Dear friends,

I hope everyone enjoyed meaningful Seders with family and friends, and that your Passover continues to be joyful. If you are like my family, you may still be recovering from the cleanup… But as we know, Passover is about more than meals and special foods. The Seder means the retelling of the story of the Jewish people’s journey from slavery to freedom. For many of us, hearing this familiar story is an opportunity to reflect on the values of faith, family, and community. 

For me, the holiday of Passover highlights the role that we each must play in ensuring a vibrant Jewish future for our children and future generations. This is why the Life & Legacy Initiative, spearheaded in Ottawa by the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation, is so important and inspiring. Just as our grandparents and parents have built and sustained Jewish life for us to enjoy today, so too must we do our part for future generations.

The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is a proud partner agency in the Life & Legacy initiative and we now have over 140 members of the Jewish Federation's Legacy Society who have pledged to leave legacy gifts to Federation to help ensure the long-term sustainability of our community and our ability to sustain Jewish values in Ottawa, regardless of what the future holds. 

Our legacy donors are helping to ensure that future generations will have access to Jewish education, meaningful cultural programs, and a strong, vibrant community. This support ensures that we can continue to be there for those who need us most, providing a beacon of hope and support in times of need. To find out more about how you can ensure a Jewish future for Ottawa, contact Yudit Simmons.

On Sunday, May 5 at 7 pm, Federation is holding a community Yom HaShoah commemoration with Mariette Doduck, a child survivor of the Holocaust, dedicated educator, and author of the acclaimed memoir A Childhood Unspoken. Her compelling narrative will illuminate the importance of remembrance and education in eliminating hatred and antisemitism. The event will include a moving candle lighting ceremony with Holocaust survivors. Please register here. For security reasons, only registered guests will be admitted. 

Reflecting on the troubling rise of antisemitism, it is hard to ignore recent protests in Ottawa where participants were heard glorifying the terror attacks of Oct. 7. Federation has filed a complaint with the Ottawa Police Services, and we are pursuing all avenues to address this serious issue. OPS are investigating and may file hate charges. You can read the news report and watch an interview with Federation’s David Sachs here.

As we celebrate Shabbat and the holiday of Passover, let us be mindful of the legacy we are creating together. May our efforts to ensure a bright Jewish future be a source of blessing and inspiration for all.

Shabbat Shalom,



Sarah Beutel

Interim CEO

P.S. Reminder: Please join us in sending messages of hope and compassion to the hostages and their families. Federation has created a special book for each person still held in Gaza. The books will be moving to other locations soon, but there is still time to add your message. Please visit the Soloway JCC during open hours and add your personal note. All books will be sent to the families in Israel with the help of the Israeli Embassy in Canada.