March 31, 2026

During Passover my family and friends, like many of yours, will be gathering for the Seders to recount the journey of our ancestors from slavery to freedom. A central idea of Passover is that it’s not meant to be experienced as distant history, but as a lived, personal journey from constraint to freedom and from hardship to possibility. Arriving at the same time as spring, each Passover we are reminded that this season is a time for renewal and new beginnings. Here at the SJCC, we have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. 

We are excited to welcome our long-awaited café operator, Pizza Pita Prime. In the days following Passover, they will begin operations! We wish them great success, and we look forward to enjoying their delicious offerings and the energy they will bring to our space.   

Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Capital Campaign, the next phase of improvements to the SJCC are underway, bringing a refreshed look to our second floor. The work is ongoing and we thank you for your patience as some classes and activities are relocated as the work continues. We are excited to see these updated spaces take shape in the weeks ahead. 

At its heart, Passover is about family and community. The SJCC continues to be a warm and welcoming place for people of all ages and backgrounds to gather, connect, and discover what they love. Recent highlights include the successful launch of our BBYO youth group and the addition of JFS’s Jewish Seniors Choir, whose music fills our halls on a weekly basis. 

The months ahead are filled with engaging programs and activities, so be sure to read our e-news to stay informed and involved!  

While our Centre remains a place of warmth and connection, the ongoing war in Israel is never far from our minds. We are also mindful of the rise in antisemitism and the increased targeting of the Jewish community. Our response is not to step back or cancel programs, but rather to remain present and engaged, prioritizing security while continuing to live our lives, pursue our interests and goals, and ensure that the SJCC remains a place of goodness, wellness, and light. Security continues to be a top priority on our Campus. Together with our Campus partners, we remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members and visitors. Everyone has a role to play—if you see something, say something, and please report any suspicious activity to our team. 

2026 marks an important milestone—75 years of the JCC serving as the heart of Jewish Ottawa. We look forward to sharing more about how we will celebrate this special anniversary, with opportunities to reminisce and reconnect, and to honour the memories, milestones, and relationships that have both shaped—and been shaped by—the JCC over the years. 

Wishing all who celebrate Passover and Easter a happy holiday, 

Sarah