Thousands expected to take part in worldwide virtual prayer-rally for Ottawa rabbi

By Jason White

About 5,000 people are expected to come together to support one of Ottawa's most well-known religious leaders, as he faces a major cancer diagnosis.

Rabbi Reuven Bulka has been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer in his pancreas and liver.

Over the past five decades, Bulka has touched thousands of lives, both in his religious community and across the country.

“We knew that all of these people would want a chance to be there for Rabbi Bulka, just as Rabbi Bulka has been there for every single one of us,” says Rabbi Idan Scher, Congregation Machzikei Hadas.

Bulka has been dubbed “Canada's rabbi.” He's known for his contribution to each Remembrance Day's national ceremony at Ottawa's war memorial, and for his numerous charitable works and partnerships with other religious leaders.

“Getting together to pray for Rabbi Bulka, and in honour of Rabbi Bulka, felt about the most natural and obvious first step in the way we were going to rally around Rabbi Bulka,” says Scher, who has worked closely with Bulka, as one of his successors at Congregation Machzikei Hadas.

“When I talk about working closely, I'm talking about someone who has been there for me every hour of the day,” says Rabbi Idan Scher, Congregation Machzikei Hadas. “The number of times we've spoken at 10 or 11 p.m., or midnight or 1, throughout these past six-and-a-half years, is a massive number.”

Scher says the most standout part of Rabbi Bulka's personality is his selflessness, and ability to connect with people.

“If you're lucky enough to be in Rabbi Bulka's orbit, you're going to get the Rabbi Bulka treatment,” said Scher. “Which is really transformational — it's life-changing — it makes every single person feel like they are someone really special.”

The event will be held on Zoom, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and will include religious leaders, as well as politicians like former Premier Dalton McGuinty, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.

Pre-registration is required at aprayerforrabbibulka.ca.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today