SJCC Spotlight
We are pleased to share a new “SJCC Spotlight” to celebrate the programs and people that make the SJCC truly special! Stay tuned each month to learn about unique aspects of the Centre that showcase how the SJCC fosters a deep sense of connection and belonging for everyone in our community.
Ottawa Community Mikvah
If you have never used it, then there is a good chance that you don’t even know it’s there, but the SJCC is home to the Ottawa Community Mikvah which recently underwent a major renovation making it a beautiful new space for ritual cleansing and purification.
Accessible by appointment only, the Mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath used for various purposes. It’s a pool of natural water where individuals immerse themselves.
Though it may resemble a small spa or bath, the mikvah is not about physical cleanliness (participants are required to bathe beforehand). Instead, immersion in the mikvah symbolizes a shift in spiritual status—marking a new beginning, a milestone, or a personal transformation. Mikvahs are traditionally used for conversion to Judaism, marriage, and significant life events as it is a way to cleanse and purify oneself spiritually, representing a new beginning.
Thanks to the generosity of many in our community and beyond, the Mikvah at the SJCC is newly beautifully renovated.
Please join us for a special Celebration & Rededication of the Ottawa Community Mikvah, Sunday, July 20, 12:00 pm at the Soloway JCC. Register here.
June 2025
The social aspect is huge —I’ve made wonderful friends here.
Zena Lieff – A Lifelong Connection to the SJCC
For decades, Zena Lieff has been a vibrant part of the SJCC community—joining just one year after the Centre first opened its doors. Before that, she was a regular at Dovercourt, but once she discovered the SJCC, it quickly became a second home. In the years since, Zena has truly embraced everything the Centre has to offer, attending events, lectures, fitness and dance classes, Hebrew lessons, and more recently, bringing her grandchildren for a swim.
“I go to all the classes,” Zena says with a smile. “Aquafit, dance, weights, Vitality Plus, aerobic classes, and even specialty sessions. I used to love step classes back in the day, and now I especially look forward to outdoor Aquafit in the summer—it’s a real highlight.”
Her enthusiasm and dedication are especially inspiring considering her recent knee replacement surgery in January 2025. True to her determined spirit, Zena was back in action just eight weeks later. “I returned to functional fitness, Zumba Chair, and Vitality Plus,” she says. “The instructors have been incredibly encouraging, always offering alternatives when I couldn’t do everything yet.”
What keeps Zena coming back week after week? “I love the variety of classes, the instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and so supportive. The social aspect is huge too—I’ve made wonderful friends here. And any issue I’ve ever had has been resolved quickly, especially by Carla—kudos to her! She’s fantastic.”
Zena also highlights the welcoming atmosphere the SJCC is known for. “The front desk team is always friendly. I feel safe and supported the moment I walk in. Patrice is another gem—she’s helpful, has a great personality, and always goes out of her way to assist members. I love seeing her smile when I arrive.”
After her surgery, Zena remembers one question she kept asking her physiotherapist: “When can I go back to the gym?” For her, the SJCC isn’t just a place to stay active—it’s essential to her well-being. “For my overall health, it’s the best thing I do.”
Thank you, Zena, for being such a dedicated and inspiring member of our community!
May 2025
Welcome Randy Greenstone the new Soloway JCC Chair of the Board
The Soloway JCC Board of Directors and staff are excited to welcome our new Chair of the Board, Randy Greenstone. Randy brings a wealth of experience, passion, and community spirit to the role, as well as a fresh perspective.
When she is not volunteering her time and talent at the SJCC, Randy works as an accountant and is a partner at Crowe BGK LLP. Her commitment to excellence shines through not only in her professional work but also in her longstanding service to the community. Randy has been an active member of the SJCC Board of Directors for three years during which she has contributed significantly to the growth and vibrancy of the centre.
A proud mom, Randy is the mother of Bryn, 9 years old, and her son Logan 5 years old. Originally from Montreal, Randy moved to Ottawa in 2012, when she married Ottawa native Josh Rose.
For Randy the SJCC is more than just a community center—”it’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together, support each other, and create a sense of belonging. As Chair, I hope to build on our legacy and continue nurturing a welcoming environment that celebrates our diversity and shared values. I want to see the SJCC remain a vibrant hub for lifelong learning, socializing and community celebrations.”
As Chair, I hope to build on our legacy and continue nurturing a welcoming environment that celebrates our diversity and shared values. I want to see the SJCC remain a vibrant hub for lifelong learning, socializing and community celebrations.
