Shalom Chaverim,

As we enter Shabbat and read Parashat Tzav, we are reminded that meaningful community is not built in a single moment of inspiration, but through consistency, care, and shared responsibility. 

Tzav speaks to the daily tending of the sacred fire on the altar instructing that “a perpetual fire shall be kept burning; it must not go out.” This enduring flame is a powerful symbol of our collective work here in Jewish Ottawa. Together, we are not only called to show up in moments of urgency or celebration, but to sustain the ongoing warmth, connection, and strength of our community each day. 

To illustrate this concept of consistency and showing up for one another, I’m pleased to share some meaningful highlights from this past week. 

On Monday, several Jewish Federation of Ottawa volunteers and staff, as well as CIJA partners, met with the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, and with his Deputy Minister and several of his staff. We thanked him for the strides made in supporting the Canadian Jewish community through a special Canada Community Security Program (CCSP) grant of $10 million, with which Federation will be involved in mobilizing to our local community organizations and our overall security infrastructure. This result was, in part, due to significant work and educating done by our partners at CIJA.

At the same time, we told the Minister that more must be done — more funding, more enforcement of existing laws, and the removal from Canada of those with extremist ideologies and affiliations.

Later in the week, I joined several Federation and CIJA staff and volunteers, along with a few clergy from our synagogues, at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, during which hundreds of members from various churches, as well as Jewish community leaders and politicians, gathered to celebrate Israel and commit to combating antisemitism. It was a meaningful show of support, and included a very moving moment when Rabbi Idan Scher, with his Kohanim status, shared the priestly blessing with everyone in the room, wishing them strength, health, and fortune in their efforts and their lives. 

That afternoon, as part of the same event, Federation’s Director or Advocacy and External Relations Jodi Green delivered a presentation on antisemitism with steps on what our allies can do to support the Jewish community. 

Later that day, Federation held another session of our 613 Roundtable for our community’s Jewish communal professionals. Our time together featured activity highlights from two community partners, and a discussion with Noah Shack, CEO of CIJA, about the current political and security climate, and how we all have roles to play in advocacy and engagement. It was wonderful to create this opportunity for many of our professional community leaders to come together to learn and share support.

In another meeting, I met with His Excellency Egidijus Meilunas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Canada, who expressed his support for our community, and with whom I discussed ways we can work together to combat antisemitism, ensure preservation of Holocaust remembrance, and connect our communities together. This includes acknowledging, celebrating, and engaging those in our Jewish community who have a family connection to Lithuania. 

And finally, it was my pleasure to welcome students from Winnipeg’s Gray Academy, who were completing part of a special Holocaust education trip with some time in Ottawa. They visited the Soloway JCC to debrief and enjoy lunch (special catering from the soon-to-be-open Pizza Pita Prime), and I was asked to share some words of encouragement and guidance. I celebrated their commitment to Jewish education and acknowledged that as young Jewish leaders entering the next stage of their lives, they have the opportunity and responsibility to be excellent dugmaot (examples) to the broader public as they enter undergraduate studies or gap year programs. It was nice to represent our community in welcoming our ‘family’ from elsewhere in Canada.  

In Jewish Ottawa, in part through Federation, we support those in need, strengthen Jewish identity, invest in our next generation, and stand firmly with Israel and Jewish communities around the world. None of this happens alone. Like the Kohanim (priests) in Tzav, our impact comes through collective commitment. It is animated through volunteers, donors, leaders, and partners who ensure that the flame continues to burn brightly. 

In a world that can sometimes feel uncertain or divided, our shared responsibility is clear — we must keep the fire of Jewish life in Ottawa strong, vibrant, and enduring. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.  

Shabbat Shalom,

Adam

P.S. Join us as we remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and honour local survivors at our annual Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration, taking place Monday, April 13 at 7 p.m. at the Soloway JCC.

Click here to learn more and register.