Ways to Remember the Shoah in November

October 27, 2026 • Jewish Federation of Ottawa

Holocaust Education Month: Remembering the past & sharing its lessons

The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is marking Holocaust Education Month with film screenings, survivor testimonies and educational programs for all ages. Highlights include Memories of a Room, exploring the survival of Federation interim President and CEO Hartley Stern’s family, and Escape: The True Story of Morris Schnitzer, honouring a local Holocaust survivor. These initiatives aim to preserve historical memory and confront antisemitism.

Jewish Seniors' Wellness Fair brings health, resources, community together

Ottawa’s Jewish Seniors’ Wellness Fair is coming on November 12 at Kehillat Beth Israel, connecting seniors, caregivers and families with more than 30 organizations and service providers. Presented through Roundtable 613’s Aging & Vitality Council and community partners, the fair will feature expert presentations, healthcare guidance and practical resources.

Meet Jonathan Gottfried,
Beit Tikvah's new rabbi

Congregation Beit Tikvah’s new rabbi, Jonathan Gottfried, recently arrived in Ottawa from Israel with his family. In a conversation with the Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin, he reflects on settling into his new community, his journey from Antwerp to Israel, and his hopes for deepening congregants’ connections to Judaism. He also discusses the challenges of rising antisemitism and artificial intelligence.

KBI kicks off 10-year anniversary with ‘Open Doors, Living Books’ event

Kehillat Beth Israel (KBI) is marking its 10th anniversary by celebrating the people, histories and shared experiences that have shaped the congregation. Festivities begin November 8 with Open Doors, Living Books, an interactive storytelling event featuring 20 community members. As KBI reflects on its amalgamation of two congregations, leaders look ahead to building an inclusive community where everyone feels at home.

CHES: Conversations we cannot afford

to ignore

The Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship (CHES) will mark Holocaust Education Month with two events exploring antisemitism, historical accountability and remembrance. A November 9 keynote by Michal Cotler-Wunsh will examine the normalization of antisemitism, while a November 15 presentation by genealogist Peter Jassem will explore how family research can uncover the stories of Holocaust victims and survivors.

Kitchen of Kindness brings together volunteers to nourish Ottawa community

The new Irving Aaron Kitchen of Kindness brings volunteers together to prepare kosher meals for people in need. Building on years of community service through Chabad of Centrepointe and A Ripple Effect, the initiative aims to support existing charities addressing food insecurity and other challenges, while creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to make a difference.

SJCC Open House Week invites everyone to explore fitness & culture offerings

The Soloway JCC is opening its doors to the community from November 1 to 8 for Open House Week. Visitors can explore its fitness facilities, try classes ranging from yoga and aquafit to Israeli dancing and karate, and discover its diverse cultural programming. Membership Experience Director Karin Lindsay says the centre’s welcoming atmosphere and people make it a special place for everyone.

Marking life's milestones

The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks the contributions to the following funds as of October 22, 2026.

Click here to view fund contributions

613Archives Podcast

613Archives is the podcast of the Ottawa Jewish Archives. Listen to Archivist Teigan Goldsmith Hitsman and Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin writer Ethan Rode dig into the shelves and drawers of the Archives for stories that bring our past into the present.

Coming November 5!