Beginning Friday night, September 11, with the beginning of Rosh Hashanah the Jewish communities enter a holiday season extending 23 days through October 4. Its themes of reflection, repentance and celebration speak directly to the work of Multifaith Housing Initiative.

Rosh Hashanah, observed from sunset on September 11 until nightfall on September 13, welcomes the year 5787. It begins the Ten Days of Repentance, concluding with Yom Kippur, from sunset on September 20 until nightfall on September 21. We reflect on our accomplishments and missteps and consider how to do better in the year ahead.

On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, we pray to be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life. But prayer alone cannot repair the wrongs we have done to others. We must seek forgiveness from those we have hurt, intentionally or unintentionally, and make sincere efforts to put things right.

There is a striking challenge at the heart of this day of fasting and prayer. In the morning’s reading, Isaiah challenges fasting accompanied by injustice, calling on us to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and free the oppressed. Our prayers must be matched by our deeds.

Succot follows, from sunset on September 25 through October 2. One of the three pilgrimage festivals, it brought Jews to the Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the autumn harvest.

Traditionally, we build a temporary hut, a succah, recalling the Israelites’ shelter in the wilderness and G-d’s protection. By leaving our permanent homes to spend time in this fragile dwelling, we are reminded of our dependence on G-d and how precious secure shelter is

For those with secure homes, this experience is temporary. For others, uncertainty about shelter is a daily reality. MHI helps turn our gratitude into action. A safe, affordable home provides stability, dignity and belonging. Supporting this work helps others find the security we are fortunate to enjoy.

The season concludes with Shemini Atzeret, beginning October 2 at sunset, and Simchat Torah, from the evening of October 3 until nightfall on October 4. 

Simchat Torah, “Rejoicing in the Torah,” celebrates completing the annual Torah-reading cycle and beginning again with Genesis. Learning and renewal never end.

The Torah connects Judaism with Christianity and Islam, although each understands its authority differently. Its five books open the Christian Bible; the Qur’an honours the Torah revealed to Moses as containing “guidance and light.” These connections offer common ground for respect among the Abrahamic faiths.

​Jewish tradition calls the Torah a Tree of Life and describes its paths as peace. Through MHI, we bring our different traditions to the shared work of building a caring community.
Shanah tovah u’metukah!

Wishing you a good and sweet New Year, filled with health, happiness, and peace.

Closing quotation

“… Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the fetters of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” — Isaiah 58:6–7, Jewish Publication Society translation (1917)

A temporary dwelling, a lasting lesson: the succah reminds us how precious a secure home is.

Each summer, MHI brings neighbours together by holding BBQ events across our communities.

This year’s BBQ series felt especially meaningful, as MHI was honoured to receive an Ottawa 200 Civic Events Grant from the City of Ottawa to support these community events. The funding installed MHI’s 2026 BBQs as a part of the city’s Bytown 200 landmark celebration series, bringing Ottawa’s 200th anniversary festivities directly into MHI neighbourhoods, helping to make them accessible, inclusive, and meaningful to all.

Between June 26 and August 29, we hosted eight BBQs across all MHI communities. Each event had its own special moments, with food, storytelling, music, activities, and great company.

We were glad to work with Théo Paradis who opened our BBQs with a land acknowledgment that was followed by drumming, singing, and an invitation for guests to join in. As people found their rhythm, any initial shyness turned into pure enthusiasm. 

Some Summer Highlights:

At Somerset Gardens, intermittent rain couldn’t dampen our spirits. Tenants, neighbours, passersby, and participants from Belong Ottawa at The Well were excited to gather to enjoy a meal together. The Reverend Canon Gary van der Meer from nearby St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church was on hand to help dish out the BBQ feast.

Ken Steele Court featured dynamic bubble artistry and a fire truck demonstration, while at Fine Crescent, our partnership with CityServe offered everyone a free flea market experience where they were invited to fill their bags with new, donated treasures.

At The Haven, new Canadian and good friend of MHI, Fadi Taiba, entertained guests with a performance on the oud.

And when rain arrived suddenly at Carver Place, several tenants quickly pitched in to help move things indoors so the celebration could continue.

One family made a point of attending all eight BBQs and bringing handmade origami gifts to share with MHI tenants at every event. As always, it is good to see people who live outside of MHI communities come out to connect with residents and be a part of the celebration.

