For the past 25 years, Leslie Dan (first with his late wife Judith, then with his wife Anna), have provided an incredible service to the local Jewish community. The Dans have hosted a summer minyan at their beautiful lake-side cottage in Orillia. They were instrumental in providing a warm and welcoming place, allowing Jewish cottagers and guests to enjoy Shabbat services during the summer. Leslie and Anna have invited and hosted several guest Rabbis and Cantors from various denominations to lead these services and even provided a haimische Kiddush luncheon every week. 

At the end of August 2015, after 25 years of devoted service, however, the Dans announced that they decided to "retire". The cottagers presented them with a beautiful gift but were saddened by the fact that these services have come to an end.

Well… the tradition continues… 

We are excited to announce that a new location has been secured! UJA Federation’s Mary Siklos, a regular attendee at Leslie Dan’s “shul”, has approached Adam Shulman, Director of Camp Shalom (in Gravenhurst), who has graciously agreed to provide a venue for the "cottage minyan" so that they can continue the tradition of davening together. This was very important for everyone, especially for those who need to say Kaddish during the summer months. And the young campers will also learn an important lesson about keeping Jewish tradition. 

In keeping with the tradition the Dans have started, guest Rabbis and Cantors will continue to lead Shabbat services throughout the months of July and August, with a 10:45 a.m. starting time. For directions to Camp Shalom, visit www.campshalom.ca/resources/directions. For more information, contact Mary Siklos at msiklos@ujafed.org.