June/July Update
Dear Friends,
As today is July 1st , which is not only Canada Day, but also the 3rd anniversary of our amalgamation, I could not help but reflect on how far we have come as a Kehillah.
We have solid Board Governance and a well-developed committee structure in place,
which assures good representation and strategic direction. Our committees and
working groups, which are headed by members of the Board, have been very active and
working diligently on your behalf. Our membership continues to grow and attract young
families and singles. We are so proud of our reputation as a warm and welcoming
congregation.
We have been offering a wide range of synagogue activities and programming to meet
the varied needs of our membership. Feedback from our members has been very positive. Our clergy are well known throughout the region and have been routinely sought out to teach, lead and help plan and organize community events.
June has indeed been a very busy month for KBI in terms of human resources and programming. Our Personnel committee is very pleased to warmly welcome both
Elisheva Brantz and Ilana Goldfarb to our KBI work team. In addition, we are
delighted that John Denomme has accepted a new role within KBI.
- Elisheva is the new Manager of Congregational Services, which means she will be the contact person for most membership-related activities and issues. You can reach Elisheva at elisheva@kehillatbethisrael.com or (613) 728-3501 x221
- Ilana is our new Communications Coordinator and is in charge of program promotion and all communications both internal and external to KBI. You may reach Ilana at ilana@kehillatbethisrael.com or (613) 728-3501 x242
- John, who is a familiar face already at KBI, has been promoted to the role of Facilities Manager. John can be reached at john@kehillatbethisrael.com or (613) 728-3501 x223
At this time, we must thank and bid farewell to Susan Grossner, who has faithfully served the shul for many years and has just retired as Facilities Manager. We wish her a very fulfilling retirement and years of good health.
Rick and I were in California recently, babysitting our American grandchildren and
I would also like to highlight that our Pop Up Rabbi Program has just started with Rabbi Zuker meeting informally with congregants on July 4th at 10:30 at the Bridgehead at Fairlawn Plaza. Each week, either she or Rabbi Kenter will announce where they will be and welcome you to join them there.
I hope that you and your families are enjoying the summer and have the opportunity to
spend quality time with friends and family. Travel safe and keep well.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Zipes
President, Kehillat Beth Israel
Rick and I were in California recently, babysitting our American grandchildren and
regrettably had to miss the extraordinary Echoes of the Soul Concert. Yashur Koach
to Cantor Green, who was the main organizer of this event, and to the KBI choir, along
with the Ottawa Youth Choir and to all the volunteers who helped to make the music of
Julian Dawes such a smashing success. The event highlighted great talent, joy and harmony. Funds raised will benefit the Youth and the Leslie Shinder Choir funds.
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The Programming Committee also organized another fun event, which took place on
June 23 rd at the Kosher Day at the Ballpark. Our own Cantor Green sang the
National Anthem and all who attended had a wonderful time. Many thanks to Staci
Zemlak Kenter who was the lead organizer for this event.
June 23 rd at the Kosher Day at the Ballpark. Our own Cantor Green sang the
National Anthem and all who attended had a wonderful time. Many thanks to Staci
Zemlak Kenter who was the lead organizer for this event.
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Unfortunately, Staci and Rabbi Kenter were not able to attend this fun day. Sadly, Staci's step-Father, David H. Kaplan passed away on June 21 st . Our deepest sympathies to Staci, her mother Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlak and to the extended family. Baruch Dayan Ha'Emet.
I would also like to highlight that our Pop Up Rabbi Program has just started with Rabbi Zuker meeting informally with congregants on July 4th at 10:30 at the Bridgehead at Fairlawn Plaza. Each week, either she or Rabbi Kenter will announce where they will be and welcome you to join them there.
I hope that you and your families are enjoying the summer and have the opportunity to
spend quality time with friends and family. Travel safe and keep well.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Zipes
President, Kehillat Beth Israel
Thu, 15 May 2025 17 Iyyar 5785