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
True greatness is not the ability to obey your thirst, it is the capacity to resist your thirst.
We are living in a time and culture that promote happiness, satisfaction and indulgence. Indeed, we are regularly inundated with messages and marketing such as “obey your thirst,” and “just do it.” In that context it is particularly difficult and onerous to observe a fast and to resist the temptation for food and water for […]
We should be focused on lifting ourselves up instead of knocking ourselves down.
This week, I received an email from one of the many Jewish organizations who have me on their list. The subject line was the usual Rosh Hashana salutation and well wishes. Indeed, the email began in the familiar fashion – “as the year comes to a close, it is natural for each of us to […]
It’s not too late to get ready.
On Thursday morning, together with close to 900 others Rabbis from across denominations, I participated in a pre-Rosh Hashana conference call with the President. As the operator of the call made introductory remarks, I was reminded of a great insight my colleague and good friend, Rabbi Gibber shared with me following last year’s call of […]
If we want to have credibility when we criticize, we must be willing to praise, when warranted.
A very noteworthy incident took place last weekend, though it was significantly overshadowed by the 10th anniversary of 9/11. An angry mob attacked the Israeli embassy in Cairo, breached the security wall, and advanced on six Israeli diplomats with one goal in mind. The Israelis barricaded themselves in a room with only one locked door […]
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.
