Quick Calendar for
May 2
May 1 - Yom Ha'Atzmaut Flag Raising Ceremony
May 1 - SJCC, Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration and Shuk
May 1 - Chanting & Chocolate: Last chance
May 2 - JNF Canada, Shabbat For Israel
May 3 - OrH, Gan Machaneh
May 4 - Adath Shalom, Book of Amos
May 4 - 25 - OKFB, Auction for Action
May 4 - OrH, Book Fair, Bake Sale & Open Mic
May 7 - The Israel Conference
May 9 - OrH, Freylekh Friday
May 9 - Federation, Young Adult Shabbat Dinner
May 11 - Temple Israel, Books and Bagels
May 11, 18, 25 - CWW, Colourful Profile's Course
May 12 - PJ Library Stroll & Roll: A Day at the Tulip Festival
May 12 - JET, Blintz Bash
May 15 - PJOW,
Camp-in Adventure
May 15 - OrH, Lag B'Omer Ghost Stories
May 18 - CBB, Camp Tour
May 18 - Federation, NOVA
May 21 - Babies and Bagels at Westboro Books
May 22 - OJCS, Kindergarten Open House
May 22 - Jewish Unity Live
May 25 - OrH, Ritual Innovation with Rakhel Silverman-Gitin
May 25 - Adath Shalom, Authentic Jewish Music
May 25 - PJ Library, Family Hike and Scavenger Hunt
May 25 - Federation, NOVA
May 27 - OJHS, Jewish Life on Rideau Street Lecture
May 28 - SJCC, Jewish Business Networking Hypno-Coaching and Self-Awareness
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Yom Ha'Atzmaut Flag Raising Ceremony May 1
10 am
Jewish Federation of Ottawa, the Embassy of Israel and The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) invite you to celebrate Israel's Independence Day with the ceremonial raising of the Israeli flag. Join community members, political leaders and students on Marion Dewar Plaza at City Hall 110 Laurier Avenue West.
Registration required
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The Israel Conference
May 7
9 am
Morning keynotes and panel conversations for Christian leaders to learn about antisemitism and the Canadian Jewish community; featuring Richard Marceau, CIJA, Rabbi Idan Scher, Congregation Machzikei Hadas, and Rabbi Erin Polansky, Kehillat Beth Israel. Co-Moderated by Jodi Green
Breakfast is included. Lunch is $20. All food is kosher
Evening reception for Christian-Jewish dialogue and to rally for Israel. Sponsors: National House of Prayer, Tikkun, Jewish Federation of Ottawa and others.
Contact marilyn@nhop.ca
Register here
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Federation and CMH and CJX
Young Adult Community Shabbat Dinner
May 9
Dinner at 8 pm
Join us for a special Shabbat dinner. This meaningful evening will bring together young adults and community members for a warm and welcoming experience. Enjoy a delicious, catered meal, and the opportunity to connect with new and familiar faces in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere! Register here
$40 regular
2310 Virginia Dr.
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OCTOBER 8 Film screening
May 14
SOLD OUT. Please stay tuned and visit our events page as we attempt to secure another showing.
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NOVA Exhibit in Toronto bus trip
May 18 or May 25
Experience a powerful tribute to the unifying force of music and the lives forever changed by the tragic events of October 7, 2023. This immersive, full-sensory exhibition features authentic artifacts, raw footage, and moving testimonies from survivors and bereaved families. As part of the Ottawa delegation, participants will benefit from group access, a private conversation with a Nova Festival survivor, and a guided debrief session with trained counsellors or clergy. 16+ due to its sensitive and graphic content.
Read more here
Partners: Temple Israel, Kehillat Beth Israel, Jewish Family Services, Jewish Federation of Ottawa
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PJ Library
Stroll & Roll: A Day at the Tulip Festival
May 12
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
🌷 Join us at the Tulip Festival! 🌷
Bring your strollers, carriers, little ones, and friends to enjoy some fresh air and great company. After our walk, we’ll unwind with a picnic under the trees. Contact Eriel at eben-gal@jewishottawa.com
Commissioners Park Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Designated parking area in Queen Juliana park / $15 all day parking.
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Family Hike &
Scavenger Hunt
May 25
2 - 4 pm
Join us for a hike and scavenger hunt along the Lime Kiln and Chipmunk Trail; snacks and drinks provided. Moodie Drive.
Register here
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Babies & Bagels
May 21
11 - 1 pm
Join our get-together at Westboro Books, a beloved local Jewish business in Ottawa, for story time, and treats as we explore some of our favourite PJ Library books. Register here
Westboro Books, 314 Richmond Rd.
