A message from CEO Stacey Leavitt-Wright, Jewish Federation of Edmonton

by Stacey Leavitt-Wright

(Edmonton) – The adage “measure twice, cut once” suggests that thorough preparation and planning are wise before taking action. This is the approach of the Jewish Community Centre redevelopment committee, ensuring that, with diligent planning at the front end, the most prudent use of funds will meet community needs.

The committee has continued to engage —with and without—the architects to plan and design a building that will fulfill the requirements that we consistently heard from consultations prior to the summer. As the cultural and social hub, it will feature many multifunctional spaces throughout to gather casually, and for programming and events. With a warm and welcoming area dedicated to teens, it will easily allow for intergenerational programs, play space for young families, food service, and offices to meet community needs. The Jewish living room will be a safe haven to welcome the numerous allies who are seeking to engage with our community.

With a rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial and distortion, it is incumbent on us to ensure that we continue to provide education and programs to schools and the public. The lower level will include a shell space we can use for a future Holocaust and Jewish Heritage Centre. Having met with a cost consultant to review the building plans, we have established a base building and a wish list that will require more funds. We have also applied for federal and provincial grants and have naming opportunities. If you’d like to explore this further, I’d be happy to discuss it with you.

Our committee has put forth a request for proposal to secure a general contractor, and as this article goes to print, we will begin interviewing potential firms. We will announce the selected firm after we choose them. We will then start the process of construction drawings and securing a building permit.

I have seen a renewed energy and commitment to the Jewish community over the last few months, which is the growth business that I prefer to say that I am in. Through the United Jewish Appeal campaign, we continue to ensure community safety, allocations to local agencies, and ties to national and international organizations on behalf of Jewish Edmonton. Thank you to those of you who have made gifts to support our efforts and the community.

As one, we will keep strengthening our community and move towards the light as we emerge from a dark time.

Stacey Leavitt-Wright is CEO, Jewish Federation of Edmonton.