Community message from Rob Nagus, CEO Calgary Jewish Federation

Dear Jewish Calgary community members:

My wife, Katie, and I arrived in Calgary last week, and we are thrilled to begin settling into our lives in this vibrant city and community.

 

It’s been 20 years since I last lived in Calgary, and upon returning, I’ve been amazed by the city’s growth and the remarkable evolution of the Jewish community. The potential to build on the significant momentum in Calgary is both palpable and exciting. Over the past few days, I’ve begun meeting with our incredible staff members to learn more about the day-to-day operations at Calgary Jewish Federation. I’ve been impressed and inspired by the meaningful work being done by our organization.

 

In the coming weeks, I will continue my listening tour and look forward to hearing from you — our stakeholders who support our community. Each lay leader, Jewish communal leader, political representative, law enforcement professional, and beyond will help me better understand the needs of our community. My goal in the first few months of this role is to learn as much as possible about what makes Jewish Calgary unique and where the possibilities lie. It is my intention to launch a formal strategic planning process later this year so that we can collectively create a clear vision for our future based on our shared values.

 

The world has changed significantly in recent years, and these changes have had a tangible impact on Jewish communities globally and here in Canada. While the challenges are many, I am eager to work alongside the CJF board, staff, and community leaders to ensure that we, the Jewish people of Calgary, are not only safe but remain proud and visible contributors to this great city and country.

 

I want to take a moment to thank Diana Kalef, our Director of Development, for serving admirably as our Interim Executive Director. I am truly grateful to Diana for her exemplary leadership and care. Kol Hakavod to Diana on a job well done. Also, a big thank you and Kol Hakavod to Rhona Shore, Paperny Family JCC Executive Director for her leadership on our security portfolio.

 

Moving forward, I hope to meet and connect with many of you as I immerse myself in our community. Together, I am confident we will accomplish great things as we continue to strengthen and grow our local Jewish community and simultaneously collaborate with our partners nationally and in Israel for the betterment of k’lal Yisrael — the people of Israel.

 

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2025.

 

Rob Nagus

CEO | Calgary Jewish Federation

rnagus@jewishcalgary.org