News

The OJC had its first social function in nearly TWO years on Saturday February 19 at Stuart Park outdoor skating rink. Thank you to the many friends that joined us to skate, kibbutz and hang out enjoying warm hot chocolate and coffee. Initially the weather was not ideal but within a short time it was a beautiful sunny and quite setting for everyone to enjoy… We even learned that a large contingent in our community speak Spanish. It was really exciting to see so many families and we are looking forward to being able to get together again very soon.

Thanks to Ray Turner for hosting our Jewish trivia night, ”What’s your Chai Q?” on Saturday evening, February 12th on ZOOM. About a dozen computers were on line to join in on the fun, answering tough questions on sports, Israel, bible, music categories. Three attending members were able to ”cash in” on the prize money! Thanks to Ray and Marcia for the time that they put into organizing this cute program.

OJC had our very first family-oriented Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday, January 28th at an early time of 6 pm, to allow young families and children to attend. Thanks go to Rabbi Tom for this great idea to attract the young folk at a time and a level that they can most appreciate. Many families were in attendance on ZOOM, along with several of the ”more mature” members of the Community. Kudoos to all that attended.

OJC presented the 2nd of our movies in our Film Festival on Saturday evening, January 29th on the ZOOM platform. The title, ”You Will Not Play Wagner” told of an intergenerational conflict with the long-term traditional prohibition of not playing Wagner’s works in Israel. The conflict was between a young Israeli conductor and an American survivor of the Holocaust. Very intriguing film. Interesting discussion followed after the screening between members of the audience.

Thank-you to Barb Pullan for again leading OJC in our Annual Tu B’Shevat online seder. A great evening of meaningful readings and videosongs all relevant to Nature and the Environment. Everyone enjoyed the 4 cups of delicious wine, accompanied by fruits and snacks. What an enjoyable evening together celebrating the New Year of Trees. Already looking forward to next year Barb!

Thank you to the 17 OJC members and 54 guests from across Canada who attended our co-sponsored event on the “Sepharad – the Greatest Story Never Told”. Very professionally presented and informative for all who attended. Special thanks to the Jewish Heritage Alliance for co-sponsoring this event together with OJC. Great exposure for both JHA and OJC across Canada.

OJC Community enjoyed the 8 days of Communal Menorah lighting from November 28th through December 5th – first night led by Evan Orloff and the subsequent nights by Rabbi Tom. Good participation with about 21 computers on board each night. Accompanied by songs and stories. A very nice way for the Community to get together enjoying each others’ company!

Thank-you to Laura McPheeters for hosting and David Spevakow for the technical details involved in OJC’s 3rd Israeli Cafe. A phenomenal and very diverse selection of videosongs were submitted for the enjoyment of our members. Eighteen computers were on line for this great evening of entertainment. Keep your eyes open for #4 in a few months. One of our more successful cultural programs for sure!

All who attended Steven Finkleman’s online photo journey of the Jewish Diaspora on Sunday, November 7th, 2021, enjoyed a rapidly-moving presentation of his travels to visit the Jewish sites in Poland, China, Morocco and India. Entertaining and educational – lots of positive comments on the quality of the presentation. Keep on travelling – these days, mostly online.

Six OJC members are excited to have created their own ceramic menorahs under the guidance  of  Fern Helfand (OJC member) at her new, Clayline Pottery Studio. The artists are  looking forward to returning in a week to paint and glaze their creations.  The menorahs will  then be fired and ready in all their colourful splendour, for candles on the first night of Hanukkah. (November 28)