The Ottawa 200 funding not only helped us deliver consistent events across each of our communities; it was also a meaningful recognition that residents of affordable housing communities are an important part of Ottawa’s story.

This was our second summer since MHI’s amalgamation with Gloucester Housing Corporation, and as we continue to strengthen the foundation of our communities, these BBQs show what happens when we create opportunities for neighbours to connect, share stories and celebrate with one another.

Thank you to the City of Ottawa, and to each person who joined us and helped make this summer one to remember. 

I am currently studying Social Service Work, and my experience at Multifaith Housing Initiative has helped me understand how closely housing connects to the social services field. I first came to MHI as a student placement and was fortunate to have the opportunity to continue working with the organization through Canada Summer Jobs.

Through this experience, I have learned that housing is about much more than having a place to live. Before my placement, I had very little knowledge about subsidized housing or the impact that safe and affordable housing can have on individuals and families. Working at MHI opened my eyes to the challenges many people face and showed me how stable housing can provide security, dignity, and a foundation for a better future.

One of the biggest things I have learned is the true value of community and what it means to me. Community is not just about the people and places around us, but also about making sure people feel supported, included, safe, and that they belong. Housing plays an important role in creating that sense of community. Having a safe and stable home gives people the opportunity to build relationships, feel connected, and create a stronger future for themselves and their families.

My experience at MHI has also helped me think more about my future career. Before my placement, I did not realize how many different areas of social services I could work in or how closely housing connects to the work I want to do. While I am still exploring my career path, I now have a greater interest in working in an area where I can support individuals and families and make a positive difference in my community.

Through Canada Summer Jobs, I have developed my communication, teamwork, organization, and professional skills while gaining confidence in myself and my abilities. I am especially grateful for the team I have worked with at MHI and for the knowledge, support, and relationships I have gained through this experience.

Without Canada Summer Jobs, I would not have had the opportunity to continue working at MHI after my placement and discover an area of work I previously knew very little about. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for everything this experience has taught me. It has changed the way I understand housing, strengthened my interest in social services, and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

MHI’s participation in the Canada Summer Jobs program was made possible with the support of MP Mona Fortier, a strong champion of the program and its investment in meaningful employment opportunities for young people. Her support helped MHI welcome a summer student and provide valuable hands on experience in affordable housing and community development.

There are people whose impact can be measured in buildings, programs, and milestones. Then there are people like Gay Richardson, whose legacy lives just as deeply in relationships, generosity, and the countless lives touched through quiet and steadfast service.

It is with deep sadness that we remember Gay Richardson, one of the founding members of Multifaith Housing Initiative, who passed away recently.

Gay helped build the foundation of MHI more than 25 years ago and remained actively involved with the organization until 2025. Throughout those years, she served in many roles including President, Secretary, committee member, fundraiser, volunteer recruiter, and advocate for affordable housing. Her dedication never wavered.

One of Gay’s lasting contributions was her instrumental role in helping MHI secure the 10 housing units at Somerset Gardens through collaboration with developer Bill Teron. Those homes continue to provide stability and affordable housing for individuals and families today.

Gay also believed deeply in the power of community. Through her church, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, she inspired many volunteers, donors, and supporters to become involved with MHI’s mission. Her ability to bring people together around compassion and action was extraordinary.

For many years, Gay led the St. John’s team in Tulipathon fundraising efforts with remarkable enthusiasm and commitment. Under her leadership, the team received the Farook Tareen Award multiple times, reflecting the spirit of generosity and community she carried into everything she did.

Those who knew Gay remember not only her leadership, but also her kindness, humility, and unwavering belief that everyone deserves safe and affordable housing.

As shared during Tulipathon on Sunday May 24th: “Gay Richardson was not only one of MHI’s founding members, she remained a champion of our organization and tenants for decades. She leaves behind an incredible legacy and it is well represented today by members from her church community. We will miss her dearly.”

Gay’s obituary described her as someone deeply committed to faith, family, and community, values that were evident in the way she lived and served others throughout her life.

Her legacy continues through the homes she helped create, the people she inspired, and the community she helped grow.

In honour of Gay Richardson, donations may be made to support MHI’s work providing affordable housing and rent subsidies for those who need it most. Through these contributions, her compassion and commitment to community will continue to make a difference for years to come.

To learn more about MHI’s work or to make a gift in Gay’s memory, please visit the donations page.

On May 22, the Fine Crescent Community witnessed a great example of leadership, initiative, and community pride in action.

