As we were preparing for our seders this year, I found myself reflecting on a series of conversations I had in the week prior, conversations with donors and philanthropists about a wide range of causes and concerns. Whether it was a sponsor of our film festival; a new donor to our United Jewish Appeal (UJA) campaign inspired by our approach to community security; someone exploring a naming opportunity at the Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre; or a philanthropist deeply concerned about antisemitism and eager to discuss avenues for impact—each of these encounters stayed with me as we reached the section of the seder that speaks about the Four Children. 

Seen through this lens, the Four Children felt especially contemporary. 

The wise child is proactive and values-driven. Their philanthropy is rooted in partnership, directed toward strengthening our community and advancing solutions to the challenges we face. 

The wicked—or rebellious—child separates themselves from the community, questioning the value of giving at all and whether communal resources are necessary, even as they benefit from their existence. 

The simple child asks sincere, straightforward questions, genuinely seeking to understand why support is needed and how it benefits the collective. This may be a first-time donor, someone at the beginning of their philanthropic journey, or a newcomer wanting to learn how our community functions. 

And the child who does not know how to ask reminds us of those who are unfamiliar with this tradition, or who have not yet been engaged. I think especially of the conversations we must have with emerging generations: the seeds we plant, and the values we instill in our children around tzedakah, tradition, covenant, and community. 

These same categories appear when we think about volunteerism. Whether you are an active volunteer lending your skills and expertise in leadership; someone new to the idea of volunteering; unsure of where to begin; or even skeptical of how things come together—we are here to walk that journey with you. 

Our community is strengthened by both philanthropy and volunteerism. And perhaps most importantly, it is strengthened when people show up. Your physical presence matters. 

In that spirit, I am deeply appreciative of the efforts behind our first-ever community Mimouna, marking the end of Passover this Sunday. This celebration is an expression of gratitude to our friends, allies, and partners, and an opportunity to welcome others into our community. When you join us, if you are able, we invite you to make a gift of any size to the Edmonton Police Foundation as a gesture of thanks for their continued commitment to keeping our city and our community safe, and for the leadership demonstrated by Chief Warren Driechel. 

Leadership, at its core, requires courage and conviction—especially when it matters most. I was reminded of this truth earlier this week by the president of the Memory Keepers Association of Edmonton, who offered closing remarks at the opening ceremony of the Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis of Rwanda. Their words, and the ceremony itself, stood as a powerful testament to moral clarity in the face of dehumanizing ideology: “Silence is a choice, but so is courage.” 

This coming week, we mark Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day) held on the 27 of Nisan. We honour the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, and we recommit ourselves to memory, truth, and responsibility. As a community, we will not remain silent. We will continue to honour those who were murdered, as well as the survivors and families among us. 

Our commemorative event will include both ceremonial elements and an exciting update on the important work underway to preserve these stories and ensure their legacy endures. 

I invite you to join us for Yom HaShoah, and in the following week for Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. Please find the registration details on our community calendar.

 

Shabbat Shalom, 

Stacey