Shalom Chaverim,

This has been a busy and fulfilling week for Jewish Ottawa.

Last night at the Soloway JCC, members of several Jewish Federation of Ottawa donor societies came together for the Dorot Legacy Reception to celebrate generational leadership and honour Stephen Greenberg with the Meyased HaDorot Generational Founder Award.

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from this year's J-Fellows young leadership cohort, who presented their community-building projects to a packed room. Their ideas reflected creativity, thoughtfulness, and a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life in Ottawa.

Projects ranged from a volunteer hub designed to connect community members with meaningful opportunities to serve, to a young adult Shabbaton retreat, and the winning initiative, Club 613, which aims to create welcoming spaces and experiences where young Jewish adults can connect, build friendships, strengthen their Jewish identity, and deepen their sense of belonging. We look forward to sharing more about these initiatives as they continue to develop.

Stephen Greenberg delivered a powerful and heartfelt message. Reflecting on this moment in our community's history, he spoke about the importance of unity, resilience, and collective responsibility at a time when antisemitism continues to rise across Canada. His remarks were thoughtful and inspiring, offering a reminder that strong communities are built when people step forward to support one another and invest in the future. It was a fitting reflection of the leadership, generosity, and care that Stephen has demonstrated throughout his life.

In this week’s parsha of Naso, the leaders of each tribe step forward to bring their offerings -- not as anonymous individuals, but as representatives of a larger collective responsibility. Their leadership, like Stephen’s, reminds us that strong communities are built through people who are willing to show up, contribute, and carry the weight of shared purpose. Naso also contains the Priestly Blessing: “May God bless you and protect you… grant you peace.” Significantly, these words are offered in the singular, reminding us that even within a collective, every individual matters and carries unique dignity and responsibility. Jewish community can inspire, support, and strengthen us, but it cannot become a surrogate for personal Jewish engagement, identity, and responsibility. Ultimately, each of us must still choose to participate, contribute, and help bring blessing and peace into the shared life of our community.

I encourage you to take a few moments to watch the tribute video created in Stephen’s honour.

Thank you to everyone who attended, to our generous sponsors, and to those who made tribute gifts to our new Young Adult Leadership Fund. If you would like to support the next generation of Jewish leaders through this fund, please contact Michael Reznick, VP of Development, at mreznick@jewishottawa.com.

Dorot was created as a stewardship event that brings together established philanthropists and emerging leaders, celebrating those whose vision and generosity have helped build our community while inspiring those who will carry that work forward. Seeing multiple generations gathered in one room, connected by a shared commitment to Jewish Ottawa, was both meaningful and uplifting.

The event also served as a fitting culmination of Jewish Heritage Month.

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending a special event at the University of Ottawa that honoured the legacy of last year's Meyasedet HaDorot Award recipient, Sara Vered z"l. The gathering marked the inauguration of the Sara Vered Best Student Project Award through the Vered Jewish Canadian Studies Program and announced the creation of the Canadian Jewish Women of Valour Award and Lecture Series. Attendees also had the opportunity to view the Canadian Jewish Experience exhibit, which highlights the many ways Jewish Canadians have helped shape our country's history and development. It was a timely and moving tribute to Sara's legacy and to the enduring contributions of Jewish Canadians.

I was also pleased to attend the Jewish Liberal Caucus reception on Parliament Hill marking Jewish Heritage Month. The event brought together parliamentarians, political staff, and representatives from Jewish organizations to celebrate the many contributions of Canada's Jewish community. Featured exhibits from the Ontario Jewish Archives as well as the Canadian Jewish Experience project.

Taken together, all these events remind us that Jewish Ottawa has much to celebrate. We are a community shaped by generous leaders, inspired by emerging voices, strengthened by our shared history, and united by a commitment to building a vibrant Jewish future.

As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, may we take pride in what we have accomplished together and find renewed inspiration in the people who continue to strengthen our community every day.

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Shabbat filled with rest, connection, and joy.

Shabbat Shalom,

Adam