One of our community members, Tahsin, went above and beyond to help improve the cleanliness and safety of our shared garbage area. After noticing debris and buildup beneath the community bins, Tahsin took the initiative to engage directly with waste management while they were on site the bins could be temporarily moved and the area properly cleaned.

What made this act especially meaningful was that Tahsin didn’t simply report the issue — he took action himself. With shovel in hand, he worked hard to clear the debris and restore the area, while waste management staff supported the effort once the bins had been moved. Thanks to his dedication and persistence, the space was left cleaner, safer, and fully accessible for everyone in the community.

Acts like this may seem small, but they have a major impact on the health and safety of our neighbourhoods. Clean garbage areas help prevent pests, reduce odors, eliminate hazards, and create a healthier environment for families and residents. More importantly, they demonstrate respect for shared spaces and for one another.

Tahsin’s actions are a reminder that positive change often starts with one person willing to step forward and take initiative. Building strong communities is not only the responsibility of staff or contractors — it takes all of us working together, taking pride in where we live, and doing our part to keep our neighbourhoods clean and welcoming.

We hope Tahsin’s example inspires others throughout our communities to get involved, lend a helping hand when they can, and continue building a culture of teamwork, respect, and community care.

Thank you, Tahsin, for your outstanding initiative and for helping make Fine Crescent Community a cleaner and safer place for everyone.

Holocaust Survivors Day, held on June 4, is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the resilience, courage, and strength of Holocaust survivors.

The Holocaust, known as the Shoah, was the Nazi assault aimed at annihilating the Jews of Europe through systematic murder. Six million Jews were murdered — two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population, amounting to one-third of the world’s Jews. Many others, including Roma and Sinti, people with disabilities, gay men and lesbians, and political prisoners, were also victims. Today, more than 81 years after World War II, the world Jewish population remains below its 1939 level.

The remnant of European Jewry faced unimaginable challenges in rebuilding their lives after the destruction of communities where Jews had lived for centuries. Yet they rebuilt, creating families, communities, institutions, and new lives, setting an enduring example of courage, perseverance, and hope.

Approximately 35,000–40,000 Holocaust survivors resettled in Canada after World War II. They became a part of Canadian life and Jewish communities which had earlier become established, starting in the late 19th century. Several hundred Survivors made their home in Ottawa.

The majority of survivors who settled in Ottawa are no longer living, but their legacy is upheld by their second and third generations and their Jewish communities. I had the privilege of knowing some of Ottawa’s survivors and hearing first-hand their stories of survival and rebuilding.

After escaping the Holocaust, they were burdened by trauma and uncertain of their place in Canada until they established themselves, but then went on to rebuild their lives, careers, and families. With the support of the Jewish community, many survivors later became active in preserving the memory of the victims and speaking about what had happened, with every survival story being unique and often heroic. They aimed to bring a warning to society never to allow the evils of discrimination and persecution to flourish, in the way that civilized Europe had been engulfed.

Many spoke in schools, universities, public events, and annual memorials. Some Survivors living around the world also wrote memoirs or gave oral testimony. In Ottawa, the Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship (CHES) at Carleton University, developed a video library of Ottawa survivors’ testimonies and is currently on the frontlines of combatting antisemitism. School curricula are now beginning to incorporate the narratives of Holocaust survivors.

In my experience, the survivors I knew were tough, practical, and resilient people. Although the dark clouds of their experiences never completely disappeared, they built meaningful lives, families, and communities, and contributed greatly to Canadian society. Their greatest legacy may be the example they set that even in the face of immense evil, human beings still retain the freedom to choose their moral path.

To those who survived, to the few still living among us, and to those who have passed, June 4 is a day to honour their lives, celebrate their contributions, and express our gratitude for the gifts they gave to future generations.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl in Man’s Search for Meaning.

The steps of Ottawa City Hall were quiet this morning in a way that felt intentional—like a shared understanding had settled over the crowd before a single word was spoken. Red dresses, suspended and swaying gently in the breeze, lined the space as people gathered for Red Dress Day, hosted by the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition. Each dress stood as a powerful visual reminder: a life, a story, a presence that should still be here.

Being there today was deeply moving. There was a sense of collective pause—of people setting aside the rush of daily life to bear witness. Elders opened the gathering in a good way, grounding the morning with ceremony and reminding everyone that this day is not only about grief, but also about resilience, memory, and responsibility.

