In last week’s message I told you how my week began in referencing a quote about interconnection of souls and legacies for future generations. My week came to a close on Friday night where I was honoured to be invited to the Temple Beth Ora Kabbalat Shabbat, where I enjoyed the melodies and poetry while experiencing the many volunteers who ensure a meaningful service. This week the notion of legacies has continued, as the executive of the board discussed the $213,000 bequest received from the Estate of David Pollack z”l. I am so proud to be working with a group of leaders who wrestled with how best to utilize these funds and seized the opportunity to further the legacy. Two hundred thousand of this gift will be endowed to the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation to benefit future United Jewish Appeal (UJA). The remaining $13,000 is being used to create a COVID Relief Fund that we hope to grow through additional donations and allocate later this spring. (Details about the parameters and process will be forthcoming once finalized.) Jewish Federation of Edmonton mobilizing resources to support the community is something I am proud to be a part of.
Despite the temperatures in the minus 30s, we had one of our best attended board meetings, 34 people with board and community representatives… while some may think this was because of the ease of Zoom, I would like to think it was the opportunity to learn from one another and share all that we have planned ahead! This is the opportune time to attend a program from one of the many offerings in our community and experience a new organization or group. Learn more through their postings in our weekly e-newsletter.
Do you have plans for 11 a.m. on February 14? Come and show your love for Israel- be inspired by one of the most positive people I know, Shawna Goodman-Sone, who will lead us in a unique cooking class interwoven with a guided tour of Machane Yehuda Market by experienced tour guide Orit Levi. Thanks to your UJA, this event is being provided free of charge, a decision made to ensure that everyone can access quality programs, together, while we weather our way through this winter. (Pun intended!) It is not too late to register, as soon as you do the Zoom link and recipes will be emailed back to you. PJ Library families are also still welcome to register for Havdallah on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., you do not need to have purchased a kit to attend.
Wishing you a peaceful Family Day weekend, if you have not yet read through the Hakol it is the perfect accompaniment to a sofa with a warm drink!
Shabbat Shalom,
Stacey