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Shalom and Welcome to Or Hadash!

We are a warm, friendly, egalitarian Reform congregation that is dedicated to the Jewish community in Newmarket and the Northern York Region. In our small, family-like atmosphere, everyone is welcome!

Both men and women equally participate in our services. We embrace Jewish individuals and families with or without children from any variety of backgrounds and family compositions. Regardless of age, marital status or sexual orientation, at Or Hadash you are welcome! We welcome Jews of any denomination or no denomination. No matter what level of Jewish knowledge or observance, at Or Hadash you are welcome! Intermarried families are warmly received and participate fully in our congregational life. We also welcome in our services and events individuals of other faith communities who have an interest in Judaism.

At the core of Or Hadash is a deep commitment to participatory Judaism. We offer a wide range of social, educational and religious programs and activities for anyone who is looking for community, personal spiritual growth, and opportunities for Tikkun Olam. We study together, celebrate together and support each other through both joyful and challenging life cycle events. In our warm environment you will be able to establish a new spiritual home where you can build meaningful friendships and find a place to congregate without any pretentiousness.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

Upcoming Events

Featured Topics

Our Mission

This Synagogue is to support and enrich the Reform Jewish community by cultivating a love and understanding of the Jewish heritage, stimulating fellowship in the Jewish community and strengthening the bonds of loyalty with the Jewish people everywhere.
In all endeavors, members shall strive to treat each other with dignity and respect, and to conduct the affairs of the Synagogue in an open and transparent manner.
In order to advance the cause for liberal Judaism in Canada and throughout the world, this Congregation shall maintain its affiliation with the Union of Reform Judaism and the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

In The Wilderness: Numbers in Haiku

In The Wilderness: Numbers in Haiku jemerman May 10, 2026

These Haikus focus on weekly Torah portions.

Crossing Over

Crossing Over jemerman May 9, 2026

I’m feeling very peaceful today. I went to the mikvah this morning. I was a little nervous, just because official rites of passage can be a little scary. But I knew everyone was going to be super nice and supportive (and they were!).

Taking Care of Our Kids by Taking Care of Ourselves: Mental Health for New Parents

Taking Care of Our Kids by Taking Care of Ourselves: Mental Health for New Parents jemerman May 3, 2026

When we began writing this piece, we realized just how similar our experiences were as women who became first-time mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We gave birth a week apart, both via C-section, and both of our sons were premature.

What We Gain From Interfaith Dialogue: Project Understanding

What We Gain From Interfaith Dialogue: Project Understanding jemerman April 26, 2026

What happens when you take six Jewish teens and six Catholic teens to Israel? This was the very question that Roger Tilles and the late Fr. Tom Hartman hoped to answer in 1988 when they organized Project Understanding.