It has been an absolute joy to see so many of you join in commemorations these past 10 days. I sat back and marvelled at how our community agencies came together without hesitation—offering space, blessings, choirs, dance—and how volunteers came out in droves to support the organizers who, along with our staff team, planned and executed truly special events.
Moments of connection—whether among long‑standing members, newcomers, or new friends—have created a real sizzle in the air. I also want to convey how new allies and supporters continue to reach out and stand with our community, including a small group from Grande Prairie who joined us for Yom HaZikaron. Their comment on Facebook after reads, “It was such an honour to have been there remembering with the Jewish people…I’m still trying to process the fact that this level of hate can exist towards the Jewish people and that it happened to people who love life, this city is their home, and this city should be supporting and protecting them…I would not have missed it to be here and the trip to Edmonton was worth it...”
On Wednesday night, at Yom Ha’atzmaut, we felt a room full of joy and pride in our connection to Israel. The atmosphere was electric, and the intergenerational component created a true cross‑community experience. I urge you to sustain this surge of engagement and join us for the 30th anniversary of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival. For 30 years, the Jewish Federation has brought Jewish‑themed films from around the world to our city. Our volunteer committee, led by Sam Koplowicz, along with our Film Festival Coordinator, Bar Lavy, curates a special program featuring films that reflect the breadth of the Jewish experience, along with special guests. You can find the full lineup and purchase tickets on the festival website.
As we enter Jewish Heritage Month—celebrating both the contributions of our community to the Canadian experience and the joy of our cultural heritage—let us keep this tradition strong. Better still, consider bringing a friend to share in one of the films. A special screening featuring Doron Almog, chair of the Jewish Agency for Israel, offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with leadership shaping Jewish life today, and will include an appearance by Yaron Deckel, famed Israeli journalist and Canadian regional director of the Jewish Agency, along with myself for a fireside chat. United Jewish Appeal (UJA) donors and film sponsors have received invitations. If you are not a UJA donor but would like to attend, please contact Bar at filmfestival@edjfed.org.
Proceeds from this year’s festival will support hosting two shinshinim—emissaries from the Jewish Agency—who will integrate into our community for a year of service. They will take on leadership roles across Federation events and programs, work in synagogues and schools, and help foster an ongoing, meaningful connection to Israel. We were so fortunate this week to welcome two former shinshinim, Yoav and Yaara, who met with BBYO teens, celebrated Israel with children at Talmud Torah, and joined Hillel for a wrap‑up gathering. They reminded us just how special—and how impactful—these relationships are for teens and adults alike. We are now looking for host families for the coming academic year for our shinshinim, who will join us from Rosh Pina and Kiryat Shmona at the end of summer. If you are interested in hosting for a few months at a time, please contact Chloe Soibelman at chloes@edjfed.org.
With cooler temperatures ahead this weekend, please bundle up and join me—and our friends from Iranian Patriots Yeg—at William McIntyre Park for a gathering this Sunday. This community has continued to show up for us, and I look forward to standing with them as they advocate for their loved ones in Iran.
As we welcome Shabbat, may we draw strength from the connections we’ve made and from a community that continues to show up with heart and courage. May this sacred time offer rest, gratitude, and renewed resolve as we move into the week ahead. Wishing you all a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.
Shabbat shalom,
Stacey