Jewish Federation of Edmonton

08/28/2026

Trailblazing women inspire change.

This week's Shabbat message from CEO Stacey Leavitt-Wright reflects on four remarkable women whose stories demonstrate the power of leadership, resilience, advocacy and philanthropy: Dolly Parton, Lisa Miller, Mandy Damari, and Liat Cohen Raviv.

From PJ Library and Jewish literacy, to volunteer leadership in our community, to advocacy for hostages and rebuilding northern Israel, their examples remind us that meaningful change rarely happens alone. It happens when people have the courage to act and bring others with them.

As we launch this year's UJA Campaign, As One, on September 1, we are reminded that generosity becomes even more powerful when it is paired with collective action.

Read Stacey's message and join us in building a stronger Jewish future together: https://ow.ly/4Bqp50ZGG69

Shabbat Shalom.

08/26/2026

What inspires someone to dedicate their time and energy to preserving Jewish history and Holocaust education for the future?

For Zion Barany, it's about creating something lasting for generations to come.

In our latest HaKol story, Zion shares his connection to the Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Education Centre, why this work matters, and his hopes for the future of Jewish education and remembrance in our community.

His story is a powerful reminder that the foundations we build today help shape tomorrow.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/KTkR50ZFmtj

08/25/2026

May Dolly's memory be a blessing. Thank you for inspiring the creation of PJ Library.

PJ Library and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation team are sad to learn of the passing of musician, philanthropist, and American legend Dolly Parton. Dolly's Imagination Library helped inspire Harold Grinspoon to found PJ Library in 2005.

When Harold had the privilege of chatting with Dolly in 2023, she shared the following with him: "I am honored to get to help inspire a love of reading in children. They truly are our future."

Harold remembers Dolly as "a truly amazing person--not only a great artist, but a great entrepreneur and philanthropist. We honor Dolly for educating millions, for her remarkable career, her kindness, her art, and especially her generosity."

Listen to some great music and read a beautiful storybook today in her memory. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and fans. May her memory be a blessing.

08/24/2026

08/21/2026

Today, on the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, we remember those whose lives were stolen through acts of hatred and violence.

In this week's Shabbat message, Stacey Leavitt-Wright reflects on what it means to care for one another in the face of grief and tragedy, from supporting victims of terror and their families to building resilient, connected Jewish communities here at home.

She also shares stories of community members who are helping strengthen Jewish life in Edmonton through education, scholarship, leadership, and acts of care.

"Our mission is not an abstract statement. It is a living responsibility that we fulfill together every day."

Read Stacey's full message: https://ow.ly/8QeU50ZCrcU

08/21/2026

What will the new Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre mean for Jewish teens?

For Jacob, Scarlett and Lily, it's more than a building.

It's a place to meet friends after school. A place to participate in programs and events. A place to strengthen connections to Jewish life and feel part of a community.

Unlike previous generations, today's teens have grown up without a Jewish community centre. When the Oshry | Kipnes JCC opens, it will create new opportunities for young people to gather, build friendships, and create memories in a space they can call their own.

As Jacob puts it, the new facility will become "the center of Jewish community in the city."

Read how local teens envision the future Oshry | Kipnes JCC: https://www.jewishedmonton.org/news-and-publications/hakol/teens-find-the-future-oshry-jcc-will-be-a-place-to-be-jewish

08/21/2026

For more than a decade, Jewish organizations across Edmonton have found creative ways to keep programs running without a Jewish Community Centre.

Children's programs moved between schools and rented halls. Dance classes rehearsed in borrowed spaces. The archives relocated multiple times. Community groups gathered wherever they could.

Soon, that will change.

When the Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre opens, organizations including PJ Library, Temple Beth Ora, Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association and Jewish Archives & Historical Society of Edmonton & Northern Alberta will once again share a common home.

More than a building, the JCC will be a place where families connect, friendships grow, Jewish life flourishes, and new memories are made.

As Rabbi Gila Caine puts it:

"Knowing that we have a place for all Jews to gather and be together ... that's so important."

Read how local organizations are looking forward to a shared home and a stronger, more connected future: https://ow.ly/vgLn50ZBwKO