On June 27, 2021, our long-standing and cherished board member, Rabbi Reuven Bulka, passed away in New York City surrounded by loved ones. Rabbi served as Pallium’s highly spirited 1st Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors, and will be remembered for his wise counsel, thoughtful insights, and leadership.
Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka was an extremely active member of the community. He was the Rabbi Emeritus at Congregation Machzikei Hadas in Ottawa, where he had served for over 50 years. He received Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbi Jacob Joseph Rabbinical Seminary in 1966, a Ph.D. in Logotherapy from the University of Ottawa in 1971, and an Honourary Doctorate from Carleton University in 2006. He chaired the Trillium Gift of Life Network, responsible for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation in Ontario since 2006. He authored and edited close to 40 books on assorted topics, donated blood and platelets an impressive 345 times, and was appointed a member of the Order of Canada on June 28, 2013. Rabbi Bulka was the founding President/CEO of Kind Canada Généreux and has chaired several campaigns in Ottawa, including the Courage Campaign for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and the Hospice Ottawa West campaign to establish a hospice in Ottawa West. He was also the co-chair of the annual campaign for the Ottawa Jewish Federation.
Pallium’s CEO, Jeffrey Moat said, “I remember fondly of feeling like I had his undivided attention whenever we spoke, and he always found time to meet and offer words of advice and encouragement. He will be missed dearly by the team at Pallium Canada.”
Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka will be remembered as a brilliant leader on Pallium’s Board of Directors and his memory will continue to live on in Pallium’s commitment to improve the quality and accessibility of palliative care in Canada. We are grateful for his incredible support and contributions over the years. He will be truly missed.
Watch a recording of Rabbi’s funeral held in New York City on June 27, 2021.