As the program unfolded, speakers shared stories that were as heavy as they were necessary to hear. Family members spoke about daughters, sisters, mothers—women whose laughter once filled rooms, whose absence now leaves an ache that does not fade with time. These were not abstract statistics. They were vivid, personal accounts of love and loss, spoken with courage and a strength that was both humbling and difficult to fully comprehend.

What struck me most was the honesty. There was no softening of the reality facing Indigenous communities across Canada. The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) was named clearly, without hesitation. At the same time, there was also an insistence on remembering these women as more than victims. They were described as artists, caregivers, leaders, and friends—people who mattered deeply and continue to matter.

Throughout the day, music, drumming, and moments of silence created space for reflection. The sound of the drum, steady and resonant, seemed to echo across the crowd, almost like a heartbeat connecting everyone present. It was impossible not to feel it—both physically and emotionally.

I found myself reflecting on how easy it can be to look away from difficult truths, and how important it is not to. Today was a reminder that listening is an action. Showing up is an action. Bearing witness carries weight.

Leaving City Hall, the image of those red dresses stayed with me. They are simple, but they carry an immense message—one that calls for awareness, accountability, and change. The stories shared today deserve more than a single day of attention. They call on all of us to continue learning, to challenge indifference, and to support the work being led by Indigenous communities.

Red Dress Day is not only about remembrance—it is a call to conscience. And after being there today, it’s one that is impossible to ignore.

This blog is about one of the most important holidays in the Islamic Faith. Eid Al Adha, the celebration of sacrifice and its origins.

​Eid al-Adha is a holiday that Muslims celebrate to remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was asked by Almighty God to sacrifice his own son as a test of faith. When he was ready to obey, the Almighty Creator provided a ram instead, and this event is now honored each year on a specific date in the Islamic lunar calendar, likely falling on May 27 this year based on moon sightings.

For this happy occasion families get ready with their most beautiful attires. Children get new clothing to wear and all kinds of special meals and pastries are prepared ahead of the big days. Usually, the celebration lasts four days. Here in Canada, we celebrate one day, as it often is in the busy workweek, but for some weekends we will do special bazars, family visits or special outings with the children.

In the spiritual aspect we celebrate this BIG TEST in voluntary fasting up to ten days before, or one day after Eid, from dawn to dusk. We read additional prayers and litanies.

On the day of Eid al Adha we gather with our families in the mosques or we rent bigger locations to have the Eid Prayer celebrations, sometimes up to three prayers to accommodate the amount of worshippers. We do special remembrances of The All-Powerful (Exalted is His greatness) in repeating and chanting different litanies, before the actual prayer and the Imam will conclude with a special sermon.

Then people disperse to different kinds of activities, like visiting family, going to Eid bazaars, where also special activities for children like bouncy castles, games, and henna tattoos will be available. The head of the family will organize the sacrificial animal and most of the meat will be given in charity.

Eid is usually a day we remember for a long time, as we meet with families and friends we often don’t see much.

​The Jewish Festival of Shavuot commemorates the revelation at Mount Sinai, when God gave the Israelites the Torah. This year it occurs on May 24–26. The biblical description of that moment is dramatic—thunder, lightning, fire, and the sound of the shofar—marking a defining turning point when a newly freed people became a covenantal community bound by shared law and purpose.

For me, this is not simply a distant historical event. Jewish tradition teaches that all Jews—past, present, and future—stood together at Sinai. In that sense, the giving of the Torah is ongoing, calling each generation, and each of us personally, to listen, interpret, and respond anew.

In synagogue on Shavuot we read the Book of Ruth. At first glance, this may seem paradoxical, since the book is not explicitly about the Torah or even about God. Instead, it tells the simple story of Ruth—a kind and gentle woman who, in a time of loss and uncertainty, pledges her loyalty to the Jewish people and to her family. Yet it is precisely this quiet story of devotion and moral choice that reflects the deeper meaning of Shavuot: that accepting the Torah is not only about revelation at Sinai, but about how we live—with kindness, commitment, and responsibility toward others.

We are reminded of this enduring truth each time we read the Torah. At the conclusion of the reading, the Torah is lifted high for all to see, and we recite the blessing that calls it a “tree of life.” It is not merely an ancient text of laws and history, but a living guide—one that continues to shape how we think, act, and live each day.

