Rabbi Idan Scher has been the spiritual leader of Machzikei Hadas since 2015. Known for his warmth, energy, and deep Torah knowledge, he’s helped the shul grow into one of the most vibrant communities in Canada. Rabbi Scher holds rabbinic ordination and multiple degrees in Jewish law and public policy. He’s also a regular voice in the media and a leader in interfaith and civic engagement. He and his wife Shifra are raising their three kids here in Ottawa – when he’s not giving shiurim, you might find him on the ice, scoring for his hockey team!
Rabbi Michael Goldstein is the Executive Director of Machzikei Hadas. With a background in business, social work, and Jewish communal leadership, he keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes – whether it’s overseeing operations, managing budgets, or launching new initiatives. Michael is passionate about building strong Jewish institutions and creating meaningful community experiences. He’s also a proud husband and dad of four.
Stacy Goldstein is our Director of Community Building. She brings warmth, creativity, and incredible organizational skills to everything from family events to new member outreach. A chiropractor by training, Stacy previously co-led the Glebe Shul, helping hundreds of young adults connect to Jewish life. She’s also a mother of four, a long-distance runner, and – if you’re lucky – a source of amazing challah.
Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka had been the spiritual leader of Congregation Machzikei Hadas in Ottawa since 1967. In addition to being an accomplished author of more than 30 books and countless articles in the fields of religion, health, and psychology, he was also host of Sunday Night with Rabbi Bulka on CFRA and regular contributor to “Ask the Religion Experts” in the Ottawa Citizen.
A dedicated grass-roots volunteer, Rabbi Bulka was renowned for his tireless commitment to the Ottawa community through service on charitable and civic boards and regular participation in charity events. He had received numerous awards including the prestigious Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Service Award for his exemplary service to the Jewish Community of Ottawa and was the inaugural recipient of Scouts Canada’s National Salute Award. He was cited by Canadian Blood Services for more than 300 blood donations and was actively involved in the promotion of organ donation programs. Rabbi Bulka served as Honorary Chaplain of the Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, was the chair of the Trillium Gift of Life Network (responsible for organ and tissue donation in Ontario), and chaired the Hospice Ottawa West campaign.
Rabbi Bulka received his Semikhah (Rabbinic ordination) from the Rabbi Jacob Joseph Rabbinical Seminary, New York, in 1965 and his Ph.D. (concentrating on the Logotherapy of Viktor Frankl) from the University of Ottawa in 1971. He received an honourary Doctor of Laws from Carleton University in 2006 for his community and humanitarian service, and was awarded the “Key to the City” in February, 2010. In June 2013, Rabbi Bulka was appointed a member of the Order of Canada.
In 2015, Rabbi Bulka became Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Machzikei Hadas. Despite his high public profile and many volunteer activities, Rabbi Bulka remained very accessible to his congregants for support, advice or questions. His weekly inspiring sermons, delivered seamlessly without notes, was one of the highlights of Machzikei’s Shabbat service.
In January 2021, Rabbi Bulka announced that he had been diagnosed with late stage cancer of the liver and pancreas and relocated to the New York area to be closer to his extended family. After a brief battle, he passed away on June 27th, 2021, at the age of 77.
