explaining his premature aging and not just complaining, others hold him to account. They explain that God is much more exacting when judging the righteous and demands a scrupulous accounting for their actions. Accordingly, Jacob was held to account for bemoaning his lot to Pharaoh. The Midrash comments that, when Jacob complained how “few and bad” his days were, God reprimanded him and said, “I saved you from your brother, Esau, and uncle Laban, and returned your daughter Dinah and your son Joseph to you, yet you complain! Your years will not number those of your father and grandfather.” Following this approach, one is left wondering what exactly Jacob was thinking. Why would he deliberately want to give Pharaoh the negative impression of how difficult it is to be a follower of God, possibly causing a desecration of God’s name? It must be that Jacob did not think he was giving Pharaoh a negative impression at all. Jacob was explaining to Pharaoh what a truly meaningful life is. A life lived without trials and challenges is no life at all. God put us in this world to learn and grow and, ultimately, earn our way into the From the pulpit Rabbi Ari Galandauer Young Israel world to come. We are in this world to live a full life, and that takes work – sometimes very hard work! But that is a life that’s truly worth living, one of accomplishment and, more often than not, such a life requires sacrifice. However, if that is the case, then why is Jacob being judged so harshly? He gave Pharaoh a beautiful lesson in understanding man’s true purpose in this world. Isn’t that part of our task to be a light unto the nations and share these important truths? The Buzaglu family was huddling together in a hospital waiting room anticipating the doctor’s arrival. “Your father is going to be a vegetable,” the neurologist said. “The stroke has simply caused too much damage. There’s no realistic hope for any other outcome.” This was the prognosis the Buzaglu family was given by the doctor. They were very discouraged, to say the least. They had a family meeting and Maimon, the oldest brother, declared they would simply not accept the diagnosis and give up. They placed their father in the finest rehab program available and, within four months, he was walking with a walker. For the doctor, it was nothing less than a miracle. “I’ve never seen someone with such damage make such a recovery,” he said. Maimon decided to give him a piece of his mind. “You know, the way you gave your opinion was so discouraging. If we would have listened to you, we never would’ve invested so much time and energy in our father. Maybe you ought to change the way you present your diagnoses. Even if the situation is bleak, you could phrase your opinion in a way that leaves some hope.” Surprisingly, the doctor accepted the rebuke, something medical experts are usually not that good at. “You’re right,” he said. “From now on, I’m going to try to think a little about the best way to present the matter to the families. Jacob obviously had the best of intentions. And everything he told Pharaoh was 100 per cent true. And, had the lesson been given in a yeshiva, it would have been perfect. Pharaoh, however, wasn’t a yeshiva student and Egypt was no yeshiva. Pharaoh could not relate to what Jacob was saying. Jacob was singing the praises of God, but Pharaoh heard kvetching and complaining. The Midrash is teaching us how careful we have to be when delivering a message. If the recipient is going to hear something completely different from what we are trying to convey, then we have to rethink how we communicate the message. 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: [email protected]. Published 19 times a year. © copyright 2012 PUBLISHER: The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin Publishing Co. Ltd. EDITOR: Michael Regenstreif PRODUCTION MANAGER: Brenda Van Vliet BUSINESS MANAGER: Barry Silverman 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. Canada $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: [email protected] November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 7 We were lucky to escape Sandy’s wrath Here in Ottawa it rained a little and it was somewhat windier than usual, but we were lucky enough to escape the devastation that wreaked havoc on much of the American northeast just a few hundred miles from here. Particularly hard hit were many areas with large Jewish communities in the New York and New Jersey areas. As we prepare to go to press four days after the storm, the death toll has reached 100, many have been left homeless, there are still many millions without power, gasoline is scarce, and there are many buildings, including some synagogues and Jewish community centres, which are too damaged to be used. On November 1, three days after Sandy blew through Manhattan, a friend of mine who lives there managed to post a message on Facebook about how she and her family were making out. “We have no power, no water, no cell phone service here in lower Manhattan, no subways. But we’re fine and, of course, we’re incredibly lucky compared to so many people. We’re so grateful to be safe and together and our building is fine. It’s horrifying how awful things are for so many people,” she wrote. As has so often been the case at the time of natural disasters, Jewish communities have mobilized quickly to do what- Editor Michael Regenstreif ever is possible to help. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa has set up the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund and is working with Jewish Federations of North America to help bring immediate aid where it is needed most and to support recovery and rebuilding efforts. Donations to the fund – 100 per cent of the money raised will be used in the effort – may be made online at jewishottawa.com or by calling 613-798-4696, ext. 242. The Bulletin redesign Early in 2012, a sub-committee of the Communications and Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa embarked on a review of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin with an eye to positioning our Jewish community newspaper to grow and thrive in this technological age when many – particularly those under the age of 40 – no longer read print newspapers and increasingly get their news online via computers, tablets and smartphones. The sub-committee produced a report, which was studied and reviewed by the larger committee and then by the Federation Board. I’m excited to say that, as a result of the report, the Bulletin – both the print version and what will be a dynamic online version – is being reimagined and redesigned with a launch anticipated in the first half of 2013. The redesign of the Bulletin is now in the very capable hands of renowned graphics and web designer David Berman and his team. They will be making a presentation on the Bulletin project on Wednesday, November 15, 7:00 pm, at the Federation’s semi-annual members meeting at the Soloway JCC, which is open to the public. Also, Mike Shahin, chair of the Federation’s Communications and Community Relations Committee, will write about the future of the Bulletin in our special 75th Anniversary supplement to be published with our next issue. Anti-Semitism on campus Last issue in this space I discussed a Carleton University report on inter-cultural, inter-religious and inter-racial relations on campus. The report noted Jewish stu- dents and staff were more likely than most other groups to be made uncomfortable or face discrimination on campus, largely because of tensions surrounding anti-Israel events and campaigns. A few days after I wrote that column, the American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, publishers of the Jewish Virtual Library, released a study – Israel and the Campus: The Real Story – that looked at 4,000 university campuses in North America and found all of the anti-Israel incidents took place at just 108 universities in the U.S. and 25 in Canada (Carleton among them) and the vast majority of those incidents took place during events like the so-called Israel Apartheid Week. There were no anti-Israel events at 97 per cent of North American campuses according to the study. Thanks Rubin On behalf of the Bulletin, I offer a hearty mazal tov to Rubin Friedman on the assumption of his new position overseeing the Canadian Race Relations Foundation from their Toronto office. With this new position, Rubin’s Humour me, please column, which has appeared in the Bulletin over the past eight years, is being retired. Thanks, Rubin, for making us smile and laugh over the years. Tales of corruption unseen even in The Godfather So, Nathalie Normandeau, the former minister of municipal affairs – and, for a time, the deputy premier – of Quebec, received 40 roses on her 40th birthday from a man in the construction industry who does a lot of business in Quebec. Normandeau says no one has the right to question her integrity. The same goes, she says, for her acceptance of concert tickets to see Céline Dion from the private box of that same construction guy. It has been suggested that recent testimony at Quebec’s construction inquiry is like The Sopranos. Imagine if you were a Montreal taxpayer and heard that construction contracts allegedly had extras systematically added on to the bill to give a percentage to the party in power, a percentage to the Mafia, and then a one per cent payment to a now-retired City of Montreal engineer. What is most astonishing is the degree of sophistication in how the bidding process often worked. Testimony indicates many major construction projects were conspiratorially rigged between different companies that were often owned by the same people. It is shameful to think of how there might have been systematic illegal payments being made so close to the mayor of Montreal’s office and yet he, like Normadeau, says he didn’t do any- Jason Moscovitz thing wrong. Did anybody? It’s hard to fathom police video of Mafia members kissing and hugging each other as they exchange construction cash, some of it pulled from their socks. They didn’t even do that in The Godfather. The inquiry has just begun and, with this early testimony, it is easy to see why Jean Charest called the summer election when he did. There are calls for Mayor Gérald Tremblay’s resignation and, by the time the inquiry gets to detailed testimony about the construction industry’s dealing with the Quebec government, the accusations and assertions may be more far ranging. Bigger territory, bigger projects, more officials and bigger political parties to bribe, all add up to grisly ingredients for even more corruption. An interesting question is whether the corruption actually predated the nine years Charest’s Quebec Liberal Party was in power. There is rea- son to think the Parti Québécois will be touched as well. One obvious question is whether this could happen in Ontario or, for that matter, anywhere else in Canada. Until there is reason to believe it is possible and, more to the point, until there is evidence for people to demand or even consider the need for a public inquiry into the construction industry, or any other industry that does business with the government, then one has to fairly assume this criminal brand of corruption is a made-in-Quebec problem. Two years ago, Maclean’s magazine did a cover story calling Quebec Canada’s most corrupt province. The backlash was fierce. There were cries of Quebec bashing and apologies were demanded in the House of Commons as well as in the Quebec National Assembly. Rogers Communications, which owns Maclean’s, feared it would hurt their cell phone business in Quebec. Looking back past the bloated backlash, Maclean’s should have won an award for highlighting such a prescient description of how government business was being conducted in Quebec. Political tales, anecdotal and real, of brown envelopes and percentages of contracts going back to political parties in Quebec, go back to the days when Mau- rice Duplessis was the premier and Camilien Houde was the mayor of Montreal. It seems Quebecers were always aware that corruption was part of their political culture and the political history of their province. But they had every reason to believe, or every reason to want to believe, that bad part of their history was over. In the 1970s, two major public inquiries were held in Quebec. There was one into the construction industry called the Cliche Commission. It was, in fact, the commission that first brought Brian Mulroney to prominence. The construction inquiry was followed by a separate commission into the workings of organized crime in Quebec. Both commissions uncorked a number of very smelly things, which shocked people then just as today’s revelations are shocking people now. Forty years ago, government took the recommendations of those commissions and enacted new laws and regulations to clean things up. Do people not have the right to ask what happened? Is 40 years that long to have to start all over again to clean up corruption? It is sad the present inquiry into the construction industry even has to take place. Why is it that people seem to learn nothing, and forget almost everything, from their own history? Page 8 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO MAKE THINGS SIMPLER Insurance and investment solutions that fit your life. I can help you with: • Critical illness insurance • Long term care insurance Diane Koven • Personal health insurance • Financial planning B.A. (Hons) CFP® CDFA CHS Bus 613-728-1223 ext 2235 [email protected] www.sunlife.ca/diane.koven 600-1525 Carling Avenue Ottawa ON K1Z 8R9 Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2012. Heidi Pivnick Cruise & Vacation Consultant Direct Line 613-314-6953 Office: 613-831-9100 Email: [email protected] Tico No. 50019734 Temple Israel An egalitarian Reform congregation Where 21st Century Jewish Souls Journey Together Wednesdays at noon: Talmud study with Rabbi Garten . New participants are welcome. Wednesdays: Torah class with Shlomo Feldberg, 7:30 pm . Saturdays Torah study with Rabbi Garten, 9:00 am. Sunday, November 18: Books and Bagels, 10:00 am In the Garden of the Beasts, by Erik Larsen. Reviewed by Rabbi Garten. Bagels at 9:30 am. Thursday, November 29: Israel Advocacy presents a program on Sar-El, 7:30 pm. Friday, December 14: following Services, bring your own Shabbat Chanukah dinner, 7:00 pm Rabbi Steven H. Garten, Spiritual Leader Barbara Okun, Cantorial Soloist For information, please contact Heather Cohen, Executive Director 613-224-1802 #4 For TIRS, please contact Andrea Lobel, Director of Congregational Learning 613-224-3133 Friday Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 6:15 pm Saturday Shabbat Services, 10:15 am 1301 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, ON K2C 1N2 Tel: 613-224-1802 Fax: 613-224-0707 www.templeisraelottawa.com Mailbag Independent Jewish Voices Further to my recent letter about Independent Jewish Voices (October 15), I would like to point out that when Independent Jewish Voices