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

by Stacey Leavitt-Wright

(Edmonton) – The festival of Chanukah invites us to reflect on miracles and to search for sources of light—especially in moments that feel heavy or uncertain. It reminds all of us that even in the darkest times, we can find, nurture, and share sparks of hope.

We recently hosted world-renowned advocate and educator Johnny Daniels, a man of extraordinary warmth and presence. He addressed the youth at Talmud Torah School, who had gathered with survivors and community members. As he spoke to the children, he paused, looked at them with great intent, and said:

“You need to know how lucky you are. What a wonderful time this is to be Jewish. What a moment this is for the Jewish people!”

His words struck me. They cut through the anxiety and existential worry so many express about these times and the future of our people. Johnny reminded us that Jewish pride is not only about survival—it is about embracing the blessing of who we are, right now, in this moment in history. This is an inflection point in the long chronicle of the Jewish people, a time when renewal, unity and strength are the path to forge ahead.

And here in Edmonton, we are indeed living in a remarkable moment. Almost daily, I hear from individuals who have long lived here but are only just stepping back into the community—people who once felt alienated, unsure where they fit, or simply didn’t know where to begin. They see the work of the Jewish Federation, and the anticipation of a Jewish community centre, and they sense that now is a time to reconnect, to rediscover, to come home.

JCC becoming a reality

Two years ago, as we began purchasing our new community home, I took a picture of a menorah glowing in the window of what would become our future social hall. The sun was setting, and I nicknamed that image Hatikvah—the hope. Today, that hope is becoming reality. After a full year of planning and hard work by our JCC redevelopment committee, PEMCO Construction has started in the building, and next year at this time, we expect to be moving in.

Jewish Edmonton has a long and storied past, and we are now entering a new chapter. Let us stand proudly, as generations before us have done. We have an incredible opportunity to build on this energy. To welcome newcomers. To help young families discover connection—grabbing a coffee and a nosh, bringing toddlers to PJ Library programs, dropping teens for a program in the youth lounge or joining friends on the rooftop patio for a Havdalah under the stars. These are the small, beautiful acts of togetherness that weave a strong and vibrant Jewish fabric.

This Chanukah, as we place our menorahs in our windows and let our light shine outward, I ask you to help strengthen that light. If you are able, please consider donating to support our community’s work with a gift to the United Jewish Appeal campaign. Donations received prior to December 31 will receive a tax receipt.

Your gift at this moment will help ensure that our light burns brighter for generations to come.

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