JET is excited to welcome Rabbi Steven and Ruth Gotlib as Co-Directors of the Capital Jewish Experience (CJX)(formerly known as the Glebe Shul). 

Rabbi Gotlib was previously Assistant Rabbi of Toronto’s Village Shul, where he frequently led services, taught classes, and organized programming geared towards their growing community of students and young professionals. A graduate of Rutgers University, he received rabbinic ordination and a certificate in Mental Health Counseling from Yeshiva University as well as an MBA-level certificate in Spiritual Entrepreneurship from the Glean Network in partnership with Columbia Business School. Rabbi Gotlib is a regular contributor to Jewish publications and a popular guest speaker throughout Canada and the United States. In addition to working with CJX, he is also Interim Rabbi at the Young Israel of Ottawa. 

Ruth (Rohde) Gotlib grew up attending New York City’s historic Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, where she always valued diverse Jewish practices and perspectives. After earning a degree in Environmental Science and a certificate in Sustainable Business Practices from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, she now works as a Project Manager for Arctic Leaf Inc; an E-Commerce company based in Ottawa. 

“It’s a true honour and privilege for us to live in Canada’s beautiful capital,” the Gotlibs said. “The dinners and BBQs that we’ve hosted in our new home so far have been incredible and we’re so excited for CJX to continue to serve as a place for people to come together and explore their Jewish identity amongst friends.”  

“JET has been a leader in programming for young adults in their 20s and 30s for close to 25 years,” said Rabbi Zischa Shaps, JET’s founder. “With the addition of Rabbi Steven and Ruth Gotlib, our strong base of young professionals will continue to grow.” 

The Gotlibs host regular Shabbat meals, holiday programming, learning opportunities, and social events for graduate students and young professionals. They and the rest of the JET Team will provide new outlets for young adults to build relationships, explore their Judaism, and participate in a wide array of activities across the Capital Region. Rabbi Gotlib can be reached at sgotlib@jetottawa.ca.

 

Rabbi Gotlib receiving Beit Midrash Zichron Dov’s Keter haTorah Award for his commitment to Jewish education in the Greater Toronto Area, presented by Rabbi Tzvi Sytner of the Village Shul. June 14, 2023. (Pictured Left to Right: Rabbi Tzvi Sytner, Rabbi Steven Gotlib, and Ruth Gotlib)