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PJ Our Way
Camp-In Adventure
May 15
6:45 - 8:30 pm
at the SJCC (room tbd)
Join us for a mock camping experience for our PJOW kids, ages 9-12. We’ll create a cozy atmosphere with a “bonfire,” tents, tea lights, and more. Celebrate the themes and spirit of Lag Ba'Omer as we sing songs, enjoy delicious snacks, and share the warmth of light together. Register here
Contact Eriel at eben-gal@jewishottawa.com
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Community Events in alphabetical order by organization name
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Adath Shalom Congregation
What makes the Book of Amos widely and often quoted?
May 4
11 am - 12:30 pm
In this adult education ZOOM event, David Brooks discusses what makes Amos one of the most widely quoted prophets, and the one most often regarded as a socioeconomic activist.
Authentic Jewish Music - An Endless Trail of Golden Notes
May 25
11 am - 12:30 pm
In this Adult Education Zoom event, Ayala Sher and Bill Rowat use an entertaining audiovisual approach to examine the connection between the earliest Jewish Music and the music made and performed by Jewish artists today.
For both events, contact Paul Adler for the link at 613-521-0170 or psadler@psadler.com
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Camp B'nai Brith of Ottawa
Camp Tour
May 18
10 am - 2 pm
Thinking about camp for your child? Come experience the CBBO magic in person. Meet our team, explore the site, and learn more about what makes our camp so special.
Registration is required; email operations@cbbottawa.com to reserve your spot. We look forward to welcoming you!
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Chabad of Wellington West
Colourful Profile's Course
May 11, 18, 25
7:30 - 9 pm
for 4 weeks on Sundays
We will be leading a new JLI course that tells 12 exotic true stories from Jewish history. These aren’t stories you’d know from the bible, the Talmud, or even a history book. These are stories of real Jews who did incredible things — from converts and hostages to the Torah scholar who led a Muslim army and the businesswoman who saved thousands from the Inquisition. In-person and virtual options are available.
Email: jewishwellingtonwest@gmail.com
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Chanting & Chocolate: Last chance
May 1
7:30 - 9 pm
Enjoy live music and featuring C&C founder Lorne Mallin, visiting from Vancouver for the last time in a while because his Ottawa family is being posted to Europe for four years. Tea and triple-chocolate brownies served. Suggested $10 donation supports Abayudaya Jewish children in Uganda.
Register here
Room 5, First Unitarian, 30 Cleary Ave.
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JET Ottawa
Blintz Bash May 12
7 - 8:30 pm
Join the JET Women's Network to learn to make some delicious blintzes! Of course, we'll enjoy some too (along with cocktails/mocktails!) Beginners to blintzes and new friends are welcome! A fun and friendly environment.
Craig Henry area — location given upon registration.
Contact Danielle Altonaga at danielle@jetottawa.ca
Jewish Unity Live
May 22
6 - 10 pm
Experience an inspiring evening honouring Sarah Beutel and Steven Morgan for their dedicated work on behalf of Jewish life in Ottawa, and featuring Jonny Daniels, a globally recognized Jewish advocate.
$118 regular price includes dinner
$45 regular price main event and dessert reception only
Contact info@jetottawa.ca.
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Jewish Family Services
Schmooze & Schmear - A 65+ Jewish Men's Social Group
Mondays, 10:30 am - 12 pm
This program provides an opportunity to meet and socialize in a casual relaxed atmosphere, have a nosh, and get to know one another. A senior Jewish male will ensure a safe and confidential environment for group discussions exploring topics of relevance. Food and premises are kosher.
Contact George Sladowski at 613-722-2225 x350 or gsladowski@jfsottawa.com
225 Carling Ave.
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JNF Canada
Shabbat For Israel
May 2
6:30 - 9:30 pm
In honour of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, the Jewish National Fund of Canada is creating a nationwide Shabbat dinner experience. This is not a fundraising event, but rather an opportunity to engage hundreds of participants nationwide to make the land and people of Israel the focus of Shabbat. Visit for description.
Committee Chairs: Samantha Sigler and Shlomi Barshan
For more information please contact ottawa@jnf.ca
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Ottawa Jewish Community School (OJCS)
Kindergarten Open House
May 22
4 - 5 pm
Whether you're just starting your search or already enrolled our Open House is the perfect opportunity to explore our warm, welcoming classrooms and learn about the OJCS way.