Another tradition is to eat dairy foods. At my son’s congregation in Maryland, they even hold a contest for the best cheesecake. Few would disagree that a holiday that involves eating cheesecake is well worth celebrating.

“It is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it, and all who uphold it are happy. Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:17–18)

Spencer and Shelby at LiveWorkPlay's "Make A Buzz" event with their Mom, Sandra and Keenan, the Director of Communications at LiveWorkPlay, in the background. Spencer received the Terri Hill My Own Home Bursary Award.

Each year, MHI recognizes individuals whose dedication, leadership, and generosity strengthen our communities in meaningful ways. In 2026, we are proud to present the 2025 Volunteer of the Year awards to an extraordinary group of community leaders.

Crystal Sauvé - 2025 Tenant Volunteer of the Year
Crystal Sauvé has been an integral part of the Fine Crescent and Meadowbrook community for many years. Crystal and her children Andrey, Alyvia, Avery, and Amelia are a powerful force for connection, care, and community spirit.

For years, Crystal has stepped up in countless ways. She advocates for her neighbours, shares resources, supports and guides youth, and leads community clean ups. The list truly goes on. She is a deeply caring neighbour who looks out for the well being of fellow tenants and their families.

Since the MHI and Gloucester amalgamation, Crystal has taken on the role of community champion. She coordinates weekly food distribution as part of the food security program, ensuring her neighbours have access to essential groceries. This work is labour intensive and time consuming, yet she shows up every single week without hesitation and never asks for anything in return.

Crystal truly embodies community spirit and reflects our guiding principle of “nothing for us without us.” Her impact is lasting and deeply appreciated.

Christian Kratchanov - 2025 Gay Richardson Volunteer of the Year
Christian Kratchanov has made an outstanding contribution to MHI through more than six years of service as a Board member and Treasurer. He continues to give his time and expertise through the Finance Committee and Governance Committee.

Christian’s steady leadership and strong financial background have strengthened MHI’s governance and supported responsible financial stewardship. His thoughtful guidance has helped advance the organization’s mission and ensure long term stability.

His integrity, commitment, and generosity have left a meaningful and lasting mark on MHI.

Shirley Siegel - 2025 Gay Richardson Volunteer of the Year
Since joining MHI’s Governance and Human Resources Committee, Shirley Siegel has become an indispensable contributor. She has provided steady, thoughtful guidance on compensation system design and many other governance and HR matters, supporting the Board and Executive through significant organizational decisions.

Shirley brings extensive executive and human resources expertise from senior leadership roles in the Federal Public Service and international institutions including the IMF and the United Nations. Her professionalism, insight, and dedication have strengthened MHI in lasting ways and helped ensure the organization remains a leader in Ottawa’s nonprofit housing sector.

Bijan Safi - 2025 Gay Richardson Volunteer of the Year
As both an MHI Board member and Chair of the Properties Committee, Bijan Safi played a key role in strengthening MHI’s property management framework.

His leadership guided the development of long term asset planning, preventive maintenance strategies, and professional standards that will support MHI communities for years to come. Bijan’s vision and dedication have created a strong foundation that will benefit tenants well into the future.

His commitment and expertise leave an enduring legacy.

Want to Get Involved?

If Crystal, Christian, Shirley, or Bijan have inspired you, why not join in? Whether you are interested in supporting community programs, serving on a committee, sharing your professional expertise, or helping strengthen affordable housing in Ottawa, there is a volunteer opportunity for you at MHI.

Visit www.multifaithhousing.ca/volunteer to learn more and sign up.

Passover is likely the most widely observed of all Jewish holidays. Perhaps this is because of its universal message: even in a world where many are oppressed, freedom remains possible.

The holiday is a time to recount the deliverance of the Israelites from their bondage in ancient Egypt under Pharaoh, and their exodus from oppression to freedom—through the hand of HaShem, the Almighty, who brought us out of Egypt. At the ritual meal—the seder—we retell this story through wine, symbolic foods, and shared narration, guided by the Haggadah, the book that sets out the order of the evening and preserves the telling of the Exodus. More than a script, the Haggadah invites questions, discussion, and personal reflection.

We are instructed that it is praiseworthy to expand upon the story told in the Haggadah. Accordingly, throughout the ages, around the seder table, discussion has often turned to the relevance of the Exodus narrative to contemporary experiences of oppression—both those faced by the Jewish people and by others around the world.

