Schedule 2014

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	Social Hall A	Social Hall B	Social Hall C	Boardroom	Teen Lounge	Café	Classroom 1	Classroom 5
8:30						Pat Shacharit
8:45
9:00
9:15		Daf Yomi	Jewish Fitness: Strong Mind, Strong Body, Strong Spirit	Is the Media Biased Against Israel?	Sympathy for the Devil: Reassessing one of Theology’s most Misunderstood Characters
9:30
9:45
10:00
10:15	Jewish Feminism: What’s Been Accomplished and Where Do We Go From Here?	The Naval Blockade of Gaza	Jewish Meditation
10:30
10:45
11:00
11:15	Jews in Canada: Past, Present and Future	Israel: Shifting Sands in the Middle East		Extraordinary Sexual Intimacy: Which Way to Transcendence?
11:30						LUNCH
11:45
12:00
12:15		Who Was the First Jew and Why it Matters Today		The Extent and Nature of Jewish Poverty in Canada	Where There is a Rabbinic Will, There’s a Halachic Way
12:30
12:45
13:00
13:15	Magical History Tour : The Wonders of Jewish History and What the Torah Has to Say About It	International Islamic Extremism: Ramifications for Canada and Canadian Jews		The Jacob Lowy Judaica Collection	What Does Classical Jewish Text Say About Climate Change?		Tafillalt Music Masterclass
13:30
13:45
14:00
14:15	Germany and Memory: How Modern Germany Remembers Its Past	The Handmaiden, the Pilegesh and the Kosher Concubine			Dealing with Catastrophic Illness			Midrash in Poetry
14:30
14:45
15:00
15:15	Inclusion Takes Centre Stage: The Challenges and Benefits of Involving People with Developmental Disabilities in the Visual and Performing Arts			Jewish Influence on International Law	Unpacking Your Suitcase – My Mother, the Nazi Midwife and Me	Kosher Encounters of a Third Kind		Hallow the Fiftieth Year: Seymour Mayne Launches a New Book
15:30
15:45
16:00
16:15
16:30			Mincha/ Maariv
16:45
17:00
17:15
18:45	Free shuttle service to and from the Tafillalt Ensemble Concert at Carleton University.
19:30 – 21:00	Tafillalt Ensemble Concert @ Carleton

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 8:00 – 5:00

 

Registration and Orientation is open all day

Limmud Art Exhibition is open all day

 

 8:30  –  9:15

 

Pat Shacharit

It is written in the  Shulchan  Aruch that after the morning prayers, one should make a point to eat “Pat Shacharit,” which literally means, “morning bread.” In effect, this means that one should ensure to eat breakfast, treat yourself to a slide of Torah with your breakfast with Rav Barry. Rabbi Barry Schlesinger is currently the Rabbi at Agudath Israel Congregation in Ottawa.

Café Dizengoff   Barry Schlesinger

 

9:15  –  10:00

 

Daf Yomi

Every day people across the Jewish world learn a page of Talmud (daf) with the goal of completing the entire Talmud in 7 years. This global movement began in 1923 and has captured the imaginations of thousands around the world. Everyone is encouraged to attend, from first timers to those following the current Daf Yomi cycle.

Social Hall B (Savyon) Michael Goldstein

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Jewish Fitness:  Strong Mind, Strong Body,  Strong Spirit

Jewish Meditation 101: Jewish people are known as the People of the Book. But we must also recognize the importance of bettering our mind, body and spirit so we can enjoy optimal physical and emotional wellness.

Social Hall C (Herzliya)  Gloria Schwartz

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Is the Media Biased Against Israel?

The CBC is cherished as Canada’s national broadcaster. Yet many have noticed, in recent years, a definite bias against Israel on its radio and television shows. In this mixed-media presentation, Fred Litwin will show some extreme examples of clear bias and will lead a discussion on the future of the CBC. Fred Litwin is the founder and President of the Free Thinking Film Society, an Ottawa-based not-for-profit corporation that celebrates films of freedom, liberty and democracy.

