Underground J-scene in the Capital O

Ottawa’s Best Kept Secret
Ottawa’s young Jewish scene is thriving. I moved here less then a month ago and have come to realize that the city might be small in numbers, but the opportunities and services for young adults in our community are endless. The best part is that there is a niche to fit almost everyone’s needs. The clusters and grassroots groups that exist are fruitful because they serve a purpose; whether that be a party for the networker, a cooking class for the up-and-coming kosher chef, or a hike in the Gatineau with a bagel in hand for the adventurer. Unfortunately, many Ottawans and transient young adults, whether in grad school, working on the Hill or freshly employed, don’t know that one another exist.

The Link, No Need to Recreate the Wheel
Did you know that there are over 25 groups that currently exist that directly benefit young Jewish adults? Individuals have taken it upon themselves to fill a void that they are missing. In some cases that may be a Shabbat dinner, a pub night or a yoga class. The point is that there are leaders in our community fostering new leaders and relationships by creating small and large scenes for Jews to chill in. However, the issue is that there is no link connecting these fabulous people and ideas to one another. There is no need to recreate the wheel, but there is a need for a matchmaker and someone to spice up the scene a bit. So, yours truly is here to help.

Matchmaker Matchmaker Make Me a Match
Young adults are really not that complicated. At this stage in our lives and careers, we want to have exposure to people we like – but with a Jewish twist. My job is to make that happen by matching the right people to the right organizations. Currently, there is a brilliant established community and grassroots community that exists, but they are working in silos. I do not need to be Golda Meir to tell you we live in a need-based society. I am here to help identify the needs that young adults living in Ottawa are craving. The market is small and it is essential to avoid duplication and over saturation of events and programs. This is why I have dedicated every moment to meet with people, groups and organizations to familiarize myself with the vivid terrain and landscape of this amazing community. Plugging people into great things that they do not know about and would love to be a part of is the beauty of my job!

Expanding the Personal Jewish Horizon
There are a number of incentives that bring young Jewish professionals together. Some of us just want more opportunities to network and further our careers. Others, who are already connected to the community, want more time to spend with each other and meet new people.  Some want volunteer experiences, to find ways to give back and seek outlets to fill that need. But whatever it comes down to, the underlying fact is that young adults at this stage in their lives are looking for opportunities to expand their personal horizons.

Lights Camera Action
There is no better time to be young and Jewish in Ottawa. If you take one piece of information away from this article, it is to spread the word. Inform your friends, colleagues and family members that there is a new gal in town who wants to make the young Jewish community of Ottawa thrive. Professional networking is my forte, so when you see me at events or walking down the street, please come introduce yourself. Email me at sbanks@jewishottawa.com and we can go grab a drink. I want to hear your story and I want to connect you to the endless amounts of opportunities that exist. This is an incredible time, exciting things are happening and it is your moment to tap into it!

On Tap
Email me for tickets, RSVP’s and more information!

Annual Grad/Med/Law Shabbat Dinner- Kosher BYOB

When: Friday Nov 25, 6:30pm

Where: Glebe Shul 302 Fifth Avenue

Connect with graduate, law, and medical students in a warm, open, and casual setting. A brief traditional service will be held. Vegetarian options will be served.

jnet presents: Black et Blanc Party For a Cause (see poster)

When: Saturday Nov 26, 8:30pm

Where: La Petite Mort Gallery 306 Cumberland St

Tickets are $20 in advanced or $25 at the door.

Proceeds will go to the Canadian Leukemia Studies group at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre.

Contact info@jnetottawa.com

Website: http://www.jnetottawa.com/

Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/jnetottawa/

FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168894876534266#!/event.php?eid=174747319274199

Epic Sens vs Caps Game in the Founders Box

When: Wednesday Dec. 7th 

Where: Scotiabank Place

Come watch the Ottawa Senators take on the Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals from the comfort of the Founders Box while you mingle with other students, young professionals and members community.

Tickets are $10 (cash only) which includes your hockey ticket and free bar food. DEADLINE: Dec 2 at 4pm.

FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168894876534266 

Experimental Environmentalism Judaism

When: Tuesday Dec 13, Time TBA

Where: Glebe Shul 302 Fifth Avenue

Local environmentalist Alexandra Kuperman, and Glebe Shul coordinator Michael Goldstein will engage you in a discussion on the role of environmentalism and sustainability in Judaism.

Career Mentorship Program

We will connect you with an established mentor in your field of interest to help you network, build your CV, and provide insight into you career.

We have contacts and connections in all occupations from law, to government, to medicine, to pharma industry, to public relations and much more.

Intimate Shabbat Dinner Party Funding Opportunities

If you would like to plan personal Shabbat dinner parties in your home, funding and resource opportunities so that you don't have to pay out of your own pocket.

Jewish Federation of Ottawa (JFO) openOttawa Shabbat experience program: the JFO has funding opportunities to ensure that your Shabbat experiences are meaningful and fun.

Tribfest 2012

When: March 25-27, 2012

Where: Los Vegas

Las Vegas + Jews from around the world = Party of a lifetime

Each participant will receive a subsidy of $200-300

Info and registration: http://www.tribefest.org/

Social Action Mission in Northern Israel and Dragon Boat Festival 

When: May 9-20, 2012

Where: Northern Israel