The Edmonton Jewish community offers a variety of scholarships and the Federation is providing the following list as a resource.
H.A. and I.R. Friedman Scholarship
The H.A. and I.R. Friedman Scholarship has been managed by Talmud Torah Society since 1984, and many Edmonton Jewish community members have benefited from a financial scholarship since that time. This $1,000 scholarship is available for individuals aged 15-25 who are interested in visiting Israel to learn Hebrew or participate in a Zionist program.
Contact Natalie Soroka at nataliesoroka@talmudtorahsociety.com or 780-481-3377 for more information.
Sigma Alpha Mu Scholarships
Sigma Alpha Mu (SAM) was a fraternity that provided fellowship and housing to Jewish students at the University of Alberta campus from the 1940s till the 1970s. After the property was sold, SAM trustees used the investment earnings to support Jewish students through scholarships. SAM offers $1,000 to Jewish students attending a full-time (min. three full courses or equivalent) degree program at a post-secondary institution in Edmonton. The number of scholarships awarded varies depending on the amount available for distribution (i.e., investment earnings) and the number of awards granted.
Find out more information from Jewish Family Services about Sigma Alpha Mu Scholarships.
Max and Helene Sussman Scholarship Fund for Enhancing Jewish Education and Experience
This scholarship was originally set up by Joel Sussman at Beth Shalom Synagogue to honour the memory of his parents. Max and Helene Sussman, z’l, were committed, dedicated and generous members of the Edmonton Jewish and general communities who contributed with their involvement in many organizations. They were long standing members of Beth Shalom Congregation, regularly attending services and programs, and participating as Board, Sisterhood and Women’s League members. Helene was for many years the Gabbai who greeted everyone on Shabbat and distributed the Aliyot.
Value of award: Approximately $400
Eligibility
This scholarship is open to Jewish students aged 13-25 who will be attending an accredited Jewish camp, Jewish studies program, or Israel experience program of more than 20 days, that augments and enhances the student’s Jewish knowledge, identity, and ability to contribute to the Beth Shalom Synagogue and the Edmonton Jewish community; a program with a significant educational component.
The first opportunity will be given to students whose parents, or who themselves are members in good standing at Beth Shalom Synagogue. If no qualified candidates apply within two weeks of the scholarship’s advertisement, applications from members in good standing in the Edmonton Jewish community not affiliated with Beth Shalom will be considered. Should there be more than one qualified applicant, the executive committee at Beth Shalom may decide to divide the award.
How to apply
Each applicant must submit a letter including:
- A brief description of the accredited program and how you will benefit from it.
- Reasons for requesting this scholarship.
- Current involvement at Beth Shalom Synagogue and the Edmonton Jewish community.
- A brief outline of how you will share your experience and make use of it within Beth Shalom Synagogue and the Edmonton Jewish community.
This scholarship is subject to acceptance and proof of enrollment in the program approved by the committee. Should you withdraw or be expelled from the program, the disbursement would be forfeited or returned.
Send your applications to Edmonton Beth Shalom at info@edmontonbethshalom.org
Russ Joseph, z'l Memorial Fund for March of the Living
Thanks to a generous donation, a fund has been established at the Edmonton Community Foundation in memory of former Federation CEO and community member, Russ Joseph, z’l. The fund was established thanks to the Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation, and the monies will go towards the Holocaust Education Committee of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton. Primarily, the money will be used for scholarships for participants on the March of the Living annual trip to Poland and Israel. Ultimately, it will benefit Holocaust education in general.
About Russ Joseph, z'l
Russ was a prominent member of the Edmonton Jewish community for many years. He served as president of Beth Shalom Synagogue and CEO of the Federation. Originally from Toronto, he ran Red Deer Toyota for many years. Holocaust education was an important subject for him both in his personal and professional capacities.
Inquiries
To inquire about a bursary for the March of the Living, please contact Jenn Magalnick at magalj@edjfed.org
Jewish Federation of Edmonton Scholarship
Awarded to a student with superior academic achievement enrolled in any year of a Bachelor of Arts who has completed at least three units of course weight pertaining to Jewish Studies. Selection based on academic standing. Annually funded by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton.
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