Tamir’s Judaic Outreach Program is dedicated to assisting Jewish individuals with developmental disabilities to learn about, practice, and celebrate Jewish life.
Tamir’s Judaic program is based on 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 Tamir’s Judaic Outreach. For more information on these services, contact 613-725-3519 x 112 or at admin@tamir.ca.
Judaism Through Art – Weekly class employing a variety of visual arts media, Judaic and other themes.
Tamir Neshama Choir – The Tamir Neshama Choir delivers an eclectic sound and an extensive repertoire of liturgical and Israeli selections, Broadway musicals and popular songs. The choir sings in English, Hebrew, Yiddish and has performed to standing ovations at events throughout the City and at many special events including Yom Ha’atzmut, World Religion Day and opening ceremonies at City Hall, the Ottawa Tulip Festival, and at special events in Montreal, Toronto and Boca Raton Florida. As part of Tamir’s continuing commitment to community partnerships, we invite new choir members and ask you to consider booking the Choir for your next special event.
Holiday Celebrations– The Judaic Outreach program hosts many Jewish holiday celebrations throughout the year including: Rosh Hashanah Dinner, Tashlich, Succot, Chanukah, and Passover. Participants take an active role by performing Jewish holiday traditions and rituals in many community-wide celebrations within the Jewish community and community at large.
Annual Joint Programs with Community Partners– The Outreach program is pleased to co-host holiday celebrations and programs with Congregation Adath Shalom, KBI Congregation, Congregation Beth Shalom, Hillel Academy, Hillel Lodge, Ottawa Reconstructionist Havurah, Talmud Torah Afternoon School, and Torah High just to name a few. Tamir participants look forward to sharing their holiday experiences with members of the community at these annual events, and welcome partnerships with other organizations.
Community Shabbat Dinner– Tamir hosts a number of group Shabbat dinners over the year, led by Tamir participants and honoured community guests. This is a great opportunity for individuals to showcase their abilities, connect with their peers and use the 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.
Music Programs– Tamir provides weekly music programs at several locations, where participation is encouraged by welcoming and talented leadership. Music selections vary on the group.