held its annual membership meeting in Toronto from October 18-20, most of the activities were purposefully planned to take place during Shabbat, thus excluding observant Jews from participating. What kind of “Jewish” organization would purposefully impose impediments to the participation of Jews? Helen Shapiro Peter Beinart On October 23, I attended the talk at Temple Israel by Peter Beinart who is promoting his book, The Crisis of Zionism. I was astonished at some of the things he said and felt he was enhancing and spreading the worldwide flames of antiSemitism. I also felt his message was similar to the infamous Protocols of the Elders of Zionism, which is still for sale around the world more than 100 years after its publication. He blamed Israel for all the problems in the West Bank and seemed to say that, if the Israelis would evacuate the West Bank, there would be an end to the problems. I do not agree [email protected] with what he was saying and feel that evacuation would only worsen the problems. I mentioned The Protocols of the Elders of Zionism because I believe his book will be a bestseller among anti-Israel persons, who exist in very large numbers, and they will be convinced it provides legal grounds for the destruction of Israel; as well as spreading anti-Semitism, just as the Protocols tries to justify the destruction of all Jews. Has there been any publication of an authoritative contradiction of the subject if his book? Herbert Cosman Letters welcome Letters to the Editor are welcome if they are brief, signed, timely and of interest to our readership. The Bulletin reserves the right to refuse, edit or condense letters. The Mailbag column will be published as space permits. Send your letters to Michael Regenstreif, Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9; or by e-mail to [email protected]. Music note Israeli music star David Broza to perform at SJCC, November 24 By Michael Regenstreif Music lovers are in for a treat, November 24, when David Broza, long one of Israel’s most popular and influential concert artists, performs at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre during Ottawa’s first Sephardi Festival. It will be an intimate concert as only 200 tickets will be sold – Broza generally plays to much larger audiences. Broza, 57, was born in Haifa and grew up in Israel, England and Spain. In Spain, where Broza attended high school, he was influenced by the great flamenco guitar masters. He began his music career by performing in Israeli cafés in the 1970s while serving in the Israel Defense Forces. An exciting and dynamic guitarist, and a powerful singer, Broza’s songs – in Hebrew, English and Spanish – reflect his passions for life, love and the pursuit of peace. His song, “Yinhe Tov,” has long been an anthem of the Israeli peace movement. Broza is also an artist who has surprised his fans over the years. One of his most recent albums was Night Dawn: The Unpublished Poetry of Townes Van Zandt. Released in 2010, the album’s songs were built on lyrics left behind when Townes Van Zandt, the renowned Texas songwriter and folksinger, best known for songs like “Pancho and Lefty,” died in 1997. Broza’s concerts at the top of Masada are legendary in Is- Robert Horwitz Sales Representative • Ottawa native • 25 Years Experience • Listens to your wants & needs • (613) 254-6580 sutton group - premier realty (2008) ltd. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED, BROKERAGE rael. Two of his most popular CDs are of live concerts there in the 1990s, and a 2007 television special, David Broza at Masada, with guests Jackson Browne and Shawn Colvin, aired in North America to great acclaim on PBS. David Broza appears Saturday, November 24, 8:00 pm, at the Soloway JCC. Tickets are $36 and available now at the Soloway JCC front desk. David Broza November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 9 Volunteering students learn homelessness affects Jews Advertorial JEWISH NATIONAL FUND More than trees 613.798.2411 Oliver Javanpour president Negev Dinner honouring the Honourable John Baird a celebration of the great relationship between Canada and Israel I am extremely gratified by the response we have had from donors, sponsors and ticket buyers to the Negev Dinner this year. JNF Ottawa thanks all those who have helped to make this an early sold-out event – and an event that will provide significant funding for the project selected by our honouree, the Honourable John Baird. I look forward to a very enjoyable evening with many of those people in the company of Mr. Baird and Rex Murphy. While the event is sold-out, you can still purchase a tribute or make a donation toward the project and have your name and advertising appear in our program book for the evening. I would like to thank Ambassador Miriam Ziv for her assistance early on facilitating key elements and making it possible for this event to become a reality. Her support has been invaluable. In many ways, this Negev Dinner honouring John Baird, whose principled stance on Israel exemplifies his commitment to the Jewish State, is also a celebration of the great relationship we enjoy today between our two nations. Barbara Farber, our Dinner Chair has also been a tremendous help in shaping this year’s dinner. I am sure that she has invested more time than I told her it would take and I know every minute of her time has been given with enthusiasm and grace. This year’s Negev Dinner is supporting JNF’s agricultural research stations and people have asked me exactly what the research stations do. I’ve written in previous columns about some of the crops that are grown in research stations. The stations also do research on pest control, for example the use of netting against insects and other pests. They develop ways to use previously recycled water more efficiently in farming and they are branching out into new products, including ornamental fish and ostriches. Regional research and development stations conduct agricultural research and development in peripheral regions of highest national priority. Their primary aim is to aid agriculture to ensure and improve the profitability of farms and the means of production available to them by developing new products, improving existing ones and renewing agro-techniques for crops. They are not an alternative to agricultural research done in academic research institutes. Their work is devoted to short-term applications that solve practical problems in agriculture and increase the profitability and stability of agriculture as an industry. For more information on JNF’s projects or programs, or to find out how you can support JNF, please call Susan Schwartzman at 613-798-2411 or Gail Grief, Executive Director, Eastern Canada at 1-514-934-0313, ext. 240. Sefer Bar Mitzvah Inscriptions Binyamin Shlomo Macleod-Stokes, by his loving parents, Mory Macleod and Jonathan Stokes; Zachary Robert Colton-Max, by his Bubby and Zaidy, Yanda and Mark Max. Golden Book Inscription Aaron David Roth, by his loving parents, Riva Levitan and Richard Roth. 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 Sammy Hudes Chabad Student Network You never know where you’ll encounter a fellow Jew. Hosting our second annual barbecue for the homeless at the Shepherds of Good Hope shelter on October 15, members of the Chabad Student Network (CSN) from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University found ourselves doing a huge mitzvah. Eight students took part, helping deliver hundreds of hot dogs as well as salads and pasta provided by Creative Kosher Catering to members of Ottawa’s homeless community. CSN co-director Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky arrived early to set up and to kosher the shelter’s barbecue. After two hours of serving food to those in need – including second and third helpings to many – a Jewish man came to our table for food. He spoke to the rabbi in both Hebrew and Yiddish. In typical Chabad form, Rabbi Boyarsky asked the man if he had wrapped tefillin that day. When he said he hadn’t yet, the rabbi lent him his own tefillin to fulfil the mitzvah. He subsequently recited the Shema Yisrael prayer. Although each of the CSN members who helped out that day felt a sense of fulfilment during the first two hours of the event, we all agreed the encounter with this homeless Jewish man was the defining moment. “Getting good grades may get you a good job, but doing good deeds makes you a good person,” said Rabbi Boyarsky. Rebecca Rosenstock, CSN’s city-wide president last year, has been instrumental in co-ordinating CSN’s barbecues for the homeless. She said she was pleased to see the event’s progression. “I think it’s really important to balance school and community commitment,” said Rosenstock. “We start- Members of Chabad Student Network host a barbecue at the Shepherds of Good Hope shelter, October 15. ed this event last year and it was a huge success. I wanted to see it get even bigger and just continue the tradition. It was just really nice to see so many students come out this year.” CSN community service chair Lewis Novack said he enjoyed helping the community while attending last year’s event and wanted to make sure we did the same this year. “Anyone can donate money, but not anyone can dedicate their time and help people,” said Novack. Page 10 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 Jewish Federation of Ottawa establishes Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund By Adam Soclof (JTA) – Less than a year into her job at North Shore Synagogue in Syosset, New York, Rabbi Debbie Bravo sounded remarkably poised as she and her community faced one of their most powerful challenges together: Hurricane Sandy. Rabbi Bravo’s land line was dead. When she picked up her cell phone on October 30, she had just returned from the local police station. “I have a child who takes medication that has to be refrigerated,” she said calmly. According to figures released by the Long Island Power Authority that day, more than 930,000 families – 90 per cent of all island residents – were without power after Hurricane Sandy hit the northeastern United States the night before. Among those 930,000 were an estimated 139,000 Jewish households. Hurricane Sandy took dead aim at the most populous region of the country, home to the majority of American Jews. In its wake, it left a trail of devastation MARK S. BORTS Insurance & Financial Services Mark S. Borts, B. Comm., CFP, CLU, CH.F.C, RHU Telephone: 613 565 6275 Facsimile: 1 866 267 5635 Cell: 613 851 1198 [email protected] Suite 350-117 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K2G 5X3 that may take weeks to restore, if not longer. “I went over to the synagogue a few hours ago, which is right next to a woodsy area,” Rabbi Bravo said. “Ten-plus trees are down, including a huge one down on the front lawn. Everyone’s saying this is a hundred times worse” than previous natural disasters that hit the island. The greater New York area, home to the largest population of Jews in North America, took a harsh hit as severe winds and flooding toppled trees, triggered electrical fires and flooded public transportation systems. The result: mass evacuations of apartments and dormitories, widespread school closings and damaged homes and community institutions. Jewish communal organizations, whose offices, landlines and, in some cases, email servers were closed or down on October Photos of storm damage, like this one from the Astoria, Queens area of New York City, were shared widely on Facebook and other websites. (Photo: Peter Romano via Creative Commons) 30, largely set up shop remotely as they set out to formulate a response. “The concerns of the Jewish Federations movement is focussed on both those in the Jewish community and non-Jewish community as we work with local Jewish federations as well as local, state and federal emergency management personnel to assess the damage and look forward to recovery,” said William Daroff, vice-president of public policy and director of the Washington office of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Social media was a source of comfort, Daroff noted, while watching the devastation unfold. “Compared to visuals from New York and the Long Island coast, having a support structure and literally thousands of friends acquired through Facebook and Twitter helped me feel less alone as my family sat shuddering with gusts of wind at 50 miles per hour” in Washington. In response to this storm of unprecedented magnitude, which left more than 100 dead and countless more injured, homeless, and unsure of what comes next – their lives and peace of mind in turmoil – the Jewish Federation of Ottawa has established the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund to help support recovery and rebuilding, and to provide immediate aid where it is needed most. One hundred per cent of all proceeds collected by the Federation for this fund will be distributed by JFNA as part of a North Americanwide response to help victims in the Jewish and general populations. The Federation will collaborate with JFNA, which will work to assess the needs in affected communities and provide immediate relief. To contribute to Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund, donate online at jewishottawa.com or call 613-798-4696, ext. 242. This report incorporated files from the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 11 Page 12 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 Or Haneshamah to mark 25th anniversary By Michael Salter Or Haneshamah Or Haneshamah (OrH), Ottawa’s Reconstructionist community, is celebrating our 25th anniversary. To mark a quarter-century of life, the congregation is hold- ing a Shabbat service on Friday, November 23, followed by dinner, conversation, music and the sharing of memories. OrH invites the community – including current, former and future members – from near and far to gather with us and share this momentous occasion. Those interested in attending should contact us at [email protected] or 613-239-4988. OrH was formed in 1987 as the Ottawa Reconstructionist Havurah by Walter and Teena Hendelman. Reconstructionism, Judaism’s newest denomination, defines Judaism as a dynamic and evolving religious civilization – the product of the collective experience of the Jewish people. The Havurah underwent a renaming process to adopt a Jewish name in 2009 and is now called Or Haneshamah (Light of the Soul). The Hendelmans and other founding members of the Havurah initially met as a study group to explore the core differences between Reconstructionism and other movements. In the spring of 1988, the study group held its first Shabbat services. The next year, the Havurah became affiliated with the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Havurot – now the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF). The Havurah’s application for affiliation to the Jewish Community Council of Ottawa/Vaad Ha’Ir was accepted in 1999. Over the years, OrH has evolved a distinctive