April 29, 2022 | 28 Nissan 5782

Come together to celebrate and honour Israel! On Sunday, May 1, from 1:30 to 3:00pm, join First Lieutenant Polina Nadich and experience an Israeli elite soldier's workout and hear inspirational stories that will fill you with pride. On Tuesday, May 3, from 7:00 to 8:00pm, commemorate Israel's fallen soldiers with a special Yom HaZikaron ceremony at Paperny Family JCC, in partnership with Temple B'nai Tikvah. Finally, on Thursday, May 5, from 5:00 to 7:00pm, celebrate Israel's 74th birthday (Yom HaAtzmaut) and enjoy a free live concert with internationally renowned singer and songwriter Orit Shimoni as she shares a selection of popular Israeli folk songs for all ages. Choose your own flavours and spices from a special Hummus Bar while enjoying Orit’s Kibbutz Caffé show. For more information contact Karina Szulc or visit the JCC online.

Tot Shabbat is now up and running in person again. Join PJ Library® Calgary every other Friday at 10:00am for a morning of stories, songs, and brachot (blessings). In-person Tot Shabbat's will still be live-streamed on Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. On Friday, May 6, at 10:00am wear your white and blue, and join us for a very special Tot Shabbat to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel's birthday), followed by Welcome Shabbat - Israel's Birthday parade at Paperny Family JCC at 11am. Contact PJ Library® Calgary to learn more or register online. Registration opens on Monday, May 2.

Welcome, Netanel and Doron, Israeli emissaries (Shlichim) who will be in Calgary from Tuesday, May 3 to Thursday, May 5 as part of a Canadian program, sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora. Nati and Doron will be participating in Jewish Calgary’s Yom Hazikaron ceremony, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, as well as meeting with youth and young adults to share their stories, educate and celebrate our connection to Israel. Calgary Jewish Federation enjoys a strong partnership with JAFI through which we are the beneficiaries of programs such as visiting Shlichim.

We are pleased to welcome Sydney Truax, our new PJ Library® and Family Engagement Coordinator. Sydney’s Jewish journey has previously seen her in leadership positions with both Hillel Calgary and JAC (Jewish Adult Calgary), before taking a break from volunteering to focus on raising her two children. She brings with her a wealth of event planning and engagement strategy experience to engage and connect the little future leaders of the Calgary community. We look forward to supporting Sydney as she grows PJ, and can’t wait to see what she can accomplish in the years to come. If you would like to welcome Sydney, or have questions about any PJ Library® programs, feel free to contact her directly.