February 7, 2020 | 12 Shevat 5780

On February 2, our community kicked-off: Jewish, Disabilities, Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) celebrations at We All Belong ! The event featured esteemed folk musician and inclusion expert, Joanie Calem. After Joanie's meaningful performance of music and storytelling, guests celebrated the 18 students who participated in Federation's inclusion essay contest, Meshane Ha Briot . Each student was presented with a personalized certificate honouring their achievements. Once again, Mazel Tov to the participants. Special thanks to the Fania & Leo z"l Wedro Community Fund which provided top three contestant awards in both age divisions and to our anonymous donors for the honourable mention awards. Also, thanks to our presenters and Task Force for Jewish People with Disabilities and Federation board members, Sandra Weizman and Beth Price. Go online to see photos from the day!

On February 2, before We All Belong , Joanie Calem delighted PJ Library® children, parents, and grandparents at Sing, Dance, Love - a children's concert for the whole family! The morning was filled with song, dance, and important lessons on inclusion and acceptance as part of Calgary Jewish Federation 's celebration of Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). To learn more about PJ Library children's programming and how to receive free Jewish children's books, contact PJ Library manager Kathie Wainer. Go online for a full list of Federation JDAIM programs!

Calgary Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary are thrilled to announce that LIFE & LEGACY® has ended Year One with all 10 partner agencies reaching their stretch goals . Calgary’s goal was to achieve a minimum of 180 signed Letters of Intent (LOI) with a stretch goal of 250. However, our community showed their generosity with a whopping total of 290 LOI by 127 donors. The estimated amount raised is over $12.5M and 25% of all commitments have already been formalized with bequests, life insurance policies, or cash gifts. As we embark on Year Two, we encourage everyone to consider the future of our community and our cherished institutions.  Contact Federation's Director of Development, Diana Kalef, to learn more about how you can make a lasting impact on our community.

Make Your Voice Heard! February 14 is the last day to fill out The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs' (CIJA's) Grassroots Survey. Now is your chance to express your opinions on the issues you care about most and share your thoughts on what CIJA should focus on and what needs improvement. CIJA is the advocacy partner agency of Jewish Federations of Canada – UIA (JFC-UIA). T he feedback received will help shape CIJA's priorities for 2020. Take the survey here.