Tribute to the late Dr. Reuven P. Bulka

After a battle with cancer, beloved advisor and friend, Dr. Reuven P. Bulka, left us on June 27, 2021.

Career

Dr. Bulka was a psychologist and helped our clients identify and bring clarity to underlying family issues that may be distracting from addressing important family business issues. He counselled families and family businesses for over 35 years and was widely admired for his deeply human, down to earth and compassionate style. His unique grasp of family business dynamics and relationships allowed him to help all stakeholders gain an ability to understand and separate those issues that needed to be addressed as individuals from that of the business.

Dr. Bulka received his Psychology Ph.D. degree from the University of Ottawa in 1971, concentrating on the Logotherapy of Viktor Frankl. He received his Rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Jacob Joseph Rabbinical Seminary in New York City, and he was the Rabbi of Congregation Machzikei Hadas in Ottawa since 1967, where he was the Rabbi Emeritus.

Dr. Bulka had been the founder and editor of the Journal of Psychology and Judaism. He contributed on scholarly and popular articles to various journals, including the Association of Mental Health Clergy Forum, Analecta Frankliana, Chronicle Review, Humanitas, Journal of Ecumenical Studies, Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society, Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Midstream and Pastoral Psychology, among others. He was the author and/or editor of over 35 books, including his most auto-biographical work, Turning Grief into Gratitude.  Over the course of his life, he received many awards and honours.  Most notably he was given the key to the City of Ottawa in 2010, was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2013, and most recently in January 2021 he received a special award of recognition from the Chief of Defence Staff of Canada.

Dr. Bulka often gave back to the community over the years as the past co-president of the Canadian Jewish Congress, former Chairman of Trillium Gift of Life Network, founder and chair of Ottawa Kindness Week, among many others. Dr. Bulka was a member of the board of Canadian Blood Services and chairs the Hospice Ottawa West campaign. Previously he chaired the Courage Campaign for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation which raised $25 million for cancer care.  Dr. Bulka inspired people across the country to live with optimism, humility, and devotion to kindness.

Dr. Bulka will always be remembered as a leader and Advisor to our firm. He is sadly missed by all.