Vered Israel Cultural & Educational Program
The Vered families have established a special program to foster Israeli culture in Ottawa. The Vered Israel Cultural & Educational program presents concerts, lectures, and exhibitions in association with the Embassy of Israel, as well as other organizations.
Contact: Ella Dagan 613-798-9818 x243 edagan@jccottawa.com
Upcoming Programs
Annual Israeli House Apple Picking
Celebrate the upcoming holiday with family and friends while enjoying a fun-filled afternoon outdoors. Join the Israeli House at the annual pre-Rosh HaShanah apple-picking event at Mountain Orchard. Enjoy tractor rides, a straw jump, corn maze, forest trails, playground, and more.
Sunday, September 13 ➜ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Mountain Orchard
Free. RSVP by September 10. To register, email edagan@jccottawa.com.
The Eternal Debate: Which Is Better, a Book or a Movie?
Featuring Anton Dolin
The question has sparked endless arguments between book lovers and film fans. Readers insist that books provide greater depth, richer characters, and complete stories, while movie enthusiasts argue that films are independent works of art rather than page-by-page reproductions. Film critic, journalist, and writer Anton Dolin will present his personal selection of the greatest book-to-film adaptations and attempt to settle this age-old debate.
Tuesday, September 15 ➜ 7:00 pm
Buy Tickets
“What Did They Just Say?” Listening Challenge Part II
Train your ears with rapid-fire Israeli speech, overlapping dialogue, and authentic accents.
Free. Advanced registration required. To register, email edagan@jccottawa.com.
Some basic knowledge of Hebrew is required.
Checkout (Kupa Rashit)
September 24 ➜ 10:30 am
Supermarket Chaos: Fast Hebrew & Funny Moments
- Learn everyday Israeli Hebrew through hilarious customer interactions, arguments, and misunderstandings at the supermarket checkout line.
- Focus on real spoken Hebrew, sarcasm, and casual expressions used by workers and customers in chaotic everyday situations.
- Practice quick responses, complaints, small talk, and humor through roleplay inspired by scenes from the show. Conversational Hebrew without feeling like a grammar lesson.
Shtisel
October 15 ➜ 10:30 am
Slower Hebrew, Deep Conversations
- Explore the understated humor and awkward social moments that make the dialogue feel authentic and memorable.
- Build listening confidence through emotional family conversations and slower-paced dialogue rich in everyday vocabulary.
- Explore Israeli culture, relationships, and traditions while practicing discussion-based Hebrew in a relaxed format.
- Learn how Israelis express love, frustration, humor, and silence through subtle dialogue and meaningful scenes.
October 7 Memorial Event
Presented in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.
Wednesday, October 7 ➜ 7:00 pm
Additional details to be announced.
An Evening with Ilya Axelrod
Thursday, October 22 ➜ 7:00 pm
Ilya Axelrod is one of the most recognized names in the international Russian-speaking community, known for his intelligent, heartfelt, and energetic humor.
Combining musical talent, life experience, and sharp observational comedy, Axelrod has become one of today’s most acclaimed satirists. His performances resonate with audiences around the world through humor that is smart, relatable, sincere, and deeply human.
From major concert halls and international festivals to intimate stand-up venues, Axelrod continues to captivate audiences wherever he performs.
Ticket information coming soon.
Montreal Jewish Theatre at the SJCC
Saturday, November 7 ➜ 7:00 pm
The Montreal Jewish Theatre performs at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre for the very first time.
Additional details to be announced.
Annual Chanukah Gift Fair
All your holiday shopping needs in one place. Discover gifts, artisanal items, handmade art and jewelry from Israel and local artists, books, and more.
Sunday, November 15 ➜ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Vendors Welcome!
Vendor applications will be accepted until September 30.
For vendor opportunities, please contact edagan@jccottawa.com.
HaKibbutz
Meet, play and grow in Hebrew.
The first social enterprise in Ottawa for Hebrew-speaking children in which they will develop values-based leadership skills, create meaningful social connections, and of course have fun, all in Hebrew.
Register
For more information contact Marina mkornblum@jccottawa.com
To apply for financial assistance click here.
Hebrew Books
The Vered Israel Cultural Program offers a collection of books in Hebrew, in addition to children’s books available at the Greenberg Families Library. To view the collection, please contact edagan@jccottawa.com.
Audio/ebooks are accessible through the Libby app.
Israeli House
Israeli House was founded by the Vered Israel Cultural & Educational Program in conjunction with the Embassy of Israel to provide Israelis and all Hebrew speaking members of the community a social and cultural outlet whereby participants can sing Hebrew songs, watch Hebrew Films, listen to Hebrew guest speakers and celebrate Jewish holidays in a Hebrew environment.
Israeli house is a great place to meet other Israelis and chat in Hebrew. Our Chanukah, Purim and Tu B’av parties are full of Israeli music and flavor. We have all the information about Israeli performers coming to Ottawa and Montreal. Join us and the 300+ Ottawa families already involved in Israeli House.
Information about events and a schedule of Israeli House meetings and celebrations are distributed via e-mail to all members. Membership is free.