religious practice, always relying on member participation. Initially, services and events were held in members’ homes. However, as OrH grew, Shabbat and holiday services and life cycle events shifted to rented venues – although members still gather in homes for many study sessions and meetings. There were many seminal events for the Havurah. In 1994, a Torah scroll was dedicated, along with a Torah mantle crafted by members. The first bat mitzvah – for four adult women – was also celebrated in 1994. The first bar mitzvah was in 1997 and dozens more have been celebrated since. Since shortly after our founding, OrH has hired rabbis or rabbinical students to lead High Holiday services. In 2004, the Havurah decided to ease the workload of lay leaders by adding more regular rabbinic support. Since then, a senior rabbinical student from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia comes to Ottawa for the first Shabbat and weekend of each month and for High Holidays. OrH maintains its traditional value of lay leadership by holding member-led Shabbat services – including a Dvar Torah and group discussion – on the third Shabbat of each month, as well as memberled festival observances. Twenty-five years after our founding, OrH is an inclusive, caring, spiritually minded community that welcomes people with all levels of Jewish knowledge and beliefs, mixed marriages, multi-faith families and members of the gay and lesbian communities. In our governance, we encourage members to share responsibilities and activities, based on egalitarian, democratic and participatory values. In our worship, we creatively explore our religious, spiritual and cultural practices in order to revitalize and revalue our Judaism. We welcome everyone to join us for Shabbat as we mark our 25th year! Author Brian Doyle to speak at Soloway JCC, November 28 By Anna Bilsky Ottawa Jewish Historical Society The Ottawa Jewish Historical Society and the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (JCC) Adult Cultural Programs Department have invited everyone to enjoy an evening with Brian Doyle. The well-known Ottawa author and raconteur will speak Wednesday, November 28, 7:30 pm, at the Soloway JCC to kick off our speakers program for 2012. Doyle recently published a series of stories about growing up in Ottawa during the Great Depression in the Ottawa Citizen. He is the author of 14 books for young readers, which are very entertaining for adults as well. He has received many awards and honours, including Book of the Year Awards from the Canadian Library Association in 1983 and 1997. Doyle was born in Ottawa in 1935 and attended elementary school at York Street School in Lowertown and high school at Glebe Collegiate Institute. While at Glebe, he played football, won medals in gymnastics and published poetry in the yearbook. He also fought and stole and skipped school. Doyle graduated from Carleton University with a degree in Journalism, became a reporter for the Toronto Telegram, but soon left to become a teacher in Ottawa. Eventually, he returned to Glebe as head of the English Department. Join us for what will surely be an enjoyable evening with one of Ottawa’s best sto- rytellers. He will have several of his books available for sale including The Low Life, a collection of five novellas, Boy O’Boy and Pure Spring. Admission is free of charge and refreshments will be served. For information, call Anna Bilsky at 613-728-4202 or Roslyn Wollock at 613-7989818, ext. 254. Pure Spring, set in Ottawa’s Lowertown, is one of Brian Doyle’s acclaimed novels for young people. November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 13 JET sends fourth group of Ottawa women on TAG mission to Israel By Nikki Shapiro for JET JET (Jewish Education for Torah) is changing the way some young Ottawa mothers think, feel and act about Judaism. JET’s Lauren Shaps and Rochel Goldbaum are travelling to Israel this month with a fourth group of women in partnership with the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Program (JWRP) to offer them a unique spiritual growth opportunity. JWRP has been educating and inspiring women from all over the world on their jammed packed, highly subsidized, 10-day journey to Israel for four years. The trip, called Transform and Grow (TAG) has seen nearly 2,000 women from 40 cities in seven different countries participate to date. JET and JWRP share a vision for change within local Jewish communities. Through TAG, participants are empowered by a movement that exposes them to positive values, which impact themselves, their families and our city. I was fortunate to travel to Israel with JET on the TAG mission in 2011. It was an unforgettable jour- ney that will affect my life forever. Not only am I a part of a sisterhood of Ottawa women who are now my friends, I also see Judaism in a whole new perspective. Now more than ever, Judaism is a positive meaningful component of my daily life. Before participating in TAG, I wondered where and how Judaism fit into my modern world. I learned it is very relevant and powerful. I have been inspired to continue on my path of Jewish development and have continued my learning. I have enjoyed participating in weekly group meetings, in Lauren’s class on Thursday mornings at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre, as well as in inspiring one-on-one sessions. Small changes within me, at home, and with my family, have created a new sense of belonging and tradition. JET, JWRP and the TAG mission have given me the precious gift of knowledge and comprehension that was missing from my life. Many of the more than 50 women from Ottawa who have participated so far in the TAG mission have continued to share their posi- JET’s participants in the 2012 TAG Mission. (Front, from left) Sherri Peters, Wendy Hadad, Rochel Goldbaum, Justine Sider, Carolyn Bickerton, (rear) Roslyn Bryan, Aviva Diener, Seline Yegendorf, Bev Steinberg, Marie Levine, Deidre Butler, Shauna Solomon, Elayne Adler, Tina Lloyd, Jenn Greenberg, Jennifer Perzow, Lauren Shaps and Lynda Taller-Wakter. tive experiences. Some now light Shabbat candles or have begun to bake challah for Shabbat on a weekly basis. Others have become key volunteers for Jewish agencies, and some helped guide our education of Israel advocacy and awareness by hosting a successful event this year. JET had many applicants for the TAG mission this year, and 14 special women were selected to travel with two madrichot (volunteer leaders) and two JET staff. Many of them are excited and nervous. They have heard the buzz, and of the excitement of past participants, and cannot wait for their journey – set to depart Sunday, November 18 for 10 days – to begin. For more information on JET programs, visit jetottawa.com or contact the JET office at [email protected] or 613-7989818, ext. 247. Page 14 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 Rabbi Wayne Allen to address the Ten Most Important Ideas in Judaism Shabbaton with Rabbi Charles Popky December 1, 2012 By Estelle Melzer for Agudath Israel Agudath Israel Congregation has invited the community to an exciting scholar-in-residence weekend, Friday to Sunday, November 23 to 25, with Rabbi Wayne Allen. Rabbi Allen’s theme for the weekend is a large one. Through four lectures he will explore and explain the Ten Most Important Ideas in Judaism. What does it mean to be a Jew? How has Judaism changed the world and how can its ideas, if truly embraced, be a potent force for good in our contemporary world? “Judaism is often misunderstood or under appreciated by Jews and non-Jews alike,” Rabbi Allen said. “It is sometimes dismissed as antiquated, criticized as parochial or condemned as discriminatory. “In actuality,” he continued, “Judaism is a powerful remedy for the ills from which humanity suffers. Reduced to its essentials, Judaism is the prescription for an ailing world.” Rabbi Allen is a recognized authority on the application of Jewish legal principles in a modern context. He has a master’s degree in rabbinics from the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he also received his rabbinical ordination, and a PhD in philosophy from York University. An honorary doctorate of divinity was conferred on him by the Jewish Theological Seminary for his years of dedicated services. He is a community leader in interfaith education and discourse and has been recognized for his philanthropic work on behalf of many institutions. Rabbi Allen served as a congregational rabbi for 34 years and is now provost of the Canadian Yeshiva & Rabbinical School. He is the author of three books, Giving Thanks: Grace for All Occasions; Perspectives on Jewish Law and Contemporary Issues; and Further Perspectives on Jewish Law and Rabbi Wayne Allen, provost of the Canadian Yeshiva & Rabbinical School, will be scholar-in-residence, November 23 to 25, at Agudath Israel Congregation. Contemporary Issues. He is also the editor of the first two volumes of Tomeikh keHalakhah, the responsa collection of the Union of Traditional Judaism. He is a panelist for JewishValuesOnline.org and has appeared on radio and television. Rabbi Allen is an eloquent, thought-provoking speaker. His talks are certain to challenge you and make you better understand the ideas at the core of our Jewish heritage. His exploration of these ideas will take place in four lectures: Friday night, following Kabbalat Shabbat at 4:15 pm and Shabbat dinner at 5:45; Saturday morning during Shabbat services; Saturday afternoon, following mincha services at 3:30 pm and Se’uda Shlisht (light meal); and finally, the final idea and summation, following Sunday morning services at 8:30 am and breakfast at 9:15. Cost for the Shabbat dinner is $40 (adults), $30 (students), $25 (children aged 6 to 12) and free (children under 6). Sunday breakfast is $5. Contact Agudath Israel at 613-728-3501 or [email protected] by Thursday, November 22 to register. Theme: How can Jewish tradition guide us through current issues such as capital punishment, euthanasia and abortion? For more information, contact Toby Brooks at [email protected] Adath Shalom, a member of the Ottawa Vaad Ha’Ir and the Ottawa Jewish Federation since 1979, invites you to attend our services held at the Jewish Community Campus Chapel. Our members enjoy a flourishing spirit of chavurah, leading services, participating in lively weekly discussions of the Torah portion, and joining social action projects. We’re a vibrant egalitarian Conservative (USCJ) congregation. Together we strive to extend our caring to the Jewish community and world needs. JET Girls Club Contact 613-240-4564 www.adath-shalom.ca (From left) Eyla Krasna, Neilah Shapiro and Rena Goldbaum show their JET Girls Club crafts. The Girls Club, for ages 11 to 14 (moms invited too), meets monthly for crafts and conversation. Contact [email protected] for information. November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 15 Ministers announce Canada-Israel Energy Science and Technology Fund Toronto – Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver and Uzi Landau, Israel’s minister of energy and water resources, announced, October 29, the creation of the Canada-Israel Energy Science and Technology Fund, which will see Canada and Israel pursue further co-operation to advance shared energy interests. The Government of Canada will contribute $5 million over the next three years to support the fund. The Israeli government of Israel will provide funds on a project-by-project basis to initiatives under this pro- Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver and Israeli Minister of Energy and Water Resources Uzi Landau gram. The approval of those announce the creation of the Canada-Israel Energy projects will be in accordance Science and Technology Fund, October 29, in Toronto. with the applicable laws, reg“In the endeavour to develop Israel’s natulations, rules, procedures and mechanisms of the Office of the Chief Scientist in the Israeli ural resources, we find in Canada a natural partner to co-operate with and together look Ministry of Industry Trade and Labor. Eligible projects for the Canada-Israel En- for ways to maximize our capabilities,” said ergy Science and Technology Fund will be Landau. According to a release from Natural Reled by industry, but can include academic partners on both sides as research and devel- sources Canada, “The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening bilateral ties opment sub-contractors to the project. “This new scientific initiative will create with Israel, advancing Canada’s energy interjobs and strengthen the economies of both our ests and contributing to Canada’s long-term countries through greater energy collabora- economic well-being. Through this joint inition,” said Oliver. “Today’s announcement tiative, the governments of Canada and Israel underscores the important strategic relation- will encourage innovation and improve competitiveness and productivity.” ship between our two countries.” OP R D IN RA O F UR O T W HAT AR E YO U DO I NG THI S WI NTE R ? www.thero ya le.ca Spend it with us at The Come in out of the cold RE L AX , ENJ OY, HAV E PEA C E OF MIND The Royale is a resort-style re etirement residence residenc ce that offers retirement the very best in su surroundings, urroundings, serv services vices and amenities amenities.. Y You ou can live o inde independently ependently or take a advantage of our professional ca care are services services.. Call today an and nd ask about our signing b bonus 613.592.6426 613.592.642 26 Israeli minister visits Ottawa On a visit to Ottawa, October 30, Israeli Minister of Energy and Water Resources Uzi Landau met with several Canadian cabinet ministers on Parliament Hill. (From left) Minister of State (Finance) Ted Menzies, Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird, Minister of Labour Lisa Raitt, Landau, Minister of Public Works Rona Ambrose, Israeli Ambassador to Canada Miriam Ziv and Minister of the Environ(Photo: Peter Waiser) ment Peter Kent. oyale 3501 Campeau Drive Drrive Kanata, Ontario, Ontario o, K2K K2 2K 0C1 www .theroyale.cca www.theroyale.ca R E T I R E M E N T L I V I N G Page 16 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 OJCS students to take part in Maple Leaf Math Challenge By Sheldon Friedman Ottawa Jewish Community School Math is cool, hip, and off-thehook at the Ottawa Jewish Community School (OJCS). Students take part in a variety of activities, including national and world competitions, and have earned bragging rights as a school with the mathematical formula for success. Our math program is led by ded- icated math coach Beata Myhill, one of the authors of the renowned Nelson Math Program used at our school and at schools throughout Ontario, Quebec and Western Canada. She is the one the kids rush to in the hallways to share how they solved a challenging equation, how they came up with a new way to solve a problem, or even to suggest ideas for a new math game for class. She collaborates with teach- Rubin Friedman