Bring your little one to explore the space they'll soon call their own and meet our caring and dedicated staff.
Register here
Contact Jenn at j.greenberg@theojcs.ca
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The Ottawa Kosher Food Bank
Auction for Action
May 4 - 25
Last year we raised over $18,000 and this year we hope to do even better. We have received over 500 items for the auction including two return business class airline tickets from Ottawa to Paris, France, artwork, gift certificates, jewellery and many children’s activities.
Info: info.auctionforaction@gmail.com
Visit: www.32auctions.com/auctionforaction2025
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Or Haneshamah Ottawa's Reconstructionist Community
Gan Machaneh
May 3
10:30 - 12 pm
Introduce your little ones to Shabbat, Judaism and the ORH community through play, stories, songs, and social connections. Rabbi Zuker will lead joyful Shabbat experiences for families, designed with the needs of babies and young children in mind.
Jenny Burns at administrator@orh.ca
Book Fair, Bake Sale & Open Mic
May 4
2 - 7 pm
Come one! Come all for a book fair, bake sale and open mic! Drop by anytime to purchase a gently used book treasure and grab a treat while you’re browsing. From 5 - 7 pm hear excerpts from local authors, spoken word poetry or live music. Register here
Freylekh Friday
May 9
5:30 pm - Teddy Bear Shabbat - Join Rabbi Zuker for snacks, stories and stuffies! Register here
6:30 pm - Potluck Shabbat Dinner
7:30 pm - Musical Kabbalat Shabbat(via Zoom as well)
8:15 pm - Guest speaker Sabina Wasserlauf: discussing her recent book of memoirs that was launched in 2024, in front of an audience of over ninety people. Proceeds of the book sale went to Cornerstone Housing for Women. Register here
Craft & Schmooze
May 11
2 - 4 pm
Do you knit, macrame, sew, embroider, crochet, weave, or practice another crafting hobby? Come along, schmooze, and craft away the afternoon. Bring a current crafting/yarn/hobby project, or come to learn something new. All skill levels welcome!
Register here
Lag B'Omer Ghost Stories
May 15
7 - 9 pm
Gather around the fires of Lag B'Omer and listen to the ghost stories of the Talmud, Ottawa and more! Oh, and don't forget to snack on a s'more while you're there.
Register here
Ritual Innovation with RRSI Rakhel Silverman-Gitin
May 25
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
On Zoom. Learn about Jewish ritual innovation — what makes a good ritual, examine some examples of new rituals, and close with the opportunity to workshop your own.
Register here All events take place at 30 Cleary Ave.
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Soloway JCC
Yom Ha'Atzmaut Community-wide Celebration and Shuk
May 1
5 - 8 pm
Celebrate with family entertainment, a lively shuk, children's entertainment, great food, a Krav Maga workshop, Israeli folk dancing, and much more!
Sponsors: Vered Israel Cultural and Education Centre, SJCC, JNF Ottawa, Shomrim Ottawa, WIZO, Hakibbutz and Tamir Tal
More information here
Jewish Business Networking Hypno-Coaching
and Self-Awareness
May 28
7 - 9 pm
Understand levels of self-awareness and how they impact success; identify what holds us back and strategies to move forward; debunk myths about hypnosis; create a personal roadmap to overcome inner blocks.
Speaker: Julia Zoger, Hypno Coach & Personal Image Consultant. Contact: ronja@randallcraig.com Register here
21 Nadolny Sachs Pvt.
Contact Ella at edagan@jccottawa.com
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Temple Israel
Books and Bagels
May 11
9:30 - 11: 30 am
Join us for a bagel breakfast, followed by the review at 10 am (also on ZOOM).
The Postcard by Anne Berest will be reviewed by Deborah Saginur. "The Postcard is a vivid portrait of 20th century Parisian, intellectual and artistic life an enthralling investigation into family, secrets, and poignant tale of a Jewish family devastated by the Holocaust and partly restored through the power of storytelling." (Goodreads)
Contact: execdir@templeisraelottawa.com
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Please submit your events and virtual events
to our website Community Calendar
no later than May 29 at noon for the
June issue on Wednesday, June 4.
| E-News will be on or near the first Wednesday of every month. |
For community organizations wishing to be included in our E-News, please do so by visiting our website's Community Calendar and "Suggest an event" at the top right. We will do our best to make sure that your event is included. The latest E-news link is available on our home page here.
We reserve the right to edit for space or suitability.
Info: Pauline Colwin at pcolwin@jewishottawa.com
or 613-798-4696 x255.
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