Boardroom (Ra’anana)  Fred Litwin

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Sympathy for the Devil: Reassessing one of Theology’s most Misunderstood Characters

This class will offer a cross-cultural and historical examination of the Satan character in Judaism, Christianity, and other near-Eastern traditions to demonstrate the evolving and interactive nature of theology. Michael is a dynamic educator with NCSY and Torah High of Ottawa who is committed to fostering critical and independent thinking among his students.

Teen Lounge (Netanya)  Michael Kent

 

10:15  –  11:00

 

Jewish Feminism: What’s Been Accomplished and Where Do We Go From Here?

– panel

The role and position of women in the Jewish community has changed substantially since the first generation of Jewish feminists began their work. In this panel we welcome a group of women as they consider the accomplishments thus far and the challenges and possibilities ahead.

Social Hall A (Tel Aviv) Liz Bolton, Deidre Butler, Peggy Kleinplatz

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The Naval Blockade of Gaza

Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza has been widely and heavily criticized as both illegal and immoral. Join Limmud for an exploration of the rights of nations to blockade their enemies during times of conflict. What are the requirements for a legal naval blockade? Has Israel complied with these requirements? Doug Baum will lead this session, he is a founding partner of Addelman Baum Gilbert LLP.

Social Hall B (Savyon)  Doug Baum

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Jewish Meditation

Open to people of all backgrounds and experiences, this session includes instructions on conscious breathing with guided meditation, short sitting periods, stretching, and time for reflection. This is a perfect class to try or refresh your meditation, learn more, and connect with community in silence.  Bring your friends and family who have been curious about Jewish meditation.  Enjoy the synergy of group practice at this post High Holiday spiritual booster.

Social Hall C (Herzliya)  Joyce Schachter

 

11:15  –  12:00

 

Israel: Shifting Sands in the Middle East

Dylan Hanley is known as the accidental Zionist. He will tell his story about why he is a strong supporter of Israel now after he spent his undergraduate years being a pro-Palestinian activist. He will talk about the Israel-Palestine conflict including the current situation, regional issues, and internal Israeli issues.

Social Hall B (Savyon)  Dylan Hanley

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Extraordinary Sexual Intimacy: Which Way to Transcendence?

How are we to understand what makes for optimal erotic experiences? What can we learn from those who have created enduring sexual intimacy? Research with extraordinary lovers will help to illuminate the path to transcendence.

Boardroom (Ra’anana)  Peggy Kleinplatz

 

11:15  – 12:30

 

Jews in Canada: Past, Present and Future – panel

Many Jewish communities in Canada, and around the world, are engaged in discussions about their future and continuity in light of demographic and social trends that are observed. A discussion and discourse on the history of Jews in Canada, the current state of the Jewish Community in Ottawa, and projections of what we may see in the future if current trends persist.

Social Hall A (Tel Aviv) Gustave Goldmann, Rebecca Margolis, Morton Weinfeld

 

11:30  – 1:30

 

Lunch

 

12:15  –  1:00

 

Where There is a Rabbinic Will, There’s a Halachic Way – panel

[to come]

Teen Lounge (Netanya)  Menachem Blum, Barry Schlesinger

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Who Was the First Jew and Why it Matters Today

Do you know who the first Jew was? Why this individual was chosen among the many candidates? Looking at classical Jewish sources and texts in a participatory and open learning environment, we will explore the stories and characteristics of who we call the first Jew and why. Additionally, in a discussion-like format, we will learn the relevance of it to practicing Judaism in the 21^st century.

Social Hall B (Savyon)  Bram Bregman

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The Extent and Nature of Jewish Poverty in Canada

This session will focus on the most recent (2011) data on Jewish poverty in Canada and a sobering perspective on Jewish poverty in Ottawa.

Boardroom (Ra’anana) Allan Moscovitch

 

1:15  –  2:00

 

What Does Classical Jewish Text Say About Climate Change?

Some ecological scholars blame today’s ecological problems on the Judeo-Christian heritage. This talk will show that, from the earliest literature, our Jewish heritage has a strong ecological flavour, and that we can find ecologically oriented directives if not laws throughout the Tanakh, the Midrash, and the Talmud. In the Middle Ages these teachings fell into non-use, as Jews were not allowed to own property in most of Europe, but in recent years they are being reclaimed in principle and practice.

