Special Edition • July 28, 2021
In celebration of the remarkable life of Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka, Z"L, The Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin presents a special edition devoted to our beloved rabbi.

This newsletter includes several personal submissions from various community members who have kindly shared their moving stories of how the rabbi impacted their lives. While it is impossible to sum up the multitude of ways Rabbi Bulka touched our community, we hope these tributes help highlight his far-reaching influence and the tremendous gratitude felt for all his kindness and wisdom.

May his memory be a blessing forever.
Visit our website here to see photos
of Rabbi Bulka's impact on Jewish Ottawa.
A life of kindness and faith:
Remembering
Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka Z"L
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, mentor and "Canada's Rabbi," Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka Z”L leaves behind a legacy of kindness and impact beyond measure.
'A friendship that continues to fill my heart and nurture my soul'

Leiba Metz shares how the rabbi’s powerful impact influenced her entire life and how he will always be a beautiful shining light.


A depth, persistence and breadth of caring shared across all backgrounds

Ron Prehogan shares how the rabbi was famous for going the extra mile for others in a way that often left people shaking their heads.


No coat, no problem:
A man undisturbed
by the forces of nature

Irving and Sheila Osterer share memories of their family’s long-time connection to the rabbi, from life milestones to days spent on the baseball diamond.

Rabbi Bulka upon arrival in Ottawa • 1967
Scanned from the October 3, 1967 edition of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin.
Rabbi Bulka presents a 'Sefer Torah' at the Chumash celebration with the Grade Two students at Hillel Academy on Rideau Street in Ottawa. 1960s
Meaningful everyday actions: A bedside marriage
and a father’s final hours

Danya Vered shares how the rabbi drove through the night to marry her and her husband David at her beloved father’s bedside.

A heroic Jewish leader
who never lost
his common touch 

Stephen Victor shares how the rabbi’s presence was felt everywhere, at every milestone sharing wisdom, humour and even candies.

'Saving lives is a
pre-eminent kindness we do for others'

Leslie Kaufman shares how the rabbi taught her the importance of saving lives when he put out a call to help save hers.