Humans of Netivot
Humans of Netivot is an exciting initiative sparked by the experience of Shabbat Netivot Byachad. Everyone has a story to share. As we get to know members of our special Netivot community more closely, our kehilah will be connected, comfortable and stronger.
“My parents’ involvement at Netivot, particularly with my father serving as Chair of the Board in 1992 taught me the value of community work. My love of Israel was solidified through my elementary experience.” Rena (Kesten) Markus’s graduating class of ‘92 was Netivot’s first cohort of students that went from Gr 1 -[…]
“Having lived in 3 different countries, I have spent much of my life being a chameleon. These past 5 years I’ve been working on noticing when I feel connected and a sense of belonging, while also developing a comfort in being true to myself.”
As a child growing up in Cherry Hill, NJ Ellie Hahn was[…]
“What energizes me at work is that, even after 11 years working with hundreds of families, every day is different. I am never bored and always working at a fast pace. Often the most impactful support or service we provide, is not what you would think. Sometimes it’s about bringing a specific food[…]
Rachel Libman, curator at the Toronto Holocaust Museum, was born in Ottawa. Her family moved to Toronto for better work opportunities and to be part of a larger Jewish community; she joined Netivot in 1990 (grade 3). It was, “such a different lifestyle for me; suddenly surrounded by Shomrei Shabbat friends… I really[…]
“When I look at the Russian communism now, I reflect, but back then, it was just normal life. We were required to attend certain communist meetings. I think the discipline that I got, specifically working discipline, I got back from Russia. You had to manage many, many things, and you were independent from[…]
“I love to learn. Send me what you think I need to know and I’ll read everything about it and watch all the videos and listen to all the podcasts about it,” shares Steven Strauss passionately as he describes his love for learning about new companies and investment opportunities in his portfolio management work. Steven[…]
“I feel close to the community here. We have good friends and feel connected to the people. It says alot about the community. I’m amazed every time my kids and I (as a current limmudei Kodesh teacher at Netivot) are not treated differently for our mistakes or accent. People here appreciate Israel and the Hebrew[…]
“Netivot is a place where people are family. We started off in Yoemans in a gym and then watched this building go up – it was an incredible feeling seeing this home being built that was ours! We’ve grown bigger, but that feeling hasn’t left. When you say NETIVOT, you know it means[…]
Growing up in Sudbury, Peter Rewega had no exposure to Judaism, but became interested in it while attending university in Toronto. He then went through the conversion process with Caterina, who eventually became his wife. Their entire family was fully supportive of their journey, including one brother-in-law who is now a rabbi in[…]
“It was in my blood since I can remember… creative ideas, creative expression… I loved all the
art supplies my parents would buy for me; it didn’t matter what medium”, shares artist Mahla
Finkleman, graduate of the prestigious Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver,
