A Rosh Hashanah message from Adam Silver, CEO Calgary Jewish Federation

Calgary Jewish Federation CEO Adam Silver

by Adam Silver

(AJNews) – Chaverim – Friends,

We have had a warm and seemingly long summer this year, with thoughts of Rosh HaShanah far off in the future. However, this meaningful holiday is now right around the corner. It marks the beginning of a new year on the Hebrew calendar, a time of reflection, renewal, and fresh opportunities. It is the start of school, a post-summer reboot, and the kickoff month of our community’s United Jewish Appeal (UJA) campaign and Calgary Jewish Federation’s programming year –flip to the back page of Alberta Jewish News August Calgary Edition for more information.

Rosh HaShanah invites us to pause and contemplate the achievements and challenges of the past year, and to set our intentions for the year ahead. Just as the blowing of the shofar symbolizes a wake-up call, let us take this opportunity to awaken our spirits, envision new possibilities, and strive for personal and
collective growth.

As a community, we have accomplished incredible milestones together during the last year, overcoming obstacles, and embracing innovation. Our shared dedication, resilience, and creativity have propelled us forward, and I am immensely proud of all we have achieved. As we continued to reengage face-to-face and in virtual spaces, Jewish Calgary became even more alive. Even as we were challenged with ongoing issues of antisemitism, division and difference of opinion in our community related to Israel’s government and its actions, and increased programming and service needs, Jewish Calgary stood strong and provided a diverse and welcoming home for all.

The coming year brings its own challenges and opportunities, and I am confident our community will step up. I know we will come together in times of need and each of us will individually and collectively support and contribute to a Jewish Calgary of which we can all be very proud.

In the spirit of Rosh HaShanah, let us:

  1. Reflect: Take time to reflect on our achievements and learnings, recognizing the strength that comes from embracing both successes and challenges.
  2. Renew: Embrace the opportunity for personal and professional renewal. Let us renew our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and fostering a supportive environment.
  3. Connect: Reach out to colleagues and teammates, extending well wishes and fostering deeper connections. In our diverse and inclusive community, these connections are what make us stronger.
  4. Set Intentions: Just as we set business goals, let us set intentions for the year ahead – goals that align with our values, promote growth, and contribute to the betterment of our community and society at large.
  5. Give Back: Remember the importance of giving back. As we celebrate our successes, let’s also contribute to those less fortunate and make a positive impact on our local and global communities.

May this Rosh HaShanah be a time of sweetness, a time to savour the blessings of family, friendship, and community. May it also be a time of reflection and renewal, as we embark on the journey of a new year together. As we gather around the holiday table, whether in person or virtually, let us remember the strength that comes from our unity. I hope we will all support one another, we will strive for and achieve great things, we will contribute meaningfully to this year’s UJA campaign, and we will engage fully in community programming and activities.

From my family to yours, I extend my warmest wishes for a Shanah Tovah U’Metukah – a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year.

L’Shana Tova!

Adam Silver is CEO Calgary Jewish Federation.

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