May 10, 2019 | Iyar 5, 5779

Calgary Jewish Federation is looking for volunteers to staff our annual Federation Fundraising Casino on Wednesday, June 12 and 13 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino . Positions needed: Bankers-7:30pm to 3:30am Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13. Cashiers - 7:15pm to 3:15am, Thursday, June 13. Chiprunners - 7:15pm to 3:15am, Thursday, June 13.

Possible late shifts are open as well. If you would like to help out and support vital programs and services in the Jewish Community, please email Jessica Miller Switzer or call 403-444-3157. 

This past Sunday, Kesher celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel Independence Day, with Israeli style boot camp training and IDF 101 lessons from Israeli Air Force technician Sapir Yanus-Bodenkin. Participants received a d iskit – special identity tag used by IDF soldiers – and sang Hatikvah , the Israeli National anthem to close the day. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Building an inclusive community is a priority. Contact us and we will make every effort to meet your needs!

Calgary JCC hosted two inspiring events this week for Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut , (Israel Independence Day). On May 7, community members gathered together at Temple B'nai Tikvah for a heartfelt memorial ceremony with prayers, readings, and music to honour fallen IDF soldiers and victims of terror. Yesterday, May 9, mourning turned to hope as the community celebrated Israel's success as an independent nation for 71 years. Celebrations included a parade, BBQ, Israeli dancing, and more. Yasher Koach to Shula Banchik and her volunteer and staff team for their excellent work . Check out photos from Yom HaAtzmaut on the JCC Facebook page.  May is Israel Month at Calgary JCC. Go online to learn more. 

Calgary Jewish Federation wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Rabbi Menachem Matusof of Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta on being asked to offer a prayer at the swearing-in ceremony for new Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney , at Government House in Edmonton on April 30. Kenney on Twitter: " Thank-you so much to my dear friend, Rabbi Menachem Matusof of @Chabad, for offering a beautiful invocation at our swearing-in ceremony yesterday. The Rabbi had the Lieutenant Governor and I contribute to a pushka (charity box) which now sits on my desk in the Premiers office." Kol HaKavod to Rabbi Matusof!