April 2025
Hakibbutz: A Vibrant Community
for Hebrew-Speaking Children
If you’ve ever visited the SJCC on a Sunday afternoon, you might have noticed an abundance of Hebrew being spoken. That would be the Hakibbutz participants—children engaged in a unique and enriching program designed specifically for Ottawa’s Hebrew-speaking community.
Hakibbutz is a weekly program that runs throughout the school year, providing a welcoming space for Hebrew-speaking children to make meaningful connections, form new friendships, and develop leadership skills—all in Hebrew. The program was born out of discussions with parents who expressed concerns that many Israeli children in Ottawa are the only Hebrew speakers in their classrooms. For these children, maintaining their language relies largely on speaking at home, watching Hebrew programs, and visiting Israel. Hakibbutz bridges this gap, offering a community where Hebrew thrives.
Designed for children ages 4 to 12, Hakibbutz groups participants by age, focusing on vocabulary-building in a social, play-oriented setting inspired by youth movements. The program fosters values-based learning and experiential exploration of Jewish, Canadian, Israeli, democratic, and pluralistic identities. Jewish and Israeli holidays are an integral part of the experience, bringing culture and tradition to life through interactive celebrations.
Currently, 42 children participate in Hakibbutz at the SJCC each week, and the program continues to grow. Building on this success, SJCC Summer Camps is excited to introduce Kaytana to its Specialty Camp roster this summer. Designed for Hebrew-speaking children ages 6 to 12, Kaytana will offer hands-on, nature-filled adventures that encourage a love for the planet. With a focus on sustainability and outdoor exploration, campers will engage in fun, immersive activities that equip them with practical environmental skills.
March 2025
Purim: A Joyous Celebration of Courage and Community
Purim is one of the most spirited holidays in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the ancient story of courage and redemption found in the Book of Esther. Set in ancient Persia, the tale recounts how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai thwarted Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jewish people. Esther’s bravery and divine intervention saved the community, leading to this festive celebration.
Traditions and Customs
Purim is one of the most fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It is celebrated with a reading of Megillah (the Book of Esther) accompanied by noise makers called gregars used to drown out the name Haman every time its read.
There are costumes, Mishloach Manot (exchanging gifts of food), hamantaschen, a three-cornered pastry with a sweet filling and lots of fun ways to celebrate with the community.
The Spirit of Purim
Purim is a reminder of the power of courage, unity, and individual action in the face of adversity. It fosters joy, generosity, and community togetherness. Whether through baking hamantaschen, attending a Purim celebration, or giving to those in need, the holiday invites everyone to celebrate resilience and kindness.
Purim Celebrations
SJCC Purim Celebrations are a fun way to celebrate the holiday and great excuse to dress up! Join the fun. Everyone is welcome.
February 2025
Staying Strong: Joe’s Journey with the SJCC
Fifteen years ago, after a life-changing health scare, Joe and his wife found a new home at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre. In 2009, Joe suffered a heart attack, leading to the placement of a stent and enrollment in the Heart Institute’s rehabilitation exercise program. Following his recovery, he was advised to join a heart-wise exercise class to maintain his health—and that’s when he and his wife became part of the SJCC.
Ongoing Participation:
Since then, Joe and his wife have been attending Heart Wise Group Fitness Classes three times a week. Through consistent participation, Joe has significantly improved his flexibility and stamina. His annual blood tests and doctor check-ups continue to bring good news, reinforcing the benefits of his active lifestyle.
Community and Social Benefits:
Beyond the physical benefits, Joe appreciates the high caliber and variety of instructors at the SJCC, as well as the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The social connections formed over the years have made the classes even more enjoyable, proving that staying active is not just about health but also about community and friendship.
“The support and community at the SJCC are just as important as the exercise.”
Now at 90 years old, Joe is living proof that regular exercise and a strong support system can make all the difference. He continues to feel good, and his story is a testament to the power of perseverance, wellness, and the supportive environment fostered by the JCC.
January 2025
Ryan Armitage:
The Heart of the SJCC Fitness Centre
If you’ve ever stepped foot into the Soloway JCC Fitness Centre, chances are you’ve met Ryan Armitage. With his friendly smile, warm personality, and genuine eagerness to help, Ryan has become a favorite among SJCC members.
Ryan’s journey at the SJCC began over 20 years ago when he was a personal trainer and college student studying Fitness and Health Promotion. Fast forward to today, and he’s not only the Fitness Centre Manager but also a lifelong learner. Ryan continually expands his expertise with courses in inclusive training, wheelchair-specific fitness, and programs designed for special populations.