Some families, including my own, reenact parts of the Exodus. At one memorable seder, instead of sitting around a table, we sat on the floor, imagining what it was like to flee from Egypt with nothing but what we could carry on our backs—and the faith that Moses, our deliverer, guided by HaShem, would lead us forward.

For me, one of the most poignant aspects of the seder is the reminder that this is not merely distant history. We are taught that we ourselves were there—that all generations, past, present, and future, experienced both the bitterness of slavery and the joy of redemption.

Having now experienced more than 75 seders, I look back with a mix of melancholy, joy, and hope on seders past—those I eagerly anticipated with my Bubbe and Zaide, my parents, and our uncles, aunts, and cousins in Winnipeg; and later, after we moved to Ottawa, the seders shared with friends as part of our synagogue community. Over time came the transition to hosting seders ourselves (no small task), and now to joining those hosted by our children.

Most joyous of all, this year we look forward to our grandchildren, Hila and Ryan, ages three and four, making their own contribution to the seder by reciting in Hebrew the Four Questions that lead into the retelling of the story of the Exodus.

​Passover invites us not only to remember, but to feel, to connect, and to recognize that the journey from oppression to freedom is both a collective memory and an enduring human hope.

Chag Pesach Sameach.

"We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and HaShem our God brought us out from there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm."
— The Haggadah

​Picture caption: Three generations of our family sit around the seder table to once again recount our journey from oppression to freedom.

Yom HaShoah, whose full title is Yom HaZikaron laShoah ve-laGevurah (Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day), is one of the most solemn days on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the Shoah, or Holocaust—the systematic, state-sponsored murder of six million Jewish men, women, and children by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. The date was chosen to fall near Passover to honor and recall the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, which began on April 19, 1943—the night of the first Passover Seder—a powerful symbol of Jewish resistance and courage. In 2026, Yom HaShoah is observed from sundown Monday, April 13, to nightfall Tuesday, April 14.

More than 80 years after the end of World War II, the Jewish people have still not recovered numerically; there are fewer Jews in the world today than there were on the eve of World War II in 1939.

My grandparents, having immigrated to Canada in the early years of the last century, were spared the immediate impact of the tragedy. Yet the worlds they left behind were destroyed. Their villages—Yampol, Luninets, and Ludvipol (today Sosnove), in what are today western Ukraine and southern Belarus—were utterly devastated, with virtually all of their inhabitants murdered, many by firing squads on the brink of mass graves, including siblings, cousins, extended family members, friends, rabbis, and the teachers of their youth.
When I was young, on my grandparents’ bookshelf there was a Yizkor Book—a book of remembrance in Hebrew and Yiddish—in which survivors and townspeople who had immigrated before the darkness recounted, in loving detail, the towns of their youth that no longer existed.

In Ottawa, Yom HaShoah is commemorated at a solemn community ceremony. Six survivors traditionally light six candles of remembrance. With the passing years, fewer survivors remain, and their children and grandchildren now take up this sacred task. Prayers of mourning are recited, and survivors or scholars bear witness to the cataclysm that engulfed our people.

In 2010, my family and I had the privilege of being in Jerusalem on Yom HaShoah. At 11 in the morning, sirens sounded across the country, and the entire nation came to a halt. Cars stopped on highways, drivers stood beside them, people paused in the streets, and work ceased in factories and shops—all to commemorate the tragedy.

In those moments of stillness, whether in Jerusalem, Ottawa, or in the quiet reflection of our own homes, we remember not only how our people died but also how they lived: with faith, dignity, and an enduring commitment to one another. We remember the worlds that were lost and the names that might have been forgotten, and we affirm that their memory is carried forward in us.

I will give them… a name that endures beyond sons and daughters… an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.” — Isaiah 56:5

Holy Week is a roller coaster of emotions. It begins with Palm Sunday as parishioners celebrate the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem with the waving of Palm branches and shouting “Hosanna”, Save us!  Jesus was understood to save by bringing peace through equity, justice and love. This was in comparison to the Roman soldiers who also entered Jerusalem that day imposing peace through oppression, violence and fear.   

