January Newsletter

JANUARY 2024 ISSUE VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER

CHARITY AUCTION COMING UP

HELP NEEDED!
We’ve been offering more remote services lately, as well as our GTA events, which some people seem to like. The good thing is you can participate from anywhere.

We plan to take it one step further—and hold an online silent auction. This isn't something we'd planned to do initially. But because UOUFC is a registered charity, we’re required to refile our government incorporation papers before October 1, 2024, to remain an active charity in good standing, and the costs associated are substantial under the ONCA – Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.

To help raise the funds to keep charitable status, we are asking for donations from attendees, congregation members (and anyone you'd like to share with) who believe in our cause.

Donations are welcome, as always, as well as goods and services for the “Silent Online Auction’ to be held in March/April. All proceeds will go to the Charitable Fund, and tax receipts will be issued.

As you know, we conduct a range of activities besides offering services and ceremonies and support our congregation with Torah learning, grief support, Shabbat dinners, celebrating Jewish holidays, and life-long learning of Jewish education for all ages. We established Universal Oneness United Faith Canada (UOUFC) for people from all faiths and those of no faith and work to break down the barriers of religious intolerance. Congregation Beth Ruach is the Jewish interfaith branch of the UOUFC.

We hold a variety of events that support this purpose and help provide unity, and a number are planned over the next few months- in person and remotely. Please take a look at the details below.

If you can offer a good or service for the auction or would like to make a donation, it would be much appreciated. We (and UOUFC) would be very grateful. Please get in touch with us for more information or details or to donate, etc. If Alex hasn't been in touch already, she may be soon. And thank you for all you can do!

RDG

p.s. We'll also likely be asking for your help in spreading the word about the fundraising and charity auction to your friends/networks and on social media.

SUPPORT GROUP
I hope you'll also consider joining in for our Grief Support Meetings starting on Tuesday, February 6th, and then the first Monday of the month until May.

These sessions are designed to help if you’re struggling with the pain of loss, whether it's recent or long past. Support and strategies can also be of help for those suffering dramatic changes in their professional or personal lives, such as loss of a relationship, health, or even work. Grief often manifests itself in a bewildering cluster of emotions and physical ailments. These sessions are remote—please get in touch with Alex to participate and for the link.

Torah Learning & Comment—
Most of you receive my Torah Commentaries weekly--but please feel free to spread the word and share the links or the videos on the YouTube Channel if you know anyone who would like to participate.

Upcoming Events

CHINESE NEW YEAR GET-TOGETHER
We have a number of events planned for the first months of the year—including the Chinese New Year. Join us on Saturday, February 10th at 5:00 pm at the Canadiana on Dundas West--refreshments are available or stay for a meal (own expense!).

FRESH START ON SUNDAY, MARCH 17
We're making a night of it to mark Purim and the Spring Equinox. And since some time will have passed since the last Vision event when everyone got a handle on goals and how to get there (we think!) and the Spring Equinox is traditionally a time for new beginnings, we're planning a Vision Fresh Start.

It may be time to refresh those resolutions—or, if you haven't done this before, discuss how to turn plans into realities while we brainstorm and celebrate everything. (It also happens to be St. Patrick's Day--so wearing green is allowed!)

LICENSES AND LEGALITIES
We've updated the information on the website on the legalities involved in getting married. We're registered and licensed. This isn't always the case, apparently. as some people set themselves up to conduct weddings but are not licensed or legitimate.

In Ontario, you need to apply for your license at your local municipal offices up to 90 days before your ceremony date. We sign this marriage license during the ceremony and forward it to the Registrar to ensure your marriage is legally registered. (Couples may provide their marriage license to us in advance so you have less to consider on the day.)

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
An official Marriage Certificate from Ontario is a different process. If you'd like one, it is necessary to apply for this yourself from the Registrar—you must wait at least 90 days after your ceremony to meet provincial requirements before applying.
More

FAQs ON WEDDINGS

This excerpt is from our FAQs page—answers to questions couples often ask:

The Rabbi is licensed to perform weddings anywhere in Ontario, and he is also able to officiate at weddings in the US.

The Rabbi has officiated at ceremonies in California, Mexico, Savannah (Georgia), and Manhattan. He performs destination weddings for both Jewish and interfaith couples and has also done destination vow renewal ceremonies. The Rabbi has officiated at religious ceremonies on cruises and destination weddings at resorts in Canada and elsewhere. Arrangements vary depending on the shipping company, and special plans need to be made with the venue or resort, but we will be pleased to discuss this with you.
For other destination locations, please check with us when reserving your dates.

We will also celebrate Passover/the Festival of Freedom and hope you'll join us on Monday, April 22nd, in the GTA--please save the day. We'll confirm the time and location a little closer to the date.

PLANNING AND SCHEDULING

Please get in touch for scheduling information in the GTA, elsewhere in Ontario, and beyond, including the U.S.A., to reserve any dates you may have in mind.

From wedding planners to videographers to venues, most suppliers and services are often booked well ahead of time. More details and links can be found on the website.

We've been honored to be invited to welcome and celebrate new lives into the world. Congratulations to the couples welcoming new additions, and thank you for letting us be a part of that storied tradition of welcoming new members to the tribe.

To contact Alex by email for info or scheduling

Forward

Weekly videos are posted on the video channel—subscribers are welcome!

Einstein as centerpiece...

Please share or forward to anyone who might have questions about Jew...ish weddings. Email Alex or call 416 457 4357 to schedule or more info.

If you have questions on anything at all from scheduling to Jewish/Interfaith traditions—or any thing we can help you with, please contact us at any time—and Alex can always be reached at Alex@rabbidavidgellman.com or 416 456 4357

www.rabbidavidgellman.com

www.rabbidavidgellman.com

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335-4025 Dorchester Road,
Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 7K8
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