Dear Friends, 

As we approach Shabbat and the dawn of 5786, the sound of the shofar calls us—not only to reflection and renewal—but to action. 

It calls us to step into community. 

It calls us to give of ourselves through volunteer service. 

It calls us to give meaningful tzedakah. 

This is the essence of our United Jewish Appeal (UJA) campaign. It is how we begin the New Year with purpose and hope. Early gifts generate momentum and help us meet our goal for the community—ensuring we can continue to support vital programs, respond to urgent needs, and build a strong and resilient Jewish Edmonton. 

Our hearts are heavy. The past two years have brought profound pain—the toll of war, the rise of antisemitism, and the continued captivity of 48 hostages in Gaza. And yet, the Jewish story remains one of resilience. We transform adversity into strength, and despair into renewal. 

I see this transformation happening right here in our community. 

Newcomers are finding connection at events and programs. 

Joyful families fill PJ Library gatherings. 

Talmud Torah enrollment is strong. 

New faces are joining leadership tables. 

Jewish Family Services is linking generations through programs like  L’Chaim and Linked. 

And our Jewish Community Centre cheque announcement from Minister Tanya Fir marks the beginning of a new era. 

This week, we exchanged Rosh Hashanah greetings with our partnership region in Israel. Meytal Novidomsky, our director on the ground, smiled—a smile we haven’t seen in two years—as she shared that her family has returned to Metullah. Repairs are underway. Children are back in school. The rebuilding has begun. And thanks to your support, they are not alone. 

Peacebuilding begins with real dialogue. I was honoured to collaborate with Principal Secretary, Office of the Archbishop, Julien Hammond, to continue to foster Jewish-Christian dialogue, convening Phoenix Society, local Christian leadership, and rabbis in welcoming Dr. Norman Tobias to our city. (Dr. Tobias, a lay leader, authored Jewish Conscience of the Church: Jules Isaac and the Second Vatican Council.)   

And we continue these conversations with cutting-edge events like the upcoming Jewish-Arab reconciliation, a conversation between Casey Babb and Loay Alshareef, moderated by Carson Jerema, Managing Editor, Comment, at the National Post. A Government of Alberta grant to combat antisemitism and foster resilience makes this event possible.  

As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, I am awed by Rachel Goldberg Polin, speaking on Dan Senor’s Days of Awe podcast. In commenting on this moment of crisis, Rachel reminds us of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z’l teaching: the modern Hebrew word for crisis—mashber—is also the biblical word for birthing pains. Sometimes, when we feel broken, we are actually on the cusp of rebirth. We must go towards the light. 

I take inspiration from Rachel, and from Jacqui Vital, who recently shared the story of her beloved daughter Adi z”l with our community. When pressed on how she can continue to share this story and not get mired in despair, Jacqui explained that she and her husband have made a conscious decision to move toward the light. 

And I see our community doing the same—turning from darkness toward light.  

On a personal note, an encounter with a young family, who are newcomers to Edmonton, reminded me of this power of light and community. They told me they came to a PJ Library event unsure if they’d find connection here. But they left with new friends, a sense of belonging, and a commitment to get involved. Their story reminded me of my family’s journey—how we found our place in this community through shared values, warm welcomes, and the unwavering support of others. It’s moments like these that affirm why we answer the call. 

Let us continue to uphold and strengthen Jewish Edmonton together, as part of Am Yisrael. 

Answer the call. Start the New Year with tzedakah. Support UJA. 

Together, we bring light. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a Shanah Tovah U’Metukah. 

May we merit the safe return of our hostages, and may you be inscribed in the Book of Life. 

Shabbat Shalom, 

Stacey Leavitt-Wright 
CEO