His dedication goes beyond management. Ryan leads an array of dynamic classes, including Bootcamp, PowerPump, Core Strength, Weight Training for Women, and Rehabilitative Functional Fitness. Recently, he added Nordic Walking Instructor to his impressive résumé—if you’ve seen a group walking energetically through the neighbourhood, that’s likely Ryan leading the way. He’s also mastered the centre’s new body composition analysis equipment, a must-try for anyone looking to kick-start their fitness journey.
So, what’s Ryan’s advice for starting 2025 on the right foot?
The hardest part is getting started,” he says. “Once you really set yourself to start your journey, the key is showing up. Start slowly and progress from there. You blink…it’s six months later and you feel that much better!”
For Ryan, the SJCC is more than just a workplace—it’s a second home. “The members are what makes this place so special” he shares. “Over the years, I have built so many lifelong relationships with members. They are the reason I get myself out of bed in the morning. This is really a wonderful, welcoming and inclusive place with the best people.”
Outside of his role as Fitness Centre Manager, trainer, and instructor, Ryan is also a proud dad to two daughters—six-year-old Brooklyn and nine-year-old Adelyn—who keep him busy and smiling.
Next time you visit the SJCC, stop by the Fitness Centre to say hello to Ryan. Whether you’re looking for advice, a class recommendation, or just a friendly chat.
December 2024
The Chanukah Gift Fair
The Chanukah Gift Fair, Sunday, December 8, is one of the biggest and most beloved events at the SJCC—and it’s easy to see why!
This annual fair, hosted by the Vered Israel Cultural & Educational Program brings together over 35 unique vendors offering everything from jewelry and books to toys and festive Chanukah decor. With hundreds of enthusiastic shoppers, it’s not just a great place to find the perfect gift; it’s also an opportunity to learn about local organizations and support the Kosher Food Bank.
There’s truly no better way to kick off the Chanukah season!
Learn more about the Vered Israel Cultural & Educational Program and all the great things they do here.
The Chanukah Gift Fair is just one of the many vibrant events organized by the Vered Israel Cultural & Educational Program. Under the direction of Ella Dagan, the Vered Program builds meaningful cultural bridges between Israel and Canada. Through performances, artist showcases, and educational programs, Vered brings the spirit of Israel right to our community.
Each year, Vered presents powerful programs for Yom Hazikaron, commemorating Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror, followed by an exhilarating Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration for Israel’s Independence Day. And come June, the Israeli Film Festival draws us together for award-winning Israeli films. Throughout the year, there are Hebrew concerts, stand-up comedy shows, and many other cultural events, inviting people from all backgrounds to celebrate Israeli culture and community.
Whether it’s Chanukah gifts or a window into Israeli life, the Vered Program offers something special for everyone!
Photo Highlights
November 2024
November is Jewish Book Month
Celebrate the joy of reading with the Greenberg Families Library!
This month we continue the 90 plus year tradition of celebrating our rich textual heritage. Jewish book month began in 1925, when a librarian from Boston named Fanny Goldstein set up a display of Judaic books outside of her library to showcase Jewish writing. By 1943, what had started with one woman had become so popular that it was expanded to an entire month and the Jewish Book Council was created. Today, Jewish organizations and secular libraries alike celebrate the best in Jewish writing, showcasing the vibrancy of the Jewish literary tradition.
We celebrate the Jewish books every day in the Greenberg Families Library, and your SJCC Membership gives you access to the library’s extensive collection of books, films, digital books and more.
Top Jewish books of the year:
Fiction
- Fiction
- A Death in Cornwall by Daniel Silva
- 18: Jewish Stories Translated from 18 Languages by Nora Gold
- Days of Wonder by Caroline Leavitt
- The Great Goldbergs by Daniel Goodwin
- Goyhood by Ruven Fenton
- The Hebrew Teacher by Maya Arad
- The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
- The Scrolls of Deborah by Esther Goldenberg
- The Singer Sisters by Sarah Seltzer
Non-Fiction
- At Night’s End by Nir Baram
- Feh: A Memoir by Shalom Auslander
- First Lady of Laughs: The Forgotten Story of Jean Carroll, America’s First Jewish Woman Stand-Up Comedian by Grace Kessler Overbeke
- The Forgers: The Forgotten Story of the Holocaust’s Most Audacious Rescue Operation by Roger Moorehouse
- It Takes Two to Torah: An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate Their Way Through the Five Books of Moses by Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer
- Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories by Mike Rothschild
- Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life by Shai Held
- Kissing Girls on Shabbat by Sara Glass
- Liberty Street: A Savannah Family, Its Golden Boy, and the Civil War by Jason K. Friedman
- To Be a Jew Today: A New Guide to God, Israel, and the Jewish People by Noah Feldman
