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

by Stacey Leavitt-Wright

(Edmonton) – This month, I’ve been thinking about what it means to build community in a moment that asks so much of us. Across Alberta, I continue to see people showing up—with generosity, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility for Jewish peoplehood and for our enduring connection to Israel.

As the central organization for Edmonton’s Jewish community, Federation continues to strengthen relationships beyond the Jewish community, deepen connections within our own community, lead responses to urgent issues, and connect Jewish life to Israel and Jewish peoplehood.

Each of these pillars could be its own column, but I want to share a few recent examples. We continue to build trusted relationships with elected officials, civic leaders, and allies through events such as Spuds N’ Suds, the annual Stampede Breakfast hosted in collaboration with Calgary Jewish Federation, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC), and Allies for a Strong Canada. At a time when Jewish communities need strong public support, these relationships—and the opportunities to strengthen them—matter deeply.

We also deepen connections through programs and events such as PJ Library Popsicles in the Park, Hillel programs, and preparations for involvement in the Edmonton Pride Festival. Beyond programming, we have launched the Community Security Initiative, a comprehensive security program that will strengthen our collective response to this need now and for years to come.

We connect local Jewish life to Israel and Jewish peoplehood by continuing to show up together. Hosting the Israel Pavilion at Heritage Festival is both an opportunity to be in community (there are still a few volunteer shifts remaining) and a meaningful way to connect visitors with the land and people. At the end of the summer, we are also preparing to welcome two shinshinim to Edmonton, who will bring more of these connections to life through programming across the community throughout the year.

Finally, with the Oshry | Kipnes JCC preparing to open in early winter, there will be even more opportunities to build upon and foster these connections. So many of you have demonstrated your desire and support for this project by naming features in the building or contributing to the L’Chaim campaign.

Please visit ecf.ca/lchaim if you want to know more.

I have often remarked that leadership starts with “showing up,” and so too does building community. Whether we are showing up with allies and partners, for one another locally, or for Israel and the Jewish people, I look forward to continuing to build, together.