September 22, 2023 | 7 Tishrei 5784

PJ Library® Calgary is proud to introduce our Parent Connectors! This new program, made possible through an engagement grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, is designed to help us engage more Jewish families across Calgary. Our goal is to reach each and every Jewish family, and to help them foster stronger connections within the community. The Parent Connectors, Alexis Katzeff, Aliya Tafber, and Andrea Scharfstein, are talented and dedicated women who are passionate about building meaningful relationships within the PJ Library family. For more information about this and other PJ Library initiatives, email Sydney Truax or call 403-537-8592.

JAC is proud to announce our newest grant opportunity - Shabbat Together. This monthly initiative can be taken advantage of once per season per household, and encourages breaking bread together with four or more of your friends. After your dinner concludes, fill out a short form to be reimbursed up to $150 to help cover expenses – a big help in these times of inflation. Time to make Shabbat your new favourite “challah-day”! The Shabbat Together grant is open to Jewish Young Professionals, 23 – 40 years old. Apply online today! For more information on this or other JAC programs, email Hannah Giesinger.

Did you know… Your UJA annual donation supports our local community security efforts, focused on keeping our schools, shuls, JCC, and other infrastructure protected, as well as focusing on the safety of all Jewish Calgarians. Some of these efforts include:

• Building and maintaining strong connections with local law enforcement
• Leveraging our advocacy and security agent CIJA for on-site assessments and recommendations
• Serving as an information and communications hub for matters of security and first response
• Participating in a cross-Canada Jewish Community Security Working Group to share best practices, cross-communal issues, and trends in security concerns and hate crimes

Our Jewish community should be able to convene, celebrate, and gather without fear or worry. Through your support you can help us keep Jewish Calgary safe.

We are proud to celebrate two of our exceptional colleagues who were honoured in the last week.

Steven Shulman, president and CEO of Jewish Federations of Canada – UIA was recognized in The Jerusalem Post’s Top 50 Influential Jews for 2023. Under his leadership, our national partner organization has been safeguarding and strengthening the connection and engagement between Canadian Jews and Israel. A friend of our community, Steven champions the notion of a connected, caring, and impactful national collective that is built by, and supports, each and every Jewish community in the country, no matter how big or small. Through his dedication and that of his team, here and in Israel, we have a voice in Israel, and maintain open communication with influencers and decision makers at all levels and from all backgrounds.

Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) Director of EDI and liaison to LGBTQ2+ Partnerships, Jess Burke, was recently named in the Tel Aviv Institute’s Top Influential Jews in 5783. Jess is a talented resource for Jewry across the country, and has played a lead role in assisting Jewish Calgary in combating antisemitism and celebrating the diversity of our community. Her work with our advocacy agents at CIJA has positively impacted our local community.

Yasher Koach and Mazel Tov to both Steven and Jess for the amazing work they have done, and continue to do.

Building an inclusive community is our priority.

Contact us and we will make every effort to meet your needs.