November 18, 2022 | 24 Heshvan 5783

On November 10 and 11, our community welcomed renowned author and Holocaust educator, Ben M. Freeman to Calgary. On November 10, approximately 400 people gathered in person at the Calgary Central Library and virtually to hear Ben lead an engaging discussion on internalized racism, antisemitism, and embracing Jewish pride; moderated by Federation's Holocaust and Human Rights: Remembrance and Education co-chairs, Marnie Bondar and Dahlia Libin, and introduced by Councillor Kourtney Penner. On November 11, over 70 BBYO, JAC (Jewish Adult Calgary), and Hillel Calgary members (ages 12 to 40) gathered together at Beth Tzedec Congregation for a special Shabbat dinner with Ben. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions and shared a delicious meal together. Special thanks to Ben, our partners, sponsors, and to everyone who made these two incredible events possible.

PJ Our Way® (PJOW) presents Chanukah! Join PJOW (ages 9 to 12) for two amazing events to celebrate Chanukah. PJOW Calgary has partnered with PJOW Greensboro, NC to exchange Chanukah gifts, learn about our respective communities, and make new friends! On Thursday, November 24, from 5:00 to 7:00pm, put together gifts to send to Greensboro, make Chanukah cards, and have dinner with friends. On Thursday, December 8, 4:00 to 6:00pm, come back for our Chanukah party where we will Zoom with PJOW Greensboro, open the gifts they gave us, play games, and enjoy latkes together. These events are free of charge. However, registration is required. For more information, email Sydney Truax or call her at 403-537-8592.

On Sunday, December 4, join us in celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Starting at 1:30pm at Paperny Family JCC, join author and educator, Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, for The Little Gate Crasher: The Life And Photos of Mace Bugen, as she shares her great-uncle's journey as a first-generation Jewish American kid in working-class Philipsburg, NJ, to becoming the first celebrity selfie artist – way ahead of his time. At 3:30pm, join Gabrielle again as she shares her experience as a mother, inclusion advocate, author, and educator, at Disability, Autism, Mental Health, Neurodiversity and Parenting: A Mindfulness Approach. Contact Karina Szulc for more information. This program is proudly in partnership with Calgary Jewish Federation and Paperny Family JCC, and generously sponsored by Premiers Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Alberta.

Mazel Tov to our community's own Maxine Fischbein on winning the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) Award in the category of Community Engagement for her coverage of the Here to Tell: Faces of Holocaust Survivors exhibit. In addition to her exceptional coverage of the exhibit, Maxine was also the lead writer and senior editor for Here to Tell. View the CEMA awards ceremony, which took place last night, and join us in congratulating Maxine on her remarkable achievement.

The programs and events listed in today's issue of FedFour were made possible thanks to your UJA dollars. Make your gift today to sustain our community's programs, services, and amenities.