September 5, 2025 | 12 Elul 5785

On September 3, we were honoured to have Jacqui Vital, the mother of Adi Vital Kaploun z”l, share the heartbreaking story of her beloved daughter, who was murdered in her safe room on October 7. Jacqui's strength and love was experienced by the over 100 people in attendance, holding the room in complete silence. She shared memories of Adi's beauty, tenacity, and her role in helping to found Kibbutz Holit. Jacqui also spoke about Adi's children, Negev and Eshel, and their survival—a testament to resilience amidst unimaginable loss.

To honour Adi's bravery, an Ottawa artist created a lioness design featured on shirts and sweatshirts, with proceeds supporting Adi's husband and their two boys as they rebuild their lives without her.

We are very excited for our first PJ Library® Tot Shabbat of the year on Friday, September 12! Join us at 10:00am at the Paperny Family JCC for a joyful, family-friendly celebration as we welcome Shabbat together with songs, stories, and blessings. This special program is designed for young children along with their parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Be sure to check out the dates for all our upcoming Tot Shabbat gatherings and mark your calendars—we'd love for you to be part of this warm and welcoming program throughout the year, connecting with Jewish traditions and one another. Registration is not required for this FREE program. For more information, email Sydney Truax.

Calgary Jewish Federation's Inclusion Program and the Paperny Family JCC Arts & Culture department invite you to join us on Sunday, September 14, from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the Paperny Family JCC for Threads of Hope: Crafting Jewelry, Sharing Strength, Connecting Hearts. We will create handmade jewelry and notes of encouragement to be delivered to communities in Israel. Together we'll practice tikkun olam and tikkun ha'nefesh through creativity, inclusion, and giving. Be part of a meaningful experience—one bead at a time! You can also join our food drive and bring a non-perishable kosher food item between September 14 to 21 to donate to The Wynne Thal Pantry. Register online for this free event sponsored by Repair the World.

Did You Know? Your UJA gift helps lead our community with strength, vision, and compassion. It empowers leaders of all ages, supports those in need, and fosters meaningful Jewish connections across generations. Your gift also stands up proudly for Jewish values, protects the safety and dignity of our community, confronts rising antisemitism, and strengthens Jewish life in Calgary and around the world. Donate now to ensure we continue to lead, secure, celebrate, and connect—building a thriving Jewish community. Give today. Strengthen tomorrow. Together we can.

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