Surprise! Kehilat Shalom still thriving after 13 years in Calgary

by AJNews staff

(AJNews) – As Kehilat Shalom celebrates the 13th anniversary since its inception, members look back with joyful surprise on the success of the congregation.

According to founding member Sharon Batshaw, “When we began, there was excitement about starting a new synagogue. But we didn’t have great expectations about how long we would last. If you had told us that we’d be around 13 years later, with as many people as we have coming to services, some of us would have been shocked.”

The congregation originally attracted a handful of people who would join together on Saturday mornings at the JCC to pray, engage in Torah study of the Parasha of the week, and eat a meal together afterward. These founders sought to craft a different synagogue experience than what they had found elsewhere – to create a place of inspiration and acceptance. These early services were usually led by congregational co-founder Avy Moise, who conducted services and learnings knowledgeably.

Congregational Treasurer and Past President Bruno Kahane recalls an early landmark for the congregation: “We basically did not have a Torah. We bought one from a Soifer in New York. I traveled down there to go get it, and brought it with me to JFK Airport. The airline attendants told me I couldn’t bring the Torah aboard the airplane and it would have to go in luggage. A holy Torah in luggage? Unacceptable! The security person said the same thing. I insisted that the person who has the last say is the pilot. When they wheeled me to the gate with the Torah, the pilot comes out, and his name tag reads David. I asked him, ‘Is your name David Spevakow?’ He asked, ‘How do you know my last name?!’  David was the president of the Kelowna Jewish Association and his father lived in Calgary. When he saw it was a Torah he said, ‘Don’t worry, it’s meant to go on the plane.’ Of all Westjet flights, that happened to be the one he was flying! It was truly basherte.”

Rabbi Leonard Cohen joined Kehilat Shalom one year later, beginning with High Holiday services in 2014 (5785). “I did not join the congregation right away,” Rabbi Leonard recalls. “While I knew most of the congregants, I wanted to ensure that their ideals and commitment could create an atmosphere of kedusha, holiness. I became impressed with their knowledge, dedication, and kabbalat orkhim – the mitzvah of welcoming people with generosity and warmth.”

Since then, Kehilat Shalom has held weekly Shabbat morning services, as well as Yom Tov and High Holiday services at the JCC.

Kehilat Shalom members pride themselves on the congregation’s high level of participation and do-it-yourself ethic. As Batshaw says, “Everyone participates at services, they’re not just sitting back. Each Shabbat, I know I’m going to do something. Everyone jumps in and does stuff.”  The congregation’s Torah Ark, Bimah table covers, Torah cover and more were crafted by members of the Kehila. Members volunteer to lead prayers, serve as Gabbais (service coordinators), set up the prayer room and organize kiddush.

One important aspect of Kehilat Shalom is its flexibility to hold programs in various locations. It has held its annual Purim Megilah reading and party each year at local Calgary seniors’ residences Venvi Chateau Renoir and Trinity Lodge, where Rabbi Leonard also conducts regular Friday Oneg Shabbat programs. Holidays have been celebrated at members’ houses, community halls, and even on the beach at Lake Midnapore.

To celebrate its “Bar Mitzvah” 13th anniversary, Kehilat Shalom is hosting a special Shabbat service on Saturday morning August 8. “We’re hoping to see lots of familiar faces there,” Rabbi Leonard states. Current and past members and friends of the congregation are all invited to join. The event is open to the community, though a limited number of seats are available. To register to attend Kehilat Shalom’s August 8 celebration, RSVP to info@kehilat-shalom.ca.