Thanks to Shalom Baby, Jess Hassall found a community of Jewish parents after she had her first child. Now with a second baby, she decided to become Shalom Baby’s parent connector, helping organize events and keeping parents updated with what is happening in Jewish Edmonton. 

“I met all these new moms and made a lot of friends through Shalom Baby. I’m on maternity leave now and it was a good opportunity to take this role on and connect with other moms again,” says Jess. 

Shalom Baby is marking its fourth birthday this year and has touched the lives of approximately 50 families. Jess is organizing a celebration on Sunday, July 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Grovenor Community Hall and Playground. 

She says Shalom Baby is different from other child groups in Edmonton because it caters to Jewish values and celebrates the holidays. Plus, PJ Library is an easy way to the next stage of a child’s developmental needs.  

“It’s starting them out from birth and when you are connecting with other people in the Jewish community, you can share different holidays and programs. It makes a big difference in addition to meeting other mom groups that are out there because we can discuss Jewish life,” says Jess. 

The program has grown since 2021 through a WhatsApp group and PJ Library. Families can also meet each other from the fall to spring at a scheduled drop-in gym at Talmud Torah. Jess appreciates that without the Jewish Federation of Edmonton that all these events and programs would not be possible. 

If you have a new baby, register for the Shalom Baby 4th birthday party.