CJA honours Grandparents and Grandpals

(Calgary) – To kick off November at The Calgary Jewish Academy (CJA), we joyfully hosted our annual Grandparents and Grandpals Day—a cherished event that celebrates the generations of love and tradition within our community (Kehillah). This day is always a favourite, as it brings our hallways and classrooms to life with the warmth of multiple generations, reminding us of the strong bonds we share and the importance of celebrating our roots together.

Throughout the morning, close to 500 guests and students participated in a range of heartwarming activities including a Kabbalat Shabbat, creating fragrant Havdallah bags, reading stories together at the PJ Library showcase, and working together on a Tree of Life mosaic, each leaf representing the names of CJA families. This meaningful artwork will stand as a symbol of our unity and shared heritage, beautifully capturing the essence of the day.

Grandparents and Grandpals Day honours the connections across generations that help preserve our values, traditions, and wisdom. Through these meaningful interactions, our students gain more than knowledge of Hebrew letters or Shabbat blessings—they learn about resilience, strength, and identity. They grow with a profound sense of purpose, grounded in who they are and where they come from, and are inspired to carry forward the legacy of our people.

This gathering reinforced and reminded us of the strength of family and the enduring beauty of tradition passed down from generation to generation — M’Dor L’Dor. This event is a testament to the continuity and strength of our community and the rich heritage that unites us. Grandparents, grandpals, students, and teachers alike left with full hearts, reaffirming their commitment to our shared values and to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.