Rubin Friedman has been appointed principal operating officer of the Toronto-based Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) and will oversee the CRRF while it searches for a new executive director. Rubin is a former director of planning with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and was the longtime humour columnist with the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin. ers in the classroom to differentiate math instruction for all students and works with small groups in extended math to nurture problem-solving skills. This month, OJCS students in Grades 2 to 8 will participate in the Maple Leaf Math Challenge, an online mathematics competition held to “unite, encourage, and inspire students across Canada to enjoy mathematics and learning.” The challenge takes place over two days with each day focussing on a different element of mathematical skill and knowledge. The challenge begins November 20 with Curriculum Mathletics, when students are challenged by 50 mathematical concepts that they have to master. On November 21, students’ mental arithmetic skills will be challenged using Live Mathletics. During this challenge, students become excited about math and engaged in the activities. They rush to the computer lab during breaks and log on at home to take part in the math games and to practise their math skills. Last year, we had six students ranked in the top 100 out of 17,000 students across Canada. Another activity that creates a passion for our math program is the utilization of Mathletics within our curriculum. Mathletics is an educational website – mathletics.ca – and e-learning application students use as a resource to help them enjoy mathematics and improve results. The website offers a range of mathematics activities in the elementary and middle school math curriculum and allows teachers to pre-set levels and view results for each student. This individualization pushes each student to reach for excellence and allows them to work at their respective levels and practise their individual skills. OJCS students take part in many other math activities throughout the year, including in-school supplementary programs and activities such as our primary school math club. In March, students participate in an online math competition during World Maths Day. Students progress through five levels of difficulty in arithmetic and mental computation and earn one point for every correct answer. They find this a fun and different way to learn and practise math. For Grade 7 and 8 students, the Gauss Math Contest is available to review achievement for their indi- vidual understanding of skills and knowledge in mathematics. Hosted by the University of Waterloo, this contest offers students the opportunity to test their knowledge against students from around the world. Last year, 78,000 students took part and only 26 received a perfect score – two of them from OJCS. More than 70 per cent of our students exceed the average mark, performing at a generally higher level. Our standardized testing, produced by ONAP, indicates, on average, our students operate at the Ministry Level 4 which, according to the Ministry of Education, is above ministry standards. Kangaroo Math is an international math contest to which families may decide to register their math athlete. This is a grade-levelled contest to take place at the University of Ottawa on Sunday, March 24 for students in Grades 2 to 8. If you would like your child to develop critical thinking skills, learn different ways to approach problems, and learn to love mathematics, come visit OJCS. For more information, visit www.theojcs.ca or call 613-7220020. November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 17 Neil Lazarus at Torah High Neil Lazarus speaks to Torah High students at the NCSY Centre, October 24, about media bias and how it relates to Israel. An acclaimed expert on Middle East politics, public diplomacy and effective communication training, Lazarus was in Ottawa to speak at Carleton University on behalf of Hasbara Fellowships. Hey, Heard you need to complete some community service hours to graduate from school. Do you like cooking, coordinating special events or working with kids? If so, why don’t you give me a call and I can tell you more about our programs? Talk to you soon! OMJS Grade 4 and 5 students at Ottawa Modern Jewish School examine artifacts in an aquarium while studying marine archaeology. Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw their ad in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin! Anita Almstedt Director of Administration and Operations Congregation Beth Shalom 151 Chapel Street Ottawa, ON K1N 7Y2 Tel: 613-789-3501 ex: 221 Cell: 613-266-7981 Fax: 613-789-4438 Page 18 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 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 LongTerm Care Foundation between October 10 and 24, 2012 inclusive. HONOUR FUNDS Unlike a bequest or gift of life insurance, which are realized some time in the future, a named Honour Fund (i.e., endowment fund) is established during your lifetime. By making a contribution of $1,000 or more, you can create a permanent remembrance for a loved one, honour a family member, declare what the Lodge has meant to you and/or support a cause that you believe in. A Hillel Lodge Honour Fund is a permanent pool of capital that earns interest or income each year. This income then supports the priorities designated by you, the donor. Ruth and Irving Aaron Family Fund In Memory of: Leon Gluzman by Ruth and Irving Aaron In Honour of: Faigy and Zachary Muroff Mazal tov on Naomi and Ariel Jacob’s marriage with love by Ruth and Irving Aaron Bill and Leona Adler Memorial Fund In Memory of: Cantor Mendel Fogel by Marilyn Adler, Neil and Daniel Blacher Meta Blakey by Marilyn Adler In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Father of Barry Farber Elayne Adler, Farley, Jordan and Benjamin Adler Samuel and Jean Akerman Memorial Fund In Honour of: Sheila and Larry Hartman Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter, Sophia with love by Alvin and Monica Stein Tracy and Shneur Bielak Mazal tov on the birth of your daughter, Sophia with love by Alvin and Monica Stein Boris and Dolly Blacher Family Fund In Memory of: Bo Blacher by George and Sherry Fine Friedberg and Dale Families Fund R’fuah Shlema: Ray Fathi by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale In Honour of: Marsha and Murray Kaiserman and family Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Elaine Friedberg and Bob and Jonathan Dale In Memory of: Bess Fyman by Elaine Friedberg and Bob Dale Joseph Ginsberg Family Endowment Fund In Memory of: Leon Gluzman by the Ginsberg family Bo Blacher by the Ginsberg family Malcolm and Vera Glube Endowment Fund In Memory of: Leo Cook by Malcolm and Vera Glube Mother of Diane Galimidi by Malcolm and Vera Glube Sister of Marietta Lithwick by Malcolm and Vera Glube In Honour of: Cantor and Mrs. S. Bielak Mazal tov on the birth of your daughter by Malcolm and Vera Glube Nell Gluck Memorial Fund In Honour of: Judy Caplan Mazal tov on your milestone birthday with love by Henry and Maureen Molot In Memory of: Arthur Williams by Henry and Maureen Molot and family Nordau and Roslyn Kangisberg Fmaily Fund In Memory of: Leon Gluzman by Roz and Nordau Kanigsberg Tommy Grossman by Roz and Nordau Kanigsberg David, Harvey, Victor Kardish Family Fund In Memory of: Leon Gluzman by Harvey, Sheryl, Mallory and Ryan Kardish Dorothy and Maurie Karp Endowment Fund R’fuah Shlema: Annette Albert by Dorothy Karp Morris and Lillian Kimmel Family Fund In Memory of: Leon Gluzman by Morris Kimmel and family Shirley and Maurice Rose Memorial Fund In Honour of: Cynthia and David Blumenthal Mazal tov on the Bat Mitzvah of your granddaughter, Ariella by Mavis and Simon Wasserberger Sam and Ruth Rothman Family Fund In Honour of: Cila Farber Mazal tov on your special birthday by Sue and Steve Rothman Carole and Norman Zagerman Family Fund In Honour of: Arnell Goldberg Mazal tov on your special birthday with love by Norman and Carole Zagerman Rickie Saslove Mazal tov on your special birthday by Carole and Norman Zagerman In Memory of: Tom Grossman by Carole and Norman Zagerman Leon Gluzman by Carole and Norman Zagerman Irving Betcherman by Carole and Norman Zagerman R’fuah Shlema: Joan Bloom by Carole and Norman Zagerman Syd Greenberg by Carole and Norman Zagerman and Andrea and Laurie Arron ************** * Shelley and Sidney Rothman Family Fund In Memory of: Leon Gluzman by Shelley Rothman and family Tom Grossman by Shelley Rothman Harold and Lillian Shoihet Memorial Fund In Honour of: Shmary Rodman Mazal tov on your engagement to Sari by Dovid Shoihet and family Skulsky Family Memorial Fund In Honour of: David Blumenthal Best wishes on your 80th birthday by Ray and Ernie Goldstein Sarah and Arnie Swedler Family Fund In Honour of: Larry and Sheila Hartman Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda Zaitlin Roslyn and Myles Taller Family Endowment Fund In Memory of: Boris Blacher by Roz Taller Tom Grossman by Roz Taller Louis and Diane Tannenbaum Family Fund In Honour of: Faigel and Leonard Shapiro In honour of your 60th wedding anniversary by the Honourable Mr. Justice Louis and Mrs. Diane Tannenbaum Toby and Joel Yan Family Fund In Honour of: Max Iland Happy 80th birthday by Joel and Toby Yan Martyn Wayne Happy 60th birthday by Joel and Toby Yan Aron Spector Happy birthday by Joel and Toby Yan Feeding Fund In Memory of: David Fried by Harold and Lisa Sandell Rita Ann Leger by Barbara Fine and Steve Levinson Leon Gluzman by Barbara Fine and Steve Levinson In Honour of: Steve Levinson and Barbara Fine Mazal tvo on your wedding by Jackie, Kevin, Zack and Meredith Barwin Therapeutics Fund In Honour of: Sheela and Ozzie Silverman Happy 50th wedding anniversary by Sonja and Ron Kesten Flo and Joel Morgan Happy 50th wedding anniversary by Sonja and Ron Kesten Recreation/Music Fund In Honour of: Elissa Iny Mazal tov on receiving the KipnisWilson/Friedland Award by Sonja and Ron Kesten David Blumenthal In honour of your special birthday with love by Evelyn Greenberg IN HONOUR OF: Kathy Kovacs and Irwin Schweitzer Mazal tov on the birth of your grandson by Golda and Ned Steinman and family Bram Potechin With much appreciation by Ethlyn and Barry Agulnik Avraham Iny In appreciation by Ed and Betty Rose (Continued on page 19) Thank you to the Knights of Phythias for the donation of 3 brand new flat screen high definition televisions. THE LODGE EXPRESSES ITS SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR YOUR KIND SUPPORT AND APOLOGIZES FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, THE WORDING APPEARING IN THE BULLETIN IS NOT NECESSARILY THE WORDING WHICH APPEARED ON THE CARD. GIVING IS RECEIVING – ATTRACTIVE CARDS AVAILABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS Here’s a good opportunity to recognize an event or convey the appropriate sentiment to someone important to you and at the same time support the Lodge. Card orders may be given to Bev at 728-3900, extension 111, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday. You may also e-mail your orders to [email protected] or online donations can be made through CanadaHelps.org. All orders must include name, address, postal code, and any message to person receiving the card; and, amount of donation, name, address and postal code of the person making the donation. Cards may be paid for by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cheque or Cash. Contributions are tax deductible. November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 19 (Continued from page 18) Pearl Torontow Happy birthday with love by Jean Naemark and family Sylvia Shier Happy birthday with love by Jean Naemark and family Claire and Irving Bercovitch Mazal tov on your son’s marriage and good health in your new home by Betty and Jay Dover Rickie Saslove Mazal tov on your special birthday by Betty and Jay Dover Cila Farber Mazal tov on your very special birthday with love by Libby and Stan Katz Dave Bellefleur Congratulations on being awarded the Professional Excellence Award from the Greater Nepean Chamber of Commerce by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge Marsha and Murray Kaiserman Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter, Rena Chaya by Golda and Ned Steinman and family Suzy and Josh Krasna Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Golda and Ned Steinman and family Toby and Joel Yan Thank you for the flowers by Anne Koffman David Blumenthal In honour of your 80th birthday by Sandi and Raoul Korngold IN MEMORY OF: Marilyn Robins by Arlene and Norman Glube; by Steve and Rosalyn Fremeth; by Enid and Jeff Gould, Anna and Ronny Cantor, Brenda and David Saxe, Diane and Allen Abramson, Pat and Morris Neuman, by Ray and Ernie Goldstein; and by Rickie and Marty Saslove Leon Gluzman by Steve and Rosalyn Fremeth; by Golda and Ned Steinman and family; by Morag Burch; by Rickie and Marty Saslove; and by Etta Karp Meta Blakey by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; and by Paul and Sharon Finn Don Glimcher by Carol and Laurie Pascoe Bo Blacher by the members of a Touch of Klez Muriel Ginsberg by Arlene and Gary Bonn Samuel Rothberg by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge Benny Steck by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; by John Campbell; by Eric and Joy Weisbloom; and by the Ottawa B’nai Brith Bowling League Vivian Diamond by Anne Koffman Leo Cook by Arlene and Norman Glube R’FUAH SHLEMA: Annette Albert by Rosalyn Fremeth Franceen Shier by Jean Naemark GET WELL: Pam Duncan by Anne Koffman In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Gerry Levitz by Arlene and Gary Bonn Page 20 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 In defence of the nation-state The Promise of Israel: Why its Seemingly Greatest Weakness is Actually its Greatest Strength By Daniel Gordis Wiley 256 pages (Jewish Ideas Daily) – Daniel Gordis wants you to know that, if you want tolerance, diversity and freedom, you should work for Zionism. In his new book, The Promise of Israel: Why its Seemingly Greatest Weakness is Actually its Greatest Strength, Gordis makes a compelling case for the nation-state in general and for Israel in particular. His first argument, in favour of the nationstate, is every bit as important as the second. As Gordis points out, governments that have produced human rights such as personal liberty and the rule of law most often have been ethnically based nation-states like Israel, South Korea, and the Czech and Slovak Republics. In the Middle East, Zionism has brought civil liberties and democracy to millions of people who never enjoyed them before, chiefly Jewish refugees from Middle Eastern and European tyranny, but also Israeli Arabs. Gordis quotes historian Mark Lilla, who notes that, while Western Europeans have forgotten “all the long-standing problems that the nation-state … managed to solve,” Zionism “remembers what it was to be stateless, and the indignities of tribalism and imperialism. It remembers the wisdom of borders and the need for collective autonomy to establish selfrespect and to demand respect from others.” Until Western Europeans relearn those lessons, the “mutual incomprehension” between Europeans and Zionists “will remain deep.” Gordis is on to something here. True, European and American opposition to Israel partly reflects anti-Semitism, but it also reflects the fact that Israel is the archetypal nation-state, and nation-states have fallen from favour in intellectual circles. Promoting quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities in a Jewish environmnent Tamir acknowledges with sincere thanks the following donations, which were received as of October 19, 2012. Mazel tov to: Alan and Esther Williams on the birth of your granddaughter Zahava Rose by Maureen and Jeff Katz Sophie and Neil Frenkel on the birth of your third grandchild by Maureen and Jeff Katz Shirley and Syd Pascal on their 50th wedding anniversary by Esther and David Kwavnick Johanna Neuman on her engagement by Mom and Dad Mr. and Mrs. Art Saper on their 40th wedding anniversary by Maureen and Jeff Katz Mr. Sam Ages on his 90th birthday by Jerry and Lily Penso Dr. and Mrs. Sol Gunner on their 50th wedding anniversary by Jerry and Lily Penso Yaffa Greenbaum and Jack Shinder on the birth of their first grandchild by Jerry and Lily Penso Brian and Rochelle Pearl on the birth of their grandson by Jerry and Lily Penso Mrs. Sheila Baslaw on her 80th birthday by Esther Kwavnick, Cally Kardash, Toby Nathanson and Sylvia Monson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cohen on the birth of their first great granddaughter, Mackayla, by Malcolm and Vera Glube Beverly and Abe Feinstein on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Yale Freedman, by Zelda and Steve Shore Morris and Pat Neuman on the engagement of their daughter by Your Tamir family Esther and David Kwavnick on the birth of their granddaughter, Emily, by Catherine and Dick Lane Sema Goldstein on her 75th birthday by Rita and Fred Essner Mr. Jacques Shore on being presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by Sharon and Paul Finn Faigy and Zach Muroff on Naomi’s wedding by Ellie and Joel Kanigsberg Linda Slotin on the birth of your granddaughter by Sharon and Paul Finn and family Refuah Shlemah to: Malcolm Glube by Steven, Hildy, Maya and Dahlia Lesh and by Stephen and Linda Weiner Sara-Lynne Levine by Sharon, Sol, Noah and Kayla Reichstein In Memory of: Gloria Cuadrado Taller by Maureen and Jeff Katz Lou Goldmaker by Maureen and Jeff Katz Jack Weinman by Maureen and Jeff Katz Laurie Mariasine by Sharon, Sol, Noah and Kayla Reichstein; and by Linda and Stephen Weiner Maxwell Lobel by Jerry and Lily Penso and family; by Irene and Lee Waxman, Sandy and Gerry Bayne, Rian Bayne; and by Lois, Jerry and Mark Nudelman Father of Vicky Fish by Ellie and Joel Kanigsberg Harry Shaffer by Jerry and Lily Penso Leon Gluzman by Lois and Jerry Nudelman General: In appreciation to Sharon, Sol, Noah and Kayla, to Mark, Deanna, Andrea and Daniel, and to Vera from Malcolm Glube Wishing good health and to continued celebrations of milestones in your lives to Vera and Malcolm Glube from Norman and Elaine Wolfish With best wishes for the NewYear to Sharon, Paul, Davina and Josh Finn, to Simon and Joy Fisher and family, and to David and Ellen Fisher and family from Linda Slotin Donation cards can be purchased for a minimum charge of $18.00 by contacting the Tamir office at 613-725-3519, 11 Nadolny Sachs Private, Suite 218, Ottawa, Ontario, K2A 1R9, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Book Review Diana Muir-Appelbaum The idea that humanity is arranged into peoples and nations, each with its homeland, language, and ideas about how it should be organized is fundamental to the Hebrew Bible. It is a profoundly tolerant idea, acknowledging there may be more than one way to build a just society. This Jewish idea stands in radical opposition to universalism. The great Western universalizing traditions – Greek, Roman, Christian, Islamic, Marxist – have all attempted to annihilate Jewishness because they could not tolerate such diversity. Apart from a few small city-states, history has found only a limited number of ways to organize political life. There is the intense and appalling tribalism of Afghanistan. There are empires in which conquerors oppress the conquered. There are dictatorships and monarchies in which individuals may have comforts or privileges but not rights. There has been the universalist ideology of Marxism, which produced death on an unimaginable scale. Then there is the nation-state. Unlike Marxism, Islam or the human rights movement, the nation-state does not claim it will bring peace or justice to the whole world, only that it will work to bring these benefits to a particular people inhabiting a particular piece of land. As Lilla says, the political dilemma is “how to wed political attachment (which is particular) to political decency (which knows no borders). The nation-state has been the best modern means discovered so far of squaring the circle.” Even for one people in one land, doing so is a tall order; yet, Israel, Gordis argues, has largely succeeded in filling it, maintaining a stable democratic government, a free press and a high standard of civil liberties for its Jewish, Muslim and Christian citizens, even those who work openly for its destruction. Gordis would not put it so minimally. He envisions a world in which each people lives in its own nation-state, governing itself as it chooses, perhaps competing freely, but only through persuasion. Liberal American Jews, Gordis argues – he is surely right – are embarrassed by the fact that the Jewish state is a standard-bearer for this out-of-fashion idea of nationhood. The fashionable advocates of universal human rights have a far more embarrassing problem: Advocating human rights in general doesn’t actually do much to make governments behave decently. Issuing reports about governments’ human rights violations often seems to do little more than teach dictatorships to lie more effectively. Yet, practical politicians in Israel have delivered real democracy and human rights. The Czech and Slovak Republics amicably separated into two liberal nation-states. South Korea emerged from decades of brutal occupation to walk a difficult path towards a prosperous liberal democracy. And the state built by the nationalist Chinese on Taiwan is distinctly more admirable than the one built by Marxist idealists on the mainland. None of these young nation-states is perfect, but they look awfully good compared to not just what went before in these places but what goes on today in nearby countries. Activists, understandably, want to find a simple political formula that will bring perfect government to everyone in the world. But Gordis is right: Building a world of nationstates one by one, a job requiring the kind of hard, painful political labour that created Israel, is a far more practical way to produce a world that is tolerant, diverse and free. This article was first published by Jewish Ideas Daily (jewishideasdaily.com) and is reprinted with permission. November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 21 We can’t move forward without acknowledging the obstacles to peace Eight years ago, my best friend decided to sever our friendship. Yes, there had been some recent tensions and misunderstandings in what had become a long-distance friendship. But the deal-breaker was Israel – specifically, the change in my attitude towards Israel since my days as a left coast, non-Jewish liberal in Vancouver in the 1990s. Although my friend had embraced my 1998 decision to convert to Judaism, she became less comfortable with my increased level of religious observance after my first trip to Israel in 2003. And she could never accept my work with Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), the Israeli organization that translates and monitors the Arabic media controlled by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas. She believed that studying and publicizing these organizations’ systematic campaigns to deny Israel’s right to exist, incite hatred against Israelis and Jews, and encourage children to aspire to martyrdom for Allah by killing themselves and as many Jews as they could take with them, were destroying any chance for peace. “Peace is not achieved by pointing fingers and building walls,” she wrote in that final email. My friend and I reconciled shortly before her untimely death from cancer in August – not because we ever agreed about Israel, but because it was time to let go of past conflicts and free her from the burdens of this life. But her indictment of my work made me ask myself some very tough questions about my commitment to Israel and the road to peace – questions I still ask myself after more than 40 trips to Israel. Does condemning the duplicity of the Palestinian lead- ership mean that one is against peace? Is exposing political, educational and spiritual leaders who indoctrinate their children to hate Jews destructive to the peace process? Should we focus on what we have in common with the Palestinian people, rather than hold their leaders accountable for fomenting hatred? Should we ignore the barriers to peace and look only at building bridges? After much soul-searching, I concluded these approaches to peace shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. It’s essential to support programs and activities that allow Israelis and Palestinians, particularly youth, to see each other as human beings with many shared aspirations and values. I still remember drumming with the King David Peace Drummers and exuberant Palestinian and Israeli kids on a glorious summer night in 2004 when the first Peace Camp Canada brought these kids together and created bonds that will last a lifetime. We must applaud and encourage the work of Israeli doctors like Livia Kapusta and her colleagues at Save a Child’s Heart (saveachildsheart.ca) who have provided life-saving cardiac surgery to more than 3,000 children in 42 countries. More than half of those kids are from the Palestinian Authority, and the organization provides a free weekly cardiology clinic at the Wolfson Medical Centre in Holon for children from Gaza and the West Bank. Yes, we must keep building bridges and finding common ground. But we can’t move forward without also acknowledging the many obstacles to peace. I spent a day under Hamas rocket fire in Ashkelon in 2009, and got a taste of how it feels when you have 30 sec- My Israel Barbara Crook onds to get to a bomb shelter. As I write, Hamas rockets are again falling on my friends in Ashkelon, but the mainstream media appears more concerned about the number of Palestinians killed by retaliatory Israeli airstrikes than about the one million Israelis under siege. We cannot be so desperate for a ‘partner for peace’ that we turn a blind eye to Palestinian Authority leaders – not just politicians, but teachers and clerics – whose words and actions continue to glorify terrorists and undermine the peace process. We need to know, for example, that Mahmoud Abbas and the PA use $5 million per month in foreign aid money from the U.S., the U.K. and other EU nations to pay the salaries of Palestinian terrorists in Israeli prisons, as my PMW colleagues Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik have reported (palwatch.org). If you’re wondering why Canada’s not on that list, it’s because the Harper government has stopped giving direct financial aid to the PA. Instead, Canada funds PA programs such as those that help improve forensic and crime scene investigation services, train judges, build courthouses and improve access to justice for ordinary Palestinians. Tough love combined with practical support. Beating peace drums instead of firing rockets. Healing kids’ hearts, but condemning heartless leaders. Perhaps those are some of the answers to the tough questions my dear friend forced me to ask. Organ donation, ‘the ultimate expression of kindness’ My friend Debra Karby hopes more Canadians will register as organ donors. Debra is battling sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and is in need of a liver transplant. Because she does not qualify for a deceased organ (the list in Canada is long), she issued a public request for a live donor. Debra’s plea was shared far and wide: on Facebook, Twitter and Global Television, and in Time magazine, Vancouver’s tabloid newspaper The Province, Haaretz and the Times of Israel. Reading the comments on the family’s blog – karbys.blogspot.ca – including those from acquaintances and strangers stating their willingness to donate, is earth shatteringly beautiful in what it says about the human spirit. In a subsequent public message posted to Facebook, Debra wrote, “I don’t know how to begin to express my gratitude for those who stepped forward, got their blood tested, answered and submitted their forms. Friends, old and new, extended family, strangers, you are truly angels in my mind. Thank you seems insufficient ... you have given me a great gift – a belief in the goodness of humankind.” But Debra also had another important message to share with her fellow Canadians: “I learned a lot about transplant in this process. I learned that Canadians sadly can’t hold their heads too high on this one. Too many people needlessly die waiting for an organ.” As CTV News reported on May 25, Canada’s rate of organ donation “is one of lowest in the developed world. Only 13 out of every million Canadians becomes an organ donor, compared with 20 per million in the U.S., and more than 31 per million in Spain, which has a presumed consent system.” The report is online at tinyurl.com/CTV-organ-donors. Dr. Brian Goldman, host of CBC Radio’s medical program White Coat, Black Art, argues on his blog – Values, Ethics, Community Mira Sucharov tinyurl.com/Goldman-organ-donors – that Canada could boost donor rates by switching to an ‘opt-out’ system, as the European Union countries do, or to switch to a cardiac declaration of death rather than waiting for brain death to occur. Dr. Graham Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services, stresses the problem lies largely with the system. Canadian Blood Services is working to try to convince the government to create a national, integrated and accountable system for donation and transplant, something that is currently lacking in Canada. “Our donation numbers in Canada ... will not go up by the public simply registering their intent more regularly. International experience has shown that a managed and integrated system is necessary to successfully convert intent into action,” Sher told me. Nevertheless, if and when such a system materializes, donors will still be needed. For anyone with doubts surrounding whether donating organs contravenes Jewish tradition, Rabbi Steven Garten of Temple Israel assured me, “It