Choose Ottawa
A Vibrant, Welcoming, and Affordable Jewish Community in our Nation's Capital.
What is Choose Ottawa?
Choose Ottawa began in 2017, in response to hearing about so many of our friends struggling either with the cost of Jewish living in the larger Canadian cities or with the lack of Jewish infrastructure in the smaller Canadian cities. We believe that Ottawa is the perfect combination - Ottawa has all the essential amenities of Jewish life, such as Jewish education, kosher food and vibrant synagogues, but in a smaller city, that is affordable, accessible and also unified. In Ottawa, all types of Jewish people participate in Jewish life together, a unique and beautiful example of Achdut and Ahavat Yisrael.
A Shabbat Warm Welcome
Individuals and families who are interested in Ottawa are invited to come for Shabbat and experience the exceptional community for themselves! Please reach out to schedule your Shabbat visit. We can't wait to host you and help you explore and learn about our city!
Jewish Education
Ottawa offers Jewish preschool, day school, and secondary school options. Additionally, there are several supplemental schools available for students wishing to further one’s Jewish studies on the weekends or in the afternoons. There is something for everyone who wants Jewish education!
Synagogues in Ottawa
Ottawa has synagogue communities for every type of Jewish observance. Click the button below to visit our interactive synagogue page; where you can take a look at everything Ottawa has to offer, as well as filter by the affiliation of your choice!
Explore our synagogues!
Kosher in the Capital
Kosher cafes, caterers, grocery stores, a bagel shop, a gluten free bakery, and... our own local kosher brewery!
Grocery
Restaurants, Cafes, Takeout, and Catering
Bakeries, Doughnut Shops, and Ice-Cream
Beer, Wine, and Liquor
Where are the communities?
While the Jewish community is spread out all around Ottawa, there are four neighbourhoods that host the majority of Jewish infrastructure and therefore have strong local Jewish populations. Visit our neighbourhoods page to learn more about these neighbourhoods, as well as our smaller Jewish Hubs around Ottawa!
Jewish Life in Ottawa
Ottawa has all the Jewish infrastructure of a big city, but contained in a smaller, more accessible and friendly place. Click here to learn about Ottawa’s mikvah and eruvs, the Soloway JCC, Ottawa’s Jewish social services and programs for young adults, students and teens.
Jewish Life
Learn MoreSocial Services
Learn MoreFor Young Professionals and Students
Learn MoreFor Teens
Learn MoreTestimonials
There are so many reasons why people move to Ottawa, and even more reasons why they choose to stay! To read more from each family, click the button to check out our Testimonials page.