Beth Israel Chesed Committee brightens the day

By Regan Lipes

(AJNews) – Bright and early, on a lovely Sunday morning in Edmonton, a bus left from Beth Israel Synagogue with a shared mission of bringing joy and Yiddishkeit to a beloved community member, Jimmy Benjamin.

“Members of the Chesed Committee and community of BI recently visited Jimmy Benjamin at Lynnwood,” explained BI President, Philip Kirman. Some 25 adults, and many jubilant children made the trip to bring the warmth of community to Jimmy through song, smiles, and the enduring spirit of Yiddishkeit.

“The atrium at Lynnwood came alive with Jewish music as residents, families, and staff joined in the experience. The event reflected the importance of Chesed not only as a value that is taught, but as something actively lived within the Edmonton Jewish community,” Kirman elaborated.

The Chesed Committee at BI was thrilled to be able to bring a sense of enduring friendship to Jimmy, a community member whose presence is always felt. His wife, Sylvia Benjamin, BI’s Office Administrator, provides the constant support that helps so many BI programs and initiatives run smoothly, and thanks to the Chesed Committee, this time she was the one that could enjoy the kindness of a community she herself gives so much to.

With Shavuot right around the corner, there was ice cream to add to the joyful atmosphere with smiles all around. “Beth Israel extends special thanks to its Chesed Committee for organizing the visit and to the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation, whose grant support has helped make this and many other acts of Chesed possible over the past year,” concluded Kirman with gratitude and sincerity. Events like this one are a beautiful reminder that community is something to be nurtured and cultivated. The amazing strength of community is continuously enhanced through acts of compassion.

Regan Lipes is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter