This week I attended my first (virtual) Partnership2Gether Coast to Coast meeting, where participants from communities across Canada meet with counterparts from northern Israel. This living bridge is a true connection to the people in the Galilee panhandle, where lay leaders, professionals, teens and children engage with one another throughout the year. Many projects will be supported by our combined communities and of course there are always opportunities to support high priority projects as well with direct personal impact. You can learn more about this partnership on the new website. 

The discussions and d'var Torah we received were a solid reminder of the difference that one person can make with their daily actions to the care and strength of a community. In the wake of the discovery of more unmarked graves at residential schools, of the violence towards Muslim women in hijab in Edmonton, and the collapse of a building in Miami, it is easy to feel that our individual actions have little impact. Like a glass of water, each drop is essential; the strength of our community depends on each and every one of us to step in and support one another. (…speaking of water, many shelters are seeking bottles during this heat wave). 

Many of you have expressed dismay at the emergence of antisemitism you have seen and continue to see within social media or other settings. What can be done? How do we rise our collective voice, and ensure our community can be heard and supported in difficult times? Along with CIJA and our lay and professional partners in Calgary, we met with NDP Leader Rachel Notley this week to discuss antisemitism, security, and other concerns. 

Ensuring our collective voice is brought to the political sphere is something that requires you as well. If the rise in antisemitism has been a concern to you, get involved. As we have municipal and likely federal elections on the horizon, now is the time get engaged. Maybe you don’t feel comfortable with “politics” but you are someone who excels at strengthening relationships, or have an hour to spare where you can volunteer. Find the candidate who you want to align with – and ask where and how they can use your help. CJPAC will offer their next training on July 13 to understand how you can volunteer at a grassroots level and help ensure that our community has an impact. 

As we are reopening in Alberta it is also the time to, as Deborah Lipstadt has said, find the JOY in being Jewish and not just the OY. To this end we are very excited to launch our Summer Series of programming. Summer drop off days for children age 7-12, pre-Shabbat get togethers for the entire community, and even a few adventure days are being planned for us to reconnect and meet new friends.   

We look forward to seeing dog lovers and dog owners at “SHABARK IN THE PARK” July 9 to schmooze, enjoy doggie games, speak with a dog trainer, and receive a shabbat-to-go pack complete with kosher challah, grape juice and more. 

This Sunday morning, we will be holding an in-depth strategic planning focus group for young adults, and welcome more voices if you know of a person in their 20s/early 30s who will give an hour (and get a Starbucks gift card as a thank you!)! A special shout out to all the graduates this month as this school year comes to a close. Mazel tov to the Talmud Torah Grade 6 class and the many high school graduates in our community (including my own). May you all continue to go from strength to strength. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Stacey