It is with profound sadness that the World Jewish Congress North America (WJC NA) notes the passing of Rabbi Reuven Bulka, z’'l, former co-president of Canadian Jewish Congress, on Sunday, June 27, 2021.
Only weeks ago, we participated in an interfaith and community wide zoom of prayer and encouragement with Rabbi Bulka, who had been diagnosed with cancer, and we were among scores of admirers who attended the virtual solidarity session, including clergy of all faiths, elected officials of the highest level, and community leaders of every stripe, who poured out words of support and praise for a beloved Jewish leader.
Rabbi Bulka was the long time spiritual leader of Congregation Machzikei Hadas in Ottawa and served in the Canadian Jewish Congress, becoming co-president from 2007 to 2009. A prolific writer and speaker, he had a rare and positive influence among community leaders, both religious and secular, political and academic, earning a reputation as a true “mensch” for bringing people together and demonstrating the power of kindness in order to counter the modern scourge of bullying and hatred. Rabbi Bulka believed in the power of chesed bein adam le’chavero, in forgiveness and in strengthening friendship and relationships, as ways to truly improve this world.
The World Jewish Congress North America is proud to have been able to call Rabbi Bulka our friend and we will miss him greatly.
We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Leah and to all his family members and hope they will be comforted by his loving memory.
May the Bulka family be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Evelyn Sommer Rabbi Joel H. Meyers Betty Ehrenberg
Chair, WJC North America Chair, WJC United States Executive Director
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