is generally accepted that the donation of organs for the purpose of saving a life is permitted by Jewish law” under the imperative of pikuach nefesh (saving a life). Rabbi Reuven Bulka of Congregation Machzikei Hadas chairs the Trillium Gift of Life Network, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s agency responsible for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. “Saving of a life is as great a mitzvah as there is in Judaism. We know that transplants save lives. And we know that living donors are fuelled by an enormous sense of altruism. Put it all together and you have the ultimate expression of kindness, which Judaism applauds and endorses with great passion,” Rabbi Bulka told me. Registering as an organ donor following death is obviously a different sort of act from stepping forward to be a live donor. But it can be just as crucial in saving a life. And, given that in Canada we require donors to opt-in, registering is something you need to do, obviously, while you are still alive. Debra’s grace, poise and emotional fortitude are examples to live by. She reminds us about the beauty of community and the importance of empathy, and what emotional fortitude and strength of purpose can bring. She inspires a culture of generosity, while reminding us that it can also be heroic to ask. What do you do now when a friend is suffering? You listen, you extend support, you offer hope, you include her in your thoughts and prayers, and you thank her for inspiring you. And then you check whether you’ve registered as an organ donor. To register as an organ donor in Ontario, or to confirm that you are already registered, visit beadonor.ca. It’s very important, Sher adds, to ensure doctors don’t doubt the intention of the deceased, to mention your wishes to your family. Mira Sucharov, an associate professor of political science at Carleton University, blogs at Haaretz.com. Page 22 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 23 FOUNDATION DONATIONS Our future is in your hands To make a donation and/or send a tribute card, call Jessica Borenstein (613-798-4696 ext. 274) e-mail: [email protected] website: www.OJCF.ca Join us in building our community by supporting these local agencies HILLEL ACADEMY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Sarah and Steven Morgan. Marilyn Robins, beloved sister of Norman Ironstone, by Flora and Bill Silverman. HILLEL LODGE LEGACY FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Meg and Mark Friedman and family. In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Isaac Klaman, a beloved father by Shirley Strean-Hartman. Mary Klaman, a beloved mother by Shirley Strean-Hartman. JEWISH YOUTH LIBRARY OF OTTAWA ENDOWMENT FUND In honour of: Jacques Shore receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by Bobbi and Rick Soderstrom. OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND Condolences to: Shimon Fogel on the loss of his beloved father, Cantor Mendel Fogel, by Steven Farber. Mazal Tov to: Linda and Murray Greenberg on the birth of their grandson Oliver by Joy Bodnoff. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Sydney Greenberg by Joy Bodnoff. PINCHAS ZUKERMAN MUSIC EDUCATION FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by the Bernard family. SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Norma Lipp, a beloved sister, by Shirley Strean-Hartman. AJA 50+ ENDOWMENT FUND AJA 50+ DAVID SMITH OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND AKIVA EVENING HIGH SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND ADINA BEN PORAT MACHON SARAH TORAH EDUCATION FUND SHIRLEY AND SHIER BERMAN FUND FOR OTTAWA JEWISH ARCHIVES DORIS BRONSTEIN TALMUD TORAH AFTERNOON SCHOOL FUND BARRY FISHMAN OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND MARTIN GLATT PARLIAMENT LODGE B’NAI BRITH PAST PRESIDENTS’ FUND MENDEL AND VALERIE GOOD HOLOCAUST CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND GREENBERG FAMILIES LIBRARY FUND HILLEL ACADEMY CHILDREN OF THE BOOK AWARD FUND JEWISH COMMUNITY CEMETERY HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY FUND JEWISH MEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE FUND JEWISH STUDENTS ASSOCIATION HILLEL FUND DAVID “THE BEAR” KARDASH CAMP B’NAI BRITH MEMORIAL FUND OTTAWA JEWISH CEMETERIES ZICHARON FUND OTTAWA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY FUND OTTAWA LODGE B’NAI BRITH #885 PAST PRESIDENTS FUND OTTAWA LODGE B’NAI BRITH #885 PRESIDENTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND OTTAWA MODERN JEWISH SCHOOL FUND OTTAWA POST JEWISH WAR VETERANS FUND OTTAWA TORAH INSTITUTE TORAH EDUCATION FUND RAMBAM MAIMONIDES JEWISH CONTINUITY FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE ENDOWMENT FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE YOUTH SERVICES FUND TORAH ACADEMY OF OTTAWA TORAH EDUCATION FUND SARA AND ZEEV VERED ISRAEL CULTURAL PROGRAM FUND YITZHAK RABIN HIGH SCHOOL FUND IN MEMORY OF EVA WINTHROP The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of October 18, 2012. ROSE AND LOUIS ACHBAR MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Harriet and Irving Slone on their 60th anniversary by Zelda Freedman. Birthday wishes to: Lyon Sachs by Zelda Freedman. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Elliott Levitan by Zelda Freedman. Joan Bloom by Zelda Freedman. Condolences to: Phylis Silverman on the loss of her dear brother, Alvin Koch, by Zelda Freedman. SAMUEL AND JEAN AKERMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Sheila and Larry Hartman. MARY AND ISRAEL (AL) ALLICE MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: David Blumenthal by Beverly and Irving Swedko. ANNE AND LOUIS ARRON MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Alan Gilbert by Daphne and Stanley Arron. In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Daphne and Stanley Arron. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Elliott Levitan by Daphne and Stanley Arron. Joan Bloom by Daphne and Stanley Arron. ALYCE AND ALLAN BAKER FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Alyce and Allan Baker on the wedding of their daughter Lauren to Graham by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family. CAYLA AND MICHAEL BAYLIN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Cayla and Michael Baylin. IRVING AND ESTHER BELLMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer. Mazal Tov to: Cantor Schneur and Tracy Bielak by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer. MARTIN AND ELLIE BLACK ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Martin and Ellie Black. Tom Grossman by Martin and Ellie Black. LT. COL. EDMOND BLAIS MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Lt. Col. Edmond Blais by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family. CYNTHIA AND DAVID BLUMENTHAL COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: David Blumenthal by Alyce and Allan Baker. CYNTHIA AND DAVID BLUMENTHAL ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday Wishes to: David Blumenthal on his 80th birthday by Carol Greenberg; by Simone Gardner; by Tracey Kronick and Alan Abelson; and by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family. JACK AND SARAH COGAN MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Beverly Cogan-Gluzman and David Gluzman on the wedding of their daughter Jory to David Walters by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family. SANDI AND EDDY COOK ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family. Leo Cook by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer Mazal Tov to: Richard Roth and Riva Levitan on Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah by Sandi and Eddy Cook and family. NATHAN AND REBA DIENER ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Robert and Rosemary Geller on their 50th anniversary by Barbara, Joel, Jessica, Joshua and Michael Diener; and by Aviva and Seymour Diener and family. ELLEN AND RAHAMIM FATHI ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Ellen and Ray Fathi. MARJORIE AND MICHAEL FELDMAN FAMILY FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Marjorie and Michael Feldman. Mazal Tov to: Sherri Torjman on receiving the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for her work on social policy by Marjorie and Michael Feldman. JACK AND TANIA FIRESTONE ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Susan Caplan-Firestone and Philip Firestone. SAM AND SUSAN FIRESTONE ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Sam and Susan Firestone. Tom Grossman by Sam and Susan Firestone. ALAN FREED FAMILY FUND In memory of: Marilyn Robins by Alan Freed and Sharon Rosentzveig. GILBOA/MAOZ FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Debbie and Ruvin Geller on the birth and naming of their granddaughter, Gabriella, by Tal, Rob, Paz, Ryan, Eitan, Alexandra and Hadar. Diane Koven on Jeremy’s marriage by Tal, Rob, Paz, Ryan, Eitan, Alexandra and Hadar. Condolences to: Steve and Marian Morrill and family on the loss of a beloved father and grandfather by D.G MacDonald Moving and Storage. Continued on page 24 Page 24 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 FOUNDATION DONATIONS STAN AND LIBBY GLUBE FAMILY FUND R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Malcolm Glube by Yvonne and Harvey Lithwick and family. ANN AND LEON GLUZMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Murray Citron; by Leslie Milton; by Edie Landau; by Libby and Stan Katz; by Chuck and Aviva Freedman; by Rhoda and Jeff Miller and family; by Alexandra and Charles Wexler; by Arthur and Marsha Saper; by Sheila and Morton Baslaw; by Zena, Michael and Massey Applebaum; by Jeffrey and Felice Pleet; by Sally Taller; by Sally Stoller Levine, by Linda Slotin; by Gary and Irene Bloomstone; by Evelyn Monson and Robert Elder; by Heidi and Stephen Polowin; by Stephen Greenberg; by Alyce and Allan Baker; by Wendy Wright; by Sandi and Jonathan Silver; by Randi, Ian, Jonathan, Matthew and Adam Sherman; by Alan Freed and Sharon Rosentzveig; by Joel Weiner and Elaine Sigler; by Roz and Stan Labow; by Chuck and Bonnie Merovitz; by Celina and Jamie Goren; by Sandra and Sam Zunder and family; by Rhoda, Michael, Mark and Adam Aronson; by Shirley Strean-Hartman; by Ron and Ruth Levitan; by Amnon and Sylvia Pasher; by Susan Caplan-Firestone and Philip Firestone; by Doreen and Jamie Levitz; by Paul and Mary Mirsky; by Barbara and Len Farber and family; by Renee Rapoport; by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel and family; by Toby and Tedd Nathanson; by Lilyan Philipp; by Rosalie and Harold Schwartz; by Ginsberg, Gluzman, Fage and Levitz; by Ian and Estelle Melzer; by Donna and Bernie Dolansky; by Robyn Osgood and Heather Chew; by Debra and Gary Viner and family; by Vicki, Shaun, Connor and Zackary Shefrin; by Carol and Stuart Levine; by Judy and Michael Aranoff; by Mark and Carol Froimovitch; by Nickie Ages; by Anna and Sam Wex; by Pat Cooke and the Eckersley family; by Tootsie and Arnie Greenberg; by David Gavsie; by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family; by Yvonne and Harvey Lithwick and family; by Diane Koven; and by Alisa, David, Brianna and Mikayla Allice. IBOLYA AND HOWARD GOLDBERG FAMILY FUND Condolences to: Shimon Fogel on the loss of his father, Cantor Mendel Fogel, by Helene, Shawn, Chaim and Aaron Goldberg. EVA, DIANE AND JACK GOLDFIELD MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Morley Goldfield and family. Tom Grossman by Morley Goldfield and family. In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Jack Goldfield by Asa Goldfield and family. JACK AND GERT GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL FUND Condolences to: Norman Ironstone on the loss of his beloved sister, Marilyn Robins, by Allen and Diane Abramson. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Howard Smolkin by Allen and Diane Abramson. HERB AND DENA GOSEWICH ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Dr. James Williamson by Herb and Dena Gosewich. Sam Shapiro by Herb and Dena Gosewich. SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH FUND What do your “kids” really care about? Do they care about hanging out with their friends? Playing sports? Playing their musical instruments? How about helping the homeless in their community? Fighting antiSemitism? Supporting people with disabilities? Through the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation, our community’s youth can achieve both! They can be the active individuals that they are all while making a difference through tzedakah, one gift at a time. Teens can make their Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s an extra special event by opening a B’nai Mitzvah Fund in their name. This gives them the vehicle to support causes dear to their hearts. Forever! You can make a difference in your child’s life by encouraging your son or daughter to establish a B’nai Mitzvah Fund. Their participation in the B’nai Mitzvah Club, which is for teens age 12 up to pre-post secondary, will affect the rest of their lives in a positive and philanthropic manner. Now is the time to encourage your child to become a charitable, responsible member of the Jewish Community. To obtain information on how to open a B’nai Mitzvah Fund for as little as $250, call the Foundation office today at 613-798-4696 extension 252 or email [email protected]. Additional information can be found on our website at www.OJCF.ca. JEFFREY AND ENID GOULD FAMILY FUND Birthday wishes to: David Blumenthal on his 80th birthday by Jeffrey and Enid Gould. In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Jeffrey and Enid Gould. Tom Grossman by Jeffrey and Enid Gould. YAFFA GREENBAUM AND JACK SHINDER COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Jack Shinder on his 60th birthday by Lynne Oreck-Wener and Bob Wener. BEN (BERCHIK) AND IDA GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Max and Ellie Greenberg; by Jerry and Lily Penso; and by Bernice Kerzner. CAROL AND LAWRENCE (LORRY) GREENBERG COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In appreciation to: Carol Greenberg by Howard Smolkin and Annice Kronick. GROSSMAN KLEIN FAMILIES FUND Birthday wishes to: David Blumenthal by Vera and Leslie Klein and family. In honour of: The recent unveiling of Irving Taylor, a dear and beloved friend, by Vera and Leslie Klein and family. In memory of: Tom Grossman by Larry Lithwick; by Barbara and Len Farber and family; by Helen and Chaim Gilboa and family; by Pauline and Mark Pankowski and family; by Susan Baker and Ross Hadwen; by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family; and by Gladys and John Greenberg. David Lovi a dear and beloved friend by Vera and Leslie Klein and family. Leon Gluzman by Vera and Leslie Klein and family. LARRY AND SHEILA HARTMAN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Larry and Sheila Hartman. Mazal Tov to: Larry and Sheila Hartman on the birth of their granddaughter, Sophia, by Ingrid Levitz. PHILLIP AND ETTIE KIMMEL MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Marilyn Robins, a beloved sister of Dr. Norman Ironstone, by Stan Kimmel. EDIE AND ERWIN KORANYI ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Edie Koranyi by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family. Erwin Koranyi by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family. KRANTZBERG KRANE FAMILY FUND In memory of: Alex Ash by Evelyn Krane. Mazal Tov to: Eli Krantzberg on his engagement to Mariam by Myra and Sam Krane and family; and by Clair Krantzberg. