February 14, 2020 | 19 Shevat 5780

On February 9, PJ Our Way®

celebrated Tu B'Shevat at the Apple Store in Chinook Mall. Participants learned about the meaning of Tu B'Shevat and the importance of trees and the environment. The highlight of the day was when each child created their very own environmentally sustainable tree house using an iPad and iPencil. For more information about PJ Library® and PJ Our Way® (the next chapter of PJ Library for kids 8 ½   to 12 years of age) email PJ Library Manager, Kathie Wainer or call her at 403-537-8592.

Last week 60 donors from Calgary and Vancouver gathered at the home of Laura and David Martin in Palm Springs to listen and learn from three insightful speakers . Featured that evening: Shimon Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Jewish and Israel Affairs (CIJA), Ed Fitch, Chair of the National Community Security Committee of CIJA and Harold Gernsbacher, Chair of the Secure Community Network, JFNA - who spoke about the rise of Antisemitism and community security. Throughout the evening guests raised many thought provoking questions as they heard from both Canadian and American perspectives. Sincere thanks to our generous hosts, Laura and David Martin (pictured), and our partners at Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and corporate sponsor ZLC Financial . To learn more about community donor opportunities, contact Federation's Director of Development, Diana Kalef.

In honour of Tu B’Shevat Calgary JCC designed a beautiful Tree of Life  display in the main foyer of the JCC out of recycled materials . Written on each "leaf" of the tree were the names of all the patrons and their family members who came through the doors of our "community living-room". Also on display were stumps from a tree that was struck by lightning at the JCC  last year. Instead of sending this tree to the landfill,  JCC Arts & Culture volunteers gave it new life by making beautiful keepsakes with inspirational quotes imprinted on the front of each log for people to purchase. Yasher Koach to Shula Banchik and her volunteers for doing their part to make our world a little brighter and greener!

Calgary B’nai Brith Lodge No. 816 is hosting their 69 ^th annual Dinner on Thursday, February 27! Honoured this year is former Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall (pictured), who served the province from 2007 to 2018. Deborah Yedlin, Chancellor of the University of Calgary, will be facilitating a conversation with him. As well, Kol Hakavod to Richard Bronstein and the Jewish Free Press who will be recognized for their long standing service and dedication to our community.  B'nai Brith Lodge 816 is a committed funding partner of Federation, and supports many Jewish and other charities throughout Calgary. If you would like to be part of this exciting evening, please visit B’nai Brith online to learn more and purchase tickets.