To Ram Romanovsky, a Jewish community centre represents much more than just a building: it serves as a place where Jewish life takes root and continues l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.

That belief was shaped by family history. His father, fleeing pogroms in Eastern Europe, reached safety and rebuilt a life in South Africa. This experience underscored the importance of strong, supportive Jewish communities.

Ram grew up in a tight-knit community before immigrating to Edmonton in 1975. Building a sense of belonging in a new country was essential, and the former JCC in Rio Terrace became that place.

“The strong connection was the JCC,” he says. “It was where you went. It was our connection.”

Over the years, it developed into a central gathering point for his family, where they swam, marked important moments, and formed enduring relationships.

Those experiences left a lasting imprint on his son, Adam Romanovsky.

“It was the centre of my Jewish community life in the city,” he says.

He remembers weekends at the facility, spending time with friends, and the ease of knowing it was where people came together.

Adam also celebrated his bar mitzvah at the former centre, an experience that continues to shape how he imagines his own children using the space in the future.

“It’s kind of fun to think about,” he says, reflecting on his seven-year-old son. “Maybe he can have his bar mitzvah at the JCC the same way I did.”

As plans for the new Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre move forward, those memories are guiding a shared decision across three generations to make a significant philanthropic gift.

For Ram, giving back was never in question.

“It is an honour that I can participate,” he says. “It makes me feel good to contribute to something that matters to the community.”

But more important than the act itself is what it represents.

“I want my children to know I believe in tzedakah,” he says. “And I want my grandchildren to know that as well.”

The Romanovskys have conveyed those values not just by words but through their actions.

Adam says conversations centred on giving and responsibility have been integral to family life, alongside volunteering time and supporting both Jewish and broader community organizations.

“It’s always been a huge part of what we talk about at home,” he says.

That example shaped his response when he first learned that a new Jewish community centre was being built.

“As soon as I heard about the Oshry | Kipnes JCC, I felt we should participate and ensure we did our part,” he says.

Together, father and son made a joint commitment, guided by shared values and a long-term view.

“What was very important to us was l’dor v’dor,” Ram says. “We wanted to give a gift so that when my grandchildren go to the teen lounge, they can see our names on the teen lounge office and understand giving.”

The decision to name the office in the youth lounge highlights that intention. Designed for teens, the space connects to their focus on passing both experience and an awareness of responsibility forward. 

“It was an obvious fit,” Adam says. “We want to make sure those same experiences and values continue.”

He also envisions the decision as an opportunity to encourage others to take part.

“It’s a time for us to be proud of the Edmonton Jewish community,” he says. “We will say to people, come join us. We’re a strong community.”

He describes the Oshry | Kipnes JCC as a shared effort, where each contribution helps shape what future generations will experience and carry forward.

The impact of those lessons is already taking hold.

Adam’s teenaged daughter, Maya, is looking forward to spending time with other Jewish teens in the Oshry | Kipnes JCC. 

“It’s nice knowing there are other people like you,” she says. “You meet them and stay friends for a long time.”

She sees the Oshry | Kipnes JCC as an environment where those friendships can grow.

“It will just be nice to have a place to hang out,” she says.

Maya has already taken that lesson to heart, raising $1,000 for charity as part of her own mitzvah project.

That simple idea carries a deeper meaning for her grandfather.

“When you give, you receive the most,” Ram says.

Observing those values mirrored in his children and grandchildren represents, for him, the genuine effect of the gift.

“It’s a tremendous joy,” he says. “It makes me emotional. I’m the receiver, not the giver.”

The family envisions the new Oshry | Kipnes JCC as more than merely a gathering spot. Ram calls it the heartbeat of the community, a place that reflects its strength and invites others to join in.

“It will strengthen the Jewish community,” he says. “It will make it more vibrant.”

Find out how you can give to the Oshry | Kipnes JCC endowment fund today.