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Joan Bloom by Clair Krantzberg. ISSIE AND EDITH LANDAU ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Edith Landau R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Gloria Greenberg by Edith Landau. NORMAN AND ISABEL LESH ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Norman and Isabel Lesh Leon Gluzman by Norman and Isabel Lesh SALLY AND ELLIOTT LEVITAN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Alvin Koch by Sally and Elliott Levitan. Leon Gluzman by Sally and Elliott Levitan. JOHN AND ESTELLE LIBERMAN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Carl Zidel by Estelle and John Liberman. JOSEPH AND EVELYN LIEFF ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Alvin Koch by Evelyn Lieff. Leon Gluzman by Evelyn Lieff. Mazal Tov to: Corinne Levine on the birth of her greatgrandson Fenway by Evelyn Lieff. Sheila and Larry Hartman on the birth of their granddaughter Sophia by Evelyn Lieff. JACOB MALOMET MEMORIAL FUND Good wishes to: Joan Bloom by Alvin and Diana Malomet. In memory of: Alvin Koch by Alvin and Diana Malomet. R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Annette Albert by Alvin and Diana Malomet. Elliott Levitan by Alvin and Diana Malomet. Judge Max Teitelbaum by Alvin and Diana Malomet. MORTY MAYBERGER UNITED JEWISH APPEAL GOLF TOURNAMENT FUND In memory of: Ted Grainger by the Mayberger family. CHUCK AND BONNIE MEROVITZ FAMILY FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Chuck and Bonnie Merovitz. Mazal Tov to: Chuck and Bonnie Merovitz on the engagement of their son Ryan to Angie by Rick and Helen Zipes. NORMAN AND ANNE MIRSKY MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Millie and Steve Mirsky. JACK AND MIRIAM PLEET ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Alvin Koch, a beloved brother of Phylis Silverman, by Miriam Pleet. GERALD AND MARY-BELLE PULVERMACHER FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: David Blumenthal on his 80th birthday by Gerry and Mary-Belle Pulvermacher. Continued on page 25 November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 25 FOUNDATION DONATIONS In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Gerry and Mary-Belle Pulvermacher. Marilyn Robins, beloved sister of Norman Ironstone, by Gerry and Mary-Belle Pulvermacher. DAVID AND FREDA RADNOFF FAMILY FUND Birthday wishes to: Kenneth Radnoff by Fred and Lisa Cogan and family. MOE AND SARAH RESNICK ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Sam and Roberta Goldmaker. FLORENCE AND GDALYAH ROSENFELD ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Florence Rosenfeld on her 90th birthday by Ena Segall; by Earl, Yael and Chaim Atnikov. FRANCES AND MORTON ROSS FAMLY FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Fran and Morton Ross. SAMUEL AND RUTH ROTHMAN MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Sheldon and Corinne Taylor on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Jacob Taylor, by Barbara Taylor. SHELLEY AND SID ROTHMAN FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Brenda Schafer on the birth of your grandson, Mason, by Shelley Rothman and family. Linda and Murray Greenberg on the birth of their grandson, Oliver, by Shelley Rothman and family. CLARE AND MAURICE SCHWARTZ FUND In memory of: Morrie Konick by Julia Schwartz and Gilbert Bismuth. Tom Grossman by Julia Schwartz and Gilbert Bismuth. HAROLD SHAFFER MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Rhea Wohl on the Bat-Mitzvah of her granddaughter, Hannah, by Myra and Sam Krane and family. JACK AND SARAH SILVERSTEIN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Jack and Sarah Silverstein LINDA SILVERMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Alvin Koch by Clair Krantzberg; and by Joan Bloom. IRVING AND HARRIET SLONE ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Irving and Harriet Slone on their 60th wedding anniversary by Blossom Read; and by Donna and Eric Levin. MAX AND PEARL SMOLKIN FAMILY FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Bob Smolkin; and by Rosalie (Smolkin) Kane. SALLY AND MAX TALLER FAMILY FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Abraham Goren, a beloved father by Sally Taller. David Goren, a beloved brother by Sally Taller. Leib Goren, a beloved uncle by Sally Taller. Max Taller, a beloved husband by Sally Taller. Rose Goren, a beloved mother by Sally Taller. CLAIRE AND SAM TANNER MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to Dawn Morewood by Lana and Stephen Tanner. In memory of: Tom Grossman by Lana and Stephen Tanner. LISE AND MARK THAW FAMILY FUND In memory of: Rita Leger by Rhoda and Jeff Miller and family; and by Stan and Gail Hitzig. STEPHEN AND GAIL VICTOR ENDOWMENT FUND In honour of: Stephen Victor receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada for outstanding community service by Daniel and Marilyn Kimmel. SONIA AND ARTHUR VINER MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Gladys and John Greenberg. IRVING AND DIANE WEXLER FAMILY FUND Birthday wishes to: David Blumenthal on his 80th birthday by Michael and Muriel Wexler and family; and by Carol Segal. Mazal Tov to: Cynthia and David Blumenthal on Ariella’s Bat-Mitzvah by Michael and Muriel Wexler and family. Muriel and Michael Wexler on the birth of Alice Martha by Carol Segal. STELLA AND LOUIS SLACK MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Myra and Lester Aronson and family. ZIPES KARANOFSKY FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Neil and Debi Zaret on the birth of their first grandchild, grandson Fenway by Rick and Helen Zipes. SAM AND SUE SLACK ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Joy and Seymour Mender by Debi and Neil Zaret and family. SANDRA AND SAM ZUNDER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Tom Grossman by Sandra and Sam Zunder and family. THE WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM Providing support for services and programs that directly benefit women and children. WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE ENDOWMENT FUND In honour of: Norman Barwin receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by Bobbi and Rick Soderstrom. THE SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM STACEY SAMANTHA KATZ B’NAI MITZVAH FUND In memory of: Leon Gluzman by Joany and Andy Katz and family. LIEFF FAMILY B’NAI MITZVAH FUND In memory of: Leo Cook by Francie and Norman Lieff TOM PODOLSKY B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Rony and Dekel Podolsky on Tom’s Bar Mitzvah by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer; and by the Staff of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation. AARON ROTH MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Aaron Roth on his Bar Mitzvah by Ron and Ruth Levitan; by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer; and by the Staff of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation. Richard Roth and Riva Levitan on Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah by Rebecca Nagrodski; and by Ingrid Levitz. Contributions may be made online at www.OJCF.ca or by contacting Jessica Borenstein at 613-798-4696 extension 274, Monday to Friday or by email at [email protected]. Attractive cards are sent to convey the appropriate sentiments. All donations are acknowledged with a charitable receipt. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Amex. In Appreciation Thank you for your sympathy during our time of loss. Your kind words and thoughts are a great comfort to us as we grieve Michael’s death. Helen, Jeffrey and Stacey Cohen Readers are advised that In Appreciation notices may not always appear on Foundation pages, particularly when space is limited. &## ! " #$% !"#$%&'(#)$% '%*+!#",-$% Page 26 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 ‘Designed social engineering is incompatible with democratic values’ World Affairs days of shell games of companies spinning off independent subsidiaries, making it hard to know who’s on first, what’s on second and I-don’t-know on third base. Money seems to flow from one foundation to the next and back, including grants provided by friendly federal or state governments that have had members strongly represented, endorsed or supported by such non-profits and NGOs. The complicated web that is woven actually pits socially divergent groups against one another and makes it unclear who is supporting what. The Keystone XL oil pipeline was one example, in which some of the key brand-name NGOs, including the Suzuki Foundation, were funded by interest groups who stood to gain financially by not having cheap Canadian oil flowing into the United States. Next time you are watching a documentary on CBC, PBS, or BBC, just think who may have indirectly funded it and why. While in North America, and generally in the western democratic world, social re-engineering is undertaken largely by NGOs, we see some of the aggressive work in some countries such as Venezuela and Iran conducted by their governments with their own networks of funding that bring in support or extend their own sphere of influence. In many circles within Arab countries that went through an Arab Spring in the past couple of years, they also talk about the social nature of the movement and the class warfare that was started by another NGO known as the Muslim Brotherhood. The mix of ideals and funding sources is interesting to follow and is the only way to truly understand what the ideals of an organization really are and who has enough of an interest in them to send money their way. Oliver Javanpour By the time you read this, the results of the United States presidential election should be known. Billions of dollars will have been spent by the candidates and by those who support them directly, or indirectly through super-PACs, all trying to sway voters their way. Throughout the campaign there has been very little attention given to the few dozen NGOs and non-profits that have had a significant role in generating a social climate that would have benefited only one presidential candidate, namely President Barack Obama. During the election campaign, candidates and their supporters are held to spending laws, and the super-PACs operate within the PAC philosophical ideology, but there is no system of accountability for the NGO social engineers who are active all year round. In the early-1980s, there was a slow start to most of these NGOS. But, now, with what seems to be a groundswell of support for government-funded social programs, global social reform and high taxes, as well as an anti-capitalist, anti-energy, anti-global trade and, peculiarly somehow, anti-Israel and anti-Zionist agendas, these NGOs have established a far-reaching influence without attracting the attention of most people. NGOs such as the Robin Hood Foundation, Tides Foundation and Media Development Loan Fund funded by George Soros and other socially minded individuals and foundations, spend billions of dollars to influence global social ideals. One such non-profit is the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), of which Obama has been a long-term supporter. ACORN set a standard for today’s non-profits that reminds me of the old Life lessons learned while running Running gives me an opportunity to think. Occasionally, I run with a friend and chat along the way. Most of the time, however, I prefer to run alone at my own pace and with my own thoughts. I can enjoy a leisurely run just about anywhere. I often run along the tranquil river path to Parliament Hill. Before I turn around to head back, I like to run by the eternal flame and up the steps where I jump up and down with my arms victoriously in the air like Rocky Balboa. Other times, I may choose a more congested route, such as the sidewalks of Westboro, where I make my way through what seems like an endless maze of construction sites. Whenever I catch a glimpse of my reflection in a shop window, I think to myself how lucky I am to be out running. When I run, I feel free. I’ve learned a lot about myself while running. I’ve learned how to tap into my reserve of mental strength. I think endurance running in particular is much more of a mental than a physical exercise. I’ve also discovered that I’m physically tougher than I’d previously thought. Running has enhanced my sense of gratitude. I’m grateful that I can run and that I have working legs. When fatigue and pain begin to overwhelm me in a race, I think about loved ones who passed away far too soon. I think about people I know who can’t walk, let alone run. I run for them – sometimes with tears welling up in my eyes. I’ve learned that being outdoors and enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature or even of an urban landscape are a pleasure for the senses. I notice things that seem so ordinary and, yet, so extraordinary – a bird or a flower, its colours, shape and beauty seem magnified. When I’m running, I find it useful to rehearse conversations in my mind. Running allows me quiet time to consider alternative approaches to resolving a problem. Usually, by the end of my run, I’ve worked through a variety of possible scenarios. Running can be very therapeutic. I’ve had a few epiphanies while running – unexpected, enlightening moments when I’ve come to some realization about myself or my reason for being. I’ve learned there is something unique and wonderful about each person. When I run past other runners, I may admire their physique, form or speed. Or I may see beauty in their spirit, if they are running despite obvious physical adversity. And, of course, there are those who run to conquer invisible emotional scars. I may not recognize these brave people, but I know they’re out there. I’ve learned you can’t always run away from those who are trying to hold you back, but you can run towards your dreams. I use running as a tool to keep fit and to feel empowered. Running has reinforced my long-held belief that laughter is the best medicine. Even in difficult times, humour can lift my spirits. While running through Hull in September’s Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw their advertisment in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin. Several months ago, I read an interesting book, The Manchurian President by Aaron Klein. It was rather a dry read, full of facts and figures that could quickly overwhelm someone. However, its interesting investigative approach to connecting the dots between various