Judaic Outreach Programs

Tamir's Judaic Outreach Program is dedicated to fulfilling our mission of assisting people with developmental disabilities to learn about, practice, and celebrate Jewish life by bringing Tamir into the community and the community into Tamir.

With this in mind Tamir developed a Strategic Plan and programming consistent with six Jewish values:

• Community Partnership - Kehilla: Partnerships for integration into mainstream Jewish life.
• Acts of Kindness - Mitzvot: Participants making a difference in the lives of others.
• Joy & Celebration - Simcha: Experiencing the joys of Judaism.
• Jewish Learning -Limud Torah: Understanding religious and cultural practices.
• Justice / Advocacy - Tzedek: Advocacy to promote rights, respect and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.
• Importance of Family - Mishpachah: Sharing the joys and sorrows of life within a Jewish framework.

The following is a list of programs currently available through Judaic Outreach Services. For more information on any of these services, contact Alison Caplan at 613-725-3519, ext. 112 or at alisoncaplan@tamir.ca :

Joys of Judaism
This lively class involves music, crafts, stories and song. Joint programs with other community groups, special guests, outings, and holiday celebrations are highlights of the program.

Advanced Judaic Studies
Regular topics for this advanced class include the weekly Parsha, Pirkei Avot and Kabbalah. The participants enjoy the strong focus on Torah learning and actively contribute to the discussions.

Tamir Choir
Founded in 2002, the Tamir Choir is a modest group whose eclectic sound and repertoire includes liturgical and Israeli selections, Broadway musicals and popular songs. The choir sings in Hebrew, Yiddish and English and has performed to standing ovations at events in Boca Raton Florida and Montreal. As part of Tamir's continuing commitment to community partnerships, we invite you to consider booking the Choir for your next special event.

Beth Y'vrit - Spoken Hebrew Class
Participants take turns hosting this biweekly class for students that are new to conversational Hebrew. This practical approach focuses on arts, crafts, music, cooking, and holiday celebrations.

Holiday Celebrations
The Outreach program hosts many Jewish holiday celebrations throughout the year including: Rosh Hashanah Dinner, Tashlich, Succot, Chanukah, and Passover. The participants take an active role by performing rituals and skits at the celebrations. Participants also attend several community wide celebrations.

Annual Joint Programs with Community Partners
The Outreach program is pleased to co-host holiday celebrations and programs with Congregation Adath Shalom, Congregation Agudath Israel , Congregation Beth Shalom, Hillel Academy, Hillel Lodge, Ottawa Reconstructionist Havurah, Talmud Torah Afternoon School, and Torah High. The participants look forward to sharing their holiday experiences with members of the community at these annual events, and welcome partnerships with other organizations.

Yad B'Yad - Student Volunteer Program
Tamir recognizes the importance of encouraging Jewish youth to stay connected; they are the future of the Jewish people. Through Yad B'Yad Jewish youth can attain their community service hours; work towards a school credit by completing a co-op placement in one of our day programs; be considered for the Norm Potechin Student Volunteer Award; make a difference in the life of a person with a developmental disability ... stay connected.

Community Shabbat Dinner
Once a month Tamir hosts a group Shabbat dinner that is lead by the participants. This is a great opportunity for the participants to showcase their abilities, connect with their peers and use Tamir Shabbat Guide. In addition to conducting the Shabbat rituals and prayers the group shares conversation, songs and stories that match the interests and needs of the group.

Residential Music Programs:

Grammercy Sing and Play
This stimulating weekly music session is something the participants look forward to. They ‘shake, rattle and roll' to the lively music using a variety of different percussion instruments. This music program is adapted to the desires and preferences of the Grammercy participants.

Killeen Karaoke
Participants of Killeen Karaoke take turns at the microphone in a starring role! Several popular karaoke CD's are used. Everyone has fun whether starring, singing along, dancing, or playing a percussion instrument.

Broadview Sing and Play
The participants of this group eagerly anticipate the arrival of the box full of percussion instruments and the treasury of tapes and CD's made available for their weekly sing-along session.

Broadview Yiddishkeit Delights
This half-hour program brings Judaism to participants in their own living environment. Hands-on application and routine is built in to promote learning. Program content varies to include enjoyment of Jewish festivals.