“A Lifetim e of Learning” - Partnership for Excellence in Jewish ...

Studies show that in addition to the fun,joy, and memories, Jewish residentialcamping, when combined with a strongJewish education, enhances affiliation,continuity, identity, and even shul membership.In its 72 nd summer, CBB is undergoing arebirth of sorts, with new Director GailGrief, a revitalized Board, and lots of newkids. Join us!Michael PolowinHILLEL ACADEMY OF OTTAWAHillel Academy of Ottawa is the JewishCommunity’s K-8 Day School, open to allsegments of the Ottawa Jewish Community.Hillel strives to provide a healthy, nurturingenvironment for the intellectual, social,physical, religious, and moral developmentof each child. The school strives foracademic excellence in Jewish, general,and French studies; the achievements ofour students at both the high school anduniversity levels is evidence of its success.In accord with Jewish tradition, Hillel givesall our children the opportunity to developtheir potential by offering them a learningatmosphere in which to acquire Jewishvalues, knowledge, skills, and practicesthat will last a lifetime. Students aretrained in the obligations to give to thepoor, to help those in need, and to be active,contributing members of both theJewish people and Canadian society.Special emphasis is placed on the ties tothe Land and State of Israel as essentialaspects of Jewish identity.Rabbi Dr. Jeremiah UntermanDirector of EducationINTER-FAITH ACTIVITIESThe Jewish Community of Ottawa hasalways considered inter-faith dialogue ofgreat importance. There have been severalrecent activities of note, two of which Iwould like to describe.Students at Hillel Academy have been in“pen-pal” contact with their peers atCharles H. Hulse Elementary School. Eachgroup has gained a greater understandingof their respective spiritual and religiousbeliefs. The students from Charles H. HulseSchool were invited to attend the presentationof “No More Raisins, No MoreAlmonds” at the Museum of Civilizationin March. This show portrays the lives ofJewish children who lived in a ghettoduring the Holocaust. In addition, studentsfrom Charles. H. Hulse School participatedin our Annual Mitzvah Day in November.The tiles they painted for Hillel Lodge willbecome part of a permanent wall display inthe corridor connecting the Lodge to theJewish Community Centre.“Walking God’s Path”, a six-session Jewish-Christian dialogue was organized by twolocal churches (St. Basil’s and St. John’s)and two local synagogues (Agudath Israeland Temple Israel). Each session had overfifty participants. Members of each faithhad the chance to explore the roots behindthe historical tension between them, aswell as the recent efforts towards mutualunderstanding and reconciliation.The Jewish Community of Ottawa looks forwardto building and expanding upon theseand other efforts, with the goal of nurturingpositive relations with our fellow citizens ofother faith or cultural traditions.Brian D. FreundOutreach AssociateJewish Federation of OttawaJEWISH EDUCATION THROUGH TORAH(JET)JET is honoured to be included among themany wonderful educational institutions inOttawa. The message of this magazine isthe importance of Jewish education inJewish life. This has always been a drivingforce behind everything we do.JET is an institution without walls andconducts a wide array of outreach programmingall across the city. JET strives toprovide educational and experiential outreachprograms in the areas of Jewishpractice, customs, culture, and history andto provide guidance and assistance withrespect to Jewish law and customs. Ourgoal is to share the beauty and depth ofJudaism and its deeper meaning and toinspire Jews to identify more strongly. JETis dedicated to providing Jewish educationto all Jews, and to make it accessible to allJews regardless of their level of Jewishbackground and observance. Our variedprograms and classes offer opportunitiesfor young families, singles, teens, andadults of all ages.Rabbi Micah ShotkinKOLLEL OF OTTAWAJewish continuity is an issue that shouldbe at the forefront of our minds. What willensure that our children and grandchildrenwill appreciate and want to continue ourbeautiful heritage?We believe that the answer is through education– if we absorb and internalize thetruths of our Holy Torah, its eternal lightwill continue to guide us, as it did for allthe generations before us.The Kollel of Ottawa had made this apriority. We are committed to bringing thewarmth and radiance of Torah to as broadan audience as possible. We offer seminarson such topics as medical ethics and JewishA P U B L I C A T I O N O F Y I T Z H A K R A B I N H I G H S C H O O L“ A L i f e t i m e o f L e a r n i n g ” • P A G E 41