NGOs, political activists, flows of funds and grants, implications of key political strategists, illuminated the complexity of even the most seemingly grassroots organizations. I’ve been around long enough to know that designed social engineering is incompatible with democratic values. History is chock full of eras that came into existence with terms such as wealth distribution, state-owned, and nationalization ending up being used to legitimize authoritarianism. The occupy movement was a canary in the coalmine. A muscle-flexing exercise by couple of dozen social engineers who have had great success in influencing government policies and business practices so far, it demonstrated how easy it is to create a climate in which people buy into and act with organizations or movements they think reflect their views and their best interests. Flotillas to Israel come to mind in the same context – it is easy to sell them as principled, but you have to really follow the funding and understand the principles of those behind them before you buy in. Oliver Javanpour is a senior partner at Cyrus Echo, a public policy and international relations consulting firm in Ottawa. Focus on Fitness Gloria Schwartz Canada Army Run half-marathon, my left leg was very sore and I still had many kilometres ahead of me. Then, I noticed a little restaurant called Vite Vite Patates Frites. Loosely translated, that means “Quick Quick French Fries.” I laughed as I thought about the irony of the words “quick quick” as if beckoning me to hurry up, coupled with deep-fried potatoes – definitely not a super food for runners. I’ve learned while running that I won’t melt in the rain and I won’t die in the cold. I’ve learned that blisters, chafing and lost toenails don’t last forever. I’ve learned to push myself out of my comfort zone, but also to listen to my body and know when to ease up. I’ve learned that my favourite running routes are the ones with clean, accessible toilets and, when those aren’t available, there’s no shame in discretely answering nature’s call behind a tree. I’ve learned I can be passionate about something as mundane as repeatedly placing one foot in front of the other and the simple things in life are the most precious. I’ve learned there are a lot of things I won’t do for any price, but, if you dangle a trinket on a ribbon and call it a medal, I’ll run 21.1 kilometres for it. I’ve learned running is for me, here and now. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m going to enjoy every step while I can. Send your questions and comments to [email protected]. November 12, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 27 Made with Love Crushing on chocolate Michael Smith’s Triple Chocolate Brownies This recipe is from chefmichaelsmith.com. Use the very best quality chocolate you can find. Do not use chocolate chips for the 8 ounces of bitter-sweet or semi-sweet chocolate the recipe calls for. It does not melt well. Callebaut or Lindt 70 per cent bitter-sweet chocolate would work well. 8 ounces bitter-sweet or semi-sweet chocolate (not unsweetened chocolate) 1 cup butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder pinch of salt 4 eggs 2 cups brown sugar 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 F (180°C). To protect the chocolate from direct heat, melt it and the butter in a heatproof bowl set over a small pot of simmering water, stirring constantly. When the chocolate and butter have melted, whisk until smooth. While the chocolate mixture cools slightly, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add the eggs, sugar and vanilla to the chocolate and mix thoroughly. Stir in the flour mixture and chocolate chips until incorporated. Pour batter into a lightly oiled and floured 9 x 13inch (3.5 L) pan. Bake for exactly 25 minutes. Let cool in the pan completely. Cut into 12 large squares. My sister cuts each square in half to form perfect isosceles triangles and then she dusts them lightly with icing sugar. with Nick Malgieri. Who? Nick is an acclaimed pastry chef, teacher and author, with more than 10 cookbooks to his name. I first began crushing on him in 2000, when I discovered his book, Cookies Unlimited. Here was a man who spoke my language and completely understood me. I think there is no better way to end a meal than with a cookie. Nick shares my philosophy and offered more than 400 cookies to choose from. He really sealed the deal when I made his oatmeal lace cookies. Two gossamer thin oatmeal cookies sandwiched together with chocolate ganache. Before Nick, there was Rance Mulliniks. And, unless you are a major league baseball fan from the last century, you may once again say, “Who?” Rance played third base for the Toronto Blue Jays during their heyday. According to Wikipedia, “He batted over .300 three times (1984, 1987 and 1988) and demonstrated great patience at the plate, regularly posting on-base percentages near .400. In 1984, he was named to Sports Illustrated’s Dream Team as a utility infielder.” My husband is not threatened by either Nick or Rance. If you were to Google them, you would instantly see why. Neither is genetically blessed with movie star looks, but physical pulchritude is beside the point here. Nick and I would spend our sunset years eating cookies, and he would not care one bit how fat I became. Rance and I would watch reruns of the 1992 and 1993 World Series games over and over again. I never grow tired of hearing Jerry Howarth and Tom Cheek announcing, “Now batting for the Blue Jays, number 5, Raaaance Mulliniks.” As I was thinking about writing this column, it occurred to me I had never asked Roger who his celebrity crush was. I suppose I should be flattered that it took him a full eight hours to come up with an answer, and a further seven hours to recall her name – it was actress Mila Kunis. On further reflection, I wondered if his inability to instantly come up with a celebrity name meant he just lacked imagination. Not so, it’s just that he is very firmly rooted in practicality. So practical in fact, that he has decided, should I go first, he will take up with one of my good friends since she already knows her way around the cottage kitchen! You have to admire his pragmatic nature. Celebrity crushes are really quite innocuous, unless, of course, you start to take it too far and begin imagining your crush would adore you if he met you, or start wondering if there is enough closet space for all your clothes at his place, once he tells his wife he’s leaving her for you. You know you have moved into danger territory if you start visualizing how your dishes will look in his kitchen and wondering if he would find you too forward if you insisted he paint his Cindy Feingold kitchen Benjamin Moore 360 (San Fernando Sunshine) so that nothing you own clashes. If this happens, you need to seek help, or a restraining order may be in your future. My sister has fallen into the stalker territory with her crush on P.E.I Food Network chef Michael Smith. It all seemed harmless enough at the beginning, but, once she found out he was separating from wife Rachel, visions of co-parenting their son Gabe, filled her head. Gabe is an amazing little guy who eats everything his chef dad makes for him! Her hopes were quickly dashed when she discovered he was having a second child with a new love, Chastity Fizzard. Folks, I am not making this stuff up! My sister has recovered, but chef Michael’s star has somewhat tarnished in her eyes. That being said, she is correct in bragging about his triple chocolate brownies. I have tried many different brownie recipes in my years of baking, but these come close to perfection. They are deeply chocolate, chewy, fudgy and very rich and decadent. They could be just the thing to help you get over your celebrity crush. The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin FREE If we are to be completely honest with ourselves, we all have one! I’m talking about celebrity crushes. You know what I mean: someone in the public eye you would actually have no chance with, but can’t help but like or be attracted to or daydream about. Celebrity crushes are a harmless way to perk up an otherwise drab day. So, here’s what I’m thinking. If somehow my darling husband meets his maker and dies an early death, and if George Clooney were not available, I would likely hook up Community Milestones section Subscription lapsing? Moving? Going south for the winter? Here’s your chance to send us notices of your important family milestones – an engagement, wedding, special birthday, birth announcement or other significant events! Don’t miss one issue! Call today to renew or provide your new or winter address. Email your photos to: [email protected] 613-798-4696, ext. 256 or 242 All submissions MUST adhere to Bulletin deadlines. Page 28 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 12, 2012 WHAT’S GOING ON November 12 to 25, 2012 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Malca Pass Book Club reviews “What we Talk about when we Talk About Anne Frank,” by Nathan Englander. Presented by Alvina Ruprecht. Agudath Israel Congregation, 1400 Coldrey Ave., 7:00 pm. Info: 613-728-3501. Turkish Passport film screening, part of Holocaust Education Month. Presented by the Council of Turkish Canadians and the Turkish Embassy, Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., 7:00 pm. RSVP required: 613-798-4644. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Ottawa Jewish Community School Open House. Tour classes, learn more about how OJCS will help your child thrive, 31 Nadolny Sachs Private, 9:00 am to CANDLELIGHTING BEFORE Nov 16 Nov 23 ✡ ✡ 4:12 pm 4:06 pm 3:00 pm. Info: 613-722-0020. Book Launch: “The Cults of Bosnia and Palestine,” by Richard Ziegler, an examination of the attitude of people, mainly on the political left, towards the Bosnian civil war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Collected Works, 1242 Wellington St. West, 7:00 pm. Info: [email protected]. March of the Living Information Night for students who will be in grades 10 to 12 academic year 2013-2014. Parents welcome. Learn about this journey to Poland and Israel in April 2014. Guest presenter: Michael Soberman, national director, Canada Israel Experience. 7:00 pm. Info: 613-798-4644. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Jewish Federation of Ottawa Members Meeting, 7:00 pm. Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 236. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Celebration of our Community’s Survivors: dinner, enter- tainment, intergenerational discussions and special guests. Part of Holocaust Education Month. Hosted by Hillel Ottawa students. Congregation Beth Shalom, 151 Chapel Street, 7:00 pm. Info: [email protected]. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Books and Bagels, sponsored by Temple Israel. Rabbi Steven Garten reviews “In the Garden of Beasts: Love and Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin,” by Erik Larson. Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Dr., 9:30 am. Info: [email protected]. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Jewish National Fund 2012 Negev Dinner in tribute to The Hon. John Baird. Special guest speaker: CBC broadcaster Rex Murphy. National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr., 6:00 pm. Info: 613-798-2411. FROM ROSSI TO GLICK, by Musica Ebraica: Jewish music fea- For more community listings, visit jewishottawa.com Select “Click to see more months” turing baroque masterpieces and music by Canadian composers. Tabaret Hall, University of Ottawa, 555 Cumberland Street, 7:30 pm. Info: 613-233-3099. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 100 Voices: a Journey Home, a musical documentary about the interwoven histories of the Jewish and Polish cultures, presented by the Greenberg Families Library, 1:00 pm. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 245. Opening of Exhibit “To Me There’s No Other Choice – Raoul Wallenberg, 1912-2012,” Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, 5:00 pm. Continues until January 6, 2013. Docent-led tours for first two weeks. Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 253. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 TO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Sephardi Festival, jointly sponsored by the Sephardi Association of Ottawa and the SJCC, is a weekend filled with music, art, a Shabbaton and education. Featur- ing Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza on Saturday night in his Ottawa premiere, co-sponsored by the Vered Israel Cultural and Educational Program. Shabbaton at the Ottawa Torah Centre, 111 Lamplighters Drive. Event info: www.jccottawa.com or sephardic [email protected]. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Current Trends in Jewish Life in Canada, by Rebecca Margolis who explores current Canadian trends in religious and community life. Presented by the SJCC, 10:30 am. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 254. Shalom Ottawa community TV show on Rogers 22, 12:00 pm. COMING SOON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Kinderblock 66: Return to Buchenwald film screening. Part of Holocaust Education Month. Bytowne Cinema, 325 Rideau Street, 6:30 pm. Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 253. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 Chanukah Gift and Book Fair, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 243. PJ Library Chanukah Party, co-sponsored with the Family Life Centre, for all families with young children, 10:00 am. Info: 613-798-4644. Montreal Yiddish Theatre Singers. A “freilach” afternoon of Broadway and Yiddish theatre selections, 2:00 pm. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 254. 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 Ottawa InfoCentre. Organizations which would like their events to be listed, no matter where they are to be held, should send the information to InfoCentre coordinator Benita Siemiatycki via e-mail at [email protected] or fax at 613-798-4695. She can also be reached by telephone at 613-798-4644. Accurate details must be provided and all events must be open to the Jewish public. Condolences The Condolences are extended to the families of: Rita Leger (mother of Lise Thaw) Samuel Rothberg Sol Sherman, Israel (brother of Jack and Louis Sherman) Ben Steck Betsy Swedlove Eva Zidulka, Montreal (mother of Mary-Belle Pulvermacher) May their memory be a blessing always. CONDOLENCE COLUMN is offered as a public service to the community. There is no charge. For a listing in this column, please call 613-798-4696, ext. 274. Voice mail is available. BULLETIN DEADLINES NOVEMBER 21 FOR DECEMBER 10 JANUARY 2 FOR JANUARY 21 JANUARY 16 FOR FEBRUARY 4 JANUARY 30 FOR FEBRUARY 18 JEWISH MEMORIAL GARDENS Your one-stop resource centre for funeral planning 613-688-3530 www.jewishmemorialgardens.org Would you like to advertise in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin? Contact Barry Silverman 613-798-4696, ext. 256 [email protected]