A New Year, A Stronger Community: A Rosh Hashanah Message from Rob Nagus, CEO Calgary Jewish Federation

by Rob Nagus

(Calgary) – As we approach Rosh HaShanah and the beginning of a new Jewish year, I find myself reflecting on both the challenges and the incredible strength of our Calgary Jewish community.

The past year has asked a great deal of us. We have faced a difficult and uncertain environment, while continuing to show up for one another with courage, compassion, and Jewish pride. As we enter 5787, I am reminded that the Jewish new year is not only a time to look ahead – it is also an opportunity to pause, reflect on where we have been, and consider the kind of community we want to build together.

At Calgary Jewish Federation (CJF), we are focused on building a community that is strong, connected, welcoming, and resilient. That means investing in security, strengthening Jewish identity, supporting our communal organizations, building relationships with allies, and ensuring that Jewish life in Calgary continues to thrive.

WALK WITH ISRAEL

One of the most powerful expressions of that community strength will be our Walk With Israel on Monday, September 7. I hope you and your family will join us for what promises to be a meaningful and joyful day of Jewish pride, connection and solidarity.

We recognize that public community events of this nature always carry some level of risk, particularly in the current environment. We are taking that responsibility extremely seriously. CJF has been working extensively with the Calgary Police Service (CPS), the RCMP, and our new internal security professional, Vladi, who brings extensive experience and a strong network of Jewish community security professionals from across Canada.

CPS will be visibly present at every point along the Walk, and we are working closely with our law-enforcement and private security partners to ensure that appropriate measures are in place throughout the event.

While we can never say that an event is entirely without risk, I am confident that we are doing everything possible to create a safe environment for our community. We are fortunate in Calgary to have strong relationships with law enforcement and community leaders, and those relationships are an important part of our ability to protect our community.

Most importantly, Walk With Israel is an opportunity for us to demonstrate who we are. It is a powerful expression of our strength, resilience, and pride. It is a reminder that we will continue to gather, celebrate, and live Jewishly together. Make sure to join this family-friendly event that will culminate in a shuk (market) at the Paperny Family JCC – with games, vendors, and information booths from other amazing Jewish communal organizations.

LOOKING AHEAD: OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

I am also incredibly excited to share that CJF’s Strategic Plan is complete. This has been an extensive and thoughtful process, involving significant engagement, reflection and planning. We are excited to formally present the plan to our Board at our September Board meeting and begin implementation immediately thereafter.

This is not a document that will sit on a shelf. It is a living document and a roadmap for how we will continue to strengthen our organization and maximize our impact in the years ahead. We are excited to keep you posted on our progress and to share more details – including the full report – with our community shortly.

INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE

You will also see some exciting staffing changes at CJF this fall, reflecting our continued investment in the people and capacity needed to serve our community. We are welcoming new team members, expanding several existing roles and creating new opportunities to strengthen Hillel, Holocaust and human rights education, community relations, Jewish adult engagement, development and Israel programming.

I am incredibly proud of the team we are building and excited about what these changes will mean for our community.

As we prepare to welcome a new year, my hope is that 5787 will be a year of continued connection, courage, and possibility. May we continue to look after one another, strengthen our community, and create a Calgary where Jewish life can flourish openly and proudly.

From my family to yours, Shana Tova. May the year ahead bring you and your loved ones health, happiness, peace, and many opportunities to celebrate together.

B’Shalom.

Rob Nagus is CEO, Calgary Jewish Federation.