December 15, 2017 | 27 Kislev, 5778

Grade nine students from The Calgary Jewish Academy recently welcomed eight friends and two teachers from Har Vagai school in Israel. This "living bridge" program of Federation's Partnership2Gether gives young Israelis a taste of Jewish Calgary and will be reciprocated when CJA students visit them in Israel this April.

Chanukah was truly happy for our youngest community members, thanks to PJ Library® Calgary . Last Sunday was the Chag Sameach Chanukah program, this morning was the Tot Shabbat Chanukah event, and tomorrow evening brings two events: PJ Chanukah for Russian-Speaking Families and PJ at the JCC Chanukah Dance , before the main event, with different music appropriate for younger children. So many great programs for the holiday of lights!

The annual Community Menorah Lighting at City Hall is always a festive event, well-attended by both members of the Jewish community and local dignitaries. Kol Hakavod to Rabbi Menachem Matusof and Rochel Matusof of Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta for continuing this great tradition.

Gambling for a cause at the annual JAC Gala on December 2nd, with a "fun money" casino, amazing raffle prizes, and a 50/50 draw, the under-402 showed outstanding support of Federation's UJA campaign . Everyone looked fantastic, inspired by this year's theme: the movie La La Land.