Our public events have finished for the spring, but I want to give you an inside look at what happens at the Federation offices. 

Through the generosity of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) campaign, we maintain a presence on campus by staffing and supporting Hillel. Yasher koach to the student leaders who have said Hineni, here I am, to join the new Hillel board. If there is a student in your family heading to post-secondary in Edmonton, encourage them to contact hilleledmonton@edjfed.org so we can include them in upcoming events and programs, and support them on campus.  

We continue to monitor and assist in the intake from the antisemitism portal. We consistently represent our community interests of safety and security with elected officials, law enforcement, and liaise with national Jewish partners to ensure that our local needs are being served. Our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), continues to call on all levels of government to safeguard Jewish communities. As stated by Noah Shack in this National Post commentary: “At this pivotal moment, all Canadians should rally around the principle that hate must never be normalized—and every community has a right to live in safety. This can only happen with secure facilities, strong laws and consistent enforcement to hold those who are fanning the flames of extremism accountable.”  

Your generosity enables our community to live proud, public, and safe Jewish lives. This ensures our most vulnerable members access resources which build their Jewish identities. Our dedicated volunteers on the Integrated Bursary committee adjudicated applications from over 40 families seeking bursaries to take part in Jewish life. Through the power of your collective gift, we can support children to go to Camp BB Riback this summer, attend Talmud Torah, and engage with BBYO and Camp Gan Izzy.  

A highlight of the summer is coming soon—the Israel Pavillion at Heritage Festival, where we interact with thousands of visitors to display the beauty and culture of Israel. Thanks to a Government of Alberta Ethnocultural grant, we have improved features in the tent, the return of Aviv dancers and are welcoming the Elliott Steinberg band from Calgary, as well as some additional menu items to taste. These exhilarating two days are an opportunity to highlight how we, as Edmonton Jews, maintain an intrinsic connection to Israel, besides volunteering and connecting with community members. A team from Vancouver is backing our security plan this year, and we work closely with Heritage Festival organizers and Edmonton Police Service to ensure a safe and respectful environment. Sign up to volunteer now.  

This weekend is the beginning of Shavuot which primarily commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The holiday also celebrates inclusivity, as exemplified by the story of Ruth, a convert to Judaism who embraced Jewish tradition. Are you studying all night? Focusing on the dairy? Or a first-timer? Either way, there’s an entire community ready to welcome you. Reach out to a synagogue or attend one of the events on our website calendar.  

We are hosting a Jewish Community Centre (JCC) show and share, unveiling the final concept and plans for the new building on Friday, June 20. The JCC redevelopment committee members will join Mode Architecture Inc. to showcase the renderings and floor plans, revealing the efforts of months of consultations, deliberations and planning. We would love you to join us at the Talmud Torah gymnasium, as a drop in from 4 to 6 p.m.  

Let’s wish Zach Hyman a speedy recovery and refuah shlemah. We’re in for an exciting week. Let’s Go Oilers! 

Shabbat Shalom,  

Stacey