Administration and Staff

The Ottawa Jewish Community School is proud to have a highly motivated, highly specialized staff, dedicated to enriching the lives of our students by sharing their expertise and experiences. Our selective hiring process ensures that our students are taught by highly qualified professionals who are deeply committed to meeting the needs of each individual child. Our teachers also participate in continuous professional development to bring new and exciting ideas into the classroom.


 Sheldon Friedman - Principal

Sheldon Friedman holds an Honors B.A. in History and a M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Toronto. Sheldon was an educator and administrator in a 25 year career with The Toronto Board of Education before taking a position for 15 years as principal for the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto. Since 2005 he has held the position as a consultant for a number of Jewish Day Schools in Toronto and Europe, the Director at Pathways Academy and Learning Services in Toronto for five years and as director of The International School in Genoa Italy for three years. Sheldon also served as a member of the Board of Directors for She’arim Hebrew Day School for two years and as a member and President of the Principal’s Council for Jewish Day Schools in Toronto.

Rabbi Finkelstein - Director of Judaic Studies and Spiritual Advisor

Rabbi Howard Finkelstein received his semicha (ordination) from Yeshiva University and has a Masters of Science Degree from Yeshiva University in Jewish Secondary Education as well as a Masters of Arts Degree in Education from New York University. In addition, his B.A. degree from Yeshiva University is in Political Science. Rabbi Finkelstein is also a graduate of the Administrators Training Program of the Jewish Education Service of North America (JESNA), has completed an educational leadership program at Harvard University, and is a recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award in Jewish Education. In addition to his responsibilities as Judaic Principal for grades 6-12 in the Ottawa Jewish Community School, he is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beit Tikvah in Ottawa.

Brian Lamb - School Operations Advisor

Brian Lamb is in his fifth year at the OJCS, Hillel Academy. He has taught science 6, 7, and 8, math grade 7 and initiated the grade 4 Extended French Program. In the last two years, he was senior school coordinator working on the yearbook, the senior school fieldtrips, and the graduation. Brian is a graduate from the University of Ottawa with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and a B.Ed.

Heather Graham - School Operations Advisor

Heather Graham has been at OJCS (Hillel) for seven years, working previously in the Ottawa Carleton and Upper Canada School Boards. Heather is currently teaching middle school math, as well as serving as School Operations Advisor. Heather served as HATA co-president for two years, treasurer for four years, and one year on the negotiation committee. Heather is currently completing her Masters of Education at University of Ottawa.

Other Faculty Members