Teen Lounge (Netanya)  David Brooks

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International Islamic Extremism: Ramifications for Canada and Canadian Jews

The challenge of transnational Islamic extremism seems to grow by the day.  Associated threats preoccupy specialists, and Canadians are beginning belatedly to recognize that their country is not immune to “lone wolf”, small-unit, and mass-casualty terror-attacks.  Relevant risks cannot be understood properly without appreciating the looming threat of infiltration and subversion, a threat which goes largely unmentioned even by experts, but which might well define the fate and future of Canadians – especially Canadian Jews.

Social Hall B (Savyon)   David Harris

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Magical History Tour : The Wonders of Jewish History and 
What the Torah Has to Say About It

A tour of Jewish History sprinkled with fascinating information-culled from diverse sources and then compared to the bible narrative. Rabbi Idan Scher will speak on this subject. He is currently finishing up his Masters in Public Policy and Management at Johns Hopkins University. He is both the Campus Rabbi and a popular lecturer at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Social Hall A (Tel Aviv)  Idan Scher

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The Jacob Lowy Judaica Collection

The Jacob M. Lowy Collection at Library and Archives Canada has been in Ottawa for 37 years yet the collection is still somewhat unknown. Who was the bibliophile and donor, Mr. Lowy and what is the scope of his donation? What can it teach us about our heritage as Canadian Jews? The talk will reflect different periods of Canadian Jewish history as defined by Gerald Tulchinsky through viewing slides of fascinating books and manuscripts of the collection. Leah Cohen is the point person for the Lowy Collection and can be found there on Wednesdays. Otherwise, she is responsible for the Legal Deposit of English Monographs.

Boardroom  (Ra’anana)  Leah Cohen

 

 

1:15  –  2:15

 

Tafillalt Music Masterclass

Tafillalt is a musical ensemble with three members: Yair Harel, Nori Jacoby, and Yonatan Niv. Their music is spiritual prayer music. The head of the ensemble is Yair Harel, an expert on traditional Jewish repertoires, specializing in classical and modern Middle Eastern and North African music. The ensemble is based in Israel, and their visit to Limmud Ottawa is sponsored by the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies, the Vered Israel Cultural & Educational Program, the Embassy of Israel in Canada, and the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation.

Workshop handout: Tafillalt piyut workshop Ottawa

How do you say “we’re going to be jamming” in Yiddish!

Classroom 1  (Beersheba) Yair Harel

 

2:15  –  3:00

 

Germany and Memory: How Modern Germany Remembers Its Past

Social Hall A (Tel Aviv)  Andrew Cohen

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The Handmaiden, the Pilegesh and the Kosher Concubine

What do our spiritual grandfathers have to say about pre-marital sex, sex with multiple partners, and sexual ethics? Come alone or in pairs to discuss and analyze the various texts that relate to the topic.

Social Hall B (Savyon)  Aharon Trottier

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Dealing with Catastrophic Illness

Barry Bokhaut will discuss the most important factors in successfully coping with illness, developing a proper perspective and attitude, interacting with the medical team, family and community support and reaching out. He will also discuss the issues of dealing with being overwhelmed, maintaining a sense of control, and accomplishing what you never believed you could achieve. Barry offers his answers to the question: “Why me, G-d?” and offer a practical answer.

Teen Lounge (Netanya)  Barry Bokhaut

 

2:15  –  3:15

 

Midrash in Poetry

Seymour Mayne will explore a sequence of his published biblical poems in light of the continuing creative readings and retelling of texts drawn from the midrashic tradition of commentary.  He will trace the approach from his earliest studies of Tanach to which he was first introduced in the formative years of attending Jewish day school in Montreal.
Biblical stories that have captured his interest over the  years can be found in Beresheet (Genesis) and include the account of Abraham and his family, the predicament of Joseph and his brothers, and the tumultuous life and times of Moses.
Photocopies of literary texts will be made available for listeners and participants at the session.

