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

by Stacey Leavitt-Wright

(Edmonton) – If there is one takeaway from the new reality diaspora Jews are facing post-October 7, it is the importance of community unity. As the old joke goes, when you have two Jews, you get five opinions. Unity does not mean uniformity, but strengthening our ties and supporting one another are how we will navigate this era. The Jewish Federation is here to help mobilize, convene, and support, all made possible by the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) campaign.

This summer, our Jewish Federation has offered PJ Library and Shalom Baby events in parks, showcased Israel at Heritage Festival, and supported youth with bursaries for camps, while also taking part in JCC Maccabi games. The summer’s close will mark our first Hillel Shabbaton for Western Canada since COVID. Planning is underway with Beth Shalom for a Shabbat evening with Jacqui Vital, and with Temple Beth Ora for a course on Jewish peoplehood.

I keep meeting long-standing Edmontonians who are now seeking connections to community and a safe space to be their full selves. This points to the need for the new Jewish Community Centre (JCC), on which the redevelopment committee has been hard at work to establish final plans. We look forward to collaborating with Jewish Family Services to welcome newcomers with the return of Challah and Hummus, connecting recent arrivals, and further our partnership with a networking event for young adults in September.

We continue to ensure that in Edmonton we find more opportunities to connect the community with the greater Jewish world, and the issues that matter. Our fall speaker series will begin with the UJA campaign launch that brings us together in pride, purpose, and community. At the heart of this gathering is Eitan Chitayat, the creator of the global movement I’m That Jew – a viral campaign that’s reached millions worldwide and is inspiring Jews everywhere to stand tall, speak proudly, and share their stories.

This is more than just an event – it’s a moment to come together and show the strength of our community. Whether you’ve given before or are only learning about UJA, your presence matters. I can’t wait to see you there.