Prior to Shababt Shuvah, I recalled the words from Moses to Joshua “Be Strong and Courageous”.
On Yom Kippur, just yesterday in Manchester, Rabbi Daniel Walker was strong and courageous; he held the synagogue door shut with congregants, averting a larger attack. The events caused the deaths of Adrian Daulby z”l and Melvin Cravitz z”l, and we wish a speedy recovery to the three individuals who were stabbed. May their memory be a blessing.
Am echad, lev echad. Around the world, we watch these events unfold, and as Jewish people, we feel saddened and scared. Each life is as if it were one of our own community, as we belong to the Jewish people. With the rise in local antisemitism, I hear the fears that many have expressed to me about such incidents and what it means for us in Edmonton. We are still pursuing situational awareness training, relations with law enforcement, and programs to strengthen our ability as a community to experience safe conditions.
In the meantime, you can access resources to counter antisemitism on our new website. Topics include navigating the topic through the school system, how to have a challenging conversation about the Israel-Gaza War with others, and how to engage on social media. Your support through the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) helped make this toolkit and the website possible. We also have to thank the Government of Alberta for providing a grant to make the website more accessible.
On Shabbat and chagim, my phone is on lest any security matters arise. I appreciated the call from Edmonton Police Service (EPS) yesterday, assuring me they were aware of the events in Manchester and confirming the scheduled officers at our synagogues. Out of an abundance of caution, EPS has approved the use of extra duty detail for high holidays and the October 7 commemoration taking place on Sunday.
With thanks to volunteers like newcomers Alina and Rachel, and collaboration with Jay Cairns, we have planned a ceremony that will be a moment for our community to come together—to call for release of hostages to remember, to affirm, and to know that we are not alone. Like last year, we are going to have a mixture of readings, prayers, songs and a dance dedicated to the hostages. Thank you to Keren Scheinman, Anton Tarnovsky and the Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association for their efforts in planning and performing. Please join us at Beth Israel Synagogue, 5 p.m. (doors open 4:15 p.m.). You can register now.
To see what being strong and courageous looks like in the face of evil, I encourage you to view The Road Between Us—The Ultimate Rescue (People's Choice Winner at the Toronto International Film Festival) and bring a friend. Now playing in theatres across Canada, Cineplex South Common is showing this film beginning tonight.
Jewish Federation through the UJA campaign strengthens and represents our community in a myriad of ways. We have sent all mayoral and council candidates three queries, whose responses of which we will share with you next week via email and social posts. The questions are:
- In a time of increasing antisemitism in Edmonton, what measures can you take to assure the Jewish community that they continue to be an integral part of our city?
- In light of increased antisemitism and concerns for the safety and security of Jewish Edmontonians where they worship, attend school, or participate in public events and programs, what measures can you/the city take to ensure their safety?
- There are increasing calls for municipal elected officials to take a stance on geopolitical affairs. What role do you see the next mayor and council taking in this regard?
I urge you to go to forums, listen to podcasts, and visit the websites of each candidate. Ask questions. Make an informed decision and be sure to vote on October 20.
Strengthening our emerging Jewish lay leaders is a pillar of our strategic plan. If you are an up and coming Jewish leader between the ages of 30 and 45 years old, or know of one, please nominate them for the Wexner Heritage Program. The mission “is to expand the vision of Jewish volunteer leaders, deepen their Jewish knowledge and confidence and inspire them to exercise transformative leadership in the Jewish community.”
This moment might seem weighty—whether you seek community in the ceremony, or attend any synagogue for Sukkot on October 7, realize that there are people to welcome you and where you belong. Jewish Family Services has a roster of professional counsellors whom you can consult should you find yourself overwhelmed at this moment.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sukkot Sameach,
Stacey