Classroom 5 (Caesarea)  Seymour Mayne

 

3:15  –  4:00

 

Jewish Influence on International Law

International law claims to be universal. But is it? Critical scholars have argued that international law was European and, therefore, Christian in origin, and then it was expanded to apply globally. The religious origin of international law raises interesting questions about where scripture, and therefore the Old Testament and by extension Judaism fit in. This presentation will explore some of this history and some of the arguments for and against a Jewish legacy in international law.

Boardroom (Ra’anana)  Betina Kuzmarov

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Hallow the Fiftieth Year: Seymour Mayne Launches a New Book

Seymour Mayne will be launching a new book of his famed word sonnets that is being published this Fall to highlight fifty years since the poet’s first collection was published in Montreal. While short forms like the haiku inform Seymour Mayne’s style, there is also an older influence that plays into his practice: PirkeiAvot or Sayings of the Sages, the Talmudic tractate of maxims, proverbs and resonant images.

Classroom 5 (Caesarea)  Seymour Mayne

 

3:15 –  4:15

 

Kosher Encounters of a Third Kind – cooking demo

OR My Sister’s Awesome Kosher Wedding

[to come]

Café Dizengoff Louis Moscovitz

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Inclusion Takes Centre Stage: The Challenges and Benefits of Involving People with Developmental Disabilities in the Visual and Performing Arts – panel

The visual and performing arts provide important avenues for personal expression and integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream of our community. Learn about the challenges and amazing success stories. See and hear just how beneficial inclusion can be…for everyone.

Social Hall A (Tel Aviv) Moderator Mark Palmer, panelists Daniel Benlolo, Debbie Applebaum,  Bailey Smith Doiron, Katherine Porter

 

3:15  –  4:45

 

Unpacking Your Suitcase – My Mother, the Nazi Midwife and Me – film and discussion

At birth, we are each handed a suitcase that someone else has packed.  It is baggage we will carry all our lives, rarely examining it until we hit middle age (or older)  and yet, if we were passing through customs with it, what would we answer when asked: who packed it?  We ignore history at our peril and our personal history at the risk of growing old bearing the weight of someone else’s baggage.

An integral aspect of being Jewish is understanding the importance of asking questions  and repeating stories.  The award-winning documentary, My Mother, the Nazi Midwife and Me is a journey of exploration into a murky past.  The film begs the question: how long  is too long to wait before delving into the history upon which your life is built?  The presentation will begin with a brief introduction, followed by the viewing of the film (52 minutes), a summary of what has happened since the documentary was completed  and Q & A.

Teen Lounge (Netanya) Gina Roitman

 

4:30  –  5:15

 

Mincha/ Maariv

Social Hall C (Herzliya)

 

6:45

 

Free shuttle service to and from the Tafillalt Ensemble Concert at Carleton University.

 

7:30  -  9:00

 

Tafillalt Ensemble Concert

Limmud Ottawa together with the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies, the Vered Israel Cultural & Educational Program, the Embassy of Israel in Canada, and the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation are delighted to bring the Tafillalt Ensemble to Ottawa.

The Tafillalt Ensemble navigates the multicultural soundscape of 21st-century Israel, presenting deeply personal interpretations of traditional and modern Jewish material, including sacred Hebrew poetry (piyutim) from North Africa and the Middle East, Hassidic niggunim, secular Hebrew poetry, as well as original musical and literary compositions.

The ensemble has performed widely throughout Israel, the United States, England, Hungary, and Ukraine. This will be Tafillalt’s Canadian debut.

The event will take place in the River Building Auditorium (RB 2200), Carleton University.

• Free shuttle service to and from the concert.
• Free parking in Parking Lot #2.

 

Kosher Food Bank at the SJCC during Limmud Ottawa

The Ottawa Kosher Food Bank welcomes your contributions at Limmud Ottawa. Please bring donations of non-perishable Kosher items (please, no perishable items). OKFB donation bins will be available for drop offs at the SJCC.

The OKFB serves approximately 126 people within our community. Everyone referred by Jewish Family Services is made welcome.