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Shalom and Welcome to Or Hadash!

We are a warm, friendly, egalitarian Reform congregation that is dedicated to the Jewish community in Newmarket and the Northern York Region. In our small, family-like atmosphere, everyone is welcome!

Both men and women equally participate in our services. We embrace Jewish individuals and families with or without children from any variety of backgrounds and family compositions. Regardless of age, marital status or sexual orientation, at Or Hadash you are welcome! We welcome Jews of any denomination or no denomination. No matter what level of Jewish knowledge or observance, at Or Hadash you are welcome! Intermarried families are warmly received and participate fully in our congregational life. We also welcome in our services and events individuals of other faith communities who have an interest in Judaism.

At the core of Or Hadash is a deep commitment to participatory Judaism. We offer a wide range of social, educational and religious programs and activities for anyone who is looking for community, personal spiritual growth, and opportunities for Tikkun Olam. We study together, celebrate together and support each other through both joyful and challenging life cycle events. In our warm environment you will be able to establish a new spiritual home where you can build meaningful friendships and find a place to congregate without any pretentiousness.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

Upcoming Events

Featured Topics

Our Mission

This Synagogue is to support and enrich the Reform Jewish community by cultivating a love and understanding of the Jewish heritage, stimulating fellowship in the Jewish community and strengthening the bonds of loyalty with the Jewish people everywhere.
In all endeavors, members shall strive to treat each other with dignity and respect, and to conduct the affairs of the Synagogue in an open and transparent manner.
In order to advance the cause for liberal Judaism in Canada and throughout the world, this Congregation shall maintain its affiliation with the Union of Reform Judaism and the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

The Brutalist: A Jewish Immigrant Saga for the Ages

The Brutalist: A Jewish Immigrant Saga for the Ages jemerman

Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist" opens with Hungarian architect, Jewish Holocaust survivor, and soon-to-be freshly minted U.S. immigrant László Toth in the shadowy depths of a ship headed into New York Harbor.

Proud JEWS

Proud JEWS jemerman

Right before Sukkot, I noticed the word "JEW" carved into my sidewalk. I began to grind out the word, but rather decided to replace the space by adding "Proud JEWs" to the sidewalk.

Broadcasting the Miracle of Fat Liberation

Broadcasting the Miracle of Fat Liberation jemerman

At Fat Torah, Hanukkah is our favorite holiday. Hanukkah in particular is a holiday that celebrates fat. On Hanukkah, we remember that miraculous oil that was meant to only last for one day and ended up lighting the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem for eight days. Eating foods fried in oil, in fat, is a key part of this commemoration.

Winterfaith

Winterfaith jemerman

"Winterfaith" seems a much more apt description for me than "interfaith." We're not observing two religions; I was raised Jewish, and my partner was not. Together, we are raising our children as Jewish campers, and even after 15+ years of our relationship, 11 of which with at least one child, the winter holidays are when our "interfaith" background proves to be the most challenging.