During the week, Jesus received expensive nard from a woman as a loving anointing.  Jesus said her blessing would always be remembered. He gave many teachings before he gathered in the Upper Room for the Last Supper with his disciples.  This is now honoured as Maundy Thursday.  As Jesus washed the disciple’s feet, he demonstrated that to lead is to be a servant to those who are served. To remind us to be servant leaders some churches include foot washing rituals in their Maundy Thursday service. It was at the Last Supper as Jesus shared bread and wine that he gave new meaning to these elements. The breaking of bread and pouring wine represented Jesus’s willingness to give his life for God and for the strengthening of his followers. This meal is now called The Lord’s Supper, Communion or the Eucharist. As the meal concluded, Judas left and betrayed Jesus, leading to his arrest. This sombre remembrance is followed by Jesus going to the Mount of Olives to pray. It is a painful, prayerful time.  

Good Friday is the day of Jesus’s crucifixion. Following a mock trial, flogging, and denial by Peter, Jesus is forced to carry his own cross until Simon of Cyrene assists him. Jesus is nailed to the cross between two criminals, one who scoffs at him and one who recognizes him as a man of God. After Jesus’s death, Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus’s body wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid it in an unused tomb. The women who loved Jesus came and bathed his body in spices and ointments. This is a dark, sombre day as parishioners remember Jesus and his death in a Good Friday service.   

Easter Sunday, also called Resurrection Sunday begins in gloom as the women go to the tomb only to find Jesus’s body is not there. Panic sets in. Several of the women run to tell the disciples. Mary Magdalene, now known as the disciple to the disciples, remains at the tomb and has an encounter with the risen Christ. As the disciples and others come to the realization that Jesus is with them in Spirit or in Body their song becomes a joy filled “Hallelujah”, Praise God. Easter is the most important celebration for Christians. 

Holy Week begins with hopeful pleading and ends with exuberant praising God.  If that is all that Holy Week is, a deep meaning is missed in the Hallelujahs. In between these two Sundays, a life is sacrificed for the love of God. From what is to all appearance an end, God breathes new life. Questions are posed about a spiritual or a bodily resurrection. Whichever perspective you take, God gives life and is with us in our joys and in our sorrows. Let our Hallelujahs be robust and heartfelt. Let flowers grace our sanctuaries, with the fragrance of new life. Let our praise reflect that with God all things are possible even if we do not recognize that God is doing a new thing.

Purim is often described as a “minor” Jewish holiday, especially when compared to the solemn gravity of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, or Passover. Yet in my experience it has never felt minor. It may lack the restrictions on work or the heavy liturgy of other festivals, but its message—and its spirit—are profoundly important. Purim reminds us that even in a world that can feel unstable or threatening, courage and resilience can still prevail.

The story, told in the Book of Esther, unfolds in ancient Persia, in what is now Iran. Haman, a powerful court official, becomes enraged when Mordechai, a Jewish courtier, refuses to bow to him. Haman plots to destroy the Jewish people and even erects an enormous gallows intended for Mordechai’s execution. Through a series of unlikely turns, Queen Esther—Mordechai’s cousin—reveals her Jewish identity and appeals courageously to the king. Haman’s plot is exposed, and in a dramatic reversal he is hanged on the very gallows he built for Mordechai; his sons meet the same fate. What was meant to be a day of destruction becomes a day of deliverance.

Reversal defines Purim. The arrogant fall. The vulnerable endure. Fear gives way to relief, and mourning turns into celebration. The Megillah delights in irony, exaggeration, and dramatic twists, and we are meant to feel that energy. The holiday invites us into a world turned upside down.

That spirit explains the costumes, the booing at Haman’s name, the exchange of food, and the playful spiels. Purim is Judaism with a smile. It does not trivialize danger; it transforms it. One of its enduring lessons is that the weak sometimes overcome the wicked—not through force alone, but through courage, clarity, and timely action.

The connection to Persia, modern-day Iran, gives the story contemporary resonance. The ancient setting reminds us that threats against the Jewish people—and against the common people of Iran—can emerge from regimes that abuse power. Purim, therefore, speaks not only about survival but also about moral courage in the face of tyranny.

Many Jewish holidays are rightly solemn and introspective. Purim, by contrast, is openly joyful. It gives us permission to laugh, to celebrate, and to affirm life. Perhaps that is why it is especially suited for children: through costumes and laughter, they learn that even in dark times, reversals—and deliverance—are possible.

“And who knows whether it was for just such a time as this that you attained royalty?”
(Mordechai’s words to Esther as he urges her to risk approaching the king to save her people—Esther 4:14)

​"Brave Queen Esther asks the King to save the Jews from Haman's evil decree."